District Board of Health Meeting Summary – October 22, 2026

The District Board of Health of Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) convened on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Key actions included the adoption of revised dust control regulations, extensive debate on proposed fee increases for Air Quality and Environmental Health programs, approval of the REMSA Community Investment Fund protocol, and unanimous adoption of performance evaluation goals for the District Health Officer.

Consent Calendar

• The Board unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included:
• Approval of the September 24, 2026, draft minutes.
• Acceptance of state subawards for the TB Prevention Program ($109,006), ASPR Public Health Preparedness ($471,713 with $47,171 cash match), Rural Health Transformation ($523,807), and the Tobacco Prevention and Control Grant ($264,580).
• A service agreement with National Jewish Health for tobacco cessation coaching not to exceed $138,278.
• $500 administrative penalties for Zippy Mart, Peavine Construction, and UNR Main Station Farm for uncontested gasoline vapor recovery testing violations.
• Acceptance of the 2025 Annual Report as the Solid Waste Management Authority.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Maria Paz Fernandez, Deputy Chief of Facilities Maintenance and Capital Programs for the Washoe County School District (WCSD), expressed opposition to the proposed fee increases (Item 11). She stated WCSD's annual fees would rise by an estimated $100,000, from approximately $235,000 to $335,000, and requested the board consider waiving fees or phasing in increases.
• Dan Morgan, representing the Builders Association of Northern Nevada, requested the board defer action on the fee increases. He argued the proposed 57–97% increases for some services lacked sufficient transparency and documented justification, and requested adequate time for stakeholder evaluation.
• No speakers presented during the final public comment period.

REMSA Health Monthly Report

• Presentation: CEO Barry Duplantis reported 7,334 emergency calls, 4,692 transports, and a 98% patient satisfaction rate in September 2026. Priority 1 average response times were 5:24 (Reno), 5:38 (Sparks), and 8:25 (Washoe County). He noted anticipated call volume increases due to Medicaid changes and discussed dispatch consolidation efforts.
• Board Discussion: Board Member Driscoll criticized the 10% late response rate, noting 25 daily calls where fire resources hold scenes and requesting better exemption data. Board Member Brown and Chair Reese challenged the relevance of the 8-minute 59-second standard, emphasizing the need to focus on patient outcomes rather than an archaic industry metric.
• Outcome: The report was accepted unanimously.

Community Investment Fund Protocol

• Presentation: Andrea Esp presented the formal protocol for the REMSA Community Investment Fund, which outlines a review process (EMS Program → Joint Advisory Board → District Health Officer) for eligible expenditures such as car seats, AEDs, and data repositories.
• Outcome: The Board unanimously approved the protocol. Chair Reese confirmed the District Health Officer retains final spending authority under board policy.

Adoption of Dust Control Regulations – Chapter 040.030

• Presentation: Ben McGollen presented revisions to better define dust control permit processes, add track-out standards, remove archaic dust log requirements for non-permitted sites, and clarify administrative requirements. Board Member Anderson confirmed language was modified so that disputed fees at one site do not delay permits for other projects.
• Outcome: The revisions were adopted unanimously.

Air Quality and Environmental Health Fee Increases

• Presentation: Aaron Dixon presented the Business Impact Statements (BIS) for proposed fee increases. The study by MGT Consulting aimed at achieving full cost recovery. Staff detailed extensive outreach (12,400+ emails, postcards, workshops) but acknowledged stakeholder concerns about the magnitude of the increases.
• Board Action: Board Member Anderson moved to approve the Business Impact Statements while directing staff to return to the November meeting with an analysis of a phased implementation approach and to continue addressing stakeholder concerns before the public hearing scheduled for December 17, 2026. The motion passed unanimously.

District Health Officer Performance Evaluation Goals

• Presentation: Jan Perkins (Raftelis) facilitated the goal-setting process. District Health Officer Chad Kingsley presented seven goals: Staff Communication & Culture, Board Partnership, Leadership Clarity, Workforce & Strategic Plan, Effectiveness & Preparedness, Financial Stability, and Community Health.
• Board Feedback: Board Members agreed on the seven goals but emphasized the need for weighting. Driscoll highlighted the strategic plan and accreditation. Reese and Anderson emphasized staff culture, organizational effectiveness, and financial stability.
• Outcome: The Board unanimously approved the 2026-2027 goals and outcomes.

Staff Reports and Program Updates

• Air Quality Management: Reported zero exceedances of ozone/PM standards in September. Noted $180 million in national DERA funding. Burn code season resumes November 1.
• Community and Clinical Health Services: Showcased the "Mama Care Kits" program for postpartum support and the upcoming Stillbirth Prevention Conference. Board Member Anderson expressed concern over rising fetal demise rates in Washoe County.
• Environmental Health Services: Announced the first positive West Nile virus samples of the season (Sparks area).
• Population Health: Dr. Diao reported an early, severe flu season with H1N1 predominant, 12 hospitalizations in the first week of the season, and the first flu-related death of the season (unvaccinated elderly male, 80s). Farewelled Epidemiology Fellow Emily Nelson.
• Office of the District Health Officer: Updated on building renovations and installation of a new community mural.