1 00:00:00,080 --> 00:00:05,200 our meeting here. Ask Garrett to lead us in devotion and prayer and then we'll 2 00:00:03,439 --> 00:00:08,320 follow it up with the pledge of allegiance. 3 00:00:07,120 --> 00:00:11,920 » Morning, Garrett. Thanks for being here. >> Good morning. It's good to see you all. 4 00:00:10,480 --> 00:00:17,440 Looks like you're one short this morning. Um I I thought I would open 5 00:00:15,120 --> 00:00:22,560 there's a uh in the book of Deuteronomy when u if you 6 00:00:21,039 --> 00:00:30,560 know anything about what's happening there. Um, after God has released or 7 00:00:27,680 --> 00:00:35,040 brought his people out from Egypt in Exodus, they just are stiff necked. I 8 00:00:32,800 --> 00:00:38,239 love that phrase stiff neck because it's it's referring to the fact that you're 9 00:00:36,640 --> 00:00:43,680 stubborn and he refuses to bow your head. Um, and so they're they refuse to 10 00:00:41,760 --> 00:00:46,079 to say that he is king and lord. And so he says, you know what, you're not going 11 00:00:44,800 --> 00:00:52,000 to get to the promised land, but your kids will. Um, and so in Deuteronomy, 12 00:00:48,879 --> 00:00:58,320 which is just called the second law, um, Moses is reminding the kids of who are 13 00:00:56,399 --> 00:01:02,640 now about to inherit the promised land of what God has done and and what he's 14 00:01:00,559 --> 00:01:07,920 decreed for them. And he says this to them um, as he's starting out with this 15 00:01:04,879 --> 00:01:13,040 this second law or repeat of the law. He says, "Listen, the Lord our God, the 16 00:01:10,479 --> 00:01:17,360 Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and 17 00:01:15,200 --> 00:01:21,680 with all your strength. These words I am giving you today are to be in your 18 00:01:19,040 --> 00:01:25,040 heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your 19 00:01:23,119 --> 00:01:29,600 house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 00:01:27,360 --> 00:01:33,840 Bind them as a sign on your hand. Let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write 21 00:01:31,759 --> 00:01:39,280 them on the door pace doorposts of your house and on your city gates. I think 22 00:01:36,240 --> 00:01:46,000 it's just a reminder for us. I mean, wherever we go, we are to be 23 00:01:41,680 --> 00:01:50,960 representatives of the God we serve. Um, people should see our actions and know 24 00:01:48,079 --> 00:01:56,000 who we are. People should come into our homes and and find the peace of God in 25 00:01:53,520 --> 00:02:02,079 our homes. People should come into our our town and know that, you know, this 26 00:01:58,560 --> 00:02:06,560 is a town that that fears and respects who God is and what he does. And and I 27 00:02:04,960 --> 00:02:10,000 just hope that that that's, you know, kind of the basis of everything that we 28 00:02:08,160 --> 00:02:15,440 do. And so, let's uh go to him in this prayer as we begin this meeting. Father, 29 00:02:12,560 --> 00:02:22,720 we thank you that no matter what you are, King, no matter how many people 30 00:02:18,640 --> 00:02:28,879 refuse to bow their heads, that doesn't negate the fact that you are the one 31 00:02:26,640 --> 00:02:32,720 that sustains all things and creates all things. 32 00:02:30,959 --> 00:02:36,879 And uh we know that all things are working together 33 00:02:34,720 --> 00:02:43,360 for the good of your people and for for your glory. And so I just pray that in 34 00:02:40,080 --> 00:02:48,480 meetings such as these that that in many ways just 35 00:02:45,920 --> 00:02:53,360 sometimes can seem mundane and wrote, they're not. And they're they're 36 00:02:50,160 --> 00:02:58,640 purposeful. and and I just pray that for um for the people who are leading our 37 00:02:55,120 --> 00:03:03,920 county in different um facilities and different areas that that they would 38 00:03:01,920 --> 00:03:09,599 have a heart that that is aligned with you and that they would lead from their 39 00:03:06,400 --> 00:03:12,560 their fear and their love of you. Um and we just thank you for all that you've 40 00:03:11,040 --> 00:03:17,120 done and just pray that you're here guiding the thoughts and the directions 41 00:03:14,800 --> 00:03:21,360 of this meeting and all the things that are on the agenda. We thank you for your 42 00:03:19,040 --> 00:03:25,200 sons in his name that we pray. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Garrett. 43 00:03:23,440 --> 00:03:31,239 » Yeah. Thank you, Garrett. >> All right. If you please rise 44 00:03:28,239 --> 00:03:31,239 algiance 45 00:03:33,680 --> 00:03:40,959 to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it 46 00:03:38,319 --> 00:03:46,519 stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice 47 00:03:43,280 --> 00:03:46,519 for all. 48 00:03:49,440 --> 00:03:57,360 Thank you very much. We'll call this meeting to order. Tuesday, September the 49 00:03:54,239 --> 00:04:01,680 8th, 2026. First item on the agenda is the minutes. 50 00:04:00,400 --> 00:04:06,159 Approval of the minutes from the previous meeting. Clerk Strike sent 51 00:04:03,120 --> 00:04:12,000 those out to us electronically last week. So, 52 00:04:09,760 --> 00:04:17,600 Mr. President, I approve those as presented. Uh unless you have any 53 00:04:15,200 --> 00:04:22,400 additional comments or corrections, but move that we approve those. 54 00:04:20,479 --> 00:04:29,199 All right. Thank you, Commissioner Edgler. I'll second that. Minutes will 55 00:04:24,800 --> 00:04:32,639 stand approved as submitted. Next is a president's report and 56 00:04:30,800 --> 00:04:37,360 commissioner reports. I don't have a whole lot really to report this meeting. 