North Las Vegas City Council and Redevelopment Agency Meeting - August 6, 2025
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North Las Vegas City Council and Redevelopment Agency Meeting - August 6, 2025
The North Las Vegas City Council and Redevelopment Agency held a joint meeting on August 6, 2025, at City Hall. The meeting included presentations, recognition of community partners, public comments on a proposed camping ordinance, approval of a major interlocal agreement for a Nevada State University downtown campus, and a zoning change for Delta Academy. Key actions included unanimous approval of the university partnership, adoption of Ordinance 328 restricting public camping, and approval of the Delta Academy expansion.
Consent Calendar
- Redevelopment Agency: Approved the consent agenda consisting of two items (items not specified in transcript) without discussion.
- City Council: Approved the consent agenda consisting of items 6 through 21 (specific items not enumerated) without discussion.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Opposition to Ordinance 328 (Camping Prohibition): Six speakers addressed the council during the first public forum:
- Kaylee Mace (ACLU of Nevada): Argued the ordinance criminalizes homelessness, raises due process and equal protection concerns, and exposes the city to legal liabilities.
- Esther Wu: Shared a personal story of a close friend who overcame homelessness and teenage motherhood to become a Harvard graduate and nonprofit CEO; stated the ordinance would have villainized her.
- Isabella Haddad: Said the ordinance does not address root causes and urged focus on outreach and resources rather than misdemeanors.
- Crystal Steinbeck (President, Southern Nevada Chapter 5051): Urged the council to consult nonprofits and not pass the ordinance, emphasizing boots-on-the-ground knowledge.
- Samar Jolly (Next Gen Politics Nevada): Cited statistics (about 10% shelter bed availability, ~7 supportive housing openings per month) arguing the ordinance's promise of connecting to shelter is hollow.
- Savannah Hodges: Argued that arrest for sleeping is inevitable under the ordinance, given rising rents and stagnant wages; questioned why low-income residents should fear arrest for being unable to afford housing.
- Delta Academy Public Hearing: One comment card in opposition and three in support were received; no speakers appeared in person. The council closed the hearing and approved the item.
Discussion Items
- Recognition and Presentations:
- Business of the Month (Summit Tavern): Mayor Pro Tem Scott Black presented a certificate to the family-owned smoke-free tavern, located at 7960 North Decatur, for community involvement and support of organizations like St. Jude's Ranch, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Safe Nest, and Ronald McDonald House.
- Swift Water Rescue Recognition: Six North Las Vegas Police officers and a dispatcher were recognized for rescuing a woman who was swept eight miles through a flood channel on July 18, 2025. Sergeant Justin Miller described the multi-agency effort involving stop sticks and hobbles to pull her to safety.
- Councilmember Reports:
- Councilman Churchill: Attended a veterans roundtable with Congressman Horsford on July 28; held a back-to-school giveaway at Skyview that had lower turnout due to competing events; acknowledged firefighters responding to a fatal fire on North Fifth Street.
- Councilwoman Garcia Anderson: Attended a quarterly community meeting at Alexander Library on July 22; spoke at the groundbreaking of Joseph Neal Apartments (192-unit affordable senior housing, completion expected end of 2026); reported a back-to-school health screening event at Dolores Huerta Resource Center on July 31 (20 sports physicals, 15 vaccinations, 52 vision tests); highlighted HOME Team assistance to a family facing eviction, securing emergency housing within 24 hours via Clark County's family non-congregate shelter program.
- Mayor Pro Tem Black: Co-hosted a back-to-school event at Silver Mesa Rec Center with Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick, serving 900 snow cones; recognized Parks and Rec staff.
- Redevelopment Agency: Interlocal Agreement with Nevada State University (NSU):
- Economic Development Director Terry Sheridan introduced the item, noting Mayor Goines Brown teased the idea at the State of the City in April. The agreement provides a partial rent subsidy not to exceed $7,528,222 for a 30,000-square-foot, three-story campus in downtown North Las Vegas.
- Dr. Amber Lopez Lasseter (NSU Chief Officer) presented: 21% of NSU's students live within five miles of the proposed location; the campus will remove commuting barriers (currently a 20-mile drive from North Las Vegas to Henderson) and offer career-aligned programs with customized curriculum; the $7.5M RDA investment leverages $2.5M from the state legislature and additional philanthropic funds from NV Energy; projected enrollment growth; timeline includes Board of Regents action in September 2025.
- Council members expressed strong support, calling it a "game changer" and an investment in the community's future. Motion to approve passed unanimously.
- Public Hearing: Delta Academy Expansion (AMP-04-2025 & ZN06-2025):
- Applicant Lexa Green presented a comprehensive plan amendment and zone change (M2 to Public Semi-Public) for 2.21± acres adjacent to the existing Delta Academy at Brooks Avenue and Revere Street. The expansion will add facilities and amenities for the student body. A neighborhood meeting showed support from nearby residents. Construction is planned in three phases starting mid-October 2025, with a drop-off/pickup plan during construction. Council approved both items unanimously.
