Members | Thursday, April 25, 2024 |
Kristopher Dahir, Chair | 1:00 p.m. |
Devon Reese, Vice Chair | |
Mariluz Garcia | |
Dr. Reka Danko | Washoe County Administration Complex |
Michael D. Brown | Commission Chambers, Building A |
John Klacking, PhD | 1001 East Ninth Street |
John Novak, DMD | Reno, NV |
Chair, Kristopher Dahir called the meeting to order at 1:01 p.m. The following members and staff were present:
Members present: Kristopher Dahir
Devon Reese Mariluz Garcia Dr. Danko Michael D. Brown Dr. John Novak
Dr. John Klacking (via zoom)
Staff present: Kevin Dick, District Health Officer Craig Petersen
Stephanie Chen Brittnee Aldea Sarah Smith Rayona LaVoie Francisco Vega Erin Dixon Robert Fyda Lisa Lottritz Dr. Nancy Diao
Dr. Novak led the pledge to the flag.
1001 E. Ninth Street, Building B, Reno, NV 89512
Telephone: 775.328.2415 – Fax: 775.328.3752
April 25, 2024
Years of Service
Amber English, Env. Health Supervisor, 20 years – EHS
Julio Pech-Garcia, Office Specialist, 20 years – CCHS
Mr. Dick began by recognizing Ms. English and Mr. Pech-Garcia for 20 years of service and expressed appreciation for their service.
Resignations
Leah Gardner, Public Health Nurse I, resigned 4/23/24 – CCHS
Mr. Dick recognized Ms. Gardner’s resignation to pursue other opportunities.
Promotions
Jessie Latchaw, promoted from Env. Health Specialist Trainee to Sr. Environmental Health Specialist – EHS
Mr. Dick acknowledged and congratulated Ms. Latchaw on her new promotion to Sr. Environmental Health Specialist with EHS.
Transfers
Nennette Cano, promoted to Public Guadian as Estate Account Supervisor effective 4/8/2024 – AQM
Rachel Ladd, promoted to CSD as Sr. Office Specialist effective 4/8/2024 – AHS
Nancy Ramirez-Partida, transfer to County Manager’s Office as Office Specialist effective 4/22/2024 – CCHS
Mr. Dick noted the Health District was losing great staff members to other county departments, namely Ms. Cano, Ms. Ladd, and Ms. Ramirez-Partida.
Health Heroes
Karina Tomco – EPHP COVID-19
Raquel DePuy Grafton – EPHP
Carmen Ramirez – EPHP Vitals
Mr. Dick acknowledge Ms. Tomco for their Health Hero nomination. Ms. Tomco was nominated for adaptability, trustworthiness, collaboration, inclusivity, and compassion. Mr. Dick highlighted that Ms. Tomco had been with the Health District for several years in response to COVID-19.
Mr. Dick thanked Ms. Tomco for her efforts and noted both honorable mentions.
Proclamation – Washoe County Air Quality Awareness Week. Staff Representative: Francisco Vega
Mr. Dick read the proclamation into the record and asked Mr. Petersen to join him to accept the Proclamation.
Mr. Petersen accepted the Proclamation and stated that Air Quality Awareness Week is a national event and shared the theme for 2024. He added that it highlights resources that increase air quality awareness and encourages people to take action and incorporate air quality knowledge into their daily living as well as educate the community about the causes of poor air quality and how to prepare and respond to events and environments with poor air quality. He concluded by reporting on all the activities his team would be involved in to bring awareness to air quality and thanked the Board for their support.
Chair Dahir expressed appreciation for the Air Quality team.
Proclamation – National Bike Month and Bicycle Safety Month and Washoe County Bike Month.
Staff Representative: Stephanie Chen
Mr. Dick read the proclamation into the record and asked Ms. Chen and Ms. Aldea to join him to accept the Proclamation as well asl Scott Breithaupt from the Reno Public Market (RPM).
Ms. Chen accepted the Proclamation and stated her team supports Bike Month to promote and encourage the community to engage in active transportation. She continued to share that they would be involved in a number of events that would be hosted by their community partners.
