Public Meetings - Mesquite, Nevada

The Mesquite City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included public comments, approval of the consent agenda, resolutions for land sale, adoption of a zoning ordinance, renewal of a legislative consultant contract, bond cap transfer, and senior trust expenditures. The meeting adjourned at 6:13 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: Minutes from June 10, June 24, July 1, 2025, and the July 22 agenda; budget transfers, amendments, bills paid, and purchase orders; monthly financials; introduction of bills for 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code, 2023 National Electrical Code, 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2024 International Energy Conservation Code, 2024 International Existing Building Code, and 2024 International Building Code (Sections 1 and 9). - Item 2.10 (Residential Code): Pulled from consent due to a correction. After discussion, the council approved the introduction of Bill B25-012 with an amendment to require automatic sprinkler systems only in town homes over 5,000 sq. ft. and one/two-family dwellings over 5,000 sq. ft., consistent with the 2018 code. The corrected item was added to the consent agenda and approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Rayline Shavana (business owner): Presented evidence of code violations at Envy Night Club, including incorrect certificate of occupancy, lack of required fire lanes, inadequate parking (53 spaces required, only 3 available), and unauthorized fire shows. She asked the city to enforce codes and bring the club into compliance. - Erica Nicholas (business owner): Allege she has experienced harassment, racial harassment, and intimidation for four years, and that a restraining order and gate were necessary. She stated the harasser claimed to know city officials, and she felt the city has not acted, forcing her to file a lawsuit. - Marcus Bender: Stated the city's failure to enforce parking codes at Red Hills Commercial Center is causing financial losses. He claimed the city selectively enforces codes based on personal relationships. - Patty Montgomery (HOA): Asked why item 6.4 (Golden Valley tentative map) was tabled. Staff explained the applicant needs to revise the plan and negotiate with the HOA (Party). She also thanked the police for increased enforcement on a local road. - Daniel Miller: Alleged corruption and a two-tier standard of enforcement. He criticized the mayor, council, and city attorney, and mentioned potential disbarment of attorneys. He warned of high costs from lawsuits. - Nick S.: Stated Mesquite is getting a bad reputation due to ongoing issues, referencing a national news article about chaos in the city. He urged the council to take action. - Ronald Shackleford: Criticized decorum of a council member and urged respect for the mayor's authority. - Bob Mazar (resident): Asked if Resolution R25-026 obligates the city to sell below market value. Staff clarified it is an authorization, not a requirement, for economic development per NRS and city charter. - Linda Perkowski: Questioned the renewal of Warren Hardy's contract, noting she was disappointed with legislative outcomes regarding corporate home buying. She wanted to see his report before renewal. - Gary Elgord (water district): Supported Warren Hardy, noting his dual representation of the city and water district provides cohesive advocacy. - Ben Martinson: Announced a Pioneer Day celebration on July 24, 2025, at 5 PM at the Whipple Chapel. - Gary Elgord (final): Sarcastically suggested using negative news articles to discourage growth. - Ronald Shackleford (final): Stated he would apologize publicly if an ethics committee clears the mayor regarding the pest control company issue, but until then he believed the matter needed examination. - Daniel Miller (final): Praised Councilman Parrish for investigating the pest control conflict-of-interest issue, but alleged that previous council actions were based on lies. Discussion Items - Resolutions R25-026 and R25-027 (Sale of 800 Horizon Blvd. – 15.26 acres): The council considered two resolutions required by the city charter. R25-026 (approval to sell the parcel) and R25-027 (finding the sale consistent with economic development ordinances) were both approved. City Manager Martine stated the property is zoned for up to 50 single-family lots (46 shown on the map). Councilwoman Fielding noted the lower lot count. Councilman Wanless expressed that if the developer is building for profit, no discount below market value should be given. The final purchase and sale agreement will come back for public comment and council vote. - Adoption of Bill B25-005 (Palm Cove PUD side yard setback): The council adopted the ordinance to amend the Design Standards Handbook for Palm Cove Planned Unit Development, reducing the required side yard setback from 6 feet to 5 feet. The HOA board approved the request 5-0. Staff