IN ATTENDANCE:
Councilman Steve Kirk, Chair, City of Henderson
Mayor Oscar Goodman, Vice Chair, City of Las Vegas
Commissioner Bruce Woodbury, Clark County
Commissioner Erin Kenny, Clark County
Councilwoman Amanda Cyphers, City of Henderson
Councilman Larry Brown, City of Las Vegas
Councilwoman Stephanie Smith, City of North Las Vegas
Councilman Joe Hardy, City of Boulder City
Ruth Johnson, Clark County School District
The Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition was called to order by Councilman Steve Kirk, Chairman, at 3:50 p.m., Thursday, September 28, 2000, in Grand Ballroom D, in the Henderson Convention Center, 200 S. Water Street, Henderson, Nevada, 89015.
The Agenda for the September 28, 2000, meeting was duly posted in compliance with the Open Meeting Law.
A motion was made to approve the September 28, 2000, agenda. Phil Speight, Chairman of the SNRPC Technical Committee, informed the members that agenda item IX "Discuss potential legislation regarding residential facilities for groups; direct staff accordingly. A. Forward to the Coalition BDR Review Committee for consideration for inclusion in SNRPC Legislative Package; take any necessary action." As there is no such committee. Dan Musgrove from the City of Las Vegas and Richard Wilkie from the City of Henderson, both staff members, review any BDRs received by the SNRPC. In addition, agenda item X "The next SNRPC Board meeting is tentatively scheduled for November 20, 2000, at 3:30 p.m., in the City of North Las Vegas." The next SNRPC Board meeting is scheduled for October 26, 2000, at the City of Las Vegas and it would be appreciated if the time could be changed to 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the City's Council Chambers; however, the City's planning meeting is scheduled to be held in the Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. The motion to approve the agenda with noted changes was approved unanimously.
A motion was made to approve the minutes of the August 31, 2000, meeting. This motion was approved unanimously.
Phil Speight, City of Henderson, stated that the Technical Committee has an opportunity to receive a report on the Public Lands Policy Update Project by Mike Del Grosso and Mark Farman representing the Nevada Division of State Lands. They will be conducting a workshop at the Clark County Government Center in the future and has requested to give a presentation to the Coalition Board. All items that were discussed at the September 14, 2000, SNRPC Technical Committee meeting are included on today's Coalition agenda.
Mary Kay Peck, City of Henderson, reminded the Coalition members of the Conformity Seminar scheduled for October 11, 2000. The final agenda and "white paper" provided by the consultants has been sent by mail to each Coalition member. The "white paper" is a forty-page document; however, a two-page executive summary will also be provided. In addition to conformity, discussion will be held on the projects of regional significance. The consultants will present four elements of the Regional Policy Plan, and is requesting comments and input from the Coalition. Each member received a copy of the SNRPC Regional Plan September 26, 2000, draft of the Conservation/Natural Resource Protection/Open Space document (Exhibit A). Chris Duerkson, Planning Consultant from Clarion Associates, LLC, stated that the planning directors and managers have reviewed and fine-tuned the four elements that will be presented today. The four elements reviewed were conservation, population forecast, land use, and transportation. He stated that air quality, infill, and public facilities will be discussed at the next Coalition meeting. All the elements are specified in the State legislation. The draft elements will serve as the framework for the regional plan; therefore, after the draft elements are approved work on the final plan will begin. After the planning directors' and managers' review, the Coalition will have an opportunity to review the final plan in late November or early December. Referring to Exhibit A, Mr. Duerkson discussed each of the five key items listed on the four elements: 1) context, 2) the players, 3) key regional issues, and 4) plan policies and implementation. Beginning with Conservation/Natural Resource Protection and Open Space, page 2, section 4, Plan Polices/Implementation, bullet one; (Establish a regional trails and open space plan with a regional funding base, without interfering in the design and provision of local parks by local jurisdictions. Such an organization should focus on regional trials and open space facilities. The RPC should provide oversight.) One major change was made. There was concern regarding the original language making reference to creating an authority to deal with regional parks, trails, and open space, and to create an entity dealing with the regional funding. On the direction of the Coalition the word parks was eliminated and the RPC has been added as the entity to provide oversight. In a response regarding the context, Mr. Duerkson explained that the items listed under context are items that have been identified as issues to be addressed for that particular element in the plan. Continuing with Population Forecast, Mr. Duerkson stated that this item is basically a data issue. He stated that there are a number of different databases and repositories of data particularly in regards to land demand and land capacity and population projections being used by the various jurisdictions and agencies and this results in conflicting plans. Therefore, it is as listed on page 4, section 