North Las Vegas council briefs for Oct. 16, 2003

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2003 | 9:45 a.m.

Workshops planned on nuisance laws

Proposed laws that would have North Las Vegas residents move their broken-down vehicles out of sight and adhere to specific property maintenance rules, such as keeping lawns cut regularly, will get a closer look.

The City Council on Wednesday agreed to postpone action of the proposed laws, known as nuisance abatement laws, for three months.

During that time the city will hold workshops to get public input on the proposed regulations. Councilwoman Shari Buck suggested the council appoint a task force of rental property owners, residents, business owners and others to come up with recommendations on the proposed laws.

Two weeks ago the council postponed voting on the laws after some residents and council members expressed concerns that the regulations were too restrictive and perhaps government shouldn't have so much of a say in what residents do on their own property.

Moratorium on bar licenses sought

North Las Vegas City Councilwoman Shari Buck on Wednesday called for a moratorium on new city tavern licenses, saying she's concerned about the number of bars popping up in residential neighborhoods and near schools.

Buck said that in the last six months eight tavern licenses have been approved. The licenses are approved by the city Planning Commission and only reach the City Council if the commission's decision is appealed.

Buck said she wants the council to review whether tavern licenses should instead require council approval.

She said having bars too close to schools, parks and neighborhoods sets a bad example for children, and drunken drivers could pose a greater safety hazard in those areas.

"There should be a moratorium on any more taverns until we get a policy worked out," Buck said.

Buck's comments came at the end of the Wednesday council meeting during the time set aside for council members to make general comments.