Board
of Commissioners Meeting
September 25, 2002
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Diane Neighbors, William Coke, |
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Michael J. Miller, Caroline |
GUESTS PRESENT: |
Chris Koster, Mayor’s Office, |
The Metropolitan Social Services Board of Commissioners met on Wednesday, September 25, 2002. Chair Diane Neighbors called the meeting to order at 3:08 p.m. The minutes for the meeting held on August 28, 2002, were approved as submitted.
Announcements and Introductions
Mr. Miller announced that Tanya Gray has been selected for the Performance Improvement Coordinator position and she will begin on October 7. Renee Pratt will be promoted to Human Resource Coordinator.
The Metro Employee Combined Charities Campaign will begin this month and Mr. Miller reported that Liz Hager and Ali Mahmoud are chairing the Campaign for the Department.
Due to the holidays, dates for the November and December Board meetings are uncertain at this time. Once dates are determined, Board members will be notified. The December meeting may be in the form of a retreat and training session for commission members in diversity issues and sexual harassment awareness.
Cemetery Committee Report
Mr. Freudenthal reported that the committee had met and are working to set a date for the dedication of the new monument. He made a visit to the cemetery and found the markers grown over with grass and dirt and said they should be cleaned and he indicated Metro Parks would do this. Another concern is that space is running out and the need to see about expanding the cemetery onto land that is part of Bordeaux Hospital.
Director’s Report
Mr. Miller provided a copy of the new committee assignments of the Metropolitan Council.
Mr. Miller reported that the Richland Village Community Services Program is up and running and will work to meet the needs of children and families in the community. Interviews are scheduled to fill the vacant Program Manager II position that will assist Tarver Smith in providing leadership for the program.
A new monthly program service report has been devised and will replace the one that has been done for many years. Mr. Miller said the new report is a work in progress that will be more thorough and will also tie the report to our strategic plan.
The Family Resource Centers Best Practice Conference will be held on Saturday, October 19 at the Convention Center from 9:00 – 3:00 p.m. Everyone was invited.
Mr. Miller has attended two of the Mayor’s Night Out – one at Bellevue Middle School and one at the Cohn Adult Learning Center.
Mr. Miller continues to work with the homeless and is part of a Homeless Forum that will be meeting regularly at the Downtown Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Miller thanked Chair Neighbors and Commissioner Butler for the positive evaluation he received. A revised Functional Job Description was done along with this evaluation and a copy will be sent to Board members.
Financial Report
Ms. McEwen reported that all programs are operating within budget projections. The utility costs in Senior Custodial Services will be monitored and we will make adjustments to the budget if needed. The 4 percent Fund has a balance of $480,000 and this money is designated; the renovations at the Knowles Homes and computer equipment needs will take a large portion of this amount. Information Technology Services (ITS) is currently doing an audit of our computer equipment. The special donations fund has a small balance with no activity this month. Ms. McEwen noted that Metro is about ready to close out the books for FY2002 at which time she will prepare and present a final report.
With regard to the Prompt Pay Report, Ms. McEwen has met with staff that enters payments and their supervisors to correct any problems and we should see a marked improvement in this area.
Financial Assistance Program Planning Activities
As previously reported there was high demand for FA grants last year with limited grants issued in May and June. Ms. Polk reviewed the demographics of grants last fiscal year and the plans for staying within budget this fiscal year. They will work to enhance partnerships and continue to interact with Metro Action to increase access to services in the community.
Ms. Dobbins asked if Family Services could use some of the Special Donations money. Mr. Miller said this money is spent conservatively but that no needs are denied. He will review what this money has been spent for and make a report.
Greater Nashville Regional Council Contract Updates
Ms. Chamberlain explained that the Options Contract provides home delivered meals, homemaker services and personal care that is a new service. The Personal/Professional Services Contract is the long -standing, annually approved contract that provides congregate and home delivered meals and transportation services. The Regional Enhancement Grants are one-time grants for special projects that include computer and scheduling software for Transportation, CNT training for homemakers at Richland Village and food warmers and insulated carriers for Nutrition. Ms. Chamberlain asked the Board to approve our acceptance of these grants. A motion by Mr. Coke, seconded by Ms. Dobbins, to accept these grants passed by a unanimous vote.
Strategic Planning Update
Ms. Polk gave an up-date on each of the five departmental goals and there was discussion of our achievements on each of them.
Other
There being no further business before the Board, Chair Neighbors adjourned the meeting at 4:05 p.m.