[{"_1":2,"_106":-5,"_107":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,94],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6368084,"mediaKeyId","2158149-43955a089a44dfa4305c73950be65a57","parentId",2158149,"title","Council approves Afton senior housing support, labor pact, $3.2M separation program and multiple contracts","audioSeconds",1209,"startMs",3745000,"endMs",4954000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2158149-43955a089a44dfa4305c73950be65a57&start=3745&end=4954","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2158149-43955a089a44dfa4305c73950be65a57/thumbnail_3745000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6368084/Sparks/Washoe-County/Nevada/Council-approves-Afton-senior-housing-support-labor-pact-32M-separation-program-and-multiple-contracts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6368084-d484ae30cc75475c3523d7fe03bb19ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177557&Signature=Li~p6VHn7s3xj5Oh~yuoD~DsXNMiRIZhCYz29ZWgvlZvU~syrcuJAJ7OCclDJqcUXtsyADtVAykpP8TKs0qaEjUf9~~6P5-S4tNM5XJBWAXWZJ5AaUlbaIXMqovXId3sNaN7HgCEoGKy9~gKlZi8tbMYDY4TSfFdp4JMH3DskVVz8X7Yc~PhDdtq4YBHwcHndK~VcuwEvRbZ8c~Jf3uz7nEItfpalG73ZSNqlLNaA97SIz3gu7qxAaCE4Ef6WC7cTGKX-B0qVnpYYhFZ~hevtz36F7NAD-pyKVGGPMMEU4U2lbVKhikrWluIobJHfSUpTacEAf1qJJ9DrgFQemE~rw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Sparks, NV","date","2025-01-28T14:02:26Z","article","The Sparks City Council on Jan. 27 approved a set of measures to advance a 142‑unit senior affordable housing project, implement a one‑year contract with the firefighters’ union, authorize a voluntary employee separation program and award multiple construction and interlocal contracts.

The council voted unanimously on each item during the meeting, approving: a resolution backing use of funds from the State of Nevada account for the Afton Senior Housing project; a one‑year collective bargaining agreement with International Association of Fire Fighters Local 731 covering July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025; authorization for a voluntary employee separation program not to exceed $3.2 million; and multiple construction and professional services contracts and interlocal agreements tied to streets, sewer and radio system upgrades.

Votes at a glance
- Resolution 3454 — Support for use of funds from the State of Nevada account for affordable housing (Afton Senior Housing, 142 units). Motion to approve carried unanimously. The resolution supports a deed restriction reserving 100% of units to senior households at or below 80% of area median income for a minimum of 30 years and puts the City on record supporting the project’s application for Nevada Housing Division funds.
- Collective bargaining agreement AC 6087 — One‑year CBA with IAFF Local 731 (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025). Motion approved unanimously. The agreement includes a 5% base pay increase, a $250 base add to support cancer screenings, increases to longevity and uniform allowances, additional education and instructor pay, and other changes described in staff presentation. Total estimated cost increases: $981,352 (general fund) and $24,464 (Development Services Enterprise Fund).
- Voluntary employee separation program (authorization) — City manager authorized to establish a voluntary separation program, not to exceed $3,200,000 total (including $2,200,000 general fund and $1,000,000 cumulative from other funds). Motion approved unanimously. Applications were set to be due March 13, with city manager decisions by March 21.
- Open‑ended RFP for 306 10th Street — Council approved releasing an open‑ended request for proposals allowing developers to propose demolition, relocation, or rehabilitation of the existing building as part of an affordable housing proposal on the parcel acquired through the Home Means Nevada initiative. Motion carried unanimously.
- P25 radio system first addendum (AC 5677) — Council approved the first amendment to the Washoe County P25 radio system interlocal agreement addressing construction and materials cost overruns; Sparks’ proportional share is $247,019 spread across fiscal years 2026–27. Motion carried unanimously.
- Construction and professional services contracts — Council approved a set of construction contracts and related engineering services for city infrastructure, including: AC 6090 (M4 Engineering, 2025 CDBG pedestrian infrastructure project), AC 6091 (West Coast Paving, 2025 preventative maintenance patch project), AC 6089 (M4 Engineering, Boise Drive Sewer Interceptor Rehabilitation), AC 6092 (Lumos & Associates, construction support for Boise Drive project). Motions carried unanimously.
- Interlocal with Truckee Meadows Water Authority (AC 6093) — Approved reimbursement agreement for water main relocation work (estimated $659,484). Motion carried unanimously.