4, Plan Polices/Implementation, bullet one; (The SNRPC has endorsed the UNLV Center for Business and Economic Research to update population forecasts every two years. SNRPC will work with its constituent jurisdictions to develop an umbrella land demand and land capacity database integrated with a regional geographic information system that will be used by all local and regional entities for planning purposes. The SNRPC will develop a system by which its constituent local governments can share information amongst themselves and with federal/state/regional agencies.) It is also suggested that the SNRPC develop a regional intergovernmental agreement to use the common database and GIS system for land use modeling with regard to land demand and land capacity. Continuing with Land Use, Mr. Duerkson stated that this item contains several critical items to be addressed. An overview was given on each issue of the context, the players, and key regional issues; however, Mr. Duerkson stated that the majority of the discussion should be focused on the plan policies and implementation portion of this element. He directed attention to page 8, section 4, Plan Polices/Implementation, bullet one; (Create a system of incentives to encourage new development to be contiguous to existing developed urban areas and to discourage non-contiguous new development. For example, publicly funded infrastructure (including both "hard" infrastructure such as roads, sewer, and, water, and "soft" infrastructure such as police and fire service) may be provided for contiguous development with a reasonable system of sharing costs by the developer. Non-contiguous development will be permitted only with the requirement that needed infrastructure be funded by the developer or through a related mechanism such as a local improvement district) and that it meets level of service standards. Create a cost recoupment system for the eventual recovery of the cost of such infrastructure.) Each member received a copy of replacement language for bullet one (Exhibit B). Mr. Duerkson stated that contiguous development is a very important issue for the jurisdictions; however, the municipalities did not want to get into the position of paying developers for contiguous development. Therefore, the new language reads "Non-contiguous development will not be encouraged, it will be permitted only with the requirement that needed infrastructure (including both "hard" infrastructure such as roads, sewer, and water, and "soft" infrastructure such as police and fire services) and that it meets level of service standards. Create a cost recoupment system for the eventual recovery of the cost of such services." Bullet two reads (Recognize downtown Las Vegas as the "downtown" for the region, for major governmental, financial, business and cultural facilities and support implementation of the City of Las Vegas' newly adopted Downtown Centennial Plan.) Mr. Duerkson stated that this statement means that downtown would serve as a focal point for cultural activity. After discussion, Mr. Duerkson suggested that he be allowed to rewrite the language in bullet two to address the concerns discussed and present the a new paragraph at the Coalition's next meeting. Bullet three states (Create incentives to encourage infill development in downtown Las Vegas core. Create series of mixed-use development centers in newly developing areas with the following characteristics (jobs/housing balance, integration of land uses, connectivity, mass transit etc.) Councilman Kirk suggested that all of the jurisdictions be included regarding creating incentives to encourage infill development. Councilman Smith questioned if the downtown homeless corridor will be addressed as a regional issue. With that, Mayor Goodman informed Coalition members that the Homeless Coalition is scheduled to conduct a meeting on Tuesday, October 3, 2000, at 9:00 a.m., at the City of Las Vegas to discuss the homeless problem in the Valley. Concluding with Transportation, Mr. Duerkson was directed to go directly to address the Polices/Implementation section of this item. Mr. Duerkson stated that Planning Directors and staff have worked in cooperation with the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC). Bullet 1 reads (Complete a coordinated and integrated regional transportation and air quality plan that reflects and guides local land use plans.) Mr. Duerkson stated that the jurisdictions have projects underway that are very encouraging regarding this item. He stated that there would have to be a variety of approaches to solving the air quality and transportation problem. Combined solutions are building new roads, improving land use patterns, and building mass transit. Commissioner Kenny stated that an item on the next agenda of the Clark County Commission involves alternative work schedules, which will serve the purpose of expanding customer service and easing traffic congestion. Greg Dale, Planning Consultant from Clarion Associates, LLC, gave an overview on the last two plan policies/implementation bullets on page 12; (Develop an objective validation process for the prioritization and expenditure of street and highway funds.) (Develop a regional "intelligent transportation system".) Mr. Duerkson closed by stating that as the consultants, they are working with the Planning Directors to set priorities. He stated that priority suggestions would be presented at the Coalition's next meeting. In addition, the last three elements, which are public facilities, air quality, and infill development, will be discussed at the next meeting.
