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Motion: Approve February 23, 2005 meeting minutes
Made by: Gwen Harris
Seconded: Glenn Carter
Passed unanimously.

Executive Director’s Report: Ms. Robinson reported staff continues to work on the transition plan on a daily basis. She and Pamela McEwen had a meeting with the Office of Management and Budget, and the proposed 2006 budget seemed to be favorably received, and only minor changes were made. Social Services sponsored a Social Work Appreciation breakfast. Those attending had an excellent breakfast and enjoyed the remarks of guest speaker, DCS Commissioner Viola Miller. “Metro Social Services in the 21st Century” is now on our web page, and we encourage everyone to read it. Ms. Robinson stated she has been meeting with as many groups as possible, and she is scheduled to meet with Dr. Pedro Garcia of the Board of Education in mid-April. She reiterated Social Services does not plan to leave any customers out during the transition period.

Service Awards: Chair Butler and Ms. Robinson presented the following service awards:

Kawanis Huggins, Nutrition Program 10 Years
Priscilla Skinner, Homemaker Program 10 Years
Ross Turner, Richland Village Comm. Ser. 10 Years

Ms Huggins and Ms. Skinner were each presented with a certificate and service pin. Mr. Turner was not able to attend.

Finance Report: Pamela McEwen reported that we are at the end of February, and all programs are projected to be under budget in the use of local funds by the end of this fiscal year. Many things are winding down. Family Assistance is still managing grant funds. Program Manager, and social workers are doing a great job in helping persons, but not going over budget. The 4% fund has a $245,000 balance, which we are using as the need arises. The Special Donations fund has $23,000, the majority of which is in Camilla Caldwell funds. These are donations that are made, but must be used as specified by the donor. Ms. McEwen noted that a copy of the 2006 budget as it exists right now, along with the changes suggested by OMB, has been included in Commissioners’ packets.

Ms. Achoe was asked to speak regarding the Family Service program. She stated at the end of November, Social Services had served more than 2,000. We have continued serving the same number, but are asking customers to look at their own resources. In this manner, Family Services has been able to reduce some grants by 50%. In response to questions regarding customer reaction, Ms. Achoe stated that customers who do not come in year after year, were grateful for assistance. Customers who have received more money in the past want to know why we are now unable to serve them at the same rate. Family Services questions whether it has become an enabler since many customers’ financial trouble is “life-style induced poverty”. When asked about average number of customers per month, Ms. Achoe responded that 125 customers were provided assistance in the past month. At one time it was 165 to 170. The number usually increases in the winter months. This program will be administered by the Metro Action Commission after June 30, 2005. MAC presently operates a similar program.

Program Updates: Caroline Chamberlain reported the transition to the New Business Model was on track.
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Transportation: Social Services will continue to purchase bus tickets for our qualified AccessRide customers. This has been a very smooth transition month with few unforeseen incidents. The Nutrition site managers report people are adjusting. So far 72 customers have been approved for AccessRide and 24 have not yet applied.

Child Care Center: Social Services staff will be meeting with Margaret Holleman of Metro Legal to determine what needs to be done regarding the furniture and equipment owned by Metro still at the Child Care Center.

Richland Village Community Services Cases are being assessed individually to see if those cases can be taken into the new model. RVCS will have Summer Camp in June and July, 2005.

Family Services Discussions are ongoing with MAC to take over the financial assistance program next year.

Refugee Services: Assessing and setting up information sessions for agencies who would like to apply to DHS to administer this program. Dinah Gregory reported all agencies are invited to come to an informational session at Metro Social Services’ conference room March 24, 2005, at 2:45 pm. Applications are due at DHS by the end of this month. Representatives from DHS will be at the meeting on March 24.

Homemakers and Nutrition: Mid-Cumberland is working off the current Homemaker waiting list and by June 30 will be serving 30 people. A new Nutrition site opened on March 7, 2005, and they now have 15 customers per day attending this site.

Personnel Updates: Yuri Hancock reported the interview process has begun for two of the three senior positions, Adult and Family Services Director and Planning and Coordination Director. The second round of interviews is scheduled for April 8. When these positions are filled, we will start interviewing for the Administrative Services Director. The goal is to have these positions filled no later than May 1, 2005. The Coordinator positions should be posted by the end of next week.

The lay off plan approved and submitted to Human Resources will go into effect April 1. Two full-time van drivers will bump two Nutrition site coordinators. Ms. Robinson stated she was worried about staff not taking advantage of employment opportunities Yuri is sending out. Dot Berry has been encouraging
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other departments to look at our people. She reiterated that employees need tp take advantage of the opportunities that come their way, especially jobs that would allow them to stay with Metro.

Approval of Grant Applications: Dinah Gregory requested the board’s approval of two grant applications for homemaker services, one from GNRC/AAAD for $84,000 and the other a block grant from DHS for $285,000. These grants are basically what we have received for a number of years.

Motion: That the Board approve the grant applications for $84,000 from GNRC/AAAD and $285,000 from DHS.
Made by: Linda Mattson
Seconded by: Glenn Carter
Approved unanimously

Chair Butler announced a reception will be held April 8, 2005, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, at Two Rivers Mansion to honor Caroline Chamberlain who is retiring from Metro Social Services with 35 years of service. Chair Butler invited everyone to come and celebrate Caroline’s many years of service.

Ms. Robinson said she truly wanted this to be a great sendoff, and stated it has been a pleasure to work with Ms. Chamberlain for the past five months.

Ms. Robinson reminded everyone “Metro Social Services in the 21st Century” is now on the Social Services webpage. She requested everyone to be sure a read it.

Motion: Moved to adjourn
Made by: Linda Mattson
Seconded by: Glenn Carter
Approved unanimously

Meeting adjourned at 3:45 pm.

_________________________________
Gerri Robinson
Director
Metro Social Services