A NOTE FROM COUNCILMAN ROSS
It is amazing to see how fast the northwest is growing not only in the number of residents, but businesses as well. It is exciting for me to get to play a part in this growth. I want to thank Randy Bridges and Dodgeland USA (under new ownership) for including me in the first ever Centennial Hills Business Mixer. More than 30 businesses attended to share their services and concerns for the northwest. As the councilman for Ward 6, it is my job to help businesses succeed. I would encourage other businesses to start participating in organizations that support the Centennial Hills area. Your input and comments help me understand the challenges that businesses face in the northwest.
I would also like to thank the residents impacted by the Grand Teton Special Improvement District (SID) for meeting with me and city staff at the Kilpatricks’ home. A special thank you to the Kilpatricks for opening their home and supplying cookies. It was important that I hear from the residents the impacts they would be feeling as a result of these improvements. I recognize that the families on Jones Boulevard and Grand Teton Drive are significantly impacted by the SID. The city, my staff and I will continue to do what we can to mitigate the concerns to protect your rural lifestyle to the best of the city’s ability.
I want to also express my appreciation to my friends at Gurdwara Baba Deep Sing temple for hosting a much needed blood drive in our community. My wife and I enjoyed both an authentic Indian meal as well as learning the beliefs and traditions of our good neighbors.
NEVADA DRIVER’S LICENSE NEW REQUIREMENTS
A new anti-terrorism law passed in 2005 will require all persons who apply for a Nevada driver’s license beginning in May 2008, to show proof of residency, their birth certificate and social security card. Everyone will have to go to the DMV office at least once. With this requirement, it is expected that people will have to wait several hours to get their driver’s license renewed. If you lost your social security card, you will need to go to the social security office in person in Las Vegas to get a new card. The wait time is somewhere between four and six hours to get a replacement card. If you don’t have a copy of your birth certificate, you will need to get a certified copy. This information is being provided to residents so they can start working on gathering the required documents.
Ginny Lewis with the DMV was recently quoted in the Las Vegas Review-Journal as saying, “Under the federal act, Nevada drivers should expect waits of hours in DMV offices. They will be required to show up in person to renew driver's licenses and have their Social Security cards, birth certificates and proof of residency. If they don't have the required documents, even if they've had driver's licenses in Nevada for decades, the DMV cannot give them new licenses.”
Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons and the Nevada State Legislature are concerned about what they term an “unfunded mandate” by the federal government for this plan. Governor Gibbons asked Congress to support Nevada’s role in strengthening our homeland security by providing for federal assistance to the state. The legislature is also working on a message to send to Congress that this is complicated, time-consuming and expensive for Nevada. Unless Congress takes action, the requirement to renew your driver’s license will take affect in May 2008.
JONES BOULEVARD & 215 BELTWAY
The improvements at Jones Boulevard, just north of the 215, have been frustrating for residents. As an update, roads are completed by the developers as they build projects. In other words, development pays for development. In this case, there have been several developers with projects along Jones as well as city work further north. Half of Jones is in Clark County and the other half is in the city. The project closest to 215 is part of the William Lyon Homes development project. Unlike some other projects where developers have not been performing, William Lyons Homes has been working with Nevada Power, the Water District, the county and the city to work through numerous water line and utility conflicts. We are working with them to mitigate these conflicts and get this road completed as quickly as possible. The city’s Public Works staff is on site almost daily to ensure that this project is being expedited as quickly as possible.
HISTORICAL ELECTION INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEB SITE
Those with questions regarding past city elections now have an easy way to get answers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Historical Municipal Election information, such as candidate and ballot question information, is now available on the city’s award-winning Web site, www.lasvegasnevada.gov. The city’s new online election research function allows users to search by name, elected office or year. The search returns such valuable information as election outcome and the amount and percentage of votes each candidate received.
Other election information posted on the city’s Web site includes voter registration information, candidate forms and candidate financial contribution reports. All of this information can be accessed by choosing “Elections” on the left-hand side of the Web site.
TULE SPRINGS ROAD/FARM ROAD INTERCHANGE
There is light – it is almost done! Carina/Rhapsody Homes met with city staff this morning to provide an updated schedule on the improvements. The storm drain and sewer are essentially complete and the final paving patchwork has been marked. The intersection should be complete within the next three weeks, including the opening of the new eastbound lane on Farm Road between Durango Drive and Tule Springs Road.
