IN ATTENDANCE:
Councilman Joe Hardy, Vice Chair, City of Boulder City
Councilman Shari Buck, Chair, City of North Las Vegas
Mayor Oscar Goodman, City of Las Vegas
Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald, City of Las Vegas
Councilwoman Amanda Cyphers, City of Henderson
Councilman Steve Kirk, City of Henderson
Trustee Mary Beth Scow, Clark County School District
The Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition was called to order by Councilman Joe Hardy, Vice Chair, at 3:40 p.m., Thursday, February 28, 2002, in Mead Conference Room #2, at the Las Vegas Valley Water District, 1001 South Valley View, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89153.
The Agenda for the February 28, 2002, meeting was duly posted in compliance with the Open Meeting Law.
A motion was made to approve the agenda for February 28, 2002. The motion was approved unanimously.
A motion was made to approve the January 24, 2002, meeting minutes. The motion was approved unanimously.
Kurt Fritsch, City of North Las Vegas, informed the members that all items discussed at the Technical Committee meeting is reflected on the Coalition’s agenda today with the exception of the item for filling vacancies on the SNRPC Homelessness Task Force. Also the Technical Committee members agreed that a presentation from the Nevada Commission on Mineral Resources regarding impacts of potential wilderness designation on mineral resources in Southern Nevada would not be forwarded to the Coalition Board.
Mary Kay Peck, City of Henderson, informed the members that self-assessments have been received from the Regional Flood Control District, Regional Transportation Commission, City of Henderson, Clark County Sanitation District, City of North Las Vegas, State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Nevada Power, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Las Vegas Valley Water District, and Clark County. Ms. Peck stated that the consultants are contacting the agencies that have not yet submitted their self-assessments. The planning consultants will attend the Coalition’s March 28, 2002, meeting to give a report on where we are in the review process and to begin on the conformity agreements with each of the required agencies.
A motion was made to accept the report and to adopt the plan amendment review process. The motion was approved unanimously.
Each member received a copy of the Interlocal Agreement for Review of Projects of Regional Significance (Exhibit A) and a copy of SNRPC Policies for Projects of Regional Significance (Exhibit B). Jon Wardlaw, Clark County, informed the members that action has already been taken on the report for policies of regional significance. It is requested that the Coalition approve the Interlocal Agreement and forward it to the member entities for consideration.
A motion was made to accept the Interlocal Agreement for implementation of Policies for Project of Regional Significance and to forward to each respective entity. The motion was approved unanimously.
Each member received a copy of a document entitled, Resolution of the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition to Support the Transfer of ownership of certain Federal Lands to Local Government (Exhibit C). Gale Fraser, Regional Flood Control District (RFCD), stated that the RFCD is proposing new Federal legislation that would transfer the title and therefore ownership of BLM land that has or will be granted to the local entities. The legislation is patterned after the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act of 1998. The transfer of title would mean that the local entity would not only operate and manage the facility but would also be the owner. Currently the entity that operates and manages facilities on BLM land must go through an increasing number of conditions, stipulations, and imdemnifications. This additional layer of government oversight does not make sense. Some of the major problems of the existing process is that under current Nevada State law each government entity is liable for up to $50,000 in damages; however, under the current BLM right-a-way grant provisions the Federal government is held harmless for any liability. In essence there can be no limit to damages. In addition the BLM requires a 90-day prior approval before debris and sediment that builds up behind the basin is allowed to be removed. The goal of the RFCD is to remove such build up immediately. It is also proposed with the transfer of title and resulting ownership of the land, if the entire parcel is not used for public purpose, and some to the land is sold, it is recommended that 85% of the proceeds go to the BLM, 5% to State, and 10% to the selling entity. This fair and economic approach would eliminate private profits from the sale of Federal land. Mr. Fraser stated that if the resolution is approved by the Coalition, it is requested that letters of support from each entity to Nevada delegation as well as lobbying from each organization.
Councilman Shari Buck chaired the meeting from this point. A motion was made to adopt the resolution. This motion was approved unanimously.
Bill Arent, City of Las Vegas, gave a brief overview of the initial composition of the membership of the Homelessness Task Force. The membership consisted of ten members which included a representative from the City of Las Vegas, Clark County, City of North Las Vegas, City of Henderson, a representative from the non-profit service community, private business community, faith based community, banking, and a private citizen. Since the initial inception, three members have withdrawn. Mr. Arent stated staff is recommending Pastor Charles Bowker who is the President of the Interfaith Hospitality Network, James Kropid, the current interim President of the Untied Way of Southern Nevada, and Punam Mathur, Vice President of Community Affairs and Government Relations for MGM-Mirage. All three recommended persons have confirmed that they would like to serve on the Homelessness Task Force.
A motion was made to appoint Pastor Bowker, James Kropid, and Punam Mathur to serve as members on the SNRPC Homelessness Task Force. The motion was approved unanimously.
Councilman Buck stated that the agenda items for the Coalition’s March 28, 2002, meeting would include but are not limited to, A report on recent planning consultant activities, and A report on the Homeless Summit.
This item was not addressed.
Tom McGowan’s, private citizen, comments are attached.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.