Ms. Aldea continued to share that they had partnered with RPM and the Truckee Meadow Bicycle Alliance to kickoff “Biketopia”, which would provide an opportunity to participate in helmet fittings, bike checks and repairs, and raffles.
Mr. Breithaupt, Director of Marketing for Reno Public Market, shared they would be
hosting “Biketopia” and stated he considered RPM as the gateway to the southern part of midtown which he opined was the perfect spot for all those cycling.
Dr. Albright, President of the Board for Truckee Meadows Bicycle Alliance, thanked the Board for the opportunity to allow people to enjoy the benefit of bicycling. He invited the Board to attend the event.
Vice-chair Reese thanked everyone for attending and recognized Dr. Albright and expressed his appreciation for the Trucke Meadows Bicycle Alliance to work through and for the benefit of the community. He continued to ask about the “Biketopia” event.
Mr. Breithaupt responded that the even would be on Sunday, from 12 to 3 p.m. and shared details on some of the participants and services provided.
Dr. Albright added that after the event a mural tour of all the historic murals in the area led by Jaime Chapman.
Chair Dahir shared that his father had composed music that could be used during the event.
Commissioner Garcia promoted an event that was being held on May 18, from 10-12 p.m., to highlight the Oddie/Wells Boulevard pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
Proclamation May 19th-25th, 2024 as Emergency Medical Services Week with the theme “Honoring Our Past. Forging Our Future.”
Staff Representative: Andrea Esp
Mr. Dick read the proclamation into the record and asked Sarah Smith and EMS representatives to join him to accept the Proclamation.
Ms. Smith thanked the Board for supporting the Proclamation and allowing them to recognize all the EMS organization for their hard work.
Chair Dahir thanked all the agencies for their hard work.
At the call for public comment, Ms. Molly Rose Lewis from Senator Rosen’s Office, introduced herself to the Board and made herself available to help on the federal level. She asked to be included if her office can assist with grants, constituent services, or issues with Medicare.
Matters which the District Board of Health may consider in one motion. Any exceptions to the Consent Agenda must be stated prior to approval.
Approval of Draft Minutes.
March 28, 2024.
Approve the Notice of Subaward from the State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public and Behavioral Health in the total amount of
$369,389.00 ($36,938.90 cash match) retroactive to July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 in support of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program (PHEP) domains according to the PHEP Cooperative Agreement; it will support the purchase of supplies and equipment to help increase medical surge capacity across the county, and authorize the District Health Officer to execute the Notice of Subaward, any future amendments and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreements with partnering agencies.
Staff Representative: Andrea Esp and Kristen Palmer
Approve a Notice of Subaward from the State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public & Behavioral Health retroactive to February 1, 2024 through January 31, 2025 in the total amount of $141,442 (no required match) in support of the Community and Clinical Health Services Division (CCHS) Sexually
Transmitted Disease Program and authorize the District Health Officer to execute the Subaward and any future amendments.
Staff Representative: Lisa Lottritz and Irene Dominguez
Approve the Notice of Award from the Department of Health and Human Services, for the project period retroactive to April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025 with a third year partial funding of $174,400 for the approved budgeted amount $436,000 ($865,150.80 required match) in support of the Community and Clinical Health Services Division (CCHS) Title X Program and authorize the District Health Officer to execute the Subaward and any future amendments.
Staff Representative: Lisa Lottritz and Irene Dominguez
Approve the Notice of Subaward from the State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public and Behavioral Health in the total amount of
$71,918.00 ($7,191.80 cash match) retroactive to July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 in support of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Resources (ASPR) Public Health Preparedness Carryover Program; it will support the purchase of supplies and equipment to help increase medical surge capacity across the county, and authorize the District Health Officer to execute the Notice of Subaward, any future amendments and MOU agreements with partnering agencies.
Staff Representative: Lisa Lottritz and Irene Dominguez
Accept cash donation in the amount of $9,793.82 from the Burning Man Project to purchase birth control methods to help decrease unintended pregnancy rates; approve amendments totaling an increase of $9,793.82 in both revenue and expense to the FY24 Burning Man Donation budget, IO#20471.
