Mesquite City Council Regular Meeting - May 26, 2026

The Mesquite City Council met on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included public comments, consent agenda approvals, a presentation on the Nevada Main Street program, introduction of a vacation home rental ordinance, adoption of downtown design standards and facade improvement program, approval of a hazardous condition abatement resolution, liquor and gaming licenses, and adoption of the tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. Councilwoman Gallo was absent.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the April 14, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting, the May 5, 2026 Technical Review Meeting, and the May 26, 2026 agenda. Councilman Wanless recused himself because his company does business with the city.
• Approved notifications of bills paid and purchase orders.

Public Comments & Testimony

Opening Public Comments (Non-Agendized Items):

• Gene Watkins (Women's History and Culture Center) invited the community to view the decorated suffrage cat contest at the art gallery from May 28 through June 3, with People's Choice voting and a Mayor's Choice award.
• Mary Mathis (Mesquite Fine Arts Center) updated on current exhibits, new programs including a monthly art raffle to support scholarships, and summer hours.
• Vicky Samuelson (League of Women Voters) requested the city review policies to allow the League to hold candidate forums at city facilities, noting their role is informational and non-partisan.
• Gary Elgort complained about golf carts and e-bikes driving dangerously on major roads, urged the need for a traffic enforcement unit.
• Mike (citizen) renewed calls for an e-bike helmet ordinance for children, stating it has been months without action.
• Nick Fonsetti thanked all who participated in the Memorial Day ceremony organized by L. Littman and Dominic Olivetto, and commended Parks and Recreation for their support.
• Norman Van Est rebutted a previous council member's statement about his reason for purchasing a home in an HOA, and apologized to Mr. Kemp for a council member's mockery of his presentation.

Public Comments on Vacation Home Rental Ordinance (Item 5.1):

• Gary Elgort questioned why short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed as businesses in residential zones without conditional use permits, comparing them to a nail salon.
• Nick Fonsetti expressed frustration with enforcement, noting lack of inspections for safety systems and parking violations, and suggested dedicating an area away from residential neighborhoods for STRs or eliminating them as other cities have done.
• Bob Bradbury argued STRs are commercial businesses and should not be permitted in single-family zones; he noted that the term "local operators" mirrors franchise terminology.
• Colleen Gleaden supported the stricter ordinance, pointing out that long-term rentals are also businesses, and urged letting the new rules work before drastic measures.
• Natalie (last name not given) asked for meaningful distancing requirements and restoration of conditional use permits, stating the 2019 change to permitted uses fundamentally altered single-family zoning without adequate homeowner notification.
• Becky Peterson emphasized community and zoning integrity, asking the council to protect those who bought homes in single-family neighborhoods.
• John Rosen supported halting new STR licenses and creating a reasonable transition plan for existing licensees.
• Dominic Olivetto noted that some HOAs are enforcing penalties, and stated the city owed homeowners notice when zoning changed.

Public Comment on Hazard Abatement Resolution (Item 7.1):

• Dominic Olivetto praised Building Official Ben Russo, saying he deserves a raise.
• Nick Fonsetti asked if neighbors were compensated for damages; Simon explained costs are placed as a lien on the property and neighbor claims would require private legal action.
• Mary Gleason asked about mental health support for the homeowner; Ben Russo noted they contacted health department and Help Nevada but could not obtain services, and suggested future cases should include counseling provisions.
• Bob Bradbury commended the council and workers for their efforts.

Final Public Comment:

• Dominic Olivetto thanked Simon for his service, acknowledging the research he contributed, and noted this was Simon's last meeting before leaving the city.