OSO BLANCA ROAD CLOSURE
We have had numerous inquiries about the closure of Oso Blanca Road just north of Severance Road. This is a Nevada Department of Transportation Road (NDOT) closure. This road has been closed for the past several months so that Nevada Power could perform some work. Nevada Power has done their work to lower the power line and the work for the drainage facility is proceeding. Nevada Power has advised us that they expect the road to be opened in the next three to four weeks. NDOT will work to see if there are any options to get the road open sooner.
DECLARATION OF HOMESTEAD
When you record a Declaration of Homestead, Nevada law protects the equity in your home up to $350,000. The Homestead Exemption improves the ability of Nevada homeowners to protect their primary residences from bankruptcy or other legal proceedings. This protection precludes seizure or forced sale of your residence by general creditor claims. If you go to the Clark County Web site you can display the Assessor page that describes what the Declaration of Homestead protects and does not protect. To print a Declaration of Homestead, go to the Assessor’s Web site at http://www.accessclarkcounty.com/depts/assessor/Documents/Homestead.pdf
NOTE: The homestead form must be printed legibly in black ink. Text cannot extend beyond the one inch margins on all sides of the form. An additional $25 recording fee could be applied if the form does not meet these requirements at time of recording.
There is currently legislation submitted by the governor’s office that has asked that the homestead exemption be increased.
JONES BOULEVARD/CRAIG ROAD INTERSECTION
The project along Craig Road and at the intersection of Jones Boulevard and Craig Road is currently within the jurisdiction of the NDOT. This project includes extending a Nevada Power feed line, utilities and paving. The city’s Public Works staff contacted the contractor to work with them to expedite the trench work, review the traffic control and get a schedule of completion. We will share that information as soon as we get it.
GRAND TETON DRIVE/DURANGO DRIVE (NORTHEAST CORNER)
As many of you already know, there is currently a proposal for a convenience store with a gas station, car wash and drive-thru on this corner. Many residents have provided their input and comments to Councilman Ross and advised they are not in support of these intense uses. The site was previously zoned for commercial (retail – C1) uses. Councilman Ross has asked the developer to go back and consider modifying the site to make it a “less intense use.” This is provided as a courtesy update based on the number of calls we have been receiving regarding this corner.
FRIENDS OF SCOUTING ANNUAL BREAKFAST
The Friends of Scouting works to provide financial support for nearly 33,000 youth members and 8,000 adult volunteers in the Las Vegas Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. This event provides an opportunity to enlighten the community about the benefits of scouting. The cost for a seat is $250 or a table is $2,500. If you are interested purchasing a seat at the councilman’s table or supporting Boy Scouts in general, please contact our office and Councilman Ross will contact you to get you all of the information.
• Location: Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
• Date: Wednesday, April 18
• Registration: 6:30 - 7 a.m.
• Breakfast Program: 7:15 - 8:30 a.m.
• Chairman: Clark County Commissioner Chip Maxfield
REPUBLIC SERVICE (RSSN) UPDATE
RSSN has been lax in keeping its billing system up-to-date with regard to addresses that have not been paying for waste service, but should be (e.g., new homes that it locates through County Assessor's records). There are 11,200 "vacant" properties in the city (30,000+ in the valley) that are now listed in RSSN's computers that are not paying for waste service. Las Vegas Municipal Code (LVMC 9.08.210) makes paying for waste service mandatory for anyone with a water connection to his/her property during a three-month billing cycle.
RSSN is systematically sending out letters to owners of these properties that: (1) tell owners about the mandatory service requirement; (2) tell owners that they will be back-billed for charges going back a year; (3) they will have to continue to pay for service as long as water is on; and (4) the names & phone number's of RSSN reps to call with questions. These letters started going out last week. Per RSSN, a one-year back billing will be about $140.
Theoretically, RSSN could go back four years, but will limit itself to one year. The city has also negotiated with RSSN to waive all penalties otherwise due for late payment of the back-billed fees. That will enable residents to only pay for service that they used, without any penalties.
DARNELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Darnell Elementary School will be hosting children’s author Gary Hogg from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, in the multi-purpose room. We hope you can join us for a night of family fun. The PTA will be selling pizza and drinks from 7 - 7:30 p.m.
If your school has an event that you would like to have considered for inclusion in the councilman’s newsletter, please send the information to Sheila Lambert.
U.S. 95 WIDENING PROJECT – VALLEY VIEW BOULEVARD OFF-RAMP CLOSED
The U.S. 95 southbound off-ramp to Valley View Boulevard will be closed from 5 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, until 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, to install drainage and sewer line under the ramp. Motorists are advised to use an alternative exit at Decatur Boulevard.