Staff Representative: Lisa Lottritz and Irene Dominguez
Acknowledge receipt of the Health Fund Financial Review for February, Fiscal Year 2024. Staff Representative: Jack Zenteno
Presented by: Barry Duplantis
Barry Duplantis, REMSA Health CEO and President, opened his item by noting that REMSA Health is fully compliant with Priority 1 on time arrival in all franchise zones for March 2024 as well as Year-to-Date.
Mr. Duplantis reported that in March 2024 REMSA Health responded to 7,872 Priority 1 calls in the community and transported 4,851 patients to area hospitals and noted that their average response time was 5 minutes and 51 seconds as compared to the franchise standard of under 8 minutes and 59 seconds.
Mr. Duplantis noted that April is the National Donate Life Month and REMSA Health collaborated with all the organ donation organizations. He added that when it comes to
addressing matters of life, it’s not just with dispatch and the presentation of an ambulance, it moves into engaging with Trauma Intervention Program where care is provided after the ambulance has left.
Mr. Duplantis opened his item for questions from the Board. Chair Dahir thanked the team and their families for their sacrifice.
Staff Representative: Rayona LaVoie
Ms. LaVoie began the presentation by providing background information on the CHIP and presented it as a community driven improvement plan; noting that, NNPH is tasked with collecting data, tracking progress, and acting as a facilitator.
Ms. LaVoie highlighted that NNPH uses data to inform their approach in implementing strategies to improve the health of the community. She added that the presented report only contained a highlight of some of the initiatives and continued to speak about Social Determinants of Health, Access to Health Care, Preventative Health Behaviors, and Mental Health. Ms. LaVoie highlighted the Golden Groceries effort that is intended to serve the senior citizens of the community. Ms. LaVoie noted that this initiative launched after a report showed an increase of seniors accessing food pantries, which was likely a result of the end of their SNAP benefits or the expanded benefits through SNAP.
Ms. LaVoie noted that efforts to improve language access in the community were found in the CHIP and stated it was a critical piece to achieving health equity and ensuring quality of life for those who may be experiencing health disparities.
Ms. LaVoie reported that their second focus area was mental health which included seven initiative and approximately 60% of the deliverables in year one was accomplished. She continued to provide details about lethal means coalition, Aca Entre Nos, and adult crisis response system.
Ms. LaVoie noted the third focus area as preventative health behavior with four initiatives and reported that approximately 20% of the deliverables had been met. Ms. LaVoie shared that this focus included 5210 which has become Statewide with activities focused on expanding the number of providers who are adopting the program. She continued to report that the number of schools that have adopted the program had been expanded with the goal of turning cafeterias into smarter lunchrooms as well as incorporating opportunities for students to get active.
Ms. LaVoie continued by reporting on access to healthcare including five initiatives with 85% of the deliverables in year one being accomplished. She reported about ten Greet, Eat, and Meet (GEM) events that brought information to those that are eligible for or have Medicaid to ensure understanding of their benefits. In addition, Ms. LaVoie shared that NNPH had partnered with REMSA Health to expand the Choose the Right Care campaign.
Ms. LaVoie spoke about next steps which included continued collaborating with community partners, advancing equity efforts by increase the number of CHIP activities, continually meeting with partners to implement action plans, and assessing the impact of CHIP to align resources as the community evolves.
Ms. LaVoie opened her items for questions from the Board. Chair Dahir thanked Ms. LaVoie for her report.
Staff Representative: Francisco Vega
Mr. Vega opened his item by providing a background on the appealed notice of violation that was brought to the Board for consideration, which included the process used to issue the violation and the decision to appeal to the APCHB.
Mr. Vega reiterated that AQM Division always engages in outreach and education prior to issuing penalties and shared that this was a repeat violation.
Mr. Vega opened this item for questions from the Board. Chair Dahir attested to the educational efforts of AQM.
Division Director, Rob Fyda, and Sr. EHS Specialist, Erin Myers appeared in front of the Board to discuss the item.
