OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Mesquite City Council Meeting January 27, 2026: Snow River Resort, Police Chief, Vacation Rental Committee

City Council & Committees — Tuesday, January 27, 2026
BodyMesquite, Nevada
SessionCity Council & Committees
DateTuesday, January 27, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:16:45

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Good evening, everyone.

0:10

Good evening and welcome to the Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 regular city council meeting for the City of Mesquite.

0:18

We are going to start with an invitation by Pastor Dennis Lee of the Living Waters Fellowship.

0:23

Pastor.

0:34

Heavenly Father, we just come here tonight just seeking your face, Lord God, we're seeking you above everything else.

0:42

And Lord, realizing that we are just ending this first month of January.

0:48

We got 11 more months left to go.

0:53

So Lord, I ask and I'm asking for your wisdom for the mayor, Lord God, and for the council, for all the staff, and every head of every department that is here in this city.

1:09

And Lord, I'm asking for that wisdom, the wisdom that they will have from above.

1:16

That's above our own wisdom.

1:20

And Lord, you know me, you know, I'm asking because there's a there's a personal stake in this, and that is because you say that we are to pray for those that are in authority over us so that we can live lives of peace, peaceful lives.

1:36

And so, Lord, that is what I'm asking for now for that wisdom, along with grace and mercy that they can extend that grace and mercy that you extend to them, that they can extend it into the city and to the residents of this city.

1:51

But Lord, realizing that peace is not something that is just automatic.

1:57

And so, Lord, I ask that you would likewise bring unity, bring unity amongst them, bring unity within our own community.

2:10

Because, Lord, with all the different political agendas, personal philosophies and all the rest of it, it brings division and division is the death of unity.

2:21

And realizing, Lord, what is in front of us, Lord, we need unity.

2:26

And I just remember where in your scripture you talk about Babylon and the Tower of Babel, how the Lord saw that they were all building, they were building something phenomenal.

2:39

And the Lord said, That is because they have one language.

2:45

That's what we need.

2:47

We need unity and the one language of unity.

2:54

So, Lord God, I ask for your blessings now upon this meeting.

2:59

May you be with each and every person who does a presentation, and may you be with everyone that is here.

3:06

Bless us now, Lord Jesus.

3:09

So, Father, I ask this now in Jesus' name.

3:12

Amen.

3:13

Amen.

3:13

Thank you, Pastor.

3:14

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

3:20

Pledge.

3:39

Thank you.

3:40

And we are going to start with a presentation from the daughters of the American Revolution.

3:44

Lee.

3:46

Thank you, May.

3:47

Thank you, Mayor, City Council members.

3:49

Um, I'd like to read a proclamation from the daughters of the American Revolution.

3:54

Hi, Amy.

3:55

Um, there's a lot of America 250 commissions and councils, so I just wanted to clarify that this is from the national DAR.

4:04

Okay.

4:05

Whereas on July 4th, 2026, our nation will commemorate the semi-quincentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

4:15

And whereas the journey towards this historic milestone is an opportunity to reflect on our nation's past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead to future generations who will carry forward the ideals of democracy and individual liberty that make the United States a unique nation and community.

4:35

Whereas the great state of Nevada was founded by revolutionary war descendants, and they're pressing west into the territory organized by the Northwest Ordinance into the Northwest Territory, which was land ceded by Britain to the United States by the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

5:00

Through the DAR President General's leadership, all daughters are spending the next three years illuminating our legacy by celebrating our nation's rich history and diverse diversity, promoting belonging through membership and dedicated service, and by completing projects in a unique local and impactful way.

5:11

Whereas, from the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party in 2023 until the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 2033, daughters are celebrating our nation's rich history and diversity of experience by honoring all men and women who achieved American independence.

5:32

These patriots, believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought valently to establish a new nation.

5:38

In testimony whereof I have hereon set my hand an official seal.

5:42

Mayor Whipple.

5:44

Thank you.

5:45

Would you come down for a picture?

5:46

For sure.

5:47

Thank you.

5:52

We got a card today, too.

5:55

I know.

6:00

Thank you, Mayor.

6:03

Right.

6:10

Thank you.

6:25

And now we're going to invite Amy back up to do a presentation for Morph.

6:29

George.

6:32

And George.

6:34

Amy Bradshaw and George Gulp.

