Members | Thursday, June 27, 2024 |
Kristopher Dahir, Chair | 1:00 p.m. |
Devon Reese, Vice Chair | |
Mariluz Garcia | |
Michael D. Brown | Washoe County Health District |
Dr. Reka Danko | Commission Chambers, Building A |
John Novak, DMD | 1001 East Ninth Street |
John Klacking, PhD | Reno, NV |
Chair, Kristopher Dahir called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. The following members and staff were present:
Members present: Kristopher Dahir
Mariluz Garcia Michael D. Brown
Dr. John Klacking (arrived at 1:02 p.m.) John Novak
Members absent: Vice Chair Devon Reese
Dr. Reka Danko
Staff present: Robert Fyda Brendan Schnieder Ben McMullen Andrea Esp Francisco Vega Lisa Lottritz
Irene Dominguez Jack Zenteno
Dr. Nancy Diao
Olivia Alexander-Leeder
Michael Brown led the pledge to the flag.
June 27, 2024
1001 E. Ninth Street, Building B, Reno, NV 89512
Telephone: 775.328.2415 – Fax: 775.328.3752
New Hires
Mina Wilcox, Sr. Office Specialist, June 17, 2024 - AQM
Melanie Jackson-Couch, EHA Trainee, June 17, 2024 - EHS
Health Officer, Dr. Chad Kingsley, introduced Ms. Wilcox and Ms. Jackson-Couch.
Promotions
Rayona LaVoie, from Management Analyst to Director of Programs and Projects, effective June 6, 2024 - OHDO
Dr. Kingsley acknowledged and congratulated Ms. LaVoie on her promotion.
Transfers
Daniel Timmons, from Sr. AQM Specialist to EHS Trainee, effective June 17, 2024 – EHS
Dr. Kingsley expressed that Mr. Timmons is looking forward to the change and they are excited to have his expertise in Environmental Health.
Retirements
Teresa Long, EHS Specialist, effective May 11, 2024 – EHS Dr. Kingsley, congratulated Ms. Long on her retirement.
Washoe County Health Heroes
Honorable Mention Giavonna Bethea – EHS |
Sahara Cruz - CCHS
Jackie Chaidez – CCHS
Samantha Beebe – CCHS
Jennifer Mendez-Lemuz – CCHS
Allison Schleicher – CCHS
Susie Deller - CCHS
Dr. Kingsley acknowledged and thanked Ms. Cruz, Ms. Chaidez, Ms. Beebe, Ms. Mendez-Lemuz, Ms. Schleicher and Ms. Deller for being recognized for their efforts.
Extra Mile Awards
i. The Reno Brewery District Megan O’Reilly
Staff Representative: Zarmish Tariq and Claudia Garcia Aguilar
Dr. Kingsley invited Ms. Tariq and Ms. Garcia Aguilar to present the Extra Mile Award to Ms. O’Reilly for providing a smoke-free and vape-free environment for their patrons, staff and visitors.
Ms. O’Reilly expressed appreciation for the recognition and mentioned they do their best to provide an environment everyone will enjoy being in.
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.
May 23, 2024.
Approve an Interlocal Agreement between Northern Nevada Public Health (District) and Board of Regents, Nevada System of Higher Education on behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (School) to provide services associated with detection and description of populational and environmental public health threats, July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, unless extended by the mutual agreement of the Parties, with automatic renewal of two successive one-year periods for a total of 3 years unless previously terminated pursuant to other provisions of this Agreement.
Staff Representative: Lisa Lottritz and Irene Dominguez
Approve a Subaward from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public and Behavioral Health in the total amount of $105,561.00 (no match required) for the period retroactive to April 29, 2024, through April 28, 2025, in support of the Community and Clinical Health Services Division (CCHS) Tobacco Prevention and Control Grant Program and authorize the District Health Officer to execute the Subaward and any future amendments.