57 00:04:36,080 --> 00:04:42,479 The only meeting that I've really had since our prior commission meeting is a 58 00:04:40,160 --> 00:04:49,160 PTOIC Valley Transit Authority meeting. those folks continue to do good work 59 00:04:44,080 --> 00:04:49,160 there. Kind of expanding their 60 00:04:49,919 --> 00:04:58,479 ride shares and the the uh opportunities they have there to help out as it 61 00:04:55,759 --> 00:05:02,800 relates to public transit in in a rural area which 62 00:05:00,880 --> 00:05:05,440 is obviously extremely difficult. Provides it own set of challenges but 63 00:05:04,240 --> 00:05:10,080 those folks do a lot of good work, continue to do a lot of good things. So 64 00:05:07,840 --> 00:05:15,840 thankful that have those folks on that board that are working to provide those 65 00:05:12,240 --> 00:05:20,880 services to our county and and many other counties locally. So aside from 66 00:05:18,960 --> 00:05:23,120 that, any everything else that we have would be on the agenda. I don't have 67 00:05:21,919 --> 00:05:25,680 anything else really to report. So Commissioner Eginger, if you have 68 00:05:24,320 --> 00:05:30,000 anything, I'll turn the floor over to you at this time. 69 00:05:26,880 --> 00:05:38,240 » I don't have a lot either. commissioner uh did have the Central Hampshire PSD uh 70 00:05:33,440 --> 00:05:45,600 meeting and uh they are in the process of uh finishing up the several projects 71 00:05:42,240 --> 00:05:51,919 that they had over the years. Um you know, a lot of the the tying up the 72 00:05:48,479 --> 00:06:02,160 loose ends on the Peretsville projects um and uh stuff like that. Um but uh 73 00:05:58,000 --> 00:06:07,759 nothing major to report there. Uh no other meetings to report on this time. 74 00:06:04,560 --> 00:06:12,319 Um but since I did do have a few spare minutes there, I just uh 75 00:06:10,560 --> 00:06:18,639 wanted to, you know, touch on the upcoming uh 76 00:06:14,960 --> 00:06:25,039 vote for the uh levy that'll be in November. Um, and you know, hopefully 77 00:06:22,160 --> 00:06:31,039 uh, as I stated a few meetings ago, I I want to continue to uh for the 78 00:06:28,400 --> 00:06:38,160 commissioners to uh, educate the public um, as clearly 79 00:06:34,319 --> 00:06:45,840 and uh, fairly as possible uh, with that uh, upcoming opportunity to vote that 80 00:06:41,919 --> 00:06:52,960 uh, up or down. And uh, again, I just I just wanted to hit a few highlights 81 00:06:47,120 --> 00:07:01,120 there. Um, you know, I uh the vote on the levy, you know, won't be 82 00:06:56,160 --> 00:07:06,639 to make the fee go away. Uh, you know, obviously if there is a levy, there 83 00:07:03,599 --> 00:07:11,360 won't be a fee, but if there's if there's not a levy, there still will be 84 00:07:08,400 --> 00:07:15,199 a fee. Um, and and I'm just touching on a few of these things because, you know, 85 00:07:12,720 --> 00:07:21,440 I've gotten some questions, emails, I've seen some, uh, social media rhetoric. 86 00:07:18,319 --> 00:07:27,759 Uh, so I' I'm just trying to hit a few of the highlights that I've, uh, noticed 87 00:07:24,240 --> 00:07:34,560 people questioning. Um, you know, there are, uh, good and bad with either way. I 88 00:07:30,800 --> 00:07:42,639 I don't know that either way, uh, is a best way. Um obviously 89 00:07:38,160 --> 00:07:49,680 uh you know a change to a levy will put uh more responsibility 90 00:07:45,520 --> 00:07:58,560 from the economic side on a portion of our uh citizens. Um they will see their 91 00:07:53,440 --> 00:08:04,050 bills uh go up considerably. um especially businesses since the previous 92 00:08:01,199 --> 00:08:09,120 commission, including myself, um [snorts] you know, chose not to apply 93 00:08:06,000 --> 00:08:14,160 the fee to businesses in the past. Um with a levy that would be just like your 94 00:08:12,160 --> 00:08:20,000 uh your regular tax tax bill that you get. 95 00:08:17,360 --> 00:08:28,240 It's, you know, a levy works just like any other levy on your tax bill. So um 96 00:08:23,520 --> 00:08:33,680 it will be uh applicable to what you own um and how much you own and you know 97 00:08:31,280 --> 00:08:40,080 therefore you know you will pay more accordingly. Um that will work in the 98 00:08:37,760 --> 00:08:45,839 the other way as well. you know, if if you uh own a little less than the 99 00:08:43,039 --> 00:08:51,760 average, uh you'll probably see your bill go down. If if you're around the 100 00:08:48,399 --> 00:08:56,720 average in the county on what you own, um and what you pay taxes on, your bill 101 00:08:54,399 --> 00:09:01,600 will probably stay somewhere there, pretty close to the same, may go up a 102 00:08:59,360 --> 00:09:06,240 little bit or go down a little bit, but uh 103 00:09:03,680 --> 00:09:15,760 you know, that's I just want to continue to be as clear as possible. I mean what 104 00:09:08,720 --> 00:09:20,959 this is and the reason I uh agreed to uh allow this to go on the levy is 105 00:09:18,560 --> 00:09:26,399 because I do you know believe that the people should be allowed to uh chime in 106 00:09:23,839 --> 00:09:31,839 on it. Um, you know, it's it's been something that's been in the county now 107 00:09:28,080 --> 00:09:39,920 for close to 10 years and uh when the opportunity comes for the people to uh 108 00:09:35,519 --> 00:09:47,200 chime in on it, um I did believe that uh you know, when the idea came up, um I I 109 00:09:43,920 --> 00:09:54,720 believe that it's fair for the people to be able to uh voice their opinion by way 110 00:09:50,320 --> 00:10:02,560 of vote. So, you know, again, um I don't necessarily want to to say that I uh 111 00:09:59,360 --> 00:10:09,200 at this point know, you know, what the uh benefits of one way or the other is. 112 00:10:04,880 --> 00:10:14,560 Again, I think there's uh when you really break it down, you see 113 00:10:11,600 --> 00:10:19,440 that there's uh positive and negatives uh either way. Um there's a lot more we 114 00:10:17,519 --> 00:10:24,959 could talk about on it and you know we do have uh several weeks yet till we 115 00:10:22,399 --> 00:10:31,600 vote on it but I just want to continue to keep a open 116 00:10:27,839 --> 00:10:36,000 um communication from the commissioners on 117 00:10:33,279 --> 00:10:41,200 on the levy and the current fee and how it works and uh answer any questions 118 00:10:38,720 --> 00:10:42,959 that you have. So thank you commissioner. 