Council OKs $441 million plan

Dan Kulin

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2002 | 9:47 a.m.

North Las Vegas' $441 million plan for major construction projects over the next five years calls for new libraries, parks and a recreation complex, as well as the city's first sewage treatment plant. But it's what the plan doesn't include that drew the attention of the City Council on Wednesday.

Mayor Michael Montandon and Councilwoman Shari Buck asked why a new police headquarters building was not part of the city's Capital Improvement Plan for 2002-2007.

Buck said a plan to renovate or replace the police headquarters building at the corner of Bruce Street and Lake Mead Boulevard should be in the five-year plan.

"It needs to be written down. It needs to be a goal," she said.

City Manager Kurt Fritsch and Police Chief Mark Paresi said plans to deal with police headquarters weren't included in the plan because they aren't sure exactly what they will recommend.

Fritsch said the current building is "not easily repaired." But a new police headquarters building would probably cost $20 million to $30 million, he said.

Paresi said he is waiting for the results of a study on the space needs of the police department.

But in the meantime, Paresi said the city should not spend any more money on the existing building.

"I don't think it's going to fall down," Buck said. "But the council needs to take a serious look at rehabilitating or tearing it down. ... We're overdue in getting a plan."

Despite not including plans for a police headquarters, the Capital Improvement Plan was approved with a 4-0 council vote. Councilwoman Stephanie Smith was not at the meeting.

The plan itemizes major city projects for the next five years and the anticipated funding sources for those projects. The plan serves as a guide for future spending, not authorization to move ahead with any of the projects in the plan.

Of the $441 million in spending outlined in the plan, $130.6 million is designated for transportation projects, such as widening roads; and about $125.9 million would pay for flood control projects.

Other projects listed in the plan include: