Henderson Councilwoman Gerri Schroder meets with Ward 1 residents

Henderson City Councilwoman Gerri Schroder held her first N eighborhood C onnections meeting since her re-election to answer questions and give an update on Ward 1.

"There are lots of exciting things happening," Schroder said at the June 9 meeting at the Heritage Park Senior Facility, 300 S. Racetrack Road.

Schroder made sure to highlight openings at Lake Las Vegas and new developments such as Union Village, a project slated to be constructed at U.S. Highway 95 and Galleria Drive. Union Village will include retail, residential and cultural areas, along with a state-of-the art hospital and health care center.

"As you know, they announced (Union Village) in April," Schroder said. "I wish I could have said something to you sooner during the campaign. This will create 17,000 direct or indirect jobs. So when people ask what we're doing to create new jobs, that is what we are doing."

Schroder added that the opening of the Ravella hotel and resort at Lake Las Vegas this year created 350 jobs, half of which were rehires from the Ritz-Carlton, which closed in 2010. Casino MonteLago's reopening in May created about 100 new jobs.

Schroder also was able to inform residents that they should receive a $10 credit from the city .

According to Kathleen Richards, senior public information specialist with the city, money had been collected from water user fees to fund a wastewater pipeline. The project had been put on hold by the state, but fees were still collected.

"On May 1, the city decided to stop collecting user fees," Schroder said. "Starting June 1, we started crediting the money we collected back to users."

If residents were charged fees between October 2010 and April , they are slated to receive a credit.

Along with updates, Ward 1 residents were able to ask about anything from road improvements and repairs to prospective projects such as new bus routes.

Most road repair questions, such as, "W hen would the city be refreshing highway signs on Boulder Highway?" were referred to public works director Robert Murnane.

"We improve the signs on a periodic basis," Murnane said. "Those are on the list for this year, so very soon."

Murnane said he would attempt to follow up with the residents on any issues for which he didn't have an answer.

Schroder also took time to highlight some of the low-cost and free events in the city, including ArtBeat, a free concert and art series every Friday night at the Henderson Events Plaza, and concerts and plays at the Henderson Pavilion.

"You could go to the Strip and pay at least $80 to see a show," Schroder said, "or you can go to the Henderson Pavilion and see a show for $10. We have had anything from the Russian ballet to plays."

Another concern was getting the word out on future Neighborhood Connections meetings.

"In the past, we have been able to send out mailers," Schroder said. "Last year, I had money in my discretionary fund to send out mailers. But since then, we've cut the budget."

Schroder said she tried to get the word out by contacting homeowners associations and having them spread the news .

Bud Cranor, Henderson's public information manager , said the city is trying to advertise more online.

"Things like (Neighborhood Connections meetings) or city announcements will be posted (online)," Cranor said. "You can get announcements there for free. You just have to friend our Facebook page."

For more information on city events, visit facebook.com/cityofhenderson.

Contact Henderson and Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.