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All Points North l Summer 2009 p. 02

CITYOFCITYOF NORTHLAS VEGAS

ELECTION EDITION

SUMMER 2009Since the timing of this

newsletter coincides with the City’s general election, this

All Points North is an election edition.

It has been modifi ed to remove City Council photos

and names. The next edition will return to

the regular format which includes names, photos and contact

information of all City Council members.

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month,

6:00 p.m., City Council Chambers

PLANNING COMMISSION2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month,

6:00 p.m., City Council Chambers

PARKS & RECREATIONADVISORY BOARD

2nd Tuesday of every month,5:45 p.m., City Council Chambers

City ManagerGREGORY E. ROSE

This magazine is published seasonally (Winter/Spring, Summer, and Fall).

All Points North is a regular publicationfor the citizens of North Las Vegas

and is produced by the City’s Communications Division.

Contact Brenda Fischer, Director of General Services and Communications

702.633.1556 for more information.

©2009 City of North Las Vegas. All rights reserved. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced

in any manner without written consent from the Communications Division.

CITY CUTS BUDGET BY $50 MILLION City offi cials in recent years have braced for tough economic times. Over the past seven years, the City increased its ending fund balance from 12.9 percent to 18 percent to keep the City’s bond ratings high and have funds available for leaner times. In 2006, the Mayor and Council adopted cost savings of $6.9 million. Those cuts included freezing non-public safety positions, a 7 percent cut in supplies and services, and capital outlay. Now that the City is feeling the effects of the nationwide recession, those earlier actions are paying off. The City is using its reserves to offset the revenue shortfalls, reducing the ending fund balance to 10 percent, similar to

entities statewide. In the current and upcoming budgets, cuts to supplies and services and a broader hiring freeze amount to nearly $50 million more in savings. The proposed 2009-10 general operating fund budget is $202.3 million. The City is a good fi scal steward of taxpayer funds and strives to continue its high standards of fi scal conservancy to maximize the delivery of quality services to North Las Vegans.

STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER The days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are designated as the “101 Critical Days of Summer,” when communi-ties experience the most loss of life as a result of traffi c accidents. Here are some tips that can help ensure a safe summer season:

Traffi c Safety:• Plan ahead and prepare the vehicle

before taking a long trip.• Buckle up and ensure all passengers

do the same.• Be defensive while driving. Avoid

road rage.• Don’t drink and drive. Swimming:• Swim only in designated swimming

areas.• Never swim alone.• Know your swimming ability.• Check water depth before diving.• Don’t swim right after eating. Boating:• Know the rules.• Use personal fl otation devices.• Don’t overload the boat.• Check weather forecasts.• Don’t drink and drive. Camping:• Inform others of your whereabouts.• Camp in approved areas.

• Check equipment.• Use caution when starting and extin-

guishing fi res.Cooking Outdoors:• Use charcoal lighter fl uid, not gaso-

line.• Keep grills away from house and

overhangs.• Never leave grills unattended.• Never put lighter fl uid on lit fi res.• Let coals cool before disposal.• Keep a fi re extinguisher nearby.Heat Stress:• Drink plenty of fl uids, especially while

exercising.• Replace salt and minerals by drinking

fruit juices and sports beverages.• Wear appropriate clothing and use

sunscreen.• Pace yourself.• Take intermittent breaks to cool off

indoors.• Schedule outdoor activities carefully

and adjust to environment.

cityofnorthlasvegas.com

MASTER PLANAPPROVED

The City Council acting as the Redevelopment Agency in February approved the North Las Vegas Downtown Master Plan & Investment Strategy, a guide for growth and revitalization of the City’s core. North Las Vegas redevelopment offi cials estimate projects planned for the City’s downtown area will top $1 billion over the next seven to 10 years. Efforts to revitalize the City’s downtown has been a years-long process that recently made great strides through collaboration among major investors and land owners, City departments, the Redevelopment Agency and Redevelopment Advisory Committee. The City also held several community meetings to gather suggestions from residents for what they desire in a new downtown. The master plan presents a downtown vision that includes lush vegetation, plazas, entertainment

venues and a cultural center. The new downtown will include residential and retail uses, dining options and a distinct sense of place that celebrates the City’s cultural and historical heritage. Offi cials foresee a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly downtown with roadways designed to ease traffi c fl ow and minimize congestion. The plan incorporates programs, incentives and public-private partnerships to support existing businesses whileattracting new businesses and invest-ments. Moving forward, the City will select a task force of downtown business owners, major investors, members of the Redevelopment Advisory Board and City staff to develop the downtown brand and design signs and way-fi nding elements.

p. 03

The master plan is posted on the City’s Web site at www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com on the Planning and Zoning Department page.

WEB-BASED SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE North Las Vegas has launched a web-based email subscription service that aims to provide Web users with the latest updates in a number of categories. Subscribers can receive email notices from the City as new information is posted to the City’s website, www.

cityofnorthlasvegas.com. The notices are sent immediately to inform subscribers of employment opportunities, news releases, City Council agendas and minutes, business license updates and more. To subscribe, visit the City’s website and click on the “Subscribe to Email Notifi cations” button located on the right-hand margin. Then, follow the prompts. Subscribers are encouraged to review their subscription topics regularly because new topics will be added.

