Sparks City Council Meeting – May 11, 2026

The Sparks City Council met on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 4:00 PM (local time) to conduct routine business, hear public comments, approve several proclamations, and vote on a consent calendar and multiple regular agenda items. The meeting opened with an invocation, roll call, and the Pledge of Allegiance. A significant portion of the public comment period was devoted to residents opposing the proposed rezoning of the Red Hawk golf course in Wingfield Springs for approximately 700 new homes. The council took no action on that matter during the meeting. All votes on agenda items were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda as submitted (motion by Anderson, second by Rodriguez).
• Approved the minutes of the April 27, 2026, Sparks City Council meeting (motion by Abbott, second by Bibi).
• Consent item 8.1 was approved (motion by Anderson, second by Rodriguez).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chamber Leadership Class (two groups): Members of the Reno Sparks Chamber of Commerce leadership class of 2026 introduced themselves, thanked the council for their service, and highlighted their organizations’ roles in the community. Speakers included Becky Hall (Nevada Mining Association), R.C. (Reno Sparks Convention Authority), Christina York (Charles River Laboratory), Nicole Flingus (Tom Clark Solutions), Katie Joe Collier (NB Energy), Mary Joe Smart Pinocchio (Fennemore Craig), Samantha Eignan (PBS Reno), Erica Beach (El Dorado Circus Circus Silver Legacy), Caroline Ackerman (Renown Health), and Dan Luz (VA State Bank).
• Michael Nolan (Wingfield Springs resident, 20+ years): Opposed the proposed rezoning for over 700 homes, stating it fundamentally changes the planned community vision of open space, lakes, and natural surroundings. Quoted the original Wingfield Springs handbook and argued that the proposal is a major shift in density and character, with traffic and infrastructure concerns. He urged that the developer, not residents, bear all infrastructure costs if development proceeds.
• Gerald Werner (Wingfield Springs resident): Opposed the rezoning, citing existing traffic congestion on I-80, Pyramid Highway, and Vista Boulevard. He described the golf course fairways as “golden opportunities” for the builder and warned that the project would destroy the open-space character of Wingfield Springs and add 800–900 cars to the area.
• Steve McKirk (Waste Management District Manager): Presented an update on WM’s partnership with the City of Sparks, including collaboration with Parks and Fire departments, support for events, quarterly billing with hazardous waste vouchers, senior discounts, and a year of free trash service for income-qualified residents (150% of federal poverty level). He also noted he is part of the chamber leadership class.
• Larry Dribble (Wingfield Springs resident, risk management professional): Opposed the rezoning, identifying four critical shortcomings: fragmented analysis (four separate amendments), fiscal opacity (no long-term road fund impact disclosure), lack of written confirmation of capacity from fire/EMS/schools, and traffic data lacking independent peer review. He formally requested the council continue or deny the items until a verifiable, data-driven record with binding mitigation measures is established.
• Walt Rosenberg (disabled Vietnam veteran): Thanked Councilmember Anderson for facilitating the painting of a red curb near a crosswalk on Bellmar Drive to improve pedestrian safety. He did not speak on the rezoning.
• Tracy Thomas (Stonebrook Community Association board director, running for council): Expressed concerns about the Red Hawk proposal, but focused on the developer’s failure to address sidewalk hazards along the O’re ditch (parcel 5201085) and the city’s alleged inaction to enforce nuisance codes. She also noted dead vegetation, a manhole cover, and homeless encampments as fire hazards.
• Ginger Silvagio (Wingfield Springs resident): Opposed the rezoning, stating that the original planned community handbook promised open space, conservancy, and wildlife. She argued the high-density housing would replace the “calm and well-being” of the area and stressed that the change is highly opposed by neighbors.
• Gillian Bartlett (Wingfield Springs resident): Opposed the rezoning, citing infrastructure strain and the loss of the planned golf community character. She personally moved to Wingfield for the open space and wetlands, and noted that the area already has traffic congestion and sewer capacity issues.
• Ron Moreland (Wingfield Springs resident): Opposed the rezoning, arguing that the open space was promised in the 1994 master plan and that approving the Lakes course would lead to similar requests for the Hills course. He questioned why the city would not sell city parks if development is so important.
• Marie Rodriguez: Invited the council to the Sierra Arts Foundation’s second annual Bookfest on June 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Depot in Victorian Square. The event is free and family-friendly.
• David Hendricks (Wingfield Springs resident since 2000): Opposed the rezoning, citing the 2015 amended Wingfield Springs Development Agreement handbook that caps overall density and restricts land use. He also raised concerns about the water table, floodplain, and potential need for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approval for impacts on navigable wetlands.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• National Public Works Week (May 17–23, 2026): The council accepted the proclamation and recognized the Public Works team. Mark Anderson (Public Works Manager) provided statistics: 629 pieces of equipment maintained, 370 center lane miles of streets, 405 miles of sewer lines, 250 miles of storm drain, 115 traffic signals, and 50 facilities maintained by 65 staff. Several public works employees introduced themselves and shared their experiences. The proclamation was read by Mayor Lawson.
• Educator Appreciation Month (May 2026): The council proclaimed May 2026 as Educator Appreciation Month. Adam Mayberry, Washoe County School Board Trustee for District F (which includes all of Sparks), accepted and thanked the council for supporting public education.
• Salvation Army Week (May 11–17, 2026): The council proclaimed the week in recognition of the Salvation Army’s services. Major Randy Hart, Northern Nevada Coordinator, accepted and noted that in 2025–2026, 11 chronically homeless individuals graduated from the program and are now clean, sober, and employed.
• Skin Cancer Awareness Month (May 2026): The council proclaimed May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Sarah Grocki (Nevada Cancer Coalition, Community Engagement Manager) accepted and highlighted that Washoe County’s melanoma rate is more than twice the state average and has nearly tripled in the last decade. She promoted a free skin check clinic on May 14, 2026, at the Reno Public Market.

