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Agenda Item
3. Public Comment. Comment heard under this item will be limited to three minutes per person and may pertain to matters both on and off the Commission agenda. The Commission will also hear public comment during individual action items, with comment limited to three minutes per person. Comments are to be made to the Commission as a whole. Virtual Public Comment Eligible when facilities are available.
Public comment is welcomed during public comment periods and is limited to 3 minutes per person per public comment period. Unused time may not be allocated to other speakers. A speaker's viewpoint will not be restricted; however, reasonable restrictions may be imposed upon the time, place, and manner of speech. Irrelevant statements, unduly repetitious statements, and personal attacks that would objectively antagonize or incite others are examples of speech that may be reasonably limited. All comments are to be directed to the Commission as a whole.
The Board of County Commissioners carries out the business of Washoe County and its residents during its meetings. The presiding officer may order a person be removed if the person's conduct or statements disrupt the order or safety of the meeting. Warnings about disruptive conduct or comments may or may not be given prior to removal.
Furthermore, certain disruptions of a public meeting are criminal acts as defined under NRS 203.090 and/or NRS 203.119 which may result in prosecution in appropriate cases.
As a full time resident of Incline Village Crystal Bay I ask that you reflect upon the ongoing California wildfires and direct that the 2025 Washoe County Hazard Mitigation Plan be revised to include a requirement that an updated evacuation study and then an evacuation plan be prepared for Incline Village Crystal Bay, and to identify and suggest treatment of the unique risks of wildfire evacuation in the community. The current draft after identifying IVCB as having a high risk of wildfire, then only addresses mitigation by stating under a heading Opportunities to Expand/Improve Mitigation Planning" that "An updated evacuation plan for Incline Village/Crystal Bay is needed. Washoe County could apply for additional planing grants for an evacuation study". The HMP does not describe available actions to mitigate hazards, risks and vulnerabilities of wildfire risks, including roadway evacuation capacity or the unique IVCB roadway capactiy constrained by wildland urban interface and steep slopes, nor is there a discussion of the risks of a fast moving wildland fire evacuation risk in connection with expanded development, increased ADUs, increased height and density, etc. The Hazrd Mitigation Plan provides a real opportunity for protecting the life safety of Incline Village Crystal Bay residents, workers and visitors. Additionally when reviewing upcoming Commission Priorities, all but one of the Commissioners mentioned concerns about evacuation from their districts so disaster evacuation should be a priority. Thank you. Diane Becker,
As a long time Reno resident, retired Washoe County school district teacher, mother and grandmother, I urge you to continue library funding near the 4.5 million dollar level, funding which was first put into place in 1994 under the direction of Library Director, Martha Gould. The funding gave stable funding to our library system and provided the resources to build new branches including South Valleys and Spanish Springs. This amount provided funds for staffing, materials, and building maintenance. .
Please avoid library staff cuts, branch closures, hour reductions and weekend closures. The materials’ budget will be decimated. We need books, audio books, magazines and newspapers to read instead of social media. The expansion fund provided funds for the majority of the materials budget, with $2.14 per resident spent on library materials. Since WC-1 failed to pass, the materials budget will be reduced to a meager 11 cents per resident without County funding materials. Comparing west-coast county libraries of similar size, our library materials budget is near the bottom. Do not put us at rock bottom for materials spending when we need MORE high quality resources to nurture a literate electorate.
The return on this small investment is huge. The library is not just a place to get books. The library offers a myriad of services including a meeting place for every member of the community. Whether you are a senior like myself or the youngest member of the community, the library has a book, a program, or a resource for you. For example, the library offers a wonderful service called “Discover N Go.” As a grandparent and senior, it is impossible to imagine not having library resources. The library supports the life-long learning of all Washoe County residents. It’s expanded as our community has grown. Now is the time to support further expansion through services like the book mobile to outlying areas and possibly a new building in the North Valleys.
Your funding decisions will impact future generations of Nevadans. Will we have the same experiences of enjoying wonderful libraries for the next 30 years. The answer is clear - strong libraries support and build a strong community!