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All Points North l Summer 2009 p. 04

NORTHLAS VEGAS

FREQUENTLY REQUESTED CITY PHONE NUMBERSBusiness Licensing ...............633-1520City Clerk ...........................633-1030Code Enforcement ..............633-1677Communications .................633-1556Economic Development .......633-1523Fire Department ..................633-1102General Services ................633-1263Graffiti Reporting ................633-1871Housing & Neighborhood Services .............................633-1532Human Resources ...............633-1500Job Line ..............................633-1514Library District .....................633-1070Municipal Court..................633-1130Neighborhood Recreation Center. ..............633-1600Parks & Recreation ..............633-1600Police Department ...............633-9111Planning & Zoning ..............633-1537Public Works Admin ...........633-1200Public Works Traffic ............633-1264Silver Mesa Rec Center. ......633-2550Utilities Department. ............633-1299Water Billing ......................633-1484

CITY HELPS WITH HOME REPAIRS The Offi ce of Housing and Neigh-borhood Services and the Municipal Courts have teamed together to help low-income, disabled people who are physically unable to maintain their homes to address serious code viola-tions. “With very little direct cost to the City, we are able to make a signifi cant impact on the neighborhood and improve the quality of life for the disabled homeowner,” said Steve Rehberger, supervisor of the Offi ce of Housing and Neighborhood Services’ Beautifi cation Team. When fi nes for code violations begin to accumulate in cases involving low-income disabled residents,

the courts take notice and try to intervene. Once the Municipal Court discovers the homeowner predicament, the case is turned over to the Beautifi cation Team. The team works to rehabilitate rundown homes so they become an asset to the community. The Beautifi cation Team also works with community groups to tackle more challenging projects. A recent home project on Evans Avenue included the Canyon Springs ROTC Cadets, the TLC program resi-dents, and local community service workers. The groups worked together to remove accumulated debris and weeds, mended fences, installed desert landscaping and gave the aging home a new coat of paint. Local businesses, including Lowe’s and Sherwin Williams, donated supplies.

SUMMER TIPS FOR PETS North Las Vegas Animal Control offi cials say summer heat waves can be as hard on pets as they are on humans. So, here are a few tips for keeping Fido and Kitty cool.

• Ensure pets have proper outdoor shelter and plenty of cool, fresh water.

• Never leave pets locked inside automobiles.

• Keep pets shots up to date. Summer weather can increase the chances of pets contracting airborne diseases.

• When walking dogs, owners should always use a leash.

• Remember that picking up droppings is a pet owner’s duty when taking his or her dog for a walk.

• Make sure pets are properly licensed through the City to increase the chances of a prompt reunion if a pet gets lost.

/5

cityofnorthlasvegas.com

CITY RECEIVES $1.6 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS The City of North Las Vegas this coming year is set to receive $1.6 million in federal grants for community projects. Each year, the City receives money in Community Development Block Grants, the largest federal program funding neighborhood-based projects for states, cities and counties. Improvements that qualify for the federal funds include those for infrastructure, economic development and social programs. Over the years, North Las Vegas has used the funds for hundreds of projects that benefi t low- to moderate-income communities. Projects the City has tackled using the federal grants include neighborhood cleanups and campaigns to eliminate and prevent slums and blight. Projects also have taken on improving conditions that pose a threat to residents’ health and safety. These federal grants can be used for projects that fall within three categories: Homeless Services, Social and Youth Services and Capital Improvement Projects.

This past year, the City used CDBG money to assist 1,285 homeless individuals through projects and direct assistance. CDBG money also was used to help 34,890 children by providing pre-school scholarships and the purchase of books for literacy programs. As part of the social services component, the City of North Las Vegas provided 358 families assistance, including medical assistance for low-income and pregnant mothers, and people with HIV. Other social services assistance included providing funds for job and life skills training and sobriety programs. The capital improvement portion of the grant last year helped pay for the rehabilitation of 85 low-income homes, the construction of a modular unit for medical services and the remediation of soil problems for the construction of six new homes.

RESIDENTS TAKE UP RECYCLING North Las Vegas recently launched a pilot program with Republic Services, offering North Las Vegas residents enhanced recycling options. So far, 10 North Las Vegas communities, totaling about 2,300 single-family residences, have joined the program. The program includes the free use of two 96-gallon carts, one for commingled recyclables and one for garbage. The City expects seven more com-munities, totaling 1,450 single-family residences, to join the pilot program by summer’s end. The pilot program in North Las Vegas is available to City residents who are members of organized associations and/or neighborhood groups. Some of the benefi ts of this program include:• A decrease in community litter on

garbage/recycling pickup days and an increase in neighborhood beautifi cation.

• A greener community with increased recycling participation rates and weekly recycling pick up.

• A program that is citizen friendly with no sorting and a wide variet y of acceptable recyclable items.

