The following are highlights from today’s Washoe County Board of County Commissioners meeting:
1. Commissioners and officials take oath of office: The Washoe County Board of County Commissioners began the year with the swearing-in of elected officials. The first to take their oath of office were re-elected Commissioner Jeanne Herman, and newly elected Commissioners Mariluz Garcia and Mike Clark. They serve four-year terms. Learn about the districts and commissioners here.
Next, Sparks Justice Court Judge Erica Flavin, and Reno/Verdi Justice of the Peace Kendra Bertschy took their oath of office. Judge Flavin is the first African American judge to hold this office. Finally, David Noble, representing the Incline Village General Improvement District, and Olivia Banbury, representing the Verdi TV District, were sworn in.
2. Commissioners make assignments to boards and commissions: County Commissioners not only represent their districts on the Board of County Commissioners, they also represent residents on various boards and commissions throughout the community ranging from tourism to roads to water and animal services. Commissioners deliberate and assign board members to best represent their districts and interest on the various boards. View the full list of board assignments here.
3. Board approves donation from the Vera Silberstein Gift Trust for Bowers Mansion: The Vera Silberstein Gift Trust donated $45,000 to Bowers Mansion, a bequest representing a 10 percent share of the Gift Trust’s interim distribution to its charitable and governmental beneficiaries. Mrs. Silberstein’s express wish was that these funds be used to support the preservation, public access, and interpretive historical education of Bowers Mansion.
4. Board approves grant to the Washoe County Library System: The Washoe County Library System received a $1,339 Community Education Grant from the American Association of University Women. This grant will go toward the purchase of a hydroponics Living Library Garden at the Incline Village Library. The Living Library Garden will bring fun and interest to STEAM-based projects designed to meet the interest of children ages 8-13. Use of the garden will be incorporated into the library’s Weird Science Wednesday program, and will provide direct education on the science of plant life, the technology of hydroponics, the engineering of the hydroponic system, and math to divide up the plants and plant them in the hydroponic system.
5. Human Services Agency receives HUD assistance for the unhoused: The Board approved the Continuum of Cares Agreement for the Shelter Plus Care Program from the United State Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The $177,000 agreement requires a $44,000 match from the county and will provide housing and supportive services for homeless individuals.
In a separate action, the Board approved a HUD Continuum of Care – Permanent Supportive Housing 2 Program grant in the amount of approximately $136,000 with a $34,000 county match.
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