Manager's eUpdate for 01/15/08

I am pleased to provide you with highlights of some of our recent activities that reflect the County Commission's strategic priorities for our region. As always, I welcome your comments either by email (ksimon@washoecounty.us) or phone (775-328-2000). If you do not wish to receive this update by email, please let Community Relations Director Kathy Carter know at kcarter@washoecounty.us. Thank you.

Katy Simon
Washoe County Manager

Last week`s storms resulted in 29 pieces of Washoe County`s snow removal equipment, including 24 snowplows, being deployed. All Priority 1 roads were plowed within 36 hours and all Priority 2 roads were plowed within 48 hours.

In addition, Washoe County GIS staff completed snow removal route maps and posted them on the web, as well as producing snow route maps for all three jurisdictions and flash flood incident maps for all three jurisdictions.

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This year`s phone book recycling drive was a huge success, with nearly three times the results of last year`s efforts. Washoe County regional parks received 16,880 pounds of discarded phone books, with Sparks receiving 4,580 pounds (more than double last year) and Reno collecting 8,860 pounds. In all, 15 tons or 30,320 pounds of phone books were diverted from the landfill. A huge thank you to all our citizens for making this recycle effort such a success.

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On January 2nd, Washoe County`s Business License staff rolled out a new unified license application in coordination with the City of Sparks. This new form consolidates application forms and information, streamlining the process for business owners. Coordination is on-going with the City of Reno as well, with the goal that Reno will also become part of the new regional license application form.

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In response to the Fernley levee break, Washoe County Search and Rescue teams were on-site immediately assisting with the evacuation of residents. In addition, Washoe County sent six building inspectors to Fernley to assist with damage inspections, and helped the town of Fernley finish these inspections one full day ahead of schedule.

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The temporary parking lot for the downtown Court Complex is now open for both city and county employee permit parking during the day, and public parking after 5 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends. The lot adds 335 parking spaces to the downtown area.

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The County`s annual Guide to Services will be distributed to residents through local newspapers this week. The Guide is a 20-page resource providing information about county programs and services including contact information and hours of operations. The publication is produced by the County and printed by the local newspaper. Total cost for production and distribution is less than 30 cents per issue.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Improve Public Safety, Security and Health

Preserve and Enhance Our Quality of Life

Improve Regional Collaboration

Support a Healthy Economy

Improve Government Efficiency and Financial Stability