Sewers, retirement plans, summer events and blood were on the agenda at Monday’s Sparks City Council Meeting.

The City of Sparks is seeking to raise sewer rates,first to fund extensive sewer renovations as well as contribute to the Truckee River Flood Project.

The council asked staff to return in February with drafts of two separate ordinances – one on a hike in sewer and connection rates to begin to recoup these costs – and one ordinance to fund realignment of the North Truckee Drain to reduce flooding in the Sparks Industrial Area. This project is part of the Truckee River Flood Control Plan - and the city’s costs to construct the plan would most likely be credited toward its share of the overall plan.

Council members requested that the increase in money for the sewer renovations and the money for the Truckee River Flood Project be reported separately on customers’ sewer bills.

The presentation painted a picture showing 52 percent of Sparks drains and sewer facilities that are more than 35 years old. According to the report,the expected life span of one drain is 50 years. Nine percent of the utilities were built in 1905.

The council also approved, with two dissentions, the option to choose a post-retirement subsidy for the former Sparks Fire Chief. The staff report recommended to the council that the subsidy be denied, because it would set a precedent for city retirees.

If similar accommodations were made for the remaining 10 department heads,the estimated cost to the city could be between $80,000 and $110,000 per department head, estimated Steve Driscoll.

Council members Ron Smith and Mike Carrigan did not approve the subsidy.

However, with the remaining council members’ approval, the motion was approved.

Summer vendors in Victorian Square are subject to new rules about when and where they can sell their wares after the Sparks Municipal Code was amended Monday.

The code changes mark a clear difference between the neighborhood garage sale and the special events that enliven Victorian Square every summer.

A farmers market now falls under the classification of a special event and the annual Sparks event must now be certified by the Nevada Farmers’(Market) Association or a similar organization.

The municipal code amendment also designates the area between Interstate-80, D Street, Pyramid Highway and Fifteenth Street as the place to hold special events.

The area can now hold special events beyond the time limits that apply to other outdoor sales.

Usually, outdoor sales events can only last 72 hours and they can only happen once every 28 days.

With the proper business license, any business - be it non-profit, for profit or a little of both - can set up shop in Victorian Square.

The first item of business on the council’s agenda was a declaration of January as National Blood Donation month.

“I urge you that if you are in good health to donate (blood)regularly,” the proclamation said on behalf of Mayor Geno Martini.