I am writing today to ask the Commissioners to continue Washoe County Library funding at its current levels. Cutting library services would be catastrophic for the community. Less than half of third graders can read at grade level in Washoe County. They are behind in every proficiency for students to succeed and live rich, full lives. Washoe County a has a unique opportunity to strengthen our foundation and transform the future for our children by making a bold commitment to early literacy and the expansion of early childhood programs. All of which are spearheaded by our wonderful libraries. If the libraries aren't funded, local businesses hoping to hire skilled workers will see a reduction in qualified applicants. Education is essential to the growth of our community. WCLS partnerships with the United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra, Northern Nevada Literacy Council, and other early literacy/adult education organizations would have opportunities reduced as they won’t have libraries and staff available to provide support. A drastic cut like the 4.5 million hit that could happen would severely hinder the library's ability to serve the public for years to come.
My name is Julie Ullman. I am the Branch Manager at the South Valleys Library.
The Library is an important resource for the entire community from Seniors to Babies. Just this morning I assisted an 85-year-old with her iPhone and iPad. Her kids and grandkids don't live in Washoe County and she needs to be able to stay in communication with her family, but also with our modern society. She uses the Libby app to read books on her iPad. Now she can also read the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal by accessing them electronically through the Library. For free.
If you cut the Library's budget, who will be hurt?
Seniors who need assistance with technology.
Community groups who use the Library's FREE meeting rooms, wifi and a/v technology for their HOA's, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, LaCrosse Teams, Homeschool Groups....the list goes on and on with thousands of people using the meeting rooms at all the branches every single year.
If the Libraries are only open on weekdays, when will working parents by able to bring their families to visit the library? How will being closed on weekends help increase the literacy rate in our students?
If you want a healthy, vibrant community that attracts businesses and new residents, you need a healthy, vibrant Library.
The money is there in the General Fund, it is still being collected through property taxes, just as it has every day for the last 30 years. Please use it to fully fund the Library's budget just as you do for every County department.
My name is Allison Bulow and I am requesting that the Washoe County Commissioners vote to continue to fund our libraries at their current rate. My two children have grown up going to our local libraries for numerous activities including Toddler Story Time, Dungeons and Dragons, Girls Scouts, Lego building, and Crafting time. My children are both homeschooled and if our local library is no longer offering these special events and activities I know it will affect their social and emotional learning. Libraries are absolutely essential to our community please continue to fund them.
My name is Christine Werlein, and I work at the South Valleys Library. I am asking the Commissioners to continue funding the Washoe County Libraries at their current rate, so operations and programs may continue uninterrupted.
I am not just asking for myself. I love my job, and can't see myself working anywhere else. I would hate to see my talented colleagues at South Valleys and across the library system lose their jobs due to budget cuts.
My concern is about more than jobs. I would hate to see the people we serve in Washoe County lose the valuable resource that is the library. A library is a lot more than just books on a shelf.
It's the babies who bond with their caregivers and learn about the world at Baby Storytime and Baby Social.
It's the preschoolers and toddlers who learn that literacy can be fun at Storytime.
It's the families who enjoy time together at Crafternoon.
It's the aspiring scientists who get to explore different aspects of the sciences, math, and art at STEAM programs.
It's the seniors who need assistance with ID Me or resumes or their devices who get help from librarians.
It's the adults who come to socialize and experience something new through our programs.
It's the teens who join the Dungeons and Dragons clubs or attend Maker events to learn and make new friends.
It's the connections and community that the library creates every day, for every patron. Libraries are for everyone.
Many of the library s programs, materials, outreaches, and offerings would be drastically cut or eliminated if the current funding from WC1 was eliminated. The people of Washoe County deserve the opportunities and services of a fully funded system.
Please honor the people of Washoe County by keeping library funding intact, now and in the future. Libraries are essential.
Please continue adequately allocating funds to support our Washoe County libraries.