Mr. Fyda opened this item by providing background information regarding the Washoe County HSA Childcare Licensing program which would be terminating as of July 1, 2024. It was reported that HSA is working with the State of Nevada Childcare Licensing program to
transition childcare providers. Mr. Fyda continued to share NNPH’s role on inspecting childcare centers. Mr. Fyda added that if they continued to inspect childcares, the expectation for NNPH would be to take on inspection of smaller family care centers that the NNPH was not typically involved in, which would add approximately 100 facilities to NNPH’s list of
inspections. Mr. Fyda stated that his division was looking for direction as to how to approach the new expectations and chart a path forward.
Mr. Fyda shared that staff’s opinion was that with this change all existing EHS regulations that are currently under HSA would be terminated and would be reverting to State NAC’s , which he stated are not as stringent as the current regulations. In addition, staff opined they should develop their own regulations and work with Childcare Licensing to identify their individual roles and responsibilities.
Mr. Fyda opened his item for question from the Board.
Chair Dahir asked if NNPH had the capacity to perform the suggested duties.
Mr. Fyda reported that the projected staffing was about 1/5 to 1/4 FTE based on the initial data. He added that staff were willing to take this task on and evaluate it and bring it back to the Board with updates. However, he also stated staff were willing to take on the burden in the interest of public health.
Chair Dahir suggested bringing the item back in six months for assessment. He expressed concern with staffing and overwhelming employees.
Commissioner Garcia asked for examples as to how NAC’s are less restrictive in the field. Mr. Fyda deferred the question to Ms. Myers.
Ms. Myers spoke about HSA’s current regulation on fencing around a childhood playground and explained NAC stated that children should not have unsupervised departure from the playground, but HSA had restrictions on the size of the fence and how close it comes to the ground. She further explained EHS’ role would be to ensure that fences meet the requirements prior to licensing.
Vice-chair Reese asked to get clarification on the ask from EHS, as he understood that the Board was being asked to decide whether EHS should stop performing the inspections and allow someone else to take on that role.
Mr. Fyda stated there were more pieces to that understanding. He explained that the State was looking for something similar to the standards of Southern Nevada, where they have environmental and design standards for these facilities and annual inspections are conducted, as these facilities require inspections from Fire, Health, and Childcare Licensing. He added that Southern Nevada currently leans on various bodies to help with those inspections. Mr.
Fyda asserted that his division is looking to mimic the Southern Nevada model, where EHS sets the standards.
Chair Dahir asked if work was being added to staff. Mr. Fyda affirmed that worked would be added.
Vice-chair Reese referred to one of listed motions in the report which allowed to cease the inspections.
Mr. Fyda affirmed that it could be given back to the State. Vice-chair Reese asked what the staff was recommending.
Mr. Fyda replied that the professional recommendation was to set their own regulations to allow them to tackle the plan review and do the operational piece.
Vice-chair Reese noted that the recommendation did not appear to be one listed on the report and asked for clarification.
Mr. Fyda stated the Division was asking to be allowed to generate their own regulations and bring them back to the Board.
Vice-chair Reese asked for legal counsel as he did not feel prepared to move forward as the item was agendized due to the lack of clarity. He added that he wanted to support staff but opined he was not provided with the tools to make a decision.
Mr. Dick interjected and clarified that beginning in July EHS would be allowed to continue inspecting the facilities as well as the home childcare facilities using NAC’s initially but working on developing their own regulations.
Vice-chair Reese further stated he did not understand what NNPH’s role would be going forward as it was stated in the Staff Report. Vice-chair Reese added that staff were already spread thin and asked if the Department was giving the opportunity to exit the area or does the Division want to stay.
Mr. Dick noted that EHS would be able to provide better protection for the children if they were involved. However, if the inspection were given back to the State, NNPH will no longer collect the fees for those facilities; therefore, losing revenue. In addition to that, the County could be assessed for the cost of the State’s services.
Commissioner Garcia asked about the capacity of staff and if the training was in place to allow for the additional responsibilities.
Mr. Fyda affirmed that EHS was trained to inspect the centers and have the tools to determine critical violations and how to document those on smaller facilities.
