NLV official questioned on benefits

A presentation on what North Las Vegas City Manager Gregory Rose has achieved in the past year won the support of a City Council majority Wednesday night.

However, two city councilmen -- William Robinson and Robert Eliason -- questioned the level of benefits Rose is accorded by contract. Robinson raised the issue after learning that Rose would receive 800 hours of sick leave pay should his contract be terminated.

"If we fired you tonight, you would receive 100 percent of those hours at taxpayers' expense," Robinson said. "What we have here is a built-in savings account."

Rose said that in contract amendment discussions two months ago, he made fiscal concessions to the tune of $11,000.

"In this economy, everyone is being asked to make concessions," he said. "Why would I ask my staff to do something I'm not willing to do?"

Rose was appointed city manager in October 2003 and executive director of the North Las Vegas Housing Authority in December.

His performance review presentation was approved in a 3-to-2 vote, with Robinson and Eliason opposing. An amended contract for Rose will be considered at a future meeting.

Rose said he was dedicated to achieving the city's 2025 Vision, a plan adopted in 2005 that aims to revitalize North Las Vegas.

He cited revisions to city ordinances, advancement in plans for a water reclamation facility, annexation of the Apex industrial areas, and groundbreaking on a new city hall as steps made in the last year toward reaching that vision.

In other business, North Las Vegas City Attorney Carie Torrence resigned effective Sept. 3 because she's moving to the East Coast. The City Council appointed Senior Deputy City Attorney Nicholas Vaskov as her interim replacement.