Residents who live in an area with an association are encouraged to urge their board members to contact Repub-lic Services at 599-5559 to schedule a presentation for their neighborhood. For neighborhoods that do not have an organized association, residents can contact the North Las Vegas City Manager’s Offi ce at 633-1005 for more information.

p. 05

WEB-BASEDBUSINESS LICENSE SERVICESLAUNCHED BY CITY Business owners now can access City Business License services online with just a couple of key strokes. The City this week expanded its website to allow users to verify the status of business licenses, download business license information, request business license applications tailored to suit just about any business, and fi le complaints about unlicensed businesses.

The site also includes reference information, a jurisdictional locator tool to assist in determining the correct licensing jurisdiction for a business, and answers to common questions. To access the City’s Business License Division online, visit the City’s website at www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com and select Business License from the Departments drop-down menu. To contact the Business License Division by phone, call (702) 633-1520.

cityofnorthlasvegas.com

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All Points North l Summer 2009 p. 06

UTILITIESDEPARTMENT

NEW FACILITYTO SAVE WATER AND MONEY The City of North Las Vegas this year broke ground on a water recla-mation facility capable of treating 25 million gallons of wastewater per day, the estimated amount generated by 300,000 people. The project, located on Carey Avenue just south of Nellis Air Force Base, is expected to boost economic development in North Las Vegas and extend Southern Nevada’s precious water resources. Construction of the facility will create about 500 jobs. The facility is expected to be com-pleted in 2011 at a projected cost of $257 million. The U.S. Air Force is leasing the City a 41-acre parcel for the project. Under the enhanced use lease agree-ment, the City paid the U.S. Air Force $25 million to renovate and add to the Nellis fi tness center. The water reclamation facility will use state-of-the-art wastewater treat-ment technology to prevent odors. It will not generate noise for nearby residential areas. The environmentally friendly technology for treatment will use sodium hypochlorite for disinfec-tion, an industrial strength bleach, and citric acid. City offi cials in 2005 decided to move forward with a water reclama-tion facility to accommodate popula-tion growth and to avoid the rising cost of wastewater treatment. For questions or concerns regard-ing construction of this project, please call the hotline 633-1281.

SUMMER WATERING RESTRICTIONS Summer watering restrictions are in effect from May 1 until August 31. During the summer months, watering restrictions allow for landscape irrigation every day of the week for all watering groups. Summer heat causes great water loss due to evaporation, so land-scape irrigation is prohibited between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Water-ing during restricted hours is considered water waste and may result in a water waste citation. These restrictions also

apply to drip irrigation. To reduce evaporation caused by wind and heat, water landscaping after sunset and before sunrise. It is recom-mended to water four days per week and increase the schedule only as needed.

SUNRISE RESERVOIR GETS A FACELIFT The City’s Utility Department annually re-coats the steel water reservoirs that contain the community’s drinking water. This program restores beauty and life to the aging reservoirs to ensure safe and reliable drinking water to the City’s cus-tomers. By re-coating the reservoirs, the

City can extend the reservoirs’ lifespan beyond the typical 20 years. By doing so, the City saves the cost of building new reservoir infrastructure. The most recent reservoir to receive a “facelift” was the 7.5 million gallon Sunrise Reservoir, lo-cated near the base of Sunrise Mountain. This re-coating project was budgeted for $400,000 and started in March 2008. The project was completed within 120 days. The Utility Department’s goal is to re-coat one reservoir each year within the water distribution system. The City has 12 water reservoirs that serve customers with drinking water.

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HELP KIDSRETAIN THEIR BRAINS North Las Vegas police are launching the second “Retain Your Brain” bicycle safety campaign for elementary students. The campaign, paid for with a $50,850 grant from the Nevada Offi ce of Traffi c Safety, will bring bicycle safety education to about 6,000 students at 12 schools through 2010. The campaign aims to prevent

auto-cyclist accidents. It also aims to prevent serious injuries to children by providing helmets. The program will help children recognize the risks of riding without helmets and will encourage them to change unsafe habits and attitudes. Parents can join the campaign by teach-ing their children the following bicycle safety tips:• Lead by example. Each bicyclist in the

family should wear a properly fi tted helmet that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. CPSC approved helmets have a certifi cation sticker inside.

• Properly fi tted helmets prevent injuries. Helmets should feel snug to the head and stay in place when head is moved side to side and front to back. Helmets should be worn level on the head with the strap secured snugly under the chin.

• Use hand signals. Teach children the proper hand signals to use when riding and ensure they practice them regularly.

• Know the law. o Regular traffi c laws apply to bicy-

clists. Riders must obey all offi cial traffi c-control signals, signs and other devices.

o Riding on the sidewalk is prohib-ited. Riders must ride as near to the right-hand side of the roadway as is practicable.

o Bicycles shall not be used to carry more persons than the number for which they are designed or equipped.

o Refl ectors are required on all bicycles, and for those riding at night, a lamp that emits a white light visible from at least 500 feet also is required.

o More laws regarding bicycling can be viewed at local libraries, or on the City’s online municipal code book at www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com.

