A NOTE FROM COUNCILMAN ROSS
We have some amazing students in our community! Last week I joined youngsters at Betsy Rhodes Elementary School as they helped the city of Las Vegas celebrate being named a Tree City U.S.A. The students planted a tree in honor of the celebration and included a time capsule which contained letters from the kids talking about what their lives are like in the year 2006. They hope some future generation of children will find it and read about life in Las Vegas in the “old days.”
I would also like to thank Sterling Peterson, a counselor at Arbor View High School, for allowing me to meet the students in the AVID program. The commitment of these students to excel academically was impressive. At every school, each student I have had the opportunity to meet amazes me. We are fortunate to have such great students in Ward 6. I am sure that the next great leaders of our community are going to come from the northwest!
LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT – CRIMEVIEW
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) invites you to use a crime mapping program that provides public access to crime information for LVMPD's jurisdiction only. This excludes, for example, Henderson and North Las Vegas. The program is under development and may not be available at all times in the near future. The mapping database contains 60 days of information. This crime data is preliminary information given to the LVMPD by the public and has not been verified. You can put in your address and view the incidents that have occurred around your home or area where you work. You can access the site by logging onto the LVMPD Web site at http://www.lvmpd.com/crimeviewcommunity/wizard.asp .
U.S. 95 HIGHWAY UPDATE
Our office has been receiving numerous inquiries about the future widening of U.S. 95, specifically from Craig to Ann Roads. The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) will be making a formal presentation to the city at the Jan. 3, 2007, City Council meeting. This update will provide a status on their environmental assessment that is expected to be finalized in the next two to three months. NDOT is currently evaluating alternatives from Rainbow Boulevard to Kyle Canyon Road. Councilman Ross is working with NDOT to see if an interim solution to provide an extra travel lane between Craig and Ann Roads is possible. We will continue to keep you updated on any developments on this potential project.
TULE SPRINGS ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEDULE
The city of Las Vegas has been working with area developers to finalize the road improvements on Tule Springs Road. Unfortunately, one developer failed to complete their offsite work and the bond had to be called in. This caused a substantial delay. We now have a schedule for the improvements to be complete. Morningside Homes will be completing these improvements. We are excited that there is finally a date that these improvements should be completed. Here are the tentative dates:
• The barricade set up and relocations were completed in November.
• The removal of all water valve extensions, relocation of fire hydrant, air-vac assembly and other miscellaneous items will be complete by the end of this week.
• The street light conduit will be complete by Friday, Dec. 15.
• The backfill report, paving section design samples, and city follow up approvals will be completed by the end of December.
• Staking for curb and street sub grade, and sub grade testing should be complete by the middle of January.
• The city Public Works Department is planning to test the sub grade for curb and streets on or around Jan. 18, 2007.
• Southern Nevada Paving will be placing type II for the curb and street and pour curb, which is scheduled to be complete by the end of January.
• Street light base and poles, as well as final grading and paving, is expected to be complete by the second week in February.
• Nevada Power, telephone and Cox adjustments are scheduled for Feb. 14, 2007.
• Final items including sidewalk and finishing up the street will be complete by the second or third week in March.
METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT – AUTO THEFT PREVENTION TIPS
The Northwest Area Command is providing crime prevention information on vehicle theft. The following auto theft prevention tips are provided in an effort to enlist your assistance in reducing the number of vehicles stolen from single family residential neighborhoods. While it is true that a determined thief is difficult to deter, there are some recommended crime prevention measures that can help protect your vehicle from being stolen.
• Always lock your vehicle, regardless of where it is parked. This includes in front of your home, the garage or driveway.
• Remove personal belongings from your car & leave nothing visible.
• Never leave keys in a vehicle or leave a vehicle running when you are not in it.
• Keep your garage door closed and secured at all times.
• Pay attention to the activity in your neighborhood.
• Know your neighbors and be aware of suspicious individuals who may need to be reported to the police. If you see anything suspicious report it.
NDOT’S NEW 511 ROAD CONDITION NUMBER
The Nevada Department of Transportation's new 511 service provides an easy-to-remember 24-hour phone number for state road conditions. This new phone number provides information such as highway conditions, weather forecasts, road construction reports, lane reductions and estimated travel time "if available", Amber and other alerts, and voice recognition.
