Approved 12/5/05
HUMAN SERVICES
November 14, 2005
Minutes
Members Present: Curtis Hertel, Tina Weatherwax-Grant, Victor Celentino, Dianne Holman, Mike Severino and Board Chairperson Mark Grebner
Members Absent: Lisa Dedden
Others Present: John Neilsen, Bruce Bragg, Joseph Kozakiewicz, Ama Agyemang, Pat McKiney, Bob Kirkby, Mary Anne Ford, Joan Nelson, Brian Baer, Gayle Cain, Evelyn Kay, Judy Wagner, Sandra Kowalk, Jala Disto, Stefanie Zin, Charlene Crosby-Harris, Pam Sievers, Di Clark, Jaimie Hutchison, Patrice Klein, Jessie Crockett, Elaine Hardy, Suzanne Eman-Jaehnig, Nancy Lindman, Richard LaPratt, Mike Brown, Patricia Wheeler, Patty Johykend, Jennifer Edsall, Ismail Noor, Margaret Houseman, Kathie Dunbar and Patrick Patterson
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Hertel at 7:06 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Additions to the Agenda: None
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. CELENTINO, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
1. Health Department
a. Resolution to Authorize a Lease Agreement for a Pediatric Dental Clinic at 2815 South Pennsylvania
b. Resolution to Implement Job Description, Classification and Salary Grade Changes Resulting from the Patient Visit Redesign Project in Several Health Centers
3. Board of Commissioners – Resolution Congratulating Bruce Bragg on Receiving the Roy R. Manty Award
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Dedden
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. CELENTINO, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Dedden
2. Controller’s Office – Resolution Authorizing 2006 Agreements for Community Agencies
Chairperson Hertel stated community agencies serve definite goals of the County. It will be very difficult for this Committee to make its funding recommendations this evening due to the limited amount of available funds.
Mr. Neilsen stated the Board of Commissioners’ guideline for approving 2006 Community Agency grants is: That in the Community Agency application process for 2006, priority consideration is to be given to proposals which enhance county services in Meeting Basic Needs. The Law Enforcement, Judiciary and County Services Committees each received the 2005 level of funding for 2006. The Human Services Committee’s appropriation was increased by three percent.
This Committee’s 2006 appropriation for Community Agencies is $119,650. The funding requests total $329,512. This amount includes funding requests from seven new proposals. Mr. Neilsen stated of the $329,512 in requests, $197,660 came from the seven new proposals.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated this Committee expected an increase in funding requests due to the current financial climate. She also stated she understands the needs of the Community Agencies are greater than in 2005. Comm. Weatherwax-Grant then stated she is interested in funding some of the new requests. She then suggested a five percent across the board reduction in the requests for returning Agencies. This would leave some funds available to appropriate toward some of the new Agencies.
MOVED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO FUND THE 2005 COMMUNITY AGENCIES AT THEIR 2005 AMOUNTS, MINUS 5%. THIS MOTION DOES NOT INCLUDE ELE’S PLACE OR CITY OF EAST LANSING/ALFA ADULT DAY SERVICES.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated this reduction in funding may create a hardship for some of the Agencies. She asked that these Agencies let the Committee know if the cut will create a hardship.
Chairperson Hertel stated he would not approve decreasing the funding for the City of East Lansing/ALFA Adult Day Services because this Agency requested less funding that it had in 2005.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Dedden
The Committee recessed at 7:23 p.m.
The Committee was called back to order at 7:32 p.m.
Chairperson Hertel asked if any of the new Agencies are requesting one-time funding. Mr. Patterson, Volunteers of America, stated the VOA is making a one-time emergency funding request.
Ms. Kline, Ele’s Place, thanked the Committee for its past support. She stated she understood the County’s funding is very tight for 2006. Ms. Kline explained that Ele’s Place has developed a new collaboration with Camp Highfields to address youth who have shown behavior concerns which are associated with a death in a close family unit. These youth would interact with others at Ele’s Place. Ms. Kline stated she believes this program fits with providing appropriate sanctions and providing youth development.
