OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Sparks City Council Meeting July 27, 2026: Actions on Fire Leadership, Health Plans, and More

City Council & BoardsMonday, July 27, 2026
BodySparks, Nevada
SessionCity Council & Boards
DateMonday, July 27, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:59:08
Transcript — Verbatim
5:01

City Council meeting for July 27th with the roll call.

5:05

Mayor Lawson.

5:06

Council members Abbott.

5:08

Vanderwell, here.

5:09

Anderson.

5:09

Here.

5:09

Baby.

5:10

Here.

5:10

Rodriguez.

5:11

City Attorney Duncan.

5:13

City Manager Louth.

5:14

We have a quorum.

5:15

Thank you.

5:16

Okay.

5:17

Let's start with uh invocation by Pastor Brian Smith of Summit Christian.

5:23

Wanted to share uh just the wisdom that uh council needs as a lead and guide inner city of over a hundred thousand and the mics going in and out.

5:32

I don't know if that's my fault.

5:34

But uh in Proverbs uh thirty uh three it says Blessed is the one who finds wisdom and the one who gets understanding for the gain from her being wisdom is better than the gain from silver and her profit better than gold.

5:46

Or James 15.

5:47

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

5:54

So Laura, we come before you.

5:56

Uh we thank you, God, for the collective wisdom in uh the city council.

6:00

Yeah, we thank you for the wisdom in the uh and those in our city, uh, those in our um public service agencies.

6:08

Yeah, we need more wisdom.

6:10

Uh and so God, would you fill us with your wisdom?

6:12

Would you guide and direct this council as they make decisions that impacts families and businesses?

6:17

Would you give wisdom as questions are asked as answers are sought?

6:21

And God, in all of this as we live and are governed.

6:24

God, would you get the glory?

6:26

And so we praise you and we thank you in the name of Christ.

6:28

Amen.

6:30

Mr.

6:31

Duncan, will you lead us in the pledge?

6:40

And to the Republic for each sense.

6:43

One nation.

6:46

Liberty.

6:59

Okay.

7:04

All right.

7:04

Uh public comment.

7:06

Mark Markel.

7:16

A UK man was in critical condition at Loma Linda University Medical Center, where he was taken for treatment of head injuries after a car crash Thursday, authorities said.

7:27

Mark Markel, 24, was thrown from a 1977 Dotson as it overturned on Live Oak Canyon Road at the eastbound Interstate 10 off-ramp at 4:30 p.m.

7:36

said California Highway Patrol Officer Amber Drysdale.

7:39

The driver was driving south on Live Oak Canyon Road when he lost control of the car, struck a curb and skidded into the off ramp.

7:46

The vehicle rolled over several times and landed on top of Mark Markel.

7:52

I would love a live by Christ by God to show you people and warn you people about drunk driving.

8:07

It's fucked.

8:09

Yeah, no cussing, please.

8:11

Yeah, I'm sorry.

8:13

It's messed up.

8:15

This is I it just happened.

8:20

And it's been since 89 that I had my crash and it's still painful.

8:29

So I I'm here to warn you people and show you people what can happen.

8:39

I I don't I don't really have much else to say.

8:43

I'm I follow my face.

8:52

I'm doing this often, but I don't I don't I'm my brain isn't all there, just don't get the car with the true driver.

9:04

This is what can happen.

9:07

Thank you.

9:08

Thank you, Mark.

9:10

Sean Sullivan, followed by Wendy Ross.

9:27

Hi there.

9:28

Uh Sean Sullivan for the record.

9:30

Uh speaking simply as uh myself, Sean, um commenting on item 9.2, uh the combining of leadership with uh Reno with Reno uh fire.

9:40

Uh it's kind of confusing to me.

9:42

Uh it's not quite my expertise.

9:44

Uh there were a lot of efficiencies called out in the proposal that I support.

9:49

Uh and uh seems like an odd time to be reducing leadership if we need to be uh changing up uh things in the department.

10:00

Uh I think this can also play potentially into the station five issue.

10:03

Uh again, I'm not an expert, but uh yeah.

10:07

Uh I do support reducing upper management if it makes sense.

10:12

Uh but uh it'll doing it this way seems to invite potentially divided attention.

10:17

Uh they may have different issues within the the department, different cultures.

10:21

Uh and that's what a different a separate independent chief would cater to.

10:25

Uh it brings in invites conflict of interests, uh potentially accountability uh complications.

10:34

And uh I do understand that some of Sparks fire department have expressed concerns uh regarding under resourcing versus Reno already.

10:43

Uh and potentially it it's not a huge stretch to imagine that uh this could get worse.

10:49

Um it seems like if downsizing is needed, perhaps some roles could be combined within each department and uh they stay independent.

10:57

Uh this doesn't seem to be addressed at all in the proposal.

11:00

Uh there are potentially other uh issues that could come up, tilting of priorities, it could affect pay skills and seniority and potentially even union issues.

11:10

Again, I'm not not uh not an expert here, uh, but it certainly seems like it's likely to reduce our representation in a very important issue.

11:18

So I uh my my uh I guess my recommendation is to uh perhaps table the motion or otherwise spend some more time learning about why exactly this is needed because uh like I said, most of the efficiencies they call out could be achieved without changing leadership at all, it would seem to me from a single read of it.

11:37

Uh thank you for your time.

11:38

That's all I got today.

11:39

Thank you.

11:40

Wendy Rawson, hello, good afternoon, Mayor and City Council.

11:51

I would like to have a moment really quick to talk about again, Wendy Rossin, sorry about that, to talk about um item 6.1 that you guys just had on your June 24th meeting that you're getting ready to approve uh your BDR for the legislation.

12:11

Um I'm just asking that you guys um look at a different way of thinking on this instead of doing another tax, and I know that this would be a tax on the visitors because this is additional tax on the rooms for the city of Sparks to generate more income.

12:31

I would ask that you guys kind of re rephrase this and go into um fighting for what's already being generated in the city of Sparks.

12:41

In your guys' meeting, it was stated that 7.8 million dollars is revenue that comes into the city of Sparks, with City receiving about 1.5 million dollars of that.

12:54

Uh and I just ask that you guys fight for a fair share of the revenue that's already being generated, because you know, the over six million goes to the RSCVA, and I understand that it has its duties to to help grow the city of Sparks and the city of Reno.

13:14

But instead of taxing more, I just ask that you guys please consider looking back at this BDR before approving it today and ask for a fair share and fight for sparks.

13:26

We don't need to be doing more taxes on our residents and on our tourists.

13:31

We are not Vegas, so additional taxes is really not necessary when we have that revenue that's right there at our fingertips to be able to ask for more or our fair share.

13:43

Thank you very much for your time.

13:46

Thank you.

13:46

Appreciate it.

13:47

Anyone else in the public wishing to speak at this time?

13:50

Right.

13:51

Seeing none, we'll move on to approval of the agenda.

14:18

Mr.

14:18

Anderson.

14:19

We'll have to approve the agenda submitted.

14:22

Mr.

14:22

Rodriguez.

14:24

Second.

14:24

Got a motion and a second.

14:26

Any further discussion?

14:27

Seeing none, please vote.

14:29

Motion carries unanimously.

14:31

Uh 6.1.

14:33

Approval of the minutes.

14:35

Any addition subtractions?

14:38

Not I am looking for a motion.

14:53

It's rusty.

14:54

Yeah.

15:29

Yeah.

15:29

We are having technical difficulties that we can go ahead and do an audible.

15:40

All right.

15:40

I'm looking for a motion.

15:43

So move.

15:44

Second.

15:44

I've got a motion by Rodriguez to second by Abbott.

15:48

Any further discussion?

15:50

Please.

15:50

Oh, all those are papers signify by saying aye.

15:53

Aye.

15:54

Opposed.

15:55

Motion carriers unanimously.

15:57

7.1 presentation.

16:00

Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful.

16:09

Hello.

16:11

Mayor and Council.

16:12

I'm Darcy Phillips.

16:13

I'm the executive director of Keep Trucking Meadows Beautiful.

16:15

Thanks for having me today.

16:18

And thank you for continuing to fund our work and volunteering with us.

16:23

We appreciate all of you.

16:30

Starting with the most recent, which was the Great Community Cleanup on May 2nd.

16:35

We had 26 sites around town.

16:38

It was our biggest cleanup ever.

16:40

This picture is one of my favorites.

16:42

I think you were there, right?

16:43

That the piles of mulch were crazy.

16:47

Oh my gosh, just endless.

16:49

Thank goodness we had a lot of volunteers.

16:51

But we had three sites at the Great, well, we had a couple more, but these were the kind of main ones.

16:56

As usual, lots of trash, mulch, painting, graffiti, a number of volunteers.

17:02

I think we had 875 volunteers total across the community.

17:08

But our biggest cleanups, oh, better picture of the mulch.

17:17

Uh this year at the Great Community Cleanup was in Sparks.

17:20

This was Solomon Circle.

17:22

If you aren't familiar with it, it's um above or it's right next to Sierra Nevada Corporation at the end of Solomon's Circle out there.

17:30

If you haven't seen it, um I've not seen anything like it, hadn't seen it until we went up there.

17:36

Um that site we have pulled out of our stats because it threw off our statistics for the entire year.

17:42

That's how big it was.

17:43

Um it was more trash at this site than we had the entire previous year, and last year was a banner year.

17:50

So those of you that have been up there, um, it's kind of a conglomeration of um dumping, commercial dumping, a lot of green waste dumping, tire dumping, what I'm calling apartment move out dumping.

18:04

Um, and we have a saying at KTMB that trash begets trash, so once one person does it, everybody else does it.

18:11

So, with the help of Hero Environmental, which is a wonderful um company, as you know, you were there.

18:18

We couldn't have done it with just hand volunteers.

18:20

I mean, it was very unusual for us.

18:22

It's a uh private property, which we don't usually work on, but it is adjacent to BLM land, and uh there was nobody else that could do it.

18:29

So we just decided to go ahead and and and do the work and get it done.

18:34

Um we will be continuing to monitor it.

18:38

It's also connected to the I-80 sites that we cleaned up about a month ago that we will continue to work on, but all of those sites throughout there are connected, and it's just something else.

18:49

I mean, it would that site was just crazy.

18:52

You're still tired, right?

18:53

It was it was incredible.

18:56

Um then going back to last fall, the Chucky River cleanup, we were at four sites.

19:01

Um that one's usually smaller.

19:03

Obviously, we focus along the river and um tributaries, um, but a little smaller, about 800 volunteers in total, but four of the sites.

19:11

Um, this is always a lot of of weed removal, um noxious weeds, invasive weeds, as well as trash and tires, always always, always tires there everywhere.

19:23

We also have uh not people aren't as as familiar with this program necessarily.

19:27

The adopt spot program and community cleanups.

19:29

We have about 375 of these every year.

19:33

So we're out there kind of every day somewhere with a group, whether it's a business calling saying we've got 10 volunteers that want to come volunteer for the day, um, or the adopt a spot program, which um we manage for the city of Sparks, City of Reno, and Washoe County, where a business or group can adopt a park.

19:49

Um so these are the the majority of the parks we were in, some of them multiple times.

19:53

Those focus a lot on tree planting.

19:55

You know, we have a lot of people that don't want to clean up the gross trash, they want to plant things, so we do that too.

20:01

Um, we're doing a project right now at um at Golden Eagle planting some more trees with I think a Kawanis group.

20:08

So lots of work along those lines.

20:12

This one was another unusual one we did.

20:14

You guys remember when the Marina backed up.

20:17

Um honestly, we the three of us in this picture in our office were bored sitting in the office, saw the story and said, let's let's go kayaking and get some of this cleaned up.

20:27

We realized pretty quickly it was gonna take more than that.

20:29

So we ended up spending three days.

20:31

I think your church group came out.

20:33

Um tree care came out.

20:35

We had we had a good group and got a lot of that cleaned up.

20:38

That was the most disgusting cleanup I have ever participated in.

20:42

Felt like I needed a tetanus shot and a round of antibiotics just from being out there.

20:46

Um, but that was that was that was something else also.

20:50

I keep saying that.

20:52

It's one cleanup after another.

20:53

But um, we were that was a uh that was a good one to do, and the community came together in just a day.

21:00

Um, really, you were out there too.

21:02

Yes, and we it was just like a day.

21:04

We put out the call and people came and it was great.

21:08

Um, but that was that was a hard one.

21:11

This is my contact information.

21:13

Also, some events we have coming up.

21:15

I also wanted to mention that I have been sending each of you quarterly reports about the work that we're doing in your wards.

21:21

If you're not seeing those, please let me know.

21:24

I never know what gets through, but um sometimes in Sparks it's tricky because we're working along the river for the most part, and some of your wards, the parks aren't presenting themselves that need to be cleaned up.

21:35

But if you see something and want us to work on it, please let us know.

21:38

We will coordinate with Parks and Rec and make sure it's something they want us doing.

21:42

But we're happy to get out there if you have concerns in your wards.

21:47

Uh, we do have our fundraiser annual fundraiser coming up on August 20th.

21:52

Love for anybody to join us.

21:54

Um, and then September 26th is our trackie river cleanup.