119 00:10:41,760 --> 00:10:46,800 » Yes sir. Thank you, Commissioner Eginger, and I appreciate you touching 120 00:10:45,040 --> 00:10:51,839 on that. I I have had several folks reach out to me as well with questions 121 00:10:49,120 --> 00:10:55,600 about the potential levy. And I would again encourage folks to if you have 122 00:10:54,160 --> 00:11:02,399 questions, certainly feel free to reach out. I know HCSA, I believe, is planning 123 00:10:58,240 --> 00:11:06,880 to continue to do some education on the levy as we move forward here, get 124 00:11:05,040 --> 00:11:10,880 closer to election time. So, keep keep an eye ear out for that. And again, if 125 00:11:09,600 --> 00:11:16,440 you have any questions or need anything from us, we certainly happy to try to 126 00:11:12,320 --> 00:11:16,440 help in any way that we can. So, 127 00:11:16,640 --> 00:11:24,640 okay, we'll move on to our 9:15 agenda item, which is the Eastern Alageney 128 00:11:22,160 --> 00:11:30,000 Council for Human Services, Tayier Me. Hope I said that right. The 129 00:11:28,079 --> 00:11:34,480 head start update. Thank you for being here this morning. 130 00:11:32,560 --> 00:11:40,912 » Certainly. >> I've been here before. I wear many hats, 131 00:11:37,120 --> 00:11:40,912 but each is my nineto five. [laughter] 132 00:11:41,600 --> 00:11:47,360 Um I am Tiier me. I'm the public relations manager for each Head Start. 133 00:11:45,600 --> 00:11:52,320 Um and I'm here today because I want to bring to your attention um a significant 134 00:11:50,320 --> 00:11:57,680 proposed change affecting Head Start programs nationwide. On August 7th, 135 00:11:55,279 --> 00:12:03,600 2026, the Administration for Children and Families issued a notice of proposed 136 00:12:00,640 --> 00:12:09,279 rulemaking entitled reducing federal burden for Head Start programs. This 137 00:12:06,240 --> 00:12:13,200 proposal could potenti substantially change the current Head Start program 138 00:12:11,279 --> 00:12:17,760 performance standards that each Head Start and Head Starts across the country 139 00:12:15,200 --> 00:12:22,720 operate with. Now, these are just proposed changes. Nothing's final yet. 140 00:12:20,399 --> 00:12:29,200 Um, as long as the Head Start Act that was signed into law by Congress, as long 141 00:12:25,120 --> 00:12:32,880 as that is intact, um, Head Start, we are not closing, we're not going 142 00:12:30,720 --> 00:12:38,639 anywhere. These are just some proposed changes, um, that this administration 143 00:12:36,079 --> 00:12:43,760 would like to make to our performance standards. Um, and anybody that operates 144 00:12:41,200 --> 00:12:47,200 in Head Start knows that our Head Start program performance standards are like 145 00:12:45,440 --> 00:12:53,519 our Bible. Um while some of these proposals could 146 00:12:51,200 --> 00:12:58,399 provide each with greater f flexibility and reduce administrative burden, there 147 00:12:55,920 --> 00:13:02,720 are also some proposed changes that could have significant implications for 148 00:13:00,480 --> 00:13:06,959 staffing, program operations, administrative costs, parent engagement, 149 00:13:04,959 --> 00:13:11,600 and the delivery of services to our children and family. Um, one of the 150 00:13:09,440 --> 00:13:18,160 major ones that this administration, they are proposing reducing the 151 00:13:13,760 --> 00:13:26,320 administrative cost cap from 15% to 5%. The Head Start act says that we can 152 00:13:22,480 --> 00:13:31,519 operate up or use up to 15%. Um, I can tell you that each is head 153 00:13:28,639 --> 00:13:39,600 start. We currently operate between a 10 to 12% um, administrative cost. Now, our 154 00:13:36,800 --> 00:13:45,600 National Head Starts um association did some research for us and found that 73% 155 00:13:42,800 --> 00:13:54,160 of Head Starts across the country um operate above a 5% 156 00:13:48,720 --> 00:13:59,360 um administrative cost cap. So, not that we couldn't do it um because 157 00:13:57,360 --> 00:14:04,000 most people know that for the past three years, Head Start has been flatfunded 158 00:14:02,079 --> 00:14:09,360 and we will be flatunded next year as well. And I'm proud to say that at each 159 00:14:06,160 --> 00:14:13,440 Head Start, um, we manage, we make it work. Our children and our staff and our 160 00:14:11,519 --> 00:14:19,760 their families do not go without their needs in our in our facilities. But this 161 00:14:16,720 --> 00:14:24,959 5% ceiling could affect our finance and accounting, our payroll, human 162 00:14:22,000 --> 00:14:30,399 resources, our information technology, data systems, um procurement, monitoring 163 00:14:28,160 --> 00:14:35,040 and compliance regulations, our grant administration, insurance and risk 164 00:14:33,040 --> 00:14:40,000 management, our fiscal reporting, and our administrative staffing. Um I don't 165 00:14:38,480 --> 00:14:44,160 want it to think I don't want anybody to think that we're here because oh, we're 166 00:14:41,440 --> 00:14:49,519 just here for the admin part. Nothing. But without these things, without the 167 00:14:46,959 --> 00:14:54,399 people in our administrative offices, our Head Start program can't operate. 168 00:14:52,160 --> 00:14:58,560 Um, and if it does operate, in my opinion, it would not operate at the 169 00:14:56,639 --> 00:15:03,279 quality of service we believe our children and families in Grand Hampshire 170 00:15:00,079 --> 00:15:10,320 and Hardy County deserve. So, that is a concern for us. Um, another concern that 171 00:15:07,040 --> 00:15:15,519 we have is that this administration wants us to get away from federal 172 00:15:12,800 --> 00:15:19,600 regulatory guidelines and focus more on state and child care licensings 173 00:15:17,279 --> 00:15:24,240 requirements. Well, Egis Head Start, we do that. We already operate under West 174 00:15:21,920 --> 00:15:29,519 Virginia um, child care licensings requirements. So, that's not a big 175 00:15:27,360 --> 00:15:34,399 burden or change for us to have to happen. Our concern with that is if you 176 00:15:32,399 --> 00:15:41,040 take away these federal