Washington County

The board accepted the CHPE Corridor Management Plan and authorized an engineering planning grant application for an EQ tank feasibility study. The board reviewed the Irving Tissue Phase 2 sewer line relocation, progress on the WWTP LTCP upgrade, and challenges regarding the Administrative Building project's financing and public hearing requirements. Further discussion included updates on the Drifting Ridge project, storm separation projects (HF-1A and FE-1A) tied to potential state funding, the status of septage and sludge projects, and a connection request for 293 Broadway.

The meeting included a quarterly report from the executive director of LEAP regarding contracts with Washington County for senior transportation services and food pantry assistance. Key discussions addressed year-over-year increases in service demand, the impact of economic inflation on seniors, and the need for improved tracking of unique versus repeat service participants. Additionally, the board approved a request to sign an intent to participate form for a community accessibility and inclusion project, granted a waiver of the purchasing policy for specialized Medicaid cost reporting services, and authorized a request to reapply for the public health emergency preparedness grant.

The meeting agenda includes a 2027 local services plan presentation, an invitation to change training, and discussions on federal actions and local impacts. Key informational items cover the NYS OASAS listening tour, the current status of opioid settlement funds, updates on Kratom and Nitrous Oxide, the enacted NYS budget, and updates on high needs and core committee activities. Additionally, the committee will review OASAS SUD key indicator reports, court-based mental health navigators, AOT/EVA funding, agency updates, suicide prevention coalition activities, 988 call data, first responder wellness resources, and 988 awareness promotion.

The meeting focused on multi-disciplinary threat assessment training for clinicians, updates on the Healthcare Coalition for the North Country, and the status of opioid settlement fund proposals and disbursements. Other topics included information on first responder wellness resources, disaster mental health responder training, updates on local services planning, and the implementation of a high-needs meeting initiative. The subcommittee also reviewed the status of the Crisis Intervention Team, progress on court-based mental health navigators, various agency program updates, and an awareness campaign for the 988 suicide prevention hotline.

The board meeting included a proclamation ceremony honoring Sergeant Major Howard A. Waite for his military service. A presentation was delivered by the Daughters of the American Revolution regarding the upcoming America 250 anniversary celebration. Additionally, the Executive Director of the Tri-County United Way provided a detailed report on the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population in the county, discussing financial hardships, housing challenges, and available support resources, including workforce development and mental health services.