Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial Meeting – September 28, 2026

The Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial met on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM with Vice Chair Stotl presiding in place of Chair Berkeley, who was excused. A quorum was present. The meeting covered financial reports, a documentary update, strategic planning discussions, and a motion to establish funding priorities.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (Agenda Item 4): The minutes from the July 27, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Strike of Abeyance Item (Agenda Item 6): Item 26-0359-CLC was struck from the agenda by unanimous vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public came forward to speak.

Discussion Items

• Budget Report for FY2027 (Agenda Item 5): Paul President, Senior Financial Analyst, reported that the commission began the year with $6.2 million. Total awarded grants were $5 million, with $1.687 million spent and $3.4 million rolling over. Operating expenditures were $215,000, resulting in a $12,500 net loss. Current year revenues are only $15,000 against $235,000 in expenditures. The five-year projection assumes a 2.25% annual decline in license plate revenue. Commissioner Clappen inquired about Raiders registration fees for license plates. Commissioner Truesdale asked if the Harrison House had drawn any funds; no invoices had been submitted.
• Documentary Update – “A Sure Bet” (Agenda Item 7): Ted Faye of Gold Creek Films presented the final report on the documentary about the 1905 Las Vegas land auction. Principal photography is complete, shot in 8K with no stock footage or AI. The budget of $176,000 is on target, with $161,000 used and $39,000 in pledged in-kind contributions (exceeded). A sneak peek screening is scheduled for September 30, 2026. Faye requested permission to widely distribute the film (PBS, film festivals, community screenings) at no cost to the city. The commission expressed support but noted legal requirements must be met. Questions were raised about identifying recreations and the railroad engine graphics.
• Strategic Planning Overview (Agenda Item 8): Anthony Lambert from the Office of Strategic Services presented the city’s strategic planning process. The city’s current priorities are economic development, housing and homelessness, public safety, and health care. Commissioners noted that the commission had a strategic plan from 10 years ago that was not effectively implemented.
• Future Strategic Plan and Grant Guidelines (Agenda Item 9): Dr. Cebran presented categories of past grants (bricks & mortar, events, documentaries, education, conservation, arts) to guide priority setting. Commissioners debated the need for an “action plan” rather than a broad strategic plan. Vice Chair Stotl suggested a 90-day freeze on new funding. Commissioner Ryan moved to send a questionnaire to commission members to identify priorities, with results compiled for the next meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Helton was authorized to meet individually with the school district to explore education partnerships, with the caveat that she speaks only hypothetically and not on behalf of the commission.

Key Outcomes

• Motion Passed (Unanimous): Staff will distribute a questionnaire to commissioners within one week, with a one-week response deadline. Results will be compiled and presented at the next meeting to inform priority-setting and updates to grant guidelines.
• Documentary Distribution: The commission expressed willingness to explore broad distribution of “A Sure Bet” but deferred action pending legal review.
• Education Outreach: Commissioner Helton will contact the Clark County School District to explore potential educational partnerships, acting in an individual capacity.