North Las Vegas City Council Meeting – September 17, 2025

Councilman Isaac Brown (Ward One) presided over the meeting in place of Mayor Pamela Goins Brown and Mayor Pro Tem Scott Black, who participated by phone. The meeting opened with an invocation by Pastor Jacob Pettis of Fervent Church and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Churchill.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (items 2 through 31) was approved unanimously by roll call (Mayor Goins Brown and Mayor Pro Tem Black voting aye). These items covered routine approvals and administrative actions.

Public Comments & Testimony

First Public Forum (on posted agenda items) – No speakers came forward.

Second Public Forum (on items not on the agenda) – Three residents addressed the council:

• Heidi Ramirez (1911 Yale Street) requested installation of crosswalks at East Lake Mead Boulevard and Yale Street, citing safety hazards for students and parents crossing near a freeway entrance/exit. She expressed urgent concern about pedestrian and traffic accident risks.
• Dr. Mike Keo (2612 Larksparrow Street) opposed the city’s code enforcement action requiring removal of driveway ramps that he and neighbors had installed. He stated the ramps help him with mobility after multiple orthopedic surgeries and argued they should be allowed if kept clear of debris. He noted no storm drain near his ramp and suggested the enforcement was unwarranted.
• Orlando Romero (7433 Patral Street) requested the council place an item on next month’s agenda to address code enforcement violations concerning driveway ramps. He asserted that the HOA had approved these ramps for 18 years and that the enforcement letters conflicted with prior approvals. He also claimed code enforcement had put a temporary hold on violations for such ramps after his complaint, per a call from head enforcement officer Justin Christensen. He emphasized that removal could violate the Americans with Disabilities Act for residents using ramps for disability.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation – National Information Technology Professionals Day: Councilman Brown read a proclamation recognizing the city’s IT department for outstanding skills and commitment. IT Director Adam and several team members were honored; Mayor Goins Brown and Council members praised their work, especially in protecting the city from a recent cyberattack.
• Council Comments: Councilman Churchill announced the Air Force’s 78th birthday celebration and the upcoming Paws in the Park event (Oct. 25, Aliante Nature Discovery Park). Councilwoman Garcia Anderson reported on the fire and police academy graduations (11 firefighters, 18 officers), Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff events, and the SOAR ceremony honoring Battalion Chief John M. Wright and fallen Officer Roscoe. Councilman Brown highlighted the Hispanic Heritage Month events, the improvement of Calloway Elementary from two to four stars in NPSF ratings, and the Viva La Cultura art exhibition.
• Item 33 – Education Microgrants Program Presentation: Education Initiatives Manager Ingrid Johnson presented outcomes of the 2024‑2025 city microgrants program. The city invested $280,000 in 40 educators across 19 schools ($5,000 per teacher, $10,000 per administrator), totaling $700,000 since program inception. Highlights included: Johnston Middle School’s STEM sound studio; Priest Elementary’s stay-in-school initiative reducing chronic absenteeism; Fitzgerald Elementary’s family store achieving 82% attendance improvement; and Elizondo Elementary raising teacher retention from 51% to 92%. Council members expressed strong support, with Councilman Brown noting the investment in children is among the city’s most important initiatives. Applications for the 2025‑2026 cycle open September 18.
• Item 34 – Resolution 2744 (Animal Foundation Grant): Animal Protection Services Manager Kelly Lodge presented a grant of up to $303,450 (17.34% of an approximately $1.745 million interlocal grant) to the Animal Foundation to support transfer of animals from the main shelter to its adoption center, covering additional costs due to overcrowding. The Animal Foundation was the sole bidder for the shelter operations RFP. Council members voiced support; Councilman Brown shared a personal story about rescuing a dog. The resolution passed unanimously.
• Item 35 – Grant Agreement with Animal Foundation: The companion agreement authorizing the same $303,450 was approved unanimously. Debra Gray of the Animal Foundation thanked the council for the partnership and noted the grant helps fund adoptathons, fee-waved adoptions, and foster incentives to reduce overcrowding.
• City Manager’s Report: Acting City Manager Will Hardy recognized Alfredo Melessio (Planning Director) for winning the Nevada APA President’s Award; noted the mayor and mayor pro tem were in Washington, D.C., for the Vegas Chamber fly-in, where the mayor spoke on transportation and economic growth; and thanked staff for the successful Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (items 2–31): Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2744 (Animal Foundation Grant): Adopted unanimously.
• Grant Agreement (Item 35): Approved unanimously.
• Public Forum Requests: Council directed staff to follow up with Heidi Ramirez (crosswalks) and to address the driveway ramp concerns raised by Dr. Keo and Mr. Romero. Mr. Romero’s request to place the ramp issue on a future agenda was noted for potential discussion.
• Next Steps: Education microgrant applications open September 18, 2025. Staff will review public forum items and report back.