Washoe County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting – October 13, 2026

The Washoe County Board of County Commissioners met on October 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting included a proclamation, an election update, multiple consent items, first readings of two code enforcement ordinances, a second reading of a development agreement extension, a public hearing on a solar facility amendment, and public comments on various topics. The meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.

Proclamation

• The Board unanimously adopted a proclamation declaring October 2026 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, recognizing the importance of strong cybersecurity practices and the county’s commitment to protecting digital infrastructure. Technology Services staff were present.

Presentation: 2026 General Election Update

• Andrew McDonald, Registrar of Voters, provided an update on the November 2026 general election. Key points included: all mail ballots have been mailed; 6,600 ballots were reprinted and delivered on the meeting date; online voter registration remains open until October 20; early voting runs October 17–30 at 18 locations (including six “super centers”); and a new “Don’t Wait Washo” campaign encourages early voting to reduce election-night ballot processing delays. The county will post election results twice daily (by noon and 5:00 p.m.) after Election Day. McDonald noted changes in USPS processing that make it risky to mail ballots on Election Day, and recommended dropping mail ballots by October 30 or voting in person. The presentation was for discussion only; no action was taken.

Donations

• 7.A.1: Accepted a donation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon equipment valued at $27,000 from the Caughlin Ranch Homeowners Association for installation at Caughlin Parkway and Plateau Road. County installation cost estimated at $2,420. Approved unanimously.
• 7.B.1: Retroactively accepted a donation of 1,000 pre-packaged meals (estimated market value $10,000) from Chartwells and the University of Nevada, Reno, used by CrossRoads, Our Place Campus, and the Washoe County Detention Facility. Approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• The Board approved the Consent Calendar (Items 8.A.1 through 8.J.1) in a single motion, including:
  • Approval of minutes for August 25 and September 9, 2026.
  • Roll change requests due to the Bug Fire (cumulative decrease to taxing entities of $17,104.64).
  • Interlocal agreements for Lake Tahoe water quality projects.
  • Zero-dollar interlocal with DMV for on-site services at Nevada Cares Campus.
  • Multiple grant acceptances (Child Death Review, Chafee Foster Care, Title IV-B, In-Home Services, etc.).
  • Washoe Opioid Abatement and Recovery Fund Public Benefit Recapture Policy.
  • District Special Fund grants ($10,000 each to Baby’s Bounty and Katie Grace Foundation).
  • ARPA fund transfer for facility improvements.
  • Resolution supporting transfer of 771 Southwood Boulevard to Reno Housing Authority for attainable housing.
  • Approval of Enterprise Agreement with Microsoft (three-year, up to $2,125,511.52 annually).
  • And other routine contracts, grants, and appointments (Vinita Busse to NTCD, etc.).
• The Board also approved a block of Items 10–24 and 26 in a single motion (Items 10 through 24, and Item 26), with Commissioner Hill disclosing her employment with the University of Nevada, Reno (subrecipient on Item 22).

Discussion Items

• Items 27 and 28 – First Readings of Code Ordinances:
  • Bill 1962 (Chapter 50): Proposed amendments to clarify definitions of blight, obstruction, public view (including public access easements and trails), and to declare residing in a recreational vehicle in an unauthorized manner a public nuisance. Exceptions exist for disaster victims (6 months to apply for building permit; up to 36 months with active permit). Vice Chair Garcia described real-life hoarding and obstruction issues. Commissioner Herman expressed concern about fire victims living in RVs during rebuilding; staff confirmed exceptions. Commissioner Clark raised concerns about illegal hookups to septic systems and called for proactive inspections. The ordinance was introduced unanimously; second reading set for November 17, 2026.
  • Bill 1963 (Chapter 125): Proposed amendments to strengthen enforcement, including eliminating the 50% fine discount after the third penalty notice, allowing posting of notices at conspicuous locations (not just front doors), withholding discretionary approvals for properties with unresolved violations, clarifying hearing order outcomes, and authorizing automatic continuing fines after due process is exhausted. An abatement fund provision was removed for later consideration. Staff noted this applies to unincorporated areas and is used by code enforcement, Regional Animal Services, and fire officials. Commissioner Hill requested fine schedule examples at second reading. The ordinance was introduced unanimously; second reading set for November 17, 2026.
• Item 29 – Second Reading of Montreux 2000 Development Agreement Extension: Ordinance 1769 was adopted unanimously, extending the deadline for recording the next final map from July 24, 2026 to July 24, 2027, for the Montreux 2000 subdivision (357 lots, 56 remaining).
• Item 30 – Public Hearing on Solar Facility Amendment to Truckee Meadows Regional Plan: The Board approved a resolution initiating an amendment to the 2019 Truckee Meadows Regional Plan Map 3 to include a solar electric generating facility (up to 450 MW photovoltaic, 200 MW battery storage, 345 kV substation) on ±1,680 acres in Honey Lake Valley. No public comment was offered. Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Terry Brooks: Discussed the importance of eliminating discrimination in voting and upholding constitutional principles.
• Nicholas St. John: Challenged the constitutionality of metal detectors at county building entrances, citing Supreme Court cases and demanding removal to protect First and Fourth Amendment rights.
• Kimberly Weingartner? (speaker not clearly identified): Represented a nonprofit network serving 475 organizations; reported 145,000 people served annually, 250,000–350,000 pounds of food diverted from landfill, and thanked Commissioner Clark for a $10,000 donation.
• Virginia Wiggins (Safe Camp): Alleged retaliation after speaking at a prior meeting, described denial of ADA-accessible shower, removal of medical accommodations, and unsafe conditions at the shelter. She requested action and stated she would continue advocating for homeless residents’ rights.
• Sean Sullivan: Criticized automatic license plate reader cameras, citing documented abuse (romantic stalking, wrongful stops), security vulnerabilities (Axon devices), and lack of crime reduction. He asserted the cameras constitute an illegal search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment and called for their removal.
• Robert Harrison (IVGID General Manager): Expressed gratitude for county support on senior/disabled transportation transition, Incline Village Skate Park funding, e-bike regulations, and stop sign installation. Reported a reward of $147,000 for information on poisoning of 16 trees at Burnt Cedar Beach. Requested county leadership to address the loss of TARC Connect transportation service, which has negatively impacted residents and visitors. Noted IVGID’s progress toward removal from fiscal watch.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamation for Cybersecurity Awareness Month adopted unanimously.
• Donations accepted unanimously.
• Consent Calendar (23 items) and Block (Items 10–24, 26) approved unanimously.
• Bill 1962 (Chapter 50 amendments) introduced (first reading) unanimously; second reading set for November 17, 2026.
• Bill 1963 (Chapter 125 amendments) introduced (first reading) unanimously; second reading set for November 17, 2026.
• Ordinance 1769 (Montreux 2000 development agreement extension) adopted unanimously.
• Resolution initiating Truckee Meadows Regional Plan amendment for Honey Lake Valley solar facility approved unanimously.
• Items 9 and 25 were pulled from the agenda by County Manager Thomas; Item 9 (Open Space and Regional Parks Commission appointment) will be heard on October 27, 2026.
• New appointments announced: Vinita Busse as alternate to NTCD; Dr. Stephanie Woodard as Behavioral Health Administrator.
• Meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.