Firm demand for accountability regarding neighborhood infrastructure and a celebration of historic growth within the city’s public safety departments marked the North Las Vegas City Council’s March 18 session. Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown presided over the meeting, which balanced granular updates on park maintenance with high-level approvals for multi-million dollar regional health contracts.

---

The battle for Tule Springs: Council demands compliance

The primary focus of the afternoon was a status update regarding the Tule Springs Regional Park. For months, residents of the Master Planned Community have raised concerns over the unfinished state of the park and the lack of basic amenities.

Bob Granauer, representing the developer, appeared before the council to outline a roadmap for bringing the park into compliance. Following a morning walkthrough with city staff and the homeowners’ association, Granauer presented a “punch list” of repairs aimed at a full opening.

Immediate improvements and timeline

According to the developer’s report, several key milestones have recently been met:

• Access restored: Barriers on the northern portion of the property have been removed, allowing residents to walk the grounds.
• Facilities: The bathrooms have been power-washed and are slated to officially open next week. They will remain open during daylight hours and be locked at night to prevent vandalism.
• Recreation: Basketball nets have been replaced, and the irrigation systems for the sand volleyball pits are now operational.
• Landscaping: New sodding is underway via contractor Bright View. However, residents were cautioned that it will take approximately 30 days for the grass to take root before it is safe for foot traffic.

Despite these updates, city officials remained skeptical. Doug Guild, Director of Parks and Recreation, noted that while the “restroom had several successful flushes this morning,” much work remains. Guild highlighted the presence of dead trees that require replacement and emphasized that the city will not assume formal maintenance responsibilities for Phase 2 until all “punch list” items are perfect.

Mayor Goynes-Brown expressed frustration over the developer’s historical lack of urgency. “Why are we even having these issues?” the Mayor asked, noting that city staff should not have to spend time managing a private developer’s basic obligations. “People will respect the park if they see the park is respected.”

In response to the community’s lingering concerns—represented by homeowner Leonard Scott, who stated he “won’t be satisfied until it’s completely done”—Councilman Richard Cherchio successfully motioned for a follow-up compliance update on April 15th.

---

Public safety: A historic milestone

While infrastructure remained a point of contention, City Manager Micaela Moore delivered a report on the growth of the North Las Vegas Police Department. Moore announced the graduation of 34 new police officers, marking the largest graduating class in the history of the department.

This recruitment surge comes on the heels of a recent commendation ceremony honoring both police and fire personnel. In a related move to bolster public safety leadership, the council approved the appointments of Assistant Police Chief Michael Harris and Fire Chief Joseph Calhoun to the Clark County 9-1-1 Emergency Response Advisory Committee.

---

Council member reports: Education and community outreach

Members of the Council reported an active month of community engagement, particularly centered around “Reading Week” and local youth programs:

• Councilman Isaac Barron: Reported a “fantastic experience” reading at six different local schools. He also highlighted the success of local youth at the XO Student Design Challenge held at the Sphere and toured SafeNest, a vital resource hub for domestic violence survivors.
• Mayor Pro Tem Scott Black: Shared his busy schedule reading at 10 different schools, including Ruby Duncan Elementary and CIVICA Academy. Black also visited the Cinder Light Plant to celebrate its 80th anniversary in Southern Nevada, noting the importance of long-standing local businesses to the region’s economy.
• Councilman Richard Cherchio: Praised the Mayor for being honored as a “Woman of the Month” by Clark County for her extensive service to the state and the school cistrict.

---

Major approvals and fiscal decisions

The council moved through a comprehensive consent agenda, approving several high-impact contracts and funding allocations:

Healthcare and social services

The most significant financial item was an interlocal contract with the Nevada Health Authority for the reimbursement of emergency transportation services provided to Medicaid recipients. The contract, valued at over $62.7 million over four years, ensures the city is compensated for the vital emergency services its fire department provides to the community’s most vulnerable members.

Additionally, the Council approved the allocation of federal grant funds for fiscal year 2026-2027:

• $55,986 for the Emergency Solutions Grant (homelessness prevention).
• $293,990 for the Community Development Block Grant (neighborhood revitalization).

Infrastructure and urban planning

The city is also looking toward its long-term future with the approval of a $749,905 contract with Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc. to develop a new, comprehensive city master plan. This document will serve as the blueprint for North Las Vegas’s growth over the next decade.

Other notable infrastructure approvals included:

• Justice Facility: A $598,480 contract for roof rehabilitation.
• Nature Discovery Park: Nearly $100,000 for new playground safety surfacing.
• Wastewater Management: A $580,320 agreement to monitor flow stations across the city’s sewer system.

Zoning and industry

The Council approved the reclassification of 9.13 acres at 2903 N. Martin L. King Blvd. from a Planned Unit Development (PUD) to General Industrial (M-2). This move signals continued interest in expanding the city’s industrial capacity in Ward 2.

---

Upcoming community events

City Manager Moore and the council invited residents to several upcoming holiday events, including:

• Bunny Bash: Held recently at Silver Mesa Rec Center.
• Eggciting Easter Celebration: Saturday, March 28th at the Neighborhood Recreation Center.
• Ward 3 Neighborhood Clean-up: Scheduled for April 1st.