Discussion Items

• Presentation from Shari Davis – Nevada Main Street Program: Sherry Davis, Director of Rural Economic and Community Development for the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development, presented on the Main Street America program. She described how the program supports downtown revitalization, historic preservation, and economic vitality. MORPH (Mesquite Opportunities Regional Fund) recently qualified as an affiliate member. Davis highlighted successful projects in Wells, Hawthorne, Fernley, Goldfield, Winnemucca, and Tonopah, and noted that MORPH has already completed utility box wraps, streetlight banners, and statues. She encouraged the city to continue partnering with MORPH, define a Main Street district, consider hiring a Main Street manager, and provide funding for training. The council accepted the presentation (motion passed unanimously).
• Vacation Home Rental Ordinance (B26-005): Jesslin (City Clerk) presented the ordinance amending Title 2, Chapter 13 of the Municipal Code regarding short-term rentals. Councilman Parrish asked about grandfathered properties; Jesslin confirmed licenses are non-transferable per existing code. Councilman Ennis expressed frustration that renewals do not include compliance inspections, and noted complaints about parking and trailers. Jesslin responded that code enforcement operates on a complaint basis but the new ordinance requires a qualified local operator to sign an affidavit taking responsibility. The ordinance was introduced with a public hearing set for June 9, 2026. The vote was 4-1, with Councilman Parrish voting no.
• Downtown Design Standards and Facade Improvement Program (B26-004): Simon (Development Services) presented the ordinance amending design standards for the Downtown Central Business District (DCBD), aligning site plan parking with the unified development code, revising sign regulations, and establishing a grant scoring system for the facade improvement program. The scoring system requires a minimum of 25 points across categories such as architectural enhancement, public improvements, economic impact, and historic rehabilitation. The Architectural Review Committee and Master Plan Committee unanimously recommended approval. The ordinance was adopted with a 5-0 vote.
• Hazard Abatement Resolution (R26-013) – 574 Condor Street: Building Official Ben Russo described a severe rat infestation that began in August/September 2025. Over 900 rats were removed from the property, including 600 from outside and over 300 from inside. The home was gutted down to the studs, sanitized, and rebuilt at a total cost of $162,334.72. Jackson Construction and Nevada Residential Contractors donated materials. The homeowner and her 87-year-old mother were moved to a hotel during the abatement. The costs will be placed as a lien on the property. Council approved the resolution unanimously.
• Liquor License – Chicago Greek: Jesslin presented the application for a Restaurant with Bar Liquor License for Chicago Greek at 355 West Mesquite Boulevard, Suites 30 and 40, following their expansion into an adjoining suite which increased seating capacity. Staff recommended approval. Council approved unanimously.
• Gaming License Transfers – United Coin Machine: Jesslin explained that three Green Valley Grocery locations (Nos. 24, 41, and 78) are changing their slot route operator from Crawford Coin to United Coin Machine (doing business as Century Gaming Technologies). The Nevada Gaming Commission approved the transfers. The council approved each license: Class A for 7 machines at #24 (290 N Sandhill Blvd), Class B for 5 machines at #41 (910 W Mesquite Blvd), and Class A for 7 machines at #78 (1215 W Pioneer Blvd). All approved unanimously.
• Tentative Budget Adoption (FY 2026-2027): Bryce (Finance Director) presented the tentative budget. General fund revenues increased by $385,000 to $4.62 million, and expenditures by approximately $362,000. Key additions include two firefighter positions (one EMT, one paramedic) and four police vehicles. Capital projects include fire truck replacement (moved to next year), bucket truck replacement, Pioneer light wire replacement, landfill planning, fine arts parking lot pavement, senior center planning, and Corus Circle storm drain project. A public hearing was held with no comments. The council adopted the tentative budget as presented unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (Wanless recused).
• Main Street program presentation accepted.
• Ordinance B26-005 (Vacation Home Rentals) introduced for June 9 public hearing (4-1, Parrish opposed).
• Ordinance B26-004 (Downtown Design Standards/Facade Program) adopted (unanimous).
• Resolution R26-013 (Condor Street hazard abatement) approved (unanimous).
• Restaurant with bar liquor license for Chicago Greek approved.
• Class A gaming licenses for United Coin Machine at Green Valley Grocery #24 and #78 approved.
• Class B gaming license for United Coin Machine at Green Valley Grocery #41 approved.
• Tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 adopted.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately [time not specified].