Sparks City Council Meeting - March 9, 2026

The Sparks City Council met on March 9, 2026, to discuss and act on a variety of items including development proposals, road improvements, regional planning, special events funding, and code amendments. The meeting began with public comments primarily opposing a proposed housing development on the Red Hawk Lakes golf course and concerns about fire station staffing. The council approved several routine items and took action on key agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Approved consent items 8.1 and 8.2 as submitted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Walt Rosenberg presented challenge coins and acknowledged the council.
• Mike Davis, homeowner and board member of Wingfield Springs HOA, opposed the proposal to build homes on the Red Hawk Lakes golf course. He argued the golf course is a central amenity, plays an environmental role, and its removal would increase traffic, flood risk, and strain infrastructure while harming property values.
• Shantel Hendricks supported Davis, emphasizing property values. She stated she would not have purchased her lot if she had known homes would be built behind her and urged the council to support long-time residents.
• Catherine Riles opposed the sale of public lands, the Northeast Connector, the closure of the Vista Fire Station, and the 764-home project at Red Hawk. She raised concerns about water supply, wildlife, and open space preservation.
• Fred Krueger, former federal and state employee, thanked Councilmember Bibe for communication. He opposed Senator Rosen's land bill and the Northeast Connector, stating they would degrade existing communities. He asked if council members had toured the area east of Sparks.
• Jim Kynis, a resident of Wingfield Springs, opposed the removal of the fire engine from Fire Station 5, leaving only an ambulance. He questioned the city's priorities, citing $1.4 million spent on turf replacement while fire protection was reduced. He challenged the city manager to take over emergency management.
• Jerry and Irma Gowen submitted a complaint about golf balls consistently entering their yard from the D'Andrea Golf Course, citing the Sparks Municipal Code on nuisances and noting an injury had occurred.
• John Hassan, a resident adjacent to a golf course, reported frequent golf balls entering his yard, with one shattering a window. He said the HOA refused to allow netting, citing aesthetics, and requested the city allow a variance for life safety.

Mayor Lawson noted that the council could not comment on the Red Hawk application prior to a hearing and assured multiple hearings would be held.

Discussion Items

• Agenda and Minutes Approval: The council approved the agenda with amendments to remove items 9.2, 9.5, and 9.11. The minutes of the February 23, 2026 meeting were also approved.
• Building Code Board of Appeals Appointment (9.1): The council appointed Joey Gansser as the electrical contractor representative to the Building Code Board of Appeals for a two-year term, following the building official's recommendation.
• Praterway Rehabilitation and Road Diet Project (9.3): RTC project manager Kim Deagle presented updated information following deeper community engagement. A road diet configuration was recommended, reducing travel lanes. Public feedback showed 44% support and 41% concerns about congestion. Safety improvements include wider sidewalks, enhanced crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, and rapid flashing beacons. Analysis showed a 34% reduction in crashes with a modest 35-second increase in travel time during peak hours. The road can be modified in future maintenance cycles. The council approved the road diet configuration.
• Street and Highway Interlocal Cooperative Agreement (9.4): Dale Keller from RTC presented the FY27 program, including $22.5 million for pavement preservation, $10 million for traffic operations, and $5 million for active transportation. The council approved the agreement.
• Sponsorship of Regional Plan Amendment for NV Energy (9.6): Scott Carey presented a request to sponsor an amendment to the Truckee Meadows Regional Plan to establish a new utility site and corridor for the Lazy Five substation and transmission lines. The planning commission had recommended approval. The council voted to sponsor the amendment.
• Phlebotomy Services Joint Agreement (9.7): Deputy Chief Tara Edmondson presented a three-year agreement with Technical Medical for evidentiary blood draw services and court testimony. The city's share is $210,772.56, based on 27% usage. The agreement was approved.
• Special Events Funding (9.8): Emily Pate and Patience Montserrat presented the Tourism and Marketing Committee's recommendation to allocate up to $70,950 in FY26 and $139,050 in FY27 to event producers. Councilmember Abbott disclosed his volunteer role with 39 North, stating no pecuniary interest. The allocation was approved.
• First Readings: First readings of bill 2850 (amending fee refunds for building permits) and bill 2851 (amending sewer rates and connection fees) were presented, with public hearings scheduled for March 23, 2026.
• Code Amendment – Illegal Massage Businesses (10.1): City Attorney Wes Duncan presented the second reading of an ordinance to strengthen regulations against illegal massage businesses involved in human trafficking. Provisions include prohibiting license applicants associated with a revoked licensee, preventing new massage businesses at the same location for three years, broadening inspection powers, and prohibiting employees from living on premises without a home occupation permit. Public commenter Hunter Rand raised constitutional concerns. The council adopted the ordinance.
• Sparks Crossing Handbook Amendment for Colors/Materials (11.1): Planner Cheyenne Galano presented a proposal to expand permitted colors and materials for two pad sites in the shopping center to attract tenants. Applicant Mark Platt stated his restaurant would open the following Tuesday. The council adopted the amendment.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the agenda with amendments (removed items 9.2, 9.5, 9.11).
• Approved the minutes of February 23, 2026.
• Approved consent items 8.1 and 8.2.
• Appointed Joey Gansser to the Building Code Board of Appeals.
• Approved the road diet configuration for the Praterway Rehabilitation Project.
• Approved the interlocal cooperative agreement with RTC for FY27 projects.
• Sponsored the Truckee Meadows Regional Plan amendment for the NV Energy substation.
• Approved the three-year phlebotomy services agreement with Technical Medical.
• Approved tourism funding allocations for special events.
• Adopted Ordinance 2849 (second reading of bill 2849) amending code on illegal massage businesses.
• Adopted Ordinance 2848 (second reading of bill 2848) amending the Sparks Crossing handbook for pad site colors/materials.
• Mayor directed the city manager to explore alternatives for ambulance contracting services.
• Announced vacancies on the Sparks Charter Committee with an application deadline of March 11, 2026.

All votes were unanimous.