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Manager's eUpdate for 11/17/09
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
Prescription Drug Roundup a Success
Our Department of Water Resources was one of eight other public agencies that partnered with the Reno Police Department for Prescription Round-up Day on October 17th. At least 133 people dropped off more than 39,471 prescription pills (about 89 pounds) at designated locations. Water Resources` Crush Don`t Flush campaign assisted in these drugs being turned in for incineration by the RPD rather than being flushed into the community`s water system. Sewer and Water Infrastructure Inspections Successful
Our Department of Water Resources recently completed one-third of their scheduled sanitary systems survey and found only one minor deficiency concerning a tank overflow pipe which has been corrected. Scuba divers were also dispatched to inspect a number of water storage tanks and noted that there were no significant deficiencies found. Fire Services Survey
A statistically valid community fire telephone survey was conducted last month to get input as to fire and fire-based emergency services within the unincorporated areas of Washoe County. The results can be viewed at www.washoecounty.us/mgrsoff/fireplan.html Snow Plan in Place
Our Roads Division is ready for winter weather with their snow plan in place! Priority 1 roads will be plowed first; these are roads identified in the plan as major arterial and collectors, major structures, overpasses, bridges, steep grades, school bus routes at or above 6,000 feet, emergency vehicle routes, fire station sites, schools and freeway feeder streets. For more information, please visit the following websites: http://wcgisweb.washoecounty.us/SnowPlow/www.washoecounty.us/pubworks/sno_ice_control.htm
Data Assists Sheriff in Spanish Springs
Washoe County Sheriff deputies increased their presence in the Spanish Springs area after a data analysis showed a three-year historical rise in reported crimes in that area for the early winter months beginning in October. The goal is general deterrence of traffic violations and criminal activity by having high visibility of law enforcement for a sustained period of time.Preserve and Enhance Our Quality of Life
Sheriff Honored by Environmentalists
Washoe County Sheriff Mike Haley was recently honored by the Nevada EcoNet organization with their Golden Pinecone Award given to individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions toward sustaining and improving the natural environment of the Truckee Meadows. Sheriff Haley was recognized for his department`s fight against illegal dumping. Dog Park Maintained
Thanks to a generous contribution by Mr. Piazzo, the Link Piazzo Dog Park in the Hidden Valley Regional Park will be able to keep the grass healthy. Mr. Piazzo`s contribution is especially appreciated during these tight budget times when the County has had to reduce or eliminate much of its parks maintenance budget. Food for Fines
Library patrons can bring cans of food to the library in lieu of fines to help feed the hungry through November 30th. Food barrels are placed at 11 library locations and the food will be delivered to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. Denim Drive Benefits Children
Once again, The Reno Rodeo Foundation is doing their Denim Drive to benefit over 1,300 abused and neglected children under Washoe County`s care. You can drop off unwrapped new denim clothing, as well as new white socks and underwear at 120 drop off locations throughout Northern Nevada through December 18th. Visit their website at www.RenoRodeoFoundation.org or call 322-9875 to find a location nearest you.Improve Regional Collaboration
Trail Guide A Cooperative Effort
A regional trails guide focusing on the Truckee Meadows vicinity is available to citizens in response to a significant public need. The 64-page, 4-color guide was produced in partnership with the City of Reno, with funding from the Federal Highway Administration Recreational Trails Program Grant, the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, St. Mary`s Regional Medical Center and Scheels. The guide is free and is available at some county offices as well as on-line at www.washoecountyparks.com or by calling 823-6519. Animal Services Improved
Since voters decided to consolidate animal services under Washoe County, and the County partnered with the Nevada Humane Society and other animal rescue organizations, our community has become more pet-friendly and now has one of the lowest animal euthanasia rates in the country! You can learn more about how we`re doing by watching a video titled Animal Services: A Report to the Community. Just go to www.washoecounty.us, click on The Washoe Channel logo, select video-on-demand, and select this program link. Improve Government Efficiency and Financial Stability
Financial Help for Verdi Residents
Our Department of Water Resources received a USDA grant to underwrite an income survey at the River Oaks subdivision in Verdi to determine whether residents could qualify for grant assistance to help fund proposed infrastructure improvements to their local water and sewer system. Without the USDA grant, the survey would have cost up to $15,000. Water Resources will submit their preliminary engineering report and await notification of possible funding assistance. Savings Result from Review
About $42,500 is expected to be saved this fiscal year thanks to some good work done by our Technology Services staff in ferreting out incorrect billings, disconnecting unused lines, and switching to more efficient data options.Provide Excellent Public Services
National Digital Government Award
Washoe County has been recognized as a winner for its use of technology in the national Center for Digital Government`s 2009 Digital Counties Survey in the 250,000 to 499,000 population category. Social Media Connects Citizens
Washoe County recently launched its Facebook and Twitter social media sites, and have seen significant increases to its website as a result. Citizens can sign up for both sites by visiting www.washoecounty.us and signing up right from the County`s website. Subscribers will receive tweets and Facebook notifications of important county happenings, and can visit our website for more details. Citizen Engagement Award
Washoe County recently received second place in the national City and County Communications and Marketing (3CMA) annual competition for its Washoe County Day event in 2008 which brought 3,000-plus citizens out to provide input to the County`s strategic planning efforts. Silver Star Award
The Washoe County Library System was recently honored with two awards from the area`s premier quality-of-life organization, Truckee Meadows Tomorrow, at the biennial Accentuate the Positive event. In the category of Education and Lifelong Learning, the Library took home two Silver Star awards for its programs and its community resource center. Water Quality Work Wins Award
The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection has awarded Washoe County with its prestigious Excellence in Water Quality for our improvements to water quality in the Lake Tahoe Basin.Develop our Workforce
Water Engineer Tapped for Expertise
Rick Warner, Sr. Licensed Engineer with Water Resources, has been appointed to the Board of Trustees for the Water Environment Federation, a global, not-for-profit association that provides technical education and training for more than 40,000 water professionals.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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