Mesquite City Council Regular Meeting - August 25, 2026

The Mesquite City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM in City Council Chambers at 10 E. Mesquite Blvd. The meeting included presentations, public comments, and consideration of several agenda items. Mayor Jesse Whipple presided.

Presentations and Proclamations

• Mesquite Entertainment presented a check of $5,000 (over $5,000) to the Virgin Valley Theater Group from proceeds of employee farmers markets.
• Women's Equality Day Proclamation: Councilwoman Jean Watkins read the proclamation declaring August 26, 2026, as Women's Equality Day in Mesquite.
• Suicide Awareness: Felicia Stevenson from The Gathering Church announced a third annual suicide awareness event, featuring community partners PAC Coalition, Ascend Counseling and Wellness, and Crimson Heights Mental Health Clinic. Her husband lost a brother to suicide.
• Hughes Middle School Student Council: Cora Kennedy (8th grade president) and Alison Anders (7th grade president) presented on their school theme "Hawk Sore" (Self-control, On task, Achievement, Respect) and thanked the council for funding support.

Consent Calendar

• Item 2.1 (approval of minutes from August 4 Technical Review, July 14 Regular, and August 25 agenda) and 2.2 (approval of bills paid and purchase orders) were approved by a motion from Councilman Ennis, seconded by Councilwoman Fielding. Mayor Whipple recused himself due to business with the city. The vote passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony (Opening)

• Dean Gallo: Accused police captains Quinn Averett and Jordan Bundy of lying under oath in sworn affidavits, alleging corruption and fabrication of a narrative to destroy the previous police chief. He claimed the city manager and attorney failed to investigate. He cited a report where a victim advocate was instructed to "act like this never happened" and said "we take care of our own." He called for termination of the captains without cause.
• Mike (last name not given): Referred to himself as one of "the hateful eight" (or honest eight). Said he had conversations with Congressman Horsford's office and the district attorney's office. Mentioned a meeting with a "very important person" and one of "your bosses." Discussed plans for a parade of lights and requested a future presentation about 9/11.
• Mary Mathis (President, Mesquite Fine Arts Center): Announced upcoming exhibits, the last week of "Abandoned Places" exhibit, a September invitational, and new Saturday community art walks on second Saturdays from 11-3 starting October 10, incorporating the Virgin Valley Heritage Park.
• Mark Griffin (Sun City resident): Raised safety concerns about blind curves on the golf course where golfers cross roads, requesting a safety solution. City Manager Travis Anderson confirmed the city is working with the golf course and Sun City on signage—Sun City will purchase equipment, the city will install and maintain.
• Nick Foncetty: Requested flags be lowered to half-staff for Dolly Parton (who passed that day). Reported citizen complaints of police harassment on Facebook and called for an end to officers targeting citizens.
• Brian Alexander: Promoted senior men's softball league.

Discussion Items

• 4.1 Full Off-Sale Liquor License (Wine, Beer and Spirits Mesquite LLC at 195 Willis Carrier Canyon): Staff reported the item had a prior CUP approval; conditions were met. Public hearing opened and closed with no comment. Councilwoman Fielding moved approval, seconded by Councilwoman Gallo. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
• 4.2 Conditional Use Permit CUP-26-012 (Mesquite Metals Recycling): The mayor announced the item had been pulled before the meeting. Public comment was allowed despite the pull; a resident (Mike) noted concerns about hazardous materials (gasoline, oil, antifreeze, batteries). No vote was taken. Note: The agenda listed this as CUP-26-012; the transcript at one point said CUP-26-014, but the item number is clear.
• 4.3 Conditional Use Permit CUP-26-013 (Short-term vacation rental at 526 Tortuga Way): Planning staff presented the request for a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in a single-family neighborhood. Staff recommended approval. Public hearing opened and closed with no comment. Councilwoman Fielding moved to approve, seconded, and the motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
• 4.4 Proposed Land Exchange (4.53 acres at 750 W. Mesquite Blvd owned by PUB Rock Road LLC for 40 acres of city-owned land within APN 002-12-301-011): Martin (staff) presented appraisals: the private parcel (4.53 acres, CR2 zone) valued at just under $1 million; city land (112 acres appraised, but only 40 sought) valued at about $25,000/acre. The trade value difference was about $30,000. The applicant, Richard Pratt, stated his intent to develop upper-scale single-family homes on the 40 acres. Council discussed moving forward to identify the exact 40 acres. Public comment: Bob Bradbury argued the trade undervalues city land in a growing area and urged tabling for more facts. Councilman Ennis moved to direct staff to move forward on an agreement and identify the 40 acres. Councilwoman Fielding seconded. The motion passed (voice vote; Galloway recorded as indicating aye).
• 4.5 (Confirmation of Finance Director George Wallace) – Pulled prior to meeting. No vote.
• 4.6 Resolution R26-021 Establishing a Housing Committee: City Manager Adam (or designated staff) presented a resolution to create a committee. Each council member would appoint one member via an application process administered by the city clerk. Councilwoman Gallo moved to approve, seconded by Councilman Ennis. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony (Closing)

• Dean Gallo: Continued accusations against city leadership, questioning why Councilwoman Gallo was advised to recuse herself from Chesley-related votes while others named in lawsuits (Mayor Whipple, Councilmembers Fielding and Wandless) were not similarly advised. He alleged Mayor Whipple delayed posting the city attorney position and called for explanations.
• Mike (closing): Repeated complaints about police targeting on Facebook, stated he will report to the Nevada Attorney General, and expressed fear for his wife's safety.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent calendar (minutes and bills).
• Approved full off-sale liquor license for Wine, Beer and Spirits Mesquite LLC.
• Approved CUP-26-013 for short-term vacation rental at 526 Tortuga Way.
• Approved resolution to move forward on land exchange (4.53 acres for 40 acres) with further definition of the 40-acre parcel.
• Approved Resolution R26-021 establishing a Housing Committee.
• Items 4.2 (Mesquite Metals Recycling CUP) and 4.5 (Finance Director confirmation) were pulled; no action taken.
• No votes on consent that required a tally; all votes were voice votes or unanimous.
• No formal action was taken on public comment allegations.