6:38

The screen on the good evening, Mayor, Councilmembers, and citizens of Mesquite.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development███████████████████████23%
Personnel Matters████████████12%
Public Safety██████████10%
Short Term Rentals█████████9%
Procedural███████7%
Community Engagement█████5%
Infrastructure And Development█████5%
Water And Wastewater Management████4%
Tourism███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Mesquite City Council Meeting - January 27, 2026

The Mesquite City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Key actions included approval of the consent agenda, a resolution authorizing the sale of 491.63 acres for economic development, and the appointment of Tracy Fails as permanent police chief. Presentations were heard for a proposed $multi-billion Snow River Resort and a 96-acre housing development. The council also established an ad hoc committee to review the vacation home rental code. Public comments were extensive, with residents voicing support and concerns on multiple issues.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes from previous meetings (Dec 2, 2025 TRM; Jan 6, 2026 TRM; Oct 28, 2025 RCC; Nov 18, 2025 RCC; and the Jan 27, 2026 agenda).
  • Approved budget transfers, budget amendments, bills paid, and purchase orders.
  • Approved Dell VxRail server maintenance renewal.
  • Approved the Street Lane Index and Road Mileage Report.
  • Approved $36 for Mesquite Public Arts Commission to purchase three name tags for new commissioners.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Jean Watkins introduced the "Woma Awards" program recognizing women in the region, with nominations due by April 30, 2026.
  • Mary Mathis updated on Mesquite Art Gallery exhibits and classes.
  • Nikki Metter expressed disappointment over new pool hours (7 AM-6 PM vs previous 5 AM) and requested restoration of earlier lap swim hours.
  • Mike Benham complained about compensation ($28 for 20 hours of work related to a subpoena) and sought $1,000.
  • Davis Swadell (owner at 564 Desert Tortoise Way) stated he purchased a home and applied for a vacation rental permit in November 2025 before the moratorium; he asked the council to find a reasonable solution for his property.
  • Amy Gardner (part-owner of Jane Amy's Mesquite Getaways) supported the moratorium but asked the council to reconsider three properties caught in the transition.
  • Sherry Brooks suggested attracting Trader Joe's, Costco, and more medical specialists.
  • Several residents spoke in support of Tracy Fails for police chief, citing his leadership, unity, and community involvement (Dominic Olivetto, Donna Benita, Sandy Romberg, John Felix, Rich Bowler, Quinn Averett, others).
  • Mary Gleason and Mike Benham opposed the appointment, citing concerns about bullying, training records, and comments made by Fails.
  • John Rosen urged that any major development align with the city's master plan.
  • Cliff Romberg supported the Snow River Resort proposal, noting Brad LeBaron's long-term commitment to Mesquite.
  • Nick Elfansetti supported the project with cautions about water and infrastructure.
  • Vicky Samuelson worried about property tax increases and environmental impact, calling for impact studies.
  • Ronald Shackleford raised concerns about water, workforce, and power consumption.
  • Karen Dukowski asked for a USGS impact study before approving the resort.
  • Tony Shaley shared his negative experience with overdevelopment in Henderson and urged careful planning.
  • Dave Baldwin spoke in support of the 96-acre housing proposal, noting the developers are not asking for a discount.
  • Dominic Olivetto opposed both large projects, stating the city lacks infrastructure and already has empty hotels.
  • Final public comments included a request to form a charter committee and thanks to volunteers.

