Councilwoman March meets with Henderson Ward 2 residents

During her third Neighborhood Connection meeting June 26, Henderson City Councilwoman Debra March gave updates and addressed concerns of Ward 2 residents.

There were 55 people at the meeting at the Henderson Multigenerational Center, 250 S. Green Valley Parkway.

Attendees' questions varied from traffic enforcement to new developments.

Traffic safety was brought up multiple times with people concerned about speeding around Horizon Ridge Parkway or cars that park along roadways in Sun City Anthem even though there are "no parking" signs posted.

The city encouraged residents to make a case on Contact Henderson, a form available on the city's website that allows people to submit requests and complaints.

John Penuelas, the city's traffic engineer, said the city is looking to replace the signs to help with enforcement where parking is prohibited.

One man asked whether Clark County School District Superintendent Dwight Jones could attend a town meeting to talk about Henderson schools. Mayor Andy Hafen said he has reached out to Jones and plans to set something up for the upcoming school year.

A couple of attendees brought up concern for Onion, the mastiff-Rhodesian ridgeback mix dog that is being held for killing a 1-year-old baby in April. The residents were petitioning for Onion's release, in which the dog could be relocated to a sanctuary in Colorado.

The city attorney's office couldn't comment because the case is still in proceedings to determine whether the dog will be euthanized.

Along with answering questions, March highlighted some of the city's achievements. March said Henderson has done well because of the "dream team" it has developed, which includes City Manager Jacob Snow and City Attorney Josh Reid.

"(Snow) is one of the top administrators of the state, and we are lucky to have gotten him," March said. "(Reid) has exceeded my expectations."

Richard Derrick, the finance director, also addressed the crowd on the city's financial situation. He said the city is working to trim a $10 million budget deficit.

Derrick mentioned that Henderson has one of the lowest property taxes in Nevada, and the city has 6.7 workers per every 1,000 residents, which is the lowest in the valley.

March discussed areas in which the city is meeting its strategic goals, including sustainability, safety, having a vibrant community and having a strong and diverse economy.

Projects such as the proposed Union Village, a multibillion-dollar health complex, and the Las Vegas National Sports Complex could help build a strong economy in Henderson, March said. The city is still working with developers on those projects.

In addition to the meetings, March said, the city has a quarterly newsletter to help keep the community informed.

Hafen said the idea of the Neighborhood Connection meetings came about in 2009 while he was campaigning for mayor.

"Residents said they didn't feel connected with city staff and officials," Hafen said.

As part of a campaign promise, he created the quarterly meetings.

"You are the eyes and ears of the community, and we need to hear from you," Hafen said. "Your questions and concerns are important."

The next meeting, which would be the first for Ward 3 Councilman John Marz, has not been scheduled.

For more information, visit cityofhenderson.com.

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