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The Metropolitan Social Services Board of Commissioners held its regular monthly meeting on July 18, 2001. Chair Diane Neighbors called the meeting to order at 3:33 p.m. The minutes for the meeting held on June 20 were approved as submitted.

Mr. Miller presented a gavel to new Chair Diane Neighbors and she expressed her appreciation.

Employee Service Recognition
Mr. Miller recognized Jacqueline Perry of the Knowles Home (Supervisor Gayle McClain), Corey Orr, Knowles Home, (Supervisor Wenford Barnes) and Sonya Williams from Refugee Services (Supervisor Russ Anthony) for 5 years of service with Metropolitan Government.

Linda Shelton formerly with the Child Care Broker and now of the Refugee Services Division (Supervisor Russ Anthony) and Michael Miller, the Department Director, were recognized for 10 years of service.

The Homemaker Services Division recognized 6 employees with 15 years of service: Clara McAfee (Supervisor Betty Guffey), Barbara Farmer, Arneda Horton, Freda Minnis, Patricia Price and Martha Wilford (Supervisor Patricia Wingfield).

Gladys Summers of the Knowles Home (Supervisor Gayle McClain) 25 years.

Patricia Wingfield, Homemaker Services (Supervisor Gwen Motley) Bettye McDonald and Wenford Barnes from the Knowles Home (Supervised by Gary Bock) were recognized for 30 years of service. These employees were thanked for their contributions to Metropolitan Government.

Chair Diane Neighbors read a Proclamation issued by Mayor Bill Purcell to Ernest Freudenthal for all his contributions to Metro Social Services and the Nashville community. Mr. Freudenthal said that it was an honor to serve on this Board of Commissioners and thanked the Board and staff of Social Services for the support he has received.

Director's Report
Mr. Miller reported Tennessean columnist Tim Chavez featured former Commissioner Bill Barnes in an article on the occasion of his 70th birthday. The article recapped some of the work Rev. Barnes has done for the city of Nashville. Mr. Freudenthal made a motion, seconded by Mr. Coke, that a resolution honoring Bill Barnes be included in the official record of the Metro Social Services Board of Commissioners. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

The budget was passed and Mr. Miller noted that results were as presented at the June meeting.

Mr. Miller explained that we received the audit report from the State Comptroller on our Caring for Children Program and there were no findings or recommendations noted. An up-to-date report on this Program will be made next month. The Broker Program concluded on June 30 as scheduled and a parting luncheon was held and enjoyed by the Broker staff.

Copies of the Homeless Outreach Report were provided and Mr. Miller briefly reviewed some of the results. Seventeen persons were referred to housing, thirty-six persons were moved to safe facilities, and 8 persons entered alcohol and substance abuse programs. There were service plans for 54 persons, however, 36 individuals did not follow through with the plans.

The Executive Staff are currently reviewing the Departmental Rules. Once their review is complete, the rules will go to the Administrative Staff, the Law Department and then to the Board for final approval. Mr. Miller recognized Caroline Skelton for the great amount of work she put into this project.

Financial Report
Ms. McEwen provided detailed information on all programs and explained that although the numbers are not final, we anticipate being under budget at the close of the fiscal year by $400,000. Divisions that overspent in their "other" budgets were able to off set this with savings in personnel services. The Nutrition Program appears to have exceeded its expenditure budget overall for the year which can be attributed to food preparation payments made in the month of June, final accounting for the year will find a balance based on anticipated revenues and actual expenditure receipts. With regard to the 4 percent Reserve Fund, there is a balance of $800,000, all of which is obligated.

Homemaker Contract Approval
Ms. Motley reported the contracts for the SSBG, that covers 4 Homemaker Programs and the Adult Day Care Program, have been received from the Department of Human Services. She asked that the Board approve these contracts. A motion by Mr. Coke, seconded by Mr. Freudenthal, that we adopt these contracts passed by a unanimous vote.

Richland Village Emergency Shelter Contract Approval
Mr. Miller explained that the contract for the Emergency Shelter at Richland Village has been received. The contract reflects a 2 percent increase over last year. Ms. Harris made a motion, seconded by Mr. Freudenthal , that we approve this contract and by a unanimous vote, the motion passed.

Traveler's Aid Program Support Approval
As reported last month, the Traveler's Aid Program was to end on June 30 due to lack of funding and Mr. Miller agreed to explore options for Social Services to assist them. The Family Assistance Program has $10,000 available to help them continue to operate by purchasing transportation for eligible individuals and families from the emergency assistance fund budget of FY 2000-2001. Ms. Polk explained that Traveler's Aid spent $19,729 last year and the $10,00 from Social Services will allow them to provide this needed service for another 6 months. Mr. Coke made a motion, seconded by Ms. Butler, that Social Services provide this support for Traveler's Aid. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Other
Chair Diane Neighbors announced that due to scheduling conflicts, the August through December board meetings will be held on the fourth Wednesday of each month and will begin at 3:00 p.m. Notices will be sent.

Luvenia Butler and Dot Dobbins has been asked to review the By-Laws of the Social Services Commission and Chair Neighbors expects to report back to the Board on this by October or November.

There being no further business before the board, Chair Diane Neighbors adjourned the meeting at 4:20 p.m.