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Manager's eUpdate for 02/11/09
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
Improve Public Safety, Security and Health
Flood Project Groundbreaking
The Flood Project held its first groundbreaking of a levee and floodwall on January 29th at the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony-Walmart site. Over 120 attendees enjoyed the gorgeous Nevada day. The entire project including land and construction is estimated to cost $5.8 million. Through the development of funding partners, construction at this site provided an opportunity to leverage $1.7 million in flood project sales tax funds for an additional $16 million in flood project construction on this site and others. It is also the first flood project element to be constructed in the Truckee Meadows and is quite visible from US 395. Homeless Count
Preliminary results from the Point-In-Time (PIT) homeless count show a decrease from 98 people in January 2007 to 55 people in January 2009 with additional shelter beds considered to be the reason the numbers are down. Final results should be available by end of the month. Public Health Training
Epi-Ready Team Training, a nationwide initiative intended to provide up-to-date foodborne illness outbreak investigation and surveillance training via a live interactive webcast, was completed last month by 30 participants from 12 regional agencies at five sites in Nevada and California. Chronic Disease Report
Washoe County District Health District has released its first comprehensive report of local chronic disease data, entitled Chronic Disease in Washoe County: A Summary Report of Primary Risk Factors and Select Chronic Health Conditions. Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death in Washoe County, the state, and the nation. The full report is available at www.washoecounty.us/health. Peanut Butter Outbreak
To date, Washoe County has had one laboratory-confirmed case related to the national peanut butter-related Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak. The County`s epidemiology staff has and will continue to respond to these calls to ensure they are properly investigated to minimize the impact of this outbreak on the community. Hidden Valley Water System Flushed
The Water Resources Department crews have begun flushing the Hidden Valley water system to ensure quality water delivery. Notices were mailed to more than 1,750 Hidden Valley water customers prior to beginning the process, and the use of a water-CAD computer program has enabled crews to work more efficiently and effectively.Preserve and Enhance Our Quality of Life
Parks Public Input Workshop
Regional Parks and Open Space will host a second public input workshop at 7 pm on Monday, February 23rd in the Western Heritage Interpretive Center at Bartley Ranch Regional Park for residents to provide recommendations for future County parks, open space, and trails in the southwest Truckee Meadows and west Washoe Valley.Improve Regional Collaboration
Federal Official to Visit Flood Project
The Assistant Secretary of the Army Corps of Engineers will be in Reno on February 13th for a mini-tour of the Flood Project including the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony flood reduction site, the Lockwood restoration site, and The Nature Conservancy`s McCarran restoration site. Nursing Home Diversion Project
The County`s Senior Services and Adult Social Services Departments are teaming up with the State of Nevada Division for Aging Services, Disabilities Services and Renown Health to create a Nursing Home Diversion Project. Staff from all the agencies are meeting to determine criteria and feasibility of such a project designed to redirect people who can be cared for at home, a group home or an assisted living facility rather than a nursing home. The agencies will apply for a federal grant in the summer, and, if successful, the program could save $600,000 annually for county taxpayers as well as improve the lives of our citizens. Nevada Legislature
Washoe County has made several appearances before the Nevada State Legislature since the 2009 session opened. Presentations have focused on the County`s financial status and operations, possible regional projects eligible for federal stimulus funding, and testimony on our AB74 bill regarding the timing on deadlines for subdivison maps.Improve Government Efficiency and Financial Stability
Building and Safety Hours Changed
The Building and Safety`s office hours will change starting March 1st. Office hours will be from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm and will be closed for lunch from noon to 1 pm. The Incline Office will be available by advance appointment only. These changes are necessary due to staff reduction and the declining construction and housing markets.Provide Excellent Public Services
Victorian Valentine`s Day Event
Regional Parks and Open Space will host a Victorian Valentine`s Day Family Open House from 1 pm to 4 pm on Saturday, February 14th inside Bartley Ranch Regional Park`s historic Huffaker schoolhouse. Website Enhancements
The County`s website now has an interactive program schedule that allows citizens to find out when public meetings and other county programming will air on The Washoe Channel (TV-217). Citizens can also view all TV programming via live webstreaming on this site, as well as watch at their own convenience via our video-on-demand feature. In January 2009, nearly 160,000 people visited our website accounting for just over 7 million hits. To access The Washoe Channel programming, go to our website www.washoecounty.us and click on the Washoe County Television link. Foster Care Fair A Success
The Foster Care Fair held at the Northwest Library last week resulted in 40 inquiries related to providing foser care to children in the County`s custody. This event was part of the on-going Have A Heart campaign which was initiated over a year ago to generate additional foster care resources. Please visit us at www.haveaheartnv.orgDevelop our Workforce
Building and Safety Staff Certified
Last month, the inspection and plan examination staff of our Building and Safety Department completed all certification required by state law.IN THIS ISSUE:
Improve Public Safety, Security and Health
Preserve and Enhance Our Quality of Life
Improve Regional Collaboration
Improve Government Efficiency and Financial Stability
Provide Excellent Public Services
Develop our Workforce
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