21:57

So we'll be back out there doing it all again.

22:01

But thank you all for your continued support.

22:03

We really appreciate the funding from you all.

22:05

Thank you, Dorothy.

22:06

Thank you.

22:08

Appreciate it.

22:08

Any questions?

22:10

Yeah, go ahead, Paul.

22:11

Don't want to have any questions, just praise.

22:14

You and your team do an amazing job throughout the year.

22:17

Thank you.

22:18

And yeah, we just got to see uh a snippet of some of the projects here in Sparks.

22:23

But you do it throughout the city of Reno, all of Washoe County.

22:27

You guys make a huge difference.

22:29

I mean, we have this beautiful river that passes through our community, and unfortunately, some people don't take very good care of it, and it falls on folks like you guys, and between our parks and rec team and public works and you all um, we make it the kind of place where people still want to enjoy, whether it's the marina or uh the river or whatever.

22:50

And I just want to say thank you so very much.

22:52

Thank you.

22:52

Appreciate it.

22:53

We appreciate all the volunteers and all of you all.

22:55

Great.

22:56

Thank you.

22:57

Mr.

22:57

Rabbit's the uh Darcy, on the adopt a spot uh parks list that you had.

23:09

Are those the only ones that we currently have adopted?

23:12

Or do you think those are the ones that are currently active?

23:14

So we're doing a backlog.

23:16

There's about 75 to 80 parks community-wide that we're working on.

23:22

Umx was managing the program in-house for a while.

23:26

We've got it turned back over to because it's just easier for us, and I think it's high maintenance work for the parks and rec department.

23:32

So we're still working on it.

23:34

Those are the really active ones, but there's definitely more, and there's more available.

23:37

So if you've got somebody in mind that wants to adopt, just reach out and we can figure it out.

23:41

I will say one thing I love um on the adopt a spot part.

23:47

The initials are even worse.

23:50

Uh is the the requirement for some time for coming out.

23:53

You know, they don't just get a show up and put a sign on a park and it's their park forever.

23:57

I love that you guys are maintaining the act.

24:00

No, keeping them active.

24:01

I mean, that's one cleanup a year is better than no cleanup.

24:03

So, yeah, we require two.

24:06

We ask that they do at least three.

24:08

Um, yeah, we've had a lot of backlog cleanup to do on that program with staffing, and but we're getting there, so it's in good shape, and we'd love to see it grow.

24:18

Yeah, well, thank you.

24:18

And I'll segment Councilman Anderson said you just do amazing work.

24:22

Thank you.

24:22

Um see the raise of the river and see some more cleanups try this year, too.

24:26

Thank you.

24:27

Appreciate it.

24:27

All right.

24:28

Anyone else?

24:30

Okay.

24:31

Thank you.

24:31

Of course, we thank you.

24:32

I appreciate that.

24:33

Let me go early.

24:34

I'm gonna hobble out of here.

24:35

Thank you.

24:37

Okay.

24:38

Now we get to give a commendation to creative gardens.

24:42

Come on down, CJ.

24:44

Have a seat here for us.

24:48

And then we'll uh let you say a few words afterwards.

24:51

Okay.

24:53

All right.

24:54

Whereas strong communities are built through the generosity, vision, and civic spirit of individuals and local businesses that invest in the well-being of children and families.

25:04

Whereas CJ Sanders, owner of Creative Gardens has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to our community through the generous donation of a new play yard for Larry D.

25:15

Johnson Community Center.

25:17

Whereas this beautiful and thoughtfully designed play yard provides a safe, engaging and enriching outdoor environment where young children can learn, explore, play, and develop essential physical, social and emotional skills.

25:31

And whereas the play yard is enjoyed daily by children enrolled at the Small Wonders Learning Center Preschool, enhancing their educational experience and supporting the center's mission for providing quality early child education in a nurturing environment.

25:46

Whereas CJ Sanders generosity reflects the spirit and community partnership and serves as an inspiring example of how local businesses can make a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of our youngest residents.

26:01

Now, therefore, Ed Lawson, mayor of the City of Sparks, Nevada, do hereby extend sincere appreciation, heartfelt gratitude to CJ Sanders, owner of Creative Gardens for his generous donation of the play yard at the Larry D.

26:15

Johnson Community Center and for his continued dedication to improving the lives of children and families throughout the community.

26:22

Be it further proclaimed that we recognize this lasting gift as an investment in the future of our children and express our deepest thanks to CJ Sanders' generosity, leadership, and commitment to service.

26:40

Give us your name for the record and um CJ Sanders.

26:44

Thank you.

26:45

You have anything to add on that, CJ?

26:46

Oh, that was incredible.

26:47

Thank you guys so much.

26:49

A little long-winded in that.

26:50

Yeah, that was fantastic, Paul.

26:52

You're worth it.

26:53

It's really cool what you guys did.

26:55

Mason Spark.

26:56

Yep.

26:57

Yeah.

26:57

There we go.

26:58

That's a great name.

26:58

I love it.

26:59

I uh, you know, I'm really thankful for everything that you guys have done and and um approving this months and months ago and to see this thing come to life finally for us.

27:08

I absolutely love Sparks.

27:10

Uh we reside here, we live in Sparks.

27:12

My business is its home base and Sparks.

27:15

Um we do we love Sparks.

27:17

So and we can do opening this uh this window.

27:21

I mean, I'm gonna spread the love everywhere and try to get more small businesses to help kind of do things like this around because it's not a lot happening like that.

27:29

I was kind of shocked by it.

27:31

So I was like, you know what, we're gonna do what we can do.

27:33

And when I saw the opportunity, I thought it was just a tremendous, you know, um, you know, thing to do for our community that does so much for us and the support of our small business here in Sparks.

27:44

So it was the least I could do, and it just means so much that you guys appreciate it so much, and the kids love it.

27:50

Um, you know, Mason comes home and talks about it all the time, and you know, they enjoy it, and it's gonna be here for generations.

27:57

It is for sure.

27:58

It's all rocks, yep.

27:59

Exactly.

28:00

Don't pick the soccer ball.

28:02

It's not really a soccer.

28:03

It's a solid granite piece of stone.

28:05

Yeah.

28:05

And I'm fourth generation here in Reno, born and raised, I'm a native.

28:09

I have the fifth generation, you know, four kids.

28:12

My wife, my mother is still here, so we're we're all you know, my mother's third generation.

28:16

So we're here and we love Sparks and we're here to stay.

28:19

So thank you for all you do for us too.

28:22

Absolutely.

28:23

Yeah, thank you.

28:24

Paul's gonna come down, we're gonna take a picture.

28:26

Oh, you have sorry, excuse me.

28:29

CJ, thank you so much.

28:30

It's beautiful.

28:31

I wish we had taken one of our pictures that we took at the ribbon cutting last week to show how cool it is.

28:38

Um, we posted it, I think, on social media, and uh just can't thank you enough.

28:43

And uh I am one of your customers.

28:45

I put a beautiful water feature with your black granite um columns in my yard last year.

28:52

So I know what an amazing business you have, how much is just your beautiful products out there.

29:00

So to see that come to one of our parks to uh always glad to recommend you, support you, and because you're supporting us and supporting kids in our community.

29:09

So thank you so much.

29:10

Absolutely thank you.

29:11

It's funny you say that because when when I bought that piece of property on Stanford uh six, seven years ago, and I had to sit with the with the um you know all of the uh the the building department and talked to them about my envision of what I'm gonna create there and it would we pulled up the the uh property and it looked like the property just before when there was like all the the waste and dump and now look at we what we created on that corner is just incredible.

29:36

So I appreciate even the the lady before of what they're doing for our community, it's amazing.

29:40

So thank you so much.

29:42

Anyone else?

29:44

Okay, yeah.

29:46

Julie's gonna take a picture of you.

29:47

Oh, okay.

29:48

With you and Paul.

29:54

Yeah, take a picture with me.

29:56

Come on.

30:00

That's my wife and my mother.

30:03

Don't be shy.

30:05

Awesome.

30:20

Thank you.

30:22

Thanks, Crush.

30:28

Thank you again.

30:30

Okay.

30:31

Thank you again.

30:31

Thank you, CJ.

30:32

Really appreciate you guys.

30:34

You don't have to stick around for the rest of the meeting.

30:37

I know you gotta get back to work.

30:39

Thank you, guys.

30:40

Thank you very much.

30:41

Bye.

30:42

Okay, 7.3 presentation from Liberty Dogs.

30:46

General Barry.

30:50

You got one of your trainees with you.

30:54

Yeah.

30:56

Because I'm not doing a good job.

30:57

Why should we do that?

31:17

Trying to get to full size.

31:19

Just uh there in the corner.

31:30

Just for the record, before I get started, I'm in Ward Ford.

31:34

We have no issues.

31:37

Thank you.

31:42

Yeah, yeah.

31:58

This is what she sent over.

32:00

Let's try that.

32:01

Oh, there we go.

32:04

Okay, thank you.

32:05

Andre Berry.

32:07

Oh, you can't see it.

32:10

Oh.

32:11

Okay, there we go.

32:12

Andre Berry, CEO of uh Liberty Dogs.

32:15

This is Katie Freeman.

32:16

She's our vice president of community outreach, and she has Tahoe.

32:19

And uh I hope Tahoe stays down there because Tahoe gets up, nobody will listen to what I have to say.

32:25

First of all, thank all of you who have had the opportunity to come out and visit the property.

32:29

It is just uh it does us our heart good to know that uh we have potential collaborations and partnerships, and uh we're doing something we believe is really unique for our community.

32:39

Uh for those of you who don't know, the Liberty Dogs is the flagship initiative of the Dave Michelle Duffield Foundation.

32:45

They so graciously wanted to create something where they could pair service dogs up with veterans.

32:50

Uh we wanted to give back to those who've given so much to this great nation.

32:54

And the biggest part of it is that no matter where they come from in the country, it is all paid for.

33:05

So, and to include the transportation of the veteran, no matter where they're from.

33:08

And one of the uh biggest challenges is supports PTSD, which is one of the toughest areas, whether it be nightmare interruptions, anxiety, depression, what we're able to do there, and what we know the research says about what you do with canines and veterans, it's just huge.

33:23

We cannot be who we need to be without the support of the community.

33:26

We just cannot be, and I'll talk a little bit about that here in just a minute.

33:30

There's about 30,000 veterans who call Washwell County home.

33:34

Uh, an estimated 8,000, I think it's a little bit higher.

33:37

Uh, and and I was at the veteran of foreign wars uh convention uh just yesterday, and the the level of what they asked for in terms of support of service dogs, in terms of supportive organizations that would work on mental wellness, it's just overwhelming.

33:54

Uh, one in roughly one of 16 of your residents are veterans.

33:57

I think it's probably higher than that, just if I go back to my neighborhood.

34:00

Uh service dogs restore so much uh back to the veteran and the family.

34:05

This is a second, third order effect of that.

34:07

I could talk all day about the uh the impact of what veterans go through in suicides and things like that.

34:13

So when the Dave Michael Duff Hill Foundation so graciously want to put together a best practice, and there's nothing like Liberty Dogs in this world, nothing like it.

34:23

Uh 27-acre campus in South Reno, uh, about uh 200 200,000 square feet.

34:29

Uh it's purpose built for canine training and veteran connection.

34:32

I like to call it an experience when they come out there from the time they apply to the time they go through the interview process to the time they get selected to the time they come here, what they the time they spend here when they go back and how we stay in uh in trench with them.

34:47

And also, uh, one of the things I like to really talk about is we have a licensed clinical social worker, we have chaplains, and so all that makes a big difference in the wholeness of their life.

34:56

The goal is to have about 200 veterans matched with the service dog.

35:00

This is nationwide, it's not just for Washoe County.

35:03

Uh and the goal is to have another 180 veterans uh to complete our warrior wellness class.

35:08

Coming into the door, I was looking at something we could do so it's not all on the canine.

35:13

Also, what can the veteran do to get better mindset, hearts and skill set, tool set to improve their quality of life.

35:19

30% of our Liberty Dogs teams are veterans.

35:22

So uh we hired those who have been through uh and served this great nation.

35:27

When we talk about Liberty Dogs, we're creating a lifeline for a hero.

35:31

And this is the first U.S.

35:33

veteran service dog organization to combine service dog with wellness and education.

35:38

Most of them just pair the canine with the veteran.

35:41

We wanted to take it further in terms of, and I and I wish if we had time, I wish I could just read to you some of the letters, the literature, uh, the responses from the veterans and what we received, not just from the veterans, from their families.

35:55

Had one spouse tell me this is the first time her veteran had talked about his experience since the Gulf War and said, and now won't shut up.

36:02

They get connected, they have a tribe, they have a community of people that they can uh uh relate to.

36:07

Every service dog is trained to the highest standards.

36:11

Uh, that is critical for us.

36:12

And one of the one of the reasons we're taking a minute to kind of get really fully going is to make sure we have quality canines because of the attachment of what we want to build something uh, we want to be a schoolhouse.

36:25

We want to be a research center.

36:27

We want to help, we want to go and help with legislation.

36:30

We want to do those things that really impact those warriors who have served this great nation.