• Sign a Safety Pledge Card. Have children sign a bicycle safety pledge card, and be sure to correct them when they engage in unsafe practices.

cityofnorthlasvegas.com

p. 07

PAIN IN THE DRAIN North Las Vegas is a proud member of the Pain in the Drain campaign, an effort led by the Clark County Water Reclama-tion District and adopted by Southern Nevada cities. The campaign is intended to encourage residents to stop pouring grease, cooking fat, oil and grit down the drain. Each of these substances leads to clogged pipes and sewer lines, resulting in costly and inconvenient repairs. Backed up sewer lines can result in raw sewage runoff going into homes and businesses, spilling onto streets or fi nding its way into storm drains and back into Lake Mead, Southern Nevada’s primary source of drinking water. For more information about this cam-paign, visit the Pain in the Drain web site at www.PainInTheDrain.com.

CRAIG RANCH: BYE-BYE GOLF COURSE,HELLO PARK North Las Vegas on May 1 let golfers play a shot-gun round of golf at Craig Ranch Golf Course. It was the last chance golfers would have to play at the 47-year-old course. That same day, City offi cials swung their clubs at clumps of dirt in a ceremony signal-ing the offi cial groundbreaking for the project that will turn the golf course into a 135-acre, premier regional park. Craig Ranch Regional Park in its fi rst phase will include a three-acre children’s play area, a dog park, spa-cious grassy picnic grounds with shade structures, water features and connec-tions to the Regional Las Vegas Wash Trail. The site already has been used for regional special events such as Bal-loonaPalooza. The fi rst phase is expected to be complete by summer 2010. But North Las Vegas golfers won’t be without an alternative golf course in the absence of Craig Ranch. The City recently took over operations of the Aliante Golf Course, at 3100 Elkhorn

Road, as allowed by the Aliante De-velopment Agreement. The transformation of Craig Ranch into a regional park is just the latest chapter in the site’s long history. The site was settled by pioneers in 1905. Then in 1913, the McFarland fam-ily took over the site and struggled to farm the land. It was challenging terrain prone to frequent fl oods that washed out the lowest part of the property where they built their home. In 1925, they abandoned the ranch. George Craig with his wife and four children took over the ranch in late 1920s. They encountered the same challenges as their predeces-sors, so they hired the Stewart family, including their 11 children, to help work the farm. Still, after 20 years of battling the harsh desert and fl ash fl oods, the Craigs sold the land to John Stimson, a Utah businessman who turned the ranch into a golf course by the early 1960s. The golf course had several own-ers until 2005, when the City bought it with funds granted by the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act. From the outset, the City envi-sioned creating a regional park that would become a recreation destina-tion for Southern Nevada. For details about the Craig Ranch Regional Park Plan, visit www.craigranch.org.

pages 8

PARKS ANDRECREATION

CITY ENVISIONS FUTURE FORHISTORIC KIEL RANCH North Las Vegas offi cials re-cently developed a master plan for preserving historic Kiel Ranch, while transforming it into a public park. Now, they are considering design suggestions residents and stakeholders brought forward during community meetings held earlier this year. The ranch, a seven-acre site near the intersection of Carey Avenue and Commerce Street, is listed on the Na-tional Register of Historic Places and is believed to be the home of one of the oldest structures in the state. The master plan seeks to incorpo-rate playful elements that at once pro-vide fun and education to park visitors. These elements include walking paths around archaeological treasures found at the park, play structures and open space. The Kiel Ranch Comprehensive Development and Preservation Master Plan is expected to go to the City Council for fi nal approval this summer with recommendations from City staff and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. Kiel Ranch is home to an adobe structure, a natural artesian spring, and a rich history that the City intends to showcase with the completion of the master plan. For more information, visit www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com and access the Parks & Recreation page under the Departments menu.

All Points North l Summer 2009 p. 08

cityofnorthlasvegas.com

NEW RECREATION CENTER IN THE WORKS A new recreation center expected to provide fun and fi tness opportunities for all ages is in the works. City offi cials expect to break ground on the SkyView

Multi-Generation Center this June. The new center will be a 35,700 square-foot complex on a 40-acre site at the northwest corner of Centennial Parkway and Statz Street. The center will offer a variety of amenities, including an indoor swimming pool, multi-purpose room and fi tness quadrant. It also will house numerous programs for kids and seniors. Construction cost is estimated at $20 million.