This is the only program of this type in the mid-Michigan area. The cost to provide the program is $18,750. Ten thousand dollars in funding is expected from other resources. Therefore, Ele’s Place is requesting the remaining $8,750 from the County. Ms. Kline stated Ele’s Place would be happy to take the five percent cut. She just wanted to inform this Committee of the new collaboration.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated the Judiciary Committee deals with reducing juvenile delinquency. She then asked if Ele’s Place had data showing the new program would prevent Camp Highfields’ youth from entering the system again. Ms. Kline stated Ele’s Place conducts its own evaluations of the perceptions on behalf of families, teachers, etc. Attending this program results in a tremendous improvement in the youths’ behavior.
Mr. Patterson, Volunteers of America (VOA), stated the purpose of VOA’s funding request is to assist with the six-month cold block. The VOA’s New Hope Day Center served approximately 2,000 people in the last fiscal year.
Comm. Celentino asked if the $50,000 funding request would be used for the New Hope Day Center or all of the VOA’s centers. Mr. Patterson stated the funding would be used primarily for the New Hope Day Center. This program has experienced huge revenue cuts. Funding for the VOA’s other programs is fine at this time.
In response to Comm. Severino, Mr. Patterson explained the recent changes in the car donation process to the Volunteers of America. He then stated he is not aware of any pending legislation to address this matter.
Chairperson Hertel asked if the Volunteers of America would be willing to accept a one-year emergency appropriation. Mr. Patterson stated the VOA has received a miraculous community response to keep its programs in operation.
Ms. Dunbar, South Lansing Community Development Association (Association), addressed the Committee regarding the Association’s $10,000 funding request. The Association addresses issues in the area south of I-496. She then stated the current proposal is specific to the south-west corner of the area. This area has more youth, is more diverse and has different crime statistics than the rest of the area addressed by the Association.
The Association has engaged the residents of the area to build a foundation for their neighborhood. The residents have been extremely involved in this process.
Comm. Celentino asked why the Association had not requested Community Agency funding in the past. Ms. Dunbar explained the Association has lost funding from the Mayor’s Office and the HRSC. The Association has applied for other grants to help offset the loss in funding.
In response to Comm. Weatherwax-Grant, Ms. Dunbar stated the Association educates residents about the Ingham County Health Department and other County programs. Ms. Dunbar then addressed Comm. Severino’s concern regarding her new position and her relationship with the Association.
Ms. Harris, Sequoia Community Center, addressed the Committee regarding the Center’s $66,220 funding request. She explained the Center works with kindergarten through eighth grade students in a summer school program who have difficulty in reading, math and life management skills. The goal of the Center is to help these students achieve a higher level of reading, math and life management skills.
Comm. Celentino stated the Center’s goals sound similar to those of the Boys and Girls Club. Ms. Harris stated the Center is open to all youth in the tri-County area. The Boys and Girls Club does offer some of the same services as the Center. In response to Comm. Celentino, Ms. Harris further explained the funding would be used for materials, transportation and salaries. She then stated the Center helps a few students at this time, but hopes to help more youth with additional funding.
Comm. Severino addressed the Center’s line item funding request for youth to travel to the Detroit Science of Industry. He asked if Lansing has a museum which would benefit the youth. Ms. Harris stated the Detroit museum is very informative.
Comm. Celentino stated the Center’s funding request is higher than the average request in this process. He then asked if the Center would be able to provide services to the youth if it received a small portion of its request. Ms. Harris stated the Center would be happy to receive a smaller amount. The Center probably could not help as many youth and it would have to eliminate some things, such as field trips.
