Council briefs for June 20, 2002

Thursday, June 20, 2002 | 9:07 a.m.

Raises, bonuses are awarded

It's raises all around for Las Vegas employees and municipal court judges.

City Attorney Brad Jerbic and City Auditor Rad Snelding were given raises and bonuses Wednesday by the City Council.

Jerbic was given a 9.7 percent merit increase and a one-time 3 percent bonus. Snelding was given a 4 percent merit increase and a 4 percent bonus.

Councilman Gary Reese said Snelding has done a "fantastic job" of helping the city save money and operate more efficiently.

Jerbic's annual salary will increase from $123,112 to $135,053 in addition to a $3,700 bonus. Snelding's annual salary will increase from $96,460 to $100,318 in addition to a $3,860 bonus.

The council also approved a 1.5 percent cost of living adjustment for the city's 200 appointed employees who are not covered under executive or management compensation plans.

The council also approved, by a 4-1 vote, a bill that increases the salaries of Municipal Court judges by 9.7 percent.

The bill increases the salaries of judges from $95,633 to $113,578 beginning July 1. Court officials said municipal judges had not received a raise since 1999, while their caseload has increased by 20 percent in the last five years.

Resolution on bonds approved

The city has approved a resolution of intent to issue economic development revenue bonds of up to $50 million to finance a downtown arena being proposed by Idaho developer Larry Leasure.

The resolution proposes the bonds to finance the Las Vegas Event Center, a 6,500-seat arena proposed on Stewart Avenue and Main Street.

The bonds would be paid from revenue the city received. A public hearing will be held at 9 a.m. July 17.

Leasure plans to break ground on the arena -- which will house minor-league hockey -- in September.

In a separate action, the council forgave a commitment by Boyd Gaming Corp. to build a 900-space parking garage on the property now being planned for the arena. In exchange, Boyd Gaming will put $2 million toward financing the project and turn the arena over to the city in 20 years, when it is estimated to be worth $50 million.

Another extension for developer

The city will offer a third extension to the San Diego-based Tom Hom Group to build affordable apartments in downtown Las Vegas.

The project was proposed three years ago but has suffered several delays.

The developer broke ground on the complex at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Gass Avenue in December 2000, but has yet to complete bond financing with the Nevada Housing Division.

According to city reports, L'Octaine is nearing approval from the Nevada Housing Division, with a final hearing scheduled on Aug. 13.

The extension would be until Aug. 30, after which the developers plan to complete financing and purchase the property.