Detailed list of priorities approved in Henderson

Greg Harman

Wednesday, April 19, 2000 | 11:12 a.m.

To help ensure that the quality of life keeps pace with the the city's growth, Henderson City Council members Tuesday approved a detailed list of priorities for the city.

The items range from the establishment of a state college and creation of a neighborhood traffic "calming" program to expanding economic opportunities within Henderson's boundaries.

"I think it's going to be an exciting time for the city," Mayor Jim Gibson said before the proposal was adopted.

The approved priorities -- developed over the past several months with the help of all of the city's agencies -- also include strengthening the availability and access to public information for Henderson residents and increasing voter participation, Betsy Fretwell, the city's intergovernmental relations director, said.

"One of the things we want to make sure to do is use our technology well," Fretwell told the council. The council will provide quarterly updates on how the city is making the vision behind the list a reality, Gibson said.

The priority list will be used by the city's agencies to plan programs over the next five years.

The council also charged Fretwell with drafting suggested changes to the Nevada League of Cities and Municipalities 2000-2001 Legislative Compact. The plan is an effort by state municipalities to bond together for common interests.

Gibson termed involvement "ticklish" due to the variety of interests represented by Nevada's cities, but he saw participation in the compact as important.

"We need to make sure our voices are heard on things we regulate and things we govern," Gibson said.

Legislative committees within the Nevada League of Cities and Municipalities will meet in coming months to review the proposals of member cities. A final package is expected at the group's annual meeting in August.

Greg Harman covers Henderson and Boulder City for the Sun. He can be reached at (702) 259-8814 or by e-mail at harman@lasvegassun.com.