North Las Vegas council briefs for April 4, 2002

Thursday, April 4, 2002 | 9:45 a.m.

Churches OK in commercial zones

The North Las Vegas City Council unanimously voted to amend an ordinance that prevented churches and other religious groups from building and congregating in commercial zones.

City Council members on Wednesday, with little discussion, reversed a restriction that limited churches to residential areas.

Clark County, Las Vegas and Henderson allow churches in commercial zones.

The North Las Vegas council approved an amendment that allows churches to build and operate as a special use, such as theaters, child-care centers, banks or social clubs in commercial zones, City Attorney Sean McGowan said.

A recent federal ruling prohibits cities from banning churches where other special uses are allowed, McGowan said.

School proposed across from casino

The council delayed action on a proposed middle school that would be built across the street from a casino.

After parents and Clark County School District spoke in support of the proposed school site at Carey Avenue and Hamilton Street, near the Silver Nugget Casino, a decision was postponed for 30 days.

Dusty Dickens, school district director of demographics, zoning and realty, told the council the school would bring jobs into the area and the parcel had been vacant for years.

If the new school is allowed, Bridger Middle School, north of the site, would become a magnet school.

However, council members Stephanie Smith and William Robinson opposed the proposed school site.

Mayor Michael Montandon suggested the school district seek alternative sites, although nine locations had been reviewed. Most of the alternate sites were considered too small for a middle school.

Bond approved for jail, court

The council approved a $2.8 million bond that will be paid annually over 20 years for jail and court services.

The annual payments will be provided from $2 million in increased jail revenues, $300,000 in court administrative assessment fees and $500,000 from the general fund.

The council approved the bonds unanimously.