Supervisors appoint two to Parks and Recreation Commission

A passion for parks and recreation was on display at the Carson City Board of Supervisors meeting Thursday as supervisors appointed two new members to the Parks and Recreation Commission, each for a four-year term.

Out of five applicants, Jacob McDermott and Diane Baker-Roberts were the two selected by a unanimous vote. Supervisors cited the former’s enthusiasm and the latter’s experience in the community.

“I believe, as a citizen in Carson City, of any city, recreation is a vital part to both community mental health and physical health,” McDermott said during a public interview.

McDermott grew up in North Lake Tahoe before landing in Carson in 2021. According to his application, he has worked in seasonal park operations, for the Boys and Girls of North Lake Tahoe and in real estate appraisal. He also served on the North Tahoe Public Utility District’s parks and recreation commission, working on a new ropes course, disc golf events and other projects.

McDermott said on the commission, he would be an ambassador “to show the public what facilities and resources they have access to.”

Supervisor Lisa Schuette asked about providing access for all user groups, and McDermott pointed to his experience at the Lake and in the Bay Area where he worked on a skateboard program with fold-up ramps. He said he would like to share his excitement for such activities with everybody.

“You can get outside; fresh air helps a lot. A little goes a long way, builds up from there,” he said. “I think you just got to get out there.”

Newly appointed Carson City Parks and Recreation Commissioner Diane Baker-Roberts speaking to the Board of Supervisors on Thursday. (Scott Neuffer photo) 

Baker-Roberts is a lifelong resident of Carson. During her public interview, supervisors referred to her as “teacher” and “coach” due to her extensive experience doing both.

According to her application, Baker-Roberts taught in the Carson City School District for nearly 30 years and coached soccer, basketball, softball, skiing, and tennis.

When asked by Supervisor Curtis Horton what her favorite park is, Baker-Roberts said Mills Park.

“I’m looking forward to what’s happening there,” she said of planned improvements. “I was there at eight years old learning to play tennis.”

Before the hearing, during general public comment, some neighbors to Ronald D. Wilson Memorial Park voiced concerns about a new dog park planned for the site, worried the project would increase traffic and other issues. There was no agenda item on Ronald D. Wilson Memorial Park, but Supervisor Stacey Giomi later asked the parks and recreation candidates how they would handle differing opinions to reach consensus on a project.

“I think you have to look at what’s best for the majority of our community,” said Baker-Roberts, “who is going to use this facility or the building or the park.”

• In other action, supervisors convened as the Board of Health and heard several reports from Carson City Health and Human Services (CCHHS).

CCHHS Director Nicki Aaker presented findings from the 2023 annual report. According to the report, the CCHHS clinical services division provided services to 4,019 individuals during 7,107 visits last year. Those services included immunizations, Pap smears, breast exams, referrals to mammography, family planning, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing/treatment as well as vaccinations.

In treatment of sexually transmitted infections, preliminary data in the report shows chlamydia was the most significant, accounting for 72 percent of all STIs in Carson City and Douglas County. Approximately 42 percent of chlamydia diagnoses were in people ages 25 and younger, the report found.

In other areas, the report showed the CCHHS environmental health division inspected 589 food establishments in Carson and 424 in Douglas in 2023, with 520 violations reported in Carson and 578 in Douglas.

COVID-19 was the top reported health condition in 2023. The CCHHS epidemiology division oversees reportable diseases in Carson City, Douglas and Lyon counties. According to the report, there were 3,429 COVID-19 cases in 2023.

• The Board of Health didn’t take action on an item about a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) but agreed with CCHHS staff that an April 25 workshop should be set up to develop the plan.

Location and times for that workshop were still being worked out, but anyone interested in participating can email CCHHSInfo@Carson.org.

The CHIP will address deficiencies and gaps in health services identified in the 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment completed by Carson Tahoe Health, CCHHS and other agencies. That assessment can be found online: https://www.carson.org/Home/Components/News/News/2935.