Mr. Kozakiewicz and Ms. Agyemang, MSU Kinship Care Resource Center, addressed the Committee regarding the Center’s $10,440 funding request. Ms. Agyemang stated the Center was created in 2002 to serve as a voice for kinship families. She then stated there is not much available funding for this type of service. The Center refers kinship families to appropriate resources in order to meet their needs.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant asked if $10,440 was the total budget for the Center. Mr. Kozakiewicz stated the Center’s total budget is approximately $93,000. Comm. Weatherwax-Grant asked if kinship families receive foster care funding. Mr. Kozakiewicz stated the State can avoid paying foster care families when youth are placed with a relative. These families are really stepping up to care for the kids so that they will not end up in the foster care system.
In response to Comm. Holman, Ms. Agyemang agreed that the Center was originally established to provide internship opportunities for social work students. Mr. Kozakiewicz stated the Center is applying for funding from all possible resources. Chairperson Hertel asked if the Center could still provide a valuable service if it receives a smaller appropriation than it requested. Ms. Agyemang stated the Center can use any amount of money.
Comm. Thomas asked where the youth would be without this program. Ms. Agyemang stated the Center provides these families with a voice to advocate for themselves.
Mr. Nool, Greater Lansing Arab American Social Services (GLAASS), addressed the Committee regarding his $8,000 funding request. He stated GLAASS is approximately two years old and it provides cultural education to new immigrants. In response to Comm. Severino, Mr. Nool stated the United State s government brings immigrants to this country from refugee camps. Many of the immigrants are stationed in this area because of its large Arab community.
Comm. Severino asked if GLAASS had received funding from the City of Lansing. Mr. Nool explained that GLAASS has applied for City funding. The funding request was approved but the funding has not yet been received.
Comm. Celentino asked if GLAASS helps immigrants settle into the community and its schools. Mr. Nool stated that is a large part of their service.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant asked if the Agencies total budget amounts could be included in the next budget process. Mr. Neilsen stated staff does try to include this information; however, it is difficult at times. Mr. Nool stated an accountant provided the proposal information to the County.
The following individuals addressed the Committee regarding the funding request from the Capital Area United Way/Capital Area Human Services Connection/2-1-1: Ms. Eman-Jaehnig, Ms. Lindman, Mr. LaPratt and Mr. Brown. Folders containing information pertaining to this issue were distributed to the Committee members.
Mr. Brown thanked the Committee for its support in 2005 which allowed the United Way to obtain the seven-digit number. The number has been in operation since last September due in part to the County’s financial assistance. Mr. Brown informed the Committee of the benefits this number has provided to the community. He then stated he appreciates the County’s funding dilemma.
Ms. Lindeman stated 2-1-1 is a big concept which requires collaboration and funding commitments from communities. Michigan has very fine demonstration sites for the
2-1-1 concept. The United Way is now looking at how to cover the entire State with the 2-1-1 service and how to sustain the service over the long term. Ms. Lindeman stated the service is operating in approximately six counties at this time. Ingham County is in great shape to participate in this program.
Mr. LaPratt stated the 2-1-1 service has been in operation in Jackson County since December 2004. That service has received approximately 30,000 calls during this time. Mr. LaPratt further stated the service has brought $1.5 million into Jackson County through an earned income program. Mr. Brown stated there is a one-time cost of approximately $12,000 for 2-1-1 switches.
Comm. Holman asked about the people answering the 2-1-1 calls. Mr. Lapratt stated the individuals are qualified specialists. Many different languages are available through the specialists.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated it seems Ingham County always puts up money for programs which also benefit other counties. Originally, the Board of Commissioners stated it would put up just the original request of $10,000. Ms. Eman-Jaehnig stated Eaton County has paid approximately $5,000 toward the service. They are doing their part.
Comm. Severino asked how the United Way used the $10,000 from the County. Ms. Eman-Jaehnig explained the funding was used toward marketing and additional staff. Comm. Thomas asked about the number of calls the Jackson center receives on a daily basis. Mr. LaPratt stated the Jackson center receives 80 to 100 calls per day.
