2014 2:00:00 PM

Monday, May 12, 2014 2:00 PM
Sparks City Hall, Legislative Bldg, Council Chambers, 745 4th St., Sparks

General Business: 6.10

Title: Discussion and possible action on a concept for the City of Sparks bill draft request for the 78th Session of the Nevada Legislature.

Petitioner/Presenter: Adam Mayberry, Community Relations Manager/Adam Mayberry, Community Relations Manager

Recommendation: That the City Council decide to use or not use its sole BDR.

Financial Impact: 0

Business Impact (Per NRS 237):
A Business Impact Statement is not required because this is not a rule.

Agenda Item Brief: In Nevada, cities with a population under 150,000 may submit a single BDR to the Legislative Counsel Bureau on or before September 2, 2014.

Background: This agenda item allows the Mayor and City Council to publicly discuss any concepts or opportunities for the City’s bill draft request (BDR). It is important to note that the City is not required to submit a BDR. In some cases, legislators have sponsored specific and important legislation for the City. As an example, during the 2013 session, Senator Smith sponsored the City’s Charter Bill amendments (SB 304). The Senate Finance Committee that Senator Smith chaired sponsored the bill that restored the city’s hotel room tax for Victorian Square (SB 509). Both were ultimately signed into law. Additionally, the Chairman of the City’s Charter Committee Bob LaRiviere, has suggested the Council use its sole BDR for the proposed charter changes addressed by the Supreme Court ruling.

Analysis: To follow is a short history on recent BDR activity for the City of Sparks: 2013 Session – No BDR was utilized 2011 Session – BDR was contingent upon an advisory questions for public safety which failed to pass. 2009 Session – Assembly Bill 98 was introduced on behalf of the City of Sparks and would have allow the City to administer its own occupancy (hotel room) tax. The bill had a hearing before the Assembly Committee on Taxation that went no further.

Alternatives: The City Council could decide on a BDR concept. The City Council could offer suggested topics for staff to review and return to the City Council for further discussion. The City Council could decide not to use its sole BDR.

Recommended Motion: Recommended motion is based on any possible action on the use or not to use the BDR

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