Why it matters
Taken together, these votes advance near‑term capital work on streets, sewers and ADA pedestrian ramps while also positioning a nonprofit developer to use state affordable‑housing funds for an income‑restricted senior project. The labor agreement preserves negotiated pay and benefit changes for firefighters this fiscal year; the voluntary separation program is being used as a personnel‑cost management tool as the city faces a projected FY26 budget gap.

What the council and staff said
City staff described the separation program as a cost‑mitigation strategy to reduce the FY26 budget shortfall, with applications and approvals to be handled by the city manager. Jeff Kronk, chief financial officer, outlined the program’s not‑to‑exceed funding and the proposed application timeframe. Staff said the Afton resolution formalizes support for the state funding pathway and the deed‑restriction terms requested by the Nevada Housing Division. Casey Chawla, administrative analyst, summarized project configuration and deed‑restriction expectations.

Next steps
- The Afton project will pursue Nevada Housing Division funding and coordinate with Washoe County on a similar resolution expected from that board.
- The city manager will issue the separation program details to employees and process applications according to the published deadlines.
- Winning bid contracts will move into construction and departmental project management and reporting as scheduled.

Details and provenance
This article draws on council presentations and votes recorded in the Jan. 27 Sparks City Council meeting: the Afton Senior Housing presentation by Casey Chawla (transcript at 2025‑01‑27 12:00:00 pm segment), the city manager and CFO remarks on the voluntary separation program (Jeff Kronk), the human‑resources and IAFF presentation and public comment on the one‑year firefighters’ CBA, and multiple project presentations for capital contracts and interlocal agreements.

Ending note
The unanimous votes reflect short‑term agreement across the dais on advancing affordable housing, critical infrastructure and a negotiated labor package while the city pursues staff cost‑reduction strategies to address an anticipated budget gap.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sparks City Council Meeting | January 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Sparks City Council on Jan. 27 approved a package of measures that included backing state funding for a 142‑unit senior affordable housing project, a one‑year firefighters’ contract, authorization of a voluntary employee separation program and awards for multiple construction and interlocal contracts.","taxTitle","Sparks, Washoe County, Nevada","taxId",3873,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6368070,"Reno Tahoe Airport Authority outlines $650M concourse project, passenger growth and local developments",806,754000,1560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2158149-43955a089a44dfa4305c73950be65a57&start=754&end=1560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2158149-43955a089a44dfa4305c73950be65a57/thumbnail_754000.jpg","/articles/6368070/Sparks/Washoe-County/Nevada/Reno-Tahoe-Airport-Authority-outlines-650M-concourse-project-passenger-growth-and-local-developments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6368070-46e85dfd7efb80c2c2ce2c05d050cd0a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177557&Signature=YSjqbHgzPFHBd3eAGpPM-sae8GL-Kj2hl12svGUE283C1ZAq7UOvvmtFoBpAoOw7P5NEe6bqeSNAo9DYVDddv7-0uyNpDDHb-TzBto4sX4J953iTU5WiIG4Z4y0ySESiEWTn8NXCTLCsiHARJ4idkqTN7w-UtOd1ytwH~e4wG-kjVmhcTWD~cWY5wd4YACXgJPMVzp7fUR2sw13BTVj7Bmr3Rz8SDSi41kgz5CM7oRGRs2oq7AEgSqd9kBmSpBDQ8Pr7~prQqn1AQvZgap0MlagzChSljsSeVP~F8w856twTb~OeDz9oPU0-koL0Syy~b8hPFgOZw33EVyvONe3nWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Darren Griffin, president and CEO of the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority, delivered the airport’s annual update to the Sparks City Council on Jan. 27, outlining passenger growth, air‑service changes and a multiyear capital program that includes two new concourses at Reno‑Tahoe International Airport.

Griffin said passenger volumes are approaching 5 million annually in the airport’s catchment area and highlighted several route changes: Chicago O’Hare and Austin moved to year‑round service; Atlanta returned as a daily Delta route; Guadalajara continues as a daily Volaris flight. He said air service remains competitive and dependent on aircraft availability and airline schedules.

Capital program and timing
The airport authority presented an outline of major projects: terminal improvements, a ground transportation/rental car center (public‑private partnership with completion targeted in 2028) and a two‑concourse gate replacement program. Griffin gave a current budget figure of about $650 million for the two new concourses and said the total program will likely exceed $1 billion; the authority issued $240 million of debt last August to begin the program.

Other projects and economic development
Griffin highlighted recent and prospective economic development linked to airport land: the Airway Commerce Center (almost 1,000,000 square feet), a logistics center at Stead Airport, and an announced lithium‑sulfur battery gigafactory proposal that would occupy roughly 125 acres if a land deal is finalized. He noted federal funding competition and rising construction costs.

