Planning Commission votes on easements, reopening of car wash

Commissioner George Bochanis set a rapid pace for the Henderson Planning Commission meeting on Aug. 14 when he led the meeting for Chairman Dan Shaw, who was absent.

Vice Chairman Craig Burr and Commissioner Sam Bateman also were excused from the meeting. Commissioners Joe Belingheri, Terry Mannion and Debra March were in attendance.

Ten of the 29 agenda items were continued to future meetings before the consent agenda was approved. Three additional items were continued because the applicants were not present, which is standard protocol.

AUTO MALL DRIVE EASEMENTS

The commission unanimously approved vacating a portion of Auto Mall Drive and an easement for streetlights and fire hydrants on the southeast corner of Gibson Road and Auto Show Drive. A representative from Touro University, which is adjacent to this land, asked how much, if any, on-street parking would be lost. The 925 Auto Show LLC representative said the number has not been determined because the design still is being worked on, but they would keep the parking spaces in mind. City staff said the easements were necessary for the completion of an off-ramp from U.S. Highway 95.

This item will be heard by the Henderson City Council at its Sept. 2 meeting.

GREEN VALLEY CAR WASH

The Green Valley Car Wash at 4601 E. Sunset Road, which has been closed, will restart operation and add a smog facility. The commission approved the request by TC Ayala Planning, 4-0. This was a final action by the Planning Commission.

CLEAN WATER COALITION

The commission approved a request for a conditional-use permit by the Clean Water Coalition for a storage and retrieval of contractor equipment, construction material and installation east of the intersection of Russell Road and Burkholder Boulevard. The permit also allows the Systems Conveyance Operations Program the use of drying ponds for special handling of wet soils and water during excavation and drilling for the city's force main.

The coalition's representative told Mannion that there were no resident complaints that he was aware of.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SOUTHERN NEVADA

The commission approved a nonprofit rehabilitation center for nutritional and benefits programs for women with children at Interstate 215 and Palo Verde Drive. The programs known as WIC are sponsored by the Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada.

"I think this is a service that will be beneficial to the community," March said before the item was unanimously approved.

LIZA CONROY

Bochanis thanked assistant city attorney Liza Conroy for her years of service after it was announced that this was her final planning meeting. Conroy has been representing the city at the meetings for almost 20 years.

"I can't even begin to describe this experience," Conroy said as she reminisced about meetings in the 1990s that would last until midnight. "I've had a great time. Thank you."

Conroy had served as adviser to the Planning Commission and Redevelopment Agency Advisory Commission since she joined the city in 1989. Prior to moving to the valley in 1985, she practiced civil and criminal law in Northern California.

"It has been my great pleasure and privilege to have been part of the city's staff during a period of tremendous growth and development," Conroy said. "In spite of that rapid growth, the city has always maintained a dedication to quality and excellence both in guiding development and providing services to its citizens. I will always appreciate the dedication, professionalism and camaraderie of my co-workers in the city attorney's office and throughout the city."

FULL AGENDA

For the full agenda, visit the city's Web site at www.cityofhenderson.com. Click on "meetings and agendas" and then "agendas, backup and minutes" and select "planning commission" from a drop-down menu.

ATTEND A MEETING

Don't miss the Planning Commission meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 240 Water St. The next City Council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at City Hall.