36:36

And so when we when we look at the things that we're able to do, and right now we're preliminarily working with the University of Denver and University of Arizona researchers to look at what other things can we do besides the working with the service dog.

36:48

And when they talk about the enzymes and taking blood and self-disclear my head, but we want to see if we can accelerate to make the veterans better.

36:57

So uh programs that power our mission, we have the warrior wellness I talked about.

37:01

It's a three-day or one-day class.

37:03

If if you as a community, as as a council said, we have 20 uh 25 veterans that we want to put through, we'll come to a location, we'll bring it to the campus because we want to give back and uh really take care of the veterans.

37:16

Puppy raising.

37:17

Anybody can be a puppy raiser.

37:19

So if anybody back there, uh I'm talking to you guys, sorry.

37:22

Uh, if uh uh that we can't be successful without the volunteers as puppy raisers.

37:27

You just cannot, because it takes about 16 to 18 months to spend with the dog and the uh and a family to get them up to speed before they go to advanced training.

37:38

So we have to have those partnerships, those relationships, and those community members that help us with puppy raising.

37:44

We cannot be successful.

37:46

I also will say that we're also working with the prison uh in Herlong and in Carson City.

37:50

We'll be in Las Vegas pretty soon and also Victorville because they're a big, big help to us.

37:56

Uh on August 21st, we will have our first local veteran placement with service dogs, where the locals will work with a service dog for from seven months to a year, and they will get trained to uh have their dogs trained to be full service to animals.

38:11

And so that will be our first kind of placement of service dogs.

38:14

The shelter foster program, and these is where we work with our rescue dogs, our dogs from the shelter.

38:20

Uh if you have an interest in that, we have a full shelter team, uh, prison-based, I talked about, then the guardian home, where we uh this is uh actually Katie is working as a uh guardian home in terms of raising Tahoe.

38:32

Tahoe is expected to produce a couple of more litters.

38:35

Um Tahoe doesn't know that yet, but uh so this is where we could really uh ask Sparks to come in.

38:42

We we we we know, and I I went we know that this is a very animal-friendly, very dog friendly.

38:49

Uh did I tell you guys a ward for Sparks?

38:52

Okay.

38:53

Um I hit everybody in my neighborhood when they see me coming, they're like, oh man, it's a dog guy.

38:58

So uh, but this is where we're asking you to adopt a service dog and training workplace policy.

39:04

We uh we have been successful with Washoe County, we're working with Reno, we're working with uh the state of Nevada, we're working with uh the city of Las Vegas.

39:13

This is where uh we can really use the support is if you sign a uh a policy that will allow the employees to be puppy raisers.

39:21

Uh I could give you research all day that talks about the impact of having an uh animal in the workplace.

39:27

First of all, it does impact the ability to get work done because everybody wants to talk to the dog.

39:31

But we work on things like that.

39:33

It's a voluntary program for employees approved at each department's discretion.

39:38

Uh, we work with them on a regular basis to ensure that they have the behavioral standards and safety protocols.

39:43

They stay about 14 to 16 months, then they return to the campus for advanced training.

39:48

Some people will say, you know, they wouldn't want to give the dog up.

39:51

We said the turn-in is really important.

39:53

If you really struggle with that, we'll just give you another puppy.

39:57

So uh, and a public workplace is the best classroom and a future service dog.

40:02

Keep in mind we cannot do our best work unless we have service dogs.

40:09

We cannot.

40:10

And our goal is to get to 200.

40:12

Having 200 service dogs placed is almost unprecedented.

40:15

And I had to before I took this role, well, I took this role right afterwards.

40:18

I wouldn't had a chance to go and visit uh several service and canine organizations from around the country.

40:24

There's nothing like this.

40:25

The amount of funding, the amount of resources, the amount of support, the amount of uh the ability to not only do the war, you're willing to do the pairing, to do the research to be a schoolhouse.

40:35

I want to be having national conferences, you know, uh in Washville County because we get a chance to to to learn to research to do things other organizations can't.

40:44

And we don't have to go out and you know and fundraise because we have a great support process.

40:49

We uh, but it takes the volunteers to be successful, without a doubt.

40:53

No cost to the city because Liberty Dog covers every canine expense.

40:57

So I know that uh how budgets work, so don't worry about that.

41:02

Uh Washwell County's adopted this policy.

41:04

Sierra County California has done the same voluntary department approved, which is distinct from the ADA requirements in terms of you don't have to adjust the workplace and the research links workplace dogs to lower stress and burnout.

41:17

I'll just keep saying that.

41:18

Uh I would have everybody read that all together, but uh, but research links workplace dogs to lower stress and burnout.

41:25

So if you want to work on retention, you want people to stay longer.

41:28

Well, most employees, uh, then uh this is a great way to uh make that happen.

41:33

And where do we go from here?

41:34

We're just asking for direct uh staff to to direct your staff to draft a service dog and training policy.

41:41

We've done from a legal review, we have it.

41:44

We can just hand it to you almost ready to go.

41:46

We will share Washville County's framework with you.

41:48

Uh, we're asking that you host a Liberty Dogs info session for city employees.

41:53

Um, we just ask that because that way there will be interest, but people really need to know what that is required behind having a uh you know, uh being a puppy razor, our foster or you know, our guardian.

42:05

They really need to know what that is, our puppy sitter.

42:07

Um I I heard from someone, I'm I'm not sure how accurate this is, but I did hear that someone said that there's already a location in Sparks that is willing to have puppy razor classes.

42:19

I I don't know where I heard that from, but I I just I don't know where that came from.

42:24

But anyway, uh and uh we really am so hopeful that Sparks takes the lead in being a puppy raisers or volunteering with our organization because there are other volunteer opportunities that we have out there.

42:36

So having said that, uh thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for your time.

42:42

Uh, this is by far one of the most groundbreaking things in our community.

42:47

Uh, if you do not think this saves lives, I can I I can tell you stories all day long.

42:52

It has a huge impact of taking care of those who taking care of this nation.

42:57

And we're just looking forward to doing great work to ensure that our veterans have the support and the resources needed and their families in order to go forward.

43:07

Stand by for any questions you have.

43:10

Questions from the council, Ms.

43:11

Vanderwill.

43:13

First of all, I'm gonna say thank you.

43:15

And I did tour it, and what a wonderful organization.

43:19

And so you guys don't have to sit through all of City Council.

43:22

I'll be asking for this for dogs in the workplace to be on our agenda on August 10th.

43:27

So thank you.

43:28

That way you do not have to sit through.

43:30

Okay, so because we already have the policy, but um, I highly support this, and I think it's a wonderful program.

43:36

Thank you so much.

43:37

Anyone else?

43:39

Go ahead, Paul.

43:41

Just want to say thank you for the work you guys are doing.

43:43

Appreciate it.

43:44

Um, I know that there are a couple of us already from uh the city here that have made a commitment uh to help you guys out.

43:50

And uh yeah, you guys are doing great work.

43:53

Um the animals you're turning out, I consider I'm only seeing them part way through the process, it's it's amazing.

44:00

And the impact they can make.

44:03

Um we we lost a service member recently locally, and to think that if maybe one of these dogs can prevent that from happening, the whole program is worth it.

44:14

So thank you for what you guys are doing.

44:16

Thank you.

44:17

Anyone else?

44:18

Joe Charlotte.

44:21

Thank you.

44:22

Well, I got to take a tour and have dinner out there.

44:25

You guys got first class chef out there too.

44:27

That cooks for everybody who's there training with their dogs, so pretty awesome.

44:32

Do you have something, Joe?

44:33

That's my favorite.

44:37

I dig at the tutorial facility, it's amazing.

44:39

Um, like the mayor was saying, like the culinary everything, it's actually probably a lot nicer than what we experienced in the military.

44:45

So um, you need to add some uh add water eggs, you know, to make it more like home.

44:50

But no, uh, thank you guys for everything that you guys are doing.

44:53

And general, it's uh it's phenomenal.

44:55

So thank you.

44:57

If you ever want to have a city council meeting there, let us know.

45:00

We can VTC it to the rest of the community.

45:02

So it's about big enough.

45:04

Yeah, and we'll feed you.

45:09

And during the meeting just to hold.

45:12

All right, maybe if we pass these out to because I just know there's so much interest out there now.

45:20

Thank you.

45:21

Yep.

45:22

Thank you, guys.

45:24

All right, let's move on to consent items.

45:26

Anyone wish to pull a consent item?

45:28

Not I'm moving for a motion.

45:44

Oh, what are we audibling?

45:47

Uh consent.

45:48

Probably the audible.

45:51

Okay, so I'm looking for a person.

45:57

Mr.

45:58

Rodriguez.

45:59

I move the appropriate sanction items 8.13.7 as submitted.

46:04

Mr.

46:04

Rabbit.

46:05

Second.

46:05

Got a motion and a second.

46:07

Any further discussion?

46:08

Seeing none, please vote.

46:10

Motion carries unanimously.

46:13

Okay.

46:13

9.1 consideration discussion of possible appointments to the truck trucky meadows housing authority or TMHA from the following pool of applicants listed in alphabetical order.

46:25

Donald Abbott, Paul Anderson, Charlene Bibi, Ed Lawson, Joe Rodriguez, and or Diane Banderwell.

46:32

Does anyone have the I haven't talked to anyone prior to this?

46:35

Is anyone have a burning desire to sit on this board?

46:38

Miss Vanderwell.

46:40

Anyone else have a desire, Joe?

46:42

So it will one of you eliminate yourselves then.

46:52

We're gonna row Shambeau.

46:54

Just one.

46:54

Yeah.

46:55

Just one.

46:56

There's two.

46:57

Okay.

46:57

Oh, is there two?

46:59

Okay.

46:59

There is two.

47:00

Well, perfect.

47:01

Let's hurry up and vote.

47:02

We got two volunteers.

47:04

All right.

47:04

So I'm looking I'll do two.

47:10

All right.

47:10

So you get three.

47:14

Now you've got me confused.

47:16

Which isn't hard, by the way.

47:19

Two positions, two different terms.

47:22

Oh, one in a two-year.

47:24

Okay.

47:24

All right.

47:25

Okay.

47:26

All right.

47:27

So I'm looking for a motion.

47:34

Miss Bibee.

47:37

I move to appoint Diane Vanderwell for a two-year term ending November 30th, 2028, and Joe Rodriguez for a three-year term ending November 30th, 2029, to the Trekkie Meadows Housing Authority.

47:50

Mr.

47:51

Anderson.

47:52

Second the motion.

47:53

We've got a motion and a second.

47:54

Any further discussion?

47:56

See none, please vote.

47:59

Who's not voting?

48:02

There we go.

48:03

You got a vote, sir.

48:05

Motion carries unanimously.

48:08

Thank you.

48:09

And it's good to have the representation on that board.

48:13

Uh 9.2 consideration discussion of possible approval of an interlocal agreement.

48:18

AC 6205 between the city of Reno and the City of Sparks Fire Department shared leadership and operational coordination, establishing a shared fire chief model under which the Reno Fire Chief provides a executive oversight of both fire departments along with a framework for operational coordination and regional cost sharing.

48:39

Chief.

48:40

Good afternoon, Mr.

48:41

Mayor and Council members.

48:43

For the record, my name is Derek Keller.

48:45

I'm the division chief of operations for your Sparks Fire Department.

48:49

The item before you is an interlocal agreement between the cities of Sparks and Reno that formalizes a shared fire chief model while maintaining two individual independent fire departments.

49:02

This agreement does not merge the fire departments.

49:05

Each city remains its own or retains its own budget, personnel, labor agreements, stations, and governance.

49:12

The city managers and the city councils continue to have full authority over their respective organizations.

49:20

The agreement allows Sparks to share executive leadership with the Reno while creating a framework to improve regional coordination, resource deployment, and operational efficiencies.

49:52

Staff believes this agreement strengthens strengthens regional collaboration, improves service delivery, preserves uh local control, and positions both departments to better serve our community.

50:04

For those reasons, staff respectfully recommends approval of this interlocal agreement.

50:08

I'd be happy to answer any further questions.

50:11

Okay, questions from the council.

50:13

Joe, you got anything?

50:20

Um questions.

50:24

Uh thank you, Ms.

50:25

Mayor.

50:26

Um with this MOU on uh would this look uh potentially combining any um full-time positions or anything like that or this?

50:36

Can I elaborate a little bit more like what this might look like?

50:38

Uh this is in a local agreement.

50:40

It'll uh establish the leadership of it.

50:45

And uh there will be opportunities to evaluate how this is gonna affect, you know, if we could uh combine anything further than that, but right now this is for the uh the shared leadership for a fire chief this.

50:55

Okay, so specifically for the chief's position, not the up and down or anything like that.

51:00

I could jump in there on that.

51:02

The the initial one is for the chief, but as we have other management positions come up, we would look at it and evaluate to determine hey, what's the highest and best use of the dollars we have?

51:10

If it made sense, perhaps to uh combine another position or share another position between the two, we would do that.

51:16

If it didn't, we would keep it independent.

51:18

But all those would be value-based decisions on what they were providing.

51:22

Uh do they have the capacity?

51:24

Does it make sense for us to do it financially and operationally?

