Action on medical center delayed

Thursday, June 2, 2005 | 9:46 a.m.

The Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday again delayed action on a proposed memorandum of understanding between the city, the University of Nevada School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, regarding a planned academic medical center.

City Manager Doug Selby said there are still no major problems with the negotiations, and the delay was requested to give all sides more time to examine the proposed agreement, which would not be binding.

The council delayed action on the proposed agreement for another two weeks, which it also did two weeks ago.

The proposed memorandum of understanding would lay the groundwork for discussions of a formal partnership between the three entities.

The Wednesday council action came after state legislators reached a deal on a state budget that would put $1.5 million toward the center. Assemblyman Morse Arberry Jr., the Democratic chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, had first proposed $25 million in state funds for the medical center.

The medical center is expected to cost about $250 million and be part of the development of the city's 61 acres in the western edge of downtown. Other projects slated for the 61 acres include a performing arts center, new City Hall and possibly a baseball stadium.