Board
of Commissioners Meeting
November 13, 2002
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Diane Neighbors, William Coke, Gwen Harris, Dot Dobbins |
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Michael J. Miller, Caroline Chamberlain, Pam McEwen, Karlene Polk, Renee Pratt,Tanya Gray, Gary Bock FranBinkley, Jackie Page, Ruth Lewis,Ann Carney |
GUESTS PRESENT: |
Doug Fluegel and Phil Orr, United Way, Terry Hirsch, Marty Reeder and David Haney, Metro Data and Telecommunications Office |
The Metropolitan Social Services Board of Commissioners met on Wednesday, November 13, 2002. Chair Diane Neighbors called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. The minutes for the meeting held on October 23, 2002, were approved as submitted.
Chair Neighbors thanked Mr. Freudenthal for chairing last month’s meeting.
Announcements and Introductions
Mr. Miller provided copies of the new Information Card, designed to help the homeless obtain services throughout the city, and a copy of the new department brochure outlining our services.
Mr. Miller shared a copy of the article featured in the City Paper on the new Richland Village program and its developments.
Mr. Miller introduced Tanya Gray, the new Performance Improvement Coordinator. Ms. Gray will be working with direct services around Accreditation and attended the COA training in Chicago with Mr. Miller. She was welcomed to the Department.
Metro Council Members Carolyn Tucker and Brenda Gilmore proposed a resolution before Council recognizing the 30 years of service provided by the Knowles Homes. The Adult Day Care Choir, the Goldenaires, performed at the meeting.
Mr. Miller announced the Board will meet on December 18, beginning at 2:00 p.m. and lasting until around 5:00 p.m. The meeting will begin with accreditation review from 2:00 – 3:00, the regular meeting from 3:00 – 4:00, and from 4:00 – 5:00 the required training for board members on diversity issues and sexual harassment awareness will be presented.
Director’s Report
A dedication ceremony for the new monument recently placed at the Bordeaux Cemetery will take place on Saturday, December 21. This ceremony will be linked to the homeless memorial services that will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Riverfront Park.
Mr. Miller has accepted a position to chair the committee to find a replacement for Mike Servais at the Salvation Army. It was noted that Red Shield is important to us because of its connection to our Child Care Center and other partners.
Mr. Miller reported interviews will be held next week for the Administrative Services Officer IV position. This position will lead the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process and will be working with Tanya Gray toward Accreditation.
Renee Pratt was thanked for her work in putting together the all staff meeting on October 29.
The United Way Needs Assessment contract has been awarded to Tennessee State University and Mr. Miller will serve on an on-going review committee.
Mr. Miller explained that he was in Chicago when the Board met last month. He attended three days of training on Accreditation and came away with great confidence. A facilitator is needed to lead this process and we will be looking internally for someone.
Financial Report
Ms. McEwen reported that the Department is operating well within budgetary limitations with few exceptions. We will closely monitor the food costs in the Senior Dietary Unit and make adjustments, if necessary, after six months of operations. We have not received the contract amendment to resume funding the two components in our Homemaker Division but we are currently providing these services. The 4 Percent Fund has a balance of $466,000, all of which is designated, and we have one ongoing capital project with the Knowles Home renovations. With regard to the prompt pay report, there has been marked improvement in this area. Payments are now being made on time at a rate of 88 percent compared to 57 percent in July and August.
A final report for 2002 was presented and we were under budget for the year by $772,964.
Social Service Health and Information Phone #: Dial 211
Mr. Miller introduced Phil Orr and Doug Fleugel from United Way and they provided information on the new 211 System, including a brief history. There was a brief discussion on the presentation and Mr. Miller noted these developments may help us improve our Information and Referral service.
Strategic Planning Update
Ms. Polk reviewed the 5 Department goals and where we are on each of them:
1) Roles have been defined
2) Surveys have been sent and positive responses received
3) Tanya Gray is off to a good start on best practice standards
4) Training plan has been completed and focus groups in place
5) Working to develop and enhance partnerships
A Flow Chart was provided, showing the various stages of each goal, when we will implement and where we are now.
Metro Social Services – Salvation Army Facility Use Agreement
Mr. Miller asked the Board’s approval to continue the Facility Use Agreement for our Child Care Center at the Salvation Army site for a period of five years. A motion by Mr. Coke, seconded by Ms. Dobbins, to accept this Agreement passed by a unanimous vote.
Bordeaux Cemetery Expansion Resolution
Mr. Miller reported land has been transferred to Social Services that will extend the Bordeaux Cemetery 5.55 acres past the current fenced area. A motion by Mr. Coke, seconded by Ms. Harris, to accept the transfer of this land was passed unanimously.
Other
There being no further business before the Board, Chair Neighbors adjourned the meeting at 4:15 p.m.