performance standards and guidelines is that 177 00:15:38,320 --> 00:15:45,360 we our concern is that the consistency of the Head Start program will vary from 178 00:15:43,519 --> 00:15:50,320 state to state depending on those childcare licensing requirements. We 179 00:15:47,839 --> 00:15:54,800 want to guarantee that every child in West Virginia receives the same 180 00:15:52,240 --> 00:16:00,480 highquality service of early childhood education as any other 181 00:15:58,240 --> 00:16:04,759 student or family in in in another state. Um 182 00:16:05,199 --> 00:16:15,279 we have made a commitment to ourselves that um while some of these proposed 183 00:16:12,240 --> 00:16:20,000 changes we we do agree with um we do feel that it would allow us more 184 00:16:17,519 --> 00:16:25,120 flexibility in operating our program even though we do independently operate 185 00:16:22,079 --> 00:16:30,720 ourselves. Um, we think there could be more flexibility 186 00:16:27,360 --> 00:16:38,639 and we're okay with that, but we look at the bigger picture is that we do live in 187 00:16:34,880 --> 00:16:43,680 a rural area. Um, one of the changes that the administration wants to make is 188 00:16:42,000 --> 00:16:50,800 they want to get rid of some of the health care guidelines. Now at each head 189 00:16:46,079 --> 00:16:57,440 start um we do vision, hearing screenings, um dental screenings, mental 190 00:16:54,720 --> 00:17:04,880 health consultations are done regularly in our classrooms. Um 191 00:17:00,639 --> 00:17:10,400 we provide services to our students that some public schools don't require. Like 192 00:17:08,319 --> 00:17:15,120 my child goes to public school, we have to have a wellness check before we enter 193 00:17:12,160 --> 00:17:19,280 school. That's it. At eaches, we take it a step further. We ask that you provide 194 00:17:17,600 --> 00:17:24,240 us with your wellness check and your last dental check. But when it comes to 195 00:17:21,839 --> 00:17:29,520 the vision and hearing and other things, if we see that there's a problem, we 196 00:17:26,720 --> 00:17:34,480 make a referral for that family. If that family has a problem getting to the 197 00:17:31,679 --> 00:17:41,760 referral, we find a way to get them there. Um Sarah Meyers who is our health 198 00:17:38,400 --> 00:17:46,320 mental health and nutrition manager um she has partnered with the dental 199 00:17:43,840 --> 00:17:51,760 department at EA Haw and they send their dentists into our classrooms and 200 00:17:48,400 --> 00:17:58,160 sometimes that's the first time some of these children have ever had a dental 201 00:17:53,840 --> 00:18:02,799 exam. So when this administration or the federal government wants to 202 00:18:00,720 --> 00:18:07,440 cut back on the timeline to get these things done, that's a concern for us. 203 00:18:05,200 --> 00:18:12,880 We're all parents here. I I hope most everybody's parent here. Um we don't 204 00:18:10,720 --> 00:18:17,440 have a lot of doctors here. We don't have um a lot of dentists that you can 205 00:18:15,600 --> 00:18:22,000 call and say, "Hey, my kid needs a dental exam." You may wait six months. 206 00:18:20,000 --> 00:18:25,679 You may wait a year to get in an appointment there. We've had it happen 207 00:18:23,360 --> 00:18:32,480 to our families. We want we don't want that to change. We 208 00:18:29,039 --> 00:18:38,960 want our children to be able to continue receiving the same 209 00:18:35,520 --> 00:18:42,720 physical screenings, dental, vision, um developmental screenings that we've 210 00:18:40,559 --> 00:18:48,080 always given to them on the timeline that our performance standard says they 211 00:18:44,559 --> 00:18:54,000 have to have them. Um, our concern, another concern with that is that we do 212 00:18:50,480 --> 00:18:59,280 have parents that don't recognize the need to take your child to get a 213 00:18:56,799 --> 00:19:02,880 physical, take your child to get a vision screening, to get a hear a 214 00:19:01,280 --> 00:19:09,520 hearing screening, and to get a dental exam. Um, 215 00:19:06,400 --> 00:19:16,720 I think that sometimes it's a lack of knowing that that is 216 00:19:12,799 --> 00:19:24,400 important as well as financially. Can we afford just to do this? Um, 217 00:19:20,480 --> 00:19:31,280 I think it's no it's no secret that we service um the socially economic poor in 218 00:19:28,480 --> 00:19:36,480 our communities that we service. But just because they're not at a social 219 00:19:32,960 --> 00:19:41,200 economical level as everybody else, we still feel that they these children and 220 00:19:38,799 --> 00:19:47,039 their families deserve the same quality of care across 221 00:19:45,120 --> 00:19:54,320 the board that any other child or family gets. So, we're not going to change our 222 00:19:50,799 --> 00:19:58,799 standards on that. Um, we've made a commitment to ourselves, um, to our 223 00:19:56,720 --> 00:20:03,520 staff and to our children and families because they're watching the news. They 224 00:20:01,280 --> 00:20:06,320 they see this and it causes panic. What does that mean for me and my family at 225 00:20:04,960 --> 00:20:10,960 Head Start? What does that mean for my child at Head Start? Our staff is 226 00:20:07,919 --> 00:20:16,559 concerned. Um myself I am concerned but we have 227 00:20:13,919 --> 00:20:20,160 decided that we control our own destiny at each head start and that's a good 228 00:20:18,160 --> 00:20:25,200 thing for us because that we are independently operated. We have made a 229 00:20:22,880 --> 00:20:28,960 commitment that our level of service is not going to change. Our mission to our 230 00:20:27,360 --> 00:20:33,520 children and families in the counties that we serve is not going to change. 