During the Dec. 2 special meeting, applicants for the Human Services Commission outlined relevant experience and council members discussed availability and the commission’s demanding grant‑review workload.

Harold Booker introduced himself as a longtime Federal Way resident and nonprofit board member, saying, “I have been a resident of South King County my entire life… Been a resident of Federal Way for 60 plus years.” Booker described more than 20 years on the board of Therapeutic Health Services and his employment in information technology and management, framing that experience as relevant to supervising grants and services for vulnerable residents.

Nathan North said he moved to Federal Way eight years ago and has worked in logistics and operations; he told the council he was motivated to apply after seeing essential services such as the day center become unfunded. “I would like to find a way to help people who are in need,” North said, and added that he can be flexible with his schedule if given advance notice to participate in grant reviews.

Council members emphasized that Human Services Commission work can be time intensive, particularly during years with many grant applications, and asked both applicants about availability and willingness to do the work. Booker and North said they could adjust schedules and participate in evening and daytime review sessions as needed.

Council members informally suggested seat assignments — Nathan North to position 5 and Harold Booker to position 9 — but the council president reiterated that no formal appointments can be made at the special meeting and directed staff to place the formal action on the following regular meeting agenda.

What’s next: Staff will place formal appointment items on the next regular council meeting agenda for official votes.