Reno Reporter

In our ongoing commitment to keep citizens and media informed, we’ve summarized the outcomes of a few key agenda items from Wednesday’s Regular Meeting of the Reno City Council. Staff Reports with more information are linked below.

New affordable housing initiatives were approved during Wednesday’s Reno City Council meeting as Council adopted an ordinance change that attempts to help alleviate the housing shortage in the region. The main change is the expansion of the affordable housing density bonus for developers with projects that target 0-60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Affordable housing projects will also be expedited through the building permit review process under this amendment.

The first reading of the ordinance amendment to Reno Municipal Code Title 18 was held during the City Council meeting in early June.

The City of Reno will move forward with a plan to create an ordinance that could ban any encroachment within 100 feet of the railroad in the city. During the meeting, city staff said a new Reno Municipal Code (RMC) ordinance will help ease maintenance access, reduce repair costs, reduce stormwater collection system interference, and ensure emergencies are addressed swiftly and without delays.

Unobstructed access is needed to maintain, inspect, and remove debris in the storm drain system, something especially critical in preparing for and during inclement weather, according to staff. There also have been more encroachment cases and vandalism cases along the railroad’s right-of-way, which has cost the city at least $60,600. These repairs include replacing stolen Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) sensors, electrical wiring, and damaged lighting.

Now that Council has given direction to proceed, the city will need to draft an ordinance introduction followed by an ordinance adoption. No timeline is currently available.

Due to a tie vote and in accordance with City Council rules, City Council continued an appeal to July 31, 2024 relating to a proposed charter school in North Valleys. Under the current proposal, Mater Academy would be a 1,500-student charter school serving grades K-12 located at North Hills Blvd and Beckwourth Drive. This project triggered a Minor Conditional Use Permit (MCUP), which was granted by city staff. However, Washoe County School District and related stakeholders appealed the staff’s approval. During the hearing, council members discussed concerns including issues with traffic and whether the site is best suited for a school. Because last night's decision ended in a tie, Council must hear the appeal again during its next meeting on July 31.

The City of Reno has officially adopted a Language Access Plan (LAP), required by Assembly Bill 266, to improve access to government services, programs, and information for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). The adopted plan includes highlights such as:

Language needs assessment

Language access services offered at the City of Reno

Language access timeline

The adopted plan also encourages eligible employees receive bilingual pay to recognize their valuable contributions, which will increase standards in service delivery for citizens.

Over recent years, the city has developed and prioritized other language access services and public accessibility through various initiatives including bilingual communication efforts; bi/multilingual staff support; contracts for translations; interpretation; American Sign Language (ASL) services; and integrated technology.

For more information on the Language Access Plan and upcoming events visit Reno.Gov/Community/Language-Access.

City Council approved $253,850 to replace playground surfaces and splash pads at several parks. Due to use and wear these surfaces can deteriorate and fail. This year repairs and replacements are recommended for playground surfaces at Mira Loma Park and Comstock Park. Both parks will receive poured-in-place rubberized surface treatments.

The Silver Lake Park splash pad and Las Brisas Park splash pad will be removed and replaced with new non-slip surfaces. The contract was awarded to Robinson Industries Inc., funded by Parks and Recreation Department’s capital maintenance budget.

The City of Reno has been awarded $11,900 from AARP to fund more senior technology classes. Through Seniors EngAGED program senior technology classes were established to increase technology competency among seniors. Over 100 local seniors participate monthly sessions conducted in both English Spanish teaching older adults how use smartphones including Androids iPhones.

July Declared Parks Rec Month

Council Discusses Potential Bill Draft Requests for 2025 Legislative Session

$125K Timing Clocks Purchased for New Moana Springs Pool

New Boiler Approved Idlewild Pool

City Approves Inter-Local Agreement New Park Ranger Program