City Council briefs for May 18, 2000

Council passes locks resolution

Spending

Here is how the Las Vegas City Council voted Wednesday to spend taxpayer money:

Calling it a necessary measure to protect children from gun violence, the Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday asked gun dealers to hand out safety locks.

The resolution, approved unanimously, encourages any seller or distributor of a firearm to supply educational material and a gun safety lock with each gun.

"This is in no way a gun-control effort," said City Councilman Michael Mack, the resolution's sponsor.

Clark County Commissioner Dario Herrera, who testified in support of the measure, said it is an example of government taking a proactive stance.

"What's great about this resolution is it doesn't impede a person's right to bear arms," Herrera said.

Still, some council members expressed concern. Guns purchased from a federally licensed dealer are used in just 10 percent of all gun accidents, crimes or suicides.

"We really have to enforce these gun control laws aimed at offenders," Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald said.

Mayor Oscar Goodman added: "I think responsibility has to be with the adults (at home)."

Old shopping center is targeted

A long-vacant shopping center at Vegas Drive and Decatur Boulevard is again being eyed for redevelopment.

The Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency on Wednesday authorized staff to negotiate with the owner of the property at 1501 N. Decatur Boulevard for the acquisition of the site.

Councilman Michael McDonald, who has been complaining about the blighted area since he was first elected in 1995, said the city had a chance to buy the property four years ago but didn't act.

"The neighborhood has been lied to, the neighborhood has been led astray," McDonald said.

Both he and Councilman Lawrence Weekly, whose ward now encompasses the area, said they would like to see the former WonderWorld shopping center developed into a full-service grocery store or into services for senior citizens who live in public housing nearby.

Quarters may be a thing of the past

Residents don't have to fumble for quarters any more at city parking meters.

A new debit-like key can be inserted into the machines in lieu of coins after a city account is purchased.

Mike Sheldon, the city's director of Detention and Enforcement, introduced a bill Wednesday to update parking meter regulations in order to allow the use of the cashless system.

A hearing on the proposal will be held May 30 at 4 p.m. in City Hall's eighth-floor conference room. The council will likely vote to approve the proposal in about one month.

Christopher Homes test called success

After a year of success, the city has again agreed to loan a building inspector to Christopher Homes for construction projects within the city's limits.

Christopher Homes will pay $75,000 to the city for the full-time use of the inspector.

Officials claim the city benefited from the arrangement last year because it didn't have to pay for the employee. The developer said having a dedicated inspector for its projects saves both time and money.

archive