I wholeheartedly believe it was an unfortunate misunderstanding that prevented this matter to succeed in the polls, but allowing this misunderstanding to strip our libraries from the funding they need to stay open till 6, being available on Saturdays, and provide access to all these amazing youth programs across Washoe County - it would be a tragic escalation of an unfortunate aftermath.
I'd like to take a moment to express my support for the passage of agenda items 7.D.1 and 7.D.2 at this week's meeting. As you're probably aware, the meeting rooms at our public libraries get a lot of use week in and week out. Keeping the audio/visual technology in said rooms up to date is imperative in order for my fellow library staff and I to continue to meet the needs of our patrons and meeting room users. Having previously worked at the Spanish Springs and Sparks branches -- as well as at an outreach event at the Incline Village branch -- I can personally vouch for just how appreciated these updates would be, both by staff and patrons alike.
I'd also like to continue to urge you to restore library funding to its current levels in your next budget. Thank you for your time.
I joined the Men’s Crossroads community nearly three months ago after an in-patient treatment program in Elko. Upon arrival, I was extremely apprehensive and somewhat egotistical by nature. What soon followed would change the course of my life and ways of thinking forever.
Crossroads has taught me important life skills and helped me identify my strengths, opportunity for improvements, and my true passion for servicing others. I am now actively pursuing a career and lifestyle that helps others lead happier, healthier, more meaningful lives. We THANK YOU for seeing the value in our Crossroads Community and for all of your support in our efforts to continue transforming lives and witnessing miracles unfold.
I would like to Thank You for your continued support to the Men's Crossroads Program. As a current member of the community, your support is essential to not only the Washoe County Community but also the Recovery Community. At times, we in the recovery community feel that we are stigmatize for our pasts, which hinders our ability to move forward as people. Pledging your support to us shows that we are not alone in our fight against addiction. The Crossroads Program has changed my life in ways that I could never have fathomed and has given me hope that I can become a productive member of the community as well as reaching my full potential as a recovered person. Thank you again for your belief in the members of the Recovery Community, especially the Crossroad's Community!
Sincerely,
Jared Wojciechowski
Current Crossroads Member
Esteemed commissioners...
My name is Malcolm Chappel. I am a Graduate of the Crossroads supportive housing program. My entire life has changed as a direct result of a group of people deciding to invest in the lives of people like me. Words can barely express the gratitude I hold for the life I experience today. I am eternally grateful. Thank you for seeing Crossroads... For seeing the value Crossroads brings to our community... And for your decision to invest in the lives of others. Decisions like these offer the same life changing opportunities that were afforded to me. So... I say again... Thank you.
As a full time resident of Incline Village Crystal Bay I ask that you reflect upon the ongoing California wildfires and direct that the 2025 Washoe County Hazard Mitigation Plan be revised to include a requirement that an updated evacuation study and then an evacuation plan be prepared for Incline Village Crystal Bay, and to identify and suggest treatment of the unique risks of wildfire evacuation in the community. The current draft after identifying IVCB as having a high risk of wildfire, then only addresses mitigation by stating under a heading Opportunities to Expand/Improve Mitigation Planning" that "An updated evacuation plan for Incline Village/Crystal Bay is needed. Washoe County could apply for additional planing grants for an evacuation study". The HMP does not describe available actions to mitigate hazards, risks and vulnerabilities of wildfire risks, including roadway evacuation capacity or the unique IVCB roadway capactiy constrained by wildland urban interface and steep slopes, nor is there a discussion of the risks of a fast moving wildland fire evacuation risk in connection with expanded development, increased ADUs, increased height and density, etc. The Hazrd Mitigation Plan provides a real opportunity for protecting the life safety of Incline Village Crystal Bay residents, workers and visitors. Additionally when reviewing upcoming Commission Priorities, all but one of the Commissioners mentioned concerns about evacuation from their districts so disaster evacuation should be a priority. Thank you. Diane Becker,
As a long time Reno resident, retired Washoe County school district teacher, mother and grandmother, I urge you to continue library funding near the 4.5 million dollar level, funding which was first put into place in 1994 under the direction of Library Director, Martha Gould. The funding gave stable funding to our library system and provided the resources to build new branches including South Valleys and Spanish Springs. This amount provided funds for staffing, materials, and building maintenance. .
