Sparks City Council Highlights for April 27, 2026

Sparks, NV - The following are highlights from the April 27, 2026, Sparks City Council meeting.

Announcements, Presentations, Recognition Items, and Items of Special Interest:

• Taylor Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, provided an overview of regional economic trends, highlighted recent business attraction and expansion efforts, shared updates on job growth and workforce development initiatives, and outlined strategic priorities.
• Mayor Ed Lawson proclaimed the week of April 26-May 2, 2026, as National Apprenticeship Week to recognize the vital role of apprenticeship programs in developing a skilled workforce.
• City Manager Dion Louthan announced three vacancies on the Sparks Parks & Recreation Commission, each for a 3-year term. Members must be a resident of Sparks or have a valid Sparks business license. Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. and are available at cityofsparks.us/getinvolved.
• City Manager Dion Louthan announced two vacancies on the Sparks Civil Service Commission, each for a 3-year term. Members must be Sparks residents. Members cannot be City employees, members of the City Council, or appointed to another board or commission of the City, or related to one within the 3rd degree of consanguinity. Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. and are available at cityofsparks.us/getinvolved.

General Business

Council approved:

• The acceptance of a $19,500.00 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, administered by the Nevada Department of Public Safety, Office of Criminal Justice Assistance, to support the Regional Facial Recognition Case Management project.
• The City Manager's performance evaluation, including specific goals and performance expectations, and to approve a 4% salary increase and a $5,000 additional performance bonus.
• A $591,755.00 consulting agreement for design services with Keller Associates and the City of Reno for the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility Headworks Wetwell and Influent Improvements Project, with the City of Sparks' share being $185,633.54.

Public Hearing and Action Items Unrelated to Planning and Zoning

Council held public hearings and approved:

• A bill amending the Sparks Municipal Code, increasing the amount staff can refund applicants through the Community Services Director to $25,000.00 and increasing the amount staff can refund to applicants through the City Manager to $100,000.00. Occasionally, applicants for building permits pay the city fees for projects that are later altered or canceled. When this occurs, the city has received fees to which the applicant is entitled to a refund.
• A bill amending the Sparks Municipal code, Fire Prevention and Protection, to adopt the 2024 International Fire Code and Related appendices, 2024 International Wildland Urban Interface Code, and other related fire protection codes and amendments, effective April 27, 2026.

Planning and Zoning Public Hearings and Action Items

Council held public hearings and approved:

• An ordinance approving a development agreement by and between the City of Sparks and Northern Nevada Community Housing Resource Board for planning and development of affordable housing at 306 10th Street.
• Amending the final approved plan for the Kiley Ranch Phase 3 planned development to:
  1. Reduce the minimum required floor area ratio for Villages 13 and 15 from 0.25 to 0.18.
  2. Revise commercial architectural standards related to roof forms to include allowances for flat roofs.
  3. Allocate trips based on previously approved traffic analyses to Villages 13, 15, 25, and 26 on a 98.4-acre site.