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Approval of Minutes
Chair Butler asked Board Members if they had reviewed the minutes of the September 22, 2004 meeting, and if there were any corrections. Mr. Carter made a motion the minutes be accepted. Linda Mattson seconded the motion, and it was duly approved.

Chair Butler welcomed Ms. Gerri Robinson to her first Board Meeting.

Ms. Robinson stated she was pleased to be a part of the Metro family and looks forward to a long association. She reminded everyone of the Board of Commissioners’ retreat on Friday, November 5, 2004, and more detailed information will follow. Ms. Robinson acknowledged she had learned a lot in her first three to four weeks on the job.

Regarding the Transportation Program, Ms. Robinson reported she came to the conclusion we have some things that need to be worked out. We need to make sure we are addressing the transportation needs of all the citizens in Davidson County. She requested the Board approve a 90-day delay in implementing the audit recommendations for Transportation Services.

Ms. Dobbins made a motion to accept Ms. Robinson’s recommendation to delay a decision on the Transportation Program for 90 days. Motion was seconded by Mr. Carter, and duly approved.

Ms. Dobbins stated the Maximus audit recommended Social Services be a clearinghouse of ideas. The Metro Council initiated the Knowles Home and Adult Day Services transfer to the Hospital Authority. No services have been discontinued. Clients still receive Assisted Living services and Adult Day Services even though these services are under the Hospital Authority. She noted the audit itself on Page I-42 states a “key consideration is not to have a negative impact on current clients or interruptions in services”.

Chair Butler introduced Council Lady Carolyn Baldwin-Tucker who had requested she be allowed to address the Board.

Council Lady Carolyn Baldwin-Tucker

Reading from prepared remarks, Council Lady Baldwin-Tucker made an impassioned plea that services provided by Metro Social Services remain in place for the citizens of Metro Nashville and Davidson County until July 1, 2006. This would delay the recommendations of the Maximus audit, but would allow more time for assessing the needs of Social Service clients.
Council Lady Baldwin-Tucker read the resolution that had passed the Metro Council on October 19, 2004. This resolution specifically requests the Social Service Commission delay further implementation of the Maximus audit recommendations until July 2006.

Finance Report

Pamela McEwen reported we finished the first quarter of the year in the black. The adjustment has been made for the retirement package. Ms. McEwen projects we will be substantially under budget for the fiscal year. We are still dealing with the higher customer demand for Family Service Grants. Adult Day Services and Senior Dietary will be reported by us through October 31, 2004. Effective November 1, they will be transferred to the Hospital Authority. Any funds associated with the programs that have transferred or will be transferred will go with the program as it transfers.

Report on Programs

Caroline Chamberlain stated the Board had been provided a one sheet overview of the status of each program. Knowles Home and Adult Day Care have been transferred to the Hospital Authority. The Disability Information Office has transferred to the ADA Compliance Office.

Child Care Center - The Child Care Center is in the process of transferring to the McNeilly Center for Children. On October 19 the McNeilly Board approved in concept the transfer of the center. Phase I provides for the hiring of temporary teachers needed prior to transfer. Phase 2 is with the attorneys and expected to be finalized by November 1. She reported Social Services would continue doing an analysis on the rest of the programs. The Board indicated that the program status format was an acceptable reporting tool.

Mr. Gonzalez inquired how many employees were presently at the Child Care Center. Ms. Chamberlain replied there are two long-term employees, and one temporary employee. These employees will stay on the payroll until June 30, 2005.

Transportation – Ms. Chamberlain reported education sessions have been held at the Nutrition Sites. A team of social workers from across Metro

Social Services has met with these seniors to find out their transportation needs and concerns. Most of the persons serviced by Metro Social Services
would need AccessRide. Those assessed could not be expected to go to a bus stop. Mr. Carter inquired about the length of the form these seniors were asked to complete. Ms. Chamberlain replied it was lengthy, but necessary. Mr. Carter questioned how much assistance the seniors were getting in filling out the form. Ms. Chamberlain stated AccessRide and Easter Seal who administer the assessments does assist individuals who need help filling out the form.

Ms. Chamberlain introduced Paul Ballard, CEO of Metropolitan Transit Authority. Mr. Ballard spoke of MTA’s commitment to serve the seniors of Davidson County. He reported MTA serves persons 365 days a year, 4:00 am to Midnight. Mr. Ballard stated AccessRide has 11,000 passengers, and MTA wants to provide transportation. He reiterated AccessRide drivers do not go into seniors’ homes. They will take a person from their front door to the front door of their destination. Mr. Gonzales commented he would be interested to hear from someone who has already made the change to MTA. Ms. Chamberlain there are some persons who use Social Service drivers during the week and AccessRide on the weekend.

Ms. Robinson noted that of the 51 persons who had been assessed, all qualified for AccessRide. No one has been transferred since the Board has not given permission, but persons approved for AccessRide could try AccessRide and then make their decision.

Mr. Carter stated he had heard of instances where clients felt they had been threatened and coerced to complete an application. Ms. Chamberlain responded she was unaware of such behavior, but if such had occurred, these persons need to report this behavior to Social Services and MTA. In response a few clients raised their hands, and Mr. Ballard was asked to stay after the meeting to discuss these issues with them. Ms. Robinson also requested all senior Social Services staff members remain after the meeting to be available to discuss concerns with our clients.

Family Services - Ms. Chamberlain stated in response to a Board request at the meeting of September 22, Family Services had compiled a list of the type grants they provide along with their eligibility criteria. She reported an
increase of approximately 50% in Income Maintenance Grants, and we are approving more grants under the Hardship designation. When asked about the increase in Hardship cases, Ms. Karlene Polk responded that even though some applicants do not meet the primary eligibility of loss of income, there is a demonstrated need, and program guidelines allow for approval under the Hardship designation.

Items Requiring Board Action

Pam McEwen requested Board approval to change the signatures on the Social Service bank accounts now that Ms. Robinson is our Director. Mr. Gonzalez moved that the Board approve the three bank resolutions. Mr. Carter seconded the motion, and it was duly approved.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:10 pm.
______________________________
Gerri Robinson
Director
Metro Social Services