Please avoid library staff cuts, branch closures, hour reductions and weekend closures. The materials’ budget will be decimated. We need books, audio books, magazines and newspapers to read instead of social media. The expansion fund provided funds for the majority of the materials budget, with $2.14 per resident spent on library materials. Since WC-1 failed to pass, the materials budget will be reduced to a meager 11 cents per resident without County funding materials. Comparing west-coast county libraries of similar size, our library materials budget is near the bottom. Do not put us at rock bottom for materials spending when we need MORE high quality resources to nurture a literate electorate.
The return on this small investment is huge. The library is not just a place to get books. The library offers a myriad of services including a meeting place for every member of the community. Whether you are a senior like myself or the youngest member of the community, the library has a book, a program, or a resource for you. For example, the library offers a wonderful service called “Discover N Go.” As a grandparent and senior, it is impossible to imagine not having library resources. The library supports the life-long learning of all Washoe County residents. It’s expanded as our community has grown. Now is the time to support further expansion through services like the book mobile to outlying areas and possibly a new building in the North Valleys.
Your funding decisions will impact future generations of Nevadans. Will we have the same experiences of enjoying wonderful libraries for the next 30 years. The answer is clear - strong libraries support and build a strong community!
I am writing today to ask the Commissioners to continue Washoe County Library funding at its current levels. Cutting library services would be catastrophic for the community. Less than half of third graders can read at grade level in Washoe County. They are behind in every proficiency for students to succeed and live rich, full lives. Washoe County a has a unique opportunity to strengthen our foundation and transform the future for our children by making a bold commitment to early literacy and the expansion of early childhood programs. All of which are spearheaded by our wonderful libraries. If the libraries aren't funded, local businesses hoping to hire skilled workers will see a reduction in qualified applicants. Education is essential to the growth of our community. WCLS partnerships with the United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra, Northern Nevada Literacy Council, and other early literacy/adult education organizations would have opportunities reduced as they won’t have libraries and staff available to provide support. A drastic cut like the 4.5 million hit that could happen would severely hinder the library's ability to serve the public for years to come.
My name is Julie Ullman. I am the Branch Manager at the South Valleys Library.
The Library is an important resource for the entire community from Seniors to Babies. Just this morning I assisted an 85-year-old with her iPhone and iPad. Her kids and grandkids don't live in Washoe County and she needs to be able to stay in communication with her family, but also with our modern society. She uses the Libby app to read books on her iPad. Now she can also read the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal by accessing them electronically through the Library. For free.
If you cut the Library's budget, who will be hurt?
Seniors who need assistance with technology.
Community groups who use the Library's FREE meeting rooms, wifi and a/v technology for their HOA's, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, LaCrosse Teams, Homeschool Groups....the list goes on and on with thousands of people using the meeting rooms at all the branches every single year.
If the Libraries are only open on weekdays, when will working parents by able to bring their families to visit the library? How will being closed on weekends help increase the literacy rate in our students?
If you want a healthy, vibrant community that attracts businesses and new residents, you need a healthy, vibrant Library.
The money is there in the General Fund, it is still being collected through property taxes, just as it has every day for the last 30 years. Please use it to fully fund the Library's budget just as you do for every County department.
Thank you,
Julie Ullman
My name is Allison Bulow and I am requesting that the Washoe County Commissioners vote to continue to fund our libraries at their current rate. My two children have grown up going to our local libraries for numerous activities including Toddler Story Time, Dungeons and Dragons, Girls Scouts, Lego building, and Crafting time. My children are both homeschooled and if our local library is no longer offering these special events and activities I know it will affect their social and emotional learning. Libraries are absolutely essential to our community please continue to fund them.
My name is Christine Werlein, and I work at the South Valleys Library. I am asking the Commissioners to continue funding the Washoe County Libraries at their current rate, so operations and programs may continue uninterrupted.
