Top headlines from the Board of County Commissioners meeting

Commissioners receive presentation for Declaration of Canvass of the Vote

Reno, Nev. June 19, 2018. The following report highlights several important agenda items from the Washoe County Board of Commissioners meeting.

1. Board of County Commissioners hear update on 2018 Primary Election and approve Declaration of Canvass of the Vote and Order. Commissioners heard a presentation on a recap of the 2018 Primary Election from Registrar of Voters, Deanna Spikula. The presentation included overview of election administration, election equipment and security, and election turnout and results.

“We were happy we had an overwhelming positive response to the election experience on Primary Election Day,” said Deanna Spikula. “While we did experience a handful of ballot display issues, we ensured at our 79 polling locations, the voter was helped and they cast a successful ballot.”

Commission Chair Marsha Berkbigler agreed, “I appreciate how fast you stepped in and addressed the issue so our citizens felt safe voting.”

Primary Election turnout by the numbers:

• Total turnout: 69,260 (26.9 percent)
• Democratic: 28,908 (31.92 percent)
• Republican: 31,604 (32.76 percent)
• 24.59 percent increase in turnout from the 2016 Primary
• 14.81 percent increase in turnout from the 2014 Mid-Term Primary

In addition, Commissioners also heard a presentation for Declaration of Canvass of the Vote and Order for 2018 Primary Election, which gives Commissioners the opportunity for a review of the election results and note any errors within the election results. Commissioners approved the canvass, making the results final and official.

2. Commissioners approve an Indoor Tennis Courts Development Agreement on Washoe Golf Course.  Washoe County and Indoor Tennis, LLC are moving forward on an agreement to use county property to develop an indoor tennis court facility on a three-acre parcel in the Washoe Golf Course located west of Plumas Street and south of Urban Road. Currently, the parcel is undeveloped and the agreement for an indoor tennis court will provide indoor tennis-based recreation to Northern Nevada and neighboring California communities, among other regions.

The agreement allows the project to be completed in two phases. The first phase would construct a six-court bubble for indoor tennis and clubhouse to include access, parking, and utilities. The second phase would involve constructing a pickle ball court on the property as well.

“Other than staff time there is no fiscal impact to Washoe County – this is a great program. Thank you for the collaboration,” said Commissioner Vaughn Hartung.

Commissioners decided to approve the agreement which allows Washoe County and Indoor Tennis, LLC to move forward with the project.

3. Commissioners approve multiple Washoe County-funded grants. Washoe County is proud to provide grants to address special community needs to private organizations, not for profits, or to a governmental entity, for charitable or educational purposes. Grant awards for FY 2017-2018 include:

• The Silver State Fair Housing Council in the amount of $10,000
• Artown 2018 in the amount of $25,000
• The Reno Tahoe Open Foundation in the amount of $10,000

4. Commissioners make an appointment to the Library Board of Trustees. The Washoe County Library Board of Trustees is requesting the Board of County Commissioners appoint one candidate to fill a vacating seat on the Washoe County Library Board of Trustees, with a term effective July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2022. In response to notice of the vacancy, five applicants applied to fill the position. After evaluation of the candidates according to the criteria, Commissioners appointed Wayne Holland to fill the position.

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