Mesquite City Council Regular Meeting - February 10, 2026

The Mesquite City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at City Hall, beginning at 5:01 PM and adjourning at 7:27 PM. The meeting included ceremonial presentations, public comments, consent agenda approval, a financial report presentation, department reports, and several administrative actions including adoption of master plan amendments, approval of a fireworks contract, authorization for iron cactus sculptures, and election of a new Mayor Pro-Tem.

Ceremonial Matters

• The invocation was offered by Pastor Sue Taber (Mesquite Worship Center) after an initial invocation was given by Mayor Whipple. Pastor Taber apologized for being late and offered a prayer.
• The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
• A Distinguished Citizen Award was presented to Steve Dudro for his extensive public relations work promoting Mesquite, his involvement in the nonprofit community, and his children's books on natural wonders.
• Bill Ennis presented Veteran's Day Parade Appreciation Awards to Chief Dales, Chief Andrews, Councilwoman Gallo, Sandy, and Mr. Lippmann (grand marshal) for their support of Mesquite veterans.
• Mike Banham presented a framed photo of the first Mesquite firehouse (1950) to the council, asking it to be publicly displayed. The mayor accepted it on behalf of the city.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Missy Bender (President, Virgin Valley Theater Guild) thanked the community for supporting the theater's fundraising gala and opening of "Murder on the Orient Express," and praised city staff (Randy Lobb, Heido Veleska, Wes Carter, and crew) for quickly resolving a sewage overflow at the theater before opening night. She noted theater usage has tripled since pre-COVID.
• Gary Elgort spoke favorably about the Vision 2045 plan but expressed disagreement with the growth projection method, arguing growth is linear rather than exponential. He also urged caution on extending the Falcon Ridge Parkway housing deal, stating it was supposed to be senior low-income housing but appeared to import seniors from elsewhere. He said the valuable road corridor might be better used commercially.
• Ron Shackleford asked for an update on the Hafen Lane road construction project (the new roadway from Falcon Ridge to Hafen) and later raised concerns about water capacity (wells at 50,000 capacity according to a 2023 water district presentation) and the need for careful planning.
• Richard Soram asked how to obtain a copy of the Vision 2045 plan; staff clarified it is available on the city website under meetings and agendas.
• Nick Elfand Suddy expressed concerns that doubling population by 2045 would require major infrastructure improvements (roads, hospital capacity, water, electric, sewer) and cited St. George's traffic as a cautionary example.
• John Rosen supported the Vision 2045 plan, noting it includes detailed steps and can be modified as conditions change.
• Dominic Olivetto voiced frustration over lack of progress on new grocery stores and other amenities, urging focus on near-term improvements rather than long-term plans. He also spoke in favor of the iron cactus sculptures, citing a similar successful art project in Carbon County, Utah.
• Dave Alwing criticized the master plan for lacking mechanisms to attract manufacturing and workforce housing. He noted he is expanding his business in the Midwest rather than Mesquite due to lack of support. He also mentioned Clark County's land bank for workforce housing and frustration with unresponsive communication from council.
• Thomas Stark (presenter of iron cactus project) responded to public questions about donation locations (his house at 485 Fairways Drive) and the project's non-profit status (in process).
• Gary Elgort questioned why the cactus sculptures are called "memorials," suggesting it implies something dead. Thomas Stark replied it brings up positive memories.
• John Rosen cautioned against retrieving golf clubs from landfills, which would be illegal.
• Ron Shackleford spoke in favor of retaining Councilwoman Gallo as Mayor Pro-Tem, citing her conduct and unity, and suggested waiting until after the election. He also raised concerns about the Oasis Boulevard roundabout and pedestrian safety.
• Nick Olivetto (also as Nick Elfand Suddy) advised keeping the current council makeup to avoid division.
• David Baldwin supported Councilwoman Fielding for Mayor Pro-Tem, praising her decisiveness and responsiveness. He criticized Councilwoman Gallo for abstaining on the police chief vote, arguing a leader must take a stand.
• Mike Banham raised a safety hazard on Hafen Lane where dirt bikes are creating a dirt track on the sidewalk, endangering pedestrians. He also asked about a helmet ordinance for children on scooters (mayor noted ongoing discussions).
• Donovan (last name not given) requested blinking lights at the Oasis Boulevard roundabout for pedestrian safety. Staff noted each flasher costs about $40,000, and the school district's bus stop location there is problematic. Travis Anderson (Public Works) committed to discussing bus stop relocation with the school district.

Consent Agenda

• Items: Approval of January 20, 2026 Technical Review Meeting minutes, December 9, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting minutes, and February 10, 2026 agenda; budget transfers, amendments, bills paid, purchase orders; Resolution R26-004 adopting Supplemental No. 6 to the interlocal contract for traffic signal system software.
• Mayor Whipple recused himself from voting on the consent agenda due to his company doing business with the city.
• Councilman Fielding moved to approve, seconded by Councilwoman Gallo. The motion passed unanimously (Mayor abstaining).

Discussion Items

3.1 – Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Financial Report

• Presented by Steve Palmer of Hinton Burdick (now Squire after a merger). The city received a clean (unmodified) audit opinion. No internal control or compliance findings. Revenues: $81.5 million; expenses: $56 million; net position increase of $25 million. General fund equity increased by $1.5 million vs. a budgeted decrease of $32,000. Capital assets (governmental) increased by $20 million net of depreciation ($11 million). Long-term governmental debt decreased by $670,000.
• Council approved the report unanimously.