Staff Representative: Irene Dominguez and Lisa Lottritz
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 $139,309 (no required match) in support of the Community and Clinical Health Services Division (CCHS) STD Prevention & Control Program and authorize the District Health Officer to execute the Subaward and any future amendments. (FOR POSSIBLE ACTION) Staff Representative: Irene Dominguez and Lisa Lottritz
Acknowledge receipt of the Health Fund Financial Review for May, Fiscal Year 2024. Staff Representative: Jack Zenteno
Acknowledge receipt of the Health Fund Financial Review for May, Fiscal Year 2024. Staff Representative: Jack Zenteno
Presented by: Barry Duplantis
Barry Duplantis, REMSA Health CEO and President, opened his item by highlighting that for the fiscal year to date, REMSA Health has exceeded all franchise response compliance with priority 1 calls in all zones. Additionally, he pointed out that transports were up about 4% per prior year.
Mr. Duplantis reported their customer survey report for the month of May produced a score of 93.21%. He also noted that they have begun a franchise agreement review, including considerations allowing Reno Fire Department, Sparks Fire Department, and Truckee Meadows Fire District to participate with REMSA in making any changes desired in the franchise agreement.
Mr. Duplantis also reported that on Monday, June 24, 2024, the City of Sparks City Council voted and approved a contract to allow REMSA to utilize the City’s ambulance resources within designated services areas of Sparks, producing an enhanced service to those areas. This will be effective July 1, 2024.
Mr. Duplantis opened his item for questions from the Board.
Presented by: Andrea Esp
Andrea Esp, Preparedness and EMS Oversight Program Manager, shared that the REMSA Response Zone Map did not receive any changes this fiscal year, but is due for approval and a new effective date. The evaluation of the zones will be reevaluated over the next 12 months to determine the best method for review.
Ms. Esp opened her item for questions from the Board.
Presented by: Brendan Schneider
Mr. Brendan Schneider, Senior Air Quality Specialist, discussed National Ambient Air Quality Standards for pollutants harmful to public health and the environment. The maintenance plan is based on 2 10-year periods after attainment, using mission inventories and growth factors to demonstrate continued attainment.
Mr. Schneider presented the “Second 10-Year Maintenance Plan for the Truckee Meadow’s 24-Hour PM10 Attainment Area” 2 years prior to the end of the first 10-Year Maintenance Plan. Using 2017 as a baseline year, the new plan demonstrates that emissions from all local sources will not cause the Truckee Meadows hydrographic area to violate the 24-Hour PM10 max through 2036 and beyond. The plan also revises the motor vehicle emissions budget used by the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County and allows the lifting of potential contingency measures that can be used in case the PM10 max is violated.
Mr. Schneider shared the contingency measures approved from the first 10-Year Maintenance Plan from 2016. None have had to be implemented yet and there is no anticipation of doing so.
Mr. Schneider opened the item for questions from the Board.
Ms. Garcia asked about there being no monitoring in the North Valleys area.
Mr. Schneider responded that we are currently exceeding the standards required by the Clean Air Act, with anticipated adjustments to the network over time. The areas in Nevada are identified by hydrographic areas, as that is where the pollutants are trapped.
Ms. Garcia inquired about the maintenance of these units and if there were any starting to fail or deteriorate that are due to be replaced.
Mr. Schneider shared that we are coming up on the 10-Year replacement program. Depending on funding, this may be extended or shortened. Occasionally, there is one time funding, but over time, accommodations have been made.
Dr. Kingsley asked about the cost of adding more stations.
Mr. Schneider indicated the cost varies by size, but in the hundreds of thousands range. Chair Dahir asked if there would be a benefit to adding more stations.
Mr. Schneider shared that would allow for more data gathered for making decisions. The monitoring networks need to be where the people are.
Chair Dahir reiterated that we are in attainment now, that past issues have been rectified. He requested clarification on the failing status reported by outside entities.
Mr. Schneider shared that there is a public information side, AQI and the regulatory aspect of air quality, which are things we have control over. Some reports only look at ambient air data, but don’t take into consideration what led to that, such as a wildfire. This is meant to be a control for attainment or nonattainment, which is up to the EPA.
Chair Dahir asked how long we will be on the maintenance plan.
Mr. Schneider replied that transportation conformity needs to be shown until 2036, then there could be relaxing of regulations, some of which were put in place to account for growth.
Dr. Kingsley congratulated the team for working on this and keeping this moving. Chair Dahir opened this for Public Hearing. There were no requests from the Public.
