Thursday, May 15, 2025, 3:00 – 4:00PM
By Zoom Videoconference
M I N U T E S
Members Present: David Klotz (Governmental Co-chair), David Martin (Community Co-chair), Billy Fields (Finance Officer), Raffi Babakhanian, Paul Carr, LaShonda Cyrus, Marya Gilborn, Freddy Molano, MD, Brooke Montes, Julian Palmer, Guadalupe Dominguez Plummer (ex-officio), Marcelo Maia Soares, John Schoepp
Members Absent: Joan Edwards, Rasheed Ford, Ronnie Fortunato, Steve Hemraj, Emma Kaywin
Staff Present: NYC DOHMH: Michael Navejas, Doienne Saab, Abraham Omeyoma, Scott Spiegler, Johanna Acosta, Adrianna Eppinger-Meiering, Renee James, Kimbirly Mack; Public Health Solutions: Gemma Barclay, Arya Shahi
Agenda Item #1: Welcome/Introductions/Minutes/Public Comment
Mr. Martin and Mr. Klotz opened the meeting followed by introductions and a moment of silence. The minutes from the April 17, 2025 meeting were approved with no changes.
Agenda Item #2: GY 2025 Part A Award Update
Mr. Klotz reportedthat EMAs received a second partial award for GY 2025. The full award is still anticipated at some point, hopefully within a timeframe that the partial award covers. The second partial award is for $23.8M, which added to the first partial award of $16.2M adds up to $40M, which is 44% of last year’s award, enough to fund programs at a prorated amount through mid-August. Ms. Plummer added that the Care & Treatment Program will work with Public Health Solutions to ensure that sub-recipients receive funding to ensure continuity of care. She added that EHE funds are secure for the current year.
There was a discussion about the proposals for the 2026 federal budget, which Congress is considering now. The White House has proposed flat funding for Ryan White Parts A, B, C and D, but elimination of Part F, as well as MAI funds and many other essential program, as well as significant changes to Medicaid that would results in millions losing coverage.
Agenda Item #3: GY 2024 4th Quarter Closeout Report
Mr. Fields introducedthe GY 2024 4th quarter closeout report. showing the spending in grant year that ended on February 28, 2025. Spending in almost all service categories was on target. The overall underspending, which will be available for carryover in the current year is about $1.5 million, a big improvement over last year’s underspending of $2.3 million. This is the lowest underspending since the beginning of the COVID pandemic. The final amount of carryover will be adjusted slightly as the Recipient completes its final reconciliation. In June, the PSRA Committee will develop a carryover plan for the use of the unspent funds.
Ms. Plummer provided the details of the report. Highlights include:
- ADAP was able to absorb substantial reprogramming and carryover funds, resulting in spending of 187% of the original allocation (the allocation had been reduced at the beginning of the year to cover a reduction in the award).
- Non-Medical Case Management/Inmates and Releasees was underspent due to the Dept. of Corrections dropping a requirement that correctional officers attend appointments. The GY 2025 spending plan reduced the ongoing allocation for this category to reflect the new need.
- Food & Nutrition Services in both NYC and Tri-County spent more than their original allocation through one-time enhancements.
- Emergency Financial Assistance was underspent due to issues with the program’s staffing and agency reorganization. A procurement of a new provider for the NYC portion of the EMA is underway for services that will begin March 1, 2026.
- Medical Transportation was underspent due to the reduced need for parking vouchers.
- Legal Services in Tri-County was underspent due despite one of the two providers rescinding their contract. The remaining provider served relatively few clients. The TC Steering Committee will review the allocation for this service. If there are adequate providers in the region, then the Committee may decide to reallocate those funds to an area of high need in the TC portfolio such as Housing or Food.
Agenda Item #4: Other Business
Mr. Klotz reviewed the agenda for the May 22nd Council meeting, which will include a presentation by the Recipient on the implementation of the Council’s Framing Directive. The Needs Assessment Committee will also present a set of recommendations to ensure appropriate care for PWH who use methamphetamine or engage in chemsex.
There being no further comment, the meeting was adjourned.
