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Motion: Approve May 25, 2005 meeting minutes
Made by: Gwen Harris
Seconded: Glenn Carter
Passed unanimously.

Executive Director’s Report: Ms. Robinson reported that staff continues to work on the transition plan. Budget review went well with Council. Gerri stated that she had the opportunity to meet with several of the council representatives and also spoke on a local radio station to introduce the new business model. Metro Social Services will continue to work to make a smooth transition, and also continue to provide services in the way we always have in the past.

Finance Report: Pamela McEwen reported that we are still considerably under budget. The 4% fund has a $175,000.00 balance. As a reminder, these funds are used basically for equipment, repairs, etc. The Camille Caldwell fund has a balance of about $19,000.00. A large amount of these donations come through the Nutrition Program.

Program Updates: Demitria Norman and Dinah Gregory reported the Program updates.

Child Care Center: Things are going well and we are currently working on the close out. We have relocated some of the staff that was formally at McNeilly to the Howard School location. We have also met with staff to make sure that required training is in place to go along with the new model.

Richland Village Community Services: The camp is running great and will continue through July 22. Once the camp has ended, all staff will report to the Howard School location.

Refugee Services: The closure of this program is in process. The new vendor for Refugee Services for DHS is Associated Catholic Charities.

Transportation: Received great reviews at the budget finance hearing. A survey had been conducted. For people using transportation to the Nutrition sites, we had a total of 93% satisfied or very satisfied. Transpiration to and from doctor visits was at 86% satisfied and very satisfied.

Dinah Gregory spoke on the top ten districts that we will be focusing on regarding the delivery of Social Services in Nashville. The priority council districts are those with the highest rate of poverty. We also plan on doing more contracting with other agencies in Davidson County.

We have begun working closer with United Way to co-locate staff in family resource centers. The long-range plan is to have a social worker in every family resource center.

Personnel Updates (Yuri Hancock and Renee Pratt): All staff has been contacted regarding the layoff plan. We currently have a total of five staff that has been placed within other Metro Departments. Staff continues to interview within Metro. We are also working on staffing the positions for the new business model within Social Services.

We will be placing three Social Worker IIIs at family resource centers. We will have an All Staff Meeting on Friday beginning at 2:30. All Board Members are invited to attend.

Glenn Carter commended staff on how the layoff plan was handled and on the low number of employees affected.

Items for Discussion:

• Call Board Meeting was held on June 10th. Two issues were discussed, the Layoff Plan and the Substitute Resolution #RS2004-642. The board approved both of these motions.
• Board Retreat has been set for October 14th and 15th, (Friday all day and Saturday half day). The retreat will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the McCabe Golf Course.

New Business:

• Gerri Robinson and Jose Gonzalez have been selected for the 2005/2006 Leadership Nashville.
• Nominating Committee was appointed to select the new Board Chair and Vice Chair. Glenn Carter, Jose Gonzalez and Dot Dobbins were appointed and Glenn Carter will serve as Chair. The committee will report back at the July meeting.
• The Volunteer Banquet will be held for the Nutrition Program on Friday, June 24th from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Knowles Home Senior Citizens Center.

Motion: Moved to adjourn
Made by: Glenn Carter
Seconded by: Jose Gonzalez
Approved unanimously

Meeting adjourned at 3:48 pm.

_________________________________
Gerri Robinson
Director
Metro Social Services