Board
of Commissioners Meeting
July 21 ,
2004
| BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: | Luvenia Butler, Glenn Carter, Linda Mattson, Dot Dobbins, Leonard Bradley, |
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Dorothy Shell-Berry, Caroline Chamberlain, Pam McEwen, Dinah Gregory, Karlene Polk, Ouida Hamilton, Pam Sylakowski, Tanya Gray, Camille Boydston, Paul Ramsey, Damir Obradovic, Pat Wingfield, Liz Hager, Darla Bennings, Jackie Campbell, Giovannie Achoe, Julius Witherspoon. |
| GUESTS PRESENT: | Veronica Frazier, HR, Tiffy Barnett, Finance, Susan Jones, Metro Legal, Margaret Holleman, Metro Legal, and Chuck Meng, Meng & Associates |
Call to Order
The Metropolitan Social Services Board of Commissioners met on Wednesday, June 21, 1004. Chair Luvenia Butler called the meeting to order at 3:10 p.m.
Chair Butler recognized Margaret Holleman, who has been the Metro Social Service legal representative. Ms. Holleman stated she would be leaving her position, but it would be ably filled by Susan Jones, the new Legal Department representative for Metro Social Services. Ms. Jones was welcomed to the meeting.
Executive Director’s ReportMrs. Berry recognized the employees who were attending this meeting and thanked them for their support. Ms. Berry introduced Veronica Frazier of Metro Human Resources, who recognized Chuck Meng of Meng and Associates.
Mr. Meng spoke of the nationwide search his firm had conducted for a new Director of Metro Social Services. He stated that since his firm was appointed in February, about 200 persons had been interviewed. Of these applicants, the number was narrowed down to eight (8), with four (4) applicants considered outstanding. Chair Butler stated the Commission was pleased with the search. Mr. Meng offered to make himself available in case there were any questions during the selection process.
Chairman’s ReportChair Butler announced a new Commissioner has been appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. Our new member, Mr. Jose Gonzales, has requested and been provided information on the Performance Audit and Selection Process for the new Director in order that he will be up to speed before our next meeting.
Chair Butler announced there would be a called meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, August 4, 2004, at 3:00 pm, location to be announced. The sole item on the agenda for this meeting will be the selection of the new Metro Social Services Director.
The regular August meeting is scheduled Wednesday, August 18, 2004, at 3:00 p.m., location to be announced.
Chair Butler recognized Mr. Leonard Bradley and offered condolences on the recent loss of his father.
Ms. Berry introduced Associate Director Caroline Chamberlain to report on the Program meetings she has been conducting for the past few weeks. She asked the Board members to refer to the information provided regarding these meetings.
Disability InformationMs. Chamberlain reported that both employees of this office had retired this year. She stated the Metro ADA Office had assumed some of the responsibilities of the office including working with the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities. Metro Social Services has continued with responsibility of answering the DIO telephone line. An average of five calls per day have been received. In response to a question from the Board, Ms. Chamberlain stated there were two positions allocated in the Metro Social Service budget for 2005. Discussion followed regarding training for the employee(s) that will be hired if these positions go to the Metro ADA Office. The performance audit recommended one position transfer. Mr. Glenn Carter made a motion that one staff position be transferred to the ADA office August 1, 2004. Prior to voting, the motion was amended to include the following wording. Social Services will explore with ADA and Human Resources the possibility of providing training for the person hired by ADA to respond to Disability Information calls, at the expense of Social Services. Motion as amended seconded by Linda Mattson, and approved by a show of hands.
Knowles Home and Adult Day ServicesMs. Chamberlain informed the Board of recent events concerning these services. They are expected to transition to Hospital Authority by September 1, 2004. It was noted that Ordinance BL2004-304 was deferred at the Metro Council meeting of July 20, 2004, and this could possibly delay the proposed transfer.
After a lengthy discussion, Mr. Leonard Bradley moved that the recommendation to transfer Knowles Home and Adult Day Services to BordeauxHospital be approved by the Board. This motion was seconded. Prior to a vote the Board discussed issues it felt needed to be addressed. Several members had issue with the timeline, employee benefits, and outside funding sources. Mr. Bradley made the following motion: The Board requests Ordinance BL2004-304 be amended to stipulate the following: Effective date be at least 4 weeks from the date ordinance is approved; employees who are transferred retain all seniority, wages, benefits and job rights they now have; approval is given by all Federal and State agencies who provide funding for Knowles Home and Adult Day Services. Motion was on the request to amend the ordinance was seconded by Glenn Carter. Motion was approved. Vote on the original motion was duly seconded and approved.
Approval of Minutes
Prior to Ms. Chamberlain continuing her report, Chair Butler announced that since there was now a quorum present, the minutes could be approved. There being no changes or corrections, Leonard Bradley moved the minutes be accepted. Motion seconded by Glenn Carter and approved by Board.
TransportationMs. Chamberlain reported she continues to explore transportation options in the community. Following her report, Board Members discussed at length the many issues related to transportation. Ms. Linda Mattson made a motion to direct Social Services staff to move forward with discussions regarding transportation with MTA, GNRC, and Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency. This motion was seconded by Mr. Leonard Bradley, and approved by voice vote.
Homemakers/NutritionMs. Chamberlain reported on a recent meeting with staff, consumers, contract providers, and other community agencies. Following an in depth discussion, the Board determined that no action should be taken at this time on either of these programs and directed staff to continue information gathering and keep the services in place.
Richland Village Community ServicesA meeting was held July 19, 2004 regarding the services provided by RVCS. The response of the attendees at this meeting was that although the Maximus report recommended closing RVCS, Richland Village Community Services provides a range of services that is not duplicated by any other agency in the community. Julius Witherspoon, Director of RVCS, was recognized and he spoke to the Board. He stressed the need for the wraparound services that RVCS currently provides. Mr. Witherspoon also informed the Board of RVCS’s status as a state certified supplemental service provider to the No Child Left Behind mandate. This will require realignment of the education component. Following discussion, the Board stated they had approved RVCS summer program, as well as school related services extending through the 2005 school year at the Metro Social Services Board of Commissioners meeting of June 16, 2005. Mrs. Mattson stated this is a complicated issue that could be visited later.
No action was taken by the Board.
Child Care CenterNo meetings have been held at this time. The first meeting scheduled for the Child Care Center is July 27, 2004.
Refugee ServicesThe first meeting for Refugee Services is scheduled for August 4, 2004.
Family ServicesThe first Family Services meeting will be held in August, but a date has not been scheduled.
Financial ReportMs. Pam McEwen stated the report provided the Board Members is very preliminary. The retirement incentive will be posted back to 2004. We may come in about $200,000 under budget. Fiscal year 2004 shows an increase in indigent burials and we have allowed additional funds for 2005. The 4% fund is now at $253,776, but will probably end up about $250,000 for the end of 2004. There is approximately $30,400 in the Social Services Special Donation Funds. We have asked the Metro Council for an appropriation of $202,000 for operating funds.
OtherChair Butler reminded all Board members of the meeting August, 4, 2004, at 3:00 p.m. to select a new Director, and the regular monthly meeting August 18, 2004, 3:00 p.m., location to be announced.
AdjournmentThere being no further business before the Board, Chair Butler made a motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Ms. Dot Dobbins, and passed by voice vote. Meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
___________________________________
Dorothy Shell-Berry
Interim Director of Social Services
Cc: Susan Jones, Metro Legal Department
Kelle Boyd, Mayor’s Office
Loreen Spain, Internal Audit
Ann Paine, the Tennessean