OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Mesquite City Council Regular Meeting - October 14, 2025

City Council & Committees — Tuesday, October 14, 2025
BodyMesquite, Nevada
SessionCity Council & Committees
DateTuesday, October 14, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:57:54

Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

Good evening, everyone.

0:06

And welcome to the Tuesday, October 14th, 2025, regular city council meeting for the City of Mesquite.

0:12

It is 5 p.m.

0:13

and we are going to get started with an invocation by Pastor Bob Brugman of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

0:22

Thank you, Mayor.

0:23

Let us pray.

0:25

Almighty and most compassionate God, Heavenly Father, beloved Son, our Helper and our Comforter.

0:32

We give thanks for the very gifts that you have generously and graciously graciously lavished on our City Council for the ongoing administration and support of our citizens.

0:42

Cause them to act on every opportunity for faithful service.

0:46

Pour the Holy Spirit upon them and all that are here, that everything we think, say, and do are for your glory and the good of this city.

0:54

In the blessed name of Jesus, our beloved, your beloved son and our Lord and Savior.

0:59

Amen.

1:01

Thank you, Pastor.

1:02

And I'd ask that you all please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:08

Pledge.

1:17

One nation.

1:18

Under God, indivisible.

1:26

And now we are going to have the uh presentation of the two 2025 SOAR Award.

1:38

Good evening, Mayor Whipple and City Council and everyone in the audience.

1:42

It's my honor to present again, because we've already done it in Vegas.

1:46

The annual SOAR Awards, which is safety officer award recognition, started 25 years ago.

1:53

The problems the program SOAR was created to honor the ordinary officer who day in and day out performed his or her job in an outstanding manner.

2:02

He or she is not necessarily a hero in the sense of the world.

2:06

Rather, that that person is a quiet hero who does an excellent job at what he or she is hired to do.

2:12

The goal was for all of Southern Nevada clubs to work together on this project.

2:17

It started in 2000 with eight agencies, and it has grown to over 20.

2:21

With the help of the agencies, we have been able to, as a whole, honor and thank over a thousand men and women who exemplified the Rotary Mantra of Service Above South.

2:31

This year, our respective awards presented at the SOAR event in Vegas for police and fire will be read by Chief Fails and Chief Andris.

2:41

If you guys will join me.

3:02

Good evening, Mayor and Council members of the public.

3:04

On Friday, January 17th, 2025, at 3 30 p.m., Mesquite Fire Rescue is dispatched to assist Clark County Department Station 71 with a confirmed structure fire in Bunkerville.

3:18

While in route, dispatch advised that Cork County Fire Engine 71 was responding with only one firefighter.

3:26

That firefighter was Mesquite Fire Rescue's own captain Keith Browning, who was off duty at the time.

3:32

Captain Browning resides in Bunkerville and has volunteered with CCFD Station 71 for the past 19 years.

3:41

Upon arrival, Captain Browning immediately assumed incident command.

3:44

He identified a down power line in front of the home, secured a water supply, placed the engine in pump, and initiated a defensive fire attack, acting alone until additional units from Mesquite arrived.

3:56

Although the structure was a total loss, the fire did not extend to neighboring properties and no injuries were reported.

4:03

According to national standards, a minimum of 16 firefighters is recommended to safely and effectively perform the critical task required at a single family structure fire.

4:12

In rural Nevada, however, the response often occurs with far fewer resources.

4:18

Tonight Mesquite Fire Rescue proudly recognizes Captain Browning for his decisive action, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the safety of our community.

4:27

His response to this incident is a testament to his professionalism, dedication, and the value he brings to the fire service.

4:35

Thank you.

5:19

Jason's younger than me.

5:20

He doesn't need glasses.

5:23

Okay.

5:24

Around June of 2024, Sergeant Stout was at the police department speaking to a dispatcher Carrie Roberts.

5:30

Dispatcher Roberts informed Sergeant Stout that she had been, she had heard through a family friend that a local female had given birth the night prior.

5:39

The female was well known to law enforcement as a drug abuser.

5:43

Sergeant Stout had received information from various sources that the female was actively using illegal drugs throughout the pregnancy, and that she had made comments that the baby's welfare was not a concern of hers.

5:54

She had also avoided seeing a doctor throughout her pregnancy.

5:59

Sergeant Stout confirmed through additional sources that the baby had been born, and he began investigating the location to provide the newborn with medical attention.

6:09

Throughout the morning, Sergeant Stout attempted to contact the persons involved in the locations he believed the baby might be.

6:16

However, there was little to no response.

6:19

That same morning, Officer Ruth began his shift and also had information about the baby's birth.

6:25

Sergeant Stout and Officer Ruth continued to search for the baby and speak with anybody who may have information about its whereabouts.

6:32

Officer Ruth talked to an anonymous source and learned that the baby was born in a trailer, which Sergeants, which Sergeant Stout had visited earlier that morning.

6:42

Upon returning to the trailer, Officer Ruth and Sergeant Stout made contact with the occupants.

