Voters approve freeway bypass, library, park

Jace Radke

Wednesday, June 9, 1999 | 10:50 a.m.

Boulder City voters knew what they wanted when they looked at their four ballot questions -- less traffic, the council to handle city leases and a new library and park.

Question 1, which gives the city's blessing to the state to construct a bypass freeway to route traffic around the south end of Boulder City, passed 61 percent to 38 percent, or 2,935 votes to 1,855.

The initiative was pushed by Councilman Bill Smith to clear the way for an alternate traffic route around Boulder City when the proposed Hoover Dam bypass bridge is built.

The dam bypass is not expected to be completed before 2006 or 2007, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Councilman Bryan Nix wondered if Boulder City residents understood the question or if they simply saw the word bypass and jumped at the chance to have traffic out of the city.

"I'm disappointed because Boulder City is obviously concerned about traffic but this question severely limits the city's negotiation power and gives the state the OK to do what they want with the bypass," Nix said. "We'll have to see what happens with the question now."

Now passed, the question gives the city's approval to the state to build the bypass as long as there are two exits, one east and one west of Boulder City. The bypass would be south of the city and three-fourths of a mile from the nearest residence.

The second question, which would have made a vote of the people necessary to allow the lease of any city land greater than an acre, was soundly defeated 80 percent to 19 percent.

City officials, including both mayoral candidates, came out strongly against the measure, which showed in the election with only 936 votes in favor and 3,859 against.

The initiative also would have required that any revenue generated by future leases be placed in the city's capital improvement fund. Voters must approve spending from that fund, according to the city charter.

City Manager John Sullard argued the initiative would hurt the city's financial health, which is already suffering from changes that cut Boulder City's share of taxes generated by growth elsewhere in Clark County.

The third question, to determine if Del Prado Park should be moved to a vacant piece of land near Utah Street, was passed 67 percent to 32 percent, with 3,217 yes votes to 1,536 no votes.

The fourth question, asking voters to approve a $4.4 million library bond, passed 62 percent to 37 percent, or 3,075 votes to 1,832. The Boulder City Library District will use the bond money to build a new library on 4 acres at the site of the city's former children's home.

The old library building is planned to be used as an annex for the police department, a city spokesman said.