Staff Representative: Ben McMullen
Mr. Ben McMullen shared that the Trends Report is completed annually, to fulfil the requirement outlined in AQMD’s Quality Assurance Project Plan and details air quality
data captured by AQMD for the pollutants monitored in Washoe County. The report for 2023 shows that there were no months with unhealthy AQI days for sensitive groups and a total of 220 good and 145 moderate AQI days were recorded. Mr. McMullen shared that even with the cold start to 2023, the wood burning device regulations continue to show effectiveness in preventing and mitigating high wintertime AQI. The annual PM2.5 max was revised to 9 mcg, an initial design value will be based on 2021-2023 PM2.5 values, which will lead to a violation of the new 2024 standard, based on wildfire smoke in 2022 which will be excluded from regulatory demonstrations.
Chair Dahir wished to clarify we will actually show a violation.
Mr. McMullen indicated that 8 days will be excluded from the design value calculation, moving the value back to 9.0.
Mr. McMullen shared that the wintertime particle pollution continues to improve due to woodburning device regulations and the burn code, with summertime pollution worsening due to wildfire smoke impacts and motor vehicle trips.
Ms. Garcia asked if AQMD is partnering with DRI or any other entities to look at things such as heat mapping as it relates to air quality control.
Mr. McMullen responded that there is work being done with DRI related to smoke and heat and some social media work. AQM is also participating in the Urban Heat Island Study.
Chair Dahir asked for a better understanding about the Reno area being classified as a hot city.
Mr. McMullen responded that we are the fastest warming city in the U.S., based on a greater increase in average temperatures.
Staff Representative: Robert Fyda
Mr. Robert Fyda, Environmental Health Services Division Director introduced Lauren Clapham, Environmental Health Specialist Trainee and the appellant Jihoon Ryu.
Mr. Fyda shared that this appeal case was heard by the Food Protection Hearing Advisory Board regarding the decision to revoke the permit to operate for continued and repeat food critical food safety violations. In this case, staff provided the facility with tools, education and resources to be successful.
Mr. Fyda began by sharing that Bab Café is considered a risk 3 facility, with the highest risk, based on the complex food preparation done on site. This requires a food manager to oversee the preparation. In the initial application, they indicated they would not be doing any cooling. From opening to about 2022, there were 10 routine inspections, with 6 resulting in re-inspections. The first inspection for this calendar year was done on March 18, 2024, documenting 11 food safety violations, 4 of which were repeats. Since that date,
there have been five additional reinspections, with continued repeat violations. Mr. Fyda highlighted the work done by EHS staff for the facility, including providing active managerial control policies to effectively implement cooling procedures, onsite training for the restaurant staff and then working to modify processes to eliminate cooling entirely.
These efforts resulted in continued violations, with the permit being suspended on May 15, 2024, pending revocation. The appellant’s appeal was taken to the Food Protection Hearing Advisory Board on June 10, 2024, with a unanimous vote to uphold the decision to revoke the permit.
The appellant, Jihoon Ryu, presented, with translation assistance from Ellie Cooke from the NNPH Epidemiology Program. A document of the efforts he has made to resolve this issue was provided to the Board members. At the first hearing, he presented the background of the business, but believes that there was a misunderstanding that he was an investor of the business and not directly involved in running it. He explained that, for the past 5 years, he has been directly involved in running and managing the business and operations within the restaurant. Due to limited funds and revenue, he has taken on additional work. The document contains the updates the business has done in terms of resolving the outstanding issues of cooling and hot holding. They have decided to no longer serve food requiring cooling practices and will instead use frozen products. Those decisions were made to help resolve issues in the past violations. They have also prepared guidance for the Spanish speaking staff and will continue to translate and provide training in Spanish. Also included are recipes of all items on the menu with the ideal practices and preparation, to be placed in the kitchen in English and Spanish, visible to all staff. These materials have been prepared very detailed, to reduce the risk of misunderstanding. A daily work checklist has been prepared with a temperature log, which will be completed daily by the Certified Food Protection Manager. A food safety training plan and log was prepared for the re-training of departed staff who will be returning and does not include cooling and hot handling. The plan is to follow this practice for at least three months before reintroducing other menu items that have been removed. A minimum knowledge required quiz has been created for new kitchen staff, which will be included for training of new staff. There is a new kitchen layout plan, with plans to add a prep sink to better accommodate the temperature requirements. There will be signs posted around the restaurant to reinforce safety practices and food preparation. Mr. Ryu wants to emphasize that he resigned from his second position to focus on this business, making this his only income source. He is willing to do everything necessary in terms of providing food safety and ensuring health for the Reno community.