KIDS HOOKED ON FISHING Fishing in the desert might sound unlikely, but not for North Las Vegas families who have made the City’s An-nual All American Kid’s Fishing Derby an early spring tradition. This year, North Las Vegas Parks and Recreation again partnered with the Nevada Division of Wildlife to stock the

pond at City View Park on Cheyenne Avenue with hundreds of rainbow trout. About 150 children, ages 1 to 12, rose with the sun to cast their lines at 7 a.m., eager for a great catch. Participants were allowed to catch and release or keep as many as three of the fi sh they caught. The City of North Las Vegas awarded prizes for the fi rst fi sh caught, heaviest stringer (three fi sh caught) and youngest angler.

p. 09

EARTH HOUR 2009: LIGHTS OUT The City of North Las Vegas shut off the lights to the signature Justice Facility domes that overlook Las Vegas Boulevard North and Civic Center Drive for one hour at 8:30 p.m. on March 28, for the World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour 2009 event. North Las Vegas joined more than 240 cities worldwide, which had committed to going dark for one hour as millions of people united in a call for global action on climate change. “Earth Hour 2009 is just one small way that we could show how serious we are about caring for the environment and creating a sustainable, healthy and green future for our children,” City Manager Gregory Rose said. Participation in this event was expected to raise awareness and prompt individuals to think about what they could do to reduce their impact on the planet. The City of North Las Vegas has several sustainability initiatives underway. The City’s design for a new City Hall has been LEED certifi ed. The City’s Building Maintenance Division is using effi cient lighting technologies. The City plans to upgrade the software that controls its heat, ventilation and cooling system in more than 20 buildings, allowing staff to control the temperature set points to save on heating and cooling costs. The City’s fl eet includes some hybrid vehicles and more are expected to be added, including vehicles that are fueled with solar or electric power.

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All Points North l Summer 2009 p. 10

NORTHLAS VEGAS

OBTAINING CRIME REPORTSMADE EASY BY MAIL The City’s Police Department Records Division now offers the option of obtaining crime reports by mail. Crime reports can be released only to people named in the reports. Anyone requesting a crime report copy by mail should include a copy of his or her state issued identifi cation, plus a cashier’s check or money order for $5. Do not send cash, as it is not trackable and could be lost in transit. Reports will be returned to the address provided within the request. Mailed report requests are processed within seven days of receipt, provided the report is available. The Records Division also accepts credit card payments at the customer service window and at the work card counter at the police station located at 1301 E. Lake Mead Blvd., at the intersec-tion of Lake Mead and Bruce Street. The Records Division also recently changed its customer service window hours to Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DISPATCH TRACKS 911CALLS FROM CELL PHONES The North Las Vegas Police Department has installed new technology that allows dispatch operators to track 911 calls made from cell phones more effi ciently. The new

technology, known as Phase II Wire-less, transmits North Las Vegas 911 calls that come from cell phones directly to the North Las Vegas Police Dispatch Center. Phase II Wireless technol-ogy provides North Las Vegas 911 operators the cell phone number and a longitude and latitude to

help pinpoint the caller’s location. The exact address, however, is not provided

when calling 911 from a cell phone, which residents should

con-sider be-

fore opting to cancel their land line service. Additionally, computerized systems are not infallible. So, call-takers and dispatchers will always verify the cell phone number with the caller to ensure help is sent to the right location. Here are some tips North Las Vegas dispatchers recommend for anyone who must use a cell phone to call 911.• If a caller doesn’t have much time to

talk, they should give operators the location of their emergency if nothing else.

• If the caller can speak with the call taker, her or she should be ready to provide the cell phone number, the location of the emergency with cross streets and describe landmarks or mile markers.

• If the call is disconnected, the caller should dial 911 again and let opera-tors know the call was disconnected. Verifying the cell phone number assures the call-taker or dispatcher that he or she has a valid number to recall if the call is lost.

• If a person dials 911 by mistake, dispatchers recommend the caller not hang up. Stay on the line and explain to the dispatcher that no emergency exists and that the number was dialed accidently. This will save dispatchers the time it would otherwise take for them to call back and verify the call was made by mistake.

• Do not allow children to play with cell phones that have been discon-nected, or no longer have service. It is law that all telephones will have the capability to dial 911, even if the line has been disconnected.

• 911 should be called only when an emergency exists. Cooperating with call-takers and dispatchers, answer-ing all their questions, helps expedite emergency assistance.

• Dial 311 for non-emergency matters.

p. 11

cityofnorthlasvegas.com

LOCK OUT CRIME

When crime hits home, the results can be devastating, costing families the loss in value of damaged or stolen property and their sense of security. North Las Vegas police offer a few simple steps families can take to protect themselves.

Most criminals targets homes that appear vulnerable, easy to access and easy to leave without detection.

• Doors: One simple deterrent to home burglary is a sturdy door with dead-bolts.

• Peepholes: These devices allow people to know who is on the other side of the door before opening it. Even if a homeowner decides not to open the door, police recommend making it clear that someone is home by turning on a light or asking what the stranger wants. Burglars often are trying to determine if the house is empty.

• Sliders and Windows: Old broom sticks or steel rods can be placed into the tracks to prevent opening. Homeowners can drill a hole in the upper part of the tracks and insert a pin for added security. Laminated or security glass also provide added security.

• Lighting: Have suffi cient lighting at vulnerable access points such as doors and garages. Replacing exist-ing light bulbs with those of a higher wattage is effective. Motion sensors and automatic lighting systems can

alert homeowners and neighbors that someone is on the property.

• Landscaping: Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed so intruders don’t have a place to hide. Plant thorny bushes near windows and walks to discourage entry to these areas by intruders. Gravel placed on the ground in these same locations can make it diffi cult to sneak across without making noise.