COUNTY/CITY COORDINATION
We recognize the challenges of many residents in the northwest. Many live within the jurisdiction of either the city and/or county and it can be very confusing. Councilman Ross has been working with Commissioners Chip Maxfield and Tom Collins to expedite concerns that are county related. We have a strong working relationship with Kim Bush, who handles the constituent issues for the commissioners in the Lone Mountain and Centennial Hills Area. If you submit a question or information that is county related, we will be happy to forward to the commissioners’ liaison. In return, they also work closely with us. Councilman Ross and Commissioner Maxfield have regular briefings on the issues impacting the residents in the northwest. Please be assured, that whether you are a city or county resident, that both offices will work to address your concerns.
ASK A PEDIATRICIAN
On Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. University Medical Center will offer a special class to “ask a pediatrician” your questions. You can ask questions on how to choose the right pediatrician or a question about your baby’s health. These will be held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. A pediatrician will be available to conduct a question and answer session for parents only. These classes are located at the UMC building on Shadow Ridge. For more information, please call 383-2229.
ANIMAL FOUNDATION
The Animal Foundation has reopened operations after consultants from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) suggested dramatic changes in operations of the shelter on Friday, Feb. 9. Officials at the shelter now confirm that under guidelines established by the HSUS, they euthanized 1,000 dogs and cats. Each of the euthanized animals were either sick or had been at the shelter for more than 120 days. Several hundred more animals have been brought to the shelter since the new policies went into place on Feb. 9.
The association receives approximately 1,000 animals each and every week. The association is relying on leading experts in the nation and following their guidelines on how to best deal with the situation. There are no painless ways to deal with animal overcrowding in Southern Nevada other than spaying and neutering animals.
The foundation has also hired a new interim director, animal control veteran Tom Pooler. Pooler has 34 years of experience with Clark County Animal Control. Pooler, with consultation from HSUS veterinarians, has oversight of implementation of the new vaccine program, which uses a far faster acting “five in one” live modified virus. The immunization helps animals develop antibodies to major diseases within hours of injection.
Last fall, the HSUS, which is not affiliated with the local Humane Society, was hired by the Animal Foundation to give advice on improving operation of the shelter. Those experts told the Animal Foundation that it was running the shelter like a massive rescue operation. By trying to save every animal possible, the shelter was in an overcrowded mode, which further stressed animals. Veterinary experts say stressed animals are far more likely to catch disease from new animals coming through the door. With new policies in place, animals will be far more likely to be adopted.
The shelter never closed during this interim period. It remained open 24 hours to animal control officials and remained open during normal business hours for members of the public who were trying to locate lost animals. Only public drop-off of unwanted animals and adoptions were temporarily curtailed. During the time of these reduced operations, animal control brought in several hundred more animals to the shelter.
During this interim period, members of the public who wanted to adopt animals were able to do so at the Animal Foundation’s two off-site locations at Ann Road and U.S. 95 in the northwest part of the valley and at Eastern Avenue and 215 in the Silverado Center in the southeastern part of the valley.
The mayor and City Council will be working with Animal Foundation staff on how to prevent this from happening in the future.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Clark County School District Rezoning Meeting
Northwest Region Elementary Schools Rezoning Meeting
School Meeting: Dean Allen, Marshall C. Darnell & Sheila Tarr
Tuesday, Feb. 27, 5:30 p.m.
Education Center Board Room
2832 E. Flamingo Road
POP WARNER COACHES NEEDED
Pop Warner is currently accepting applications for Head & Cheer Coaches for the upcoming fall season. Apply in person 6 p.m. on Mondays, at the league office located at 3330 E. Sunrise Ave., Ste 103. Sign-ups will begin in March for the upcoming 2007 season. For further information, visit http://www.lasvegaspopwarner.com/. Questions regarding coaching, may be directed to 873-4096 or 499-4384.
SOUTHERN NEVADA POP WARNER FOOTBALL - REGISTRATION
3300 E. Sunrise Ave., Ste. 103
Sign-up dates - All times 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
March 24, April 14 & 28, May 12 & 19, June 9 & 23, July 7 & 21
Registration: Players: $160, Spirit Leader: $75
Proof of address & birth certificate required at sign-up
Full payment is due at time of registration
No “holds” or partial payments will be accepted
Tiny Mite: 5 to 7 year old, 35 – 75 lbs.
Jr. Pee Wee: 8, 9 & 10 year old, 55 – 100 lbs. (lt. weight 11 year old 55-80 lbs.)
Pee Wee: 9,10 & 11 year old, 70 – 115 lbs. (lt. weight 12 year old 70 – 95 lbs.)
Jim Midget: 10, 11 & 12 year old, 85 – 130 lbs. (lt. weight 13 year old 85 – 100 lbs.)