51:29

Thank you, man.

51:29

Thank you, Chief.

51:31

Mr.

51:31

Abbott.

51:36

Um, Mr.

51:37

Keller.

51:38

Um looking at the I think it was 7525 is what we're looking at for the split between the two of us between Reno and Sparks.

51:45

Um one of my questions, I guess, what what would we be seeing on our side of Sparks?

51:50

Are we getting a chief for is he showing up to Sparks on a couple days?

51:57

Is there in well, what is the conversation there?

52:01

I can talk a little bit about Wayne's available for the financial piece of it.

52:04

I can talk a little bit about what that might look like.

52:06

And I think it'd be the same as with any department head.

52:09

You're going to have designated time problem, and you're also going to ebb and flow based on priorities, based on what's happening, based on different things that uh are occurring.

52:18

Obviously, we'll evaluate that, make sure that uh we're we're receiving what we're looking for, and we have the support for our troops and our folks out there, but at the same time, too, uh, we recognize that you know that is it is shared, and uh that's why the agreement's structured in a way too that provides both uh parties flexibility for us to evaluate this and see if there's models and things that we can improve upon, things that maybe work exactly how we'd hoped, and things uh that maybe there's you know opportunity to improve.

52:48

So we would look at that, but there is no set Mondays he's here and Tuesdays he's somewhere else.

52:54

It would be dynamic uh in that what's happening where uh are things occurring that require his attention, and he would meander between the two as appropriately.

53:05

Okay, Mr.

53:07

Vanderwill.

53:08

I think Wayne for the record, uh sorry.

53:11

For the record, uh Wayne Weber, accounting manager, budget division, Mayor Lawson, members of the city council.

53:19

We put we project estimated savings about 245,000 dollars just on this initial position.

53:29

And uh once again, that's just as we start the process.

53:33

And that's with the 25%.

53:35

Yes.

53:35

Okay.

53:36

So that would that would save us 240,000.

53:38

245,000.

53:40

Thank you.

53:42

Ms.

53:42

Vanderwell.

53:45

Thank you.

53:46

And this is probably for the city manager also.

53:48

Um the management committee, it says city managers of both parties will be there, and mine may be twofold.

53:56

Um we discussed maybe expanding that a little and having a representative from HR for both the city areno and city of Sparks on there, also.

54:05

We haven't, but I think I think the the agreement is written with the framework as such that we can bring in various resources as we would need them, uh, whether that be HR, whether that be perhaps finance in some cases to talk through different stuff and how some of those might make sense with how a resource was considered to be used moving forward.

54:26

But I think the agreement that's in place provides that flexibility and allows us to accommodate things such as that.

54:32

Okay, great.

54:32

And this is just a follow-up to it.

54:34

Um, how will the cities know how this agreement is performing?

54:39

Are you gonna come back to us in like 60 days, 90 days?

54:43

So this way we can we can show the community, hey, we've done it and it's being successful.

54:49

Sure.

54:49

I think we'll evaluate based on the cadence we put forth with we talked about, uh, which uh Chief Keller brought up with regard to the quarterly reporting.

55:00

We'll use those reports as an opportunity to maybe not always uh bring it to a council meeting, but maybe it's shared publicly through some of our website and different things like that.

55:07

The idea here is transparency.

55:09

Uh we have our new performance portal up right now that will showcase a lot of how we're using our resources on the on the fire side as well, so we can look at some of those and how are we performing, how our resources being used, et cetera.

55:20

But we would intend to absolutely report back to council uh on some type of cadence based on the information we're receiving in those quarterly meetings.

55:28

Perfect.

55:29

Thank you.

55:30

Ms.

55:30

Bibby.

55:31

Thank you, Mr.

55:32

Mayor.

55:33

Um couple questions.

55:35

So this is a one-year contract.

55:38

Right.

55:39

With a 180-day uh buyout, or we can give if if we decide it's just not working at all, we give 180 day notice uh to go back to what we were doing before, correct?

55:54

I don't know if that's for you.

55:56

That is correct.

55:57

Okay.

55:57

Um so it's not we're not locking us, this isn't locked in for eternity.

56:03

It's uh when you're to kind of see how how it works and if it's giving those efficiencies.

56:08

And I think at the end of the day, uh to me, it's more than just cost savings and obviously the time we're at right now with our chief just having retired, gives us the luxury of doing this at this point of time, especially as we look at fire possible fire consolidation on a bigger scale.

56:29

This is not consolidation, but this um I think comes at a good time.

56:34

But for me, at the end of the day, cost savings and saving taxpayer dollars is always top priority for me, but even more important is going to be efficiencies and at the and and really service delivery.

56:48

So are we providing top service delivery of fire of EMS to our residents in the most efficient way and getting to fires and to medical calls most quickly, and even our training and hazmat and all those other things that we're the highest level.

57:08

So all of our to even increase uh where we are on the quality of service we can provide because that is public safety is our number one responsibility.

57:18

It's where the majority of our funds go to.

57:21

So I think this gives us an opportunity to maybe enhance that.

57:25

And I I supported for that reason.

57:28

I think uh I think that is something that makes makes sense to me at this point.

57:33

Thank you.

57:35

Mr.

57:35

Rodriguez.

57:37

Uh thank you, Mr.

57:38

Mayor.

57:39

Um I this is one thing I would like to get on the record, and this might be a question more um for 731, but just for like the public, uh, like making sure that our staff, our firefighters are working this every day, feel like they're supported and um make sure that our partnership with Reno is in the best interest of not just your communities, but also for our line staff.

57:59

So maybe a 731 or something can weigh in on that, like kind of the pulse of the Sorry to drag you up.

58:15

Good afternoon.

58:15

Dan's happy, President of Reno Fires, we're gonna sparks firepowers on 731.

58:20

Um, yes, we we are looking forward to this.

58:22

I think it's it's gonna be it's gonna be a good thing.

58:25

It's definitely worth trying.

58:26

I think it's a step in in the right direction as far as uh um uh like a regional type look.

58:36

I think that this is this is it saves in a lot of ways as far as the firefighters are concerned.

58:40

You know, 731, um, we came together as a as a group, uh Reno Sparks firefighters a couple years ago at least now.

58:48

So we're we're on board, we're looking forward to it.

58:51

We want to see how this thing is gonna work.

58:53

Um I I have high hopes.

58:54

I think it's gonna be good.

58:57

Did I answer that?

58:58

Sorry.

58:59

Is there any more for the later?

59:01

I'm glad to hear that.

59:02

You know, our our firefighters are not dragging their feet on this or or uh you know the pause of outlook.

59:07

So absolutely.

59:10

Thank you, Mayor.

59:11

Thank you.

59:11

Thank you, Mr.

59:12

Abbott.

59:15

Okay.

59:16

So only because you came down.

59:17

Um just uh so speaking, you know, 731 as a whole, you said y'all are I think supportive of this.

59:24

Um just get on the record, that's the arena side, the Spark side, correct?

59:29

As as a whole, I would say yes.

59:31

I haven't talked to every firefighter yet.

59:33

I know this is fairly new and it's come out fairly recently.

59:36

Um maybe surprising, actually, to some.

59:38

Um but from what I am hearing, and and I will do more.

59:42

We're about to have a general membership meeting as well and discuss this in detail on our side.

59:47

But from what I'm hearing, yes, it is being it's it's supported by the labored okay.

59:52

Thank you.

59:53

And I do have a normal question, um not normal question, but one not for you, Tapia.

59:57

Okay, good question.

1:00:00

That was yeah, Tabby should have and got my my question gears turning.

1:00:02

Um so one that I I have for you uh for you, officer, uh, would be and you know, thinking you know, the Sparks Fire Department, we historically, I think until our most recent chief have been um we've always promoted from within um over the years.

1:00:20

Is there an opportunity if we were to keep this agreement?

1:00:24

Um let's just maybe sure cochlear might retire, let's say next year.

1:00:28

I don't know what your retirement plans are, but we'll just say that could someone from Sparks Fire apply, or maybe even someone that's working through the lion staff up, you know, have an ability to apply to become the the chief of both cities, or is it only available for Reno on that side?

1:00:48

I might be in the weeds, but I'm just I'll I'll take that one.

1:00:52

And the answer we've actually had some of those conversations, not specifically about the chief, but just as we evaluate some of these management positions, uh, how do we ensure that there's an equitable process where the Sparks folks, the Reno folks, everybody gets a fair look.

1:01:05

And uh uh the you know, I think based upon those conversations, I feel pretty confident that that uh everyone who's qualified will get a look and the most qualified person will win.

1:01:15

And now competition may be higher just because the pool's a little bit bigger, but I think that's a good thing for the community and the region when you're getting that best most qualified individual in the seat.

1:01:25

So uh do I think that uh you know, somebody from Sparks Fire could at some point perhaps be the fire chief?

1:01:31

Sure.

1:01:32

There's no guarantee that that's the case, but I do think that could be possible down the line if and when Chief Cochrane retired that uh we would have somebody in house who can who would compete well.

1:01:42

Okay, thank you.

1:01:43

And I may add, too, if I could, Mayor, if you're okay.

1:01:46

I think a couple things of note here.

1:01:50

Number one, these are both proud, high performing departments.

1:01:53

This is not being done because somebody is is not performing.

1:01:58

Um I think the second piece of that, it's no secret we are both organizations are challenged financially to find ways to deliver a service.

1:02:07

This is a key critical service to our community.

1:02:10

This is us reimagining, if you will, a first step of how we might do that.

1:02:16

Um, I think there's been questions, you know, related to why could you just do some of this without doing this?

1:02:22

And the answer is we could.

1:02:23

But I think what this does is two or threefold.

1:02:26

Number one, I think it expedites how fast some of those things can occur that we've outlined.

1:02:32

Because you have one person with that 360 vision where they're they're seeing both departments.

1:02:36

Number two, I think it makes you much more agile and nimble because you have that better understanding and are able to see and and process that, and you you control both ends of that.

1:02:49

And then thirdly, I think the vision piece of that, when you start to educate yourself on both, and you have that the totality of information, when you're talking about what the future is, and let's use dispatch, I think that is something that without question consolidated dispatch can produce the best possible returns for this region.

1:03:08

And I think this is a great opportunity to take the next step on that front.

1:03:13

But I want to emphasize this is not being done because either department is is not performing.

1:03:18

Both are high to high performing, high achieving, proud departments.

1:03:23

This maintains that, but I think gives us a chance to reimagine how we're doing uh and providing that service more important because at the end of the day, as council member Bibey said it's about how do we get those resources there in the most effective, efficient manner.

1:03:35

And this is what we believe a good way and good start to taking the next step on that journey.

1:03:41

Thank you, Mayor.

1:03:42

Thank you, Mr.

1:03:42

Anderson.

1:03:43

Yes, actually, uh, I'd like to talk to the gentleman that we're all discussing.

1:03:47

So uh I was gonna ask for a couple of things.

1:03:49

Would it be all right if I asked you for a question?

1:03:56

First, I want to say thank you for your willingness to step into this role.

1:04:00

Um, I I truly appreciate you being willing to do this.

1:04:05

Um my question is the old saying that you can't serve two masters.

1:04:10

How do you see that you're gonna be able to walk that tightrope of taking care of Reno and their goals and objectives as well as those of Sparks, being able to walk that line between them?

1:04:24

Thank you for those comments.

1:04:25

Steve Cochran, uh Reno Fire Chief, temporarily, maybe not temporarily.

1:04:30

Um the I understand the the idea, but I think my the what I bring to the table is the benefit of having been in this area in my experience in this area specifically, and bringing that to the region and understanding that they are two different departments.

1:04:47

We're not, as it's been said a couple times, it's not a consolidation, it's not a merger.

1:04:51

Maybe sometime down the line uh that will happen.

1:04:53

But that's not now.

1:04:54

That's not today.

1:04:55

Today is bringing that leadership piece.

1:05:00

I have experience not only in this area, but having interacted with both departments, interacted with command staff in both departments, and being able to recognize this is something maybe it will work for Reno, but understanding it won't work for Sparks.

1:05:13

So what do how do we blend those two and get to something that will work for both of them, both of them?

1:05:18

With the goal really of as Dan Tappy said, this is kind of that first step forward in a regional approach.

1:05:25

Um of you for having the courage that the type of courage to say we're going to try something.

1:05:31

It's unusual, but it's a step in the right direction.

1:05:34

And we want to see if that will get us down that path to better regional collaboration.

1:05:39

If you can control manage the better warden, all the pieces, you can understand how to more effectively deploy them and get that more effective response.

1:05:48

Get that best response, get that best service from all the pieces, not just one department or the other or one department at the expense of the other.

1:05:56

Excellent.

1:05:57

Thank you.

1:05:58

Okay, any other questions.

1:06:03

Well, with that, then I'm gonna call for uh a motion.

1:06:08

Ums Pibe.

1:06:13

Thank you, Mr.

1:06:14

Mayor.

1:06:15

I move to approve the interlocal agreement, AC 6205 between the city of Reno and the City of Sparks for fire department shared leadership and operational coordination, establishing a shared fire chief model under which the Reno Fire Chief provides executive oversight of both fire departments along with a framework for operational coordination and regional cost sharing.

