Amended 12/06/04
HUMAN SERVICES
November 15, 2004
Minutes
Members Present: Curtis Hertel, Lisa Dedden, Andy Schor, Mike Severino, Tina Weatherwax-Grant and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino
Members Absent: John Nevin
Others Present: John Neilsen, Bruce Bragg, Robert VanKirk, Joe Lessard, Pat McKinley, Jacob Distel, Ted DeLeon, Judy Wagner, Pat Nueworth, Walter Brown, Deb Biehler, Evelyn Kay, Jamie Hutchinson, Steve Dougan, Sharon Salmon-Jozwiak, Pam Sievers, and others
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Hertel at 7:03 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the September 13 and November 1, 2004 Minutes
The Minutes were approved as written. Absent: Comms. Severino and Nevin
Additions to the Agenda
3. Additional Information
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. DEDDEN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
1. MSU Cooperative Extension – Resolution to Authorize Acceptance of a $125,000 Comprehensive Strategies Implementation Grant from the Juvenile Justice Grant Unit of the Michigan Family Independence Agency
2. Health Department
a. Resolution to Authorize a 2004-2005 Federal Abstinence Grant Program
b. Resolution to Extend the Cooperative Operational Agreement with the
Ingham Community Health Center Board
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Severino and Nevin
MOVED BY COMM. DEDDEN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Severino (delete: and Schor)
3. Controller’s Office - Resolution Authorizing 2005 Agreements for Community Agencies
Mr. Neilsen informed the Committee that two new agencies have submitted applications for Community Agency funding. Those agencies are the Lansing Area Aids Network and the North Network Center. Available funding available for 2005 is $113,500 and the requested amount of funding for 2005 is $182,726.
The Board of Commissioners determined during the early phase of the budget process, that agencies receiving funding for 2005 should meet the basic needs of the residents of the County.
Mr. Neilsen further stated the Women’s Commission will submit a Resolution to the County Services Committee tomorrow night which would allow them to appropriate $2,000 to Ballentine Stepping Stones and $1,000 to the Girl Scouts of Michigan Capital Council.
MOVED BY COMM. DEDDEN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT TO RECOMMEND THE APPROVAL OF THE COMMUNITY AGENCY FUNDING REQUESTS FOR THE FOLLOWING AGENCIES:
Boys & Girls Club of Lansing $ 8,750
Capital Area Literacy Coalition 4,500
Ele’s Place 5,000
Harvest House 9,054
Haven House 3,800
Leslie Outreach, Inc. 1,034
Listening Ear, Inc. 7,315
MSU Detroit College of Law Clinical Programs 10,158
Project Clay/Catholic Social Services of Lansing 4,500
Westside Community YMCA (formerly Downtown
Branch YMCA) 4,500
(Comm. Severino arrived at 7:09 p.m.)
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nevin
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant expressed her appreciation to the Community Agencies for the services they provide the residents of the County. She then expressed her concern about funding the same agencies continuously. This Committee should try to identify new agencies for funding and then recommend that the current agencies find alternative sources of funding for 2006.
Ballentine Stepping Stones
Chairperson Hertel asked the Agencies to explain the reasons for the increase in their funding requests.
Ms. Salmon-Jozwiak stated the agency does request grants and also holds fundraisers to help meet their financial needs. Ballentine appreciates the past support of Ingham County. Ms. Salmon-Jozwiak further stated that many of tonight’s agencies are willing to accept any amount of funding from the County for 2005.
Ballentine assists homeless and vulnerable people. In response to Mr. Neilsen, Ms. Salmon-Jozwiak stated the separate funding request from the Women’s Commission is separate from tonight’s request. She was not aware of that request until this evening.
Capital Area Literacy Coalition
Ms. Clark stated any amount of funding would be appreciated. The Coalition has received funding for some new programs. Also, the Coalition has received a $16,000 Kellogg Foundation Grant.
Cristo Rey Community Center
Ms. McKinley explained the Center provides anger management education for teens. Many of the teens who have and are participating in the program have been referred by the court system. The additional funding is needed to expand the programs.
In response to Comm. Weatherwax-Grant, Ms. McKinley stated the Center does not have sufficient funding to track the teens once they have completed the anger management course. However, this type of education has proven to be very effective over the long term. Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated the Board of Commissioners is holding the courts responsible for outcomes from programs which are funded by the Juvenile Justice Millage. Perhaps the Center could partner with other area agencies to address the tracking issue.
Comm. Dedden asked what the Center would provide with the additional funding. Ms. McKinley stated the funding would allow for three additional hours of work per week for two new programs.
