WASHOE COUNTY NEWS RELEASE
The Washoe County Board of Commissioners held its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, Oct. 22, and took action on items including the following: selected John Slaughter as the new county manager and directed staff to negotiate an employment contract; supported the Reno Justice Court’s effort to establish a state-funded community court pilot project; received the Interim Financial Report which shows the County continues its solid financial position; heard from Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) Chief Moore regarding the upcoming chipping program to aid residents to increase defensible space; acknowledged Jeff Shaffer for donations towards children’s services; appointed Sarah Chvilicek to the Washoe County Planning Commission; proclaimed Oct. 24, 2013, Food Day; proclaimed November, 2013, as National Family Caregivers Month in Washoe County; and gave a Resolution of Accomplishment to Ashley Graham.
Selection of new Washoe County Manager: Item 21. County Commissioners voted unanimously to select John Slaughter as the new Washoe County Manager. The search for candidates began in early August after the retirement of longtime Manager Katy Simon, and was conducted by Ralph Andersen & Associates (RAA). This extensive process included a series of 6 panels with nearly 60 panel members from all across the community. Commissioners narrowed the field from eight to five finalists during today’s morning session. This was followed by the afternoon session, with Commissioners holding in depth interviews with the five finalists. Following those final interviews, Slaughter was unanimously selected to be the next County Manager. Slaughter has worked for Washoe County since 1986 when he started as a land use planner. He has also been a strategic planning manager and was named Acting Assistant County Manager in July. Slaughter has coordinated the County’s Government and Legislative Affairs Program and represented the County as lead lobbyist at the Nevada Legislature from 2001-2013.
“We are very pleased with the process the Board went through, how it was conducted and the outstanding group of candidates that it produced,” said Washoe County Board of Commissioners Chairman David Humke. “The Board of Commissioners really appreciates the hard work everyone put into this effort which included a very extensive search process. We look forward to having John lead us into the next chapter for Washoe County.”
The Board directed the Interim County Manager to negotiate the terms of an employment agreement for consideration and approval on Tuesday, Nov. 12, during the regularly scheduled Board meeting.
State-funded community court pilot project: Item 11. County Commissioners supported the Reno Justice Court’s effort to establish a state-funded Community Court Pilot (CCP) project pursuant to Nevada Assembly Bill 415 (AB 415) which provides an alternative to formal sentencing of people charged with misdemeanor crimes. “The Reno Justice Court’s CCP program is the fourth largest specialty court program in Nevada and serves an average of 300 defendants,” said Reno Justice Court Chief Judge Scott Pearson. “The CCP is estimated to have saved more than $3 million in incarceration expenses since it began in July, 2000 by reducing recidivism and court and jail expenses.” Passed by the Nevada Legislature in 2013, AB 415 authorizes counties to establish community court pilot projects within their justice courts.
Interim Financial Report: Item 9.H.2. The County’s most recent financial information for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2013. “Washoe County continues to have a strong financial position,” said Interim Finance Director Cynthia Washburn. “Revenues were up 5 percent, expenditures are on track and we’re on budget.” For more information, visit www.washoecounty.us/finance/currentFYIFR.htm.
TMFPD update: Item 12. Chief Charles Moore said it’s not likely there will be an open burning period in the time remaining before air quality restrictions prohibit the practice. “We do have an alternative in the upcoming chipping program,” said Moore. “All citizens need to do is to document 15 hours of work, whether by an individual or neighborhood, pile the materials for chipping in one location and we will do the chipping. The Nevada Division of Forestry, who sponsors this grant, encourages citizens to take care of their own defensible space, and participate as a neighborhood in this program. With the chipping materials left in place, homeowners can use it mulch.” Visit the curbside chipping program for more information.
Acknowledged donors to Social Services: Item 9.E. Commissioners thanked Jeff Shaffer of A&H Insurance for his donations to Washoe County Social Services throughout the past 15 years. A&H recently donated $622.50 and others also contributed through juror fee donations for a total of $1,886.45 from July 1-Sept. 30, 2013. The donations benefit children in care at the Kids Kottages.
Appointment to Planning Commission: Item 9.G.3. The Board approved the appointment of Reno resident Sarah Chvilicek to the Washoe County Planning Commission to represent District 5. Chvilicek has served as a member and chair of the North Valleys Citizens Advisory Board and is currently the Program Coordinator for the Washoe County 4-H Youth Development Programs for the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
Proclamations & a Resolution: Items 5-7. Commissioners proclaimed Oct. 24, 2013 Food Day. Americans from all 50 states will celebrate the third annual Food Day with celebrations of healthy, affordable and sustainably produced food. The Board also proclaimed Nov. 2013 as National Family Caregivers Month. Organized each year by the National Family Caregivers Association, the month is designated every year to identify, thank, support, educate and empower caregivers. Commissioners also recognized Ashley Graham, President of Community Affect, Editor and Chief of 100Affect Magazine and the founder and CEO of Plum11,Inc, with a Resolution of Accomplishment. Plum11, Inc. is a Reno marketing and branding firm which celebrates the courage and the character of the Reno/Tahoe community.
