OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Washoe County Board of Commissioners Meeting – July 14, 2026

Meeting Portal — Tuesday, July 14, 2026
BodyWashoe County, Nevada
SessionMeeting Portal
DateTuesday, July 14, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:52:35

Transcript — Verbatim
0:05

Good morning.

0:06

It's July 14th at 10 a.m.

0:09

I'm gonna call the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners meeting to order.

0:14

Thank you all for being here.

0:17

We'll go ahead and move to item one, which is the salute to the flag.

0:22

And you know, Mr.

0:23

Brooks, we're starting a pattern here, so I'm gonna have you do the Pledge of Allegiance, please.

0:39

And to the Republic, which it stands one nation under God immobility and justice problem.

0:49

Thank you.

0:50

We'll move now to roll call, please.

0:56

Chair Andreola, present.

0:57

Vice Chair Garcia.

0:59

Here.

1:00

Commissioner Hill.

1:01

Here.

1:02

Commissioner Clark is absent.

1:04

Commissioner Herman.

1:06

On the phone.

1:11

Here.

1:12

Thank you.

1:13

Uh County Manager Kate Thomas.

1:15

Deputy DA Jennifer Gustafson.

1:18

Present.

1:18

And I'm Jan Galicini, your county clerk.

1:20

Madam, you have a quorum.

1:22

Thank you.

1:22

We are going to move uh item.

1:26

If there's a couple things I'd like to just be really clear on the agenda so everyone can follow.

1:33

We're gonna pull item 14.

1:36

Staff is looking at um getting additional information.

1:40

It'll be brought back at a later time.

1:43

So item 14 is pulled.

1:45

And what we're gonna do is we're gonna move the block vote till after item 10.

1:51

So thank you.

1:54

All right, we'll move now to item three, manager Thomas.

2:00

Thank you.

2:00

This morning we are joined by Pastor Craig from Convo Church to lead us in an invitation.

2:09

Good morning, Chair Andreola, Commissioners.

2:12

Thank you for the opportunity.

2:13

Let's bow our heads in prayer.

2:15

Heavenly Father, creator of the heavens and earth.

2:18

We come before you this morning, not out of ritual, but of desperate necessity.

2:23

We we present ourselves before you with humble hearts.

2:26

We recognize you, O God, as the only one true God, and that we are your creation, your servants, your children, created to know you, to have personal relationship with you and call to steward the affairs of this world with honesty, integrity, and wisdom.

2:40

We acknowledge the truth, the power and the authority of your holy word, which has formed guided this great nation from its inception through these 250 years.

2:48

We have seen greatness in our nation and we have seen the fruit of our sin and shortcomings.

2:52

And I prayed that that today, not just in this meeting, but across our great nation, that we would return to the words you spoke to King Solomon as he was installed as king over Israel, recorded in 2 Chronicles 7 14.

3:03

If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

3:13

This morning I bring before you these leaders who serve Washoe County as commissioners, and I pray that they humbly seek your face and that they would pursue the knowledge, understanding, and wisdom that from you alone is what is needed to govern in the capacity to which you have called them for such a time as this.

3:39

And we thank you, Lord, as they serve.

3:41

Thank you for them serving our community.

3:44

And we acknowledge that there is evil in our land, and your word reveals that there is a kingdom that desires to destroy what is from you.

3:51

But by the name of our only Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we find forgiveness.

3:55

We find restoration, salvation, life, and purpose.

3:59

And so we cancel any assignment of the enemy that would bring anything evil against our servants as they serve you and as they serve the people of this county.

4:08

This nation belongs to you, Jesus, and the state belongs to you.

4:11

This county belongs to you.

4:13

And the authority that you have given to these public servants gift, and I pray your Holy Spirit helps them to steward that fragile gift in all that they do.

4:21

We humbly ask this today in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

4:25

Amen.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████████29%
Public Engagement█████████████████17%
Personnel Matters█████████9%
Public Safety████████8%
Affordable Housing████████8%
Legislative Process███████7%
Election Integrity████4%
Community Engagement███3%
Voter Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Washoe County Board of Commissioners Meeting – July 14, 2026

