Douglas County November 2013

— Douglas County, Nevada —

News You Can Use

November 2013 — Volume IV , Issue 14

Community Services Foundation Raising Funds to help Furnish the Community Center.

The Douglas County Community Services Foundation is currently seeking donations to help furnish the new Community and Senior Center.

In an effort to ensure maximun square footage and the highest quality in building materials , many interior furnishings and equipment for this project were eliminated by design.

The Foundation is taking the lead to encourage private donations and contributions from individuals, businesses and organizations in support of the new Community & Senior Center. The center, still under construction will need furnishings, fixtures and equipment.

“The foundation must raise $675,000 to open the center, and $1.643 million to be fully functional, “ said Scott Morgan, Community Services Director. He said the fundraising is geared so anyone can “become a part of Douglas County forever.”

The foundation recently received a $43,500 donation to purchase a walk-in refrigerator freezer for the Center.

The donation was presented Nov. 12 to Morgan as a kickoff effort to raise $2 million to furnish the Center wich is expected to open in February 2015.

Visitors to the Douglas County Community Services Foundation website will find opportunities to make donations from $1-$999 for community donors, to naming rights for a donation of $300,000 or more.

Members of the Young at Heart senior citizens club and the Douglas County Community Services Foundation celebrate the club’s donation of $43,500 to purchase a walk-in freezer-refrigerator for the new community center “Buy a Brick” is geared toward donations of $100-$300. The bricks will be placed in the site perimeter walking path, outside the large activity room and in the senior center patio.

the community and senior centers in Douglas County at the Lake and the Valley. It acts as a liaison between the county government and private donors.

The freezer-refrigerator unit was purchased at Buffo Electric.

The organization’s website also offers a peak into the construction of the new center via a live webcam.

“We’re keeping the money local,” said Morgan.

The foundation was formed in 2011 to support

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Road Funding Task Force. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Douglas County Road Department ����������3 Visit www.DCCSF for more information on how you can make a donation.

Douglas County in Vegas Publication.......2

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NEWS YOU CAN USE — DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEVADA

Volume IV Issue 14

Road Funding Task Force Moves Forward The Board of County Commissioners has been committed to fixing the road maintenance funding challenges that Douglas County faces and directed the County Manager to engage the public in the process of identifying reasonable solutions.

In June, the Douglas County Manager formed a Road Funding Task Force of approximately 20 local residents and community leaders.

The Road Funding Task Force is charged with identifying viable solutions to achieve more funding for local and regional roads maintained by Douglas County.

The group has met six times since June and recently held two public workshops on November 18 and 20. Douglas County is responsible for maintaining 171 miles of paved roads throughout the community, 40 percent of the roads serve regional transportation needs, while 60 percent serve local neighborhoods. The County’s roads have deteriorated significantly due to lack of funding over the past 20 years.

In 2010, the County implemented a new Pavement Management Program to clearly quantify its challenges. The current Pavement Condition Index for County maintained roads

Pictured; County Manager Steve Mokrohisky speaking during a Road Funding Task Force Public Workshop. is rated 58, which is near “poor” and will continue to deteriorate to serious condition unless additional funding is identified.

In 2013, the Board of County Commissioners shifted over $1 million in existing property tax funds to road maintenance, but approximately $4 million more per year is needed just to maintain County roads at their current level.

The Road Funding Task Force intends to wrap up its initial work by January and make

recommendations to the County Manager shortly thereafter. The County Manager intends to present final recommendations to the Board of Commissioners in advance of the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 budget process.

More information on the Task Force can be viewed at www.douglascountynv.gov. You can also contact us at: roadfunding@co.douglas.nv.us or give us a call at 775-782-9821.

Douglas County Highlighted in Las Vegas Publication

The Las Vegas Review Journal recently published an article highlighting Douglas County as part of their Nevada 150 yearlong series featuring the people, places and things that make up the history of the state. The article is titled “Douglas County the best-kept secret in Nevada.”

The article can be viewed at www.reviewjournal.com/nevada-150/douglas-county-best-kept-secret-nevada

Volume IV, Issue 14

NEWS YOU CAN USE — DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEVADA

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Douglas County Road Department , Keeping our Roads Safe As Douglas County Residents gear up for Holiday travels there are many things to think about when going out on the road in winter conditions. Winters in Douglas County can bring harsh and ever-changing weather conditions. Driving hazards such as limited visibility and black ice are just some dangers that may be encountered on winter roads.

When winter weather hits, Douglas County’s Public Works Department responds with snow removal and sanding to keep road travel safe.

“You might be surprised to learn that this is a group of really friendly guys that seriously like working in the snow, enjoy knowing they help a lot of people, and take great pride in their work,” said Chris Oakden Maintenance Operations Superintendent, for Douglas County Public Works. “Some of our drivers have been pushing snow for a long time and know what they are doing. The process is far from random; its part art and part science.”

When watching a snow plow it can sometimes be difficult to understand when, why and how certain roads are plowed. There is a system when it comes to plowing snow and a policy that has been established to ensure services are provided efficiently, effectively and at low cost.

County maintained roads are classified into three different categories for snow removal.