The voice recognition software can be confused by background noise. In that case, you can use your phone keys to specify the highway. The system is working now, and could be upgraded to include accident reports, the ability to recognize highway nicknames ("Geiger Grade" rather than "341"), parking, transit and bicycle information.
215 & U.S. 95 ULTIMATE DESIGN INTERCHANGE
Councilman Ross has added a rendering of the 215 beltway and U.S. 95 system-to-system interchange design to his Ward 6 Web site for your review. The existing "tulip" ramps in the northeast and southwest corners are currently proposed to remain where they are when the ultimate build-out is complete. The yellow ramps (as shown on the overall schematic) are planned to be elevated above them:
Northeast corner of interchange:
1. Northbound U.S. 95 off-ramp to Buffalo/Sky Pointe drives.
2. Buffalo/Sky Pointe on-ramp to Northbound U.S. 95.
Southwest corner of interchange:
3. Southbound U.S. 95 off-ramp to Centennial Center Boulevard.
4. Centennial Centre to Southbound U.S. 95 on-ramp.
Oso Blanco Road (west side of U.S. 95), the temporary 215/Sky Pointe connector (east side of U.S. 95) and the NDOT park and ride lot (east side of U.S. 95) are proposed to be eliminated with the ultimate build-out of the system/system interchange. This is the best information available today, but could change based on future public information meetings. This also requires final approval from Clark County and NDOT.
CENTENNIAL HILLS COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE
The Centennial Hills Community Center is moving along and is expected to be open this summer! There have been many questions as to how the city will operate this building. The city is currently negotiating with the YMCA to manage the programming at the new community center. This means that the YMCA and the city would partner together to offer a variety of recreational activities to individuals of all ages and families.
Once complete and open, this facility will be the largest city-owned recreational center with approximately 98,000 square feet of space designed to improve the social, mental, and physical well being of the participants. Amenities will include two gymnasiums, an indoor fitness and teaching pool, an outdoor play pool, dance room, multipurpose rooms, fitness room, classrooms, kitchen, computer lab, arts and crafts room, and a senior wing.
Many classes and activities such as summer camps, after school programs, fitness, exercise, swimming lessons, dance, martial arts, sports leagues, and arts and craft programs will be offered based on the interest of the community. In general, a membership fee and or activity charge will be applied to registrants to cover the cost of program supplies, equipment, specialty instructors and/or basic operating costs. Both the city of Las Vegas and the YMCA are committed to ensuring that citizens without ability and or limited ability to pay will not be excluded from participating at the center and can participate in the various scholarship programs. The negotiations are ongoing, but will be available for public comment when complete.
HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION VERSUS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Whether you are in a homeowner association or not, you can still be part of a neighborhood association. Neighborhood associations are voluntary organizations of residents who work together to improve and maintain the quality of life in their neighborhood. Neighborhood associations can form out of a concern over a particular issue or as a means of enhancing a sense of community.
Homeowner associations, unlike neighborhood associations, are formal legal entities created to maintain common areas and enforce private deed restrictions (CC&R's). Most condominium and townhouse developments and newer single-family subdivisions have homeowner associations that are created when the development is built.
The truth about neighborhood associations:
• Joining a neighborhood association is not the same as joining a homeowners' association. Neighborhood associations are volunteer based organizations formed to actively represent their community to maintain a desired quality of life, and they do not govern or impose rules or regulations.
• You don't have to be a homeowner to join or start a neighborhood association. If you rent a home or apartment or run a business in your neighborhood, you are encouraged to become active in a neighborhood association.
Neighborhood Services staff helps associations identify and resolve neighborhood issues and determine future goals and priorities. Informed citizen participation is the goal. For any resident interested in more information, contact the Neighborhood Services Department at 229-2330.
UPDATE ON STREET DISRUPTIONS & CLOSURES
The Department of Public Works reports that the following streets may be closed or disrupted and have city and/or state approved barricade plans to perform the work:
Legend:
Street Closure 
Street Disruption 
CELEBRATE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
The entire family is invited to learn about holiday traditions from around the world during “A December to Remember” holiday celebration this month. This month-long celebration will showcase the diversity of Las Vegas. Throughout the month, these special holiday programs will bring insight and understanding to how diverse cultural traditions are practiced, how they differ and how universal themes of renewal and faith are manifest at the time of the changing seasons in the northern and southern hemispheres of the globe.
