The following are highlights from today’s Washoe County Board of County Commissioners meeting:
1. Washoe County Leadership Academy presents class project: The third cohort of the Washoe County Leadership Academy (WCLA) presented its final class project to the Board of County Commissioners. The project is called “Shake Safe Washoe” and focuses on earthquake preparedness in Washoe County. Nevada is the third most seismically active state in the nation, and Washoe County is located in an area with 30 active faults. WCLA’s research shows that many residents are unprepared for an earthquake emergency.
WCLA, which launched in 2022, requires a capstone project that will benefit residents of Washoe County. Previous projects have included building a pollinator garden at Rancho San Rafael Park, introducing an art program at Jan Evans Juvenile Detention Center, and launching Foster Connect to support foster families in Washoe County. This year’s class worked closely with Washoe County Emergency Management to create messaging and resources around preparedness for a major earthquake.
They partnered with the Nevada Seismology Lab and the Reno Ice Raiders to host an informational event at a recent hockey game. They also mocked up billboards, social posts and awareness videos for possible future use.
“It was really, really amazing to visit with your staff, and see that you have wonderful humans who are passionate about their jobs,” WCLA graduate Michael Fuess said. “It was also really impressive to see the breadth of what you guys do. The County is in every aspect of our life. They do so much, and so much behind the scenes, and they never ask for a thank-you.”
Fellow WCLA graduate Dawson Deal added: “I hope to take everything that I’ve learned here, apply it to the work I will be doing in the next few years as I build my career. This exposure has been really great, and I think this investment into our community and in educating our constituents about how local government works and functions, the return on investment is not even measurable.”
Part of Washoe County’s mission in creating the WCLA is to cultivate future leaders and residents engaged in local government.
“When I’m reviewing applicants for our boards and commissions, it always stands out to me that someone has already gone through the WCLA onboarding,” Commissioner Mariluz Garcia said. “I know that when you put your name into the hat for something, we are going to get a real quality candidate.”
2. Board approves Employee Residence Agreement to park ranger who lost home in the Davis Fire: Washoe County Park Ranger Andrew Brown lived in the Davis Creek Regional Park residence until it burned in the Davis Fire last year. Meanwhile, the Bowers Mansion Regional Park caretaker’s residence has recently become vacant. The Board approved an Employee Residence Agreement that will allow Brown and his family to live in the home while he performs the tasks of caretaker and security on the Bowers property. He will be responsible for general caretaking, after-hours emergencies, emergency snow removal, and liaising with the community.
In addition to the agreement, the Community Services Department has an Employee Housing Policy which outlines the policies, procedures and guidelines for selection as well as roles and responsibilities for those located in employee housing locations. Washoe County is the owner of several residences located throughout the County, which are provided to various employees such as Sheriff’s Office employees, Parks staff, and Road maintenance staff.
3. Board approves Washoe County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan: There are 13 identified hazards in Washoe County, ranging from natural to man-made disasters. The Washoe County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan is updated every five years and is required to be eligible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement in the event of a disaster. It is also a requirement for eligibility for funding programs such as the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants and Flood Mitigation Assistance.
FEMA encourages a regional approach to mitigation and mitigation plans, and in following best practices, Washoe County worked with jurisdictional partners, stakeholders and the public to create the current plan. This plan has been approved by the State of Nevada and is currently with FEMA for review and approval.
In a separate action, the Board approved the receipt of a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program grant in the amount of $4,800 from the State of Nevada Division of Emergency Management. The grant will be used to increase awareness and education around avalanche hazards in the Incline Village/Crystal Bay communities. Avalanches are one of the 13 identified hazards addressed in the approved Hazard Mitigation Plan, and the project is supported by North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Diamond Peak Ski Resort, IVGID, Sierra Avalanche Center and the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.
4. Board names appointments to boards: Commissioners approved the appointments and reappointments to various volunteer boards:
- Steve Robinson and Ryan Browne to the Washoe County Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife for three-year terms beginning July 1, 2025. There is a third seat available for appointment on the board, and staff is currently recruiting for that appointment.
- Robert M. Flick to the Washoe County Planning Commission representing Unincorporated District 4, which generally includes portions of Sparks, Spanish Springs, Hidden Valley, and East Truckee Canyon areas. This will be Flick’s second term, beginning on July 1.
- Leo Horishny to the Washoe County Board of Adjustment to represent Commission District 3, which generally includes portions of Panther Valley south of Sagehen Lane and Sun Valley generally north of Dandini Boulevard, south of 7th Avenue and west of a boundary extending along Leon Drive to Wall Canyon Drive to Lupin Drive to Klondike Drive. This is a four-year term beginning July 1.
“I absolutely appreciate all of the folks who put in their applications for boards, whatever it might be. I know that it’s been amazing for me to be able to call every single applicant and learn so much,” Commissioner Clara Andriola said. “The dedication of everyone who is serving needs to be commended.”
5. The Board approved numerous donations to Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS): WCRAS received donations from various donors, including $885 from Petco Love, food donations from the SPCA, and monetary donations from numerous donors. Donations are generally used to encourage responsible pet ownership, seek treatment of sick animals, injured animals or at-risk animals, and to promote humane treatment of animals. Pet food from the SPCA is distributed at WCRAS’ monthly senior pet food distribution event.
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