Chairperson Hertel asked what amount the United Way could accept that would be of assistance. Mr. Brown stated $12,000 for the switches could be a critical component. Any amount would be helpful. Chairperson Hertel explained it may be necessary to invite the United Way back at a later date to discuss this request. Community Agency funds may not be appropriate for this type of request.
Ms. Nelson, Allen Neighborhood Center, spoke regarding the Center’s funding request of $8,000. She stated the Center is located on Lansing’s east side. Fifty nine percent of the households in this area are at or below the poverty level. The area is also culturally diverse. The funding would be used to facilitate a part-time educator/outreach position. This position would also assist with implementing a number of beautification projects.
Comm. Celentino expressed his appreciation for the work being done in the Urban Dale area. He then asked if the Center works with Lansing Township. Ms. Nelson explained Lansing Township has appropriated $10,000 toward this position. The Center anticipates working with the Township on business continuity plans.
Comm. Severino stated he spoke about the Center with Comm. Weatherwax-Grant in the recent past. Comm. Severino asked if the Center would use County funds to focus on the area’s 100-year flood plane. Comm. Weatherwax-Grant explained the Center has always been at the forefront of moving this neighborhood forward. The Center hopes to have community investors to assist with meeting the neighborhood’s concerns and crises.
Comm. Holman asked if the Center would consider suggesting that the homes in the flood plane be moved. Ms. Nelson stated that issue will be dealt with in the future.
The Committee recessed from 9:20 p.m.
The Committee was called back to order at 9:28 p.m.
MOVED BY COMM. CELENTINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, TO DIRECT STAFF TO DEVELOP A CONTRACT WITH VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA FOR $50,000 TO BE APPROPRIATED FROM THE 2005 CONTINGENCY FUND.
Comm. Holman expressed her concern that the $50,000 appropriation is too high. Comm. Celentino stated this would be a one-time appropriation. The Community Agencies would not be affected by this appropriation because it would be from the Contingency Fund. Comm. Celentino further stated he feels very strongly about this matter.
Comm. Severino stated he appreciates Comm. Celentino’s passion regarding this issue. However, he also agrees with Comm. Holman regarding the suggested appropriation. He would rather appropriate funds for this request from the Community Agency fund. He will vote against this motion. Comm. Severino further stated that if this motion fails, he hopes the Committee can work to find another solution.
Comm. Holman suggested the Committee appropriate $30,000 to Volunteers of America at this time; and then, possibly supplement this appropriation later in 2006. The Committee continued their discussion of this motion.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO REDUCE THE $50,000 AMOUNT TO $30,000 and there is an understanding that Volunteers of America will be invited back to this Committee’s last meeting of the year to discuss the possibility of receiving the additional $20,000.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Dedden
Mr. Patterson thanked the Committee for its support of the Volunteers of America.
MOVED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO RECOMMEND FUNDING FOR THE ALLEN NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,000; ELE’S PLACE IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,750; AND TO FUND THE MSU KINSHIP CARE RESOURCE CENTER IN THE AMOUNT OF $701; SOUTH LANSING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000; CITY OF EAST LANSING/ALFA ADULT DAY SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,000.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant explained she did not include the Sequoia Community Center at this time. She expressed her appreciation for the Center’s efforts. However, it is her hope that by funding the Allen Neighborhood Center it would encompass the Sequoia Community Center in some way.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Dedden
MOVED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO TO FORWARD THIS COMMITTEE’S FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HUMAN SERVICES’ AGENCIES TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Dedden
Announcements
Chairperson Hertel expressed his appreciation for all of the Community Agencies and their efforts within our community. Determining the funding for Community Agencies is a very difficult process for everyone involved. Chairperson Hertel further stated not all counties have this process.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated the County is always looking for ways to improve the process. She stated if the Agencies have any suggestions, they should forward them to the Controller’s Office.
Public Comment
Representatives from the various Community Agencies expressed their appreciation to this Committee for the support of their efforts.
The meeting adjourned at 9:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff