Mesquite City Council Regular Meeting – June 9, 2026

The meeting began with an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and a proclamation declaring Constitution Week (September 17–23, 2026). The council then moved through public comments, consent agenda, a CCSD quarterly report, mayor and council reports, a public hearing and adoption of the vacation home rental ordinance, approval of a mural, and approval of downtown shade structures, benches, and trash bins funded by a Travel Nevada grant. The meeting concluded with final public comments and adjournment.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (4-0, Mayor Whipple recused himself due to his company doing business with the city) the following items: minutes of the April 28, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting and May 19, 2026 Technical Review Meeting; the June 9, 2026 agenda; notifications of bills paid and purchase orders; Resolution No. R26-015 adopting Supplemental No. 2 to Interlocal Contract MES01F24 with the Clark County Regional Flood Control District for the Town Wash – Mesa Boulevard Storm Drain; and the bid award for the 2025 Mesquite Streets Improvement Project.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non‑agenda public comment: Rick Clark complained about a neighbor’s trash pile on Hafen property and asked the city to clean it up and place a lien.
• Vacation home rental ordinance public hearing: Multiple residents spoke:
  • Jeff Reynolds urged the council to reconsider the ordinance, calling it “full of holes.”
  • Dominic Olivetto argued the ordinance is a “band‑aid” and advocated for zoning changes to require STRs in commercial areas.
  • John Rosen acknowledged improvement but pressed for zoning solutions and property value protections.
  • Chris Art Tander stressed quality of life and said the ordinance accommodates VRBOs at the expense of residential neighborhoods.
  • Sherry Hollenbach thanked the committee and urged approval.
  • Doug Reath (co‑owner of Premier Properties) and Christina Corn described their management practices, including rental agreements that address parking and noise, and opposed distancing requirements.
  • Becky Peterson called for protecting residents and zoning enforcement.
  • Natalie Hafen questioned the legal basis for delaying AB 363 distancing requirements (660 ft) until 2030 and asked why STRs were changed from conditional use to permitted use in 2019.
  • Barry Clarkson (attorney, part‑owner in Premier Properties) argued that STRs are not commercial uses, that equal protection requires treating short‑term and long‑term rentals the same, and that AB 363 does not apply to Mesquite based on current population data.
  • Amy Gardner (part‑owner of Mesquite Getaways) supported the ordinance, asked for trailer parking to be counted as a vehicle, and urged that existing license holders be required to go through the same new process.
  • Davis Waddell praised the council’s quick response to the moratorium and said the committee’s recommendations directly address the original concerns.
  • Rick McIntyre (committee chair) urged adoption of the ordinance with the trailer and fine‑schedule amendments.
  • Gary Elgord criticized occupancy limits as too high for residential quality of life.
  • Jay Gardner (business partner of Amy) supported the ordinance and concurred with the trailer amendment.
• Downtown shade structures, benches, and trash bins: No public opposition. Dominic Olivetto and John Rosen voiced support; John Rosen called it “tangible evidence” of building toward a distinct downtown.

Discussion Items

• Clark County School District Quarterly Report (Item 3.1): Mr. Perkins presented graduation rate increases (overall +3.2 %, English learners and special education students +20 %+), CTE enrollment growth (+7.6 %), dual‑enrollment skyrocketing (+82 %), and workforce readiness initiatives. He also highlighted student celebrations at local schools. Council accepted the report by motion (seconded, unanimous).
• Mayor’s Comments and Reports (Item 4.1): Mayor Whipple addressed unapproved rock carvings on city property near “Mount Rushmore,” reminding the public that a permit process exists. He also announced the ribbon cutting for the new fire station (Station 2) and road updates.
• Council and Staff Reports (Item 4.2): Council members thanked staff and noted the new fire station’s first day of operation (5 calls, including a cat in a tree). Councilwoman Gallo praised Animal Control for adopting out the last puppy and noted many kittens available. Becca Shrupp clarified that changes to the Senior Center Respite Program are on hold while a review is conducted; grant funding remains unchanged. Travis provided roadwork updates: paving on the boulevard complete, restriping Sunday night, Levit and Hafen lanes nearing completion by June 24. He also outlined the 2025 Mesquite Streets Improvement Project (widening, sidewalk, crosswalk flashers at Falcon Ridge Parkway).
• Vacation Home Rental Ordinance (Item 5.1): Jesslin presented the proposed amendments to Title 2, Chapter 13 of the Municipal Code. Key changes: new definitions, requirement for a certificate of occupancy and a qualified local operator, total‑body occupancy limits (including children), increased penalties (first violation warning, second $500 fine, third 90‑day suspension, fourth revocation for one year), and neighbor notification. Council members raised concerns about trailers, parking enforcement, and the difficulty of amending fine amounts. Attorney Adam clarified that fines could be placed under a fee schedule managed by the city manager. Councilman Wandless moved to adopt the ordinance with two amendments: (1) trailers and any towed vehicles count as separate vehicles, and (2) fines are set at the discretion of the city manager via a fee schedule. Councilwoman Fielding seconded. The motion passed (voice vote, all in favor).
• Mural Approval (Item 6.1): Steve presented the design for a mural on the Rio Virgin / Reliance Connects building at 61 W Mesquite Blvd. Funding ($5,100 from Paul Benedict in memory of his wife, plus Nevada Arts Council America 250 funds, plus a contribution from Reliance) was secured. The mural will include logos for Reliance, Nevada Arts Council, and America 250, and a memorial to Barbara Benedict. The council approved by motion (seconded, unanimous).
• Downtown Shade Structures, Benches, and Trash Bins (Item 6.2): Simon described the Travel Nevada Special Projects Grant, which funds five shade structures, ten benches, and seven trash bins at locations including Taco Bell, KFC, Heritage Park, City Hall, the Brickyard, and others. He addressed maintenance concerns, noting the materials are virtually maintenance‑free and that trash collection is part of regular operations. Travis estimated an additional $2,000–$3,000 for concrete foundations, to be covered by the streets account. Easements will be needed from some property owners. Council approved the recommended locations by motion (seconded, unanimous).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved (4‑0, mayor recused).
• CCSD quarterly report accepted.
• Ordinance B26‑005 adopted with amendments to count trailers as vehicles and to place fines under a city‑manager‑managed fee schedule.
• Mural at the Rio Virgin / Reliance building approved.
• Downtown shade structures, benches, and trash bins locations approved; staff directed to obtain easements and proceed with installation.
• Final public comments: Several residents thanked outgoing City Manager Simon for his service. Becky Peterson raised a question about a drilling operation near the Utah/Nevada/Arizona border reported in the Salt Lake Tribune; Ben Martinson (General Manager of Virgin Valley Water District) stated the aquifer is healthy and that a detailed presentation is scheduled for the July 14 city council meeting.