1:06:41

Mr.

1:06:41

Anderson, I'll second the motion.

1:06:44

Okay, I've got a motion and a second.

1:06:46

Any further discussion?

1:06:47

Seeing none, please vote.

1:06:49

Motion carries unanimously.

1:06:52

We'll see you on Wednesday.

1:06:53

Very good.

1:06:54

Thank you.

1:06:55

Thank you very much.

1:06:57

I know it's a little controversial, but at the same time, if we can provide these in better uh operating condition and better service to the citizenry, that's what we're going to do.

1:07:07

I think it's worth taking advantage of.

1:07:08

Thank you.

1:07:09

Thank you.

1:07:09

Thank you, Chief.

1:07:10

All right, moving on to 9.3 consideration discussion of possible approval to change the city of Spark group health plan benefit to include current health plan and two alternative plans effective January 1, 2027.

1:07:37

All right, good afternoon, Mayor and City Council, Shauna Halterman, Human Resources Director for the Record.

1:07:43

During the 2025 labor negotiations, let me get rid of this thing here.

1:08:16

Second.

1:08:17

Working with our consultant LP Insurance Services, various options were devised and presented to the group health care committee meeting meetings in March and May of this year.

1:08:27

Also, 11 sessions were held throughout the city in June to educate employees on the different options that were presented.

1:08:34

These options included different plans as well as varying options for calculating the city's portion of the health insurance.

1:08:41

At the July 9th, 2026 group health care committee meeting, the committee voted to recommend to city council plan offering B.

1:08:50

I'll discuss that in just a moment.

1:08:52

Plan offering B doesn't make any changes to the calculation or the amount that the city uses in the total compensation compare comparisons.

1:09:01

However, it does offer employees the choice to select from the current plan or to choose from two other options.

1:09:14

This uh plan offering B will add option one, which is a PPO 400 plan, has a higher deductible, higher out-of-pocket costs.

1:09:23

However, it has some flat rates for in the blue, primary physicians, specialist physicians, urgent care, and lab without having to meet the deductible first.

1:09:36

Option two is a high deductible health care plan, um, which has even higher uh deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, but a much lower cost.

1:09:48

This is plan offering B, and as I said, the city's portion doesn't change.

1:09:53

So the amount that the city is is putting in towards each employee is unchanged.

1:10:00

Current plan is the uh PPO 200.

1:10:01

It's a 200 deductible plan.

1:10:05

To give some examples, employees only currently.

1:10:10

Uh the city covers 100% of that.

1:10:12

So at the bottom where it says their cost is zero.

1:10:16

For option one, uh, it is a higher deductible but lower cost premium cost plan.

1:10:23

So the city in red would put 1,128 dollars into an HSA for that employee.

1:10:31

Excuse me.

1:10:32

Let me take that back.

1:10:33

An FSA for that employee for option one.

1:10:36

Um, FSAs need to be spent by the end of that calendar year.

1:10:42

The other option an employee might have as an employee only is option two, a high deductible health care plan.

1:10:49

The amount in red of 1,992 is the amount that the city would put into an HSA for that employee.

1:10:57

An HSA health savings account would um does not need to be spent by the end of the calendar year.

1:11:03

It could stay in there.

1:11:04

It's also portable if they separate from the city.

1:11:08

It's for theirs to keep, they can use it now in 20 years whenever they would like.

1:11:29

An employee would have the option of switching to option one at 190 a month, or option two at $2 a month.

1:11:37

So employees would see savings right out of their check and the difference in what they're paying now if they choose those other options.

1:11:44

They could take some of those savings in option one and put it into an FSA, or they could pocket the difference or put some into an FSA.

1:11:54

In option two, anything in red is the city's portion that's getting put into an HSA.

1:12:01

Um, in addition to that amount, the city's putting in, the employee could put some of their savings and premiums into an HSA as well.

1:12:11

They have an option.

1:12:12

Um, in short, all of this offers employees with exactly what they have now, or they have two other options depending upon what works for their family and their situation.

1:12:25

They will make selections during open enrollment.

1:12:28

We'll be having group and individualized meetings for people to help figure out what's best for their individual situation.

1:12:35

And then they have the option to change every year during open enrollment.

1:12:39

So maybe one of these plans works well for them now, their situation changes in a couple years, they could pick a different plan.

1:12:47

Um, but overall, it at least allows options.

1:12:51

And um, I really uh appreciate the group health care committee's willingness to work with us on this.

1:12:59

They asked a lot of really good questions.

1:13:01

They went out to their people and tried to get a feel for what they needed, and uh ultimately did vote for this as a recommendation to council on July 9th.

1:13:12

And if approved, this plan document would be revised with UMR.

1:13:16

It would be effective in January 1st of 2027.

1:13:20

And I'm open to any questions.

1:13:29

This was a tremendous amount of work for you, for your staff, the group health committee.

1:13:36

Uh appreciate it because it gives people options.

1:13:39

So it gives our employees or maybe young, single, they don't have a couple of kids, they don't have the medical needs that they will when they're my age.

1:13:50

Um but uh it and and so really for them to be able to not pay as much per month to put that into an FSA or HSA gives them that flexibility or even monthly less would come out of their paycheck, and then they're seeing that in their paycheck as they try to meet monthly expenses.

1:14:11

Uh I I really like I I like the options, and we're not uh our current plan is amazing, and I think people should know how good our health care coverage is.

1:14:21

It really is quite extraordinary, but I really like the two options that you've come up with, and I thank you for all the work that you and your staff has done to put this together.

1:14:30

Thank you.

1:14:30

Thank you.

1:14:31

Anyone else?

1:14:34

Okay, there's no other comments than I'm looking for a motion.

1:14:41

Mr.

1:14:41

Anderson.

1:14:42

I move to approve the proposed change to the City of Sparks Group Health Plan benefit to include the current health plan and two alternative plans effective January 1st, 2027.

1:14:53

Mr.

1:14:53

Rabbit.

1:14:57

Any further discussion?

1:14:58

Seeing none, please vote.

1:15:00

Motion carries unanimously.

1:15:03

Thanks, Shauna.

1:15:04

9.4 consideration discussion of possible approval of a reimbursement agreement.

1:15:09

AC 6208 between the City of Sparks and the City of Reno, requiring the City of Sparks to pay for a proposed pre-construction services agreement amendment for the trucky meadows water reclamation facility dewatering building project in the amount of approximately 11 million.

1:15:35

11,772,340, and requiring the city of Reno to reimburse approximately $8,079,357 of those costs.

1:15:47

Casey.

1:15:48

Well, good afternoon, Mayor Lawson and members of council.

1:15:50

For the record, Casey Muncer, Treatment Plant Director at the Tracking Meadows Water Acclamation Facility.

1:15:55

So this is another item related to the ongoing effort for Telmorp to construct a new dewatering building.

1:16:00

The dewatering building is currently approaching the 90% design stage.

1:16:04

And our delivery method for this project has been to utilize a construction manager at risk or CMAR.

1:16:10

As a quick reminder, our CMAR, PCL Construction was hired through a pre-construction services agreement in November of 2024 and has been involved in the design since the 30% design stage.

1:16:22

Once all of the engineering is complete, PCL will give us a guaranteed maximum price known as a GMP to go forth and build the dewatering facility.

1:16:57

Um, where we could go forth and buy those um items that have a really long lead time, such as electrical switch gear that might take, you know, 50, 60, 70 weeks to you know fabricate and ultimately procure.

1:17:08

And the second part would be the uh that production of the GMP, the guaranteed maximum price to go forth and do the rest of the construction.

1:17:20

The city of Reno is looking to amend their existing pre-construction services agreement with PCL to incorporate that early procurement package.

1:17:28

Uh however, Reno desires to utilize a state loan for their portion of the project, which can only be applied to the construction GMP.

1:17:37

As such, what this agreement is looking to do is it uh proposes that Sparks pay for all of the costs incurred by the uh early procurement package.

1:17:47

Uh as a as a positive note, um, one thing that we were able to uh to obtain a couple years ago, we actually got a three million dollar uh federal grant, and we're able to apply that towards the towards the early procurement package.

1:18:02

And so it would be for all of the costs incurred for the early procurement minus that three million dollar grant, which gives us that 11 million seven hundred and seventy-two thousand and three hundred and forty dollars.

1:18:13

Um, what happened then would be that Reno would then credit Sparks that money against the construction GMP, effectively reimbursing us during the construction phase of the project.

1:18:23

This agreement does not have Sparks pay um more than our ownership's uh ownership share.

1:18:28

Sparks will still only pay for 31.37% of the total project costs.

1:18:33

And this agreement solely changes the cash flow of each city so that Reno can utilize their loan to the fullest extent.

1:18:40

Um, our chief financial officer has reviewed the cash flow model, and it is staff's position that the proposed agreement does not negatively impact the city of Sparks.

1:18:49

Um, one last point.

1:18:51

Sparks is not financing any portion of this project and will not be charged any interest related to the city of Reno's loan.

1:18:57

Uh staff recommend approval of this item with that, I'd be happy to answer any and all questions.

1:19:01

Right, questions from the council.

1:19:05

This is unusual for us.

1:19:07

We don't we've never done this before, but we just turn off their sewer.

1:19:12

Right.

1:19:13

What's our leverage?

1:19:17

In a good neighbor.

1:19:18

No, I think it makes sense.

1:19:20

It makes sense to pay cash for it, too.

1:19:22

All right, so we're looking for a motion if there's no discussion.

1:19:28

Mr.

1:19:28

Anderson.

1:19:29

I move to approve the reimbursement agreement AC 6208 between City of Sparks and City of Reno, requiring the City of Sparks to pay for a proposed pre-construction services agreement amendment for the trucking meadows water reclamation facility dewatering building project and the amount of approximately 11,772,340, and requiring the city of Reno to reimburse approximately $8,079,357 of those costs.

1:20:00

Ms.

1:20:00

Vanderwell.

1:20:01

Second.

1:20:01

Got a motion and a second.

1:20:03

Any further discussion?

1:20:04

Seeing none, please vote.

1:20:06

Motion carries unanimously.

1:20:08

Thank you.

1:20:08

Thanks, Casey.

1:20:10

9.5 consideration discussion of possible approval of an interlocal agreement.

1:20:15

AC 6210 between the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, the Reno Police Department, and the Sparks Police Department by and through their respective governing bodies to share total compensation of a sheriff's work crew supervisor to aid in cleanup of unhoused site uh cleanups in an amount not to exceed 178,140 and 38 cents for fiscal year 2627 at the Spark share being 59,380 and 13 cents.

1:20:46

13 got to get the 13 cents in there.

1:20:49

Tara.

1:20:50

Good afternoon, Mayor Lawson and members of council for the record, Deputy Chief Tara Edmondson.

1:20:56

Before you today with an interlocal agreement with the Washoe County and the City of Reno to share services provided by the Sheriff's Office Inmate Work Crew Supervisor to conduct uh area cleanups with focus on abandoned camps left behind by the unhoused.

1:21:09

The agreement will split the cost of the crew supervisor that manages and supervises the inmates.

1:21:15

Uh the total cost for this fiscal year, as uh mayor mentioned is just over 178,000, with the spark share being just over 59,000.

1:21:23

The agreement is for one year with the possibility of renewal.

1:21:27

And just historically, the work crew has been extremely effective.

1:21:31

Uh and this agreement will ensure dedicated time to our city, uh, which in turn will reduce the demand for our employees and free them up for other city priorities.

1:21:40

This agreement will also allow for the root work crew to be utilized elsewhere in the city uh as agreed upon by within the agreement.

1:21:48

Um, and the work crew supervisor will coordinate with the Hope Sergeant.

1:21:51

Uh the Washoe County Sheriff's Office will build the city quarterly and will provide a record of services rendered within our city.

1:21:58

Uh staff recommends this approval, and I'm available for any questions.

1:22:02

All right, questions from the council.

1:22:03

Mr.

1:22:04

Rodriguez.

1:22:06

Uh thank you, Mayor, and uh thank you, Chief.

1:22:08

Uh just a quick question.

1:22:09

Um have we had this contract like this before with the sheriff's office?

1:22:14

Or is this new?

1:22:16

We have contracted differently as a whole with the work crew.

1:22:20

Um, this is a different funding mechanism that we are specifically helping helping support the supervisor that runs the inmate crew rather than just a total contract for the uh work crew services.

1:22:32

Thank you.

1:22:32

Thank you, Mayor.

1:22:33

Okay, and if I remember past contracts have been right around 60,000 dollars, so this is really same same.

1:22:40

Yeah, it's apples to apples, I think.

1:22:42

All right, anyone else?

1:22:43

If not, looking for a motion, Mr.

1:22:48

Rodriguez.

1:22:51

I move to approve the interlocal agreement AC 6210 with the Washa County Sheriff's Office and the Reno Police Department and Sparks Police Department by and through their respective governing bodies to equally share the total conversation for our work crew supervisor and amount not to exceed 178,140.38 cents for fiscal year 2026 through 2027, with Sparks shared being 59,380.13 cents.

1:23:18

This by being I'll second the motion.

