Manager's eUpdate for 10/07/08

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

In support of the regional storm water permit issued to the metropolitan area of Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County by the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection (NDEP), the County Department of Water Resources sampled stream run-off in White`s Creek during the storm event this past weekend. Data from the event will be especially informative given the unusually long dry period preceding the storm. All samples, along with flow estimates, were taken every two hours. The information compiled from this event will help to guide decision-making about storm water management efforts in the future.

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More than 100 County employees attended Washoe County Conservation Day on Wednesday, October 1, to learn more about how they can reduce their environmental impacts and improve energy efficiency and cost reduction. Representatives from Facilities Management, Water Resources, Parks, District Health, NV Energy, the Nevada Land Conservancy and other agencies shared pertinent information. In addition, energy-efficient light bulbs were provided to participants and to all Meals on Wheels Senior Services clients courtesy of NV Energy that day, and Mir Mir`s cafe provided organic lunches in recycled lunchbags printed by Reprographics. In the National Association of Counties Energy Star challenge currently underway, Washoe County is third in the nation for employees and citizens who have committed to take specific actions to reduce their energy use and improve their environmental impact.

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In collaboration with the cities of Reno and Sparks, through the auspices of the Storm Water Permit Coordinating Committee, Washoe County recently completed three handbooks for the building and construction industry: 2008 Truckee Meadows Construction Site Best Management Practices Handbook; Truckee Meadows Low Impact Development Handbook; and Nevada Contractors` Field Guide for Construction Site Best Management Practices. Staff members from the County and both cities have worked diligently to complete these handbooks to better serve and inform the development community on ways to protect the environment as well as protecting our valuable water resources.

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On September 30, Human Resources and WINnet staff provided a demonstration of our on-line recruitment system to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Our on-line recruitment system recently received the Center for Digital Government national award.

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Nearly 100 people attended the Wind Power Workshop presented by Community Development on September 30. The purpose of the event was to provide information regarding the potential for wind energy projects on a commercial scale in Washoe County, including information on the development and permitting process, how wind power technology works, legislation and policy promoting wind power, potential issues with wind power, and environmental, economic, and social benefits of wind power. The program is currently being played on WCTV, and supports both the EDAWN Target 2010 Economic Strategic Plan as well as the Board`s adopted Northern Nevada Green Region initiative.

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A summary report has been completed to provide input to the Board of County Commissioners from the very successful Community Leaders Forum, presented by Washoe County on September 15 at the Downtown Reno Ballroom. More than 50 people attended the Leaders Forum, where the participants addressed questions such as: What should Washoe County government do? What should the County do more/less of? What should County government stop doing? What should County government facilitate? The summary report is being distributed to all the Forum participants and invitees, as well as the Board, and will be discussed as part of the Environmental Scan at the County Commission retreat with Department Heads on October 13 at the Regional Public Safety Training Center, starting at 9 a.m.

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Due to the enormous popularity of this year`s Discover Your Parklands series, County Park Rangers have decided to offer a series of weekend walks in various parks this fall so that outdoor lovers may experience the changing seasons in a variety of county parks. These Autumn Outings will be held in a different park every weekend day from Sunday, October 5 through Sunday, November 2. All walks are free, begin at 2:00 p.m. and should last approximately one hour. Participants should bring water, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera. A complete schedule of walks is available at www.washoecountyparks.us (under the announcements on the home page).

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Lazy 5 Regional Park began a series of Friday night family films on the County`s large outdoor screen with a showing of Water Horse: Legend of the Deep on Friday, October 3. Future films include Surf`s Up on Friday, October 10, and Bee Movie on Friday, October 17 and beginning at 7:15 p.m. Admission is one can of food for the Northern Nevada Food Bank. Bring warm clothing and blankets. Popcorn, snacks, and drinks will be available for purchase.

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More than 30 County employees attended a forum for all GIS Users in our County system on October 3, in order to share technology improvements and best practices. Washoe County continues to be honored with national awards and recognition for our cutting-edge use of spatial information. We appreciate the dedication of our GIS User employees, and recognize the positive impact they have on the quality and timeliness of our decisions in land use, emergency management, elections, law enforcement, and many other disciplines.

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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

Develop our Workforce