LOOKING IN ON: CITY HALL

Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006 | 7:36 a.m.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman recently hailed the turnaround that has taken place at the city's Business Development Office under Steve Van Gorp.

When Van Gorp took over as redevelopment manager five years ago, the agency had a $70 million debt that had reached the point where revenues could not cover the debt payment.

The agency now is operating in the black with projected annual tax revenue between $14.5 million and $19.5 million.

"My point of pride came three years ago when we turned the corner and became stable," Van Gorp said.

The city now can focus on new projects and generate additional revenue streams, despite paying about $7 million per year toward the inherited debt and more than $1 million in operating expenses.

Van Gorp pointed to the Fifth Street School renovation and the downtown streetscapes as projects made possible by the turnaround.

One crucial change saw the agency change its central strategy, moving away from publicly subsidized projects such as Neonopolis - in which the city invested $35 million to buy the property and build a garage - to focus more on incentives, including property tax rebates, to spur development.

Van Gorp, noting that much of the progress has occurred downtown, says the goal now is to shift the focus to surrounding neighborhoods.

Those who think City Council proceedings should take place in a padded room will get their wish - sort of.

Council chambers got a new look last week, when the back wall - covered with portraits of the presidents - was outfitted with raised gray panels.

The change is not a reflection on recent council decisions. Rather, it is intended to improve acoustics in the chambers.

Officials with the city's field operations department say the soundproof panels were installed because the cavernous room echoes at times, making it difficult to hear in some areas. Officials also hope the change will improve the audio feed on television transmissions.

Visitors have interrupted council meetings in the past with complaints that they could not follow the proceedings.

Officials hope the improvements will take of the audio problems. Whether visitors like what is being said, now that they will be able to hear it better, is another matter.

Goodman watched the UNLV/UNR football game over the weekend with more than just a passing interest.

Reno Mayor Bob Cashell called Goodman from council chambers last week to propose a friendly wager on the contest - the outcome of which promised to be embarrassing for the loser.

Goodman, who uncharacteristically did not take the points, said Cashell would have to wear Rebel colors to his next council meeting "when" Reno lost. Hizzoner agreed to wear Wolf Pack colors to his next council meeting if Nevada Reno won.

It was unclear whether Goodman told Cashell he would be in Europe with NBA officials when the next council meeting takes place.

One thing about the bet is certain. One mayor will see red. And one will be blue.