Discussion Items

• Confirmation of Planning Commissioner to Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Commission: The mayor’s appointment of Steven Sperber for a three-year term (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029) was confirmed unanimously. (Motion by Abbott, second by Vanderwell.)
• Resolution 3486 – City of Sparks Safety Task Force: Kyle Ellis (Safety Coordinator) presented a proposal to establish a safety task force to improve coordination between department safety committees, analyze data, and recommend training. The task force will meet quarterly, review workers’ compensation and vehicle data, and produce newsletters. Councilmembers discussed near-miss reporting and stop-work authority. The resolution was approved unanimously. (Motion by Vanderwell, second by Anderson.)
• Grant from Travel Nevada for Celebrate Sparks Event and Mural ($25,785): Raquel Montserrat (Special Events Supervisor) presented the grant with a required one-to-one match. The event on June 27, 2026, at Tony Armstrong Amphitheater will feature a mural unveiling (artist Jamie Vinseck of Ely), live music, food trucks, and history tours. The grant was accepted unanimously. (Motion by Abbott, second by Rodriguez.)
• Consulting Agreement with Stantec for Gas Conditioning System Improvements ($655,138; Sparks share $205,516.79): Amy Egan (Assistant Treatment Plant Manager) described the project to improve the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility’s biogas conditioning system, which provides heating and generates nearly 1 MW of energy, saving $400,000/year. The agreement adds design services for additional improvements. Approved unanimously. (Motion by Anderson, second by Bibi.)
• Purchase of Two Caterpillar 930 Wheel Loaders ($576,147): Casey Bunn (Assistant Public Works Manager) explained that the purchase replaces five units aged 25–42 years, improving fleet commonality and efficiency. Approved unanimously. (Motion by Abbott, second by Anderson.)
• Purchase of 16 Police Patrol Vehicles ($1,303,859.49): Mark Anderson (Public Works Manager) presented the purchase of 12 Ford Explorer interceptors (hybrid) and 4 F-150 responders, replacing oldest vehicles. This shifts the refresh cycle from 10 years to 6 years. The hybrids reduce idling wear. The council also noted that a recent auction of old equipment raised approximately $270,000. Approved unanimously. (Motion by Vanderwell, second by Bibi.)

Key Outcomes

• All votes were unanimous (7-0, with all members present: Mayor Lawson, Councilmembers Abbott, Vanderwell, Anderson, Bibi, Rodriguez; City Attorney Duncan; City Manager Louthin).
• The council heard extensive public opposition to the Red Hawk golf course rezoning but took no action; the item was not scheduled for a vote.
• The safety task force resolution was approved, establishing a new citywide safety committee structure.
• The council accepted the Travel Nevada grant and approved contracts for engineering services and vehicle purchases as part of the FY26 capital improvement and fleet replacement plans.
• The meeting adjourned following council announcements, including congratulations to employee Jessica Coberly on the birth of her son.