231 00:20:31,280 --> 00:20:39,679 Our partnerships with our county BOEs, I've met with them to assure them it's 232 00:20:35,919 --> 00:20:45,919 not going to change. Um, and I'm hoping and keeping our fingers crossed that we 233 00:20:42,799 --> 00:20:52,960 don't get a push back that you have to change this. Um, we don't feel that we 234 00:20:48,799 --> 00:20:58,000 will, but our concern is that some of these proposed changes could greatly 235 00:20:56,159 --> 00:21:03,679 affect our our rural areas and we don't want 236 00:21:00,480 --> 00:21:11,440 that to happen. if you would see the papers I have here. 237 00:21:07,360 --> 00:21:16,159 So now, usually in an NPRM, once it is publicly released, there's a 30-day 238 00:21:13,440 --> 00:21:20,640 comment period. Now, our head national head start association went to bat for 239 00:21:18,000 --> 00:21:25,840 us and got us a 60-day public comment period. Um, so 240 00:21:23,679 --> 00:21:32,720 October 6 will end the public comment deadline, and it's as simple as going to 241 00:21:28,960 --> 00:21:38,880 regulations.gov gov and looking for or typing in um 242 00:21:35,440 --> 00:21:44,880 the Head Start proposed changes. It'll pull it up and it gives you a section to 243 00:21:42,880 --> 00:21:49,600 add a public comment on your thoughts on Head Start. Um we ask that we've asked 244 00:21:48,320 --> 00:21:53,520 everybody like if you're Head Start a past Head Head Start kid or a Head Start 245 00:21:51,760 --> 00:21:56,960 parent like just let them know what Head Start did for you and your family. Let 246 00:21:54,960 --> 00:22:02,480 them know what Head Start does for your community. But as we consider the 247 00:21:59,600 --> 00:22:07,360 proposed NPRM, we believe that it's important that we look at the impact 248 00:22:04,720 --> 00:22:11,919 through a rural lens. Each is not operating in a large metropolitan 249 00:22:09,760 --> 00:22:15,280 community where medical providers, mental health professionals, 250 00:22:13,280 --> 00:22:19,520 specialists, transportation options, and other community resources are readily 251 00:22:17,039 --> 00:22:23,760 available. We serve families across rural communities where distances are 252 00:22:21,360 --> 00:22:28,640 greater and resources are more limited. Sure, the greater local flexibility 253 00:22:26,640 --> 00:22:33,440 could certainly benefit us by allowing us to tailor our tailor our program to 254 00:22:31,120 --> 00:22:38,080 the exact needs of Grant Hardy and Hampshire County children and families. 255 00:22:35,679 --> 00:22:42,640 However, we also have to consider whether reducing federal standards will 256 00:22:40,559 --> 00:22:47,679 create unintended consequences for our rural program. A requirement that may be 257 00:22:45,280 --> 00:22:52,559 relatively easy for an urban program to satisfy can be much more difficult and 258 00:22:50,080 --> 00:22:56,400 expensive for our program because of the geographic distance, the work for 259 00:22:54,480 --> 00:23:01,360 workforce shortages, and the limited community service. We should therefore 260 00:22:58,960 --> 00:23:06,400 consider not only whether a proposed regulation reduces administrative burden 261 00:23:04,320 --> 00:23:10,799 but whether it also allows rural Head Start programs like each Head Start to 262 00:23:08,960 --> 00:23:15,919 continue providing highquality comprehensive services to children and 263 00:23:13,280 --> 00:23:21,679 families who may have nowhere else to turn. So the question for us isn't 264 00:23:19,520 --> 00:23:28,320 simply whether we want more or fewer regulations. Our question is, what level 265 00:23:25,600 --> 00:23:33,840 of federal standard is necessary to ensure that a child in rural Hampshire 266 00:23:31,200 --> 00:23:39,600 County, West Virginia, receives the same quality of Head Start services as a 267 00:23:36,480 --> 00:23:44,400 child in a major city. So, we're not asking for anything other 268 00:23:42,159 --> 00:23:48,159 than your voice and other than your support for our program and for the 269 00:23:46,880 --> 00:23:52,640 children and families of Hampshire County. 270 00:23:50,320 --> 00:23:57,760 Any questions? Thank you very much for being here and u bringing this to our 271 00:23:55,600 --> 00:24:03,919 attention and the attention of our community. And um 272 00:24:00,799 --> 00:24:08,799 and how many children do you guys have in the program? 273 00:24:05,200 --> 00:24:14,480 » Um we are equipped for 263. I think our last count last week was 274 00:24:11,360 --> 00:24:18,320 240, but we're still um accepting applications. 275 00:24:16,559 --> 00:24:21,679 Now, another thing, and I didn't touch on it, but some of the additions that 276 00:24:20,320 --> 00:24:26,159 they want to add, and these are additions that we agree with, and we 277 00:24:23,840 --> 00:24:33,279 already do in our program, um, one of them is a nutrition. Um, they want more 278 00:24:30,000 --> 00:24:40,880 fresh foods, fresh vegetables, um, lower sugar content in your menus. We already 279 00:24:36,799 --> 00:24:45,840 do that. We follow, um, the USA, USDA guidelines, and also CACF, national 280 00:24:43,760 --> 00:24:51,120 guidelines. Um, we do not serve processed foods in our three facilities. 281 00:24:48,640 --> 00:24:55,520 Um, so we're already doing that. So, we're we're okay with that change. Um, 282 00:24:53,360 --> 00:25:01,200 another one is physical activity. They want to add a requirement that for every 283 00:24:59,360 --> 00:25:06,559 three and a half hours that a child is in a Head Start program that they get a 284 00:25:03,840 --> 00:25:12,480 half hour of physical activity. Well, our kids from 7:45 to 2:30 they are with 285 00:25:10,000 --> 00:25:16,640 us. Um, so we operate a little bit longer and that's largely due to our 286 00:25:14,720 --> 00:25:20,640 partnership with the BOEs and the pre-K programs that we have within our 287 00:25:17,919 --> 00:25:26,000 facilities, but our kids get an hour of outside playtime, full hour. And that's 288 00:25:23,760 --> 00:25:30,720 just outside because there are also physical activities and movement that 289 00:25:28,400 --> 00:25:34,720 goes on in the classroom as well. So, we're okay with that one, too. Um, 290 00:25:32,640 --> 00:25:38,080 because pat ourselves on the back, we know we already do that above and beyond 291 00:25:36,320 --> 00:25:45,520 of what they are expecting from here on out. Um, another one of our a concern of 292 00:25:41,360 --> 00:25:51,440 ours is um they want to take away the requirement of parent engagement groups. 