Public Meetings - Washoe County, Nevada

Washoe County Board of County Commissioners Special Meeting - October 27, 2025: County Manager Recruitment and Selection\n\nThe Washoe County Board of County Commissioners held a special meeting on October 27, 2025, beginning at 9:01 a.m., to conduct the final stage of the county manager recruitment process. The board interviewed four top candidates—James Doar, Laura Freed, Tyler Stone, and Kate Thomas—and ultimately voted unanimously to select Kate Thomas, the current interim county manager, for the position. The meeting also included public comment periods both before and after the interviews.\n\n Public Comments & Testimony\n- Paul White (Education Crusade) criticized the process as a "done deal" and called for the resignation of Kate Thomas, citing the homeless crisis and the CARES campus. He urged the board to cancel the selection and reopen a nationwide search.\n- Drew Rebar (candidate for Assembly District 40) expressed frustration with the county's handling of his federal lawsuit and alleged an assault by a deputy district attorney. He implied the selection was predetermined.\n- Farrah Downey defended Kate Thomas, noting the challenges of COVID-19 and homelessness, praised Thomas's character and availability, and argued that the CARES campus has been a national model.\n- Tristan Gomez questioned the selection of Kate Thomas, citing the RAFTELUS report that found the manager's office deficient in all areas. She expressed concern about the lack of accountability.\n- Erston Whitten (nonprofit representative) voiced strong support for Kate Thomas, highlighting her communication skills, collaboration, and progress made since she became interim manager.\n- Trista Gomez (second appearance) reiterated her support for Tyler Stone, praising his ability to articulate specific outcomes and his track record of empowering experts and collaborating with residents.\n- Todd Bailey (Nevada Accountability) emphasized the importance of the county manager hire and urged the board to consider the growing vulnerable population due to affordability issues.\n- Susan Walls offered general remarks on the recruitment process, expressing optimism for the future.\n\n Discussion Items\n- The board heard a presentation from Human Resources Director Patricia Hurley and recruiter Pam Derby (CPS) on the nationwide recruitment process, which began in June 2025. Over 100 applications were received, and the top five candidates were identified; one withdrew due to a family medical emergency.\n- The board conducted 45-minute interviews with each of the four candidates, asking the same nine questions covering topics such as transparency, organizational culture, fiscal sustainability, regional collaboration, ethical dilemmas, and strategic planning.\n- James Doar (County Administrator, Gallatin County, MT) emphasized over-communication, a direct style, and a philosophy of serving as the "head of the hired help." He referenced the RAFTELUS report and promised to avoid being a "sixth commissioner."\n- Laura Freed (Director of Admin Services, RTC, NV) stressed frequent clear communication, operational excellence, and experience with budget cycles. She highlighted her work with the state's ERP project and the RTC's public outreach efforts.\n- Tyler Stone (Chief Administrative Officer, Wasco County, OR) focused on breaking down barriers, empowering department heads, and using tools like the STARS model and Jim Collins' "Good to Great." He discussed his success in turning around a $2 million deficit and building reserves.\n- Kate Thomas (Interim County Manager, Washoe County) emphasized her deep institutional knowledge, established relationships, and ongoing work on the strategic plan, the sequential intercept model (SIM), and the CARES campus. She noted her commitment to transparency and communication.\n- Commissioner Clark commented that he has seen a "180-degree change" in the county since June under Kate Thomas's interim leadership.\n- After the interviews, the board used a forced-ranking process to determine their top candidate.\n\n Key Outcomes\n- The board voted unanimously (4-0, with Vice Chair Herman absent) to select Kate Thomas as the Washoe County Manager.\n- The motion was made by Commissioner Garcia and seconded by Commissioner Andriola.\n- The board directed staff to begin negotiation of an employment contract with Ms. Thomas.\n- The meeting adjourned at 12:47 p.m.