Chair Dahir thanked Mr. Ryu for his presentation, as well as the translation by Ms. Cooke.
Mr. Fyda recognizes that Mr. Ryu has put a lot of work and effort into this and has recently obtained his Certified Food Protection Manager Certification and is extremely dedicated to the business. However, what he is attempting to do has already been attempted by staff without success. Procedures are a good start, but staff feels that he would benefit from a fresh start.
Chair Dahir opened this up to the Board for questions, comments, or thoughts. He appreciates the work that is shown here but feels this should have been done months ago. At this point, he agrees with staff, but asked for clarification as to what the process is if the Board agrees to revoke the permit.
Mr. Fyda shared that Bab Café as a permit would be closed to history. He would be more
than welcome to open Bab Café II as a restauranteur. At that point, he would have to go through the entire permitting process again but this time he will be armed with the knowledge and infrastructure to support the business. As the owner and operator, he needs to show that he can correct any issues during active food preparation.
Chair Dahir indicated it seems that Mr. Ryu has attempted to resolve the issues. Chair expressed concern about the proposed schedule for reinstating a permit by the applicant and at this time there is still a need to do a restart and have the knowledge of how things work.
Dr. Kingsley shared that many people on the FPHAB are restaurant owners and recognized staff went above and beyond to provide these opportunities for compliance. He commended the Board and staff for their thoroughness. He concurs that we are at the point of action, and at a place where we can still move forward, but there is recognition that the reason we are here is lack of action.
John Novak, DMD commends the staff for attempting to help build a better restaurant by working with them over years of repetitive violations.
Chair Dahir wished to make clear that the Advisory Board includes other restauranteurs for their expertise. The wish is to see all restaurants in the area flourish and do well. Based on what’s been done here, it seems that there is a plan in motion that could begin a new start.
Staff Representative: Erin Dixon
Chair Dahir pulled this presentation from the agenda based on time constraints. It will be presented at a future meeting.
Staff Representative: Robert Fyda
Olivia Alexander-Leeder, Senior Environmental Health Specialist in the Food Safety Program, shared there are currently seven members on the Board, with two terms to conclude June 30, 2024. The applications for all six have been provided to the Board. All applications were reviewed for food safety technical knowledge, special construction experience or special history or board experience and, based on this background, Mr. Jay Rathmann and Ms. Rose Wolterbeek are recommended for reappointment. They have both been engaged in the Board meetings since the beginning of their terms and it is anticipated they will continue to provide a wide range of knowledge, experience and expertise to help address food safety issues in Washoe County.
Chair Dahir thanked those who put their name in and asked to be on the Board, including Ryan Smith, who also officially put his name in.
Chair Dahir opened this for questions from the Board. No input provided.
Staff Representative: Dania Reid
Michael Brown recommended that this be moved to the next meeting, to allow time for locals to review the recommendations.
Ms. Dania Reid, Deputy District Attorney, shared that this is the scheduled time for the Board to be presented with its yearly opportunity to review the ILA, established by Washoe County, Reno, and Sparks. Final updates must be made by October 1, 2024, 90 days before the effective date, January 1, 2025.
Chair Dahir motioned to move this item for further discussion to the next meeting. John Novak, DMD seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
Staff Representative: Dr. Chad Kingsley
Dr. Kingsley shared that this provides clean up of language in the Consent Agenda.
Chair Dahir made a motion to adopt the revised Rules, Policies, and Procedures to include revisions deemed appropriate by the Board namely including removing the “Washoe County Health District” and including specificity on cases that cannot be added to the Consent Agenda, including but not limited to appealed cases to any Hearing and Advisory Board. Commissioner Garcia seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
Staff Representative: Erin Dixon
Chair Dahir noted that, coming out of COVID, a review of every division is being done to assess how programs are doing.
