Michelle Vasquez

The meeting included a call for spring term intern candidates and a detailed update on the RPTCP 5-year plan, covering feedback from TxDOT, upcoming chapter reviews, technical memorandum release, and future workshops with Moore & Associates. Additionally, the committee finalized the scheduling for recurring monthly meetings, discussed participation in TxDOT communications regarding 5310 vehicles, and confirmed the date for the subsequent meeting.

The committee meeting focused on Emergency Preparedness Advisory Committee (EPAC) administrative tasks including a quorum determination and member introductions. Staff provided an update on the Emergency Notification System (ENS) contract and funding status. New business centered on reviewing EPAC scoring procedures and scoring regional FY2026 State Homeland Security Program grant applications for various organizations, including the Regional Citizen Corp Program, Regional Planning, Bomb Making Materials Awareness Program, City of Waco CBRNE equipment, a McLennan County Bomb Squad grant, and an Emergency Notification System project. The committee also finalized scoring and accepted a priority rank list for the grant proposals.

The Heart of Texas Area Plan outlines a roadmap for the Area Agency on Aging of the Heart of Texas (AAAHOT) to provide and expand services for seniors and caregivers within Planning and Service Area 11. The plan focuses on core program areas such as Supportive Services, Nutrition, Disease Prevention, Family Caregiver Support, Legal Assistance, and Ombudsman Services. Key goals include enabling older adults to age in their communities, increasing caregiver support awareness, fostering collaboration among agencies, and strengthening the aging services network infrastructure. The overarching aim is to ensure access to resources, promote independence, and enhance the quality of life for the region's older adults, particularly those with the greatest economic and social needs.

The meeting included reports on the CERT sub-committee regarding funding uncertainty and updates on SERI-funded projects, including the opening of the FY 2027 application period. Staff presented regional priorities regarding the THIRA/SPR update and provided a progress update on the ENS migration project. The committee discussed the impact of the State Homeland Security Grant Program funding lapse, including staffing adjustments and a stop-work order. A decision was reached to implement a unit-based funding structure for the emergency notification system to cover software costs. Additionally, the committee addressed potential future challenges regarding artificial intelligence in public service and upcoming regional needs surveys.

The Board approved the tax return for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and reviewed and approved the budget for fiscal year 2025-2026. Additionally, the Board authorized the appointment of new members to the Building Maintenance Committee and approved the initiation of a bid process for a new roof for the HOTCOG building. Reports were also presented by the president and staff.