recommended adoption. The motion passed unanimously. - Item 6.1 – Warren Hardy Legislative Consultant Contract: The council approved the renewal of the Independent Contractor Agreement with Warren Hardy for legislative consultant services from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, at $2,000 per month (reduced from $4,000 during COVID). Hardy noted his long history with Mesquite and mentioned a legislative report to be given in September. Councilman Wanless thanked him for his work on transportation funding. The motion passed. - Item 6.2 – Transfer of Private Activity Bond Volume Cap: The council approved Resolution R25-024 to transfer the city's 2025 private activity bond volume cap to the Nevada Rural Housing Authority. Bill Brewer, Executive Director, reported that the program has assisted 10 home buyers in Mesquite with $3.2 million in mortgages in the past year. Councilwoman Fielding expressed satisfaction with the tangible results. The motion passed. - Item 6.3 – Senior Services Sub-Trust Expenditures: The council approved the use of approximately $6,000 from the Senior Services Sub-Trust (balance over $12,000) to purchase a floor scrubbing machine, a power washer, and an electric can opener for the Senior Center, which serves over 200 meals daily. The motion passed. - Item 6.4 – Golden Valley Tentative Map (TM-25-004): This item was tabled to September 9, 2025, to allow the applicant to revise the plan and negotiate with the HOA (Party) regarding preservation of the canyon area. No public comment was offered. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved as read, with the correction to item 2.10 (residential sprinkler threshold). - Resolutions R25-026 and R25-027: Passed unanimously, authorizing the sale of 15.26 acres at 800 Horizon Blvd. for economic development. The purchase and sale agreement will return for final approval. - Bill B25-005: Adopted as ordinance, amending the Palm Cove PUD side yard setback from 6 to 5 feet. - Warren Hardy Contract: Approved for renewal at $2,000/month. - Bond Cap Transfer: Approved to Nevada Rural Housing Authority. - Senior Trust Expenditures: Approved for approximately $6,000 in equipment purchases. - Tentative Map (Golden Valley): Tabled to September 9, 2025. - Councilman Parrish’s Investigation: Reported that the mayor’s pest control company (Gut Bugs) is a contractor, not an employee, citing the IRS and municipal code. The rate is $500/month, and no competitive bid is required. He stated the arrangement is not a conflict of interest.

The Mesquite City Council convened a Technical Review Meeting on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 2:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The council reviewed the upcoming regular city council agenda, moved eight building code bill introductions to the consent agenda, and heard public comments on pool safety, building code content, and the Golden Valley tentative map. The meeting adjourned at 2:59 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the June 10, June 24, and July 1 meetings, and the July 22 agenda. - Approval of budget transfers, budget amendments, bills paid, and purchase orders (period June 24 to July 8, 2025). - Monthly financials. All items were approved without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Nick (resident): Expressed concern about safety of residential pools and spas, advocating for an annual inspection permit (e.g., $25 fee) to ensure locks, electrical connections, and fencing are maintained. He noted that some homes have pools that are unattended or unsafe. Council members noted that this is not part of the current code update and would require separate action. - Wes Grimuskeet (resident): Questioned whether the 2024 building codes contain political insertions (e.g., all-gender restrooms), urging council members to read the codes thoroughly before voting. The council acknowledged that public hearings will occur at the regular meeting. - Tom Bender (Stonehaven resident): Opposed the density of the Golden Valley tentative map (TM-25-004), which proposes 361 lots on 95.48 acres, resulting in a density of 3.78 units per acre. He requested a reduction to the original 306 units. Staff noted that the developer is negotiating with the HOA and may request a tabling. - Nancy Seck (Stonehaven HOA board member): Raised concerns about traffic impacts, estimating 3,400 car trips per day on two-lane roads. She also highlighted the dangerous intersection at Mesquite Heights Road and Canyon Crest, which is not a four-way stop. Staff responded that traffic studies are conducted periodically and that a signal may be needed in the future. - Jim Hawkett (Stonehaven resident): Asked about the types of homes (one- or two-story) and access roads. Staff replied that the Anthem at Mesquite PUD design standards apply. - Mickey Hookie (Stonehaven resident): Emphasized the need for intersection safety improvements, noting current