Discussion Items

  • Ethics Commission Admonishment (Mayor Whipple): Mayor Whipple reported that he received an admonishment for failing to disclose his pest control business with the city; he apologized and will complete training.
  • Anthem at Mesquite PUD Annual Report: John Shippert reported completion of 211 lots in 2025 and ongoing development of 351 lots. The event center and new phases are underway. Council accepted the presentation.
  • Attorney Case Management Software (Item 5.1): IT Director Wayne and office administrator Michelle Reber presented the need for new software to comply with state criminal justice standards. Approved at $22,340 for the first year and ~$6,500 annually thereafter.
  • Wind Sculptures at Roundabout (Item 5.2): Karen Skimmons (Public Arts Commission) requested approval for wind sculptures at Oasis and Wingate, funded by Mesquite Estates Master Association. Approved.
  • Resolution R26-001 – Land Sale for Economic Development (Item 5.3): City Manager Martin Green explained this technical step authorizes the sale of 491.63 acres without naming a buyer. Council approved (unanimous).
  • Snow River Resort Presentation (Item 5.4): Brad LeBaron (H2O Entertainment) presented a master-planned destination resort with a 200,000-square-foot indoor water park, hotel, casino, 200 vacation rental townhomes, 400 apartments, a subdivision, a golf course, and a 50-acre public park. He stated the project would create 992 jobs and involve water recycling (bringing 600,000 gallons of saltwater weekly from the ocean, desalinating, and discharging into a lake). He mentioned financing from Black Desert Resort. Council members raised concerns about water supply, workforce housing, infrastructure, and protections for the city if the project stalls. The council voted to accept the presentation only (no decision on sale).
  • Nevada Residential Construction 96-Acre Proposal (Item 5.5): Trent and Dylan presented a proposal to buy 96 acres for single-family housing. They offered to pay half in cash and half via a trade for city projects (approximately $2 million), with no discount on land value. They have a prior track record with the city. Council accepted the presentation only.
  • Resolution R26-003 – Ad Hoc Committee on Vacation Home Rentals (Item 5.6): Council approved the creation of a six-member committee (one appointee per council member and mayor) to review and revise the vacation rental code. Nominations due by January 31, 2026.
  • Appointment of Tracy Fails as Police Chief (Item 5.7): After public comment, council voted (with Councilwoman Gallo abstaining) to ratify Tracy Fails as permanent police chief. Council members noted his success in uniting the department and reducing crime.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda approved.
  • Resolution R26-001 (land sale authorization) approved.
  • Presentations from H2O Entertainment and Nevada Residential Construction accepted; no decisions on land sales.
  • Resolution R26-003 approved; ad hoc vacation rental committee to be formed by end of January.
  • Tracy Fails appointed as permanent police chief.
  • Attorney case management software and wind sculpture installation approved.
  • New police chief sworn in; all other agenda items closed.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. Good evening and welcome to the Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 regular city council meeting for the City of Mesquite. We are going to start with an invitation by Pastor Dennis Lee of the Living Waters Fellowship. Pastor. Heavenly Father, we just come here tonight just seeking your face, Lord God, we're seeking you above everything else. And Lord, realizing that we are just ending this first month of January. We got 11 more months left to go. So Lord, I ask and I'm asking for your wisdom for the mayor, Lord God, and for the council, for all the staff, and every head of every department that is here in this city. And Lord, I'm asking for that wisdom, the wisdom that they will have from above. That's above our own wisdom. And Lord, you know me, you know, I'm asking because there's a there's a personal stake in this, and that is because you say that we are to pray for those that are in authority over us so that we can live lives of peace, peaceful lives. And so, Lord, that is what I'm asking for now for that wisdom, along with grace and mercy that they can extend that grace and mercy that you extend to them, that they can extend it into the city and to the residents of this city. But Lord, realizing that peace is not something that is just automatic. And so, Lord, I ask that you would likewise bring unity, bring unity amongst them, bring unity within our own community. Because, Lord, with all the different political agendas, personal philosophies and all the rest of it, it brings division and division is the death of unity. And realizing, Lord, what is in front of us, Lord, we need unity. And I just remember where in your scripture you talk about Babylon and the Tower of Babel, how the Lord saw that they were all building, they were building something phenomenal. And the Lord said, That is because they have one language. That's what we need. We need unity and the one language of unity. So, Lord God, I ask for your blessings now upon this meeting. May you be with each and every person who does a presentation, and may you be with everyone that is here. Bless us now, Lord Jesus. So, Father, I ask this now in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Pastor. I'd ask that you please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge. Thank you. And we are going to start with a presentation from the daughters of the American Revolution. Lee. Thank you, May. Thank you, Mayor, City Council members. Um, I'd like to read a proclamation from the daughters of the American Revolution. Hi, Amy. Um, there's a lot of America 250 commissions and councils, so I just wanted to clarify that this is from the national DAR. Okay. Whereas on July 4th, 2026, our nation will commemorate the semi-quincentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. And whereas the journey towards this historic milestone is an opportunity to reflect on our nation's past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead to future generations who will carry forward the ideals of democracy and individual liberty that make the United States a unique nation and community. Whereas the great state of Nevada was founded by revolutionary war descendants, and they're pressing west into the territory organized by the Northwest Ordinance into the Northwest Territory, which was land ceded by Britain to the United States by the Treaty of Paris in 1783. Through the DAR President General's leadership, all daughters are spending the next three years illuminating our legacy by celebrating our nation's rich history and diverse diversity, promoting belonging through membership and dedicated service, and by completing projects in a unique local and impactful way. Whereas, from the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party in 2023 until the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 2033, daughters are celebrating our nation's rich history and diversity of experience by honoring all men and women who achieved American independence. These patriots, believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought valently to establish a new nation. In testimony whereof I have hereon set my hand an official seal. Mayor Whipple. Thank you. Would you come down for a picture? For sure. Thank you.

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