Mesquite City Council Regular Meeting – July 8, 2025

The Mesquite City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The agenda included consent items, a bill introduction, two tentative map applications (one tabled), a presentation on city-owned property, and discussion of a golf driving range (also tabled). Public comment covered a range of topics including a charter violation allegation against the mayor, police conduct, dust control, traffic, and development concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (Councilmembers Parish, Ensign, Galloway, Wanless, Fielding): The consent agenda comprising:
  • Approval of meeting minutes (April 1, 2025 Budget Work Session; June 17, 2025 Technical Review; May 13 and May 27, 2025 Regular City Council meetings) and the July 8, 2025 agenda.
  • Notification of Budget Transfers, Budget Amendments, Bills Paid, and Purchase Orders.
  • Resolution R25-022: Interlocal Agreement with Clark County Regional Flood Control District (CCRFCD) for maintenance of Mesquite Flood Control Facilities for FY 2025-26.
  • Resolution R25-023: Adopting Supplemental No. 5 to Interlocal Agreement (MES04A15) for the Virgin River Flood Wall.
  • Deed of Dedication for Public Drainage Facility – Pulsipher Wash.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sue Tabor (resident): Presented a personal temperature comparison study (1985–2025) between St. George and Mesquite, noting consistent temperatures and questioning claims of a 10-year temperature increase. She expressed no position on natural gas, only factual inquiry.
• Reline Shavana (Nordic Beach properties director): Expressed support for opening a family fun center at the former Red Hills Theater. She requested city enforcement of parking codes against a neighboring nightclub, citing over 100 police reports. She left a formal complaint with the council.
• Ronald Shackleford (resident): Accused Mayor Whipple of violating the city charter by maintaining a pest control contract with the city (Got Bugs License #6011) since 2010, with no contract. He argued the charter prohibits council members from holding any other employment with the city. He called for the mayor to terminate the contract and for the city to put services out for bid. He also claimed the city attorney advised the mayor it was fine, urging transparency.
• Mike (name not fully given): Criticized the city for spending $80,268 on an investigation deemed illegal in court. He requested the city attorney attend a scheduled meeting on July 17, 2025, to resolve issues before he takes matters outside the city.
• Richard Ulick (resident): Praised the police and fire departments. He criticized Councilwoman Fielding for voting against firing a former employee (Mr. Dickey) whom he accused of racism, and for not issuing a promised statement. He called for her resignation.
• Mary Gleason (resident): Noted that all speakers praising police were older white men, and urged the council to consider safety experiences of other demographics.
• Marcus Bender (Nordic Beach properties director): Stated that the city is failing to enforce its own parking codes; a nightclub next to the proposed fun center has only 3 parking spaces but requires 53, using deeded parking from the cinema. He called for enforcement.
• Erica Nicholas (resident): Described a negative encounter with police in 2023 when she requested surveillance footage; she was interrogated for two hours and accused of lying. She believed she was treated differently because of her race.
• Nick Elfansetti (resident): Questioned why the city pays full price for purchases (e.g., ACE Hardware) without discounts, and suggested the city should seek state bid pricing to save money.
• Scott Seely (resident): Challenged the purchasing policy that requires only two quotes for items over $25,000, suggesting a lower threshold of $5,000 to encourage competition.
• Star Flores (resident, born and raised in Mesquite): Defended Councilwoman Fielding, noting her work with scholarships and senior parades. She questioned whether former Mayor Littman also worked for the city while serving.
• Brad LeBaron (developer, Mesa Verde subdivision): Shared positive experiences with the police and planning department, stating he has never had better service.

Discussion Items

• Mayor's Comments and Reports: Mayor Whipple responded to the charter violation allegation. He stated he has been providing pest control services since the 1990s, currently charging about $500–$600 per month for 9–10 city buildings (average $50–$60 per building, which he called incredibly cheap). He said he had consulted the former city attorney, who saw no problem as long as terms weren't changed, but admitted he never followed up with the ethics commission. He offered to step down if the charter deems it improper. City Attorney Adam Anderson cautioned against further council discussion to avoid open meeting law issues, and said he would research the charter and ethics questions.
• Council Comment: Councilwoman Gallo suggested the city should review all contracts, not just this one. Councilwoman Fielding made a brief remark about pets (foster kittens).
• Bill B25-005 (Palm Cove PUD Design Standards): Planning Director Simon Kim presented a request from the Palm Cove HOA to amend the design standards handbook, reducing side yard setbacks from 6 feet to 5 feet. The HOA is meeting the next day (July 9) to finalize a recommendation. The council introduced the bill by short title (unanimous) and set a public hearing for July 22, 2025.
• Tentative Map TM-25-004 (Golden Valley): Applicant requested tabling for two weeks to revise plans and obtain approval from the Anthem HOA. The council tabled the item to July 22, 2025, with public comment allowed. Several residents spoke in favor of tabling and expressed concerns about dust, traffic, loss of mesa views, water supply, and density. The water district GM offered to do a presentation.
• Tentative Map TM-25-005 (Mesa Verde Subdivision): Proposed subdivision of 9.39 acres into 33 single-family lots (zoned MF-3, reduced from potential 187 multifamily units). Developer Brad LeBaron noted it would generate only 34 vehicle trips per PM peak hour. The council approved the tentative map as presented (unanimous; Councilwoman Fielding motioned, Councilman Wanless seconded). Councilman Parish had raised safety concerns about the egress location on Old Mill Road, but after discussion and staff clarification that the location meets sight distance standards, the motion passed without conditions.
• Presentation from TEG Holdings (800 Horizon Blvd): Tony Bennell presented a concept for 45 single-family homes (1,500–2,200 sq. ft.) on 15.26 acres of city-owned property. The council accepted the presentation (unanimous) and noted further discussions are needed.
• Falcon Ridge Golf Driving Range (Item 5.4): Councilman Wanless reported that he met with the GM and owner, who agreed to address concerns about netting, fencing, and dust. The item was tabled without a formal vote; further updates expected.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Bill B25-005 Introduced: Public hearing set for July 22, 2025. (Vote: 5-0)
• Tentative Map TM-25-004 (Golden Valley): Tabled to July 22, 2025, at applicant's request. (Vote: 5-0)
• Tentative Map TM-25-005 (Mesa Verde): Approved as submitted. (Vote: 5-0)
• Presentation from TEG Holdings: Accepted; no binding action taken. (Vote: 5-0)
• Falcon Ridge Golf Driving Range: Tabled informally; councilman Wanless to continue discussions.
• Charter/Ethics Issue: Mayor Whipple stated he will abide by any legal determination; City Attorney to research and provide clarity at a future meeting.