Kenneth Emhardt

The meeting commenced with a roll call, noting that a quorum was not established initially. Discussions covered the CSBG Funding Update, confirming that Federal Fiscal Year 2025 funds are being drawn down despite a federal government shutdown. Updates were provided on the Final State Plan and Monitoring Guide for 2026-2027, which was approved by the Office of Community Services (OCS) on September 29, 2025. Updates on the State Triennial Assessment Review (STAR) monitoring were also presented. In contracting, the division reported wrapping up final reviews of 2026 contracts using a new process, and changes to the Federal Fiscal Year 2025 CSBG Annual Report were shared. The Council also reviewed presentations on data collaborative findings and updates from the New York State Community Action Association (NYSCAA) regarding conferences and strategic priorities for 2026. Old business included updates on CSBG Advisory Council membership, noting resignations and in-progress appointments. Under current challenges, the status of the preliminary injunction pausing verification of immigration status for CSBG eligibility under PRWORA was discussed. No new business was discussed.

The meeting primarily focused on the conclusion of the code update process, specifically covering the Notices of Adoption (NOA) for the Uniform Code and the Energy Code. Key discussions included an executive session regarding litigation strategy in the case of Mulhern Gas Co., Inc., et al. v. Walter T. Mosley, et al. Updates were provided on the single exit buildings study and the model code update process, including proposals submitted to the ICC. The Council addressed changes to quorum requirements due to legislative amendments. A significant portion involved the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process, where the final Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) was accepted, concluding no significant adverse environmental impact. For the Uniform Code adoption, various formatting changes, corrections to referenced standards, and substantive updates regarding sprinkler systems in townhouses were summarized. The Council unanimously adopted the Uniform Code as a permanent rule effective December 31, 2025, with a transition period. For the Energy Code, editorial changes and modifications were detailed concerning definitions, fossil-fuel equipment prohibitions, and compliance options in the ECCCNYS and ASHRAE standards. The Energy Code was adopted as a permanent rule effective December 31, 2025, without a transition period. Public comments covered appreciation for the work, opposition/support for townhouse sprinkler requirements, and concerns regarding housing affordability.

The primary focus of the meeting was the review and discussion of the draft Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) CARES Act Supplemental State Plan Amendment for New York State, which must be submitted by September 1, 2020. Key amendments discussed include administering CARES funds to address the coronavirus, expanding afterschool youth services, facilitating job re-entry, and increasing CSBG eligibility to 200% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) as authorized by the CARES Act. Stakeholders provided input regarding the absorption of formerly incarcerated individuals into rural communities, job readiness programs being structured as Special Projects or Required Federal Activities (RFAs), and the specific needs of the migrant worker population concerning contagion levels. Further discussion covered incorporating Trauma Informed Care and racial equity issues. Monitoring procedures were also addressed, noting that CARES Act Supplemental Fund monitoring will be integrated into routine CSBG monitoring, potentially utilizing virtual monitoring due to social distancing restrictions. The Council also discussed coordinating training and technical assistance, linkage/coordination services, and the planned distribution of 90% of CARES Act Supplemental funds to eligible entities.

The meeting commenced with confirmation that a quorum was not established, meaning no official action or votes could be taken. Discussions included the review process for drafting the 2022-2023 CSBG State Plan and seeking input from the network, as well as addressing concerns regarding the 200% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) policy deadline. Updates were provided on the FFY2020 Smart Forms submission timeline and the current status of CSBG Funding disbursements, noting delays in receiving the second federal NGA, though state-level funding withholdings were confirmed not to impact CSBG. The NYSCAA representative reviewed highlights from 2020, including eLearning growth, an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) training program, ROMA Alliance activities, and a successful virtual Annual Conference. Future plans involve workgroups to review the State Plan and the Triannual Accountability and Compliance with Standards (TRACS) tool. Several outstanding network concerns were raised regarding budget modifications (specifically the 10% rule), scrutiny on hiring practices, and guidance on income eligibility for short-term services; DOS acknowledged the concerns regarding slow response times and committed to follow up. Discussions also covered discretionary CARES Act funds, including the drafting of an RFP for a re-entry initiative. A council member requested a formal report at the next meeting detailing how concerns raised by the council have been addressed by DOS.

Key discussions included a presentation by the Department of Labor Associate Commissioner regarding a survey on business and job seeker dynamics, highlighting critical needs for skilled workers, digital/robotic automation impact, and shifting job seeker expectations concerning salary and work-life balance. Department of State updates covered the acceptance of the 2022-2023 NYS CSBG State plan, the current Continuing Resolution impacting the Federal Poverty Level threshold, and upcoming training calendar topics like Language Access and Fiscal Best Practices. The Bureau of Fiscal Management provided an update on awaiting the Notice of Grant Award. A detailed presentation was given on the pilot Fatherhood Project across three counties, focusing on a two-generational approach to address poverty causes, aiming to establish an evidence base for expanding the Fatherhood Connection curriculum. Updates from the New York State Community Action Association highlighted e-learning platform development, activity in affinity groups, the recent Annual Conference, and regional convening plans.