1:23:21

We've got a motion and a second.

1:23:23

Um any further discussion.

1:23:25

Seeing none, please vote.

1:23:26

Motion carries unanimously.

1:23:29

Thanks, Chair.

1:23:30

I was painless.

1:23:33

Um Madam Clerk 10.1 public hearing.

1:23:37

Thank you, Mr.

1:23:38

Mayor.

1:23:38

This is public hearing consideration discussion and possible approval of a memorandum of understanding MOU AC 6123 with Sparks Police Protective Association to provide law enforcement services at the special event overtime rate for athletic or sporting events held at city facilities for which the permittee will reimburse the city for the overtime costs.

1:23:58

Okay.

1:24:00

Hello again.

1:24:01

Uh for the record, Deputy Chief Tara Edmondson.

1:24:03

Uh, the item before you today, as mentioned, is a memorandum of understanding with the Sparks Police Protective Association to add language to their current collective bargaining agreement related to special event overtime.

1:24:14

If approved, this would allow our police officers to provide law enforcement services to athletic and sporting events who have obtained a permit from the city at the agreed upon special event overtime rate.

1:24:25

This option requires the permit holder to pay the cost of the officers at this rate, meaning that there is no additional cost to the city.

1:24:31

Um staff recommends approval and I am ready to answer questions.

1:24:35

Question from the council.

1:24:39

Okay.

1:24:40

Looking for a motion then.

1:24:44

Mr.

1:24:45

Abbott.

1:24:47

I move to approve a memorandum of understanding EC-6123 with the Sparks Police Protective Association to provide law enforcement services.

1:25:00

Excuse me, at special event overtime rate for athletic or sporting events held at city facilities for which the permit T will reimburse the city for the overtime costs.

1:25:07

So I should have done a public hearing first.

1:25:11

So public hearing.

1:25:12

Anyone that wishes any of the one in the public wishing to speak on this item?

1:25:16

Seeing none, we'll bring it back.

1:25:18

Mr.

1:25:18

Rodriguez.

1:25:19

I'll take it.

1:25:20

Got a motion and a second.

1:25:22

Any further discussion?

1:25:23

Seeing none, please vote.

1:25:25

Motion carries unanimously.

1:25:27

Thank you.

1:25:28

Thank you all.

1:25:28

Uh 10.2 public hearing, Madam Clerk.

1:25:33

Thank you, Mr.

1:25:33

Mayor.

1:25:34

This is public hearing consideration discussion and possible approval of the City of Sparks Language Access Plan for FY27 and FY28.

1:25:43

Good afternoon, Mayor Lawson and City Council members.

1:25:46

For the record, I'm Alison McCormick, your assistant city manager.

1:25:49

Today I'm seeking your approval of the city's language access plan for fiscal years 27 and 28.

1:25:56

As the council may recall, in 2023, the Nevada legislature adopted assembly bill or AB 266, which requires the city to develop a language access plan, uh update it every two years, and file it with the governor's office for new Americans.

1:26:12

The purpose of a language access plan is to lay out how the city will ensure that people who communicate in languages other than English can still access city programs and services.

1:26:24

More than 20% of our residents here in Sparks speak a language other than English at home.

1:26:29

So making sure that they can access our services, uh, even if they don't speak English well, uh, is extremely important to serving all our whole community.

1:26:39

City staff sought input on the updated plan at the most recent Sparks Citizens Advisory Committee meeting and made revisions based on the committee's feedback.

1:26:48

Staff also posted the draft plan on the city's website for public comment.

1:26:53

Uh staff received two emails in response to that posting, uh, neither of which provided substantive feedback.

1:27:00

Uh this this item is also agendized as a public hearing to uh create more opportunities for public input.

1:27:07

Staff recommends approval, and I'm happy to answer any questions.

1:27:10

Questions from the council.

1:27:13

See none to the public hearing, we'll open it up to the public.

1:27:16

Anyone in the public wishing to speak on this item?

1:27:19

See none, we'll bring it back to the dais and uh looking for a motion.

1:27:26

Mr.

1:27:26

Anderson.

1:27:33

So um public hearing consideration discussion and possible approval.

1:27:37

I it's not showing uh a motion.

1:27:42

That is probably a copy paste error on the drafter's part.

1:27:46

So I apologize for that.

1:27:47

So just you can do uh approval, start with approval.

1:27:51

Okay, how about that?

1:27:52

I move to approve the city of Sparks language access plan for FY2728.

1:27:57

There we go.

1:27:58

Ms.

1:27:58

Vanderwell.

1:28:00

Second.

1:28:01

Got a motion and a second.

1:28:03

Any further discussion?

1:28:04

Seeing none, please vote.

1:28:07

Motion passes unanimously.

1:28:09

10.3 public hearing, Madam Clerk.

1:28:12

Thank you, Mr.

1:28:13

Mayor.

1:28:13

This is public hearing consideration and possible approval of a bill draft request to amend the Washoe County Taxes on Transient Lodging Act of 1999 to enable the Sparks City Council to adopt an ordinance to add a surcharge of up to $10 per night to the rental of transient lodging within the city of Sparks.

1:28:31

Okay.

1:28:32

Thank you, Mayor Lawson.

1:28:34

For the record, uh, I'm your assistant city manager Allison McCormick.

1:28:37

I am seeking your approval of a bill draft request or BDR for the City of Sparks for the 2027 legislative session.

1:28:45

At a workshop in June, City Council gave direction to prepare this BDR for submission to the legislature.

1:28:51

If enacted, this BDR would enable the city council to adopt an ordinance to add a surcharge of up to $10 per night on room nights that are subject to transient lodging tax or room tax within the city of Sparks.

1:29:05

This is an enabling legislation, not mandatory.

1:29:09

As drafted, the surcharge could be used for any government purpose, so that visitors to Sparks are directly supporting the public amenities and services that they use, such as parks, roads, and public safety services.

1:29:22

Staff anticipates that this could generate approximately five million dollars annually based on fiscal year 25 room night data.

1:29:30

Nevada law does require a public hearing before city council approves a BDR.

1:29:36

Staff recommends approval, and I'm happy to answer any questions.

1:29:39

Okay, questions from the DIS.

1:29:43

Mr.

1:29:43

Rodriguez.

1:29:45

Uh thank you, Mayor.

1:29:46

Um, just for like the public's uh in case they didn't watch our budget workshop or BDR workshop or anything like that.

1:30:00

I know like our council we and staff discussed a variety of different ways to see about what can we do to generate revenue while you know not putting too much impact on our citizens and community and try to capitalize on tourism stuff like that.

1:30:08

So can you kind of just like a quick recap again for you know the million views or million view viewers?

1:30:13

Wow, that we have on YouTube, like some of the discussions and uh maybe like what is Reno or some of our other um neighboring cities charging as far as room tax.

1:30:23

Uh so a few staff looked at and presented a few options to city council at that June workshop.

1:30:29

Uh changes to property tax were discussed.

1:30:33

Um and uh and potential changes to C tax were also looked at.

1:30:39

Um the political realities of getting something like that through in staff's view are uh challenges.

1:30:48

Those changes would be unlikely to uh be adopted by our legislature.

1:30:52

Uh so in staff's view, this was the um the most practical of the options that we identified.

1:31:01

Um hopefully would be supportive by our legislators as it would uh impact visitors much more than residents.

1:31:11

Right, and I probably call like uh again, just like for the record and Fortis Council um and our viewers that um this is something that we know other cities have implemented and successfully navigated through the political waters from the city, submitting a BDR to legislators actually being signed off um and voted on and everything else by the governor and whatnot.

1:31:31

So this is something that actually could generate revenue for our city while not having a huge impact on our citizens directly.

1:31:39

Absolutely, and and other cities and locations have certainly adopted similar surcharges.

1:31:44

Thank you, Mayor.

1:31:45

Thank you.

1:31:45

Thank you.

1:31:46

Anyone else?

1:31:48

Mr.

1:31:49

Anderson.

1:31:50

Yeah, um, we heard a comment about um getting our our fair share of the funds that come into this region from what's currently being charged.

1:32:01

Can you please explain the process of that?

1:32:04

And if we were to be successful, how would we go about doing that?

1:32:07

Uh that would have to be a legislative change as well.

1:32:10

Um currently the city gets um uh a portion of room tax through RSCA, uh, the Reno Sparks Convention and Visitor Authority for the millions of viewers on YouTube.

1:32:22

Um the Sparks portion of those room taxes um is relatively small.

1:32:31

Um, however, uh to change that formula requires legislation and would put the city of Sparks at odds with our regional partners, Washoe County, Reno, and RSCBA.

1:32:43

Uh so adding a surcharge is in staff's estimation the um more likely option, more likely to succeed because we won't be fighting those regional partners.

1:32:55

All right, thank you.

1:32:57

Anyone else?

1:33:00

Okay.

1:33:05

Anyone in the public wish to speak on this item, Mr.

1:33:07

Rawson, come on down and just fill out a card for us after thank you, Mayor and City Council.

1:33:17

This is Wendy Rossin for the record.

1:33:19

Um while I understand that it's maybe not doable to be able to take it to the legislature, it's definitely worth a fight trying for it.

1:33:29

Um, because I just recently stayed at the nugget.

1:33:32

I stayed three nights and it was just last month, and I spent over 112 just in current taxes and fees on the room charge of a 40 a night room.

1:33:43

And so now if we are asking to pay $10, which yes, that would bring in five million more dollars.

1:33:50

But if you have to go to the 10 $10 a night additional tax to be able to get that five million dollars.

1:33:57

If you do the five dollars additional tax per night, that's a million dollars.

1:34:03

If RSC VA is receiving over six million dollars, then we should at least be trying to fight for that additional million dollars.

1:34:14

That it's not a tax, it's already revenue that's coming into our community.

1:34:20

And it's just as simple, let's fight for what we're already receiving.

1:34:24

It's money, it's revenue in our city that we should be fighting for a better allocation for.

1:34:30

So that's not my stance on that.

1:34:33

Thank you very much.

1:34:34

Thank you.

1:34:47

Yeah, I I uh also am opposed to to new taxes.

1:34:53

Uh, our our main industry has been tourism for a long time.

1:34:56

Uh it's still a big chunk.

1:35:00

I I know our GDP is growing here in Nevada, but that is a result of data centers that are valued at 200 times price to earnings ratio, which is about 10 times normal market rate.

1:35:08

Uh in other words, our GTB GDP is in being inflated by the data center boom.

1:35:14

Uh so it looks like our economy is a lot better than than what it is, I guess.

1:35:19

And I think we need to be keeping the tourism going uh as much as we can.

1:35:23

Uh when I first read this, uh it when you say transient housing, that uh initially uh made me think of homeless people and like the week, I thought of like weeklies and uh things like that, and uh initially it came across as like a tax on the poor, but now I understand this is more related to casinos and whatnot.

1:35:42

Um still opposed to taxes.

1:35:46

Uh I I think fighting for for more money.

1:35:49

Uh the fact that the state keeps giving away all our tax money with the uh um tax abatements for all these data centers that are overvalued coming here.

1:35:58

Uh I understand that really wrecks our budgets.

1:36:01

Uh, and uh I don't know.

1:36:04

I hope we can figure out all these issues.

1:36:06

Uh and uh I think we need tourism to still be a part of it.

1:36:10

Uh thanks.

1:36:11

Thank you.

1:36:12

Anyone else in the public wishing to speak?

1:36:15

All right, we'll bring it back to the dais.

1:36:18

And uh any questions from the council.

1:36:22

Not I'm looking for a motion.

1:36:26

Mr.

1:36:27

Rodriguez.

1:36:29

I move to approve the bill of draft request to amend the Washer County taxes on transit lodging act of 1999 to enable the Spark City Council to it's moving, sorry.

1:36:40

Uh to enable the Spark City Council to adopt an ordinance to add a surcharge of up to $10 per night to the rental of transit lodging within the city of Sparks.

1:36:50

Mr.

1:36:50

Rabbit, second.

1:36:51

I've got a motion and a second.

1:36:53

Any further discussion?

1:36:54

Seeing none, please vote.

1:36:56

Most carriers unanimously.

1:36:57

Okay, Madam Clerk, 10.4.

1:37:07

Thank you, Mr.

1:37:08

Mayor.

1:37:09

This is second reading public hearing consideration discussion and possible adoption of bill number 2858, an ordinance amending Sparks Municipal Code, Section 13.27.080 appeals to update the sewer bill appeals process and providing for other matters properly related there too.

1:37:26

I'm just gonna keep on going.

1:37:28

Please.

1:37:28

Thank you.

1:37:29

This is Lisa Hunderman, your city clerk for the record.

1:37:32

Uh section 13.27.080 of the Sparks Municipal Code governs how sewer customers can dispute their sewer bill.

1:37:40

Um it has not been meaningfully updated in over 20 years.

1:37:45

Currently, there is a 100, a 150 threshold that separates staff level review from formal committee review, which no longer reflects current uh billing amounts.

1:37:56

The appeals process is also currently fragmented.

1:37:59

The finance director role that is referenced in the lower tier uh actually no longer exists in our administrative structure.