A series of events are scheduled every Saturday, each hosted by one of the cultural institutions, with free admission for the day and special programs to include music, food and hands-on holiday fun for the entire family. The remaining Saturday events include:
• Saturday, December 16, 2 to 5 p.m., Reed Whipple Cultural Center, 821 Las Vegas Blvd. North. “Celebrating Kwanzaa” is the theme of this event, which will explore the history of the holiday, its principals and its symbols.
• Saturday, December 16, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort, Kids take center stage in making “take home” tree decorations all under the watchful eye of a turn of the century St. Nick.
• Saturday, December 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Neon Museum Boneyard, McWillams Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard North. “Very Vegas Holiday” will feature guided tours of the neon relics that have given Las Vegas its fame and fortune.
HEALTH DISTRICT ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY TO PREPARE
FOR A FLU PANDEMIC
The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) encourages the community – both individual households and businesses – to develop communication and disaster preparedness plans that can be implemented for emergency situations including an influenza pandemic.
“Having an emergency preparedness kit that includes a stockpile of supplies is one of the most important steps individuals can do to prepare for a possible outbreak,” said Dr. Donald S. Kwalick, SNHD’s chief health officer. Many health officials are concerned that the current “avian flu” that has been found in Asia can cause the next pandemic. “A flu pandemic differs from a seasonal influenza outbreak as it would be a unique strain for which no one will have natural immunity and no vaccine will be immediately available to protect people. It would also be able to spread quickly and easily from person-to-person,” Kwalick said.
“We want to educate the public that influenza is a very serious disease that for some people can result in severe health complications, hospitalization or death for persons with high-risk conditions. Each year, more than 30,000 people die from it in the United States and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized. We want southern Nevadans to be aware and prepared for the possibility that such an epidemic can happen.” The health district’s recommendations for a family emergency preparedness kit include enough supplies to sustain everyone for up to three weeks. The kit should include:
• Non-perishable food such as ready-to-eat canned meats, soups, fruits, vegetables, peanut butter and protein bars
• One gallon of water per person per day and fluids with electrolytes that will last for up to two weeks
• Prescription and over-the-counter medications
• Toiletries including soap
• Pet food/medications/leashes/collars/ID tag
• Baby formula and diapers
• Extra batteries for flashlight and radios
• Half-full tank of gas in the car
• Extra glasses
• Garbage bags
• Cash
The health district and the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce recommend key steps businesses can take to prepare. Together, they issued a “Pandemic Flu Planning Tool Kit” and an “Open for Business” planning guide. Part of a business’ disaster preparedness plan should include:
• Assuring core business activities can be sustained over several weeks.
• Strategies for addressing the interruption of essential governmental services such as sanitation, water, power and disruptions to food supply.
• Identifying essential functions of the company and the people who perform them as the absence of these individuals could seriously impair business continuity.
• Strategies for maintaining a healthy work environment: i.e. promoting hand and respiratory hygiene, ensuring adequate air circulation, and posting tips on preventing the spread of germs.
• Updating sick leave and family medical leave policies, including extending pay during high-risk situations and making sure sick employees stay at home.
• Developing off-site work solutions that allow employees to work from home with appropriate security and network access to applications.
• Expanding online and self-service options for customers and business partners.
• Communication strategies to tell employees about the threat of a pandemic and how the company is preparing for it.
For more information on how you can fight the flu and prepare for a pandemic, visit http://www.flurevolution.com/ or http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS
Live Nativity Pageant
Everyone is invited to a live Nativity Pageant with live cast and animals. The pageant will run from Wednesday thru Saturday, Dec. 6, through Saturday, Dec. 9. There will be two 25-minute performances nightly at 7 and 8 p.m. Parking and performances are free. The pageant is located on the west side of the LDS Church located at 3400 W. Charleston Blvd. This is next to the Las Vegas Valley Water District. This is an outside pageant so be sure to bring your jacket or a blanket to keep warm.
Movie in the Park
Friday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.
“The Polar Express”
Cimarron Rose Community Center, 5591 N. Cimarron Road
For more information, call 229-1607
Northwest Girl’s Softball
The Northwest Girls’ Softball registration will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, and
Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Copeland Sports Center. This is
located in the Best of the West Shopping Center off of Rainbow and Lake Mead. All girls, between the ages of four and 18 , are welcome regardless of experience.
For more information, contact Sherry Foley at 806-3150.
