Silver State Times

The following are highlights from today’s Washoe County Board of County Commissioners meeting:   

1. Board approves intent to transfer property to Northern Nevada Hopes for health clinic: Furthering the mission of serving those experiencing homelessness with a central location at the Nevada Cares Campus, the Board affirmed its intent to transfer land adjacent to the Nevada Cares Campus to Northern Nevada Hopes. The vacant parcel of land was previously purchased by Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) and transferred to Washoe County at a meeting in August of this year. Now the parcel will be slated for a health clinic by Northern Nevada Hopes to serve the Nevada Cares Campus. A public hearing will now be planned to hear any objections to the transfer before it is finalized.

2. Board accepts Continuum of Care Agreement: Washoe County has been the recipient of the Continuum of Care Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for many years, and the Board today approved the 11th renewal of this grant for the Shelter Care Plus Program for homelessness services. The grant, just over $154,000 annually, covers expenses for rent, utilities, case management, substance abuse and mental health counseling, and independent living skills programs to assist residents maintain their housing and keep them out of homelessness. The Washoe County Human Services Agency acts as the housing coordinator for the Shelter Care Plus Program.  

3. Board adopts Regional Earthquake Plan: Washoe County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program and regional partners have developed a Regional Earthquake Plan that is an annex to the Regional Emergency Operations Plan. This plan provides a framework within which regional partners can plan and perform their emergency functions during and after an earthquake. The plan identifies key roles and responsibilities, provides a concept for coordinated operations, and establishes a system for incident management and is consistent with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). 

4. Commissioner Hill allocates Special District Funds: Each commission district has $100,000 per year for special projects recommended by the respective district Commissioner. Today Commissioner Alexis Hill recommended $3,000 from District 1 Special District Fund for the Truckee Meadows Community Progress Report. This report shares quality of life data collected by Truckee Meadows Tomorrow that can inform and foster positive change in the community. Commissioner Hill also requested $5,000 for the Washoe County Green Team to support its efforts to make Washoe County buildings more energy efficient, and other green initiatives.  

5. Board approves appointments to Senior Advisory Board: The Washoe County Senior Advisory Board is composed of 11 members serving four-year terms. Members must be residents of Washoe County and have an interest in civic affairs, and an interest or experience in the fields of nutrition, geriatric social work, administration, finance, and law. Today the Board approved the appointment and reappointment of seven members: 

• Ethan Hovest (District 3) for remainder of term through September 2023. 
• Hawah Ahmad from Alternate Member to At Large Member for the term effective November 1, 2021. through October 31, 2025. 
• Rick Sorenson (District 4) and Sarah Deardorff (District 5) for their second terms effective September 1, 2021, through August 31, 2025. 
• Casey Reed as an Alternate Member for the remainder of the term ending August 31, 2025. 
• Martha Lavin (District 1) for the term effective November 1, 2021, through October 31, 2025. 
• MaryAnn McCauley as an Alternate Member for the remainder of the term ending June 30, 2025.