1:38:06

Um, and the uh department is currently under the city clerk's office.

1:38:12

The ordinance uh that is before you today replaces section 13.27.080 in its entirety.

1:38:19

Uh the two-tier structure is preserved, but it has been updated.

1:38:23

And under the new threshold, appeals under 1,000 would go to the city clerk for review.

1:38:30

Um, and then an appeal of the city clerk's decision would go to the city manager for final review.

1:38:36

Um, and then anything over a thousand dollars would still go to the sewer appeals committee.

1:38:41

Um, and that they would provide a recommendation to the city manager.

1:38:45

The city manager would make the decision, um, and then appeals of the city manager's decision would still go to city council.

1:38:53

There was some additional changes that were made in the code.

1:38:56

Um previously there was some documentation requirements that were scattered throughout uh the section with no clear statement of what a petitioner should bring to or or provide uh for an appeal.

1:39:09

So the new code consolidates all of the requirements into a single subchext subsection.

1:39:14

Um and there is also an additional purpose statement that was added that uh clearly defines when a sewer bill could be adjusted.

1:39:22

Um, and that any granted adjustment could be approved in full in part or not at all.

1:39:29

The restructured process is expected to reduce staff time on routine billing disputes by keeping low dollar amounts uh at the administrative level.

1:39:38

And staff does recommend the city council adopt the ordinance amending this section of Title 13 as presented.

1:39:45

As a reminder, this is a public hearing, and that concludes my presentation, and I'm happy to answer any questions.

1:39:50

Questions from the council.

1:39:51

Mr.

1:39:52

Rabbit.

1:39:53

A comment.

1:39:54

Someone has had the pleasure of sitting on the SIRA Appeals board highly support this um for not only our own time, but for staff's time.

1:40:00

Highly support this for not only our own time, but for staff's time.

1:40:04

Every time someone appeals, uh it's not just a simple one-page, it's them going through all the history, getting the reason.

1:40:11

It's a lot of work, and you know, some they're average from seven to 15 on every once a month.

1:40:17

So uh definitely big time savers.

1:40:19

I think it'll also be great for our citizens too that show up.

1:40:24

Um, you know, uh we've had a variety of people show up over the years where some people are probably more stressed than they need to be over a sewer appeal.

1:40:31

Um, but we can take care of maybe some of these appeals process uh at the customer service counter and help people get their cases resolved instead of waiting for the next sewer appeal.

1:40:44

So highly support it.

1:40:45

I love it.

1:40:46

I know we've talked about it for a while.

1:40:48

Um, just throw out the advocacy for it as well.

1:40:51

So if I could piggyback off of what Councilman Abbott said, the eight to 15 or so that you get on a monthly basis.

1:41:01

We we've calculated it out, and that'd probably go down to about eight a year.

1:41:07

Okay.

1:41:08

Anyone else?

1:41:10

All right, so public hearing from the public wish to speak on this item.

1:41:15

I'll bring it back to the dais.

1:41:17

And we are looking for a motion.

1:41:21

Mr.

1:41:21

Rabbit.

1:41:22

I move to adopt a bill number 2858, an ordinance amending the Sparks Municipal Code Section 13.27.080 appeals to update the sewer bill appeals process and providing for other matters properly related there too.

1:41:37

Ms.

1:41:37

Vanderwell.

1:41:38

Second.

1:41:39

Got a motion and a second.

1:41:41

Any further discussion?

1:41:43

Seeing none, please vote.

1:41:44

Motion carries unanimously.

1:41:48

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

1:41:49

11.1 second reading.

1:41:52

Thank you, Mr.

1:41:52

Mayor.

1:41:53

This is second reading public hearing discussion and possible adoption of bill number 2857 to modify a final approved plan for the Kylie Ranch North Plan Development, Kylie Ranch North Phase 3 final handbook to one modify the parking ratios applicable to medical uses, to revise sign standards related to medical campus signage in village 25, and three, modify parking area landscaping requirements when covered parking is utilized in village 25.

1:42:18

And on an approximately 98.4 acre site, generally located east of Pyramid Way, west of David Allen Parkway, south of Wingfield Hills Road, and north of Sparks Boulevard, Sparks, Nevada, APN's three zero two four one eight, zero eight three zero two four one nine, zero eight three zero two four two two, zero eight three eight three zero seven four and zero eight three eight three zero seven five in the NUD New Urban District, Kylie Ranch North Phase Three Plan Development Zoning District.

1:42:51

Thank you, Madam Clark.

1:42:52

Again, apologies for the length of titles for my I did.

1:42:56

Thank you.

1:43:00

So good afternoon, uh Mayor Lawson members of the city council.

1:43:03

I am for the record, Danny Ray, senior planner here to present this item to you today.

1:43:10

So on this slide, you can see the uh boundary of the approximately 874-acre entire Kylie Ranch plan development, which encompasses 12 planned developments.

1:43:23

Uh, and it's outlined in blue.

1:43:25

Outlined in red is the 98.4 acre Kylie Ranch North Phase 3 plan development, generally located east of Prater, uh, excuse me, Pyramid Way and west of David Allen Parkway, south of Wingfield Hills Road, and north of Sparks Boulevard.

1:43:43

City Council initially adopted the Kylie Ranch North Phase 3 development handbook in 2007, which established residential, commercial, community and park and open space land use categories, and most recently an amendment that modified floor area ratio, some architectural standards and trip allocation.

1:44:05

The amendment was requested by renowned for the renowned medical campus, but some of the changes will impact the greater village 25 and the Kylie Ranch North phase three plan development.

1:44:19

So this request uh seeks to amend the handbook by modifying parking ratios that are applicable to medical uses in the KRN phase three PD, decreasing the overall parking counts uh for the medical campus in village 25, modifying medical campus signage to reflect renowned branding changes to provide more flexibility for signage design.

1:44:44

And by removing parking area landscaping requirements when parking areas are located under shade or photovoltaic or solar uh structures.

1:45:00

Of note, staff are currently reviewing a companion administrative review to construct a 125,203 square foot three-story medical office building on an approximately 11.5 acre portion of village 25.

1:45:13

The medical office building, which will include an ambulatory surgical and treatment center as well as an urgent care facility, is identified as phase one of the medical campus, and it's shown in yellow on this map.

1:45:28

And a hospital and two additional medical office buildings are identified as phase two.

1:45:34

They are not presently included in the administrative review.

1:45:38

And approval of the administrative review is contingent upon approval of this request to amend the handbook.

1:45:48

So for parking ratios, this request seeks to modify the minimum parking ratios for certain medical uses to align with the Institute of Transportation Engineers or ITE parking rates as shown on the table here on the screen, which will decrease the overall parking count by only 45 spaces from that is currently required in the handbook.

1:46:11

Staff supports modifying the parking ratios as requested because the ITE parking demand rates are based on peak parking demand data collected at multiple hospital and medical sites, and these rates will support development not only of village 25 with envisioned medical uses, but also medical uses in other portions of the phase three handbook.

1:46:38

And for modifications to signage, the handbook contains specific signage standards related to the medical campus land use category that no longer represent the renowned branding.

1:46:51

This request seeks to remove the illustrations related to renowned branding from the handbook, as well as certain standards related to materials and dimensions of the medical campus, providing additional flexibility within an established framework.

1:47:06

In addition, this request proposes to modify sign standards to change an electronic message gateway sign for an internally illuminated LED sign, increase the height of a gateway sign, and increase the maximum square footage of building signs.

1:47:54

So, according to the fiscal impact analysis for the project area, between 2026 and 2039, the project is proposed to add 228,590 square feet of medical office space, a 595,000 square foot hospital, and a hundred, excuse me, 125,000 square foot parking structure, and is anticipated to generate a revenue surplus in the amount of 33 million dollars over the 20-year analysis period.

1:48:26

However, the analysis only pertains to Village 25, which is a part of the Greater Kylie Ranch North plan development that has historically been utilized to analyze fiscal impacts for the development plan development.

1:48:41

When analyzing the impacts of a potential medical campus project in conjunction with the greater Kylie Ranch North plan development, the analysis shows a remaining net surplus of 65.4 million dollars.

1:48:58

This concludes the background and analysis portion of the presentation.

1:49:03

An amendment to the plan development has 10 required findings that must be made by the city council.

1:49:10

So for findings PDA, PDB, and PDH, the requested modifications to development standards are consistent with the comprehensive plan and surrounding land uses because they will facilitate commercial development in an area planned for commercial uses, promoting compact development and development flexibility in a location where infrastructure such as sewer, water, storm drains, and police and fire services are available, and providing potential for the continued growth of the Kylie Ranch North community for residents and businesses, supporting goals MG1, MG11, goals C C1, EV1, and EV2.

1:49:52

Pursuant to the 2024 Trucky Meadows Regional Plan, the Phase 3 Handbook has a tier two land use designation and is located within the Trucky Meadows service area and supports construction of suburban type medical uses.

1:50:00

The phase three handbook has a tier two land use designation and is located within the Truckee Meadows service area and supports construction of suburban type medical uses.

1:50:06

The proposed amendment does not alter the type or amount of development permitted in the phase three handbook and would permit greater flexibility and implementation of the allowed medical uses that are already permitted in the handbook.

1:50:21

For these reasons, the reliance of residents and owners upon the provisions of the plan will not be materially impaired, uh, supporting finding PDH.

1:50:31

And analyzing the impacts of the potential medical campus development across the Greater Kylie Ranch area.

1:50:37

The fiscal impact analysis uh prepared in support of the proposed modifications.

1:50:42

Finds development will continue to generate significant positive revenue for the city's general fund estimated at 86.1 million dollars over the 20-year analysis period.

1:50:53

This general fund surplus is sufficient to cover the 20.7 million dollar deficit in the road fund with an over 65.4 million dollar net surplus revenue remaining to fund expenditures throughout the city supporting finding PDC.

1:51:12

For findings PDD, PDE, PDF, and PDG, the proposed amendment modifies parking area ratios and landscaping design standards, as well as signage standards for development within the community commercial medical campus land use category.

1:51:28

This amendment is intended to support the potential construction of medical campus uses in a manner that is consistent with the original intent of the plan and furthers the mutual interests of residents, property owners, and the public by supporting updated construction plans consistent with that plan.

1:51:48

And finally, for findings PDI and PDJ.

1:51:52

As proposed, the findings will uh the changes will allow any interested party to pursue development uh within the Kylie Ranch North phase three plan development in accordance with the handbook.

1:52:03

Public notice was given as required on May 5th, and a total of 91 notices were mailed to all owners uh within the development and within 750 feet of the boundary of phase three, uh, as well as published in the re uh Reno Gazette Journal as of noon today.

1:52:21

There has been no public comment on this item.

1:52:24

Staff and the planning commission recommend approval of this item to the city council as a reminder.

1:52:30

This is a public hearing.

1:52:31

Um I'm available for questions, as is the applicant.

1:52:34

And this concludes my presentation.

1:52:36

Okay.

1:52:37

Questions from the council.

1:52:41

Okay.

1:52:42

Well, public hearing.

1:52:44

Anyone in the public wishing to comment on this item.

1:52:48

No, we'll bring it back to the diets, and I'm looking for a motion.

1:52:54

Mr.

1:52:54

Rodriguez.

1:52:56

Uh thank you, Ms.

1:52:58

Mayor.

1:52:58

Um, I'm happy to do this.

1:53:01

I know uh this community's been looking for something like this a long time.

1:53:04

Uh so with that, I uh move to approve bill number 2857 to amend the final approved plan for the Kylie Ranch phase three planned development to one modify parking ratios applicable to medical uses, to revise sign standards related to medical campus signage and village 25 and three modified parking area landscaping requirements when covered parking is utilized in village 25 on an approximate 20, or I'm sorry, 98.4 acre site in Sparks, Nevada.

1:53:37

APM's APN's uh 083-08 or I'll start that over APN 083-024-18 and 083-024-19 and 083-024-22.

1:54:00

Almost there.

1:54:01

083-083-74 and 083-08375 based on the findings PDA through PDJ and the fact supporting those findings as the fourth in the staff report.

1:54:15

Okay.

1:54:16

Did I get that right?

1:54:17

Mr.

1:54:18

Mr.

1:54:18

Mayor, no, he yeah.

1:54:21

Yeah.

1:54:22

The two APNs at the end.

1:54:23

Okay.

1:54:24

So friendly amendment to this motion.

1:54:28

So APN 083-08.

1:54:33

830.

1:54:34

Thank you.

1:54:36

A three three zero-74 and zero eight three-eight three zero-75.

1:54:46

Thank you.

1:54:47

We get them all in there now.

1:54:49

Yes.

1:54:50

Okay.

1:54:50

May I second the motion?

1:54:52

I was I want uh councilman Rodriguez to relax a little.

1:54:56

That was a lot.

1:54:57

That was a hard one to get through.

1:55:00

Yes, you can second it, please.

1:55:01

All right.

1:55:01

And I do.

1:55:04

All right.

1:55:04

Any further discussion?

1:55:06

Seeing none, please vote.

1:55:08

Motion carries unanimously.

1:55:10

All right, madam clerk.

1:55:11

Do we have any public comment?

1:55:13

We do not, Mr.

