Las Vegas Centennial Board Meeting - March 23, 2026
Las Vegas Centennial Board Meeting - March 23, 2026
The Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial held a regular meeting on March 23, 2026, chaired by Mayor Burkley. Key agenda items included a fiscal year 2026 budget review, a proposed grant amendment for the Hel Dorado Days Rodeo, a final report on the 2026 MLK Parade, and approval of revised bylaws. The meeting also addressed the decline in license plate revenues and future projects.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes (Item 4): The final minutes of the February 26, 2026 special meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote.
Budget Report & License Plate Discussion
- Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Report (Item 5): Senior Financial Analyst Paul Bresnahan presented financial statements as of February 28, 2026 (eight months through the fiscal year). Total revenues were $962,000 (including $826,000 from license plates and $135,000 interest income), program expenditures were $1.1 million, and general administrative expenses $138,000, resulting in a change in net assets of -$287,000. Cash balance decreased from $6.2 million to $5.9 million.
- License Plate Revenue Decline: Commissioners discussed the trend of declining license plate sales attributed to increased competition from specialty plates (e.g., Golden Knights, Raiders, UFC). Paul Bresnahan projected a continued decline of about 5% per year. Commissioners expressed concern about the impact on reserves. A working group was formed to develop a promotional campaign for Centennial license plates. Chair Truesdale volunteered to lead the committee, joined by Commissioners Stodle and Mowbray, with a report expected at the next meeting.
Hel Dorado Days Rodeo Grant Amendment (Item 6)
- Proposal: The Plaza Hotel and Casino, represented by CEO Jonathan Jocelyn, requested the first amendment to grant agreement 23-0450-CLC1 for the production of the Hel Dorado Days Rodeo (referred to in contracts as "Las Vegas Days"). The amendment sought an additional $500,000 for years 2026 through 2028 and an extension of the grant deadline to November 30, 2028. Key points of discussion included the historical significance of the rodeo (dating to 1936), the Plaza's investment in building the brand, and the need for exclusive use of the "Hel Dorado" trademark to justify continued investment.
- Positions: Commissioner Stodle expressed concern about the subsidy per ticket and noted that the existing three-year agreement was intended to be self-sufficient. He opposed further funding. Commissioner Truesdale proposed a multi-year deal with a lower annual amount and performance metrics. Commissioner Mowbray clarified that the Commission cannot transfer the trademark and that any exclusivity would be between the Plaza and the city. Mayor Burkley and several other commissioners supported continued funding to preserve the rodeo's heritage and its connection to the community.
- Outcome: After extensive debate, Commissioner Mills moved to approve an additional $100,000 for 2026 only (supplementing the existing $100,000 already awarded for 2026), bringing total 2026 funding to $200,000. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bryan and passed by voice vote with one opposed (Commissioner Stodle). The Plaza agreed to return with a separate proposal for a four-year agreement at $150,000 per year and to explore aligning the rodeo with the Hel Dorado Days parade in May.
MLK Parade Final Report (Item 7)
- Presentation: Wendell P. Williams and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee presented a final report on the 2026 MLK Parade, funded by the Commission. They highlighted community engagement, historical connections (including grand marshals from the 1983 parade and a lifetime achievement award presented to Senator Bryan), and media coverage. Over 200 entries participated. The Committee reported expenses slightly over budget in some areas (portable restrooms, barricades, awards) due to scope adjustments, but noted that over $131,000 remains unspent, with a portion earmarked for a documentary. No action was required.
Bylaws Revision (Item 8)
- Discussion: Proposed revisions to the Commission's bylaws were presented, representing a year-long effort to modernize and clean up language (e.g., updating address, removing repetitive provisions, changing "chairman" to "chair"). The main policy decision was the term length for officers (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer).
- Vote: Commissioner Mowbray moved to adopt the revised bylaws with officer elections every four years (instead of every two years as in the draft). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bryan and passed unanimously. The revised bylaws will be forwarded to the City Council for approval.
Executive Director’s Report (Item 9)
- Diane Seabrant reported on completed and upcoming projects: the 1990s decade film premieres in May 2026; the Paul R. Williams documentary premieres March 29, 2026; the Home in History event is April 16-19; the UNLV Sports History Project continues; the new West deal exhibit is open through October; and the 1980s film premiere is May 16, 2026. Commissioner Truesdale proposed creating a documentary on all Las Vegas mayors, which was supported by the Mayor. Commissioner Mowbray proposed a documentary on law enforcement history, starting with Sheriff Lamb.
Future Agenda Items (Item 10)
- Commissioners requested future agenda items: a report on the preservation of historic motel signs (Commissioner Stodle), a proposal for a mayoral documentary (Commissioner Truesdale), and a law enforcement documentary (Commissioner Mowbray). Staff was directed to bring a report on motel preservation to the next meeting.
Public Comments
- No members of the public spoke during the Citizens Participation portion (Item 11).
Key Outcomes
- Approved $100,000 additional grant for the 2026 Hel Dorado Days Rodeo (motion passed, one opposed).
- Approved revised bylaws with officer elections every four years (unanimous).
- Formed a working group (Truesdale, Stodle, Mowbray) to develop a license plate promotion campaign.
- Requested a staff report on motel preservation for the next meeting.
- Directed staff to explore documentary proposals on Las Vegas mayors and law enforcement history.
- All other items were discussed or noted without formal action.
Meeting Transcript
Hannah Brown. Hannah joined. Thank you, Commissioner Brown. We hear you. Thank you. I'd like to call to order the March twenty-third, twenty twenty six commission for the Las Vegas Centennial Board Meeting. Are we in compliance with the open meeting law? Yes, we are. All right, and will you um do the roll call at this time? Thank you. Chair Burkley. Here. Commissioner Bryan. Commissioner Arnold. Here. Commissioner Stodle. Present. Commissioner Brown. Commissioner Coffin. Commissioner Hilton. Commissioner Sinna. Here on the phone. Commissioner Mowbray. Present. Commissioner Truesdale. Commissioner Brandenburg. Commissioner Creer. Here. Commissioner Mills. Commissioner Prado. Commissioner Diaz. Thank you. We do have a quorum. Thank you so much. Agenda item number three. Public comment during this portion of the agenda must be limited to matters on the agenda for action. If you wish to be heard, give your name for the record. The amount of discussion as well as the amount of time any single speaker is allowed may be limited. We'll limit it our public comments to two minutes. Is there anybody wishing to address the commission? Seeing no one, we will move to agenda item number four. For possible action to approve the final minutes by reference of the special meeting of the February twenty-sixth, twenty twelve meeting of February twenty-sixth, twenty twenty-six. Motion carries. Agenda item number five. Report by the City of Las Vegas Finance Department staff regarding the commission for the Las Vegas Centennial Budget for fiscal year 2026. Good afternoon, Madam Mayor. Uh Paul Bresnahan, senior financial analyst with the finance department. Welcome. So I'm just gonna go through these slides real quick. Um this slide right here is your financial statements as of February 28th.
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