North Las Vegas briefs

Thursday, Jan. 6, 2000 | 10:28 a.m.

Mayor's selection sticks with council

North Las Vegas has a new slogan: 'North Las Vegas -- Your Community of Choice.'

The slogan, introduced at a City Council meeting Wednesday night, was created by the council to reflect the booming population and positive aspects of the city.

The idea for a new slogan came during a recent council retreat to Mesquite, where members identified goals and mission statements for the next 10 years. Of the slogans, Mayor Michael Montandon's suggestion stuck.

"Those people who have a choice say 'I choose to live in North Las Vegas because I want to live here,' " Montandon said.

But not everyone thinks the city is such a premier destination.

"The city slogan should have a little truth to it," 15-year resident Glen Easter told the council Wednesday night. "I don't think we should deceive new people coming here."

Easter told the council that while new residents may be moving into the city every day, many are unaware of the high property taxes and other negative aspects of the city. He recommended slogans such as "Top of the Valley," "Living at its Best," or "The City that Works."

City manager gets $10,000 increase

City Manager Pat Importuna has received a $10,000 raise as part of his annual performance review.

Importuna's job performance was discussed during a closed personnel session at last night's meeting. Personnel matters are typically closed to the public.

After an hour behind closed doors, the council voted to give Importuna the raise -- increasing his current $125,000 annual salary.

Councilman William Robinson cast the lone dissenting vote.

Importuna was hired as city manager last January after serving as acting city manager for the previous five months.

At the time of his hire, he drew up his own employment agreement, including his salary and benefits for negotiation.

Importuna replaced former City Manager Linda Hinson, whose contract the council voted not to renew in July 1998.

Silver State donates $77,000 to city team

Silver State Disposal has donated $77,000 to the city to create the Solid Waste Environmental Protection Team to help crack down on illegal dumping.

The grant approved Wednesday night will be used by the city to fund one full-time code inspector, supplies, equipment and training for one year. The funding will be for five years, with an annual review at the end of each year.

The team will investigate complaints of illegally dumped debris and serve misdemeanor citations to enforce city codes.

According to staff reports, the majority of complaints received by the city's code enforcement division are solid waste issues and inoperable vehicles on private property.

"We have a tough job ahead of us, but I'm confident we can meet our objectives," Robert Groesbeck, general counsel for Silver State, told the City Council.

The team will be similar to a program now under way in Clark County.