Mesquite City Council Regular Meeting - September 8, 2026
Mesquite City Council Regular Meeting - September 8, 2026
The Mesquite City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting opened with ceremonial matters including an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, awards, and a 9/11 remembrance presentation. Key items included the introduction of an ordinance to change short-term rental zoning from conditional use to permitted use, approval of multiple liquor licenses, three short-term rental conditional use permits, and a tentative commercial subdivision map. Public comment included heated debate over short-term rental policy, police department controversies, and mental health awareness.
Consent Calendar
- Approved the August 18, 2026 Technical Review Meeting minutes and the September 8, 2026 Regular City Council agenda (Councilwoman Fielding motion, Councilman Ennis second, unanimous).
- Approved notifications of bills paid and purchase orders (same motion).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Dominic Oliveto: Urged the city to investigate a complaint about the police department through an outside agency to restore trust.
- Dean Gallo: Alleged cover-up and corruption in the police department, referencing former Chief Chesley's recording incident, settlement, and ongoing lawsuit. Criticized the city manager for promoting an unqualified police chief.
- McCall Clifford and Tanner Ducharm: Invited the community to the upcoming musical "Annie" at the community theater.
- Nick Alfonsetti: Thanked Mike Benham for the 9/11 presentation; criticized the city for dragging feet on hiring and other issues.
- Dave Alwick: Urged enforcement of the city's decorum ordinance in public comments, stating repetitive attacks on employees are not allowed. Also noted the police department has been without a contract for 15 months.
- Jimmy White: Expressed appreciation for Mesquite as a great place to live.
- Corbin (last name not given): Opposed changing short-term rentals to permitted use, arguing it removes public oversight; suggested tabling until new council members are seated.
- Steve (last name not given): Defended the police department and fire department, asking the public to stop attacking first responders.
- Rick McIntyre: Supported moving short-term rental approvals to administrative process, as he chaired the committee; later praised civil debate among committee members.
- Natalie Hafen: Strongly urged rejection of B26-007 (changing STR to permitted use), arguing it eliminates public hearing and oversight, and that 11 weeks is insufficient to evaluate new regulations.
- John Rosen: Asked to table B26-007 until the Master Plan Committee can present an alternate proposal treating STRs as commercial uses; noted court cases on STR regulations are ongoing.
- Charles Burton: Expressed concern about a proposed STR next door regarding property value and safety.
- Dolores Lamarel: Questioned the number of bedrooms listed for a proposed STR property and asked about oversight for out-of-state owners.
- Shanna Trover: Explained her daughter and son-in-law (a pastor) purchased a home for eventual move-back and need STR income.
- Cliff Romberg: Opposed the Hawkins subdivision tentative map, citing potential for increased empty stores, loss of existing businesses, and lack of HOA discussion.
- Peter Frost: Requested postponement of the subdivision approval until more details about tenants and HOA involvement are known.
- Gary and Rhonda Schatz: Raised concerns about noise, lights, and delivery trucks from a potential grocery store near their home.
- Joe Vittmeyer: Asked council to treat the development as if it were in their own backyard.
- Ben Martinson: Explained the tentative map phase only concerns lot lines, not architecture; encouraged more public education on the process.
- Mark Hill (Pinnacle HOA president): Asked to table the subdivision until the developer meets with Mesquite Vista Board for architectural review.
- Jeff Reynolds: Questioned why liquor licenses require council approval rather than staff approval.
- William Mitchell: Complained about long traffic light timing at Hillside and Sand Hill; offered to help police write tickets; suggested a new modern museum instead of preserving the Relief House.
- Sandy Romberg: Provided education on suicide prevention language ("died by suicide" rather than "committed suicide").
- Sue Tabor: Urged the council to consider bringing in an outside facilitator to heal community contention.
Discussion Items
- Quarterly Report from Clark County School District: Presented by Ms. Tomlinson and Hughes Middle School Principal Jade Wilson. Reported increased student participation and improvement in safety and connectedness perceptions at Virgin Valley schools. Highlighted celebrations at each school including assemblies, themed kickoffs, student recognition, and community partnerships.
- Ordinance B26-007 (Introduction): Proposed amending Title 9, Chapter 7 to change short-term rental (vacation home rental) from a conditional use to a permitted use in all residential zoning districts (RE-1 through multifamily). Staff (Travis) explained that all existing business license rules and enforcement standards remain; the change only moves approval from council to administrative process. Councilman Ennis supported, noting court rulings favor STRs. Councilwoman Fielding clarified it doesn't change zone distances. Councilman Parrish asked about a possible cap; City Attorney Anderson said caps are legally uncertain and currently litigated. Public comment was divided. The motion to introduce the ordinance and set a public hearing for September 22, 2026 passed 4-1 (Councilwoman Gallo opposed).
- Tavern Liquor License (All Kinds of BBQ Tavern): Jessly introduced applicant Jesus Munoz, who persevered for two years to find a location. Rick McIntyre (Falcon Ridge HOA) expressed full support. Approved unanimously.
- Restaurant with Bar Liquor License (The Drift): For George and Melinda Creamer's new venue in Adobe Mesa Plaza. Approved unanimously.