• Don’t advertise: Keep garage doors and other storage areas closed and locked. Put away tools and items such as ladders that can help a bur-glar gain entry. Lock cars, and put away portable electronic equipment.

• Make the home appear occupied: To ensure home safety while travel-ing, police recommend homeowners inform only those people who need to know. A trusted friend or neigh-bor can pick up the mail, door hung fl yers, and maintain the yard until the family’s return.

• Help each other: Report suspicious activity to the police. Get involved in the local Neighborhood Watch Program.

For more information, call the North Las Vegas Police Department Community Services Division at (702) 633-1808.

p p pcan take to protect themselves.

•

•

GET BACK THE LOOT

Most burglars take items that are dif-fi cult to trace and can be turned into quick cash at pawn shops. Burglars avoid items that contain serial numbers. Here’s how North Las Vegas police recommend burglary victims improve their chances or recuperating their stolen property.

• Write down the serial number of every electronic item owned (or at least the ones that will be missed if stolen), and don’t forget about that portable navi-gation system in the car. Remember the small things such as electronic toys, cell phones and Palm organizers.

• Put an identifying mark on items that don’t have serial numbers. Do NOT use a Social Security number. Instead use a unique identifying mark to dif-ferentiate personal belongings from all the others. Remember to mark the back of picture frames too.

• For items that are not easily engraved, such as jewelry or coins, take a picture.• Make multiple copies of the list and

pictures. Hide the list/pictures some-where at home and put a copy offsite somewhere. If the list was generated on a computer, print it out. Don’t consider the computer a viable hiding place. That could be taken too.

The North Las Vegas police detectives have been successful in locating stolen items that have been pawned in local pawn shops. Unique identifi ers, serial number or pictures can assist in recuperating property. A few minutes of work now could save burglary victims hours of paperwork with police reports and insurance claims later and better ensure that stolen belongings are returned to their owners.

All Points North l Summer 2009 p. 12

NORTH LAS VEGAS LIBRARY DISTRICTNorth Las Vegas Library2300 Civic Center DriveNorth Las Vegas, NV 89030(702) 633-1070

Aliante Library2400 W. Deer Springs WayNorth Las Vegas, NV 89084(702) 839-2980 Alexander Library1755 W. Alexander Rd.North Las Vegas, NV 89032(702) 633-2880

PROGRAMS The North Las Vegas Library District offers a full array of youth programs at each district branch library. The Library District offers storytimes and special programs for children of all ages and to fi t busy parent schedules. Along with regular programming, the Library District provides reading incentive programs throughout the year to encourage children to read for fun. These include programs like “Food For Thought,” sponsored by In-N-Out Burger, and the annual Summer Reading Club. All pro-grams are free and open to everyone. Check out the events calendar on-line at www.nlvld.org.

ALEXANDER LIBRARY NOW OPEN! The North Las Vegas Library District is proud to announce that the long awaited Alexander branch is now open to the public. The library, at 1755 W. Alexan-der Road, is a 16,400 square-foot facility adjacent to a new 2-acre park. Library and City offi cials said the new library provides a valuable resource to area residents and students who attend eight nearby elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools. Its proximity to the new park marries

learning and leisure in a relaxing, fun environment. “We are excited to open this long awaited and much needed library,” Library District Director Kathy Pennell said. “We expect that it will be very busy given there are approximately 14,000 students in the immediate area.” The new library offers free computer access, storytimes for the children, community meeting rooms, free Wi-Fi, DVD’s, and thousands of book and multi-media titles and reference assistance. The park includes tot lots, shade structures, paved and lighted walking paths and demonstration gardens. For additional information, call the library at 633-2880, or visit www.nlvld.org.

Summer Reading Club Be creative and express yourself this summer at the North Las Vegas public libraries. Summer reading is just around the corner. Children from preschool through 12th grade are invited to join the North Las Vegas Library District’s annual Summer Reading Club. Registra-tion begins Saturday, June 6. There’s something for everyone at North Las Vegas libraries this summer. Children can earn prizes for reading their favorite

books and enjoy entertaining programs. It is fun, free, and a great way to spend time with family. Information about the Summer Reading Club and other sum-mer programs for families, children, and teens is available at all North Las Vegas Library branch locations. For the North Las Vegas Library, call 633-1070; for the Aliante Library, call 839-2980; and for the new Alexander Library, call 633-2880.

VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIMETURN TO VICTIM-WITNESS UNIT The North Las Vegas Police Depart-ment’s Victim/Witness Unit helps victims and witnesses of violent crimes cope with trauma and make their way through the often complicated criminal justice system.

The unit includes two advocates, one of whom is bilingual, who arrive on scene and help victims and witnesses of domestic violence, sexual assault, rob-bery, battery, stalking, elder abuse and the families of homicide victims. The team provides crisis intervention, help with fi ling protective orders and victims of crime compensation claims. They provide Spanish interpretations and court accompaniment. The advocates are stationed, one at each of the City’s police command cen-ters – South Area Command, 1301 E.

