Metro Social Services Board of Commissioners
Meeting Summary
of August 28, 2008
Board Members Present: Frank Boehm, Howard Gentry, Gwen Harris, Dot Dobbins
Board Members Absent: Mary Kate Mouser, George Price and Barbara Toms
Legal Advisor: Christy Feldman, Attorney for Metro Government representing Metro Social Services Board
Mayor Liaison: Hershell Warren
Board Meeting Discussion:
Commissioner Gentry called the Metro Social Services Board Meeting to order at the Cleveland Community Center. Commissioner Gentry began the meeting by obtaining a motion to approve the July 23 and August 8th (call) meeting summaries.Motion was properly moved, seconded and accepted. (1:06 – 1:20)
Director’s Report
Mrs. Robinson began her report by commenting on the technical assistance conference sponsored by the National League of Cities. This conference came from the work that the Chamber of Commerce, Metro Action Commission, and other departments were conducting around the symposium on poverty. A save the date flyer was sent out from the chamber regarding the Poverty Symposium to be held on Monday, September 22, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Nashville Convention Center located at 601 Commerce Street and the event is free. (1:22 – 4:04)
Mrs. Robinson then introduced Eric Cardinal, the new Systems Director to the board. Eric comes to MSS from the Metro Police Department in which he was a Research Analyst II. Eric’s primary responsibility to MSS is to develop an integrated based data system that would allow MSS to move forward for case management, research development and accountability. (4:05 – 10:52)
Mrs. Robinson provided an update on the survey procurement in which we will be selecting a vendor after the meeting to be held on September 4th to review the proposals. Mrs. Robinson also provided information on the PR procurement which will combine the newsletter; annual report and the media plan to get our story (MSS) out to the community. The person selected for this contract will participate in our monthly board meetings, and receive information from staff. Mrs. Robinson stated that she would provide additional information on both of these procurements at a later date. (10:53 – 12:45)
Finance Report
Pam McEwen began her report by stating that adjustments have been made to the current budget and they are as follows:
-Projected Expenditures for Fiscal Year 2009
$7,225,200.00 which is a reduction of $8,500.00
This reduction is composed of a decrease of internal service fees and an increase for salary and fringe benefits. Pam also stated that MSS is currently going through a True-Up process where we will have an opportunity to make budget adjustments. The final budget is due to finance by September and MSS should have a final budget shortly after that.
Pam further stated that the finance department has given MSS a budget revision target of $157,800 for 2009. MSS will be expected to have this amount left over at the end of the year for the general fund balance. Pam stated that she will supply the board with the year to date balance through July 31 along with a projection based on where we are each month.
Pam stated the 4% balance is $41,000, however, effective at the end of August, the 4% balance will be recalled. However, we will be able to add some additional requests for particular items such as equipment and furniture. We are currently working on these requests for items we need and they will go into more of an annual type request.
Mrs. Robinson closed the finance report by stating that the $157,800 mentioned earlier represents all the money we have left for contracts. If these monies are reverted back we have no additional funds. Mrs. Robinson stated that she wanted to make sure the board clearly understands what is being asked of MSS and how it will impact the department. (12:46– 23:13)
Community Dialogue
Dr. Oranefo K. Okolo, President, OCOF (Our Children Our Future) Family Services, (AAHF INC.), a community based agency that provides childcare training to licensed daycare providers in Davidson County. (23:15– 27:06)
Items Requiring Board Action
Homemaker Medicaid Waiver Application
Mrs. Robinson stated that she has convened an adhoc committee to develop the waiver and the committee would consist of Lee Stewart-chair, with representation from the union, homemaker staff, supervisor staff and budget/finance. Mrs. Robinson stated that our goal is to streamline and provide enough efficiencies that would bring on new customers even before staff are hired.
The waiver would provide individuals that are receiving TennCare an option of selecting a Homemaker program rather that moving into a nursing home. MSS would be paid on a reimbursement basis for the services delivered. Mrs. Robinson further stated that this is our opportunity to expand our service.
A motion was made that we approve the Medicaid Waiver for the Homemaker Program. Motion was properly moved, seconded and accepted. (27:08 – 36:24)
Old Business
Research on Grants to Improve Information System
Ms. Gregory began her report by stating that a few meetings ago a board member had asks about grant opportunities to enhance our client data systems. Ms. Gregory stated after researching the request she was unable to find any grant opportunities. Ms. Gregory did state that this is an ongoing process and she would continue to look at this request. (36:25 – 41:54)
Ad Hoc Committee on Planning and Coordination
Commissioner Gentry stated that it was requested at the last call meeting that an Ad Hoc Committee be selected and a MSS staff person would chair the committee. The chair person will be Renee Pratt, Director of Administration/Planning and Coordination and the members are as follows:
-Commissioner Mouser, MSS Board of Commissioner
-Commissioner Boehm, MSS Board of Commissioner
-Commissioner Harris, MSS Board of Commissioner
-Dinah Gregory, MSS
-Dan Cornfield, Director, Vanderbilt Center for Nashville Studies
-Elder Roderick Glatt, Pastor, Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church
-Ramon Cisneros, President, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
-Giovanni Corley, MSS
-Renee Pratt, MSS
Commissioner Gentry stated that other people can be brought in to be a part of this committee as time goes on. Executive Director Robinson will staff the committee. (41:57 – 47:12)
New Business
Retreat Planning Committee
Commissioner Gentry appointed a Retreat Planning Committee which would include Gerri Robinson, Commissioner Boehm and Commissioner Dobbins. Bonnie Campbell will work with the board to determine the date and location of the retreat. The committee will meet to determine a retreat agenda for the Board’s approval. (47:15 –…..)
Motion for adjournment was accepted and approved