Mr. Speight gave the Coalition an update on the Transition Management Committee's interlocal agreement. The cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and the Clark County Board of Health have approved the interlocal agreement. Clark County held the item at their previous commission meeting and scheduled the item for their meeting on October 3, 2000. The RTC has scheduled the item to be heard on October 12, 2000. Each member of the Coalition received a copy of the Integrated Air Quality Agency timeline (Exhibit C). Mr. Speight states that urgency has been expressed by a number of members of the various local boards. Direction is needed from the Coalition in order to move forward with the items listed on the time schedule. Each member of the Coalition received a copy of the Request for Proposals and Scope of Work Regional for the Air Quality Agency Cost Analysis (Exhibit D). Mr. Speight addressed each section of the cost analysis document which were: Background information; Scope of Work to include human resources, facilities, capital, and operations; Existing Information and Regional Cooperation; Role of the Consultant; Consultant Selection Process; Selection Process Time Schedule; Selection Criteria; and Submission of Proposals. He stated that in an effort to expedite the process, and to have a group of elected guide the work of the staff in the process, direction is needed from the Coalition as it relates to the role that elected officials of the RPC will play in adopting the proposal.
Mayor Goodman made a motion to create a subcommittee composed of Commissioner Woodbury,
Councilman Kirk, and himself to oversee the air quality project.
Commissioner Kenny stated that the more appropriate steps for the Coalition to take would be for the Air Agency to be created and that the members selected by their individual Boards. The members selected will serve as the group that takes action, sets criteria for the executive director, makes the decisions regarding the development, and be the group that is in place prior to the legislation. She stated that she believes that if the Board is in place without an executive director who is working with the Board that the results that comes out of the legislature will be unfavorable.
Answering a question regarding the update and progress reporting process, Mr. Speight stated that the intention of the Transition Management Committee would be to have a standing agenda item on the Coalition's meeting agenda each month. In addition, the consultant will be charged with the scope of work that is outlined in Exhibit D.
Answering a question regarding funding, Commissioner Kenny stated that an interlocal agreement would be formed by the Coalition to create the Board. The Board would set the criteria for the executive director and that the funding for the position during the four or five-month period of time would come from Clark County Comprehensive Planning. The position would be housed at Clark County and would work with the Board to establish criteria for the agency in conjunction with the consultant. The funding, in general, will remain the same. The amount of money that is paid by Clark County will be continued. The new Board would determine the source of any additional funds.
Mr. Holmes, Clark County, stated that Exhibit C is the timeline that was discussed during the meeting of the Clark County Board of Health this morning. The document titled Accelerated Cost Analysis Timeline (Exhibit E) is a compressed schedule created by staff containing tasks, so that at the end of the consultants' work immediate decisions can be made on how to proceed.
Commissioner Kenny stated that elected officials could serve as the Transition Management Committee that would become the Board. The process is just a matter of creating an interlocal agreement.
Councilman Kirk stated that he believes the intent of Mayor Goodman's motion regarding creating a subcommittee was to get the issue moving forward as expeditiously as possible without having to draft an interlocal agreement.
After discussion, Mayor Goodman amended his motion to include Councilman Hardy to represent Boulder City and Councilman Buck representing North Las Vegas. The motion was accepted with Commissioner Kenny and Councilwoman Smith opposed.
Continuing with the air quality item, each member received a copy of the Enhanced State Role in Air Quality Planning and Regulatory Programs document (Exhibit F). Mr. Speight stated that the SB432 Committee has asked that the document be presented to the Coalition. Mr. Speight gave an overview of the two topics listed in the document. They were "Legislation Needed for Enhanced State Role" and "Administrative Initiatives for Increased State Role not Requiring Legislation."