- Ordinance 328 (Camping Prohibition):
- Homeless Services Manager Jason Lilly presented the home team's proactive outreach approach: 779 persons enrolled in street outreach program; 99 enrolled in emergency shelter; 87% success rate for individuals, 93% for families; 27 completed substance/behavioral treatment and transitioned to permanent housing; coordination with COP team, Care Court, and community correctional center.
- Council discussion: Councilwoman Garcia Anderson emphasized the ordinance is about public safety and connecting people to services, not punishment. Councilman Churchill acknowledged speakers' concerns but stressed the need for balanced approach; referenced contribution to the "Campus for Hope" project. Mayor Pro Tem Black repeated the importance of outreach and balanced approach, noting one-in-four homeless persons engaged by HOME Team are helped off the street that day.
- Motion to approve Ordinance 328 passed (vote tally not specified but implied unanimous).
Key Outcomes
- Redevelopment Agency: Unanimously approved the interlocal agreement with Nevada State University for a partial rent subsidy up to $7,528,222 for a downtown campus.
- City Council – Delta Academy: Unanimously approved:
- AMP-04-2025: Comprehensive plan amendment to change land use designation from mixed-use employment to public semi-public for the expansion site.
- ZN06-2025 / Ordinance 3250: Zone change from M2 General Industrial to Public Semi-Public for 2.21± acres.
- Ordinance 328 (Camping Prohibition): Adopted (final action), adding a new chapter to Title VIII of the municipal code prohibiting encampments, camping, lodging, and similar activities on public rights-of-way and other public areas.
- City Manager’s Report: Noted:
- 8 veterans graduated from the Care Veterans Treatment Court, bringing total to 39 graduates.
- Alexander Dennis opened the only double-decker bus manufacturing facility in North America in North Las Vegas.
- Back-to-school giveaway scheduled for August 9, 2025, at the Neighborhood Rec Center.
- Ride the Wave pool party at Silver Mesa drew hundreds of residents.
Meeting Transcript
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. We're going to begin our city council and redevelopment agency meeting. We'll welcome you all here to the City of North Las Vegas City Hall. There are two uh forums. I'm sorry, there are four public forums set aside for public comment, one at the beginning and one at the end of the redevelopment agency meeting and one at the beginning and end of the city council regular meeting. If you wish to speak, please complete one of the blue cards, which are located on the table outside the main entrance and at the podium rail. Please give the card to the city clerk. When called on to speak, we request that you limit your comments to no more than two minutes and that you avoid repetition. Madam City Clerk, are we in compliance with the Nevada Open Meeting Law? Yes, sir, we are. Awesome. Thank you so much. This afternoon we have the privilege and opportunity to have the invocation given by Pastor Jacob Perez from Fervent Church. Following the invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Councilwoman Ruth Garcia Anderson. Please rise. Let's bow our heads and let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank you so much for this time you've given us, Lord, to come together as as one, as one city and one community to invoke your name and to ask you to bless this time. We ask for wisdom for guidance and discernment in everything that we do in this place, Lord, and even in our personal lives. We ask for the peace, Lord, and the blessing and prosperity of this city, the city of North Las Vegas, and that we can do our part, Lord, to uh to bless one another in our community, Lord, and to be one, Lord, in your name. We love you, God, and we thank you in Jesus' name. We pray. Amen. Amen. Please join me. One nation on God and Liberty Strong. Thank you, Pastor Jacob. If you would like to just take a moment and tell us a little bit about or remind us, I should say, because you've been here before about Fermit Fervent Church. Yes, uh, Fervin Church located on 4295 North Rancho Drive on Craig and Rancho, just outside the limits of the North Las Vegas City. Um, but we still uh get to bless our community and our congregants that way. Uh we do various things, including annual harvest fest during Halloween, where we play games and set up games and food for the community, as well as take part in outreaches uh and working closely with our uh Metro Police officers. Awesome. Well, we really appreciate you being here this afternoon praying for us. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, now ladies and gentlemen, we have two presentations. The first one is Certificate of the Month uh Business of the Month, and that's from Ward 3. That's the ward that I represent. And then also we have a recognition for the NLV police uh Swift Water Rescue that you all may be familiar with. So I'll invite my council colleagues to join me down front for the two presentations. Hi, I'm Mayor Pro Tem Scott Black, proudly representing Ward 3 in the city of North Las Vegas. It's my pleasure to recognize a new business that's already making big contributions to our local economy and community spirit. Congratulations to Summit Tavern, our August 2025 business of the month. Summit Tavern is a brand new family-owned business located at 7960 North Decatur with a clear mission to be a welcoming neighborhood spot for great food, friendly faces, and community connection. Whether you're stopping by for the big game, catching up with friends, or just grabbing a bite to eat, it's an easy ride on your bicycle from anywhere in ward three, and you'll get an incredible view of the Gas Peak Summit from the Summit. Dan Kay, Tish, and Lou DeSalvio created Summit Tavern to be a true part of the community. And while the food and atmosphere are top-notch, what really makes Summit Tavern stand out is their hard for service. They're active supporters of some of our region's most impactful organizations, including St. Jude's Ranch for Children, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Safe Nest, and Wild McDonald House. With plans to expand, Summit Tavern is building something special right here in North Las Vegas. A space where neighbors gather, memories are made, and giving back is always part of the plan.
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