Mesquite City Council Regular Meeting - January 13, 2026
Mesquite City Council Regular Meeting - January 13, 2026
The Mesquite City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 5:01 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting opened with an invocation, pledge of allegiance, and presentations including the Parade of Lights update, MPAC membership changes, and the annual holiday lighting contest awards. The council addressed routine consent items, heard public comments on infrastructure, police chief succession, and a contested nightclub parking issue, received the Police Department's annual report, and voted on several administrative items including tennis court windscreens, a wastewater treatment plant building, a driving range netting plan, and confirmation of a new finance director.
Consent Calendar
- Item 2.1 – 2.4 (Consent Agenda): Approved unanimously by motion of Councilwoman Fielding, seconded by Councilman Parrish. The consent agenda included approvals of budget transfers, amendments, bills paid, purchase orders, and three resolutions (R25-055, R25-056, R25-057) adopting supplemental contracts with the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Opening Public Comments:
- Dominic Olivetto (Mesquite resident) expressed concern about overbuilding and lack of infrastructure (only 184 single-family homes for sale, many discounted), urged slowing building permits and attracting a lumber yard and another grocery store.
- Mike Benham (resident) criticized the process of a subpoena being canceled without timely notification, stating he has hired an attorney.
- Donna Vanita (resident) called for the city to move forward with a permanent police chief, saying the interim chief has served 14 months and 29 years on the force.
- Marcus Bender (resident) detailed allegations that the city council violated municipal code by approving a liquor license for a nightclub in Red Hills Commercial Subdivision without required parking studies, citing a December 9 vote where four of five council members approved despite missing documents. He claimed the action constitutes a taking of property from Nordic Beach Holdings (a Black woman-owned business) and vowed to hold the council accountable.
- Raylane Shapano (representing Nordic Beach Holdings) argued the city lacks lawful basis for permits and licenses because parking studies, easements, and variances do not exist; she asked the council to revoke the liquor license.
- Erica Nicholas (owner of Nordic Beach Holdings) stated her dream to open a family fun center has been blocked by the mischaracterization of her properties, and urged the council not to allow one business's parking shortage to be remedied by taking her land without due process.
- Jackie Thomason (theater director) promoted the upcoming production of 'Murder on the Orient Express' at Virgin Valley Theater (February 6-7, 13-14) and a gala on January 21 at the Casablanca.
- Final Public Comments:
- Mike Benham offered to donate a historic photograph of the first fire station to the city, asking it be displayed publicly.
- Rick McIntyre (resident) thanked the council for not funding a event with $20,000 of public works money, noting that $20,000 was later used for tennis court windscreens.
Discussion Items
- Parade of Lights Update (Debbie Benham): The 11th annual Parade of Lights was the largest to date with 39 entries (8 new), collecting 26,596.1 pounds of food. Nearly 15% of Nevadans are food insecure, with 1 in 4 children affected. The Salvation Army serves 600–700 people monthly (plus 90–110 seniors). Donations are tax-deductible; the 12th parade is set for December 3, 2026, theme 'Home for the Holidays'.
- Mesquite Public Arts Commission (MPAC) Presentation: Chair Karen Gimmons announced three members departing (Bonnie Petros, Judy Cole White, Cynthia Delaney) and that she is stepping down as chair, with Steve becoming new chair. New appointees Dave Bennett and Bethany Overlin Green were introduced; one at-large spot remains open.
- Christmas Lighting Contest Awards: Presented by Randy Lobb and Heido. Winners: 1st – Ellen Ann Sornson (Team Rock Springs), 2nd – Sarah Malloy, 3rd – Terry Plink, honorable mention – Bill Sylvester. Winners received swag bags and rec center memberships.
- Mayor's Comments: Announced nominations for 2025 Distinguished Citizen Award due January 23. Encouraged attendance at 'Murder on the Orient Express' gala.
- Council & Staff Reports: Councilwoman Gellow praised high school basketball and cheerleaders, and promoted a 'Pods of Hope' fundraiser for pet care on March 3. Councilman Innis reminded of a veterans mobile medical clinic on Thursday from 10–12 at the Veterans Center. City Manager Becca Schroop (absent, represented by Martin Green) and staff provided updates: New code enforcement officer Nate Grimshaw introduced. Travis Anderson (Public Works) gave a roadway project update: traffic signal poles are up but bagged; Falcon Ridge paving completion Jan 29; Millenville Boulevard utility work ongoing with nightwork at major intersections to minimize disruption; Levitt and Hafen Lane box culverts expected Feb 1; animal shelter and fire station progressing ahead of schedule.
- Police Department Annual Report (Chief Fells): Presented comprehensive report. Key statistics: 44 sworn officers, 16,138 calls for service, 175 felony arrests, 678 misdemeanor arrests, 17% reduction in Part 1 crimes. 48,949 dispatch calls (14,479 911 calls). 613 bookings at detention center. Animal control handled 8,300 calls, 3,400 incidents; shelter took in ~500 animals, adopted out 389. Volunteers contributed ~6,000 hours at shelter and ~5,700 hours for police. New technology includes drones, license plate readers, VR training, and a forthcoming police department app. Detention center remodel nearly complete (substantial completion walk Feb 2) with added holding cells, safe room, laundry, and kitchen. Evidence building houses 6,500+ items. Added second victim advocate.
