FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Adam Mayberry, (775) 353-7894

 

Sparks, NV - The following are highlights of today's Sparks City Council meeting:

 

Public Safety Sales Tax – The City Council took no action on the proposed November advisory question to increase sales tax to provide for more police officers and law enforcement resources, but did vote in favor to discuss the item in further detail and take possible action at the July 12 City Council meeting.  Currently, the City of Sparks has about 1 police officer per thousand residents.  According to FBI standards, the ratio should be closer to 2 police officers per thousand residents for a city the size of Sparks.

 

New Police Chief - The Sparks City Council approved the City Manager's appointment of Steve Keefer as the new Police Chief for the City of Sparks.  Chief Keefer was sworn into office by Sparks Municipal Judge Jim Spoo.  Steve Keefer began his career with the Sparks Police Department as a Reserve Police Officer in 1989 and has worked his way through the police ranks.  He has held numerous positions within the department including Patrol Officer, Narcotics Detective, Detective Sergeant, Drug Recognition Expert, Mounted Unit Supervisor, Project Development Sergeant, S.W.A.T. Commander, Administration Division Commander, and Deputy Police Chief.   He holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from St. John's University and is a 1984 graduate of Edward C. Reed High School in Sparks.

 

Slurry Seal - The Sparks City Council approved an interlocal cooperative agreement with the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County in the amount of $325,000 for 4 million square feet of slurry seal to improve roads in Sparks.

 

Appointments - The City Council confirmed the Mayor's recommendations for the following appointments:  Morris Kanowitz (Civil Service Commission), Tom Lean (Regional Planning Commission), Jack Byrom and Dorie Guy (Parks & Recreation Commission), Carole Faeth, Ray Faeth, Jackie Stinehart, Maryann Wittbecker (Sparks Advisory Committee for the Disabled).

 

#####