City of Fernley

This 'State of the City' address by the Mayor of Fernley reviews the city's 2025 achievements and outlines strategic goals for 2026 and beyond, focusing on enhancing community services, upgrading critical infrastructure, and fostering economic development. Key initiatives include developing new parks and recreational facilities, pursuing a hospital for residents, revitalizing downtown areas, improving water and wastewater systems, and modernizing city operations through technology and efficient financial management. The plan aims to build a safer, more affordable, and connected community with expanded opportunities and a high quality of life for all residents, supported by strong fiscal health and proactive growth management.

The meeting commenced with roll call and a public forum where a representative from Aging and Disability Services presented program information and discussed the next meeting date. Key agenda items included the approval of the current agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting. A presentation was given by Rebuilding Together Northern Nevada regarding their mission of repairing homes and revitalizing communities, detailing their programs such as Safe at Home, Fall Prevention, and Critical Home Repair, and eligibility requirements for homeowners. The committee also discussed setting dates for a planning day and cleaning day at Desert Memorial Garden Cemetery, with the planting day scheduled for April 18th. Furthermore, discussion ensued regarding solicitation letters for donations, including potential contributions from Lowe's, Walmart, and a nursery in Fallon. A vice chair for the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee was nominated and elected, with Sharon Holly assuming the role. There was also discussion about updating the winter newsletter and the senior resource guide, including providing information about Rebuilding Together's services.

The special meeting, requested by Chairman Torres, focused on specific requests for additional requirements regarding permitting processes and adherence to city standards, particularly concerning funds distributed to organizations like the Fernley Aces. Discussions involved staff concerns about permitting, building codes, and interactions with staff, including a follow-up on a 241 notice sent to a recipient. Planning department staff reported on events advertised publicly without proper temporary use permits (TUPs), such as a backyard beach party popup and haunted house construction, and noted that the Christmas Villages event lacked a required public works park application despite having a TUP from planning. Significant discussion centered on the difficulties faced by the Building Department in signing off on special event safety, including ADA compliance, electrical wiring hazards (extension cords running under dirt paths), and the historical practice of excluding the building department from reviewing special event permits, which led to liability concerns for staff when safety requirements were not met.

The public forum included an update from Main Street Fernley regarding FCTA-funded campaigns, the securing of a $32,000 grant from Nevada Main Street and the Governor's Office of Economic Development for an art park gazebo project, and the closure of a 2024 grant for a crosswalk installation. A resident also expressed concerns regarding the practice of the Carson Trucky Irrigation District piling up dredged muck, leading to dispersal of residue containing toxins and PFAS chemicals, and requested efforts to terminate this procedure and receive periodic updates on canal work. Another resident voiced concerns about gas tanker parking in residential areas. The County Sheriff's Office reported on administrative wrap-up for 2025 and preparation for 2026 annual reports. A specific incident on December 28th involving a man throwing rocks at multiple businesses and a bank, leading to five felony counts of destruction of property, was detailed. Council proceedings included approving the agenda, approving the consent agenda (with item 2.8 removed), and making appointments/dissolving committees. Specific committee actions included appointing members to various boards (Capital Improvement, Nevada League of Cities, Western Nevada Development District, Lion County Room Tax Board) and electing to disband the Neighborhood Watch Representative committee, while choosing to review the Arts and Culture committee status before dissolving it.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, noting one council member absent. Key discussions included public forum procedures and the approval of the agenda, which involved removing agenda item 7.1 based on an updated statute. The consent agenda was approved. Discussions also covered the approval of multiple new business licenses. The public forum featured an invitation to a spaghetti dinner. Reports included updates from the Deputy Sheriff regarding recent winter weather response, staff training completion including the implementation of new Taser 10 devices, and focused step patrols with statistics on traffic stops and citations issued. The City Attorney addressed Councilwoman Zurski's questions regarding a proposed contract with Wood Rogers for boundary surveys, clarifying that the current $79,700 lump sum for phase one parcels is distinct from previous phase two environmental work. The Battalion Chief from North Line Fire reported 361 calls for service in January and discussed mutual aid coordination during recent protests. The Acting City Manager announced upcoming events, including a Code Enforcement open house in March, information on $5,000 facade improvement grants for Main Street businesses, and a low-cost microchip clinic. Councilman Hannon reported on the grand opening of the ROC Reno orthopedic center.