News briefs for March 6, 2002

Wednesday, March 6, 2002 | 9:25 a.m.

County to move ahead with deal

Clark County's Public Works division was directed Tuesday to move forward with negotiations that may deliver Algiers Motel owner Larry Kifer about 2.5 acres near Harmon Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard.

After hearing arguments that both the Harmon parcel and the Algiers land at Riviera Boulevard and the Strip are worth in the ballpark of $21 million, commissioners moved toward a straight-across trade with Kifer.

However, the board also asked county administrators to explore whether selling the Harmon piece for cash would better benefit taxpayers. Board members also want to be sure there aren't any expensive cleanup costs associated with the Algiers -- like ridding the property of asbestos.

The county is considering Kifer's proposal because it eventually may need his land to re-align Riviera Boulevard.

County approves eliminating benefit

Clark County Manager Thom Reilly's plan to eliminate longevity pay for managers as part of a reorganization plan was approved by commissioners Tuesday.

Under the plan, new managers will not have the benefit, but managers now working at the county will continue to receive their longevity pay. Managers who have been suspended or disciplined will see their longevity pay reduced.

The new plan also eliminates pay raises based solely on cost-of-living increases. The cost of living will be built into merit pay increases.

Reilly said the change benefits hard workers, who can receive up to a 9 percent pay increase rather than the average 2 percent cost-of-living raise. On top of the 9 percent, employees are eligible for a 3 percent, one-time cash bonus.

Police search for restaurant killer

Metro Police have released a sketch of a suspect who killed a restaurant worker Monday during an apparent robbery attempt.

The gunman killed 37-year-old Raul Reyes-Romo Monday about 2 a.m. at the El Pollo Loco restaurant on Charleston Boulevard near Lamb Boulevard. The gunman approached an employee leaving the closed restaurant and ordered him to tell another employee to open the door, police said.

Reyes-Romo began opening the door but saw that the man had a gun and quickly closed it. The man fired a shot through the glass door, hitting Reyes-Romo in the chest. Reyes-Romo died at the scene, and the gunman fled.

The gunman is described as a Hispanic man, 5 feet 4 inches and about 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark sweatshirt, dark pants and carrying a dark backpack.

Anyone with information in this case is asked to call homicide detectives at 229-3521 or Secret Witness at 385-5555.