County changes course on Venetian parking lot

Thursday, Sept. 23, 2004 | 10:55 a.m.

The Clark County Commission two weeks ago said it had concerns about the independence of the accounting firm hired by The Venetian to monitor its controversial plan to provide employees and patrons with parking while the resort complex undergoes a major expansion.

On Wednesday the commission changed course, accepting the information provided by the Las Vegas accounting firm of Conway, Stewart and Woodbury.

The Venetian and its neighbors, particularly Steve Wynn's Wynn Las Vegas, have argued that The Venetian's existing parking is inadequate because the resort has never built enough parking spaces. They've said The Venetian shouldn't be allowed to juggle more parking while building a 3,000-room expansion.

Representatives for Sheldon Adelson's Venetian have said they have corrected the parking problem as they move forward with the construction plans.

One of the requirements the commission imposed in July with approval of the parking plan is that The Venetian must have an independent monitor audit the effort to have Venetian employees park away from competitors' lots.

Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates said two weeks ago that she was concerned that a company hired by The Venetian to monitor the parking situation might not be independent.

Commissioner Mary Kincaid-Chauncey said Wednesday, however, the certifications of the parking issue coming from the accounting firm appeared to be in order. She noted that the company won a recommendation from Clark County's Development Services Department.

"After talking to the development staff and talking to them I feel very comfortable continuing with them," Kincaid-Chauncey said of the accounting firm.

"We're relying on staff recommendations," said Commissioner Lynette Boggs McDonald, who represents the area on the Strip. She noted that requiring a new accountant to come in "could delay the whole process" of building a new parking garage needed for the larger, 3,000-room expansion planned by The Venetian.

Ron Lynn, Development Services building official, said the accounting company appears to be doing a thorough, independent job.

"They've done an excellent job of it," he said. "I set up some general guidelines. They've far exceeded them."

Lynn said the accounting company does not have a direct relationship with Commissioner Bruce Woodbury. He said the issue of The Venetian's timetable also did not impact his department's recommendation to keep the same accounting company.

He said information from The Venetian and Conway, Stewart and Woodbury has been verified by county employees at three visits to the parking areas, including a spot-check of the size of the parking spaces.

Neither Wynn's nor Adelson's representatives presented arguments during Wednesday's regular zoning meeting.

The board, without a vote, accepted the county staff report that recommended keeping the same company on the auditing job.