1:55:14

Mayor.

1:55:15

Okay.

1:55:15

Announcements from the mayor, city council, city manager.

1:55:18

Anyone have an announcement?

1:55:21

Yes.

1:55:23

You have an announcement.

1:55:24

I well, I have a request.

1:55:26

If I can uh please request on our August 10th, 2026 agenda, uh, the policy for dogs in the workplace.

1:55:35

Um that uh I know the uh language from Washoe County was provided to us, so uh like to see if we can get that on our agenda and get it passed.

1:55:47

We'll do thank you.

1:55:49

Thank you.

1:55:50

Anyone else?

1:55:51

All right.

1:55:52

Then we are you got anything, Mr.

1:55:54

City Manager?

1:55:56

We are adjourned.

1:55:59

Now we got redevelopment.

1:56:02

Redevelopment.

1:56:18

It's the last problem.

1:56:43

Yeah, yes.

1:57:02

Um not two o'clock at four o'clock.

1:57:04

At 352 to order with a roll call, please.

1:57:07

Chair Abbott.

1:57:09

Here agency members Lawson.

1:57:11

Bibi here, Vanderwell, here Anderson.

1:57:14

Here Rodriguez?

1:57:15

Here, Chief Legal Officer Duncan.

1:57:16

Here, Chief Administrative Officer Lausanne.

1:57:19

Here, we have a quorum.

1:57:20

Awesome, thank you very much.

1:57:21

Uh public comment.

1:57:22

Any public comment?

1:57:24

I see none.

1:57:26

We'll close that item.

1:57:28

Go to 4.1.

1:57:29

Approval of the agenda.

1:57:31

Looking for a motion.

1:57:34

One moment, please.

1:57:35

Okay.

1:57:36

We just keep going.

1:57:37

It's fine.

1:57:38

Time isn't real.

1:57:40

Agency member Rodriguez.

1:57:43

Thank you very much.

1:57:44

Agency member Vanderwell.

1:57:45

Second.

1:57:45

Perfect.

1:57:46

We have a motion of second.

1:57:47

Please vote.

1:57:49

Passes unanimously.

1:57:51

Item 5.1.

1:57:52

Consideration discussion and possible approval of the minutes of the Sparks Redevelopment Agency meeting for June 22nd, 2026.

1:57:59

Looking for a motion.

1:58:02

Agency member Anderson.

1:58:04

Move to approve the minutes of the Sparks Redevelopment Agency meeting for June 22nd, 2026.

1:58:09

Thank you very much.

1:58:09

Agency member Vanderwell.

1:58:11

Second.

1:58:11

We thank you.

1:58:12

We have a motion of second.

1:58:13

Please vote.

1:58:14

Passes unanimously.

1:58:16

Item 6.1 consideration possible exceptions of the report of the claims and bills approved for payment and appropriation transfers for the period of June 9, 2026 to July 14, 2026.

1:58:27

Looking for a motion.

1:58:44

Thank you very much.

1:58:45

Agency member Rodriguez.

1:58:47

Perfect.

1:58:47

We have a motion and a second.

1:58:49

Please vote.

1:58:50

Passes unanimously.

1:58:52

Um 8.1 comments from the public.

1:58:55

Any public comment?

1:58:57

I see none.

1:58:58

We'll go to 8.2 announcements to the agency and chief administrative officer.

1:59:02

Last chance.

1:59:05

Okay.

1:59:06

We will adjourn at 354.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety███████████████████19%
Procedural██████████████14%
Veteran Support Programs█████████9%
Water And Wastewater Management████████8%
Budget Equity Analysis███████7%
Personnel Matters██████6%
Parks and Recreation██████6%
Health Insurance██████6%
Economic Development██████6%
Summary of Proceedings

Sparks City Council Meeting – July 27, 2026

The Sparks City Council met on July 27, 2026, for a regular meeting that began with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. The council approved a consent calendar, heard public comments, and took action on several major items including a shared fire chief model with Reno, changes to the city's group health plan, a transient lodging tax surcharge proposal, and updates to the sewer bill appeals process. The meeting also included presentations from Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful and Liberty Dogs, and a commendation for Creative Gardens. The council unanimously approved all agenda items.

Consent Calendar

  • The council approved the consent calendar (items 8.1 through 8.7) as submitted, with a motion by Mr. Rodriguez and second by Mr. Abbott. The motion carried unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Mark Markel spoke about the dangers of drunk driving, sharing his personal experience from a crash in 1989. He urged the council and the public to avoid driving under the influence.
  • Sean Sullivan commented on Item 9.2 (shared fire chief model). He expressed concern that combining leadership with Reno could reduce representation, invite divided attention, and potentially affect pay, skills, and union issues. He recommended tabling the motion to allow more study.
  • Wendy Rawson spoke on Item 10.3 (transient lodging tax surcharge). She urged the council to instead fight for a fairer share of the existing room tax revenue generated in Sparks, noting that the city receives only about $1.5 million of the $7.8 million collected, with the rest going to the RSCVA. She opposed new taxes.

Discussion Items

  • 9.1 – Appointments to Truckee Meadows Housing Authority (TMHA): Council members Vanderwell and Rodriguez volunteered to serve on the TMHA board. The council appointed Ms. Vanderwell to a two-year term (ending November 30, 2028) and Mr. Rodriguez to a three-year term (ending November 30, 2029). Motion carried unanimously.
  • 9.2 – Shared Fire Chief Model (Interlocal Agreement with Reno): Division Chief Derek Keller presented the agreement, which formalizes a shared fire chief model while keeping two independent fire departments. The model is intended to improve regional coordination, resource deployment, and cost efficiency. The city manager noted estimated savings of $245,000 per year. Council members asked about performance monitoring, employee support, and future potential for Sparks personnel to become the shared chief. Dan Tappy, President of Reno Sparks Firefighters Local 731, expressed support for the agreement as a positive step toward regional collaboration. The council unanimously approved the interlocal agreement.
  • 9.3 – Changes to City Group Health Plan: HR Director Shauna Halterman presented a proposal to offer employees three plan options: the current PPO 200 plan, a PPO 400 plan (higher deductible, lower premium, with city contributions to an FSA), and a high-deductible health plan (with city contributions to an HSA). The city's contribution remains unchanged. Employees may choose during open enrollment and can switch annually. The council unanimously approved the changes effective January 1, 2027.
  • 9.4 – Reimbursement Agreement for TMWRF Dewatering Building: Casey Muncer explained an agreement where Sparks will pay $11,772,340 for early procurement costs, with Reno reimbursing $8,079,357 during construction. The arrangement allows Reno to use a state loan for their portion of the project. Sparks' ownership share remains at 31.37%, and no interest is charged. The council approved the agreement unanimously.
  • 9.5 – Interlocal Agreement for Inmate Work Crew Supervisor: Deputy Chief Tara Edmondson presented an agreement with Washoe County and Reno to share the cost of a Sheriff's Office Inmate Work Crew Supervisor to clean up abandoned unhoused camps. The total cost is $178,140.38 for fiscal year 2026-2027, with Sparks' share at $59,380.13. The agreement is for one year, renewable. The council approved it unanimously.
  • 10.1 – MOU with Sparks Police Protective Association: The council approved a memorandum of understanding allowing police officers to work special events (athletic/sporting events with city permits) at an overtime rate paid by the permittee, at no cost to the city. Unanimously approved.
  • 10.2 – Language Access Plan (FY27-FY28): Assistant City Manager Allison McCormick presented the updated plan required by Nevada AB 266, which ensures access to city services for residents with limited English proficiency. The council adopted the plan unanimously after a public hearing.
  • 10.3 – Transient Lodging Tax Surcharge Bill Draft Request: Allison McCormick presented a BDR for the 2027 legislative session to allow the city to add a surcharge of up to $10 per night on transient lodging rentals. This would generate an estimated $5 million annually for general government purposes. The council approved the BDR unanimously after a public hearing, despite opposition from two public speakers who preferred to seek a larger share of existing room tax revenue.
  • 10.4 – Sewer Bill Appeals Process Update: City Clerk Lisa Hunderman presented an ordinance updating the sewer bill appeals process, raising the threshold for staff-level review from $150 to $1,000 and consolidating documentation requirements. The council adopted the ordinance unanimously.
  • 11.1 – Kiley Ranch North Phase 3 Handbook Amendment: Senior Planner Danny Ray presented an amendment to modify parking ratios for medical uses, update signage standards, and adjust landscaping requirements for covered parking in Village 25 to facilitate a new medical campus. The fiscal impact analysis shows a net surplus of $65.4 million over 20 years for the greater Kiley Ranch area. The council approved the amendment unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Shared Fire Chief Model (9.2): Approved unanimously. Interlocal agreement with Reno establishes a shared fire chief while maintaining separate departments. Expected savings of $245,000 annually.
  • Health Plan Changes (9.3): Approved unanimously. Effective January 1, 2027, employees will have three plan options including PPO 400 and high-deductible health plans with city contributions to FSAs/HSAs.
  • TMWRF Dewatering Building Reimbursement (9.4): Approved unanimously. Sparks to pay $11.77 million up front; Reno to reimburse $8.08 million during construction.
  • Inmate Work Crew Supervisor (9.5): Approved unanimously. Sparks' share is $59,380.13 for FY 2026-2027 to fund cleanup of abandoned homeless encampments.
  • Transient Lodging Tax Surcharge BDR (10.3): Approved unanimously. Bill draft request for 2027 legislature to enable a surcharge of up to $10/night on transient lodging rentals, estimated to generate $5 million annually.
  • Sewer Bill Appeals Process (10.4): Adopted unanimously. Raises staff-level review threshold to $1,000 and streamlines procedures.
  • Kiley Ranch North Phase 3 Handbook Amendment (11.1): Approved unanimously. Allows medical campus development with updated parking, signage, and landscaping standards.

Presentations

  • Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful: Darcy Phillips, Executive Director, reported on the Great Community Cleanup (May 2) with 875 volunteers across 26 sites, including a massive cleanup at Solomon Circle in Sparks. The Truckee River cleanup in fall involved 800 volunteers. The Adopt-a-Spot program handles about 375 cleanups per year. KTMB also led a cleanup of the marina backup. Upcoming events: annual fundraiser August 20 and Truckee River cleanup September 26.
  • Liberty Dogs: Andre Berry, CEO, presented the organization's mission to pair service dogs with veterans at no cost, supported by the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation. The 27-acre campus in South Reno includes a 200,000-square-foot facility. The program aims to match 200 veterans with service dogs and enroll 180 in a wellness class. Berry requested that the city adopt a policy allowing employees to volunteer as puppy raisers during work hours. Councilmember Vanderwell announced she will place a policy on the August 10, 2026 agenda.

Commendation

  • Councilmember Paul Anderson presented a commendation to CJ Sanders, owner of Creative Gardens, for donating a new play yard to the Larry D. Johnson Community Center's Small Wonders Learning Center Preschool.

Redevelopment Agency Meeting

Following the regular meeting, the Sparks Redevelopment Agency met briefly and unanimously approved the agenda, the minutes of June 22, 2026, and the report of claims and bills paid for June 9–July 14, 2026. The meeting adjourned.

Meeting Transcript

City Council meeting for July 27th with the roll call. Mayor Lawson. Council members Abbott. Vanderwell, here. Anderson. Here. Baby. Here. Rodriguez. City Attorney Duncan. City Manager Louth. We have a quorum. Thank you. Okay. Let's start with uh invocation by Pastor Brian Smith of Summit Christian. Wanted to share uh just the wisdom that uh council needs as a lead and guide inner city of over a hundred thousand and the mics going in and out. I don't know if that's my fault. But uh in Proverbs uh thirty uh three it says Blessed is the one who finds wisdom and the one who gets understanding for the gain from her being wisdom is better than the gain from silver and her profit better than gold. Or James 15. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. So Laura, we come before you. Uh we thank you, God, for the collective wisdom in uh the city council. Yeah, we thank you for the wisdom in the uh and those in our city, uh, those in our um public service agencies. Yeah, we need more wisdom. Uh and so God, would you fill us with your wisdom? Would you guide and direct this council as they make decisions that impacts families and businesses? Would you give wisdom as questions are asked as answers are sought? And God, in all of this as we live and are governed. God, would you get the glory? And so we praise you and we thank you in the name of Christ. Amen. Mr. Duncan, will you lead us in the pledge? And to the Republic for each sense. One nation. Liberty. Okay. All right. Uh public comment. Mark Markel. A UK man was in critical condition at Loma Linda University Medical Center, where he was taken for treatment of head injuries after a car crash Thursday, authorities said. Mark Markel, 24, was thrown from a 1977 Dotson as it overturned on Live Oak Canyon Road at the eastbound Interstate 10 off-ramp at 4:30 p.m. said California Highway Patrol Officer Amber Drysdale. The driver was driving south on Live Oak Canyon Road when he lost control of the car, struck a curb and skidded into the off ramp. The vehicle rolled over several times and landed on top of Mark Markel. I would love a live by Christ by God to show you people and warn you people about drunk driving. It's fucked. Yeah, no cussing, please. Yeah, I'm sorry. It's messed up.

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