293 00:25:49,360 --> 00:25:55,200 Um, we don't want to see that go away. We do 294 00:25:53,520 --> 00:25:59,360 we have two governing bodies. One is our board of directors and one is our policy 295 00:25:57,600 --> 00:26:05,279 council which is our parent governing body. Um, that those two are staying. Um 296 00:26:03,120 --> 00:26:13,120 but the parent engagement group it allows parents to come into the centers. 297 00:26:08,960 --> 00:26:17,200 Um we bring resources into them. Um I think that the Morfield Center they have 298 00:26:15,200 --> 00:26:21,279 done things with Eastern Action. They've had people come in and they do a 299 00:26:18,960 --> 00:26:25,200 budgeting with the family like let's talk about your finances. Let let's 300 00:26:23,279 --> 00:26:28,559 let's figure out how how you're going to budget, how you're going to make this. 301 00:26:26,799 --> 00:26:35,039 Um we do cooking classes. is I think Hampshire County has done um some like 302 00:26:30,960 --> 00:26:39,279 crock-pot cooking meal classes. Um our concern with that is that while people 303 00:26:38,000 --> 00:26:43,120 think, oh well, you know, it's just a budget thing, like what's what's parents 304 00:26:40,960 --> 00:26:48,400 get from it, we get something from it. Um some 305 00:26:46,000 --> 00:26:54,559 parents, you don't see what goes on in in in at 306 00:26:51,200 --> 00:26:58,880 home. Um, and I guess maybe some things aren't our business, what goes on in 307 00:26:56,080 --> 00:27:03,600 people's home, but when the parents come in and engage in our facilities and 308 00:27:00,960 --> 00:27:07,919 engage in these groups, we're allowed to see things that most people probably 309 00:27:06,240 --> 00:27:12,960 look at and don't pick up on, but because of the work that our teachers 310 00:27:09,360 --> 00:27:17,200 and our staff do, they're able to see if there's a problem. you know, they're 311 00:27:14,960 --> 00:27:21,760 able to catch a red flag and they can pull that family aside and they can say, 312 00:27:19,840 --> 00:27:25,600 "Hey, you know, I noticed this in the parent group. Everything okay? You want 313 00:27:23,840 --> 00:27:29,679 to talk about something? Can I help you with something?" Um, some parents don't 314 00:27:28,559 --> 00:27:34,400 want to reach out. You know, it's a pride thing. Um, 315 00:27:32,559 --> 00:27:39,840 so we don't want to see these groups go away. We feel they are necessary for our 316 00:27:36,960 --> 00:27:44,320 families. They help our families. Um, and we feel that it's necessary for our 317 00:27:41,679 --> 00:27:50,240 teachers and our staff to kind of pick up a red flag that may not be brought 318 00:27:47,360 --> 00:27:54,720 forth by the parentself. So, but like I said, these are just proposals. Nothing 319 00:27:52,080 --> 00:28:00,799 is final yet. Um, I think the last webinar I said on um it could take one 320 00:27:58,720 --> 00:28:06,159 year, two year, three years before they are finalized. Um, but we are concerned 321 00:28:04,399 --> 00:28:10,960 that they might be kind of being fasttracked. So, we just want to make 322 00:28:08,640 --> 00:28:16,000 the public aware. Um, because it is scary what you see on the news. It is 323 00:28:12,720 --> 00:28:20,720 scary, but we like to think that we can get ahead of this and changes that we 324 00:28:18,399 --> 00:28:25,120 want to see happen will happen and the changes that we think would be 325 00:28:22,960 --> 00:28:30,320 detrimental to our program and to our area. We're just asking for everybody's 326 00:28:27,200 --> 00:28:33,360 support on those changes. That's all I got, sir. 327 00:28:32,640 --> 00:28:35,440 » Thank you. >> Thank you. 328 00:28:34,000 --> 00:28:39,760 » Appreciate you being here and thank you for what you do for the services you 329 00:28:37,840 --> 00:28:43,039 provide to our community and our counties. We much appreciate it. 330 00:28:41,039 --> 00:28:48,640 Appreciate you being on top of this kind of uh sounds like you're already being 331 00:28:45,440 --> 00:28:52,399 very proactive and taking steps to to be ready as possible. But but certainly in 332 00:28:50,880 --> 00:28:54,960 in the event that anything changes or any there are other new additions to 333 00:28:53,760 --> 00:28:58,799 this and you want to come back, we're certainly happy to to talk and and 334 00:28:57,039 --> 00:29:01,360 continue to have conversations and do what we can to support you. 335 00:29:00,240 --> 00:29:05,440 » All right. Thank you so much. >> Would you have that website? 336 00:29:02,799 --> 00:29:08,159 » It's regulations.gov. Let me see. 337 00:29:06,880 --> 00:29:12,240 So that went by kind of quick. >> I was getting ready to say I used to 338 00:29:09,200 --> 00:29:15,520 have a guideline and I think the Hardy County Commission took them all that 339 00:29:14,640 --> 00:29:20,080 day. I was there. >> Well, could you email some to me and 340 00:29:17,200 --> 00:29:24,840 I'll get them in the hallway or you email 341 00:29:21,840 --> 00:29:24,840 me? 342 00:29:29,919 --> 00:29:37,320 » I have to get on her county. They took all [snorts] my 343 00:29:34,320 --> 00:29:37,320 » guidelines. 344 00:29:49,679 --> 00:29:52,919 Thank you. 345 00:29:59,039 --> 00:30:03,880 » Thank you, gentlemen. >> Thank you. 346 00:30:08,880 --> 00:30:15,679 Okay, we'll move on to our next agenda item, which is the America 250th mural 347 00:30:13,600 --> 00:30:18,640 edition. Greybel is here with us. Come on up. How 348 00:30:17,760 --> 00:30:21,520 you doing this morning? >> Good. How are you? 349 00:30:19,520 --> 00:30:27,200 » Very good. Good to see you. >> Good to see you. How are you all doing? 