5.1 – Interlocal Agreement with MORF for Travel Nevada Grant

• Simon Kim (City Planner) explained the $50,000 grant will purchase five shade structures ($36,000) and ten benches ($13,000, excluding taxes). Because MORF lacks tax-exempt status, the city will purchase directly and be reimbursed. Potential savings of ~$3,000 can be used for additional accessories like trash bins. Locations will be in the downtown area.
• Council approved the agreement unanimously.

5.2 – Adoption of Vision 2045 Master Plan Amendment (Resolution R26-005)

• Simon Kim presented the process: started January 2025, 444 survey respondents, vision statement: a safe, clean, welcoming city with small-town charm, well-planned growth, outdoor recreation, local businesses, and community for all ages. Population projected to grow from 24,668 (2025) to 52,837 by 2045.
• Public comments raised concerns about infrastructure, water, and pace of growth. Mr. Kim clarified the plan is a guiding policy (not regulatory) and will be amended over time.
• Council approved the resolution unanimously.

5.3 – Adoption of Urban Design Element (Resolution R26-006)

• Simon Kim described the urban design element focusing on downtown and Mesa area design. Downtown areas identified: sports zone, cultural zone, arts zone, central business district, commercial support zones. Mesa area proposed as a gateway district with office zone, mixed-use zone, and regional zone near I-15. Wayfinding, landmarks, and shuttle networks proposed.
• Councilman Ennis asked about code enforcement for blighted properties (e.g., old Sears building). Mr. Kim said code enforcement can address hazards and that downtown design guidelines will be refined to work with a facade improvement program.
• Council approved unanimously.

5.4 – Adoption of Economic Development Element (Resolution R26-007)

• Simon Kim presented the economic framework: sectors with high concentration (tourism, retail, healthcare, construction) and underrepresented sectors (computer/math, education, legal). Marketing strategies proposed to boost first-time visitors (dropped from 23% to 9% 2016-2023), capitalize on "relaxed getaway" trends, and reverse digital decline. Gaming interest declined from 18% to 7% of visitors.
• Mayor Whipple and Councilman Wanless thanked Mr. Kim and the Master Plan Committee.
• Council approved unanimously.

5.5 – Payment for Fourth of July Fireworks

• Randy Lobb (Parks and Recreation) requested $60,000 for the fireworks show (due to 250th anniversary, tariffs increasing costs; previous year ~$40,000). A $30,000 deposit is needed now; remaining $30,000 will be budgeted in FY 2026-27. Only one vendor available for bid (others already booked or lacked Nevada license).
• Council approved the payment unanimously.

5.6 – Iron Cactus Sculptures

• Thomas Stark presented the project: sculptures made from ~600 recycled golf club heads each, seven feet tall with a three-foot underground base. Goal: 10-12 locations by June 1, 2026. No city funds requested. First sculpture proposed for City Hall.
• Councilmembers raised safety concerns about anchoring (potential tipping), location in medians/roundabouts (risk of vehicle strikes), and need for engineering approval. Councilman Wanless moved to approve placement at City Hall and all future locations under the direction of Travis Sanderson (Public Works) for safety and location review. Seconded by Councilwoman Gallo. Motion passed with all ayes.

5.7 – Election of Mayor Pro-Tem

• Mayor Whipple opened the item, noting the charter gives council the responsibility to elect the Mayor Pro-Tem. Councilman Wanless nominated Councilwoman Gallo. Councilwoman Fielding expressed interest. After public comments (support for Gallo from Nick Olivetto and Ron Shackleford; support for Fielding from David Baldwin; and arguments to delay until after the election from several speakers), Councilman Wanless made a motion to elect Councilwoman Gallo. Seconded by Councilman Ennis. Vote: Councilman Parrish abstained, Councilman Wanless and Councilwoman Fielding voted aye? (Transcript shows: "Parish abstain. Assignments. I'm gonna go along with whatever the council wants to do. I'm open either way. I think I'm gonna abstain because I'm good at that. Motion passes." The vote was not fully clear, but Chair declared motion passed. Councilwoman Gallo became Mayor Pro-Tem.)

Key Outcomes

• Financial Report: Unaudited (approved) with clean opinion. General fund surplus.
• MORF Grant: Approved interlocal agreement for shade structures and benches.
• Vision 2045 Master Plan: Adopted as city policy (Resolution R26-005).
• Urban Design Element: Adopted (Resolution R26-006). Refinement of downtown design guidelines to follow.
• Economic Development Element: Adopted (Resolution R26-007). Staff to work on marketing strategies.
• Fireworks Contract: Approved payment of $60,000 for July 4th show.
• Iron Cactus Sculptures: Approved first placement at City Hall and future locations subject to Public Works safety review.
• Mayor Pro-Tem: Councilwoman Karen Gallo elected to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem, effective immediately.
• Public Works: Travis Anderson will address pedestrian safety concerns at Oasis Boulevard roundabout and discuss bus stop relocation with the school district. He also noted the Mesquite Boulevard repaving project continues.