The first priority is arterial roadways or major roads having high traffic volumes and speeds.

These roadways are top priority to ensure accessibility for emergency vehicles. Plowing and sanding of these roads is performed during the night, on weekends, and holidays.

The second priority consists of collector roadways and local streets. Once snowfall subsides and arterial roadways have been safely cleared, equipment is then deployed to plow collector roadways and school bus routes. Collector roadways distribute traffic between arterial roadways and residential streets and often serve as links between subdivisions. Collector roadways normally do not provide direct access to private property.

Local streets and cul-de-sacs are intended for low to moderate traffic volumes within subdivisions and provide direct access to residences or private property. The plowing of local streets and cul-de-sacs is typically addressed after arterial and collector roadways have been cleared. All local streets and culde-sacs are plowed during every storm unless accumulations are minor and are expected to melt the following day.

The third priority consists of County maintained unpaved roads. These roads

Chris Oakden, Maintenance Operations Superintendent and the Douglas County Road Crew. consist of all county-maintained unpaved roads. Many times the snow melts quickly after normal snowfall events and it is unnecessary to plow unpaved roads. Normal snowfall (one foot or less) is typically removed within 72 hours, or as warranted, if sufficient manpower and equipment are available.

“I think the biggest misconception people have is that as soon as snow starts to fall, we are out there with the plows. Our policy states we send out the crews at 4 inches of accumulated snow on the roads. We have a small staff and they are allowed to work 12 hour shifts with the Federal Regulations on Commercial Drivers, and that includes stand by time,” said Oakden.

One thing is for certain, Douglas County snow plow drivers have to know their job and be aware of all the things going on around them.

During day plowing, the primary concerns are traffic and pedestrians. “Drivers that follow too close and even pass the plows during snow removal operations can create very dangerous situations. We encourage drivers to take it slow and respect the plows,” said Oakden.

At night, their primary concerns are visibility and objects along the roads, such as parked vehicles covered by the snow.

“One way people can help us out is to wait until the road is plowed before cleaning out the end of their driveway because there is no practical way to plow the road without depositing snow into the driveway. It also helps if you can place snow on the side of your driveway in the same direction the plow is traveling, then the plow will carry snow away from your driveway,” said Oakden.

Winter road conditions can be checked at www.nvroads.com and if a storm is approaching it is best to check the conditions and prepare for any winter weather you might encounter.

Although a snow plow driver’s route might still boggle your mind, and you might not understand their methods, there is reasoning behind their route. Remember these employees are out on the roads keeping you safe, many of them working long hours and in tough conditions.

“It doesn’t hurt to wave at them, they are the ones keeping all of us safe out on the road,” said Oakden. “Without them, some winter travel just wouldn’t be possible.”

The Public Works Department is busy during the summer months filling pot holes, maintaining the roads, sealing cracks, striping and grading.

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NEWS YOU CAN USE — DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEVADA

Volume IV, Issue 14

Douglas County Strategic Plan Vision A community to match the scenery!

Mission Working together with integrity and accountability, the Douglas County team is dedicated to providing essential and cost effective public services fostering a safe,

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healthy, scenic, and vibrant community for the enjoyment of our residents and visitors.

Values Integrity - Accountability - Customer Service Leadership - Communication - Teamwork Priorities

Douglas County

www.DouglasCountyNV.gov

County Manager’s Office

1594 Esmeralda Ave. | PO Box 218 Minden | NV 89423 Phone 775-782-9821

Financial Stability Public Safety Economic Vitality Infrastructure

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q:The addition of Maverick is a huge improvement in the area, Can you tell us what the county is doing to court other successfull businesses?

A:Douglas County officials understand that government doesn’t create jobs, but we do have an important role in creating an environment where businesses and jobs flourish. We are actively working with our partners in the region, including the Northern Nevada Development Authority, Valley and Lake chambers of commerce and visitors authorities, Business Council, and others to implement our economic vitality plan throughout Douglas County. Our focus is on building infrastructure to attract and support new businesses, invest in education and workforce development, create vibrant main streets, and maintain our agricultural heritage.

We have experienced positive business activity over the past couple years, with numerous small to mid size companies moving here and adding important new jobs and services. We will continue to pursue this positive course.

Q: What is the status of the community center construction; particularly, when will it be ready for use?

Q: We noticed erosion control fencing around Riverwood. Anything happening here?

A:The new community and senior center construction project is now 30 percent complete. The footings, foundation and slab are 100 percent complete. The exterior and interior masonry walls are 80% complete.

Underground utilities are 95 percent complete.

We are preparing to install the roof structure over the next month. We are on schedule and on budget, with a planned public opening of the new facility in the spring 2015. Anyone interesting in viewing the live construction webcam and participating in furnishing the new building should go to the Community Center Foundation website at www.dccsf.com

A: The prior erosion control fencing was not functioning per the developers storm water permit requirement. Douglas County requested that the developer comply with their current permit and replace the fencing.

We have had no inquiries or requests for development at the site.

Douglas County Manager Steve Mokrohisky participates in a monthly question and answer forum online on The Record-Courier’s daily Running Commentary. These are excerpts from the latest Q&A.