The Washoe County Board of County Commissioners met on July 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Reno, Nevada. The meeting included presentations, consent agenda approvals, appointments to boards and commissions, an easement vote that resulted in no action, and direction on bill draft requests for the 2027 Nevada Legislature. Commissioner Clark was absent; Vice Chair Garcia left at 12:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 1:52 p.m.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously (items 7.A.1–7.E.4): Minutes of prior meetings; a $100,000 Recreational Trails Program grant for Nature Loop Trail improvements; the FY2027 Internal Audit Schedule; the FY2026 Internal Audit Annual Report; the Continuum of Care (CoC) Structure and HMIS Governance Memorandum; the HMIS audit report; the E911 Surcharge Revenue Cash Control audit report; revisions to the Audit Committee Charter; an interlocal agreement with UNR for the StreetReach program; a $14,709 Children’s Justice Act sub-grant; a $5,750 AARP Community Challenge grant; a $1,000 Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Endowment Fund grant; a $33,705 FY25 CoC Supportive Services Only Coordinated Entry grant; a $152,980 FY25 CoC Planning grant; authorization for Sheriff’s Office contract employees to drive county vehicles; a Forensic Support Services Agreement with Reno Police Department; a $93,000 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant; an additional $3,000 U.S. Forest Service grant; and a two-year VREMS Interlocal Agreement with the Secretary of State (this item was pulled from consent and voted separately, passing 3–1).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Terry Brooks spoke about cultural diversity and avoiding discrimination.
  • Cynthia Cooper urged commissioners to appoint a library board trustee who would defend the library’s inclusive practices and suggested issuing library cards to all public school students.
  • Jeff Church raised concerns about the RTC5 gas tax increase and the WC1 ballot measure, arguing that required calculations were not performed and that an outside legal opinion was needed.
  • Jane Fox (UNR StreetReach) thanked the board for the interlocal agreement, noting it would enable bloodborne virus testing, wound care, and nursing assessments at the CARES campus and safe camp.
  • Donna Dawson Schwartz advocated for her appointment to the Library Board, citing her 32-year teaching career and appreciation for libraries.
  • Maureen McElroy asked the board to select a library trustee based on qualities like passion for community involvement and library experience, not just district residency.
  • Alana Fitzgerald urged the board to apply the same screening criteria as in previous appointments and to avoid candidates with personal or political agendas.
  • Wendy Leonard (retired sheriff’s lieutenant) requested appointment to the Planning Commission At-Large North of the River seat, citing her legal and risk-management background.
  • Ilya Arbatman (Freedom to Read Nevada) opposed Denise Meyer’s appointment to the Library Board, citing her weak application and past campaign tactics targeting Commissioner Garcia.
  • Eileen Eklund asked for a trustee who values libraries as inclusive, egalitarian spaces and who supports staff and literacy.
  • Bree Schmidt supported a trustee who would defend First Amendment rights and the freedom to read.
  • Penny Brock raised election integrity issues, requesting more cameras in the mail ballot processing room and questioning the VREMS system.
  • Steve Malone criticized Washoe County’s treatment of Sun Valley, opposed transferring Sun Valley Drive from state to county control, and objected to food trucks taking business from local establishments.
  • Nicholas St. John presented data showing 487 ballots moved from third-party to major-party categories in recent elections, asking the Registrar of Voters to explain.
  • Veronica Cortez expressed frustration with the Sun Valley Citizens Advisory Board, citing unmet promises.
  • Oscar Williams supported amending recount procedures to require hand counts and questioned the VREMS system’s security.
  • Brian Wadsworth (auditor, Democratic candidate for District 5) supported the internal audit work and advocated for Catherine Yriarte for Planning Commission.
  • Rob Pierce (incumbent Planning Commissioner) asked for reappointment, noting his attendance and preparation.
  • Diana Christensen (final public comment) requested stricter industrial zoning standards for areas near existing homes in Spanish Springs.

Discussion Items

  • Election Update (Item 6.A.1): Registrar Andrew McDonald presented the timeline for the November 2026 general election, noting 112 days until election day. He highlighted voter registration trends, mail ballot bottlenecks (21% of primary ballots dropped on election day), and plans for five “super centers” to improve in-person voting. The board discussed the importance of early voting and communication.
  • UNR Cooperative Extension Budget (Item 6.A.2): Abbey Pike presented the FY27 budget, noting over 90% of county funds go to personnel. New programs include a workforce development initiative; the SNAP-Ed program ended due to federal cuts; bridge funding is being used to sustain Living with Fire and early childhood education.
  • VREMS Interlocal Agreement (Item 7.F.1): After being pulled from consent, public comment raised issues about poll pad scanning and voter identification. The agreement authorizes $238,000 over two years for the statewide election management system. Approved 3–1 (Commissioner Herman opposed).
  • Planning Commission Appointments (Item 8):
    • District 1: Daniel Lazzareschi appointed unanimously.
    • At-Large North of the River: After a ballot process, Wendy Leonard was appointed 3–1. Commissioner Hill declined to vote for the incumbent (Rob Pierce) due to his county commission candidacy.
  • Library Board of Trustees Appointment (Item 9): After five rounds of balloting, Elizabeth Cadigan was appointed unanimously. Multiple speakers urged the board to avoid appointing Denise Meyer, citing past controversies.
  • Dandini Spectrum Holdings Easement (Item 10): The board considered an easement across the Regional Public Safety Training Center for emergency access and a water line to an adjacent 420-unit apartment development. The Public Safety Training Center Executive Board opposed the easement. A motion to deny the easement failed 2–1 (Andriola and Hill in favor, Herman opposed); because only three commissioners were present, unanimous consent was required for any motion to carry, so no action was taken. The developer noted that without the easement, only 200 units could be built.
  • Bill Draft Requests for 2027 Legislature (Item 11): Government affairs liaison Caden Smietevic presented updates on proposed BDRs: reimbursement for erroneous billing files (contingent on NACO), rescinded support for 911 surcharge administrative expenses, continued discussions with the Secretary of State on the Nevada Lockbox, and work with Assemblymember Goulding on nuisance abatement legislation. The board approved the recommendations unanimously.
  • First Readings of Development Agreements:
    • Woodland Village Town Center (Item 12): Extended final map deadline to May 20, 2028 (Bill 1956). Introduced unanimously.
    • Ridges at Hunter Creek (Item 13): Extended final map deadline to June 28, 2028 (Bill 1957). Introduced unanimously.
  • Second Reading/Adoption (Item 22): Ordinance amending Chapter 110 Article 408 (Common Open Space Development) was adopted unanimously as Ordinance 1764.
  • Block Vote (Items 15–21): Approved unanimously, including: South Valleys Regional Park Phase 2 expansion ($3,782,319.50 + $100,000 contingency); Savini Group contract amendment for Steamboat Lift Station ($89,430); initiation of nuisance code amendments (WCC Chapters 50 and 125); 1 South Sierra Street boiler replacement ($450,000 base + $45,000 contingency); property insurance renewal ($1,561,915); NaphCare contract extension for competency evaluations (up to $1M annually); and 911 emergency response system reimbursements ($600,870.27).
  • Block Vote (Items 15–21): Approved unanimously, including: South Valleys Regional Park Phase 2 expansion ($3,782,319.50 + $100,000 contingency); Savini Group contract amendment for Steamboat Lift Station ($89,430); initiation of nuisance code amendments (WCC Chapters 50 and 125); 1 South Sierra Street boiler replacement ($450,000 base + $45,000 contingency); property insurance renewal ($1,561,915); NaphCare contract extension for competency evaluations (up to $1M annually); and 911 emergency response system reimbursements ($600,870.27).

