Director’s Report, April 2010

Happy April and early spring to everyone in DCNR.

Retirement update

First, thank you for all of the kind words I have received upon announcing my retirement from state service on April 30.

I am very pleased that the Governor has named Leo Drozdoff the Acting Director upon my departure.  With his education, experience at NDEP and extensive familiarity with state government (including the legislature) I know that Leo will do a great job.  I am very pleased he will be taking over the reins of DCNR.

Another very positive aspect that has not received much play over the last week or two, and one that that made my decision to retire much easier, is that Kay Scherer will continue as Deputy Director of DCNR.

Kay is one of the most able, competent and professional people I have had the privilege to work with.  Her knowledge of the state personnel system and budgeting are amazing and she has the highest regard from people inside and outside of the department, state government and the private sector.  Her energy and enthusiasm are infectious.  Most importantly she is a very good friend!

Kay’s continuing presence as Deputy Director and Leo’s appointment as Acting Director will provide continuity and ensure a seamless transition.  Together they will make a great management team.

Budget News

Not a lot to report on the budget front.

We are still in the process of drafting a Department-wide overtime policy.  In the meantime, I would ask that everyone reduce, to the maximum extent possible, overtime and comp time.  I will be closely reviewing overtime and comp time requests to ensure they are necessary, appropriate and fall within the guidelines recently established by the Governor and the Executive Budget Office.

We are still awaiting final budget instructions for FY 2011-13.  I anticipate they will be released in the near future.

Agency bill draft requests from the departments are due to the Executive Budget Office on May 3.  In coordination with each division administrator, we are evaluating the need for statutory changes in 2011.

Certified Public Manager Program

The Certified Public Manager program (CPM) is a nationally recognized and accredited leadership program within the State of Nevada.  DCNR has had many employees complete CPM with an enhanced understanding of state government while acquiring valuable leadership and management skills.

For CPM Class Number 8, DCNR will be allocated one position in southern Nevada and one in northern Nevada.

In the next few days I will send to everyone an email providing additional information on the program, the selection criteria and application process.  The deadline for application submittal to the Director’s Office is close of business April 30, 2010.

Pony Express living history festival April 3

Please join Nevada State Parks and the National Pony Express Association in celebrating the 150^th anniversary commemorating the first Pony Express ride from St. Joseph, Mo. in 1860. The event is Saturday, April 3, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Buckland Station, just nine miles south of Silver Springs on Highway 95A.

The festival includes activities for young and old alike. There will be wagon rides to the fort at Fort Churchill State Park, mailbag exchanges and children’s games Representatives from the Eagle Valley Muzzleloaders, Civil War volunteers, an Abraham Lincoln Chautauquan, Wally Erhard, and other historians from various historical societies will be in attendance, along with Mountain Man, Bob Burke. Learn more at:  http://www.dcnr.nv.gov/2010/03/pony-express-living-history-festival-april-3/

Dangberg Ranch tours begin April 7

Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park will open for tours on Wednesday, April 7, 2010.  Nevada State Parks invites the public to tour the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park, located just west of Minden in Douglas County on Highway 88. Park tours include a presentation on Dangberg family history and the family’s role in the development of Carson Valley.

Displays of historic objects including furniture, clothing, books, dishes, artwork, photographs, phonographs and other items give insight into the lives of four generations of Nevadans. The park’s collection of farm equipment and buildings shows insight into Carson Valley’s agricultural history. More…

No April fool’s jokes here!

Have a great month.

Allen