Lake Mead Blvd., and Northwest Area Command, 3755 W. Washburn Road. The unit also works on outreach efforts designed for the City’s diverse and under-served populations and faith-based institutions. For more information on the Police Department’s Victim/Witness Unit, call 633-1017 x. 5084. For bilingual ser-vices, call 633-1751. Information also is available on the City’s website at www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com by going to the Police Department web page.

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CITY FLEET GETS THE LEAD OUT

The City of North Las Vegas’ Fleet Operations Division by the end of the year will have eliminated nearly 1,000 pounds of lead from vehicle wheels. Lead is among the metals and

organic chemicals included in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s list of “priority chemicals,” to eliminate or substantially reduce to protect people and the planet. Lead is used to balance tires in most automobiles in the country. Lead tire weights are clipped to wheel rims, but according to the EPA, these weights

often come loose and fall off. They are either washed into storm drains and end up in waterways or are gathered during street cleaning and placed in municipal landfi lls, where they are susceptible to corrosion that can contaminate groundwater. The City in October decided to replace the lead weights with others made of steel or zinc. By January, the City’s Fleet Operations Division had returned to its vendor about 500 pounds of new lead stock for credit, and is now in the process of returning between 400 and 500 pounds of old and recovered lead weights from its tire room for recycling. The City’s Fleet Division also is in the process of removing the lead weights from every City vehicle that is brought in for service. The division has created a preventive maintenance schedule for each City vehicle to track which ones have had the lead tire weights changed and which ones need to have them removed. The City plans to have all lead weights eliminated from its 916 vehicle fl eet by January 2011.

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FIREDEPARTMENT

DROWNING PREVENTION TAKES CENTER STAGE The North Las Vegas Fire Depart-ment is partnering with Henderson and Clark County fi re departments to launch the movie theater release of a drowning prevention public service announcement called, “Take a Second, Protect a Child.” The spot is expected to help parents avoid daily situations that could put their children at risk of drowning. From Janu-ary to April 1, four children drowned in pools in the Las Vegas Valley. Three of them were in North Las Vegas. During that time, there also were 10 near-drown-ing incidents reported.

The movie trailer, which is funded by a $20,000 grant from the Fire House Subs food chain, will run from April 3 to May 14 in theaters across Southern Nevada. It will run again for two weeks in September. The spot is the fi rst part of a broader drowning prevention cam-paign. The second part of the campaign includes billboard cutouts with fi refi ghters and children conveying a water safety message. The third component of the campaign will be the placement of seven billboards in high-traffi c areas across Southern Nevada. The public service announcement can be viewed on the City’s Web site at www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com. For more safety tips and messages, visit the Clark County Safe Kids Web site at www.safekidsclarkcounty.org.

FIRE STATION 53 OPENS WITH A SPLASH City Councilmembers and fi refi ght-ers braced a fi rehose as an arc of water gushed out, signaling Fire Station 53 was open for business. The scene was part of the March ceremony celebrating the grand opening of the City’s newest fi re station, located at 2804 W. Gowan Road, adjacent to Desert Horizons Park, east of Simmons Street. The new fi re station replaces the City’s old one at 3001 Martin Luther King Blvd. “With this new fi re station we can more easily accommodate the cur-rent call volume in the area, and we’ve positioned ourselves to respond to future growth in northwest part of town,” Chief Al Gillespie said. The 15,000 square-foot structure sits on 1.5 acres and is expected to house up to 14 personnel, one fi re engine and a rescue unit. The project cost about $4.7 million.

CITY TAKES ON HOUSING City offi cials this year approved an inter-local agreement giving City Manager Gregory Rose responsibility for the day-to-day management of the North Las Vegas Housing Authority. “My fi rst objective is to make the housing authority solvent,” Rose said. “I will review the structure of the organization and recommend changes. Some changes can be implemented immediately while

others are longer term objectives.” Rose has assembled a team of staff members from the City, the North Las Vegas and Las Vegas housing authorities and Housing & Urban Development to create and implement a strategic plan for a smooth and effi cient operation of the North Las Vegas Housing Authority. The North Las Vegas Housing Authority Board meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month. Meet-ings are held at 5 p.m. at the North Las Vegas Housing Authority, Rose Garden Recreation Hall, 1632 Yale Street.

YARD SALE SAVVY Having a yard sale in North Las Ve-gas could be good business, especially as nicer weather brings people out for walks in the neighborhood. But before propping up a table and swinging open that garage door, North Las Vegans need to obtain a yard sale permit. The permits are free. Yard sale permits can be requested in person at the Code Enforcement offi ce at 2225 Civic Center Drive, Suite 220. Yard sale permit request forms are available online at the

City’s website, www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com. Permit requests also can be faxed to 633-5278. According to City ordinances, no more than two garage sales, not exceed-ing three consecutive days in length for each sale, may be conducted at any location during a 12-month period. Advertising for garage sales is prohibited on public property, including traffi c rights-of-way. Signs can be placed on private property with authorization from the property owner. All signs must be removed immediately upon comple-tion of the sale.