Community implications
Griffin warned that construction will make airport travel more difficult for a few years and asked for patience, saying the authority intends to minimize disruption and finish the program by roughly 2029. Trustees and board members were acknowledged for their roles in the capital plan.

Provenance
Griffin presented at length during the Jan. 27 meeting; council members asked technical and customer service questions and expressed support for the authority’s work and for TSA operations.

Ending
The airport authority will continue community engagement as construction moves forward and will report on financing and phasing as federal and airline partnerships develop.","Reno Tahoe Airport Authority president Darren Griffin briefed Sparks City Council on air service recovery, capital projects at Reno‑Tahoe International and Stead airports and a $650 million concourse replacement budget within a broader $1 billion program; Griffin asked for patience during construction and highlighted regional economic impacts.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":90,"_53":91,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":92,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":93,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6368075,"Council backs Afton Senior Housing plan, supports state funding and deed restriction","/articles/6368075/Sparks/Washoe-County/Nevada/Council-backs-Afton-Senior-Housing-plan-supports-state-funding-and-deed-restriction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6368075-22a1d38fde1aad32da713e6b6518f043/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177557&Signature=K1FGjBl6WkAwpLIYpaC-glwY0ud~SwCMpBcbrqidcPuwrr99JXIuJzA4jg4ct57gmHMOWsTSgzfDZMkoZSdHS9S7jL3A~8VdY~kIu9l-ei0fORTzZ9nHg5OxKDwkVbuOA2W-Vfwv5MrYI8wwBX39Tw97xnTdvi5b04wg5dn5vj9rSRsY6qB~DFAAf2T5-UVX-popq4qsZn9s01MK3aIYL-st3gYWPClRgQiF0FYVm7RA7mUDpxUpDt6QtJKLKei2OqEO8UguX07meh2h404fCjCcKzEyhYM03aljMnU0ikevTn453BA2NMZf2gFbYbmQ2bNTQ84da1kOi2eAaPGq6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sparks City Council on Jan. 27 voted unanimously to support use of funds from the State of Nevada account for affordable housing for a proposed 142‑unit senior housing development called Afton Senior Housing.

Casey Chawla, an administrative analyst in Community Services, told the council the Call to Action Foundation’s project would site a hotel at 432 Marina Gateway and the 142‑unit multifamily project at 1275 East Prater. The resolution the council approved indicates support for project use of funds from the Nevada Housing Division’s state affordable‑housing account and asks for a deed restriction reserving all units for seniors earning 80% of area median income or less for at least 30 years.

Developer presentation and questions
Drew Magalette, Call to Action Foundation director of housing, and Josh Soff, director of development, described the benefits of the state funding in enabling deeper affordability and said the deed restriction would formalize a long‑term affordability commitment. The foundation said it would own the property, with Evergreen Property Management of Salt Lake City contracted to manage the property; Evergreen was reported to be in the process of obtaining Nevada licensing.

Affordability and phasing
Call to Action told council that at least 40% of the units would target households at 60% of area median income, with the rest at 80% AMI; typical underwritten rents for 1–2 bedroom units at 80% AMI were described by staff as roughly $200 below market in the area. The applicant said the project is under construction and is coordinating a phasing plan that could allow a smaller building or clubhouse to reach certificate of occupancy and open earlier than the whole site; staff advised the entitlement currently does not specify phasing and requested the developer coordinate with city staff to ensure permit and C of O processes are satisfied.

Why it matters
If awarded state funds, the project would create a deed‑restricted senior affordable building in Sparks, reserving units to households earning no more than 80% AMI for at least 30 years, and reserving a portion of units at 60% AMI. The resolution is one step in an intergovernmental funding process — Washoe County is expected to consider a similar item — that state housing officials requested to accompany applications to the Nevada Housing Division.

Provenance
Staff presentation by Casey Chawla and developer remarks by representatives from the Call to Action Foundation were recorded in the Jan. 27 meeting; council action and vote appear in the meeting minutes.

Next steps
The developer will proceed with an application to the Nevada Housing Division and continuing coordination with city staff on permitting and phasing details.