Midget: 11, 12, 13 & 14 year old, 95 – 150 lbs. (lt. weight 15 year old 95 – 130 lbs.)
Age cut-off date is July 31 of the current year
Parents will be responsible for purchasing the team pictures package.
Registration is first come, first served.
Returning players who sign up late have no guarantee of right of return to their team if they qualify to return to that team.
For more information, please visit http://www.lasvegaspopwarner.com/
WARD 6 –BREAKFAST MEETING WITH COUNCILMAN ROSS
If you are interested in having breakfast with Councilman Ross to share your thoughts about community issues, please contact Michelle Thackston at 229-6154.
PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS OF INTEREST FOR WARD 6 - FEBRUARY 22, 2007
The agenda items posted in this newsletter are preliminary and are subject to change. Please consult the posted agenda for final item language. For complete meeting agendas, please visit the meetings and agendas Web page.
MOD-19114
APPLICANT/OWNER: CLIFF'S EDGE, LLC
Request for a Major Modification TO REVISE THE CLIFF'S EDGE MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND DESIGN GUIDELINES TO CLARIFY CERTAIN SETBACK, LANDSCAPE, DESIGN, WALL, ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTION SEPARATION AND BALCONY SEPARATION STANDARDS; TO ALLOW THREE STORY SINGLE FAMILY DWELLINGS WITH A MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF 38 FEET AND TO ADD A SIGN STANDARD SECTION
VAR-16153 & SUP 16154
APPLICANT: SPRINT NEXTEL - OWNER: KYLE CANYON GATEWAY, LLC
Request for a Variance TO ALLOW A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY, STEALTH DESIGN 3-FEET FROM THE REAR PROPERTY LINE WHERE 20-FEET IS THE MINIMUM SETBACK REQUIRED on 2.37 acres at 9213 Oso Blanca Road
VAR-18090 & SDR-18031
APPLICANT/OWNER: FAIRFIELD HUALAPAI, LLC
Request for a Variance of the CLIFF'S EDGE MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND DESIGN GUIDELINES SECTION 3.2.1 TO ALLOW A BALCONY TO BALCONY SEPARATION OF 24 FEET WHERE 30 FEET IS REQUIRED AND TO ALLOW A SETBACK OF TWO FEET FROM A LIVING AREA, PORCH, STOOP, AND SIDEWALK WHERE TEN FEET IS REQUIRED on a portion of 15.69 acres at the southwest corner of Hualapai Way and Elkhorn Road
Request for a Site Development Plan Review FOR A CLIFF'S EDGE MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF 218 PROPOSED CONDOMINIUM UNITS AND A THREE BUILDING, 32,400 SQUARE-FOOT RETAIL DEVELOPMENT
VAR-19098, VAR-19447, SUP-19100 & SDR-19097
APPLICANT/OWNER: KRYFAM, LP
Request for a Variance TO ALLOW 74 PARKING SPACES WHERE 87 SPACES ARE REQUIRED on 1.83 acres at the southwest corner of Tenaya Way and Sky Pointe Drive
Request for a Variance TO ALLOW A FOUR STORY HOTEL WHERE TWO STORIES ARE THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED
Request for a Special Use Permit FOR A HOTEL WITH A WAIVER TO ALLOW A DISTANCE SEPARATION OF 80 FEET FROM A RESIDENTIAL USE WHERE 330 FEET IS THE MINIMUM REQUIRED
Request for a Site Development Plan Review FOR A FOUR-STORY, 50,478 SQUARE FOOT HOTEL WITH A WAIVER TO ALLOW PERIMETER LANDSCAPE BUFFER WIDTH OF 14 FEET FOR A THREE FOOT SECTION WHERE 15 FEET IS THE MINIMUM REQUIRED
VAR-19429
APPLICANT/OWNER: K B HOME NEVADA
Request for a Variance TO ALLOW SIDE YARD SETBACKS OF 5 FEET WHERE 10 FEET IS REQUIRED FOR ONE LOT WITHIN THE CLIFF'S EDGE MASTER PLAN COMMUNITY generally located at the southwest corner of Grand Teton Drive and Schaumber Road
THE FOLLOWING CELL TOWERS HAVE BEEN ADMINISTRATIVELY APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT. THIS ACTION BECOMES FINAL UNLESS APPEALED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OFFICE WITHIN TEN DAYS.
SDR-18794
CELL TOWER - APPLICANT: SHANE HENNESSY-YORK
Request for Administrative Approval TO ALLOW A PROPOSED 85 FOOT WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY, STEALTH at 7890 West Ann Road