350 00:30:24,480 --> 00:30:30,440 » Good. Thank you. 351 00:30:36,480 --> 00:30:41,226 Okay. So, this is you may get through a whole meeting without somebody asking 352 00:30:39,679 --> 00:30:45,600 you for money today. I don't know. [laughter] 353 00:30:42,480 --> 00:30:50,799 So, um this morning I just wanted to chat with you real quick about closing 354 00:30:47,200 --> 00:30:54,240 out the America 250 mural project. From my understanding, all of the funds have 355 00:30:52,480 --> 00:31:00,399 already been distributed out. So, there's nothing uh no requirement on 356 00:30:56,880 --> 00:31:04,000 your end except for a signature. So, the only other thing I wanted to bring to 357 00:31:01,679 --> 00:31:09,120 your attention is in your packets, there are some photos of the murals. They have 358 00:31:06,559 --> 00:31:13,679 all been installed. I hope that you guys have had a chance 359 00:31:10,799 --> 00:31:18,799 to to take a peek at them. They are gorgeous. And um I wanted to bring to 360 00:31:17,200 --> 00:31:26,320 your attention that we have a fourth mural that's going to be added as well. 361 00:31:22,960 --> 00:31:30,399 And um Kelly and Sam Williams are going to be covering the expense entirely. 362 00:31:28,559 --> 00:31:36,399 It's going to be on the wall at the South Branch in and you have a photo of 363 00:31:32,720 --> 00:31:40,000 that in your package as well. Um there shouldn't be anything any additional 364 00:31:37,919 --> 00:31:45,279 requirements on your end. I think that's all been taken care of. So it will just 365 00:31:42,240 --> 00:31:51,200 be a signature a signature on behalf of the county commission stating that the 366 00:31:48,480 --> 00:31:56,000 uh project has been completed. Uh the only other thing that I wanted to 367 00:31:53,120 --> 00:32:02,320 mention at this meeting is the newspaper last week had an article out 368 00:31:58,960 --> 00:32:06,480 um that had some um misrepresentation I guess. Uh it said that the murals were 369 00:32:04,720 --> 00:32:10,720 painted by Julie Harris that is not correct. It is Julie Cook that did the 370 00:32:08,159 --> 00:32:13,120 murals and she did a fabulous job. Um, but one of the other things that I 371 00:32:12,000 --> 00:32:17,279 really wanted to make sure was brought out at this meeting is that in the paper 372 00:32:15,200 --> 00:32:23,039 it said that the Hampshire County Commission voted in the spring to donate 373 00:32:19,360 --> 00:32:27,279 $5,000 toward the mural project and that was not the case. That has stirred up 374 00:32:25,039 --> 00:32:32,240 some controversy online. So, I wanted to be sure to bring that to everyone's 375 00:32:29,120 --> 00:32:36,559 attention that this money was grant money funded from the state of West 376 00:32:34,000 --> 00:32:42,880 Virginia. There was no tax money from our locals involved in this whatsoever. 377 00:32:41,120 --> 00:32:46,799 So, does anyone have any questions for me? 378 00:32:45,120 --> 00:32:49,200 » Very much appreciate you clearing that up. 379 00:32:47,120 --> 00:32:52,960 » Yes, sir. >> And uh these things I have had the 380 00:32:51,440 --> 00:32:59,120 opportunity myself to look at them and they are very very well done. Very nice. 381 00:32:56,720 --> 00:33:04,960 The mural that's going to be placed at the South Branch in I believe there's 382 00:33:02,320 --> 00:33:08,640 already one on or planned to be one on the South Branch in Morfield. Correct. 383 00:33:07,120 --> 00:33:15,200 » There is already one on the one of Morfield. Yes, this one will be added to 384 00:33:11,679 --> 00:33:19,279 our set of three that we already have that will be included on the mural trail 385 00:33:18,000 --> 00:33:23,760 that's going to be put together. There'll be a mural trail map that'll be 386 00:33:21,760 --> 00:33:27,200 done by the state where people can go to different counties and look at all the 387 00:33:25,039 --> 00:33:32,519 murals and and we're hoping that this fourth mural will also be included in 388 00:33:29,039 --> 00:33:32,519 that as well. 389 00:33:33,919 --> 00:33:42,000 The interesting thing about this one is it represents our end of the trough 390 00:33:38,720 --> 00:33:44,240 versus the one in Warfield represents south 391 00:33:43,760 --> 00:33:48,880 » visually. >> Correct. Yeah. 392 00:33:47,120 --> 00:33:55,760 » Um then then one more piece that I wanted to add is uh this we have more 393 00:33:51,600 --> 00:34:02,559 America 250 activities coming up. Um, one of those is going to be a uh cost a 394 00:33:59,919 --> 00:34:08,879 fashion show, I guess, at the school for the deaf and the blind that's scheduled 395 00:34:05,200 --> 00:34:17,200 for October. Um, we're also going to have a 911 memorial ride from can be 396 00:34:13,679 --> 00:34:22,159 cars, vans, motorcycles. It'll start at the American Legion and go all the way 397 00:34:18,960 --> 00:34:27,359 to Shakesville, Pennsylvania for where where the plane went down. and that will 398 00:34:24,800 --> 00:34:36,399 be on October 10th. Uh that will be a part of our America 250 activities. And 399 00:34:30,399 --> 00:34:40,079 then we will close out the year for um the Veterans Day event that we usually 400 00:34:38,720 --> 00:34:44,000 have. This will be our third year that we've had it at the American Legion 401 00:34:41,919 --> 00:34:48,800 where we do a free dinner for vets. But we're also going to include that with an 402 00:34:45,359 --> 00:34:51,919 America 250 block party downtown. So I wanted to bring that to your attention 403 00:34:49,919 --> 00:34:55,119 as well. And that will be on Veterans Day on November 11th. 404 00:34:57,920 --> 00:35:02,599 All right. >> Any questions? 405 00:35:02,800 --> 00:35:05,359 » I don't have any for you. Appreciate you. 406 00:35:04,640 --> 00:35:09,179 » Thank you so much. >> Thanks for being here. [snorts] 407 00:35:13,359 --> 00:35:20,160 » All right, clerk. We're a little ahead of schedule, so 408 00:35:17,359 --> 00:35:25,280 you have anything for us >> or we can move on if you if you have 409 00:35:22,960 --> 00:35:28,079 nothing uh beyond some some things we've already 410 00:35:26,400 --> 00:35:32,400 » dealt with and of course the exonerations and invoices. 411 00:35:30,720 --> 00:35:36,480 » Okay. All right. >> Then we'll move on to the 945 agenda 412 00:35:35,200 --> 00:35:41,440 item which is the police resource officer with the board of education. 