Board
of Commissioners Meeting
September 22, 2004
| BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Luvenia Butler, Leonard Bradley, Glenn Carter, Dot Dobbins, Jose
Gonzalez, Gwen Harris, Linda Mattson. |
GUESTS: |
Susan Jones, Legal Department, Maisha Grigsby, Community Liaison. |
| EMPLOYEES: | Caroline Chamberlain, Dinah Gregory, Pamela McEwen, Camille Boydston, Steve Lavigne, Pam Sylakowski, Karlene Polk, Julius Witherspoon, Tarver Smith, Patricia Wingfield, Ouida Hamilton. |
Call
to Order
Chair
Butler called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.
Approval
of Minutes
Chair Butler requested approval of the minutes for July 21, 2004, August
4, 2004, August 18, 2004, and September 3, 2004.
Mr. Carter motioned to accept the corrected minutes for July 21, 2004. Mr. Gonzales seconded the motion, and it was approved.
Mr. Bradley motioned to accept the corrected minutes for August 4, 2004. Motion was seconded by Mr. Carter, and it was approved.
Mr. Carter motioned to accept the minutes for August 18, 2004. Motion was seconded by Jose Gonzalez, and it was approved.
Mr. Bradley motioned to accept the minutes for September 3, 2004. Ms. Mattson seconded the motion, and it was approved.
Mr. Bradley inquired if the McNeilly Center for Children Board had approved the proposal to assume operation of the Metro Child Care Center. Ms. Mattson responded the McNeilly board wants a copy of the contract in order that it can be put on the October 19 agenda. Ms. Dobbins requested a copy of this contract for the Board’s review. Ms. Jones stated she would forward a copy of the completed contract to Ms Dobbins.
Service
Recognition
Chair Butler recognized the following five employees for their service
to the department:
Deborah Williams Knowles Home 30 Years
Mary F. Couch Child Care Center 25 Years
Mike Peck Adult Day Services 15 Years
Abdelghani Barre Refugee Services 10 Years
Linda Fykes Knowles Home 10 Years
Financial
Report
Ms. McEwen reported Metro Social Services was under budget in almost
every department, however it appears we are over budget since we are
still paying out the employees who took the Retirement Incentive Program.
The 4% fund has approximately $250,000 available, and the special projects
balance is approximately $8,000, all of which is designated to the Knowles
Home renovation. The Social Services Donation Fund has a balance of
$30,000.
Ms. Dobbins asked how contributions are made to the Camilla Caldwell fund. This information will be prepared and put on the next board meeting agenda.
Ms. McEwen noted Family Services’ expenditures were over budget due to the unusually high demand for assistance. She stated Family Assistance has to manage their money carefully to make sure there is enough money during the whole year. Chair Butler asked Ms. Karlene Polk to speak to what programs Family Services provides.
Ms. Polk spoke of the great need for assistance in the community. Family Services receives many calls, but few fit our programs. In response to questions from board members, Ms. Polk stated she would prepare for the board a summary of the services provided, the criteria for these services, the application process for clients, and funding.
Announcement
of Director
Chair Butler announced there is now a signed contract with the new Director,
Ms. Geraldine Robinson. She will begin October 1, and will be here for
the next board meeting on October 27, 2004. Social Services is planning
a reception in the Howard Auditorium from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on
October 1 to welcome Ms. Robinson. Chair Butler advised Mr. Manning
has extended Ms. Berry’s contract through the end of October.
There will be a reception to honor Ms. Berry’s service with Metro
Social Services beginning at 1:30 p.m., October 27, prior to the regular
board meeting. In response to a question from Ms. Dobbins, Chair Butler
requested Ms. Jones provide her a copy of Ms. Robinson’s contract.
Ms. Jones stated she would take care of this.
Transportation
Ms. Chamberlain informed the Board a plan had been developed to achieve
the transportation goals of the Maximus Performance Audit. A copy of
this Transportation Plan is attached. Ms Chamberlain explained the particulars
of the plan and how it would be implemented. She emphasized that transportation
services would continue to be provided for all Nutrition and “on-demand”
clients. The Board discussed the plan at length and several questions
were asked concerning these clients. In response to a Board concern
regarding continuation of service, Ms. Chamberlain stated Social Services
representatives would be going out to inform our Nutrition clients of
the proposed transfer of services to MTA this coming week. Clients will
be informed that MTA requires all transportation clients to be assessed
to determine eligibility for Access Ride, and how to go about getting
assessed. Mr. Carter stated he would like a report on how these clients
are reacting to this change for the next Board meeting, October 27.
Ms. Chamberlain agreed to provide this report. She acknowledged the
“on-demand” clients would also need to be assessed, and
they will have to be notified to call MTA to go through the assessment
process. She stressed that even if clients are not qualified for Access
Ride, this does not disqualify them from receiving transportation assistance.
Mr. Carter made a motion to explore this proposed transfer of services to take place November 1, 2004. The motion was duly seconded, and approved.
Report
from Director Berry
Chair Butler stated Ms. Berry is presently on vacation.
Ms. Mattson inquired as to the status of Knowles Home. Ms. Chamberlain stated the ordinance had passed its third reading on September 21, 2004. There will probably be a two to three month transition period, but Knowles Home is now under Bordeaux Long Term Care and the Hospital Authority.
In answer to a question on the effective date of this transfer, Ms. Susan Jones stated it depended on the date in the ordinance.
Ms. Harris asked about the status of Richland Village Community Services. Ms. Chamberlain reported RVCS is still working to get their No Child Left Behind program in place.
There being no further business before the Board, Ms. Dobbins made a
motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Ms. Harris, and approved.
______________________________
Luvenia Butler
Chairperson