6:48

The officer, Officer Ruth, and Sergeant Stout learned the baby was born in the trailer and abandoned by its mother.

6:55

The tenant contacted the baby's grandmother, who took the baby in the middle of the night.

7:01

Sergeant Stout and Officer Ruth went to the grandmother's home and located the baby at approximately 3 30 p.m.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development█████████████13%
Public Safety███████████11%
Short Term Rentals█████████9%
Personnel Matters████████8%
Procurement Policy████████8%
Procedural██████6%
Affordable Housing██████6%
Public Engagement█████5%
Parks and Recreation█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Mesquite City Council Regular Meeting - October 14, 2025

The Mesquite City Council met on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. to discuss and act on a lengthy agenda covering consent items, public comments, conditional use permits, liquor licenses, development agreements, city manager appointment, property sales, and other administrative matters. The meeting included numerous public comments on various topics, from neighborhood nuisances to development policies.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved the minutes of the August 26, 2025 Regular City Council meeting and September 16, 2025 Technical Review Meeting, and the October 14, 2025 agenda (Item 2.1).
  • Approved notification of budget transfers, amendments, bills paid, and purchase orders (Item 2.2).
  • Approved Resolution R25-041, adopting a cooperative agreement with the Virgin Valley Water District for the Leavitt and Hafen Lane Roadway Project (Item 2.3).
  • Approved Resolution R25-042, adopting a cooperative agreement for the Mesquite Boulevard Mill and Overlay Project (Item 2.4).
  • Approved Resolution R25-043, adopting Supplemental No. 6 to Interlocal Contract with the RTC for a fiber optics service contract (Item 2.5).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Non-Agenda Public Comments: Residents voiced concerns about a rat infestation at a private property (over 600 rats trapped), poor police response to speeding complaints, a proposed nightclub dispute, the need for a planning and zoning board, transparency in city manager hiring, and support for First Friday events. Several speakers also advocated for enforcing codes on short-term rentals and addressing electric bike safety.
  • Item 7.1 (Liquor Shop CUP): No public comment objecting; applicant spoke briefly.
  • Item 7.2 (Vacation Rental – 950 Santa Fe): Multiple neighbors spoke in opposition, citing noise, parking, and party concerns; applicant spoke in favor.
  • Item 7.3 (Vacation Rental – 697 Lolita): Several residents opposed; the applicants (sisters inheriting the home) explained they wanted to offset costs and maintain the property.
  • Item 7.5 (Heritage Park Second Amendment): Supporters from the Foundation and a resident argued that commercial ground floor was not viable; some council members opposed losing commercial.
  • Item 7.7 (Watershed Coordinator): A resident questioned past use of funds; coalition representatives explained the need and available funds.
  • Item 7.8 (City Manager Appointment): Many public comments supported Rebecca Schrupp; one resident questioned the six-month protected clause.
  • Item 7.9/7.10 (Property Sales): Multiple speakers urged the council to proceed with the Kramers’ proposal; one site selector present for a potential large retail tenant (later identified as a grocery store) was not able to disclose details.
  • Item 7.12 (Driving Range): Several residents opposed, citing safety and liability; the golf course manager argued the height and cameras would ensure safety.
  • Item 7.14 (Land Sale to Mesquite Land Partners): The developer expressed frustration over the 90% discount given to another party and requested a similar discount or renegotiation.

