North Las Vegas City Council and Redevelopment Agency Meeting - November 5, 2025

The North Las Vegas City Council and Redevelopment Agency met on November 5, 2025, for a regular meeting that included presentations, proclamations, a parks master plan update, an emergency management ordinance, and the appointment of a municipal judge for Department One. The meeting began with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of UNLV Day and Councilman Isaac Barone's birthday.

Consent Calendar

• Redevelopment Agency: Approved the agenda and consent agenda (one item) unanimously.
• City Council: Approved the agenda and consent agenda (items 4 through 20) unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

First Public Forum (on posted agenda items):

• Jeff Allen (general counsel for North Las Vegas Police Officers Association) expressed support for applicant Chris Cannon for municipal judge, citing his legal knowledge and experience.
• Peter Angelo (attorney) endorsed Chris Cannon, noting his integrity and judicial temperament.
• Jasmine (no last name given) attempted to ask about city funding but was redirected to the second public forum because her comments were not tied to a specific agenda item.
• Ross Bryant (retired Army major, UNLV veteran services executive director) endorsed Denise Ramos for municipal judge, highlighting her military service, values, and potential to serve as a veteran treatment court judge.

Second Public Forum (on non-agenda items):

• Elaine Jefferson (Aliante resident) requested that dog walkers be allowed to use soccer fields untethered until a dog park is built, citing confusion over animal control rules and the needs of senior citizens.
• Dutch Harbor (veteran, Carriage Park resident) criticized the city council for not attending protests on October 18th against government overreach, called on leaders to be more active in defending democracy, and referenced ICE enforcement as a concern.

Discussion Items

• UNLV Presentation and Proclamation (Item 22): UNLV Interim President Chris Heave presented on the university's growth, R1 research status, workforce programs, and partnership with North Las Vegas. The council unanimously adopted a proclamation declaring November 5, 2025, as UNLV Day in North Las Vegas.
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan (Item 23): Jason Gank from Barry Dunn Consultants presented the kickoff of a year-long master planning process for the city's parks and recreation. The plan will include community engagement, facility assessment, and a capital improvement plan, with a focus on equitable access across all wards. The council discussed the need to address both mature and newly developing areas.
• Ordinance 3257 – Emergency Management (Item 24): Deputy Fire Chief Ben Erickson presented updates to the emergency management ordinance, including clarifying the director's role, updating succession plans, and creating an Emergency Management Council. The ordinance was passed unanimously.
• Judicial Applicant Presentations (Items 25-26):
  • Christopher Cannon: Presented his 25 years with the North Las Vegas Police Department, legal experience in criminal defense, family law, and employment law, and his understanding of the Care Court's mission. He proposed a night court pilot program and open court house.
  • Denise Ramos: Presented her 25 years in the Nevada Army National Guard, experience as a judge pro tem in North Las Vegas Municipal Court, and family law practice. She emphasized servant leadership, access to justice, and the need to educate defendants on the implications of pleas.

Key Outcomes

• Appointment of Municipal Judge: The council voted to appoint Christopher Cannon as municipal judge for Department One, effective upon swearing in, with the term ending November 30, 2026. The motion passed with council members expressing support for both candidates but noting Cannon's opportunity to prove himself before the election.
• Ordinance 3257 was adopted unanimously, updating the city's emergency management structure.
• UNLV Day Proclamation was adopted.
• City Manager's Report: Recognized the police department as the Joint Forces Agency of the Year, Greg Bortman as Nevada PRSA Senior PR Practitioner of the Year, Monica Flores's scholarship, and the risk management team's forklift rodeo success.