In response to Comm. Severino, Mr. Neilsen stated all funding requests require a financial statement which can be verified. Comm. Severino stated requesting a 990 form would be of great assistance to staff when determining funding allocations for the agencies. This issue was discussed further.
Garden Project of the Greater Lansing Food Bank
Additional information regarding the Food Bank was distributed to the Committee for their review.
Nancy, Garden Project Food Bank, stated the need for the Garden’s services has increased; therefore, additional gardens will be needed next spring. The Garden will look at the overall community food system in 2005.
Nancy addressed questions from the Committee at this time. In response to Comm. Schor, she stated the Garden uses the HUD median income guidelines to determine eligibility for the Project.
Gateway Community Services
Ms. Zin stated any funding appropriation from the County would be greatly appreciated. Due to financial issues, Gateway has had to reduce the number of people who may obtain services.
Girl Scouts of Michigan Capital Council
Ms. Sievers acknowledged the funding request being made by the Women’s Commission for the Girl Scouts. She then explained tonight’s request for $10,000 would assist the Council with implementing a new program to address middle school age females who have committed their first crime. This program would be used in four area schools. The Council has not submitted any funding requests to other sources to date. It does plan to request funding from the United Way.
Comm. Schor stated the new program is admirable but the County does have its own financial concerns. Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated it would be wonderful if the Council could obtain funding from other pools to meet their needs.
Lansing Area Aids Network
Mr. Distel, Lansing Area Aids Network (Network), stated the Network will experience a $75,000 decrease in funding for 2005. The mission of the Network is to deliver services and programs designed to meet the needs of those living with HIV/AIDS and to help prevent the further spread of the virus. A majority of the people being served by the Network are Ingham County residents. Mr. Distel also stated there has been a marked increase in the number of HIV/AIDS cases in the past year. The Network would appreciate any funding the County could appropriate to support its loss in funding. He further stated the Network would not request County funding over the long-term.
In response to Comm. Schor, Mr. Distel stated the Network works closely with the Ingham County Health Department. Also, the Network will request funding from Eaton and Clinton Counties. He could also assure the County that its appropriation would be used only for Ingham County residents.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant explained she is very inclined to support the Network’s funding request due to their funding cuts at the State and Federal levels. In response to Comm. Severino, Mr. Distel explained how the Network uses its funds and that its services touch people who are not HIV/AIDS positive. Comm. Severino stated he appreciates the Network’s services, but the County does not fund services which are duplicated by another agency. Mr. Distel explained service receivers must seek help from other agencies before receiving support from the Network.
Mr. DeLeon explained the Network takes great strides to ensure the confidentiality of its clients. We are just asking for funds to allow the Network some breathing room while they deal with their funding issue.
Lansing Area Parents’ Respite Center, Inc.
Ms. Wagner explained the Center provides respite for parents of youth who cannot be left alone due to physical reasons. The Center has developed some new fundraising events. It is also looking at how it can incorporate its care at the adult level.
In response to Comm. Schor, Ms. Wagner explained that the increase in the Center’s funding request is due to many reasons. The Center does not receive funding from the State and it does network with other agencies in this community.
National Council on Alcoholism
Ms. Nueworth stated the Council has seen funding cuts from the State and Federal governments as well as other sources. In response to Comm. Weatherwax-Grant, she stated the Council does not have programs which target youth; however, the Council is interested in this area.
North Network Center
Mr. Brown explained the mission of the North Network Center (Center) is to provide a positive outlook on life and to build the residents’ self esteem. It does work with the Tri-County Office on Aging, the 4-H, the Garden Project and the Fair Housing Outreach program in an effort to meet the needs of the Center’s residents. The Center’s funding request is to implement three new programs (summer enrichment, parents who care and dispute resolution).
Comm. Dedden stated the Center is a part of the Neighborhood Network Centers that is already funded by the County. Mr. Brown explained the FIA pays his salary. Any other funding is used to provide support to the Center’s programs.
Rural Family Services
Ms. Biehler informed the Committee that the number of people serviced by RFS has tripled over the past few years. Approximately 50% of the people served are under 18 years of age. She assured the Committee that the County’s funding would not be used for salaries.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated she wishes there were more “stop gap” services such as the RFS to meet the great needs, such as food, shelter and utilities, of the County’s residents.
Stockbridge Community Outreach
Ms. Kay stated the Outreach addresses mainly food and utility issues of low-income people. The County’s appropriation would be used for extreme emergency situations only.