Commissioner Garcia asked if the State would assume the responsibility of the oversight of staffing and children on the facility and EHS would keep the environmental health inspections and would receive the assessments from those inspections.
Mr. Fyda confirmed that EHS bills the facilities for the inspection piece and provides a report with the results.
Chair Dahir asked if NNPH could go back to the State in six months and revert the decision.
Mr. Fyda stated the State seems to be flexible, however, he was unsure as to the ability of NNPH to withdraw from the decision once it was made.
Chair Dahir moved on to state the division was leaning toward possible motion 1.
Mr. Fyda reiterated staff’s recommendation and further informed the Board that the staffing concerns were discussed with the division.
Staff Representative: Kevin Dick
Mr. Dick began his presentation by reminding Board about the report he provided at the last Board meeting regarding comments or concerns from city and county managers. However, he stated concerns had been received from Washoe County regarding the FY25 budget that were communicated after the Budget was presented to the Board of County Commissioners on April 16.
Mr. Dick stated the County did not approve the $221,000 increase in the County General Fund transfer to the Health District which left the transfer at $9.5 million and noted that amount had not been increased since FY2016. Mr. Dick further asserted that when you adjust for inflation
$9.5 millions in 2016 was equivalent to $12.35 million in 2024 dollars, which represent $2.85 million more than the County General Fund transfer.
Mr. Dick continued to report that the County expressed concern regarding the structural instability of the NNPH FY25 budget and future budget projections and the rate of spend down of the fund balance, however, the County was informed that the rate of spend down is significantly impacted by the increases in salaries and associated benefits amounts that resulted from the County salary adjustment that resulted from the Korn Ferry compensation and classification review as well as increases in contributions required by Nevada PERS which combined represented about $2 million dollars as of August 14, 2023. Mr. Dick noted the impact would be greater than that when you look at vacant positions that have been filled since August 2023. Mr. Dick reported that the budget also included a County overhead charge of approximately $2.5 million which represented $321,000 increase from what was budgeted.
Mr. Dick stated that the County had agreed that it was not within its purview to interfere with the Board of Health’s decisions and authority regarding the adjustments to salary allocations necessary for position under federal grant that cannot be supported due to the Korn Ferry increases or other small adjustments; however, cautioned regarding new positions which aligned with the suggestions from the Health District. Mr. Dick noted that recognizing that NNPH budget cannot be structurally stable if there is no increase to the County general fund transfer in the future, and that the County has not been willing to increase the fund transfer while the significant ending fund balance remains in the Health fund, both parties have agreed it is necessary for NNPH and the County to reach agreement on how the County fund transfer to the Health funds will be determined and how it will increase in the future. . Dick noted that this was an important milestone that required them to work together to find a sustainable path for revenue support to provide health services to the community and was eager to work with County leadership.
Mr. Dick reported on the County’s recommended budget for NNPH which included revenues that were reduced by about $700,000 and believe it was due to grant disparities in the FY25 budget that the County had put together; however, noted that they had just received that budget information the previous evening and would be reviewing it more thoroughly. He also noted that the costs were modified to show an increase. Mr. Dick stated that all those modifications from the County represented an increase of about $1,365,000 from the budget that was presented to the Board of Health.
Chair Dahir asked about the new ending fund balance.
Mr. Dick stated it had not been calculated but if all those funds were fully expanded and based on the estimations the ending fund balance ending FY25 would be approximately $7,300,000.
Vice-chair Reese opined that as a general preference he would like NNPH to operate under a FY budget that is balanced as opposed to balancing the budget on the back of the ending fund balance. He added that although it appeared that NNPH had funds he opined that given where they were with some of the health issues and what is coming down the horizon the fund balance would be used quickly and expressed his worry about that. He noted that while it was difficult to opine on the budgetary decisions for other jurisdictions, he felt that given the relevance of the County budget to NNPH he was inclined to encourage NNPH to figure out where the disconnect was between the needs of NNPH and what the County perceives the needs to be and why. He further expressed that the County’s numbers suggested an unfairness to the NNPH Board. Vice-chair Reese suggested meeting with County Manager, if necessary, as he was concerned with NNPH’s ability to sustain itself for another year.