Councilman Kirk requested a 5-minute recess to the meeting. (A 5-minute recess was taken at this time)
Upon reconvening Mayor Goodman made a motion to reconsider agenda item VI, regarding the creation of the air quality subcommittee. The motion was accepted unanimously.
Mayor Goodman made a motion that the Coalition Board is on call to make decisions regarding the air quality issues as presented by the Transitional Management Committee. The motion was accepted with Commissioner Kenny opposed.
Referring to Exhibit F regarding the Enhanced State Role, Mr. Speight requested that the Coalition accept the State's role.
Councilman Hardy requested to comment on the air quality initiative issue before continuing on to the next item. Councilman Hardy informed the Coalition of the discussion held at the Clark County Board of Health meeting this morning. He stated that at that meeting it was voted and agreed upon to commit the Health District's funding for the Transitional Management Committee. The need for funding and the urgency was recognized. During the meeting a vote was made to get the funding source that would allow a consultant to be hired so that the consultant could give direction on how to combine two agencies into one. After giving insight on the discussion held at the Clark County Board of Health meeting regarding the air quality agency, Councilman Hardy suggested that because the interlocal agreement has been approved by all jurisdictions with the exception of Clark County and the RTC, and because this is a time sensitive issue, he suggest that the Coalition agree to continue with the interlocal agreement as it is. After the interlocal agreement is in place, the elected officials can be added to the agreement, but as a separate and distinct board.
After discussion, Mr. Speight suggested that direction be given to the Cities and County staff to bring the issue back to the Coalition at their next meeting.
After further discussion Commissioner Woodbury made a motion to follow staff's recommendation to allow staff to create an interim interlocal agreement and get the agency Board created. Mr. Speight stated that staff could be directed without a motion due to the original motion by Mayor Goodman was already reconsidered. In addition, Mr. Speight requested that the scope of work that is outlined in the interlocal agreement relating to the Transitional Management Committee be accepted.
There was a motion to accept the scope of work. The motion was accepted and carried.
Regarding the Enhanced State Role, a motion was made to accept the State's Role. This motion was accepted and carried.
Each Coalition member received a copy of the SNRPC Statement of the Affects on Air Quality by Complex Sources (Exhibit G) prior to the meeting. Phil Rosenquist, Clark County, informed the members that in the last Legislative session Senate Bill 394 included an amendment to the Nevada Revised Statutes. "The local Air Pollution Control Board, Regional Planning Coalition, Regional Transportation Commission in the County shall on or before October 1, 2000, submit a concise statement of the effects on air quality by complex sources to the Administrator of the Division of Environment Protection." Mr. Rosenquist stated that this requirement was not put into State law, but into the Nevada Revised Statutes as an advisor's note. Therefore, a very concise statement has been created. Mr. Rosenquist requested that the statement be approved and forwarded to the Administrator of the Division of Environment Protection.
A motion was made to approve the statement. The motion was approved and carried.
Mayor Goodman presented a plaque of appreciation from the United Census Bureau to the Coalition for their outstanding contributions during Census 2000.
A. Forward to the Coalition BDR Review Committee for consideration for inclusion in SNRPC Legislative Package; take any necessary action.
Each member received a copy of the Clark County Agenda Item regarding this issue (Exhibit H) prior to the meeting. Mr. Rosenquist informed the Coalition that this item was presented to the Clark County Board of Commissioners resulting from a controversy regarding clustering of several group homes in a particular neighborhood. Staff is currently researching the legitimacy of the group homes and is preparing a summary outlining the zoning requirement regarding group homes. A request has been made to consider this item as part of the SNRPC's legislative package and to be included as part of the Regional Policy Plan.
After discussion, a motion was made to approve the request. The motion was approved and carried.
Mr. Speight stated that the next SNRPC Board meeting is scheduled for October 26, 2000, at 1:30 in the Council Chambers at the City of Las Vegas.
Brother David Buer, a member of the Nevada Homeless Coalition, gave the Coalition an update on the crisis facing the homeless population this winter due to the demolition of their existing shelter and the shortage of beds available for the homeless population. There is a need for additional facilities to assist those who are homeless. He stated that the Shade Tree shelter for women and children has been able to open the 1st and 2nd floors of their building; however, funding is needed to open the 3rd floor.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:21 p.m.