Highlights from the Washoe County Board of Commissioners meeting

Commissioners approve road improvements for pedestrians in Sun Valley.

Reno, Nevada. July 12, 2016. The following report highlights several important agenda items from the Washoe County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, July 12, 2016. Videos of County Commission meetings are replayed regularly on WCTV (Charter Ch. 193). You may also watch videos on-demand online.

1. Washoe County and NDOT partner to make Sun Valley road improvements for pedestrians. County Commissioners approved an Interlocal Public Works Agreement between Washoe County and the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) to make road improvement for pedestrians along SR 443 and Sun Valley Boulevard, at the intersections of Skaggs Circle, Gepford Parkway, and 6^th Avenue.  A new sidewalk, median refuge, lighting bus stop pad, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons pedestrian warning system and an ADA ramp will all be installed to improve the safety of pedestrians walking in that area.

“This road improvement is needed and will be invaluable to the community, as this is a portion of road is used quite often by pedestrians,” said Solaro, director of the Washoe County Community Services Department. “We have heard the community’s concerns and this project reflects Washoe County’s commitment to pedestrian improvement projects in the area, ultimately making Sun Valley safer for everyone. We thank those who helped make this a reality.”

2. County Commission finalizes changes to congested area boundaries. Commissioners held the second reading and adopted an ordinance Tuesday to extend the boundaries of Washoe County congested areas in the Truckee Meadows, including Peavine Mountain.

The County Code amendment extends the boundary of the Washoe County congested area where the uncontrolled discharge of firearms is not permitted because it could cause a greater risk to the public living or recreating in the area.

Along with the change in the congested area boundary, staff encourages Washoe County citizens and visitors take steps while recreating to be as safe as possible. It is not only incumbent on shooters to make sure that while shooting they are safe and in a legal area, precautions must be taken by all people using the outdoors so nobody is unintentionally harmed. Information on shooting regulations can be found on the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office website.

“Along with the U.S. Forest Service, Washoe County staff will place new signs at trailheads and congested shooting areas on Peavine, so people on Peavine have a clear understanding of the boundaries,” said Washoe County Community Services Department Director Dave Solaro.

The new ordinance addresses congested shooting areas in the Greater Truckee Meadows, Spanish Springs, New Washoe City and Old Washoe City.

“We can help citizens by having a clear, delineated line with signs saying don’t shoot on that side of the road, but you can shoot on this side of the road,” Commissioner Marsha Berkbigler (Dist. 1.) said. “This ordinance might not solve all the problems, but this is about enforcement and doing the best we can to provide clear communication to our constituents.”

This item supports the County Commission's Strategic Plan to support safe, secure and healthy communities.

3. County Commissioners appoint Jean Stoess to the Washoe County Library Board of Trustees. Jean Stoess (District 1) has been appointed to fill the vacating seat on the Washoe County Library Board of Trustees, with a term effective July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2020. Stoess was the first woman to serve on the Washoe County Commission, which occurred from 1977-81. She has also been the Co- Chair of the Toiyabe Chapter of the Sierra Club.

“She is a passionate user of the library. She has volunteered on behalf of the County several times and I couldn’t think of anyone more qualified to fill this position,” said Washoe County Commission Chair Kitty Jung (Dist. 3).

4. County Commissioners approve relocation of a medical marijuana dispensary. Washoe County Commissioners unanimously approved the relocation of a medical marijuana dispensary. The medical marijuana dispensary at 17025 Mt. Rose Highway will be relocated to two parcels at 300 Lemmon Drive near the intersection of Lemmon Drive and Buck Drive. The Clinic Nevada, LLC requested to move the location of the dispensary.

The decision to relocate the dispensary follows a community meeting during which County staff informed the public about medical marijuana and laws governing the relocation of a dispensary.

The relocation of the dispensary is required pursuant to Senate Bill 276, which amended Nevada Revised Statute 453A and was passed by legislators during the 2015 legislative session. The law enables a medical marijuana dispensary with a current State provisional registration certificate to request a move to another qualified location within unincorporated Washoe County. 

“I commend Assistant County Manager Kevin Schiller, Clinic Nevada and the public for collaborating to make this process productive,” Washoe County Commissioner Bob Lucey (Dist. 2 ) said. “Thank you for continuing to work with my constituents on Mt. Rose Highway.”

5. Washoe County receives grant from State of Nevada to support adoption services. County Commissioners approved and accepted a $58,000 subgrant award from the State of Nevada, Division of Child and Family Services to support adoption promotion and support services.

These funds help us to increase our awareness of the ways people can help,” said Washoe County Children’s Division Director for Washoe County Social Services Alice LeDesma. “It also streamlines the licensing process which will help improve the foster and adoptive programs.”

This grant provides much needed services to support the foster and adoption programs through the recruitment and training of families to care for children in the custody of our agency. LeDesma said 950 children in Washoe County need a place to call home and a family of their own. Washoe County is in need of strong, loving foster and adoptive parents who can care for children anywhere from birth to 18-years-old and provide them with stability and nurturing. 

For more information, head to the Washoe County Social Services website or  www.haveaheartnv.org.

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