Mr. Dick stated that what led NNPH to its the current position result from the Board not appropriately increasing fees for many years until 2015. He further explained that with the fee revenue increasing the general fund transfer increase was not requested as those fees were helping to support the Health District. In addition to that, the federal funding to assist with the pandemic response further boosted the fund balance. He also clarified that NNPH would be in the red in FY27 by a couple million dollars.
Dr. Novak expressed his concern about the imminent deficit in the event of another pandemic or emergency.
Chair Dahir expressed his appreciation for the County’s involvement with the process but echoed his disappointment in the denial of the general fund transfer increase. He further stated that conversation needed to be had regarding the future. Chair Dahir asked Mr. Dick to discuss the need for positions NNPH was requesting to add.
Mr. Dick provided detail on three positions that had been added to the budget with one being the transfer of a Business Technologist position that is currently funded with COVID grant funding but was critically necessary to support NNPH operations into the future. He noted that Gloriana Alvarez was in that position.
Chair Dahir opined that 3 positions were not going to change the deficit but stated he would prefer to move forward with processing the one that is viewed as a necessity and pause the others and further stressed the need to hold conversations with the County.
Commissioner Garcia provided context for the County’s presentation of the budget and invited Manager Brown to elaborate on her comment. Commissioner Garcia reported that expenditures are increasing faster than the revenues and briefly shared some of the concerning facts for the County budget. Commissioner Garcia agreed that there was a need to convene and discuss sustainable ways to move forward.
Upon Commissioner Garcia’s invitation, Manager Brown came in front of the Board and stated that the County was facing a tough financial outlook. Manager Brown reported that while the transfer was not increased and overhead expenses increased, he affirmed that those action were countywide and not specific to NNPH. He further opined that it is appropriate to discuss the future of NNPH since the perspective of the long-term needs of NNPH were not thoroughly understood by the County. Manager Brown stated that per the County’s Board their strategy
was to “take care of the people we have” and ensure that they don’t have to let anybody go, maintain the service, and use the reserves prudently. Manager Brown alluded to the fact that he has worked with the Health District and opined that health is the front and center of how the community is served. Manager Brown further relayed that there are discussions on redefining the funding flows between the State and the County for public health and other types of healthcare services. Manager Brown opened his comment for questions from the Board.
Vice-chair Reese clarified that he opined that the County had been an outstanding partner with the City of Reno and had stepped up in immeasurable ways. He further stated that as a member of the Board of Health he was worried about the concept that since 2015 there have not been increases in the budget or allocations towards NNPH. Vice-chair Reese stated that he was looking for a future commitment that an appropriate model would be figured out for NNPH, so that the essential services could be funded. Additionally, he noted that NNPH cannot have a long-term sustainable future if the County is basing the decision to increase the general fund
transfer on NNPH’s healthy fund balance.
Chair Dahir thanked Manager Brown for his presence and echoed Vice-chair Reese’s comments.
Manager Brown stated this situation would be taken care of and opined it was an awakening to head in the right direction.
Mr. Dick stated that this was when the numbers looked the bleakest because they were looking at a projected spending that would determine the ending fund balance at the end of FY24 and opined the projection was not accurate as he expects the ending fund balance to be above the projection.
Chair Dahir stated he looked forward to those reports. He also opined that they needed to move forward on the budget because everything is due and stated there is wisdom in pausing for the areas where it’s possible.
Vice-chair Reese affirmed he was reluctant to handcuff the Health Officer’s choice of hiring as he opined that was not his role as a Board member, instead he opted to allow the Health Officer to make hiring choices with the caveat to hold off on new spending.
Commissioner Garcia echoed Vice-chair Reese’s statement and opined that staffing was not addressed in the discussion. In addition, her understanding was that the County had allowed NNPH to proceed with the staffing. Commissioner Garcia further suggested that the Board adopt the presented budget and in the interest of being fiscally conservative, make plans to meet during the summer to dive into the issue.