traffic from the solar farm and future increases. Staff confirmed that the intersection will be monitored. Discussion Items - Resolutions R25-026 and R25-027: Finding that the sale of 15.26 acres of city-owned property at 800 Horizon Blvd. for economic development is in the city's best interest and consistent with disposal ordinances. No public comment. These will be considered at the regular meeting. - Introduction of Bills (B25-006 through B25-013): Proposed updates to the city's building codes (Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, Pool, Energy Conservation, Existing Building, Residential, and Building) to the 2024 editions. Councilman Wanlis moved to move all eight items to the consent agenda for the regular meeting, citing routine updates. The motion passed unanimously. Public comments were heard but not discussed in depth. - Adoption of Bill B25-005: Amending the Palm Cove Planned Unit Development design standards to reduce required side yard setbacks from 6 feet to 5 feet. No public comment. - Administrative Items: - 7.1: Independent contractor agreement with Warren Hardy for legislative consultant services (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026). - 7.2: Resolution R25-024 transferring the city's 2025 private activity bond volume cap to the Nevada Rural Housing Authority. - 7.3: Approval of Senior Services Sub-Trust expenditures for the Senior Center. - 7.4: Tentative map TM-25-004 (Golden Valley) – subdivision of 95.48 acres into 361 lots. Staff reported that the developer is likely to request a tabling for one month to resolve density and conservation issues with the HOA. Council deferred substantive discussion to the next meeting. Key Outcomes - The council voted to move all eight building code bill introductions (B25-006 through B25-013) to the consent agenda for the regular city council meeting on July 22, 2025. - The Golden Valley tentative map (TM-25-004) discussion was effectively tabled; the developer is expected to request a formal tabling at the regular meeting. - The council will consider the resolutions, adoption of B25-005, and remaining administrative items (7.1–7.3) at the July 22 regular meeting. - The mayor announced he will submit a pest control ethics question to the Nevada Ethics Commission for an opinion.

The Mesquite City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The agenda included consent items, a bill introduction, two tentative map applications (one tabled), a presentation on city-owned property, and discussion of a golf driving range (also tabled). Public comment covered a range of topics including a charter violation allegation against the mayor, police conduct, dust control, traffic, and development concerns. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (Councilmembers Parish, Ensign, Galloway, Wanless, Fielding): The consent agenda comprising: - Approval of meeting minutes (April 1, 2025 Budget Work Session; June 17, 2025 Technical Review; May 13 and May 27, 2025 Regular City Council meetings) and the July 8, 2025 agenda. - Notification of Budget Transfers, Budget Amendments, Bills Paid, and Purchase Orders. - Resolution R25-022: Interlocal Agreement with Clark County Regional Flood Control District (CCRFCD) for maintenance of Mesquite Flood Control Facilities for FY 2025-26. - Resolution R25-023: Adopting Supplemental No. 5 to Interlocal Agreement (MES04A15) for the Virgin River Flood Wall. - Deed of Dedication for Public Drainage Facility – Pulsipher Wash. Public Comments & Testimony - Sue Tabor (resident): Presented a personal temperature comparison study (1985–2025) between St. George and Mesquite, noting consistent temperatures and questioning claims of a 10-year temperature increase. She expressed no position on natural gas, only factual inquiry. - Reline Shavana (Nordic Beach properties director): Expressed support for opening a family fun center at the former Red Hills Theater. She requested city enforcement of parking codes against a neighboring nightclub, citing over 100 police reports. She left a formal complaint with the council. - Ronald Shackleford (resident): Accused Mayor Whipple of violating the city charter by maintaining a pest control contract with the city (Got Bugs License 6011) since 2010, with no contract. He argued the charter prohibits council members from holding any other employment with the city. He called for the mayor to terminate the contract and for the city to put services out for bid. He also claimed the city attorney advised the mayor it was fine, urging transparency. - Mike (name not fully given): Criticized the city for spending $80,268 on an investigation deemed illegal in court. He requested the city attorney attend a scheduled meeting on July 17, 2025, to resolve issues before he takes matters outside the city. - Richard Ulick (resident): Praised the police and fire departments. He criticized Councilwoman Fielding for voting against firing a former employee (Mr. Dickey) whom he accused of racism, and for not issuing a promised statement. He called for her resignation. - Mary Gleason (resident): Noted that all speakers praising police were older white men, and urged the council to consider safety experiences of other demographics. - Marcus Bender (Nordic Beach properties director): Stated that the city is failing to enforce its own parking codes; a nightclub next to the proposed fun center has only 3 parking spaces but requires 53, using deeded parking from the cinema. He called for enforcement. - Erica Nicholas (resident): Described a negative encounter with police in 2023 when she requested surveillance footage; she was interrogated for two hours and accused of lying. She believed she was treated differently because of her race. - Nick Elfansetti (resident): Questioned why the city pays full price for purchases (e.g., ACE Hardware) without discounts, and suggested the city should seek state bid pricing to save money. - Scott Seely (resident): Challenged the purchasing policy that requires only two quotes for items over $25,000, suggesting a lower threshold of $5,000 to encourage competition. - Star Flores (resident, born and raised in Mesquite): Defended Councilwoman Fielding, noting her work with scholarships and senior parades. She questioned whether former Mayor Littman also worked for the city while serving. - Brad LeBaron (developer, Mesa Verde subdivision): Shared positive experiences with the police and planning department, stating he has never had better service. Discussion Items - Mayor's Comments and Reports: Mayor Whipple responded to the charter violation allegation. He stated he has been providing pest control services since the 1990s, currently charging about $500–$600 per month for 9–10 city buildings (average $50–$60 per building, which he called incredibly cheap). He said he had consulted the former city attorney, who saw no problem as long as terms weren't changed, but admitted he never followed up with the ethics commission. He offered to step down if the charter deems it improper. City Attorney Adam Anderson cautioned against further council discussion to avoid open meeting law issues, and said he would research the charter and ethics questions. - Council Comment: Councilwoman Gallo suggested the city should review all contracts, not just this one. Councilwoman Fielding made a brief remark about pets (foster kittens). - Bill B25-005 (Palm Cove PUD Design Standards): Planning Director Simon Kim presented a request from the Palm Cove HOA to amend the design standards handbook, reducing side yard setbacks from 6 feet to 5 feet. The HOA is meeting the next day (July 9) to finalize a recommendation. The council introduced the bill by short title (unanimous) and set a public hearing for July 22, 2025. - Tentative Map TM-25-004 (Golden Valley): Applicant requested tabling for two weeks to revise plans and obtain approval from the Anthem HOA. The council tabled the item to July 22, 2025, with public comment allowed. Several residents spoke in favor of tabling and expressed concerns about dust, traffic, loss of mesa views, water supply, and density. The water district GM offered to do a presentation. - Tentative Map TM-25-005 (Mesa Verde Subdivision): Proposed subdivision of 9.39 acres into 33 single-family lots (zoned MF-3, reduced from potential 187 multifamily units). Developer Brad LeBaron noted it would generate only 34 vehicle trips per PM peak hour. The council approved the tentative map as presented (unanimous; Councilwoman Fielding motioned, Councilman Wanless seconded). Councilman Parish had raised safety concerns about the egress location on Old Mill Road, but after discussion and staff clarification that the location meets sight distance standards, the motion passed without conditions. - Presentation from TEG Holdings (800 Horizon Blvd): Tony Bennell presented a concept for 45 single-family homes (1,500–2,200 sq. ft.) on 15.26 acres of city-owned property. The council accepted the presentation (unanimous) and noted further discussions are needed. - Falcon Ridge Golf Driving Range (Item 5.4): Councilman Wanless reported that he met with the GM and owner, who agreed to address concerns about netting, fencing, and dust. The item was tabled without a formal vote; further updates expected. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Bill B25-005 Introduced: Public hearing set for July 22, 2025. (Vote: 5-0) - Tentative Map TM-25-004 (Golden Valley): Tabled to July 22, 2025, at applicant's request. (Vote: 5-0) - Tentative Map TM-25-005 (Mesa Verde): Approved as submitted. (Vote: 5-0) - Presentation from TEG Holdings: Accepted; no binding action taken. (Vote: 5-0) - Falcon Ridge Golf Driving Range: Tabled informally; councilman Wanless to continue discussions. - Charter/Ethics Issue: Mayor Whipple stated he will abide by any legal determination; City Attorney to research and provide clarity at a future meeting.