Top headlines from the Board of County Commissioners meeting

Commission Chair issues statement on passing of Mayor Bob Cashell

Reno, Nev. Feb. 11, 2020. A Statement from Washoe County Commission Chair, Bob Lucey, regarding the passing of Mayor Bob Cashell:

Washoe County Commission Chair, Bob Lucey, paused the County Commission meeting this morning to share the following news:

“We are devastated to receive the sad news this morning that a near and dear friend of ours, who was very close to many of us at Washoe County, former Mayor Bob Cashell has passed away. Not only did this man lead our region, he was a mentor to me and very close friend. His family legacy in our community is tremendous; this is certainly a difficult morning and tough news for us to process and a loss for us all.

Mayor Bob Cashell was an icon, a pioneer and irreplacable regional leader propelling businesses in our community and elevating northern Nevada as a whole, through his vision, savvy and personal philanthropic efforts. His family’s impact is far and wide throughout our region. We wish the Cashell family our deepest condolences at this time.”

After his remarks, Commission Chair Bob Lucey held an impromptu moment of silence for Mayor Bob Cashell. 

The following report highlights important agenda items from the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners meeting:

1. Wildcreek Golf Course design and construction receives approval to move forward. In July 2019, Washoe County received $3,138,910.63 from the Washoe County School District (WCSD) for land and water rights associated with the Wildcreek property to construct a new high school. In November 2019, an additional $240,000 was received from WCSD for restoration costs associated with the Orr Ditch alignment. These funds will be used for the Wildcreek design and construction project. 

2. Commissioners approve the fifth phase of funding for the Our Place Homeless Housing Project. Commissioners approved a $2,839,254.00 construction agreement between Washoe County and Q&D Construction for Our Place buildings 600 and 601, which is the fifth phase of funding for the project.

This funding will help pay for the revamping of the Our Place Women’s Shelter and will include new flooring, paint, remodeled kitchens, fire alarm system, lighting and ADA restroom upgrades.

Women will be relocated from the Record Street Community Assistance Center in Reno to Our Place in Sparks later this year. Our Place will provide a safer and more secure environment for women to receive services, such as mental health, educational and employment opportunities.

Our Place will enable an increased capacity to serve more individuals with a targeted approach for long-term success. Our Place will increase room for the following populations:

• Women’s Shelter: From 50 to 114
• New Family & Maternity Shelter: 140
• Child Care Center: From 42 to 85

Learn more about Our Place by clicking here.

3. Historic Bowers Mansion receives approval for repairs project. Historic Bowers Mansion is one of Washoe County’s most valuable historic resources and provides a significant tourist attraction for the area, serving thousands of visitors each year.

With Bowers Mansion being over 150 years old and constructed with materials of stone and wood framing, the structure needs continual repair and maintenance for preservation. The Phase III Repair Project scope addresses a major portion of damage to structural elements associated with the Mansion including: mansion railing system, waterproofing deck walking surfaces and repair of substrate, patching and repair of plaster, repair of brick chimneys, new roof system on the billiard room, cupola repairs and painting of entire exterior, and replacement of columns and trim pieces.

Based on a competitive bid process staff recommends Sullivan Structure, LLC be awarded the contract for this project in the amount of $510,840.

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