Around the Arch Blog

Today, the Reno City Council approved an agreement with the Veteran’s Guest House for $200,000 in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to expand housing services provided to veterans and their families seeking medical assistance at the Veterans Administration Hospital.

The funds will be used for the acquisition of property adjacent to the Guest House, renovating an existing structure and providing up to 12 additional client beds.

The Reno City Council made assisting veterans a priority in the City’s fiscal year 2010/2011 Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Action Plan.

The Veterans Guest House, a 501(c)3 organization located at the corner of Locust and Taylor Streets, was founded in 1994 as “home away from home” for U.S. military service veterans receiving medical treatment at the VA Hospital and for families of veterans who are receiving care at facilities in the Reno/Sparks area. For a number of years the Veterans Guest House desired to expand its existing facility in order to better meet the housing needs of the veterans and their families. Many of the clients served have limited financial means to meet their housing needs while receiving care and need to be close to the hospital to access treatment or assist and support their family members. The Guest House’s policy is that no qualified veteran is turned away.

The CDBG Program provides annual direct grants to communities that can be used to expand affordable housing and economic opportunities, to revitalize neighborhoods, and/or to improve community facilities and services, principally for the benefit of low to moderate income individuals.

The City of Reno receives annual CDBG allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Sidewalk improvements in the Linden-Grove area, the Oliver-Montello Neighborhood Revitalization, numerous pedestrian ramps within our community, and the West Street Market are just some examples of beneficial projects that were funded with the assistance of the CDBG Program.

For more information about Reno’s CDBG Program visit www.reno.gov, select “Government”, then “City Manager’s Office”, and “Community Resources.”

The Reno City Council has accepted a $2,555 grant from the Nevada Arts Council for an art education program for senior citizens.

The funding will provide a series of artist-led workshops, which culminate in community performances by adults 55 years and older, focusing on music of the late 1920’s through the early 1940’s.

The grant will be matched by the City of Reno through a variety of in-kind sources including Parks, Recreation, and Community Service staff time, facility use, design services, and program budget. There will not be any financial impact to the City’s general fund.

To learn how the City of Reno is working to support, enhance the lives, and meet the needs of seniors in our community visit www.reno.gov, click  “Government,” then “Parks, Recreation & Community Services,” and “Senior Programs.”

A contract, approved by the Reno City Council on Wednesday, will enable low income residents with disabilities to continue to live independently.

The $26,000 contract with Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living (NNCIL) will provide for accessibility improvements to homes of Reno residents. The funding is through Community Block Grants (CDBG).

NNCIL provides comprehensive services to the area’s disabled population. Each year since 1985 the City has provided CDBG funds to NNCIL for accessibility modifications. Under last fiscal year’s contract, NNCIL installed improvements such as ramps, grab bars, threshold ramps, porch lifts, handheld showers, ADA toilets, and widened doors. Additionally, they provided 272 individuals and businesses with technical assistance with ADA compliance.

The CDBG Program provides annual direct grants to communities that can be used to expand affordable housing and economic opportunities, to revitalize neighborhoods, and/or to improve community facilities and services, principally for the benefit of low to moderate income individuals.

The City of Reno receives annual CDBG allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Sidewalk improvements in the Linden-Grove area, the Oliver-Montello Neighborhood Revitalization, numerous pedestrian ramps within our community, and the West Street Market are just some examples of beneficial projects that were funded with the assistance of the CDBG Program.

For more information about Reno’s CDBG Program visit www.reno.gov, select “Government”, then “City Manager’s Office”, and “Community Resources.”

The Reno City Council accepted a $20,000 donation from the Children of Light Foundation to support program operations at the Community Assistance Center (CAC).

The funding will be used during fiscal year 2010-2011 in the following way:

• $5,000 will furnish the local match for an AmeriCorps member to staff the Community. Resource Center on a part-time basis. The AmeriCorps member will help train volunteers who assist in providing intake and referrals for clients and other persons in need who access the Resource Center to obtain services.

• $5,000 will be used to purchase bus vouchers from the Regional Transportation Commission. The vouchers are provided to clients at the CAC who need transportation to and from school, training, appointments, and employment. Bus vouchers are always in demand and assist in enabling clients to regain self-sufficiency.

