County task force backs emergency shelter in small‑cities CDBG application; board schedules follow‑up hearing

County staff and a consultant briefed the commission on a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application due in early May and presented a citizen advisory task force recommendation to prioritize an emergency shelter.

The packet included renderings of an emergency shelter built by converting an old gymnasium; the task force’s primary recommendation is to pursue that project under the urgent‑need category, which can increase the application’s competitiveness. Consultant Taylor Perkins described the requirement for a citizen advisory task force and reported that community members met before the commission meeting to identify priorities, with the emergency shelter selected as the lead recommendation and other neighborhood revitalization projects listed as secondary options.

Staff noted the application window is tight and asked the board to approve scheduling a second public hearing (one required by CDBG rules) to meet notice requirements. Commissioners discussed an April 28 hearing date (6 p.m.) and whether members can attend in person or virtually; staff said at least a physical quorum is required to comply with meeting law. The board signaled support for the follow‑up hearing and asked staff to circulate notice and the proposed metrics the county would require from the applicant to evaluate program effectiveness.

The board directed staff to add this as a public‑notice item and to refine reporting and performance metrics in the funding agreement.