Staff Representative: Francisco Vega
Mr. Vega, AQM Division Director, appeared in front of the Board and provided an update on EPA issuing new standards for light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles. Mr. Vega noted that one of the biggest sectors contributing to Air Quality is transportation, so anything that can be done in that area is a good step forward. Additionally, he stated that EPA is taking comment on the NO2 Standards.
Mr. Vega opened his item for questions from the Board.
Ms. Lottritz, CCHS Division Director, opened her item by highlighting that the immunization team was kicking off the school-based clinics in preparation of back-to-school on April 25. She added that they would have 2 more school-based clinics and a Family Health Festival in May. Ms. Lottritz continued to report on National Sexual Transmitted Infection Awareness, noting that there were at 5 congenital syphilis cases to date in 2024.
Ms. Lottritz opened her item for questions from the Board.
Commissioner Garcia asked Ms. Lottritz to speak about the implications of the news regarding Immunize Nevada.
Ms. Lottritz stated that in the absence of Immunize Nevada, NNPH had to use their own staff which takes away from the resources at the office; however, NNPH had adapted. Additionally, she noted that they are starting to engage with partners early for the back-to- school events and to assist each other.
Staff Representative: Robert Fyda
Mr. Fyda, EHS Division Director, opened his item by highlighting the Vector Program. Mr. Fyda reported on a scheduled helicopter treatment in May and notification would be sent out. Staff were also working on burrow dusting for ground squirrels in a couple of parks with high ground squirrel populations. Additionally, Rose Mount Water system was currently set up for a formal enforcement for the state.
Mr. Fyda opened his item for questions from the Board. Dr. Novak asked about the status of the drones.
Mr. Fyda replied that they had their first test flight earlier the week of April 22.
Commissioner Garcia followed up by asking if that would replace the operations for the helicopter treatment program.
Mr. Fyda stated they would be in tandem as they are different tools with the helicopter allowing for wide area treatment and the drone having a more targeted strike approach.
Chair Dahir commented he liked having both options.
Staff Representative: Dr. Nancy Diao
Dr. Diao, EPHP Division Director, began her presentation by providing highlights on Public Health Preparedness’ tabletop and full-scale exercise and added that was a
comprehensive initiative aimed at strengthening the collective response capabilities of their stakeholders focused on EMS and law enforcement response, decontamination procedures and laboratory capabilities, and hospital preparedness. She added that the Healthcare Preparedness staff led and coordinated an alternate care site tabletop exercise.
Dr. Diao concluded by reporting on flu stats and highlighted the CDC health alert on H5N1.
Dr. Diao opened her item for questions from the Board.
Staff Representative: Kevin Dick
Kevin Dick, Health Officer, began his presentation by sharing that he presented to the Interim Committee on Health and Human Services to speak about priority areas and informed the committee of the approved areas to invest in under SB118. Additionally, he reported that the EPA released the new PFAS rule on April 10, which sets drinking water standards for some of the specific PFAS chemicals at very low levels and an approach on how to assess if there are more than 1 of the PFAS chemicals present in the drinking water.
Mr. Dick reported that he participated in a tour at Pyramid Lake and along the Truckee River that was organized by River Justice and shared that he is hopeful to expand the partnership with the organization through the Solid Waste Program.
Mr. Dick concluded by sharing his experience at the ribbon cutting for the remodeled building at the School of Public Health.
Mr. Dick opened his item for questions from the Board.
Chair Dahir invited the Board to express their farewell sentiments to Mr. Dick, as this was his last Board meeting.
Vice-chair Reese said it was an absolute privilege of a lifetime and a joy to work with Mr. Dick and learned a tremendous amount from his leadership. He stated it had not been an easy job, but he watched Mr. Dick shine under pressure and thanked him for leading the organization and being the kind of leader they want to exemplify.
Michael D. Brown stated they had been together since 2015 and said it had been educational and learned a lot during the pandemic. He noted that Mr. Dick showed he had the leadership capabilities to make things work and thanked him for his work.
