City briefs for August 19, 1999

Thursday, Aug. 19, 1999 | 11:19 a.m.

Council to make variance approvals

An appointed Las Vegas zoning board now has a little less power over certain development plans and variance requests.

Under a bill adopted Wednesday, the City Council has the final say on site development plans and variance approvals.

In the past only variances denied by the Board of Zoning Adjustment went to the council if appealed. The bill, sponsored by Councilman Michael McDonald, requires all variances approved by the zoning board to go automatically to the council for final action.

The bill also allows any City Council member to review a site development plan that has already been approved by the city's planning director or by the Planning Commission.

Restrictions on use of alcohol proposed

The massive cleanup of past New Year's Eve celebrations citywide will be a little different after this year's party to welcome the new century.

A bill introduced at Wednesday's City Council meeting would prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages in any glass or metal container during certain large-scale special events such as Independence Day and New Year's Eve celebrations.

City Finance Director Mark Vincent, who sponsored the bill, said the proposal is intended to prevent problems associated with injury and cleanup.

The bill will now go before the council's Recommending Committee for an Aug. 30 public hearing. That hearing will take place at 4 p.m. in the eighth floor conference room at City Hall.