Supervisors to consider new firefighters memorial

The Carson City Board of Supervisors, which meets 8:30 a.m. Thursday in the community center, will consider a request to move the World Trade Center steel I-beam from its current location at Mills Park to a new firefighters memorial being constructed at the Nevada Capitol Complex.

The Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada Benevolent Association is making the request. It previously lobbied for the memorial, which was approved by the Legislature in 2017, according to a staff report by Carson City Fire Chief Sean Slamon and Bryon Hunt.

“Over this past year, PFFN has raised enough money to finally commence construction of the state memorial with the assistance of its contractor, Q&D Construction,” reads the report. “The cost so far has exceeded $750,000. All money has been raised through donations. The supporting materials for this item show how PFFN would incorporate the beam into the state memorial, if the city were to approve moving the beam. PFFN is open to an arrangement where the city will retain ownership of the beam but permit it to be incorporated into the new state memorial.”

The report says moving the beam would be done at no cost to the city, and Q&D Construction has agreed to help based upon the decision of the board.

“If the city were interested in donating the beam to PFFN for display at the state memorial, PFFN would be happy to explore that option as well,” reads the report. “The plaque currently affixed to the beam would remain on the beam at the new state memorial.”

Carson City declared Mills Park as a permanent location of the World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial in 2013. The steel beam taken from the debris of the WTC’s two towers has served as a reminder of the tragedy.

In other action:

• Supervisors will consider a new ordinance allowing breweries and tasting rooms as a conditional use within the tourist commercial zoning district.

On Sept. 28, planning commissioners unanimously approved the request though stipulated the use be conditional instead of a permanent feature, meaning any project design would have to be approved.

The request comes from Mark Begich, owner of Carson Hot Springs and landlord to Shoe Tree Brewing and Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint. Shoe Tree is planning to expand on a neighboring parcel, zoned tourist commercial, in order to double beer production and offer a new tasting room.

• Supervisors will consider a new ordinance to change the definition of a hotel in commercially zoned districts from a building containing six or more guest rooms to a building containing three or more guest rooms.

On Sept. 28, planning commissioners unanimously approved the request.

Applicant Sarah Martin owns the historic Rinckel Mansion on North Curry Street, which is zoned downtown mixed-use. She said she wants to offer guest rooms – she has three – but does not want to live on the premises, as required under the definition of a bed and breakfast.

The change would allow such historic properties in the city to be converted into smaller inns.

• Supervisors will consider a final subdivision map for phase 2 of Little Lane Village that would create 52 single-family residential lots, common areas, and a 5.75-acre remainder parcel on an approximately 11.57-acre site zoned multifamily duplex.

The project is located on the north side of Little Lane and west of South Saliman Road.

According to the staff summary, the Board of Supervisors approved the tentative subdivision map in 2019. That was for a 149-unit subdivision, to be spaced out in three phases.

“Phase 1 consisted of 44 units,” wrote Associate Planner Heather Manzo. “The applicant has commenced construction of the site improvements and has recorded a final map for phase 1 on Feb. 5, 2021. Phase 2 consists of 52 units. The applicant has obtained a site improvement permit for phase 2 and has commenced construction of these improvements. Upon board approval and recordation of phase 2 there will be 53 remaining units based upon the approved tentative map. To the extent that improvements are not completed, the developer has provided a subdivision improvement performance bond.”

• Supervisors will consider a local grant match, not to exceed roughly $40,000, for the purchase of 56 self-contained breathing apparatus units and 24 additional SCBA masks.

The grant is being awarded by FEMA, and Carson’s share is $392,727. Carson City’s current SCBAs are more than 10 years old and will be required to be replaced in 2024 to meet federal standards.