NLV recreation center delayed

The planned North Las Vegas Recreation Center is being put on hold, but Parks and Recreation Director Eric Dabney remains confidant the center will become a reality.

At Tuesday night's Parks and Recreation meeting, Dabney told the advisory board that the department has negotiated an agreement with a local architectural firm but has been told by the City Council to put the agreement on hold while other design methods are considered.

Various methods for design are being considered to assure that the city is getting the best deal.

Dabney said he had planned on presenting the architectural agreement to the City Council at its Nov. 17 meeting for approval, but is now waiting for additional direction from the council.

The City Council approved the plan for the recreation center in October 1998 after citizens voiced concerns about the lack of parks and recreation resources throughout the city.

In September the county purchased 11 acres at Alexander Road and Allen Lane to house the planned 22,000-square-foot center. Last week the council approved a $5 million bond to fund the project.

"We don't know when the council will tell us to proceed ... they (City Council members) don't want the agreement coming before them on the 17th," Dabney said.

Dabney admits the decision could delay the starting date for the center but added that no date has been set.

City Manager Pat Importuna was unavailable for comment.

While city Finance Director Vytas Vaitkus is working to secure the $5 million bond by the state Department of Taxation, he said it is the council's discretion whether to proceed with the proposed design agreement or consider other options.

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