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CITY TAKES TO TWITTER &FACEBOOK The City of North Las Vegas is now on Twitter and facebook, two of the most popular social networking sites on the Web. For Twitter, get instant informa-tion from the City by signing up as a follower on www.twitter.com/CNLV. People who sign up can view recent posts or opt to receive text messages from the City about services, activities, announcements and more. On facebook.com, fi nd the City of North Las Vegas by typing, “City of North Las Vegas” in the search box in the upper right hand corner. Look for the offi cial government page. Enjoy videos, photos and updates about the City. For more information, call North Las Vegas Director of General Services and Communications Brenda Fischer at (702) 633-1556. (702) 633-1556.

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* Name: _________________________________________________________ * Home Phone: _________________________ Work Phone: ________________________

* Street Address: __________________________________________________ * City: _________________________________ * Zip Code: ________________________

Mailing Address __________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________ Zip Code: __________________________

Email Address: ____________________________________________________ Place of Business: ________________________ Length of Employment:________________

Education and experience relative to boards selected: ______________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please list up to three committees and/or advisory boards on which you are interested in serving, ranked in order of preference from 1 to 3._____ Citizen’s Advisory Committee _____ North Las Vegas Library District Board of Trustees _____ Parks and Recreation Board_____ Americans with Disabilities Advisory Board _____ Civil Service Board of Trustees _____ Joint Board of Appeals_____ Planning Commission _____ Redevelopment Advisory Committee _____ Traffi c and Parking Committee_____ Mayor’s Task Forces _____ Ballot Question Advisory Committee (Ad Hoc) _____ County, Regional and State Boards

City of North Las Vegas City Clerk’s Offi ce - 2200 Civic Center Drive, North Las Vegas, Nevada 89030Offi ce (702) 633-1030 Fax (702) 649-3846 ADA Accomodations (702) 633-1510 TDD (800) 326-6868

The following information and form are also provided on our website: www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com

BE A PART OF THE PROGRESS!Team up with the City of North Las Vegas’ Committees and Advisory Boards

The City of North Las Vegas is looking for residents who have the desire, ability and community spirit to serve on a committee, advisory board, task force or commission. Or, you may be interested in representing the City of North Las Vegas by participating on one of the County, Regional or State boards or committees. If you have the time and would like to assist the City with this very important function, we invite you to take a few moments to complete this form, and send or fax it to the City Clerk’s Offi ce. When an opening occurs, all applications are reviewed by the City Council and appointments are made at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting. Selected individuals are notifi ed of appointments by the City Clerk’s Offi ce, and we keep all forms on fi le for one year from date of receipt. We look forward to receiving your willingness to serve form. Thank you for your interest.

1. Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) - responsible for making recommendations for the allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to meet the needs of low to moderate income groups through decent housing, developing viable communities and neighborhoods and promoting economic growth. CAC meetings are held the fi rst Tuesday of the month, if warranted, at 6:00 p.m. in the Development Services Building.

2. North Las Vegas Library District Board of Trustees - serves as the governing/policy making authority for the North Las Vegas Library District. Meetings are held bi-monthly on the fourth Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

3. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board - provides input on recreation programs as well as parks maintenance issues. The Board makes recommendations on items for City Council consideration including recreational facility locations and evaluating the need for new facilities. This board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 5:45 p.m. at the City Council Chambers. May vote to go dark for the months of June, July and August of each year.

4. Americans with Disabilities Advisory Board - This advisory board discusses issues of ADA compliance for City property and

employees and meets every second Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. in the Human Resources Conference Room as needed.

5. Civil Service Board of Trustees - adjudicating board for City employee complaints. This board meets in January, April, July, and October in the City Council Chambers.

6. Joint Board of Appeals - consists of members who are qualifi ed by experience and training and who are not jurisdiction employees to pass matters pertaining to building construction. They hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the building offi cial relative to applications and interpretations of codes. Meetings are held when necessary.

7. Planning Commission - makes recommendations to the City Council on matters of planning and zoning; reviews and approves tentative maps, special use permits, variances, etc. This board meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers.

8. Redevelopment Advisory Committee - studies, reviews, advises and makes recommendations to the Redevelopment Agency on policy matters concerning the designated redevelopment areas and neighborhood revitalization as requested by the Agency. Meetings are held on the

2nd Tuesday every quarter in the Economic Development Conference Room.

9. Traffi c and Parking Committee - reviews matters concerning the placement and removal of parking on City streets, and other matters regarding traffi c may be brought before the committee for a decision or action when requested by the Director of Public Works. Meetings are held on the second Monday in February, May, August, and November at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

10. Mayor’s Task Forces - various re-commending bodies formed at the request of the Mayor. Appointments are made by the Mayor and meetings are called on an as needed basis.

11. County, Regional and State Boards - various boards and committees the City of North Las Vegas participate in, but not limited to: Clark County Community Development Advisory Committee, Clark County Nuclear Waste Division Steering Committee, and Regional Flood Control District Citizens Advisory Committee.

12. Ballot Question Advisory Committee - in the event of a ballot question, committees will be formed to develop arguments for and against passage. Note: This is an ad hoc, temporary committee that will be formed only in the event of a ballot question.

* Required Fields Date: _______________________________