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda (except 7.F.1) approved unanimously.
  • VREMS interlocal agreement approved 3–1.
  • Planning Commission appointments: Daniel Lazzareschi (District 1) and Wendy Leonard (At-Large North of the River) appointed.
  • Library Board appointment: Elizabeth Cadigan appointed.
  • Dandini Spectrum easement: No action taken; motion to deny failed 2–1.
  • Bill draft requests: Approved as recommended; staff directed to submit BDRs contingent on NACO action, continue discussions with Secretary of State on lockbox, and work with Assemblymember Goulding on nuisance abatement.
  • Development agreements: First readings approved for Woodland Village Town Center and Ridges at Hunter Creek; second readings scheduled for August 25, 2026.
  • Ordinance 1764 (Article 408 amendment) adopted unanimously.
  • Block items 15–21 approved unanimously.

Meeting Transcript

Good morning. It's July 14th at 10 a.m. I'm gonna call the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners meeting to order. Thank you all for being here. We'll go ahead and move to item one, which is the salute to the flag. And you know, Mr. Brooks, we're starting a pattern here, so I'm gonna have you do the Pledge of Allegiance, please. And to the Republic, which it stands one nation under God immobility and justice problem. Thank you. We'll move now to roll call, please. Chair Andreola, present. Vice Chair Garcia. Here. Commissioner Hill. Here. Commissioner Clark is absent. Commissioner Herman. On the phone. Here. Thank you. Uh County Manager Kate Thomas. Deputy DA Jennifer Gustafson. Present. And I'm Jan Galicini, your county clerk. Madam, you have a quorum. Thank you. We are going to move uh item. If there's a couple things I'd like to just be really clear on the agenda so everyone can follow. We're gonna pull item 14. Staff is looking at um getting additional information. It'll be brought back at a later time. So item 14 is pulled. And what we're gonna do is we're gonna move the block vote till after item 10. So thank you. All right, we'll move now to item three, manager Thomas. Thank you. This morning we are joined by Pastor Craig from Convo Church to lead us in an invitation. Good morning, Chair Andreola, Commissioners. Thank you for the opportunity. Let's bow our heads in prayer. Heavenly Father, creator of the heavens and earth. We come before you this morning, not out of ritual, but of desperate necessity. We we present ourselves before you with humble hearts. We recognize you, O God, as the only one true God, and that we are your creation, your servants, your children, created to know you, to have personal relationship with you and call to steward the affairs of this world with honesty, integrity, and wisdom. We acknowledge the truth, the power and the authority of your holy word, which has formed guided this great nation from its inception through these 250 years. We have seen greatness in our nation and we have seen the fruit of our sin and shortcomings. And I prayed that that today, not just in this meeting, but across our great nation, that we would return to the words you spoke to King Solomon as he was installed as king over Israel, recorded in 2 Chronicles 7 14. If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. This morning I bring before you these leaders who serve Washoe County as commissioners, and I pray that they humbly seek your face and that they would pursue the knowledge, understanding, and wisdom that from you alone is what is needed to govern in the capacity to which you have called them for such a time as this. And we thank you, Lord, as they serve.

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