- Item 4.1 – Hafen Park Tennis Court Windscreens: Randy Lobb presented three bids; lowest was Renner Sports Services at $20,325. Councilwoman Fielding questioned if it was budgeted; funds will come from parks fund. Approved by motion (Fielding/Innis) 5-0. Public commenter Carl Johnson (tennis club) supported windscreens but requested regular maintenance.
- Item 4.2 – Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance Building Bid: Travis Anderson reported five bids received, two responsive. Low bid from Trade West Construction for $184,184 (local company). Councilman Parrish asked about confidence in cost; Anderson confirmed confidence, noting similar bids near $200k and the building will protect $200k+ vehicles. Funded from sewer fund. Approved (motion Innis/Gellow) 5-0.
- Item 4.3 – Falcon Ridge Driving Range (Reconsideration ASR-25-009): Simon Kim reviewed background: originally approved with conditions (12-ft fence, waiver, etc.). Applicant now proposes netting up to 40 ft (with berm reaching ~80 ft tall), extending entire length, plus additional camera. Councilman Annis explained the netting is from same company as Top Golf in St. George; added cost ~$250,000. Councilman Wanless expressed concern about liability and requested a waiver/indemnification from Falcon Ridge. Councilwoman Gellow thanked the course for increased height. Rob Worston (Falcon Ridge) said the netting is higher than most ranges, feels safe, but owner does not want to sign waiver. City attorney noted liability would be contested in litigation. Councilwoman Fielding moved to approve the increased fence and remove the waiver of liability. Motion passed (Parrish/Gallow) 5-0.
- Item 4.4 – Confirmation of Bryce Anderson as Finance Director: Martin Green introduced Bryce Anderson (on phone). He has 14 years accounting/finance experience, 7 in public accounting, most recently at Utah Department of Health (managed $60M budget). Start date January 20; will overlap with retiring finance director Nikki about one month. Approved (motion Innis/Gellow) 5-0.
Key Outcomes
- Consent agenda approved 5-0.
- Hafen Park Tennis Court Windscreens awarded to Renner Sports Services for $20,325 (parks fund) – passed 5-0.
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance Building awarded to Trade West Construction for $184,184 (sewer fund) – passed 5-0.
- Falcon Ridge Driving Range plan approved with netting up to 40 ft (higher on berm) and removal of waiver requirement – passed 5-0.
- Bryce Anderson confirmed and ratified as Finance Director – passed 5-0.
- Parade of Lights update noted for December 3, 2026.
- Distinguished Citizen Award nominations due January 23.
- Roadway project updates: traffic signal still bagged; Millenville nightwork at major intersections; detention center substantial completion walk scheduled Feb 2.
- Police Department annual report accepted; app forthcoming.
- City will display donated historic fire station photograph.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone. That was louder than I expected. Um, welcome to the Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 uh regular city council meeting. It is 501. We're gonna get started. We're gonna start with an invocation by Pastor Justin Lowe of the First Baptist Church. Yeah, just up to the mic there. Just let's pray. Dearly Father, Lord, we just want to come before you, Lord. I just want to thank you so much for your grace. Lord, that you loved us enough that you left heaven, came to earth, died on a cross to rescue us from sin so we could have the gift of eternal life. Lord, we know your word tells us that we're dead in our trespasses of sins apart from you, but we can be born again by your spirit and have the right to become children of God because of what you accomplished on the cross. And so, Lord, I thank you for that. Thank you that we can be saved not by our works, but because of your gift of your grace, we can have the gift of eternal life. Lord, I just pray over this meeting uh today, Lord. I just pray for each individual here that you would give wisdom and discernment and uh help them to make decisions. We just thank you for the the beautiful city of Mesquite. And we just pray that it'd be run well and that that you'd be honored and your name, your great name would be lifted high in this city. And so we pray all these things in the name of Jesus. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Pastor. We'd ask that y'all please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge. Congratulations on the United States of America. And for the standard under God and so they're all we are going to start off with a presentation from Debbie Benham from the Parade of Lights. Good evening, Mayor Whipple, members of City Council and the residents and businesses of Mesquite. My name is Debbie Benham, and I am here to give the final report for this year's Parade of Lights and Community Food Drive. This was the 11th annual Parade of Lights, and it was the biggest to date. We had 39 entries in the parade. Eight of the 39 entries were new. The parade has grown every year. Give a little bee. Give a little bit of love to me. I'll give a little be.9 pounds of food and non-perishable items. This year, my husband Mike set a goal of 25,000 pounds. Well, we didn't make his goal. We surpassed it. I am pleased to announce that the total for this year's food drive is 26,596.1 pounds. This community food drive is very important to me. According to state records, nearly 15% of Nevadans were food insecure last year. And one in four children were food insecure. In Mesquite, the Salvation Army serves between 600 and 700 people monthly. That does not include the senior program. That does not include the senior program that represents another 90 to 110 people. What I like about the Salvation Army is that when people come in for food, they are given a list of available items they can choose. They can then choose what their family needs. They can come to the Salvation Army once or twice a month based on their needs and availability. When donations are received, I purchase needed food items. I also purchase household items such as laundry detergent, dish soap, paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper.
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