The Washoe County District Board of Health met on October 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. The meeting included recognitions, approvals of consent items, staff reports, and public comments. Notably, Item 10 regarding the REMSA Health franchise agreement was removed from the agenda before approval. The board recognized first responders, awarded an Excellence in Food Safety award, and accepted the REMSA monthly report. Consent Calendar - Approved the September 25, 2025 draft minutes. - Approved updates to the Northern Nevada Public Health Employee Policy Manual for FY2026, including changes to 13 policies, addition of 5 policies, and combination of 2 policies. - Approved a $127,598 EPA grant agreement for Air Quality Management (retroactive to April 1, 2025). - Approved a $376,124 subaward from the State of Nevada for the HIV Prevention Program (retroactive to June 1, 2025). - Adopted the rescission of certain EPA-approved Air District Regulations in the Nevada State Implementation Plan. - Upheld two uncontested citations (Renn Transportation, Inc. and Maverick, Inc.) each with a $500.00 administrative penalty for vapor control system violations. - Acknowledged the Health Fund Financial Review for September FY2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Aaron Abbott (CEO, Technical Medical EMS Services) expressed concern over proposed language in Item 10 (subsequently removed), arguing that Section 2.1 would grant exclusive rights for air ambulance ground transport, reducing competition and imposing unnecessary regulation. He noted that multiple providers are currently necessary for such services. - William Baker (Intermountain Health) expressed strong opposition to Section 2.1, stating it likely violates the federal Airline Deregulation Act, undermines free market principles, and patient choice. He urged the board to remove or amend the exclusivity language. Discussion Items - Recognition of Reaccreditation: Dr. Kingsley announced NNPH received reaccreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board, affirming rigorous standards. - Special Recognitions: Andrea Esp received the Nevada Emergency Management Certification. Scott Strickler (20 years) and Jessi Salim (10 years) were honored for service. - Health Heroes: Mike Escobar (ODHO), Gloriana Alvarez (AHS), and Elizabet Munoz (CCHS) were recognized for demonstrating core values. - Crash Responder Safety Week Proclamation: The board recognized November 17–21, 2025 as Crash Responder Safety Week, noting 45 first responders lost nationally in 2024. - Excellence in Food Safety Award: Peg's Glorified Ham N Eggs on Lemmon Drive received the award for maintaining three consecutive passing scores, certifying 70% of staff, and demonstrating active managerial control. Owner Fred Lee accepted. - REMSA Health Monthly Report (September 2025): CEO Barry Duplantis reported 91% compliance in Zone A and 96% in zones BCD, 8,471 priority-one calls, 5,539 transports, and a customer survey score of 93.71. Caitlin Roberts was recognized as a Star of Life. The board accepted the report. - Item 10 – REMSA Amendment: Removed from the agenda as announced by the Chair at the start of the meeting. - 2026 Meeting Calendar: Approved unanimously. - Staff Reports: - Air Quality Management (Francisco Vega): Discussed the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act, no exceedances in September, 100% plan review completion, and challenges with stationary source permit renewals (only 7 of 12 applications submitted). - Community and Clinical Health Services (Christina Sheppard): COVID vaccines available, prioritizing children and uninsured; WIC funding uncertain beyond October 31; contingency plans in place. - Environmental Health Services (Robert Fyda): Reported on food safety mentoring for other counties, staff presentations at UNR, high demand for plan review office hours, vector season wrap-up, septic regulation workshops with 100 attendees, and a consultant (Dr. Wrangler) evaluating EHS operations. - Population Health (Nancy Diao): XDRO database now live with two hospitals on board; respiratory viruses circulating at low levels (Flu A H3); new interactive respiratory dashboard launched. - Office of the District Health Officer (Chad Kingsley): Community health assessment ongoing; staff training on system processes conducted; state funds approved for infrastructure. Key Outcomes - Consent items approved unanimously. - REMSA Health monthly franchise report accepted unanimously. - 2026 Board of Health meeting calendar approved unanimously. - Item 10 (REMSA franchise amendment) was removed from the agenda and not discussed. - The board acknowledged the ongoing federal government shutdown impact on data comparisons and WIC funding.

