City Council briefs for Jan. 23, 2003

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003 | 9:26 a.m.

IRS building OK'd near downtown

The Las Vegas City Council approved Wednesday a redevelopment project for a new Internal Revenue Service office building west of downtown that the city hopes to develop into an urban village.

The city approved the agreement with PH GSA Limited Liability Company for the complex that would bring 500 to 600 people a day to the area around Interstate 15, Bonanza Road, Main Street and Grand Central Parkway.

Speed bumps set for Tam Drive

The Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday approved a series of speed bumps for Tam Drive between Boston Avenue and Northbridge Street.

The council approved the item as part of the consent agenda where items considered routine were passed by a single vote.

The bumps were recommended by the Meadows Village Task Force, which was created to improve conditions in the long-neglected city neighborhood west of the Stratosphere, to slow down heavy traffic on that road from a recorded average of 37 mph to the 25 mph speed limit.

The five speed bumps, each 14 feet wide from curb to curb and 3 inches high at the center, will be installed when night temperatures are above 70 degrees, the city said.

Limits placed on payday loan firms

The Las Vegas City Council Wednesday passed an ordinance designed to keep high-fee check cashing businesses, payday loan and auto title loan companies from spreading into residential neighborhoods.

Councilman Michael McDonald introduced the bill late last year in response to constituents complaining that the gaudy aesthetics of some of the shops -- specifically bright exterior colors to attract the eye of potential customers -- could lower property values.

McDonald reached a compromise before Wednesday's meeting that eliminated requirements for a 1,000-foot separation between such businesses and a 200-foot separation from homes. The reason, he said, was that the special use permit process would allow the council to deny any future businesses that do not conform to surrounding businesses and neighborhoods.

Jim Marchesi, president of Check City and of the Nevada Financial Services Association, said he supported the measure, but asked the council to hold "expeditious" special use permit hearings so as not to hurt businesses in their negotiations to obtain suitable locations for future branches.

The council voted 5-0 to approve the bill. The ordinance revises zoning requirements for check cashing, paycheck advance, auto title loan and auto pawn financial institutions. The business now are allowed to operate only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Also, the design and color of the buildings are subject to a review by city staff.

Filing starts Jan. 28 for city election

The Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a proclamation ordering the 2003 municipal elections.

The proclamation sets filing dates for Jan. 28 through Feb. 7.

Those up for election to four-year terms are Mayor Oscar Goodman, Ward 1 Councilman Michael McDonald, Ward 3 Councilman Gary Reese and Ward 5 Councilman Lawrence Weekly. Those up for six-year terms are Municipal Judges Toy Gregory and 4 Bert Brown, plus a vacant seat. Up for a two-year term is Municipal Judge George Assad.