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Manager's eUpdate for 03/05/10
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
Open Burn Permits
Permits for open burning of vegetative materials only are being issued by the Reno Fire Department and the Sierra Fire Protection District. The length of the open burn period will depend upon weather and other conditions. Open burning is not allowed on windy days, and is subject to local air quality controls by the Washoe County Health Department. Open burning hours begin at 6 am but all burning is required to be extinguished no later than 2 pm or earlier depending on wind conditions. For Reno residents, online applications are available at http://www.reno.gov/index.aspx?page=189Permits for open burning in the Sierra Fire Protection District can be obtained by calling 849-1108, ext. 5 or by email: SierraFireBurnPermit@washoecounty.us
Preserve and Enhance Our Quality of Life
New Two-Map System
In response to community concerns, County Commissioners have identified the conversion from a one-map to a two-map land use planning system as a 2010 goal. The two-map system addresses citizen concerns about the stability and implementation of long-term community vision, while allowing land owners to better react to changing market conditions. Conversion to a two-map system will also ensure consistency with the cities of Reno and Sparks. For more information, visit: (note: Link removed- no longer active)Improve Regional Collaboration
Local Impact of Budget Shortfalls
Elected officials from Reno, Sparks and Washoe County held a joint press conference the day before the Nevada Legislature`s Special Session to reiterate that local governments have taken painful measures to address their budget shortfalls. Together, the three local governments have reduced combined budgets by more than $250 million, frozen or eliminated 816 positions, and, unfortunately, laid off 195 employees adding to Nevada`s already high unemployment rate. All three governments have successfully negotiated voluntary wage concessions from its employees and tapped into its `rainy day` reserves. The Legislature did not redirect revenue from local governments in Northern Nevada during the Special Session as it had in the 2009 Legislative Session. Outstanding Regional Accomplishments
The regional Flood Project`s TRAction Project for the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Project (levee/floodwall) was awarded the region`s highest honor of `Outstanding Achievement in Civil Engineering` for the Environment by the local chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Highest kudos to all project partners, most especially Washoe County Public Works for stepping up to manage the project. Eric Scheetz, the Flood Project`s youngest engineer, was selected as the ASCE`s `Young Engineer of the Year` for all his contributions to the community. Take 10!
Washoe County is very much involved in the Census 2010 `Take 10` campaign to encourage every citizen to participate in the upcoming census to ensure Nevada, and particularly Washoe County, benefit from any federal funding tied to our population counts. Please visit www.washoecounts.us to learn more about the census.Support a Healthy Economy
Solar Project Approved
The Regional Planning Commission approved the Fish Springs Solar Project as a Project of Regional Significance. The project was previously approved by the Washoe County Planning Commission and will provide an initial 20 MW of power, phasing up to 100 MW at build-out. The project will be tied to the grid through the existing Alturas transmission line.Improve Government Efficiency and Financial Stability
Water Rate Increase
All 17,000 of the County`s water utility residential and commercial customers saw an average 6% increase in their water bills this past month. This is the year 2 rate increase that was approved by the County Commission last year, as part of a 5 year water rate increase plan that was developed by the County, a citizens` workgroup and a consultant to address the solvency of the utility divison. Provide Excellent Public Services
Record Adoptions
Social Services finalized a record 158 adoptions last year, providing permanent, loving families to abused or neglected children who were unable to be reunified with their biological parents. For more information about our adoption and foster care program, please call 337-4400 or visit http://www.washoecounty.us/socsrv Rebate Assistance for Seniors
The Assessor`s Office reminds citizens who are 62 years of age or older (or will be by June 30, 2010) that the Senior Citizens Property Tax/Rent Assistance program is accepting applications until April 30, 2010. Citizens who meet the age requirement and have a yearly household income of $28,677 or less may be eligible to apply for a refund of a portion of the rent paid during 2009 and/or property tax paid during 2009-10. The refunds vary from $5 to $500. Refunds are calculated by the State of Nevada and should be mailed to qualified applicants by December 31, 2010. Call 328-2200 for more information. Senior Meals Served
Senior Services recently celebrated the milestone of 6 million meals having been served to local seniors. The Department provides more than 220,000 nutritious meals each year through their congregate and home delivered meal services. Please join us at 11:30 am on March 11 at the Reno Senior Center, 9th & Sutro Streets, as we commemorate this important achievement. That`s Gross!
The Wilbur May Museum`s Animal Grossology exhibit is a highly interactive family exhibit that mixes education with giggles to help introduce kids to natural science. The exhibit is on display through April 18th. Museum hours are Weds-Sat 10 am to 4 pm. $8 for adults and $7 for children under 18 and seniors 62 and over. Group rates are also available. Water Services Recognized
The California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association recently recognized County Water Treatment Plant Operator Darrin Kitzmiller and Senior Utility Worker Eric Mothershead with the Operator Meritorious Service Award for Water Distribution. This distinction recognizes special performance by operators for compliance with public health standards, plant maintenance, development of new ideas, training, outstanding achievement beyond normal operating responsibilities, and consistent operations of distribution lines, pumps stations, and reservoirs. Website Recognized
Our website was selected as a `Top Picks` by MuniNetGuide.com, a national organization that reviews government website content. In their notification to us, they said, `we applaud the County`s efforts to encourage citizen involvement in the budget process, and through participation on county boards and commissions.` The `Top Picks` are websites that stand out among the crowd for providing outstanding content and exuding professionalism.Develop our Workforce
Employee Scholarships
Nearly $4,500 in scholarships has been awarded to 11 employees to further their education as it relates to their job duties at Washoe County. The scholarships are funded from private donations made to the fund, primarily from Washoe County Manager Katy Simon who donated part of her compensation for this purpose. Certified Backflow Technicians
Congratulations to Public Works employees Terry Cass and Mike Kuykendall who join Duke Renslow as our three technicians certified to inspect the County`s hundreds of backflow devices that must be inspected and certified each year.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
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