413 00:35:38,640 --> 00:35:47,680 » Okay. This was prepared and submitted to uh sheriff and he reviewed it and agreed 414 00:35:44,000 --> 00:35:54,974 with everything in it. And so it's just something that goes into the program 415 00:35:51,119 --> 00:35:56,994 packet as part of that [snorts] 416 00:36:43,040 --> 00:36:47,359 Clerk, this is something I assume we've done for quite some time. This 417 00:36:46,480 --> 00:36:55,760 agreement. Yeah, >> that is correct. Um and the 418 00:36:52,480 --> 00:37:01,599 uh [snorts] high school board um over the years has prepared most of this 419 00:36:58,079 --> 00:37:06,240 packet. Um at this point it's Miss Stump at the high school vice principal still 420 00:37:04,160 --> 00:37:11,520 is pulling the the threads together and 421 00:37:08,960 --> 00:37:15,599 getting ready for submission. These officers, as I understand it, are 422 00:37:13,520 --> 00:37:19,760 one at the high school, one at Capen Bridge complex, and one at the Romney, 423 00:37:18,560 --> 00:37:22,720 » assuming at the Romney >> Oh, yes. 424 00:37:21,920 --> 00:37:27,800 » Elementary. >> I don't think 425 00:37:23,359 --> 00:37:27,800 » no. Middle school. Okay. 426 00:37:32,800 --> 00:37:40,680 The officers may do double duty with the elementary where needed, but 427 00:37:37,680 --> 00:37:40,680 sure. 428 00:37:48,800 --> 00:37:59,440 Mr. President, I'll move that we give you the uh approval to sign the pro uh 429 00:37:56,800 --> 00:38:03,520 officer agreement. All right. Thank you, Commissioner Aer. 430 00:38:01,040 --> 00:38:07,839 I'll second that motion. Those in favor signify by saying I. I. 431 00:38:06,160 --> 00:38:10,640 » I. Motion passed. 432 00:38:31,359 --> 00:38:37,920 Okay, end of our regularly scheduled agenda 433 00:38:35,680 --> 00:38:44,480 items. So, clerk, we have the exonerations which I emailed 434 00:38:41,200 --> 00:38:48,640 to you last week and actually sent the the worksheets with them as well. Just a 435 00:38:47,520 --> 00:38:52,560 few Do you need to review those? 436 00:38:50,800 --> 00:39:00,160 » I do not. You need to see those. >> No, I'm fine, but I I will move that we 437 00:38:56,240 --> 00:39:04,320 uh accept those uh as presented from the assessor since our last meeting. 438 00:39:02,400 --> 00:39:06,560 » I'll second that. All those in favor signify by saying I. 439 00:39:06,079 --> 00:39:10,320 » I. >> I. 440 00:39:08,480 --> 00:39:14,960 Passed. >> I had also sent you uh no action needed 441 00:39:13,680 --> 00:39:20,400 but an update from the health department. uh Miss Wilkins had sent a 442 00:39:17,119 --> 00:39:26,240 report on what they've been doing and um also I have the legal rep hourly legal 443 00:39:23,760 --> 00:39:32,720 representation agreement from our attorney in the moral 444 00:39:29,599 --> 00:39:37,040 situation. So that's here and I think his emails said he was very flexible 445 00:39:35,040 --> 00:39:44,000 when that was needed to be signed. But uh so we you guys agreed to do that the 446 00:39:40,079 --> 00:39:49,599 last 20 special meeting on the 20th. So I have that here. as well. 447 00:39:48,640 --> 00:39:55,800 » Do that now or? >> Yeah, I think we can. 448 00:39:51,520 --> 00:39:55,800 » Yeah, sounds good. 449 00:40:51,440 --> 00:40:57,680 Just as a quick note, I'll just touch on some of the developments of the marl in 450 00:40:55,839 --> 00:41:03,119 the last couple days. I think last time at our we had our meeting spoke to the 451 00:41:00,319 --> 00:41:08,960 fact that the uh the PSC staff had recommended um a delay because of some 452 00:41:07,119 --> 00:41:16,319 of the changes to the route um that had taken 453 00:41:13,280 --> 00:41:21,200 place fairly recently and and I believe was going to impact several different 454 00:41:17,760 --> 00:41:27,680 land owners. Um staff had recommended a delay. the applicant being next era 455 00:41:24,800 --> 00:41:33,200 agreed to that and I believe on Friday, I think it was Friday that the PSC 456 00:41:31,440 --> 00:41:38,079 said they did not agree with that and are going to keep the 457 00:41:35,599 --> 00:41:44,160 current slated dates intact and are not going to delay due to those changes. So, 458 00:41:40,880 --> 00:41:46,720 uh it's kind of a last minute decision there. I believe 459 00:41:45,520 --> 00:41:51,280 there are some things that are actually due today. So, uh, still continue. Looks 460 00:41:49,920 --> 00:41:55,440 like tomorrow is still going to continue on as had previously been slated and 461 00:41:53,760 --> 00:42:01,160 we'll continue to follow to see what updates there are and any changes take 462 00:41:58,160 --> 00:42:01,160 place. 463 00:42:09,280 --> 00:42:18,560 » Well, the only other business I have is the uh invoices for your approval. 464 00:42:15,200 --> 00:42:21,839 They do have been previously sent electronically. 465 00:42:20,079 --> 00:42:26,880 » Mr. President, if there's no questions or concerns about the invoices for 466 00:42:24,000 --> 00:42:31,280 discussion, then I would uh move that we proceed with approval for those invoices 467 00:42:29,599 --> 00:42:35,359 since our last meeting. >> I'll second that. All those in favor 468 00:42:33,520 --> 00:42:39,520 signify by saying I. >> I. 469 00:42:35,839 --> 00:42:42,079 » I. Passed. Invoices stand approved. And clerk, thank you for getting that stuff 470 00:42:40,720 --> 00:42:45,359 out to us electronically. >> It does help. Appreciate it. 471 00:42:43,440 --> 00:42:49,520 » Yep. provides an opportunity to be able to review it and 472 00:42:48,079 --> 00:42:51,200 is very beneficial. So, thank you for that. 473 00:42:49,839 --> 00:42:56,880 » And of course, anything like that is public and if there's any request, we're 474 00:42:54,000 --> 00:42:59,880 happy to to answer those. >> Sure. 475 00:43:01,440 --> 00:43:07,760 » Gentlemen, if there's uh nothing else to be discussed, I would entertain a motion 476 00:43:05,920 --> 00:43:12,400 to adjurnn. >> I move that we adjourn. 477 00:43:09,760 --> 00:43:12,400 » All right.