Discussion Items

  • Mesquite Detention Center Semi-Annual Report (Item 3.1): Interim Chief Fells presented the report, noting ongoing renovations and no fatalities.
  • Bill B25-015 – Building Height Exceptions for Ornamental Landmarks (Item 6.1): Development Services Director Kim explained the proposed exception up to 70 feet for features like church steeples and clock towers. A public comment opposed the height. The council voted to introduce the bill and set a public hearing for October 28, 2025.
  • Conditional Use Permit for Full Off-Sell Liquor Shop (Item 7.1): Approved unanimously with conditions to separate from an existing marijuana dispensary.
  • Conditional Use Permits for Vacation Rentals (Items 7.2 & 7.3): Both were denied (motions to approve failed 2-4 on each). Council members expressed concerns about neighborhood impacts and lack of control.
  • Liquor License for Guru’s at the Oasis (Item 7.4): Approved contingent on background checks.
  • Heritage Park Development Agreement – Second Amendment (Item 7.5): The council denied the request to convert ground-floor commercial to residential apartments permanently. A motion to deny passed 3-2, leaving the existing agreement requiring commercial-ready construction.
  • Interlocal Facility License with Clark County (Item 7.6): Approved for a five-year extension.
  • Funding for Part-Time Watershed Coordinator (Item 7.7): Approved at $40,000 per year, funded from existing watershed funds (Fund 21).
  • Appointment of Rebecca Schrupp as City Manager (Item 7.8): Approved after discussion about a six-month post-election protected clause. The council directed staff to add a “for cause” exception; the motion to appoint passed.
  • Discussion of Interested Party for City-Owned Land (Item 7.9): The council debated whether to pursue a new retail tenant (via an MOU) or continue with the Kramers. A motion to move forward with the new buyer failed; the council instead proceeded to Item 7.10.
  • Sale of 9.31 Acres at 1220 Hardy Way (Item 7.10): Approved Resolution R25-045, selling the property to the Kramers at a 90% discount contingent on a $1 million capital investment. The vote was 3-2.
  • Renovation Bid for Outdoor Pool (Item 7.11): Approved the low bid from Bally Falls.
  • Reconsideration of Falcon Ridge Driving Range (Item 7.12): The motion to approve died for lack of a second, effectively denying the request. The applicant had refused to sign a liability waiver.
  • Extension of Due Diligence for 201 John Deere Drive (Item 7.13): Approved.
  • Purchase & Sale Agreement for 200 John Deere Drive (Item 7.14): Tabled to allow renegotiation of the price and incentives.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
  • Bill B25-015: Introduced for public hearing on October 28, 2025.
  • CUP-25-003 (Liquor Shop): Approved.
  • CUP-25-004 & CUP-25-005 (Vacation Rentals): Denied.
  • Guru’s Liquor License: Approved.
  • Heritage Park Second Amendment: Denied.
  • Interlocal Agreement with Clark County: Approved.
  • Watershed Coordinator Funding: Approved.
  • City Manager Appointment: Rebecca Schrupp appointed; contract to include a “for cause” exception to the six-month protected clause.
  • 1220 Hardy Way Sale: Approved with 90% discount based on capital investment.
  • Outdoor Pool Renovation: Bid approved.
  • Falcon Ridge Driving Range: Denied (lack of second).
  • 201 John Deere Extension: Approved.
  • 200 John Deere Purchase Agreement: Tabled for further negotiation.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. And welcome to the Tuesday, October 14th, 2025, regular city council meeting for the City of Mesquite. It is 5 p.m. and we are going to get started with an invocation by Pastor Bob Brugman of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Thank you, Mayor. Let us pray. Almighty and most compassionate God, Heavenly Father, beloved Son, our Helper and our Comforter. We give thanks for the very gifts that you have generously and graciously graciously lavished on our City Council for the ongoing administration and support of our citizens. Cause them to act on every opportunity for faithful service. Pour the Holy Spirit upon them and all that are here, that everything we think, say, and do are for your glory and the good of this city. In the blessed name of Jesus, our beloved, your beloved son and our Lord and Savior. Amen. Thank you, Pastor. And I'd ask that you all please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge. One nation. Under God, indivisible. And now we are going to have the uh presentation of the two 2025 SOAR Award. Good evening, Mayor Whipple and City Council and everyone in the audience. It's my honor to present again, because we've already done it in Vegas. The annual SOAR Awards, which is safety officer award recognition, started 25 years ago. The problems the program SOAR was created to honor the ordinary officer who day in and day out performed his or her job in an outstanding manner. He or she is not necessarily a hero in the sense of the world. Rather, that that person is a quiet hero who does an excellent job at what he or she is hired to do. The goal was for all of Southern Nevada clubs to work together on this project. It started in 2000 with eight agencies, and it has grown to over 20. With the help of the agencies, we have been able to, as a whole, honor and thank over a thousand men and women who exemplified the Rotary Mantra of Service Above South. This year, our respective awards presented at the SOAR event in Vegas for police and fire will be read by Chief Fails and Chief Andris. If you guys will join me. Good evening, Mayor and Council members of the public. On Friday, January 17th, 2025, at 3 30 p.m., Mesquite Fire Rescue is dispatched to assist Clark County Department Station 71 with a confirmed structure fire in Bunkerville. While in route, dispatch advised that Cork County Fire Engine 71 was responding with only one firefighter. That firefighter was Mesquite Fire Rescue's own captain Keith Browning, who was off duty at the time. Captain Browning resides in Bunkerville and has volunteered with CCFD Station 71 for the past 19 years. Upon arrival, Captain Browning immediately assumed incident command. He identified a down power line in front of the home, secured a water supply, placed the engine in pump, and initiated a defensive fire attack, acting alone until additional units from Mesquite arrived. Although the structure was a total loss, the fire did not extend to neighboring properties and no injuries were reported. According to national standards, a minimum of 16 firefighters is recommended to safely and effectively perform the critical task required at a single family structure fire. In rural Nevada, however, the response often occurs with far fewer resources. Tonight Mesquite Fire Rescue proudly recognizes Captain Browning for his decisive action, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the safety of our community. His response to this incident is a testament to his professionalism, dedication, and the value he brings to the fire service. Thank you. Jason's younger than me. He doesn't need glasses. Okay. Around June of 2024, Sergeant Stout was at the police department speaking to a dispatcher Carrie Roberts. Dispatcher Roberts informed Sergeant Stout that she had been, she had heard through a family friend that a local female had given birth the night prior. The female was well known to law enforcement as a drug abuser. Sergeant Stout had received information from various sources that the female was actively using illegal drugs throughout the pregnancy, and that she had made comments that the baby's welfare was not a concern of hers. She had also avoided seeing a doctor throughout her pregnancy.

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