The Sparks City Council saw tears and talk of the economy were placed before the council table Monday as the Sparks City Council approved a road sign for the Trooper Kara Kelly-Borgognone Memorial Highway and sharply considered new city expenditures.

Following words of praise from Chief Christopher Perry of the Nevada Highway Patrol and Kelly-Borgognone's mother-in-law, Anna Borgognone, the council approved $1,139.72 in funding for a highway sign.

The sign will be erected on a strip of Sparks Boulevard between Pyramid Highway and Kiley Parkway that the city will name in Kelly-Borgognone's honor.

"She was an extraordinary individual and an extraordinary officer," Perry said. "At a time when role models are becoming increasingly scarce, I can think of no better role model than Kara."

Kelly-Borgognone's mother-in-law also took the microphone and, in a voice choked by tears, praised her daughter-in-law.

"I cannot add much to what Chief Perry said," Borgognone said. "She was really special."

In other business, the council also approved a cabaret license for Uncle Vinny's Pizza, which is opening on Stanford Way, and a gaming license for Louisiana Kitchen, which is opening at Scheels.

Councilman Ron Smith praised the businesses for pressing forward in hard economic times.

Councilmember Phil Salerno was absent.