Ms. Erin Dixon introduced Ms. Tammy Greenwell from 330 Partners, the consultant hired to assist with the assessment.
Ms. Tammy Greenwell shared the process for the recommendations, which took place in the last quarter of 2023 and first quarter of 2024. Virtual interviews with the Program Managers, NNPH and CCHS leadership were completed, along with an employee survey and a focus group during the on-site review. They talked with external stakeholders as well. They found the Program to be very strong compared to others across the Nation. She also gave kudos for the Public Health Accreditation Board accreditation. 330 Partners provided recommendations which align with NNPH strategic plan and goals. Ms. Erin Dixon thanked 330 Partners for the time they spent with CCHS staff, the leadership, Board members, and community members. She would like to acknowledge the CCHS team, who approached the assessment as a learning opportunity with the end goal of improving outcomes for our clients and community. CCHS staff has gone through the assessment and completed an action plan to address every item.
Ms. Dixon opened the item for questions from the Board.
Ms. Garcia asked if CCHS was more grant heavy than some of the other divisions at NNPH. Ms. Greenwell responded that there are different models, based on the health department locations, but all have significant grant revenue. Her recommendation is to continue billing as much as possible, so there is less dependance on grant funding.
Ms. Lisa Lottritz, CCHS Division Director, mentioned that CCHS’s use of per diem employees is largely due to reliance on grants that have remained flat over the years and the funds do not fully support permanent staff. The utilization of per diem staff who often only work 8-12 hours a month does create challenges with communication. Dr. Kingsley noted that many of these services are mandated so are supported by the annual budget.
Chair Dahir expressed concerns about safety for those working outside of the building. The goal of all of this is to make things better. He also mentioned that it is important for people to be able to provide feedback.
Ms. Lottritz made a mention of the Questions and Feedback form and Ask Chad, for two avenues for providing input and suggestions. She also mentioned that off-site and field safety was previously located in different program protocols, however a specific off-site and field safety plan has been created and is currently in review. Chair Dahir asked about same-room evaluations and about space constraints.
Ms. Lottritz shared that in the Family Planning Sexual Health clinic, clients started with an APRN for an assessment and history, then the client would move to a nurse for testing and treatment, allowing the APRN to move to another client. Clients were changing rooms for this, but the flow has been changed and the client now stays in the same room and staff comes to them. She responded that we are doing okay on space at this time.
Chair Dahir spoke at large about funding for COVID, Clinical, and Epidemiology where a balance of additional funding is being sought.
Dr. Kingsley responded that he appreciates the Board and the opportunity to work with staff on projects such as this. The Board as decision makers helps with community services, making sure the correct tools and facilities to do what Public Health is supposed to do in the community.
Chair Dahir would like a follow-up on the action plan and results from implementation.
Ms. Lottritz thanked the Board for the opportunity for the review. She feels it was a lot of work, but a lot was learned from it. She thanks Ms. Greenwell and her company for their
help.
Mr. Novak commended the team on the changes that have already been made based on this assessment.
Staff Representative: Francisco Vega
Mr. Francisco Vega, Director of the Air Quality Management Division provided information about mitigating wildfires by working with land managers on fuels management and prescribed burns. Their role during an event will be to provide information and guidance on how to protect yourself from the air quality.
Mr. Vega opened his item for questions from the Board.
Chair Dahir asked if any of the funding available affects the local areas next to the cities or is it mainly for wildlands.
Mr. Brown responded that the funding is also for local response. Looking at the State, where 87% is Federally owned, the Federal Government shares a lot of the grants with the local fire services and other programs to help reduce vegetation and fuel loading throughout the communities.
Ms. Lottritz began her presentation by providing one addition to her report. Ms. Lottritz noted that beginning June 10, 2024, they began billing for Community Health Workers. They were also successful with getting a Silver Summit contract, for a total of twelve active insurance contracts.
Ms. Lottritz opened her item for questions from the Board.
