Centennial Commission Meeting January 26, 2026

The Centennial Commission met on January 26, 2026, to discuss fiscal year 2026 budget updates, a final report on the Las Vegas Historic Timeline website content, and a grant request for restoring the Star Motel neon sign. The meeting included public comment periods with no speakers, and the commission approved the Star Motel sign grant with an added donor provision.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes of the November 24, 2025 regular meeting were approved by reference.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during either public comment period (agenda items 3 and 10).

Discussion Items

• Budget Report (FY2026): Quinn Oshikeski, budget and treasury manager, presented financial results as of December 31, 2025. Revenues: $521,540 ($421,540 from license plate revenue). Program expenditures: $78,145. General operating expenses: $108,593. Total expenditures: $89,028 (change in net assets: -$368,487). Net assets: $5.8 million. Commissioner Stotel questioned an additional $15,000 administrative expense category not included in the $180,000 annual working agreement. Staff explained the $15,000 is a placeholder for unanticipated direct costs (e.g., investment fees: $485; patent/trademark fees: $2,786; legal/accounting/auditing: $14,008). Commissioner Stotel requested clarification on the category’s definition and the process for adding expenses beyond the $180,000 cap. Chair Berkeley confirmed any additional charges require commission approval.

• Las Vegas Historic Timeline Final Report: Jeffrey Carlson presented the completed 100-year timeline (72 entries, ~3,000 words) covering people, places, government, economy, geography, institutions, and major events within city boundaries. Each decade includes population data and links to the City of Las Vegas documentary series. Commissioner Mowbray proposed adding the 1976-77 Howard Hughes death and Mormon will trial, but Dr. Siebrant noted the timeline’s focus on incorporated city limits, not the Strip. Carlson confirmed Howard Hughes Company is mentioned in the Summerlin acquisition entry. Commissioner Arnold raised concerns about the West Side timeline on the city website containing errors (e.g., a Fremont Street photo mislabeled as West Las Vegas) and suggested future projects for African American, Hispanic, and Asian American community histories. Staff stated revisions to the West Side timeline could be pursued if supported by the commission. The timeline is expected to be published online by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

• Star Motel Sign Grant (Item 25-0612-CLV CLC): Glenn Plantone and David Renan, owners of the Star Motel (built 1947, sixth oldest motel in Las Vegas), requested $81,992 to restore and reinstall the original neon sign. Jeff Young of Young Electric Sign Company (YesCo) detailed restoration plans (new footing and pole, preserving original elements). Commissioner Stotel expressed concern about the sign’s long-term preservation, referencing a 10-year maintenance agreement expiring February 3, 2026. Mayor Berkeley proposed adding a clause requiring donation of the sign to the Neon Museum if the motel is repurposed or the sign is no longer needed. The applicant agreed. Councilwoman Diaz supported the project, noting its mid-century modern context and proximity to a new city parking garage. The grant was approved with the added donor provision.

Key Outcomes

• Star Motel Sign Grant: Approved unanimously with the amendment that if the sign is no longer used at its original location, it must be donated to the Neon Museum. The grant agreement will be revised by the city attorney’s office.
• Budget Discussion: Staff will provide clarification at the March meeting on the $15,000 administrative expense category and the process for additional charges beyond the $180,000 annual agreement.
• Historic Timeline: The commission accepted Carlson’s final report; staff will forward the timeline to communications for publication, targeting the first quarter of 2026.
• Upcoming Events:
  • 1980s documentary film premiere: May 16, 2026, at the Beverly Theater.
  • Helldorado Parade: May 9, 2026.
  • Mayor’s Urban Design Symposium: January 29, 2026 (Thursday), at Historic Fifth Street School (free).
• Bylaw Revisions: Final draft expected to be presented at the March 2026 meeting, covering updates to officer election terms and other outdated provisions.
• Rodeo Update: The 2025 rodeo report and 2026 update will be presented at the March meeting (originally scheduled for January).
• Budget Request: Advertising budget ($50,000) presentation requested at a future meeting.
• Future Agenda Topics: Discussion of notable Las Vegas trials (e.g., Howard Hughes will trial, MGM fire litigation) and the Floyd Lamb Park name change suggested for future consideration.