The Washoe County Board of Commissioners met on October 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including a fire season update from Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue, a presentation from the Verdi TV District addressing transparency concerns, an RTC report on transportation funding and Intelligent Transportation Systems, a status update on the Raftelis organizational assessment, discussion of master plan implementation priorities, and the first reading of ordinances to extend a development agreement for Silver Hills and to dissolve the Department of Alternative Sentencing. The meeting also included public comment on several items and, notably, the announcement of two candidates running for the District 5 seat in the 2026 election. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes for the September 9, 2025 meeting. - Acknowledged communications and reports received by the Clerk. - Approved roll change requests for tax roll errors (cumulative decrease of $60,063.74). - Accepted a Grant of Trail Easement from TMWA for a portage trail and wayfinding signage. - Approved an ArrowCreek HOA Open Space Access Agreement for non-motorized access points. - Acknowledged a $1,228 grant for the Washoe County Law Library (no County match required). - Approved District 3 and District 5 Commission District Special Fund disbursements (with the Reno Elks Lodge $5,000 donation deferred pending IRS clearance). - Accepted a $5,000 Our Rescue grant for a VIP Lite software subscription for the Sheriff’s Office. Public Comments & Testimony - Terry Brooks spoke about the positive impact of gender diversity in education. - Vicky Railton expressed frustration with the Verdi TV District's lack of transparency and requested a financial investigation. - Nicole Harris (Senior Rescue Magazine) thanked Commissioner Herman for a $5,000 donation to a senior cooking class, noting 80 seniors attended the first event. - Tammy Holt Still announced her candidacy for the District 5 seat in the 2026 election, emphasizing government transparency. - Russ Earl (Silver Knolls resident) opposed the Silver Hills development extension (Item 17), calling it a "ghost project" and citing infrastructure and traffic concerns. - Blake Vanderwell (President & CEO of Senior ResQ) thanked Commissioner Herman and Commissioner Clark for donations and urged more support for senior rental assistance. - Catherine Yarte (District 5 resident) announced her candidacy for the District 5 seat and advocated for collaboration, common-sense leadership, and support for rural communities. - Oscar Williams criticized the proposed organizational chart, arguing it lacks direct lines of communication between the Registrar of Voters and the Board, and the Clerk and the Registrar. - Susan Walls thanked Washoe County staff and library volunteers but expressed concerns about dysfunction on the Library Board of Trustees, recommending additional training. - Anna Pageau (North Red Rock area resident) spoke on Item 12, detailing challenges with business licensing for her small farm due to code limitations on agritourism in rural zones, and urged revising language to support all agricultural locations. - Jill O'Leary raised concerns about fraudulent liens being filed without verification, requesting a legally compliant intake policy at the Washoe County Recorder's Office. - Maureen McElroy criticized federal government actions and urged local officials to support lawful, fair governance. - Trista Gomez commented on the county manager recruitment process, noting that residents often feel disregarded and that their concerns are not heard. - Catherine Yarte (again) urged prioritization of equine business code modernization, sharing her 26-month experience navigating the process. - Tammy Holt Still (again) opposed the Silver Hills development, citing inconsistency with the master plan and lack of infrastructure. - Kendra Bertschy (Reno Justice Court Judge) expressed concerns about the proposed dissolution of DAS, stating it does not align with national pretrial service standards and may disrupt successful programs. - Mark Wickman (DAS) noted that DAS provides post-sentencing supervision for misdemeanors for justice courts and expressed concerns about the transition. Discussion Items - Fire Season Update (Item 3.A.1): Chief Edwards reported that no fires larger than five acres have occurred in over 45 days, and national preparedness is at Level 1. He emphasized continued vigilance due to potential wind events. Commissioner Garcia asked about the impact of the federal government shutdown on federal partner support, and Chief Edwards stated no impacts have been observed. The Chief also noted 354 loads of green waste collected in