Board
of Commissioners Meeting
March 27, 2002
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Diane Neighbors, William Coke, |
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Michael J. Miller, Caroline Skelton, |
GUESTS PRESENT: |
Denny Mosesman, |
The Metropolitan Social Services Board of Commissioners held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 27, 2002. Chair Diane Neighbors called the meeting to order at 3:12 p.m. The minutes for the meeting held on February 27, 2002, were approved as submitted.
Announcements/Staff Recognition
Mr. Miller announced that Bill Moynihan was hospitalized recently but is now at home.
Mr. Miller and Jackie Page, from our Disability Information Office, attended the Athena Award Ceremony held last evening at the Parthenon. Deborah Faulkner, Assistant Police Chief, was the winner of this award. Ms. Page was congratulated for being nominated.
Ms. Page provided copies of the third edition of the Handiguide to the Commissioners and said anyone needing additional copies should call our office.
Mr. Miller recognized Melinda Eakes (supervisor Elwanda Murphy) for 5 years of service with our Nutrition Program; Mildred McClain (supervisor Jacqueline Campbell) from our Homemaker Program with 10 years of service, and Sandra Bivens (supervisor Karlene Polk) of Community Services with 15 years of service were unable to attend today but were congratulated for their years of service to Metropolitan Government; Judy Hargrove (supervisor Tarver Smith) was recognized for having 25 years of service at Richland Village. On behalf of the Board, Chair Diane Neighbors thanked these employees for their contributions to the Department.
Director's Report
Mr. Miller reported that the Tennessean featured an article by Gail Kerr on our Child Care Center reflecting the recent award of a 3 Star Licensure Rating.
Attention was called to the Employee Opinion Poll results in this issue of the Communicator. Mr. Miller noted that the last Employee Poll was done in 1996 and he reviewed some of the differences; positive feelings about Metro Social Services have decreased by 8 percent; physical working conditions satisfaction decreased by 20 percent;
there was an increase of 8 percent in communication.
Mr. Miller has attended 4 meetings of the Ad Hoc Committee at Metro Action. This committee, chaired by Linda O'Neal, is looking at the possible merge/coordination of services between Metro Social Services Commission and Metro Action Commission. Mr. Miller explained that a report should be available by next month's Board meeting.
Financial Report
Ms. McEwen reported that the Department is currently $423,000 under budget projections. The losses in revenue at the Richland Village, Transportation and Homemaker Programs will be covered by unspent available funds; the over spending of Flex Funds in the Caring for Children Division will be covered by funds from the family support service component. The 4 Percent Fund has a balance of $625,000 but it should be noted that this money is designated.
FT 2002-2003 Budget Development
Mr. Miller reported that he has attended two meetings with the Finance Department regarding budget proposals reported at the last board meeting. An additional item was included to request $50,000 that would allow us to contribute to the United Way needs assessment. Mr. Miller said there would be meetings with the Mayor toward the end of April and beginning of May before the budget is presented to the Metro Council.
Strategic Planning Update
Ms. Skelton informed the Board that a finalized copy of the Departmental Rules, approved by the Civil Service Commission, are included with today's handouts.
Ms. Polk reviewed the activities completed by the Strategic Planning Committee. A Retreat is planned for Tuesday, April 2, to get supervisory staff involved in the next steps, which are to formalize goals and prepare a completed Strategic Plan to present to the Board for approval. There will be a follow-up supervisory retreat on April 29.
Chair Diane Neighbors thanked the Commissioners and staff for the time and effort put into this project.
Richland Village Community Program Development
Mr. Miller announced the resignation of Randal Lea, effective April 3. Mr. Lea was acknowledged for his part in developing the new plan for Richland Village. Mr. Miller noted that he is an exceptional person who will be hard to replace.
Mr. Lea explained he was immediately confronted with property and program issues when he joined Social Services two years ago. Last fall, a decision was made by Metropolitan Government to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the future use of the Richland Village facility. These proposals are due at the end of this week.
Mr. Lea said a team is in place, headed by Shirley Stephens, to conclude the state contracts and a second team is being formed to address the new program. At this time, there are no referrals for long-term placements but emergency services will be offered until the end of June. Mr. Miller and Ms. Skelton have met with the Richland Village staff to address the probable impact on staffing, anticipated to be a loss of about 16 persons.
While leaving with mixed emotions, Mr. Lea has great confidence in the administrative staff of Richland Village and executive staff of Social Services to continue the development of this new program.
Senior Services Report/Grant application Approval
Ms. Skelton has attended two meetings of the "Caring for Frail Seniors at Home" subcommittee of the "Families and Seniors Across Generations" study committee. Areas of concentration include transportation, licensing of non-medical home care providers and neighborhood issues.
The grant application for the continuation of services with GNRC to provide Homemaker, Transportation and Nutrition Services will be submitted tomorrow. Ms. Skelton reviewed some of the terms of this application and said once the contract is received it will be presented to the Board.
Knowles Home Update and Policy Review
Mr. Bock explained he is currently working on a grant application from GNRC that would provide family caregiver/respite care. This would be a fee for service operation that would allow seniors to stay in their homes.
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Mr. Bock explained he has consulted with the Metro Health Department and used information obtained to expand their policy and procedures for tuberculosis control.
With regard to tuberculosis testing at the Knowles Home, residents and staff received extensive testing and there were no active cases found. Any resident or staff member who was away at the time of testing will be tested upon their return.
Refugee Services Elder Grant Application Approval
Ms. Gregory reported that a grant application for $97,000 was submitted to the Department of Human Services that would provide case management services to the elderly refugees. Current services do not address the issues of language and culture, resulting in elderly refugees not receiving the services they need. This will be a grant continuation and will be brought back before the Board once the contract is received.
Other
There being no further business before the Board, Chair Neighbors adjourned the meeting at 4:25 p.m.