I am not just asking for myself. I love my job, and can't see myself working anywhere else. I would hate to see my talented colleagues at South Valleys and across the library system lose their jobs due to budget cuts.
My concern is about more than jobs. I would hate to see the people we serve in Washoe County lose the valuable resource that is the library. A library is a lot more than just books on a shelf.
It's the babies who bond with their caregivers and learn about the world at Baby Storytime and Baby Social.
It's the preschoolers and toddlers who learn that literacy can be fun at Storytime.
It's the families who enjoy time together at Crafternoon.
It's the aspiring scientists who get to explore different aspects of the sciences, math, and art at STEAM programs.
It's the seniors who need assistance with ID Me or resumes or their devices who get help from librarians.
It's the adults who come to socialize and experience something new through our programs.
It's the teens who join the Dungeons and Dragons clubs or attend Maker events to learn and make new friends.
It's the connections and community that the library creates every day, for every patron. Libraries are for everyone.
Many of the library s programs, materials, outreaches, and offerings would be drastically cut or eliminated if the current funding from WC1 was eliminated. The people of Washoe County deserve the opportunities and services of a fully funded system.
Please honor the people of Washoe County by keeping library funding intact, now and in the future. Libraries are essential.
Thank you.
Please continue adequately allocating funds to support our Washoe County libraries.
I wholeheartedly believe it was an unfortunate misunderstanding that prevented this matter to succeed in the polls, but allowing this misunderstanding to strip our libraries from the funding they need to stay open till 6, being available on Saturdays, and provide access to all these amazing youth programs across Washoe County - it would be a tragic escalation of an unfortunate aftermath.
Esteemed County Commissioners,
I'd like to take a moment to express my support for the passage of agenda items 7.D.1 and 7.D.2 at this week's meeting. As you're probably aware, the meeting rooms at our public libraries get a lot of use week in and week out. Keeping the audio/visual technology in said rooms up to date is imperative in order for my fellow library staff and I to continue to meet the needs of our patrons and meeting room users. Having previously worked at the Spanish Springs and Sparks branches -- as well as at an outreach event at the Incline Village branch -- I can personally vouch for just how appreciated these updates would be, both by staff and patrons alike.
I'd also like to continue to urge you to restore library funding to its current levels in your next budget. Thank you for your time.
To our thoughtful Commissioners:
I joined the Men’s Crossroads community nearly three months ago after an in-patient treatment program in Elko. Upon arrival, I was extremely apprehensive and somewhat egotistical by nature. What soon followed would change the course of my life and ways of thinking forever.
Crossroads has taught me important life skills and helped me identify my strengths, opportunity for improvements, and my true passion for servicing others. I am now actively pursuing a career and lifestyle that helps others lead happier, healthier, more meaningful lives. We THANK YOU for seeing the value in our Crossroads Community and for all of your support in our efforts to continue transforming lives and witnessing miracles unfold.
Commissioner Herman,
I would like to Thank You for your continued support to the Men's Crossroads Program. As a current member of the community, your support is essential to not only the Washoe County Community but also the Recovery Community. At times, we in the recovery community feel that we are stigmatize for our pasts, which hinders our ability to move forward as people. Pledging your support to us shows that we are not alone in our fight against addiction. The Crossroads Program has changed my life in ways that I could never have fathomed and has given me hope that I can become a productive member of the community as well as reaching my full potential as a recovered person. Thank you again for your belief in the members of the Recovery Community, especially the Crossroad's Community!
Sincerely,
Jared Wojciechowski
Current Crossroads Member
Esteemed commissioners...
My name is Malcolm Chappel. I am a Graduate of the Crossroads supportive housing program. My entire life has changed as a direct result of a group of people deciding to invest in the lives of people like me. Words can barely express the gratitude I hold for the life I experience today. I am eternally grateful. Thank you for seeing Crossroads... For seeing the value Crossroads brings to our community... And for your decision to invest in the lives of others. Decisions like these offer the same life changing opportunities that were afforded to me. So... I say again... Thank you.