• $10,000 will be used to provide motel vouchers for families who are waiting to enter the Family Shelter. The City works with Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada which provides intake, screening and short-term housing for families in need. Based on past data, $10,000 will support this service for the coming year.

On June 9, 2010, the Reno City Council approved the renewal of the Cooperative Agreement between the Cities of Reno and Sparks and Washoe County for fiscal year 2010-2011 operations of the CAC. The agreement identifies the City of Reno as the lead entity responsible for contracting with service providers for the CAC as well as pursuing grant opportunities in support of CAC programs.

Yesterday, the Reno City Council approved donation funds to sponsor the “The Rolling Pilot”, the first known paraplegic hot air balloon pilot, for the 2010 Great Reno Balloon Race (GRBR).

The donation of $1,899 ($899 to GRBR, Inc. and $1,000 to the Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living) will sponsor the participation and defray expenses associated with the participation.

“The Rolling Pilot” is scheduled to make two presentations at area schools in September. In addition, he will be taking one passenger with him during the 2010 GRBR competition. The RAAC is coordinating the passenger selection with the Washoe County School District and other local non-profit organizations who serve youth with disabilities. The “Rolling Pilot” will be available to meet with local media on media day during the 2010 GRBR.

The support of “The Rolling Pilot’s” participation in the 2010 GRBR will further the mission of the RAAC by visually promoting the City’s on-going commitment to inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all facets of civic life.

Council donation funds can only be used for nonprofit organizations that provide substantial benefits within our community. These monies are allocated throughout the fiscal year.

During today’s Reno City Council meeting, seven City employees were honored with Employee of the Quarter Awards. The awards are based on the City’s core values of respect, responsibility, responsiveness, and results—also known as the 4Rs. Employees selected for the awards were nominated by department directors and co-workers.

The follow City of Reno employees received Employee of the Quarter Awards:

Gayela Emory, Finance Department
Emory is recognized for her continuous work and dedication in preparing a comprehensive budget during extremely trying times with the current economic conditions and reductions in staff. She continuously works with all departments to help them realize their objectives and perform their tasks within budget constraints.

Joyce Bushco, Finance Department
Bushco is recognized for taking the lead as Project Manager in the City’s transfer of banking services. She coordinated with the new banking company and the various City departments that were effected to successfully implement this huge transition.

Kim Kilgore, Finance Department
Kilgore is recognized for developing and maintaining a parking citation tracking and collections process for the City Clerk’s Office. Developing this process has resulted in over $150,000 of additional revenue collected.

Mary Beth Anderson, Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Anderson is recognized for her excellent customer service, technical expertise, and passionate professionalism. She places the highest priority on supporting, directing and giving excellent customer service to all individuals that she comes in contact with, whether external or internal.

Katy Kelly-Ballinger, Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Kelly-Ballinger is recognized for taking the lead role in the Youth Services Programs during the aftermath of layoffs. She was able to keep all services flowing smoothly and took over key components of extra work that was required for continued performance of critical programs.

Bob Forse, Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Forse is recognized for his dedication and actions in keeping Rosewood Lakes Golf Course operating smoothly and for running a great golf program. With a reduction in force of part time staffing, Forse has pitched in above and beyond his normal duties to ensure a well maintained and playable course.

Sharon Spangler, Community Relations
Spangler is recognized for creating an in-house television broadcast facility that has been particularly noteworthy. As a result, the City is now able to broadcast live meetings and scheduled programs from City Hall, conduct pre- and post-production tasks in-house, and save $135,000 in the first year of operations and approximately $225,000 next year.

Congratulations to everyone!

Nineteen area residents received their certificates of completion from the Reno Citizens Institute (RCI) program at today’s Reno City Council meeting. Over the past 10 weeks the residents have spent their Thursday evenings learning how their local government works through presentations and discussions involving all City of Reno departments.

The graduates are: Jack Brooks, Michelle Fournier, Mike Ginsburg, Terry B. Hoffman, Stacie Huggins, Barbara N. Kopp, Paula Lopez, Al Mabrouk, Patricia A. Moriarty, Donn R. Moriarty, Susan Moss-Redman, Michael Pidlypchak, Wayne Redman, Chris Riddell, Elaine Rockwell, Donald Smith, Kathleen Taylor, Zachary Twiss and Patrick Ty Whitaker.