Ending
The council’s support does not itself allocate state funds; it documents municipal support that state reviewers requested and clarifies the city’s interest in a long‑term affordability restriction should state support be awarded.","Sparks voted to support use of Nevada Housing Division funds for Afton Senior Housing, a 142‑unit, deed‑restricted senior development the Call to Action Foundation will own and manage; council approval signals local support required for the state funding pathway.",{"_33":95,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":96,"_41":97,"_43":98,"_45":99,"_47":100,"_49":101,"_51":102,"_53":103,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":104,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":105,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6368080,"Council approves Civil Service Regulation updates; directs review of 24‑hour appeal window after firefighter concerns",11582,270000,11852000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2158149-43955a089a44dfa4305c73950be65a57&start=270&end=11852","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2158149-43955a089a44dfa4305c73950be65a57/thumbnail_270000.jpg","/articles/6368080/Sparks/Washoe-County/Nevada/Council-approves-Civil-Service-Regulation-updates-directs-review-of-24hour-appeal-window-after-firefighter-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6368080-96034fff0c342610b84f71bdae1d5335/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177557&Signature=mPI8NOQzNBNjbe9635lCjtS6axp0SkJN6i-t7sXpcwcTmLj0Z12m6umyUqd3RtcHgO8YfcB-lfte2uSV9isE4qw~Pxn~M7-hNyzzP5RJX0nEoPev61saz2SAIi2IJBnbFcc9fW0NAclBcvg7gKhhWhr4tMgFL~nPxhkijvN1W7arEx5t0FSOIbDZ189zgi82Xfr4OnHHyZ7bCdslSbJFoBw4rtlJuTfGOsmelpUk-q4iE1zFbjL3NqUkF~EEFAQJN0EwRnc4PX68wAN4RMKpgSwaVnB-5brsfDlJyY8tu~6aqSsW2PwYas5VCJeYi1WXcx9NV2k-LxbWi0Aq0mqLfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sparks City Council on Jan. 27 approved amendments to the City’s Civil Service Regulations intended to update language, reflect current processes and clarify examination appeal procedures. The council voted unanimously and asked the city manager and Civil Service Commission to review the regulation’s 24‑hour appeal window.

The council and staff said the changes modernize how the city administers testing and eligibility lists, replace obsolete references (such as mailed applications) and add commonly used definitions. Staff emphasized that the intent of clarifying the exam section is not to remove appeals but to ensure candidates first receive their scores before filing an appeal or requesting a review.

Local 731 public comment
Tom Dunn, vice president representing Reno Airport and Sparks Firefighters Local 731, told council that the union supports many proposed civil‑service updates but opposed a change that would narrow how candidates review and challenge promotional exam results. Dunn described a long‑standing local practice in the Sparks Fire Department: after promotion exams, candidates could schedule a review of their entire written and practical tests; the review sometimes led to score adjustments, corrected rankings and altered eligibility lists. He asked the council to table the item to allow Local 731 more input.

Staff response and council action
Senior human resources analyst Ariana Wechappa and Assistant City Manager Allison McCormick explained the amendment intention: to clarify the timing and process for appeals so candidates challenge scoring after they receive final scores. Wechappa said appeals and reviews must follow notice of score; McCormick added that some proprietary exam materials may not be shareable in full, but staff will provide appropriate summaries as permitted under contracting. Councilmember Joe Rodriguez moved to approve the proposed amendments and explicitly directed the city manager to review the 24‑hour appeal window in Regulation 4, Section 9. The motion carried unanimously.

Why it matters
The regulations govern hiring and promotions for city employees. The change clarifies administrative expectations for candidates and staff; the council’s direction to review the appeal window reflects concern about the practical effect of the 24‑hour timeline on applicants, particularly employees who may be working or temporarily unavailable.

Provenance
Public comment from Tom Dunn raised the core concern about promotional exam reviews and appeared early in the meeting’s public‑comment period. Human resources staff briefed the council at the agenda item for the civil service amendments; the council’s motion and vote appear in the meeting record at the item’s conclusion.

Next steps
Human Resources will coordinate with the Civil Service Commission to evaluate the 24‑hour appeal window and return recommendations to council.

Ending
The amendments are effective following the council’s approval; staff will report back on the appeal window review through the Civil Service Commission process.","The City Council approved updated Civil Service Regulations to modernize examination and application language. Public commenters from Local 731 urged restoration of the promotional exam review process; council approved the amendments and directed staff to revisit the 24‑hour appeal window in Regulation 4.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves Afton senior housing support, labor pact, $3.2M separation program and multiple contracts

Reno Tahoe Airport Authority outlines $650M concourse project, passenger growth and local developments

Council backs Afton Senior Housing plan, supports state funding and deed restriction

Council approves Civil Service Regulation updates; directs review of 24‑hour appeal window after firefighter concerns