Mesquite City Council Regular Meeting - July 22, 2025

The Mesquite City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included public comments, approval of the consent agenda, resolutions for land sale, adoption of a zoning ordinance, renewal of a legislative consultant contract, bond cap transfer, and senior trust expenditures. The meeting adjourned at 6:13 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously: Minutes from June 10, June 24, July 1, 2025, and the July 22 agenda; budget transfers, amendments, bills paid, and purchase orders; monthly financials; introduction of bills for 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code, 2023 National Electrical Code, 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2024 International Energy Conservation Code, 2024 International Existing Building Code, and 2024 International Building Code (Sections 1 and 9).
• Item 2.10 (Residential Code): Pulled from consent due to a correction. After discussion, the council approved the introduction of Bill B25-012 with an amendment to require automatic sprinkler systems only in town homes over 5,000 sq. ft. and one/two-family dwellings over 5,000 sq. ft., consistent with the 2018 code. The corrected item was added to the consent agenda and approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rayline Shavana (business owner): Presented evidence of code violations at Envy Night Club, including incorrect certificate of occupancy, lack of required fire lanes, inadequate parking (53 spaces required, only 3 available), and unauthorized fire shows. She asked the city to enforce codes and bring the club into compliance.
• Erica Nicholas (business owner): Allege she has experienced harassment, racial harassment, and intimidation for four years, and that a restraining order and gate were necessary. She stated the harasser claimed to know city officials, and she felt the city has not acted, forcing her to file a lawsuit.
• Marcus Bender: Stated the city's failure to enforce parking codes at Red Hills Commercial Center is causing financial losses. He claimed the city selectively enforces codes based on personal relationships.
• Patty Montgomery (HOA): Asked why item 6.4 (Golden Valley tentative map) was tabled. Staff explained the applicant needs to revise the plan and negotiate with the HOA (Party). She also thanked the police for increased enforcement on a local road.
• Daniel Miller: Alleged corruption and a two-tier standard of enforcement. He criticized the mayor, council, and city attorney, and mentioned potential disbarment of attorneys. He warned of high costs from lawsuits.
• Nick S.: Stated Mesquite is getting a bad reputation due to ongoing issues, referencing a national news article about chaos in the city. He urged the council to take action.
• Ronald Shackleford: Criticized decorum of a council member and urged respect for the mayor's authority.
• Bob Mazar (resident): Asked if Resolution R25-026 obligates the city to sell below market value. Staff clarified it is an authorization, not a requirement, for economic development per NRS and city charter.
• Linda Perkowski: Questioned the renewal of Warren Hardy's contract, noting she was disappointed with legislative outcomes regarding corporate home buying. She wanted to see his report before renewal.
• Gary Elgord (water district): Supported Warren Hardy, noting his dual representation of the city and water district provides cohesive advocacy.
• Ben Martinson: Announced a Pioneer Day celebration on July 24, 2025, at 5 PM at the Whipple Chapel.
• Gary Elgord (final): Sarcastically suggested using negative news articles to discourage growth.
• Ronald Shackleford (final): Stated he would apologize publicly if an ethics committee clears the mayor regarding the pest control company issue, but until then he believed the matter needed examination.
• Daniel Miller (final): Praised Councilman Parrish for investigating the pest control conflict-of-interest issue, but alleged that previous council actions were based on lies.

Discussion Items

• Resolutions R25-026 and R25-027 (Sale of 800 Horizon Blvd. – 15.26 acres): The council considered two resolutions required by the city charter. R25-026 (approval to sell the parcel) and R25-027 (finding the sale consistent with economic development ordinances) were both approved. City Manager Martine stated the property is zoned for up to 50 single-family lots (46 shown on the map). Councilwoman Fielding noted the lower lot count. Councilman Wanless expressed that if the developer is building for profit, no discount below market value should be given. The final purchase and sale agreement will come back for public comment and council vote.
• Adoption of Bill B25-005 (Palm Cove PUD side yard setback): The council adopted the ordinance to amend the Design Standards Handbook for Palm Cove Planned Unit Development, reducing the required side yard setback from 6 feet to 5 feet. The HOA board approved the request 5-0. Staff recommended adoption. The motion passed unanimously.
• Item 6.1 – Warren Hardy Legislative Consultant Contract: The council approved the renewal of the Independent Contractor Agreement with Warren Hardy for legislative consultant services from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, at $2,000 per month (reduced from $4,000 during COVID). Hardy noted his long history with Mesquite and mentioned a legislative report to be given in September. Councilman Wanless thanked him for his work on transportation funding. The motion passed.
• Item 6.2 – Transfer of Private Activity Bond Volume Cap: The council approved Resolution R25-024 to transfer the city's 2025 private activity bond volume cap to the Nevada Rural Housing Authority. Bill Brewer, Executive Director, reported that the program has assisted 10 home buyers in Mesquite with $3.2 million in mortgages in the past year. Councilwoman Fielding expressed satisfaction with the tangible results. The motion passed.
• Item 6.3 – Senior Services Sub-Trust Expenditures: The council approved the use of approximately $6,000 from the Senior Services Sub-Trust (balance over $12,000) to purchase a floor scrubbing machine, a power washer, and an electric can opener for the Senior Center, which serves over 200 meals daily. The motion passed.
• Item 6.4 – Golden Valley Tentative Map (TM-25-004): This item was tabled to September 9, 2025, to allow the applicant to revise the plan and negotiate with the HOA (Party) regarding preservation of the canyon area. No public comment was offered.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved as read, with the correction to item 2.10 (residential sprinkler threshold).
• Resolutions R25-026 and R25-027: Passed unanimously, authorizing the sale of 15.26 acres at 800 Horizon Blvd. for economic development. The purchase and sale agreement will return for final approval.
• Bill B25-005: Adopted as ordinance, amending the Palm Cove PUD side yard setback from 6 to 5 feet.
• Warren Hardy Contract: Approved for renewal at $2,000/month.
• Bond Cap Transfer: Approved to Nevada Rural Housing Authority.
• Senior Trust Expenditures: Approved for approximately $6,000 in equipment purchases.
• Tentative Map (Golden Valley): Tabled to September 9, 2025.
• Councilman Parrish’s Investigation: Reported that the mayor’s pest control company (Gut Bugs) is a contractor, not an employee, citing the IRS and municipal code. The rate is $500/month, and no competitive bid is required. He stated the arrangement is not a conflict of interest.