Manager's eUpdate for 05/22/09

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

The Deputy Chief and the Director of Civil Works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and headquartered in Washingon, D.C. visited with Truckee Meadows Flood Project staff this week. Their visit included a tour of the project which was received very favorably.

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A simulated wildfire emergency, code named Grizzly, allowed more than a dozen responder agencies to conduct a practice evacuation drill in the Galena area last weekend. Washoe County was well represented at the exercise by our Sheriff`s Office, Regional Animal Services, Sierra Fire Protection District, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and others. A special thanks to all the citizens in that area who participated in an exercise that could well save their lives in the case of a real emergency.

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Assistant Public Works Director Kimble Corbridge presented the Crystal Bay Phase I Water Quality Improvement Project at the American Public Works Association conference. The project received the APWA`s Project of the Year for Environmental Under $2 million. The project previously received the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency`s award for erosion control, and the Associated General Contractors` Award for Environmental. Construction was completed in late August 2008 and is one of a series of water quality projects that have been installed by Washoe County to improve the water quality of storm drainage discharges entering Lake Tahoe.

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This week, the Governor approved AB 353, the public nuisance/illegal dumping bill sponsored by Assemblyman David Bobzien and supported by Washoe County. The bill will become effective October 1, 2009 and is intended to reduce the amount of illegal dumping not only in Washoe County, but throughout all of Nevada.

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The demand for reclaimed water has been increasing with the warmer weather. The County`s Huffaker Reservoir has sufficient water to meet that demand thanks to a new liner that was installed last year that allows us to store and retain more reclaimed water for irrigation uses. The liner was funded with assistance from a federal grant thanks to our Congressional delegation.

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The Governor approved AB 74, a bill sponsored by Washoe County that allows the life of tentative maps to be extended to 4 years (previously limited to 2 years). It also means that developers now have 2 years to file the first in a series of final maps instead of one year. The legislation was supported as an economic recovery tool for the region.

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The Regional Basemap Committee recently met and determined that there were sufficient funds from the basemap data licensing income to pay for Reno, Sparks and Washoe County`s portion of the 2010 aerial photos. The aerial photo acquisitions will change from an annual flight to every other year due to lack of development and budget issues. The agencies will be asked to pay for their own portion of the flights in 2012.

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The Department of Water Resources will hold two public meetings with its water customers to discuss possible rate changes. The first meeting will be held at the Lazy 5 Library in Spanish Springs on Wednesday, May 27th from 6-8 p.m. The second meeting will be on June 1st from 6-8 p.m. at the South Valleys Library, 15650 Wedge Pkwy in Reno. For more information, please visit www.washoecounty.us/water/wtrratemt.htm.

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At their budget meeting on May 18th, the Board of County Commissioners directed that funding be taken from the County`s `rainy day` reserves to keep the Sun Valley and Bowers Mansion pools open this season. As a result, our Parks Department is now accepting applications for certified Lifeguards, Aquatic Supervisors and Concession Attendants. Go to www.washoecounty.us for information and an application, or call Joanna Schultz at 823-6520.

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Since its launch two months ago, our on-line volunteer process has received 70 applications, including 29 who have applied for specific volunteer openings. Starting Monday, citizens who expressed areas of interest in their general application will automatically receive an email each week with a listing of volunteer opportunities available in those areas. To apply as a volunteer with Washoe County, visit our website at www.washoecounty.us.

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Welcome summer fun by treating the kids to a free ride down the log flume at the Wilbur May Great Basin Adventure over this Memorial Day weekend. The family fun park will be open all three days and is offering one free log flume ride with each paid admission. For more information, call 785-4844.

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Regional Animal Services Field Supervisor Mitch Schneider was invited (with all expenses paid) to speak at a national animal welfare conference recently held at George Washington University. This sold out conference was attended by many of our nation`s leaders on animal welfare and animal services including attendees from 35 states and 4 countries. Schneider spoke on the County`s contemporary and effective approaches to animal services.

Christian Kropf, a senior hydrologist in the Department of Water Resources, was an invited speaker at the U.S. Dept. of Environmental Protection Agency`s Western States Source Water and Ground Water Protection Forum held earlier this month in California. Kropf`s presentation reviewed the Spanish Springs nitrate investigation and addressed the risks to groundwater from septic system effluent.

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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