- Conditional Use Permit CUP-26-014 (341 Francy Lane): Short-term rental in single-family zone. Staff recommended approval. No public comment (other than a clarification from John Rosen that B26-007 introduction does not affect this CUP). Approved unanimously.
- Conditional Use Permit CUP-26-015 (549 East Mesquite Blvd): Short-term rental. Neighbor Charles Burton expressed concern about property values and safety. Staff noted new enforcement tools (three complaints can lead to license revocation). Approved unanimously.
- Conditional Use Permit CUP-26-016 (332 Poppy Lane): Short-term rental. Neighbor Dolores Lamarel questioned number of bedrooms; applicant's mother explained the home has 2 bedrooms plus office, and owners plan limited occupancy. Approved unanimously.
- Tentative Map TM-26-007 (Hawkins Mesquite Subdivision): Subdivide 12.28 acres into 5 commercial parcels at Pioneer and Oasis. Zoned CR-2. Multiple public comments opposed due to potential impacts and lack of HOA consultation; speakers requested postponement. Councilwoman Fielding noted this is only the subdivision plat, and further hearings will address architecture and tenants. Motion to approve passed unanimously (5-0).
Key Outcomes
- Consent agenda approved (4-0, Mayor recused).
- Ordinance B26-007 introduced 4-1; public hearing set for September 22, 2026.
- Two liquor licenses approved (unanimous).
- Three short-term rental CUPs approved (unanimous).
- Tentative map TM-26-007 approved (unanimous).
- The council received the CCSD quarterly report.
- The 9/11 remembrance ceremony will be held September 11 at 10:30 AM at Fire Station 1.
- A fundraiser for a "Next Generation" firefighter statue was announced.
- Traffic pattern changes on Pioneer Boulevard starting Monday, September 14 for one week.
- The police department has been without a contract for 15 months; a complaint has been filed with the state EMRB.
- Public comments revealed ongoing controversies regarding police leadership and city management; multiple speakers called for an independent investigation.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the Tuesday, September 8th, 2026, regular city council meeting for the city of Mesquite. We're going to start with an invocation by Pastor Sue Tabor of the Mesquite Worship Center. Good evening. Before I start praying, I need to do something. The newspaper always spells my last name wrong. So I'm going to spell it for them because I think they listen instead of read. So my last name is Tabor. T is in Tom, A B is in boy, E R. Thank you. Father God, we thank you that you love every person here. And that it's you accept them just the way they are. And Father, we expect you and ask you to be here and to be a part of guiding this council and this community as could as business is conducted, that things be done in decency and in order, and that Father, any wisdom and insight come forth, and that decisions that are made are for the betterment of this community. We thank you for your wisdom and your participation in Jesus' name. Amen. Thank you, Pastor. Could you all please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance? Pledge. And it's human for one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for our law. Um can I have a Chief Andres? Come on. Good evening, Mayor Whipple, members of the city council, members of the public. Thank you for your time. I just want to take a few minutes. I want to take just a few minutes and talk about September's suicide prevention awareness month. And it does this does impact our community in a in a very large way. And so I just I first I just want to recognize the group that has meets on a regular basis. And that is uh the fire department, uh Chief Fells with Mesquite Police Department, Salvation Army, Community Health Care Workers, uh, Linda Reno and the PAC Coalition, Mesa View Hospital, Comfort Home Health and Hospice, Mesquite PD, Victim Advocates, uh, Judge Toons, uh, municipal court staff, mesquite behavioral center. We have a lot of professionals that help and join us in these conversations. Uh, city administrators and senior center and rec center staff. Uh, I just want to recognize these individuals, but more importantly, we've done a really good job as a country, as a region, talking about the importance of 911. My goal tonight is to bring uh an increased awareness on 988 and the differences between that and 911. Frank, if we can't get that up, I can pull it up right here. Oh, right there, thank you. We know we need to talk about 911 for active suicide, but 988 is for thinking about suicide or planning to hurt oneself. Uh 988, uh, talking about harm to self or others, non-life-threatening injuries, overuse of alcohol or drugs, depression, anxiety, or other mental illness symptoms. This challenge is growing, and uh it's important as first responders as a community uh led by Judge Toon that we grow and respond to this uh in a in a proactive effort as a community. So I just want to recognize uh that group, appreciate Judge Toon and his leadership and everyone who participates in that. Uh Linda Reno with PAC Coalition uh is is distributing anchor boxes. I'm sure many of you are aware about these boxes, and they can be picked up all throughout the the community. Um but there's a lot of tools and things in here. Uh deck a deck of cards. 52 reasons to live. Right? And uh there's just uh uh uh there's so many things in this box that maybe be able to help someone or help a family member who needs to try to help someone. So uh these are not easy topics to discuss, but if we can help, uh please get a hold of Linda Reno. Could I please ask very briefly for anyone on this coalition to please stand up just in the back of the room? I think you're mostly in the back of the room. There's Doug Tune so uh again, Mayor and Council, thank you. I uh a lot of people aren't comfortable calling 911 when they're having a mental health crisis or a crisis in any uh uh scenario. Uh we want to get uh and improve our awareness on 988.
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