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA ITEMS OF INTEREST FOR WARD 6 - THURSDAY, NOV. 16
ZON-17693 & SDR-17694 (REZONING)
PUBLIC HEARING - APPLICANT: RICHMOND AMERICAN HOMES
Request for a Rezoning FROM: R-E TO R-PD8 (RESIDENTIAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT - 8 UNITS PER ACRE) on 7.27 acres adjacent to the northeast and southeast corner of Bradley Road and Solar Avenue.
Request for a Site Development Plan Review FOR A 58 LOT SINGLE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
ZON-17697 & SDR-17698 (REZONING)
PUBLIC HEARING - APPLICANT/OWNER: RICHMOND AMERICAN HOMES
Request for a Rezoning FROM: U (UNDEVELOPED) Zone [R (RURAL DENSITY RESIDENTIAL) GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION] under Resolution of Intent to R-PD3 (RESIDENTIAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT - 3 UNITS PER ACRE) TO: R-PD3 (RESIDENTIAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT - 3 UNITS PER ACRE) on 10.30 acres adjacent to the northwest and northeast corners of Ann Road and Mustang Street.
Request for a Site Development Plan Review of A 32 LOT RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION
VAR-17683 & SUP-17684
APPLICANT/OWNER: JAMES M. HANNAWAY AND MARILYN A. HANNAWAY
Request for a Variance TO ALLOW A PROPOSED NON-HABITABLE ACCESSORY STRUCTURE TO BE 20 FEET HIGH WHERE THE MAIN DWELLING IS 14 FEET HIGH AND TO ALLOW THIS STRUCTURE TO BE 1600 SQUARE FEET WHERE 891 SQUARE FEET IS THE MAXIMUM SIZE PERMITTED on 0.55 acres at 4211 Bradley Road.
Request for a Special Use Permit TO ALLOW A PROPOSED NON-HABITABLE ACCESSORY STRUCTURE (Applicant is proposing to use same materials at their home – stucco – not a metal structure)
VAR-17732 & SDR 17730
APPLICANT/OWNER: SF INVESTMENTS - Request for a Variance TO ALLOW A PROPOSED BUILDING 20 FEET FROM THE REAR PROPERTY LINE WHERE RESIDENTIAL ADJACENCY STANDARDS REQUIRE A MINIMUM SETBACK OF 60 FEET; AND TO ALLOW TWO PROPOSED TRASH ENCLOSURES 10 FEET FROM THE REAR PROPERTY LINE WHERE 50 FEET IS THE MINIMUM SETBACK REQUIRED on 2.56 acres at 4700 North Rancho Drive (APN 138-02-102-014), C-2 (General Commercial) Zone.
Request for a Site Development Plan Review FOR A 16,573 SQUARE FOOT RETAIL CENTER WITH AUTOMATIC AND SELF-SERVE CAR WASHES, AUTOMOBILE VACUUM STATIONS, AND A RESTAURANT WITH DRIVE-THROUGH
SUP-17737 & SDR 17735
APPLICANT/OWNER: DURANGO STRUCTURES, LLC
Request for a Special Use Permit FOR A DRIVE THROUGH RESTAURANT on 3.82 acres at the northeast corner of Centennial Parkway and Durango Drive.
Request for a Site Development Plan Review FOR A 42,790 SQUARE FOOT RETAIL SHOPPING CENTER WITH WAIVERS OF THE BUILD TO LINE REQUIREMENT AND TO ALLOW 15 FEET OF PERIMETER LANDSCAPE BUFFER ADJACENT TO A DRIVE-THRU AISLE WHERE 25 FEET IS REQUIRED
SUP-17724
PUBLIC HEARING - APPLICANT/OWNER: SILVER STATE BANK - Request for a Special Use Permit FOR A PROPOSED DRIVE THROUGH FACILITY FOR AN EXISTING FINANCIAL INSTITUTION, GENERAL WITH A WAIVER TO ALLOW A SEPARATION OF 280 FEET FROM A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING WHERE 330 FEET IS REQUIRED AND TO ALLOW A DRIVE THROUGH FACILITY ADJACENT TO THE RIGHT-OF-WAY on 0.63 acres at 7125 North Durango Drive).
VAC-16295
APPLICANT/OWNER: ROLAND L. GRAY, ET AL AND FOURTEEN SAC SELF-STORAGE CORPORATION - Petition to Vacate a 20-foot public right-of-way generally located south of the intersection of Jones Boulevard and Rancho Drive, Ward 6 (Ross).
