.: back to issue list :.
Manager's eUpdate for 05/04/07
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
Washoe County Telecommunications and District Health Department partner to serve area hospitals
Area hospitals have been provided 800 MHz radios to enable agencies to communicate in the event of an area-wide disaster if traditional communication methods fail. Staff teams have provided radio training to hospital staff members over the past two weeks, and the Inter-hospital Coordinating Council will dedicate a monthly date for hospital radio testing with the District Health Department.Preserve and Enhance Our Quality of Life
Community Planting Days a huge success
More than 800 volunteers turned out to Washoe County`s Rancho San Rafael and Bartley Ranch Regional Parks to help plant new native vegetation and to teach children the importance and fun of spring planting. Hundreds of young horticulturists took their plantings home from the Bartley Ranch event.County works with residents to reduce train noise
Washoe County Community Development has met with interested parties to develop a schedule for establishing a train horn quiet zone on the Union Pacific Railroad near Verdi. The proposed zone will have to be approved by the Federal Railroad Administration before becoming final.Improve Government Efficiency and Financial Stability
Washoe County budget being finalized
The annual operating budget will be reviewed in a public hearing at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 21. Due to declining sales taxes, the recommended general fund budget is basically a status quo budget, and will grow by only 1% on a per capita basis, which does not even keep up with inflation. Despite the challenging revenue picture, the County has committed to add four new positions for Sheriff`s patrol by re-prioritizing expenditures. With four new positions, our number of officers per 1,000 population is still far less than national benchmarks, and less than either Reno or Sparks. Additional resources will also be provided to support the Sheriff`s RAVEN helicopter program, court security, and stormwater drainage and flood control.Provide Excellent Public Services
Services to neighborhoods to expand
The Washoe County Planning Commission approved a special use permit for a new Renown Medical Center facility to be built on Eagle Canyon Drive west of the Pyramid Highway in rapidly growing Spanish Springs. The project will be constructed in phases over 12 years, to include a diagnostic center, health care facilities and eventually an up to 60-bed hospital to serve the community. In addition, the plans for the Eagle Landing Shopping Center at Eagle Canyon and Pyramid Highway have been submitted to our Permits Plus Zone to start the process for permitting the grading, utilities and construction for the neighborhood center. The center will reduce vehicle trips, promote neighborhood identity, and provide essential neighborhood services to Spanish Springs and northern Sparks.Hawkins Amphitheater Summer Concert Series announced
The extremely popular summer concert series at the Bartley Ranch Hawkins Amphitheater was announced last week, with tickets to go on sale Tuesday, May 8 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.hawkinsamphitheater.com or in person at the Washoe County Department of Regional Parks and Open Space on Plumas Street.New video on Pandemic Flu preparedness completed
Washoe County Community Relations and the District Health Department are collaborating on a 15-minute video providing information on the possible pandemic flu and our prepared response if necessary. The video is being produced by the Media Center and will begin playing May 25th on Washoe County TV-17.Permitting made easier
A new public work station and public use computer have been installed in the County`s one-stop permitting center, the Permits Plus Zone to make it easier for customers to quickly obtain essential information. In addition, tablet computers with wireless internet connections to mapping, plans and permits are being provided to the County`s code enforcement officers to make their work more efficient and responsive to neighborhood concerns.County website a popular destination
More than 170,000 visitors used e-government to conduct their business and went to the Washoe County website last month, accounting for 6.5 million hits. The Assessor, Treasurer, Human Resources, and the countywide "Frequently Asked Questions" page continue to be the most popular pages. In addition, our new specially-designed page for Citizen Involvement received nearly 2,000 visitors.Citizens share their input
More than 150 residents of District 3 attended a Town Hall Meeting with Commissioner Pete Sferrazza last month and shared their views on growth, community services and County priorities. On June 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Commissioner Bonnie Weber will host a Community Summit meeting at the Washoe County Senior Center at 9th and Sutro.Develop our Workforce
Washoe County Planning Manager elected to national planning association office
Mike Harper, Long-range Planning Manager for Washoe County, has been elected secretary/treasurer of the National Association of County Planners at the association`s meeting in Philadelphia.
IN THIS ISSUE:
Improve Public Safety, Security and Health
Preserve and Enhance Our Quality of Life
Improve Government Efficiency and Financial Stability
Provide Excellent Public Services
Develop our Workforce
.: back to issue list :.