Manager's eUpdate for 09/03/08

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

At the request of citizens in the Black Springs Community, Washoe County Public Works has completed slope cleaning and contouring to improve the sight distance at a hazardous intersection at Kennedy Drive and 395 North. Field testing showed that the actual sight distance is now adequate for speeds up to 55 mph.

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The US Army Corps of Engineers is currently reviewing our application for credit approval for the 102 Ranch and Lockwood Restoration Projects, as a result of legislation secured by Senator Reid. The legislation, Section 113, will give us credit for ecosystem restoration in our share of the costs for the Truckee River Flood Project. Nowhere else in the country has early ecosystem restoration been credited. The ecosystem restoration involves construction of river channel meanders and riffles; creation of wetlands; restoration of abandoned gravel pits; and revegetation of riparian and upland areas with native plant species. The restoration efforts to date have not only lessened downstream flood dangers, but have brought back native fish to the river. Groundbreaking for the 102 Ranch Restoration Project is set for September 18th.

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Washoe County Technology Services has installed mobile computers with new Radio Internet Protocol software for Sheriff`s Patrol and Animal Services Officers, reducing the time for mission-critical information to be downloaded to the field from many minutes to less than one minute, increasing the officers` safety, and improving their efficiency in the field.

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In a collaborative effort to share resources and operational procedures, Washoe County Public Works assisted the City of Sparks in patching and preparing their streets for slurry sealing during the month of August.

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Construction activity in the unincorporated areas continues to lag. Total permits issued in fiscal year ending June 30, 2008 decreased 21%, vs. a 19% decrease in fiscal year ending June 30, 2007. New residential permits have decreased 57% in FY 2008, vs. 35% decrease in FY 2007. Commercial permits, however, are up almost 21% in FY 2008, vs. a 25% decrease in FY 2007.

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Both Washoe County Golf Courses honored the PGA`s Patriot Golf Days this Labor Day week-end by offering military personnel nine holes of golf free with a paying partner. Throughout the week-end, the courses accepted donations to the Folds of Honor Foundation, created by golf professional and fighter pilot Major Dan Rooney to support the families of veterans who have been injured or perished in the line of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Beginning Tuesday Sept. 2, Washoe Golf Course will host a series of 2-for-1 Tuesdays throughout September and October.

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Washoe County`s Technology Services and Human Resources Departments were recently chosen as one of the winners of the prestigious 2008 Digital Government Achievement Awards for our new On-Line Recruitment system. The new electronic system for job applications has eliminated the preparation of 18,000 pages of individual letters previously generated, with all notifications now done on-line.

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Based on the County`s Floodplain Management Program, Washoe County Engineering has submitted an application to FEMA which will result in insurance premium reductions of possibly 5-10% for unincorporated area residents. These premium reductions may result in thousands of dollars of savings in insurance costs per year for qualified residents.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Improve Public Safety, Security and Health

Improve Regional Collaboration

Support a Healthy Economy

Improve Government Efficiency and Financial Stability

Provide Excellent Public Services