The program schedule includes sessions with the City Manager’s Office, Human Resources, Finance, Communications and Technology, Parks, Recreation and Community Services; the Reno Fire Department, City Attorney’s Office, Municipal Court, Reno Police Department, Public Works, Community Development, the Reno Redevelopment Agency and Truckee Meadows Water Authority. The graduates learned how their tax dollars are allocated, how department heads make decisions, and how public officials work together to make our city great.

This graduating class is the 23rd class to complete the program. The Reno Citizens Institute is held twice a year and limited to 25 participants per session. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and residents of the Truckee Meadows. For more information about the RCI program or an application to the fall 2010 session, visit www.reno.gov or contact Reno Direct at (775) 334-3464.

During today’s Reno City Council Meeting, Reno Police Chief Michael Poehlman and the City Council honored two RPD officers and a Reno code enforcement officer for their lifesaving acts.

Officer Carlos Valles was presented the Police Medal of Valor and Officer Robert Garlock the Lifesaving Award. The officers’ heroic, lifesaving acts warranted them both to receive two of the highest honors.

On January 7, 2010, Officer Garlock responded to a stabbing call and was the first to arrive on scene. After hearing a badly injured person was still inside the apartment, without hesitation or and while putting himself at risk as suspects were still in the area, Officer Garlock entered the apartment to help the victim. Garlock performed medical treatment for the severe bleeding until emergency medical attention arrived. Hospital personnel, who subsequently treated the victim, said Officer Garlock’s quick response to render aid to the victim prevented certain death.

On April 17, 2010, Officer Valles was the first to arrive on scene of a structure fire. Flames were engulfing the apartment of an elderly resident and thick, black smoke billowed from the front door. Due to the smoke neighbors were unable to try and rescue her. Officer Valles entered the apartment, crawled to the unconscious woman inside, and pulled her back outside to safety. Emergency medical personnel on scene said they believed the woman would not have survived if she had remained in the apartment a minute longer. Officer Valles was treated for smoke inhalation.

In addition to the two Reno Police Officer honors, City of Reno Code Enforcement Officer Cindi Gil-Blanco was presented the Chief’s Certificate of Commendation.

On May 12, 2010, Code Enforcement Officer Gil-Blanco was driving home after work when she observed a young man rolling down an embankment after being struck by a vehicle while on his bicycle. The man’s helmet had flown off his head after he was thrown several feet from the site of impact. Realizing he was not moving and was suffering from shock and head injuries, Gil-Blanco quickly came to his aid. Gil-Blanco used her experience as a former police officer, ski instructor, and the certified first aid training as a Code Officer to immediately provide medical treatment. In addition, Gil-Blanco took control of the scene until emergency responders arrived. The young man’s mother advised that thanks to Gil-Blanco’s immediate action her son is alive and stayed in good condition.

Reno got a lot of national attention for changing out the bulbs on the downtown arch to energy efficient LED lights. Now the City is garnering more attention. Leaders have put wind turbines on top of City Hall.
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey74ZVuxhHY]

The Reno Fire Department will be able to purchase firefighting equipment associated with a fuels-mitigation project in the urban wildland interface because of a grant from the U.S. Department of Interior.

Equipment to be purchased with the $250,000 Fire Safe Council grant will include a masticator (a large mulching machine used to clear brush and other fuels), a bobcat tractor, trailer, hand tools, and personal protective equipment.

The grant will complement the 2009 appropriation of $500,000 that was awarded to the Reno Fire Department through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Nevada Division of Emergency Management (DEM). The FEMA appropriation will pay for personnel who will use the Fire Safe Council grant funded equipment.

The fuels-mitigation project is expected to be conducted as early as next spring in several areas of the Northwest Reno, totally approximately 700 acres. Fuel reduction activities will include the removal of flashy fuels such as cheat grass and tumbleweeds along with other hazardous vegetation

Mitigating hazards to reduce the wildland fire threat in our urban community is essential. For more information about fire safety visit www.reno.gov or contact the Reno Fire Department’s Division of Fire Prevention at 775-334-2300.