East Lake and 366 in Silver Lake, with two more collection events scheduled for October 25. - Verdi TV District Presentation (Item 6.A.1): Chairman Hud Horton provided an overview of the district’s history, governance, and operations, emphasizing that all expenditures are processed through the Washoe County Comptroller. Multiple commissioners pressed for greater transparency, noting the website was not yet fully operational (required by AB 301 by October 1). The board expressed concerns about the district’s decision to exempt itself from audit reporting for 2024-2026, though the board clarified that audits are still filed with the Department of Taxation. Commissioner Andriola recommended an independent audit. Interim Manager Thomas clarified that the district is a separate governmental entity and that staff will work to improve the website and provide a single point of contact. - RTC Update (Item 6.B.1): Bill Thomas presented an update on RTC activities, including a $1.4 billion shortfall in maintenance funding over the next 10 years. He discussed the Guinn Center study’s recommendations for addressing the decline in fuel tax revenue due to EVs and hybrids, including a flat registration fee for EVs (estimated at $200-250/year). The board supported pursuing legislative action to charge EVs and hybrids. Thomas also highlighted the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and the planned Traffic Management Center. - Raftelis Organizational Assessment Update (Item 6.C.1): Interim Manager Kate Thomas reported that 10 of 12 recommendations from the Raftelis assessment have been started or completed, including weekly board briefs, one-on-one meetings with commissioners, and quarterly meetings with elected officials. Six priority items remain in process, including agenda-setting reforms and enhanced onboarding for new officials. - Master Plan Priorities (Item 12): The board discussed and voted on a revised priority order for implementing the Envision Washoe 2040 Master Plan. After a motion by Commissioner Andriola, seconded by Commissioner Garcia, the board approved the following order: 1) Countywide affordable housing, 2) Equine businesses, 3) Agritourism, 4) Heat mitigation, 5) Dark skies, 6) Public noticing. The motion passed unanimously. - Silver Hills Development Agreement (Item 17): The board voted to introduce Bill No. 1939, the first reading of an ordinance to extend the deadline for recording the final map for Silver Hills (a 358-lot subdivision) to August 24, 2029. The motion was made by Commissioner Andriola and seconded by Commissioner Garcia; it passed unanimously. A public hearing and second reading are scheduled for November 18, 2025. - Dissolution of Department of Alternative Sentencing (DAS) (Item 18): The board voted to introduce Bill No. 1940, the first reading of an ordinance to repeal Chapter 11 of the Washoe County Code, thereby dissolving DAS. The motion was made by Chair Hill and seconded by Commissioner Clark; it passed unanimously. A public hearing and second reading are scheduled for November 18, 2025. Implementation is targeted for January 1, 2026. Several commissioners emphasized the need for continued stakeholder engagement, particularly with Reno Justice Court. Key Outcomes - Master Plan Priorities: The board revised the priority order for master plan implementation, placing countywide affordable housing first, followed by equine businesses, agritourism, heat mitigation, dark skies, and public noticing. This was approved unanimously. - First Reading of Silver Hills Extension (Bill 1939): Introduced; public hearing and second reading set for November 18, 2025. - First Reading of DAS Dissolution (Bill 1940): Introduced; public hearing and second reading set for November 18, 2025, with a target implementation date of January 1, 2026. - Deferred Donation: The $5,000 donation to Reno Elks Lodge was deferred pending IRS clearance of their 501(c)(3) status. - H.E.R.O.E.S. Among Us Day Proclamation: Approved unanimously. - National Friends of Libraries Week Proclamation: Approved unanimously. - Donation Acknowledgment: The board retroactively acknowledged donations totaling $8,529.45 to the Second Judicial District Court's Reading Room Project. - Consent Items and Block Vote: All consent items and items 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 were approved unanimously. Board of County Commissioners Meeting - October 21, 2025 Additional procedural notes: The board recognized that two candidates have announced for the District 5 seat in the 2026 election: Tammy Holt Still and Catherine Yarte. The recruitment process for a permanent County Manager will include a meet-and-greet on October 26 and a special meeting for interviews on October 27.