Sparks City Council Meeting Highlights

The following are highlights from the March 25, 2024, Sparks City Council Meeting.

Announcements/ Presentations

• Interim City Manager Chris Crawforth announced one vacancy for a performing arts representative on the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee to fill a partial term ending November 30, 2024. Members must be a Washoe County resident, possess a full understanding of being an arts advocate, and have five years or more experience as an arts advocate. Applications will be accepted until March 29, 2024, at 5 p.m. and can be found at cityofsparks.us/getinvolved.
• Mayor Ed Lawson proclaimed March 29, 2024, as National Vietnam Veterans Day to recognize, thank and honor our nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.
• Mayor Ed Lawson and Councilmembers gave commendation to Bill Schulz and Reno Media Group for their annual support of the Scheels Turkey Trot.
• Mayor Ed Lawson and Councilmembers gave commendation to the Wild Island Coconut Bowl for their continued support of the Leisure Without Limits bowling program to provide barrier-free experiences for residents with all abilities.

Council approved:

• The appointment of Michael Pecorino to the Sparks Building Code Board of Appeals Electrical Engineer/Electrical Contractor representative for a 2-year term ending March 31, 2026.
• Direction to the Acting City Manager and City Attorney to negotiate an employment agreement to fill the City Manager vacancy with Dion Louthan, Assistant City Manager from Roseville, California.
• Amending the employment agreement between the City of Sparks and Police Chief Chris Crawforth with an estimated cost increase of $27,945.
• The $26,250.00 reimbursement from Washoe County 911 surcharge funds for the purchase of First Due software for Sparks Fire Department pre-planning and emergency response.
• Direction of the City Manager to apply for $1,051,758.04 with required matching funds of up to $105,175.80 for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.
• The $525,000.00 settlement agreement in Forbush v. City of Sparks to be paid by the City’s insurer, in addition to a post-retirement health insurance stipend to be paid by the City.
• A $1,131,007.00 construction contract with Sierra Nevada Construction, Inc. for the 2024 Drainage & Roadway Improvement Project – H Street.
• A $269,847.00 construction contract with Gerhardt & Berry Construction, Inc. for the Sanitary Sewer Spot Repair.
• Direction of the City Manager to initiate changes to Sparks Municipal Code to amend permitted regulations related to drive-through facilities.