Carson City officials voted Thursday on the first reading of an ordinance to issue bonds deemed vital to providing for the health and safety of residents.
If the measures pass a final review by the board of supervisors next month, the city will secure a 10-year loan not to exceed $2.9 million to finance the cost of ambulances, sewer improvements and storm drainage improvements.
"This is not a tax increase," said Finance Director Nick Providenti. "Storm and sewer fund revenues will pay for this bond."
Additionally, a $3.4 million water bond will be issued to pay for improvements to the city's water system.
But Carson City resident John Wagner questioned the terms of one of the ordinances which, in addition to "pledged water revenues," provides for "the levy and collection of annual property taxes for the payment."
"If anything smells like a tax increase, it piques my interest," Wagner told supervisors.
But officials assured Wagner the clause merely assures a backup to the security of repayment.
"No, we're not raising taxes," said City Manager Larry Werner. "This will be paid for by the water fund."
In other action, the board:
• Fined the Silver Dollar Casino $500 for a second offense within six months of serving alcohol to a minor.
Supervisors also agreed that a fresh look at the liquor license ordinance was in order - including the possibility of requiring people who serve or sell alcohol to qualify for and invest in work cards, which they could lose if they fail to obey the law.
Steve McIntyre, representing Carson City's ampms, supported the move to make servers more accountable.
"I think this is a step in the right direction," he said, so that the person who commits the crime pays more than just a misdemeanor fine. "We tell them we'll fine them, fire them and fight their unemployment."
• Unanimously approved a plan for a regional water system between Carson City, Douglas County, Minden and the Indian Hills General Improvement District.
Carson City owns water rights within the Carson Valley. The system would supply those water rights to the capital city by way of a 24-inch pipeline from the Heybourne Road area and a 30-inch pipeline to run parallel to U.S. 395. Carson City's cost would be $5.7 million to be paid from the city's water fund.
"We don't have that," said Public Works Director Andy Burnham, "so we will need to go through a rate increase and bond sale next year."
• Accepted the Open Space Advisory Committee's recommendation to prepare a Waterfall Fire assessment of rehabilitation efforts. The report would be produced by city staff.
"This is so we don't ever forget what happened five years ago," said Open Space Manager Juan Guzman.
A photograph of the efforts has been enlarged and framed and is hanging in City Hall.
"It's important that we rededicate ourselves to defensible space," said Supervisor Robin Williamson.
And Supervisor Shelly Aldean said, "I would like a portion of this report to focus on the lessons learned."
Carson City Fire Chief Stacey Giomi spoke of the emotional impact.
"Five years later we should think about our rehabilitation as a community. We all have stories, but we should also think about our resiliency and the way we all came together."
• Discussed components of the Carson City lands bill as it relates to the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009 and future plans to initiate land transfers and sales.
The bill authorizes the transfer and use of 8,884 acres of Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and city land.
• Unanimously set the number of residential permits for 2010 at a maximum 3 percent of the city's growth rate. Of the 710 permits available last year, only two were issued. Supervisors heard discussion that it might be time to review the Growth Management Ordinance.
• Selected Casey, Neilon & Associates to develop a task-based contract not to exceed $30,000, that would establish procedures for an internal audit. Nicola Neilon said her firm would focus on detecting and preventing problematic issues, and identifying policies and procedures which aren't being followed. The firm will work closely with the city's audit committee to determine the tasks.
• Reappointed one person and appointed another from four candidates to fill positions on the city's planning commission: Bill Vance, who has served on the commission since 2004, and Dhami Malkiat, a civil engineer who operates the Holiday Inn Express and Suites in north Carson City.
In making the appointments, supervisors said they were happy with Vance's work on the commission and were looking forward to Malkiat's contributions.
"He has made a substantial investment in this community and he represents the private sector," Aldean said.