Mr. Dick added that Chief Brown joining the Board in 2015 occurred when there were a lot of EMS tensions in the region, and that Chief Brown turned out to be one of his best board members.
Dr. Novak thanked Mr. Dick for the experience and appreciated the experience and partnership.
Commissioner Garcia shared that as the newest member she could only imagine the amount of pressure Mr. Dick was under during the pandemic and she opined that the community could never say thank you enough. She added that Mr. Dick was leaving a strong legacy of how you can work your way through an organization. She concluded by congratulating him on a term well spent and said it had been a pleasure.
Chair Dahir added that it had been a joy and opined that who a leader put around them says a lot about who they are and expressed Mr. Dick had great staff around him.
Mr. Dick thanked everyone and stated it was a great organization and believe the Board was fantastic and appreciated the opportunity to work with them and the support he had received.
Dr. Klacking echoed the expressed sentiments and shared that he was grateful for all the information Mr. Dick shared in 2021 when he was onboarded.
Special Accommodations: The District Board of Health Meetings are accessible to the disabled. Disabled members of the public who require special accommodations or assistance at the meeting are requested to notify Administrative Health Services in writing at the Washoe County Health District, 1001 E. 9th Street, Building B, Reno, NV 89512, or by calling 775.328.2416, 24 hours prior to the meeting.
Public Comment: Members of the public may make public comment by submitting an email comment to svaldespin@washoecounty.gov before the scheduled meeting, which includes the name of the commenter and the agenda item number for which the comment is submitted. Reasonable efforts will be made to hear all public comment during the meeting. During the “Public Comment” items, emails may be submitted pertaining to any matter either on or off the agenda, to include items to be heard on consent. For the remainder of the agenda, public comment emails will only be heard during items that are not marked FOR POSSIBLE ACTION. All public comment should be addressed to the Board of Health and not an individual member. The Board asks that your comments are expressed in a courteous manner. All public comment is limited to three minutes per person. Unused time may not be reserved by the speaker nor allocated to another speaker.
Response to Public Comment: The Board of Health can deliberate or take action only if a matter has been listed on an agenda properly posted prior to the meeting. During the public comment period, speakers may address matters listed or not listed on the published agenda. The Open Meeting Law does not expressly prohibit responses to public comments by the Board of Health. However, responses from the Board members to unlisted public comment topics could become deliberation on a matter without notice to the public. On the advice of legal counsel and to ensure the public has notice of all matters the Board of Health will consider, Board members may choose not to respond to public comments, except to correct factual inaccuracies, ask for Health District staff action or to ask that a matter be listed on a future agenda. The Board of Health may do this either during the public comment item or during the following item: “Board Comments – District Board of Health Member’s announcements, reports and updates, request for information or topics for future agendas. (No discussion among Board Members will take place on the item)”
Pursuant to NRS 241.020, Notice of this meeting was posted electronically at the following locations: Northern Nevada Public Health, 1001 E. 9th St., Reno, NV
Reno City Hall, 1 E. 1st St., Reno, NV
Sparks City Hall, 431 Prater Way, Sparks, NV
Washoe County Administration Building, 1001 E. 9th St, Reno, NV Downtown Reno Library, 301 S. Center St., Reno, NV
Northern Nevada Public Health Website https://www.NNPH.org State of Nevada Website: https://notice.nv.gov
The meeting will be televised live and replayed on Washoe Channel at: https://www.washoecounty.gov/mgrsoff/divisions/Communications/wctv-live.php and also on Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/user/WashoeCountyTV
How to Get Copies of Agenda and Support Materials: Supporting materials are available to the public at the Northern Nevada Public Health located at 1001 E. 9th Street, in Reno, Nevada. Ms. Susy Valdespin, Recording Secretary to the Board of Health is the person designated by the Board of Health to respond to requests for supporting materials. Ms. Valdespin is located at the Northern Nevada Public Health and may be reached by telephone at (775) 328-2415 or by email at svaldespin@NNPH.org Supporting materials are also available at the Northern Nevada Public Health Website https://www.NNPH.org pursuant to the requirements of NRS 241.020.