Dr. Kingsley noted that billing for Community Health Workers is rather unique in the nation. It is easier for hospitals and non-profits due to billing structures, but public health has always been a struggle. The fact that the team has gotten this far is ahead of many other public health departments and a great evolution.
Chair Dahir wished to confirm the tobacco use reference includes vaping.
Ms. Lottritz confirmed tobacco use includes vaping and mentioned that vaping activities will improve after July 1, 2024, as a staff member will be devoted to this.
Dr. Kingsley confirmed Ms. Garcia’s statement mentioned all the grants were focused on tobacco, without reference to vaping. This has been a tough evolution but is being worked out.
Staff Representative: Robert Fyda
Mr. Fyda shared an item not included on the report. The Environmental Health Division is hosting a resource fair for food establishments. They are working with partners to provide a permitting fair with a focus on mobile food trucks, street vendors and mobile food facilities. The fair will be held Monday, July 29, 2024, 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the Neil Road Recreation Center. Participants include the City of Reno, City of Sparks, the Secretary of State, the Small Business Development Center, and Office of Small Business Advocacy.
Mr. Fyda also highlighted that the Food Plan Review Team is working on the two new Trader Joe’s locations.
Mr. Fyda mentioned that the mosquito treatment on May 16, 2024, covered about 700 acres.
Mr. Fyda said that staff has been meeting with Planning and Building on new accessory dwelling changes to streamline procedures to reduce conflict in septic regulation.
Mr. Fyda shared that staff is beginning work on contract negotiations with the Bureau of Safe Drinking Water.
Mr. Fyda opened this item for questions from the Board. Chair Dahir appreciates staff getting out to train people.
Staff Representative: Dr. Nancy Diao
Dr. Diao began her presentation with some recent highlights. June is National Pet Emergency Preparedness Month and NNPH MRC Program partnered with Washoe County Regional Animal Services to provide a training focused on the basics of pet emergency preparedness.
Dr. Diao mentioned multiple reports and publications available on the website. Most recently, the 2022 Community Antibiogram was posted. At the end of June is the 2018- 2022 Influenza Hospitalization and Mortality Report will be distributed. These results were presented on June 13, 2024, at the Quarterly Northen Nevada Infection Control meeting.
Dr. Diao opened her item for questions from the Board.
Dr. Novak asks about recent CDC reports about increasing COVID cases. Dr. Diao indicated there has not been a local increase in cases.
Dr. Kingsley shared that this was noticed mainly in Southern Nevada.
Staff Representative: Dr. Chad Kingsley
District Health Officer, Dr. Kingsley, opened his item by highlighting that he has been meeting with staff, including Environmental Health Inspections, Vital Records, Government Affairs coordination, Workforce Development and Air Quality coming up. He and Ms. Dixon presented for Government Affairs at the Board of Examiners under
Public Comment for Nevada for SB118 one time funding. Communications are going well, with many Spanish interviews done for the community.
Dr. Kingsley noted that they are on track with reaccreditation efforts.
Staff will be presenting a poster board at the National Association of Cities and Counties Health Authorities in July.
Dr. Kingsley opened his item for questions from the Board.
Chair Dahir noted that, with the Legislation coming up, there needs to be time set aside to talk about this. Dr. Kingsley noted that Government Affairs will provide an update at the next meeting.
Having no comments from the Board, Chair Dahir closed this item.
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 jlawson@nnph.org 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:
Washoe County Health District Website https://www.washoecounty.gov/health State of Nevada Website: https://notice.nv.gov
Under an emergency directive issued by Governor Sisolak on March 22, 2020, and extended by a subsequent directive issued on July 31, 2020, the physical location requirement has been suspended.
How to Get Copies of Agenda and Support Materials: Supporting materials are available to the public at the Washoe County Health District located at 1001 E. 9th Street, in Reno, Nevada. Ms. Jackie Lawson, Recording Secretary to the District Board of Health is the person designated by the Washoe County District Board of Health to respond to requests for supporting materials. Ms. Lawson is located at the Washoe County Health District and may be reached by telephone at (775) 328-2415 or by email at jlawson@nnph.org. Supporting materials are also available at the Washoe County Health District Website https://www.washoecounty.gov/health pursuant to the requirements of NRS 241.020.