Board
of Commissioners Meeting
January 23, 2002
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Bill Coke, Ernest Freudenthal, |
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Michael J. Miller, Caroline Skelton, |
|
Denny Mosesman, U. T. College of |
The Metropolitan Social Services Board of Commissioners held its regular monthly meeting on January 23, 2001. In the absence of Chair Diane Neighbors,Vice Chair Bill Coke called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. The minutes for the meeting held on November 28, 2001, were approved as submitted. (A Retreat was held in place of the December meeting.)
Announcements, Introductions and Employee Recognition
Mr. Miller announced the grant application for the Jr. League Child Care Center was approved for us to become a model site. This was through the Tennessee State University Center for Excellence.
Mr. Miller recognized Juanita Gamache (supervisor Jack Tracy) and Antonia Brock (supervisor Audrey Corder) of the Caring for Children Program, and Russ Anthony (supervisor Abdelthani Barre) of the Refugee Services Program for 5 years of service with Metropolitan Government.
Also recognized were Wanda Murphy (supervisor Caroline Skelton) of the Nutrition Program and Ramona Simpson (supervisor Gary Bock) of the Knowles Home for 10 years and Gloria Etter (supervisor Addie DeGraphenreed) from Richland Village for 15 years; recognized for 20 years of service was Emma Powell (supervisor BettyGuffey) and Vester Person (supervisor Jacqueline Campbell) from our Homemaker Program; Joan Cannon (supervisor Giovanni Achoe) from our Family Services Program was recognized for 35 years of service.
These employees were thanked for their contributions to Metropolitan Government.
Director's Report
Mr. Miller reported the Facilities Use Agreement for a lease partnership between the Salvation Army and our Child Care Center has been passed by the Council.
Mr. Miller thanked the Board individually and collectively for their part in the December Retreat and the Strategic Planning Meeting held on January 10. Strategic Planning sessions are also planned for February 7 and 14, 9:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Scarritt Bennett. He noted this would take us into the budget process.
Mr. Miller reported he is part of an Ad Hoc Committee looking at the interface of services between Metro Action, Metro Social Services and the Metro Development and Housing Agency and the effectiveness of the present organizational structure. Diane Neighbors and Gwen Harris are also involved in this effort.
Mr. Miller introduced Audrey Corder, the new Executive Director of our Caring for Children Program.
Financial Report
Ms. McEwen reported that we are currently one-half through the Fiscal Year and continue to operate under budget. With regard to the transition period that began January 1 at Richland Village, adjustments will be looked at and made to cover their reduction in revenue. Local funds will be used should the Homemaker Program experience a shortfall due to the loss of funding from the Department of Human Services; we are working with the Finance Department on corrective action to cover the excessive Motor Pool expenses at our Transportation Program. Expenditures at the Caring for Children Program are in order with the exception of the Flex Funds. Staff are monitoring this closely to ensure that expenditures do not exceed allowable levels.
This Fiscal Year we have spent $121,000 out of the 4 Percent Fund and now have a balance of $682,000.
Ms. McEwen briefly explained the Facilities Management Project Fund. There has been little activity in the Donations Fund and the balance is $11,548.
Department Rules Approval
Ms. Skelton provided copies of the Department Rules and explained that a draft had been forwarded to the Legal Department and had also been posted for Social Services employees to read. She reviewed some of the modifications and there was a brief discussion. A motion by Mr. Freudenthal, seconded by Ms. Harris, to approve these rules as submitted passed by a unanimous vote.
New Immigrant Home Ownership Grant Development
Ms. Gregory shared with the Board her plans to apply for a housing initiative funded by the Freddie Mac Corp. that is expected to be around $200,000. This initiative will help immigrants and refugees purchase homes in Nashville and avoid the barriers they currently face.
Our Refugee Services Program and the Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee are sponsoring a two-day workshop, March 4-5, entitled Understanding and Responding Effectively to the Adjustment Needs of Refugee and Immigrant Children and Their Families. Ms. Gregory invited the Board and provided registration forms for anyone who would like to attend.
Richland Village Program Developments
Mr. Lea explained the change in service that will be offered by Richland Village beginning July 1, 2002. An amended contract with the state for the final six months of this fiscal year that will result in a decrease of 7 contracted beds for approximately $133,000 should be ready to present to the Board for action at the February meeting.
With the loss of the Helicon School on campus, plans are underway to contract with the state for $35,000 in educational services. This will bring the total school enrollment to 16 children on a daily basis.
Meetings continue to develop further partnerships around prevention services
Senior Division Program Changes
Mr. Bock reported two divisions, Nutrition and Transportation, are in the process of moving to the Knowles Home. This move will mean substantial savings per month for the Senior Division. He explained that it had been a long-term goal to consolidate programs under one roof.
The Senior Division will also occupy the Bordeaux Library as soon as renovations are completed. This space will be used as a Senior Division training and meeting center, and in the future could accommodate community activities for seniors in Bordeaux and could include a nutrition site.
Other
There being no further business before the Board, Vice Chair Coke adjourned the meeting at 4:02 p.m.