In addition to the consideration of reducing the right-of-way fees, (see Mesquite Citizen Journal story ROW Fee Reduction Discussion Grows Testy-Video) the Mesquite City Council also acted on several other agenda items at it July 10 meeting.

Overton Power District requested the Council grant it a right-of-way easement from Hardy Way along Flat Top Mesa and then south to Bertha Howe and John Deer Drive. The easement will allow OPD to loop their transmission line system between the Dinosaur Substation and Falcon Ridge Parkway.

Historically, the City has provided easement land free of charge to the Power District for installation of utility lines. The District then passes along any installation costs to developers of the adjacent land.

Councilman George Rapson remarked during the agenda item that "Overton Power is asking for free land from the City and we're compelled to give it to them. If we don't they won't put power where they need to put power. It's sort of a Catch-22."

"I'm just curious, in light of the other agenda item we have about rights-of-way, if there's some accommodation to the citizens of Mesquite whose land we're giving to Overton Power. There's no question we're getting something in return, the availability of power. But in this instance I think it's a clear benefit for certain city lands," he continued.

"Is it possible when we sell the land up there, to add a surcharge or something to the cost in order to return that money to the citizens," Rapson asked. "It just seems like we're giving something away that we own."

"I think that's something we need to research and determine the legality of that," City Attorney Cheryl Hunt replied.

After some discussion of whether to postpone action on the agenda item pending that review, the Council approved the easement request on a 5-0 vote.

The councilors adopted Bill No. 457 as Ordinance No. 457 that reduces the amount of money that can be approved by the Mayor for projects using Redevelopment Agency (RDA) funds. Previously, projects below $99,999 could be approved by City Staff and the Mayor. The RDA Board revised that ceiling to a maximum of $50,000 per project. Councilman Kraig Hafen requested that all loans be reported to the Council on a periodic basis so the public is aware of all funds disbursements. The Council approved the item on a 5-0 vote.

An Interlocal agreement between the City Attorney and the State of Nevada was approved that provides access to the Nevada Criminal Justice Information System.

Representatives from the Knights of Columbus presented awards to Ron Richmond, Policeman of the Year and Fireman of the Year, Michael Gleeson. They also presented a donation to the Special Olympics of Mesquite. Watch the presentation on the video below.