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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-04_Commissioners' Minutes No. 1231_APPROVED2805 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA Minute No. 1231 June 4, 2026 The Washington County Commissioners met in special session in Public Meeting Room G-16, at the Crossroads Center at 95 West Beau Street, Washington, PA, with the following members in attendance: Commissioners Nick Sherman, Electra Janis and Larry Maggi. Also present were: Solicitor Gary Sweat; Chief Clerk Cindy Griffin; Public Affairs Director Nicole Ford; Administrative Assistants Debbie Corson, Heather Wilhelm, Casey Graelish and Randi Marodi; Attorney Steel; and journalists Joe Jasek (WIPA) and Mike Jones (Observer -Reporter). Mr. Sherman called the meeting to order at approximately 12:29 p.m. and announced the meeting was being video and audio live -streamed via the Commissioners' YouTube channel. AGENDA COMMENTS None. COMMISSIONERS' RESPONSE None. SOLICITOR'S REPORT Before beginning New Business, County Solicitor Gary Sweat asked if he could provide an (Pennsylvania Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Trust) Opioid Trust appeals and Commonwealth Court proceedings update. Mr. Sherman approved. Mr. Sweat reported that during the Trust's first round of program reviews, four Washington County programs were deemed non -compliant, prompting the County"s appeal to the Commonwealth Court. Several other municipalities had filed similar appeals, and oral arguments. Although no decision has yet been issued, a Law360 summary of the argument indicated that the Court expressed significant concerns about the Trust's review process, including: • The Trust's failure to create a record, issue findings of fact, or provide conclusions of law • The Trust's overly restrictive interpretation of Exhibit E, including comments suggesting counties were not being permitted to "think outside the box" • A judge's indication that, while the Court may have limited ability to act on the pending appeals, it may need to issue new guidelines and regulations governing how the Trust conducts future reviews Following those arguments, counsel for the Trust contacted Mr. Sweat and Attorney Steel to advise that the Trust would withdraw its prior non-compliance determination for Program No. 42 (Leadership Development LLC — 911 Training). The Trust has now deemed that program compliant, removing it from the County's appeal. Continuing, Mr. Sweat noted the Trust recently reversed additional non-compliance determinations after further explanation from Washington County's Department of Human Services. The Trust has now approved: • Program No. 36 — DHS Training & Continuing Education ($25,000) • Program No. 37 — The Childcare Group Solutions Center ($75,000) • Program No. 52 — Shawn Patrick House ($350,000) • Program No. 59 — WHS Teen Outreach/Common Ground Teen Center ($80,000) These reversals mean that all funds spent or committed for these programs will now count toward the applicable settlement deadlines. Mr. Sweat stated that these developments indicate the Trust is trying to be more fair, transparent, and open in its review process. He expressed optimism that clearer guidelines will emerge, reducing uncertainty for counties in future funding cycles. MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA JMR L1MIT£D EteQH491fiV COMMISSIONERS' RESPONSE Mr. Sherman expressed strong support for the Commonwealth Court's concerns and stated that he felt vindicated by the Court's reaction to the Trust's prior handling of program reviews. He emphasized that counties were instructed to follow Exhibit E, yet the Trust denied programs that clearly aligned with those guidelines without providing any explanation. In his seven years as a County Commissioner and 20 years in the nonprofit sector, he said he had never seen anything so misguided. The lack of direction from the Trust, combined with repeated accusations that counties acted improperly, were unacceptable. Mr. Sherman publicly acknowledged and thanked DHS Administrator Dr. John Tamiggi and Deputy Administrator Tiffany Milovac for their work throughout the process, noting that they had been unfairly criticized. He also highlighted the hardship placed on the Shawn Patrick House, whose founders, who had lost their son, were forced to endure additional distress due to the Trust's initial denial. He said the Commonwealth Court's position mirrors the County's longstanding concerns and that we (the County) knew we were right all along. He expressed relief that the matter is moving toward resolution and reiterated that the County's focus must continue helping individuals in recovery. He concluded by stating his desire to put this issue behind the County and return to the work the Commissioners were elected to do. NEW BUSINESS Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, a grant award to the Department of Human Services for the 2026 Road to Recovery Symposium in the amount of $10,000 for education and prevention programming to implement innovative recovery -focused strategies to improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities affected by Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Moved by Ms. Janis; seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi — Yes; Ms. Janis — Yes; Mr. Sherman — Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, a grant award to Integrated Software in the amount of $448,517.43 to enable Washington County to provide quality and effective wrap -around services to residents with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), accompanying substance use disorder, and mental health conditions. Moved by Ms. Janis; seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi — Yes; Ms. Janis — Yes; Mr. Sherman — Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, a grant award to Gateway Rehabilitation Center in the amount of $291,941 to revitalize existing spaces to be utilized for special therapeutic programs. Moved by Ms. Janis; seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi — Yes; Ms. Janis — Yes; Mr. Sherman — Yes. Motion carried unanimously. '1807 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA IMR LIMITED E1316649LD Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, a grant award to Shekinah Youth Ranch of the Mon Valley in the amount of $41,000 to support Trail of Grace Overnight Camp Scholarships to qualified Washington County youth campers and their families. Moved by Ms. Janis; seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi — Yes; Ms. Janis — Yes; Mr. Sherman — Yes. Motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. COMMISSIONERS' RESPONSE None. There being no further business, Mr. Sherman declared the meeting adjourned at approximately 12:39 p.m. THE FOREGOING MINUTES WERE SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL: ATTEST: CHI f .F C 10 2026