Youth Development Corporation
Ms. Hutchinson explained the Corporation provides youth employment services. A majority of the youth using these services are Ingham County residents. Ms. Hutchinson further stated the Corporation has seen a marked increase in the number of youth seeking employment in order to support their families.
Chairperson Hertel thanked the above agencies for attending tonight’s meeting and for the amazing work they do for the residents of Ingham County. He stated that it is very difficult for the Commissioners to divide the Community Agency funding appropriation every year. He then introduced Steve Dougan, new County Commissioner, to the Committee.
Mr. VanKirk, Ingham County Youth Commission, stated the Youth Commission would take cuts in its funding if it would help to assist the Community Agencies. He recognizes the importance of meeting the basic needs of the County residents.
Comm. Dedden explained the Community Agency subcommittee looked at being able to focus the Agency funds to meet the basic needs of the people. She then stated she would like to see the Community Agency funding allocation reduced in order to put those extra funds towards assisting some agencies which the County could not fully support this year. Comm. Dedden also stated staff should determine if any of the agencies would qualify for funding from the Juvenile Justice Millage.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant encouraged Cristo Rey and the Girl Scouts to approach the Judiciary Committee for funding if needed. Comm. Severino stated the Millage ballot language was very specific regarding what types of programs would be funded.
MOVED BY COMM. DEDDEN TO APPROPRIATE $3,000 TO BALLENTINE STEPPING STONES.
After some discussion, Comm. Dedden withdrew her motion.
MOVED BY COMM. DEDDEN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO RECOMMEND FUNDING THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY AGENCIES AS FOLLOWS:
Ballentine Stepping Stones $ 3,000
Capital Area Literacy Coalition 4,500
Lansing Area Aids Network 5,000
Lansing Area Parents’ Respite Center, Inc. 5,000
Rural Family Services 5,000
Stockbridge Community Outreach 2,000
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated the Garden does meet the basic needs of many youth. Comm. Schor stated the Garden Project is an excellent resource during the gardening season, however, he suggested the Project be pulled from the motion
The Committee accepted Comm. Schor’s suggestion as a Friendly Amendment.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nevin
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant recommended the Board of Commissioners review the Community Agency list to determine which agencies it truly wants to support. Comm. Schor suggested the Community Agencies be divided into sub-categories in an effort to avoid funding duplicate services.
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DEDDEN, TO RECOMMEND APPROPRIATING $701 TO THE GARDEN PROJECT. MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Schor voting NO. Absent: Comm. Nevin
MOVED BY COMM. DEDDEN TO RECOMMEND APPROPRIATING $407 TO THE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND $3,000 TO THE NORTH NETWORK CENTER. MOTION DIED due to lack of support. Absent: Comm. Nevin
MOVED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO RECOMMEND APPROPRIATING $3,000 TO THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nevin
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant expressed her concern that if the County approves Community Agency funding for the North Network Center, the other Neighborhood Centers would approach the County for this type of funding. Comm. Schor supported Comm. Weatherwax-Grant’s statement and also stated the County is already supporting the Neighborhood Network Centers. Chairperson Hertel agreed with the above statements.
MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO RECOMMEND THE APPROPRIATION OF $4,000 TO THE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND $2,090 TO THE GIRL SCOUTS OF MICHIGAN CAPITAL COUNCIL.
Comm. Dedden expressed her concern that the Girl Scouts would need their full funding request to implement their new program. After some discussion, the following motion was made:
MOVED BY COMM. DEDDEN TO AMEND THE ABOVE MOTION BY RECOMMENDING THE APPROPRIATION OF THE $2,090 TO THE CRISTO REY COMMUNITY CENTER INSTEAD OF THE GIRL SCOUTS. MOTION DIED due to lack of support. Absent: Comm. Nevin
MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, TO AMEND COMM. SCHOR’S PREVIOUS MOTION BY ONLY FUNDING THE YOUTH CENTER AT $4,000. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nevin
MOVED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO RECOMMEND APPROPRIATING $2,045 TO THE GIRL SCOUTS OF MICHIGAN CAPITAL COUNCIL AND $2,645 TO CRISTO REY COMMUNITY CENTER, CONTINGENT ON THEIR ABILITY TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL FUNDING FROM OTHER SOURCES. MOTION CARRIED with Comms. Dedden and Hertel voting NO. Absent: Comm. Nevin
MOVED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DEDDEN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING 2005 AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY AGENCIES AS RECOMMENDED BY THE HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nevin
Announcements: None
Public Comment
Mr. VanKirk stated he believes the North Network Center is an important agency and that not supporting it with County funds is not fully recognizing its need.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully yours,
Debra Neff