LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Protecting you and your wallet is one of the ways we fight for our local residents, so Badlands was front and center at the Dec. 18 City Council meeting. We were watching closely.
But the staggering amount of money now facing us, the taxpayers, was not the only issue in question.
Politics and inappropriate rituals were also on display, and those who were unable to speak out further raised public concerns.
Darcey Spears: The Badlands debacle was built on allegations of political corruption.
Councilwoman Victoria Seaman: That’s right.
Darcey Spears: Are we still paying attention to the politics that are being played to this day?
Victoria Seaman: Of course, we take into account the political influence. And I think the people are tired of it too.
The city created a $636 million hole that taxpayers are now in when elected officials illegally expropriated developer Johan Lowy’s land in 2017. The city effectively blocked residential development at the defunct Badlands Golf Course, even though land near Alta and Rampart was zoned for it.
This is a story that 13 Investigates has been covering extensively for more than five years.
“I think this is something that all municipalities should be taught about land use,” Seaman said. “And something like this should never, ever happen to anyone again.”
Mr. Lowy has sued and won at every turn and in every court, and after a seven-year battle, the city and Mr. Lowy have reached a settlement that will be presented to the City Council for a Dec. 18 vote on non-binding terms. It was done.
“Today, in the face of the economic impact of the settlement before us, every public official in this building is confident that certain events and court decisions could lead in a different direction,” City Attorney Jeff Drokak told the City Council. I think I can say that I hope it will move forward, but that’s not really the case.” before submitting an agenda item for a vote.
“The protocol is to be turned over to the districts,” said City Councilman Seeman, who represents Ward 2, which includes the Badlands.
However, Seaman was not allowed to speak or make any motions on the issue. Instead, Mayor Berkeley ceded the floor to Mayor Pro Tem Brian Knudsen, who said, “I want to thank all the city workers who have had to listen to this story and struggle.I want to thank the constituents who ask us questions every day.” I would like to thank you.” For many years now, people have been asking, “When are we going to get this resolved?” I would like to say that this council has been actively working toward a solution. ”
But just two months ago, Knudsen voted in favor of reappealing to the Nevada Supreme Court, which had already ruled against the city in another nearly similar Badlands case. Ta.
The battle over the Badlands goes back to the Nevada Supreme Court.
“Our job is to protect the city, and what we’re doing is protect the city at all costs,” Knudsen said before voting at the Sept. 4 City Council meeting. .
At the time, Seaman and Nancy Brune were the only people to vote against continuing the legal battle.
“I have been working with the developer and attorneys for months to ensure a settlement,” Seaman said.
We asked Mr. Seeman why he thinks the mayor and mayor pro tem broke protocol and did not allow him to speak on the Dec. 18 agenda regarding reconciliation.
I think they wanted to recognize my accomplishments. And I think Mayor Pro Tem wanted to put a statement out there that he was trying to figure it out, or he was going to figure it out. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Everything happened like this
Seaman: I’d like to take a moment because it’s my district, but if you don’t mind, I would be happy to read District 2 and make a motion.
Mayor Berkeley: Well, I believe the motion has already been tabled, but if you would like to make a quick statement, please do so now.
Seaman: City Attorney, is there a motion on the floor?
Knudsen: I would approve.
BERKELEY: Mayor Pro Tem moves to approve. I would like to request a vote on this motion.
Seeman: Well, thank you for contradicting my statement.
She wasn’t the only one to voice concerns.
Patricia Reed, a Las Vegas resident, called out Mayor Berkeley during public comment.
Mayor, I have to let everyone know about this because I don’t want it to turn out to be even worse than what I saw. When you were preparing for the Badlands vote, when Councilwoman Seaman asked if she could speak, you did not allow her to speak. But I’ve seen you ask everyone if they have anything to say and allow them to do so before any other votes are cast. So, Mayor, I’m just pointing that out to you. I don’t want to see anything develop here. I thought it was very rude of you not to ask her to speak, especially since that was her area of responsibility.
“I appreciate that opinion,” Mr. Barclay replied.
Mr. Seaman then got up from his seat and took the microphone for public comment himself.
“The Speaker, the Mayor, would not allow me to speak as a member of council on the most important issue ever facing my ward, after spending five and a half years working diligently towards a solution. , I intend to address this issue once again.” Join Congress as a resident of District 2. ”
At the end of the meeting, Mayor Berkeley apologized for not allowing Mr. Seaman to speak.
“As you all know, this is my second meeting and I’m just learning the ropes and how to run a meeting. I don’t think it’s appropriate for a council member to have to go to the well.” I was ordered to do so, so I apologize for that and this will never happen again.”
After the meeting, Seeman said, “I don’t think that’s the way a mayor should show up and behave. You’ve been on council, you absolutely know the protocol. (In any case) I accepted her apology. ” he said. I hope we can unite and move forward because I’m not going anywhere. ”
Seaman has two years left on his City Council term and can decide whether to run for re-election.
Regarding the Badlands, a land purchase and development agreement was signed this week between the City, City of Johann Lowey and Greystone, Nevada. The proposed settlement of the lawsuit is scheduled for a final vote by the City Council on February 5th.
