New security procedures are coming to Reno City Hall, starting with next week's city council meeting.

In an effort to enhance security during these meetings, the following changes are being made to the Council Chamber entry points:

Public Entry Point

The west set of double doors, near the main entrance of City Hall, will serve as the public entry point into the Council Chamber. The doors will not be used as a non-emergency exit. The east set of double doors will serve as the primary exit point for all Council Chamber occupants, to include the public.

All members of the public will be required to pass through a metal detector and bag-check station, manned by Allied Universal Security officers. Backpacks, bags and large purses are subject to visual inspection.

A list of prohibited items will be posted at the entry point, and each time an individual needs to enter the Chamber on Council meeting days, they will be required to pass through this security station.

Prohibited items include:

• Weapons of any kind, including mace or pepper spray

• Firearms and ammunition of any type

• Explosives and flammable substances 

• Noisemakers

A complete list of prohibited items will be posted in the City Hall lobby and on Reno.gov.

Employee Entry Point

The east set of double doors will serve as the primary City of Reno employee entry point into the Council Chamber. These doors will be locked and require an employee badge to access the door. Non-employees will not be allowed to enter these doors.

The new security program was established in response to past requests by City Council to increase security at City Hall, including screening options. 

Equipment costs for the program, which include the metal detector, wands and signage, are $5,000 total. The extra security officer will cost $250 per Council meeting.

Changes will occur beginning at the next regular City Council meeting on July 24, 2019 starting at 10 a.m.

(City of Reno contributed to this report.)