North Las Vegas and Las Vegas phasing in first part of interlocal contract

The first phase of an interlocal contract between North Las Vegas and Las Vegas went into effect Wednesday as the North Las Vegas City Council approved funding to study which services the cities can share in an effort to save money.

City officials approved the use of $35,000 for the Service Sharing and Government Efficiency Study. The money will come from budgeted funds in the city manager's office to work with Management Partners, a consulting firm that aims to improve the effectiveness of governmental organizations throughout North America.

During a joint meeting Feb. 16, officials from the two financially strapped cities met to discuss consolidation efforts. By combining services in seven areas, the cities could save a combined $4.2 million to $5.6 million per year, according to the consultant's report. The cities could save the most by combining services in the Safekey before- and after-school program, purchasing, and detention center support services, such as food preparation, medical care and laundry.

Additional areas of potential savings came from radio maintenance, workers' compensation administration, fire plans check and fire code enforcement, and maintenance of traffic signals, street lights and other lighting.

Savings would come from lowering administrative or management costs or by making joint purchases for items such as office supplies. Council members from both cities said at that time they also would support exploring the consolidation of certain business licensing and information technology functions.

Also approved by North Las Vegas city officials was an agreement with consulting firm Harris & Associates for the next phase in the North 5th Street Improvement Project.

This portion will extend North 5th Street from Carey Avenue to the northwest side of Interstate 15 by constructing a bridge over the highway, railroad tracks and the county's flood control drainage ditch. The bridge will be able to accommodate six lanes of traffic, two bus lanes and one pedestrian walk.

This phase of the project, which is expected to cost about $1.7 million, is funded by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. According to city officials, construction is expected to begin in July, and project completion will be in two years.

The North Las Vegas City Council also approved the modifying of a construction order with VT Construction for the Lower Detention Basin of the Las Vegas Wash Wall Repair Project. In May, the council awarded the bid for $389,523.33 from the Clark County Regional Flood Control District fund.

When the contractor excavated behind the existing concrete wall, it was discovered that the wall had cracked more than anticipated. A redesign of the concrete slab slope protection was necessary to help stabilize the existing wall, requiring more time and materials.

Contact Downtown and North Las Vegas View reporter Kristi Jourdan at kjourdan@viewnews.com or 383-0492.