Manager's eUpdate for 08/21/09

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

A fire atlas for the Sierra Fire Protection District has been completed after months of field checking and corrections. The atlas contains 360-plus pages of maps and indexes with information of parcels, address numbers, paved roads, dirt roads, fire hydrants, fire gates, ponds, parks, federal land, health care, law enforcement and major buildings. An atlas is placed at all fire stations and on all fire engines.

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An administrative enforcement ordinance developed to help residents and the county address neighborhood nuisances more efficiently and without going to court received a first reading at the County Commission`s August 11th meeting. It is scheduled for a second reading and possible adoption at their September 8th meeting with an effective date of September 18th if adopted.

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Sherlock Holmes and the Clocktower Mystery, an interactive family exhibit, is now showing at the Wilbur D. May Museum inside the county`s regional park, Rancho San Rafael. For details, call (775) 785-5961 or visit www.washoecountyparks.com

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As of this writing, Washoe County is number one for large counties in a national `going green` competition! Help your County win by pledging online to conserve energy. Visit www.greencounties.org/changetheworld
today. A link is also available on our website at www.washoecounty.us

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A new water main on Pembroke Drive, including all of the lateral tie-ins, was completed on schedule as of August 11th. The project went very well with no significant issues, and is another successful project done in collaboration with the Regional Transportation Commission and Q&D Construction.

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Reno and Washoe County staff once again met with neighbors in the northwest Reno on August 18th to discuss the future of the now-closed Northgate Golf Course. They were informed that an appraisal of the property has been concluded, discussion with state officials about possible use of state-bond monies have occurred, and discussions with RJB Development (original owners of the property who the property would revert back to if it ceases to be a golf course) are on-going. Area property owners also discussed the possibility of establishing a Special Assessment District (SAD) to fund the purchase of the property if feasible. The issue will be back before the County Commission on August 25th as RJB`s deadline for a response is August 27th.

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A joint meeting of elected officials on August 17th directed staff to further explore the possibility of sharing services in the following areas: Purchasing, Recruitment/Training in Human Resources and Technology Services. Washoe County, Washoe County School District, the RSCVA, and the City of Reno have all agreed to pursue consolidation or partial consolidation of these functions including the hiring of a consultant to assess necessary steps and costs/benefits for each. Respective staff from each of those entities will present further findings and recommendations to another joint meeting on September 10th.

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During the last few years, Washoe County and Ormat Technologies, Inc. (a local geothermal energy provider) have been discussing the potential for using treated effluent in Ormat`s energy production process. Talks have progressed to the point where specific requirements are being explored, and the Water Resources is excited about the possibility of having a continuous use for reclaimed water in the South Truckee Meadows.

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While the majority of Washoe County`s employees took a 2.5% wage reduction in addition to no cost-of-living raises for the past two years in response to the county`s budget situation, 512 employees offered further voluntary concessions that have resulted in approximately $777,000 in additional savings.

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Washoe County Commissioner John Breternitz (District 1) will host a `Living in Bear Country` community discussion on August 24th from 5-6:15 p.m. at the Incline Village General Improvement Administrative Building at 893 Southwood in Incline Village. The Incline Village Citizen Advisory Board meeting will immediately follow. Governor Jim Gibbons has declared August as Bear Awareness month, encouraging residents to reduce risks to both humans and bears by stashing their trash. Visit www.stashyourtrash.org to learn more.

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Charlene Parish of our Building and Safety Department recently earned her Master Code Professional (MCP) from the International Code Council. The MCP is the highest level of certification and is the `gold standard` for demonstrating proficiency in the building code profession. Charlene joins fellow employee Mike McCullough making Washoe County the only jurisdiction in Nevada to have more than one MCP in this area of public service.

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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

Provide Excellent Public Services

Develop our Workforce