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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990 09-25 HHSCHEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 25,1990 The regular meeting of the Health and Human Services Commission of the City of Apache Junction,Arizona,was held on September 25,1990,in the Apache Junction City Council Conference Room pursuant to the notice required by law. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Virginia Seeman called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present:Virginia Seeman Ed Barker Carmen Huerta Sue Calef Mary Ann Webb Commissioner Absent:Charles Rushing Staff Present:Assistant City Manager George Hoffman APPROVAL OF MAY 1,1990 MINUTES APPROVAL OF MAY 8,1990 MINUTES APPROVAL OF MAY 15,1990 MINUTES APPROVAL OF MAY 22,1990 MINUTES MINUTES BE APPROVED. motion. VOTE:Unanimous The motion carried. )Commissioner Huerta MOVED THAT THE Commissioner Calef seconded the REPORT BY THE ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER Assistant City Manager George Hoffman stated that he is attempting to locate the video from Maricopa County Association of Governments;that two of the agenda items were added at the last minute;expressed interest in developing a work plan for accomplishments for the next couple of months,for example meeting with human service providers.Mr.Hoffman requested direction as to how to proceed with these meetings. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25,1990 PAGE 1 Commissioner Huerta stated that it would be more appropriate to go to the provider's facility,allowing for accurate information on the available facilities and services. Commissioner Barker agreed,and added that i t is imperative to meet with the service providers. Chairman Seeman suggested including any new human service providers in these meetings. Mr.Hoffman noted that the Commission concurs that he is to proceed with scheduling meetings with the human service providers. Mr.Hoffman suggested that the Executive Director of the East Valley Emergency Shelter Task Force be invited to come out and address the Commission also,as they had applied for funding after the deadline. Mr.Hoffman informed the members that there will be a Community Forum on October 19th and 20th at the Grand Center,with the subject for the Forum to be Community Vision,and encouraged the Commissioners to attend.Mr.Hoffman added that there is a $40 charge,however,there are Chamber of Commerce scholarships available as well as "support monies"budgeted for Boards and Commissions. Chairman Seeman asked i f there will be scheduled presentations,and who will be doing those. Mr.Hoffman replied that there will be a panel comprised of people from other communities who have done a "Vision Process",and Saturday there will be a slide presentation on different land use images that may possible in Apache Junction. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF COUNCIL ACTION ON COMMISSION FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS; REVIEW OF CONTRACTS )Mr.Hoffman stated that the Council accepted the recommendations as presented by the Commission with one variation to the Salavation Army contract,that i f all of the monies in a given category were not spent,they would be allowed to spend i t in another category. Mr.Hoffman pointed out that this is not granting monies to the providers,but contracting a service. DISCUSSION OF S.R.P DEPOSIT INCREASE ) )Mr.Hoffman explained that Commissioner Huerta,Father Maloney and Lynn Dittrich of St.Vincent DePaul,and Hendrik Aalders and Trudy of Salvation Army,met to discuss why the Salvation Army funds certain things and not others.Mr.Hoffman stated that an outcome was the problem posed to human service providers by the increase in S.R.P. deposits. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25,1990 PAGE 2 Commissioner Huerta stated that depending on whether a customer has a swamp cooler or air conditioning,the deposit for SRP has increased up to $250,and that there is no way the human service providers can assist with that. Commissioner Barker asked i f SRP is willing to discuss this. Commissioner Huerta replied that she didn't know,but had a name and number for contact. Commissioner Barker suggested contacting the Corporation Commission. Mr.Hoffman asked i f the Commission would like a representative of SRP to come to the next meeting. Commissioner Calef commented that she would like to know whether this is a negotiable issue or carved in stone. Commissioner Barker asked i f there are variable rates for different areas of the City. Commissioner Huerta replied that the only variables are the size and type of cooling unit on the home. Mr.Hoffman stated that he would contact SRP and get information regarding the deposit increase. Commissioner Webb suggested obtaining what the justification was in the increase. Commissioner Barker again suggested finding out i f the rates depend on the area of the City. DISCUSSION OF CITY RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT; FUNDING NEEDS FOR THE HOMELESS )Mr.Hoffman explained that at the meeting on Thursday,the issue arose of why wasn't the Salvation Army providing funds to the homeless,particularly utility deposits.Mr.Hoffman stated that under the current rules,it must be documented that the recipients are City residents,which is difficult with the homeless,resulting with the City not refunding those funds.Mr.Hoffman further explained that the purpose for that rule is that City tax dollars have to be expended on residents,which may be a result of State law,however,the Commission could attack the issue i f they wish. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25,1990 PAGE 3 Commissioner Huerta stated that the City has to want to get rid of the homeless situation,most of which are living with a friend or family member,and it would benefit the City to assist them in finding a permanent home of their own. Mr.Hoffman stated that if a family can show an existing address,such as that of the friend they're living with, they would be eligible for assistance,but an address of where they are going to move to would not be considered a permanent residence. Mr.Hoffman commented that it may be appropriate to have City Clerk Kathleen Connelly come to a meeting as she is the one that goes through the documentation and deduces the elibility. Commissioner Huerta added that i t appears the Salvation Army is flatly refusing assistance to "homeless",and the City should consider whether they are living with a friend or not. Mr.Hoffman stated that the Salvation Army has indicated that they are considering those situations as having a residence. Commissioner Huerta disagreed. Commissioner Barker asked what establishes residency,in addition to school or voter registration,rental or utility deposits,and the question appears to be whether we spend money on people who are going to be here one day or one year. Mr.Hoffman encouraged the Commissioners to define the residency requirements,and those recommendations can be submitted for consideration. Commissioner Barker commented that they could be registered to vote using his home address,and therefore be established as a resident,so an alternative has be found. Commissioner Huerta pointed out that Project Help only requires that the family have children enrolled in school to receive assistance. Mr.Hoffman explained that the school district boundaries are not necessarily within the City borders. Commissioner Barker asked i f there are any statistics on how many homeless are in the City. Mr.Hoffman replied that he didn't have any statistics,although they may exist,through Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center,for example. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25,1990 PAGE 4 Chairman Seeman asked how State law affects the City requirements,and how would this affect any Commission action. Mr.Hoffman answered that a motion could include directing staff to come back to the Commission with information on State requirements and current City requirements. Commissioner Barker MOVED THAT STAFF BE DIRECTED TO RESEARCH STATE AND MUNICIPAL LAW,AND CONCLUDE HOW THOSE WOULD APPLY TO THE HOMELESS RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS,AND FOR THE COMMISSIONERS TO COME UP WITH IDEAS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE NEXT MEETING. Commissioner Calef seconded the motion. VOTE:Unanimous The motion carried. DISCUSSION OF COMMISSION WORKPLAN FOR UPCOMING MEETINGS )Chairman Seeman asked i f the Commission wishes to select a regular meeting date,such as the same day of every month,in light of the meetings coming up with human service providers and SRP. Mr.Hoffman suggested meeting with the providers in a non-Commission/applicant atmosphere. Commissioner Calef commented that the meetings should be with the whole Commission as a body. visit. over coffee. Mr.Hoffman agreed,as a semi -formal Chairman Seeman suggested a meeting Commissioner Calef stated that the Commission should meet regularly,and all of these other things be additional duties. Commissioner Webb agreed,and added that the Commission should visit the human service providers at their facility. Commissioner Barker suggested meeting regularly on the first Thursday of the month. Commissioner Calef agreed to Thursday,but that Tuesday would be better. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25,1990 PAGE 5 Chairman Seeman asked for a motion, and any conflicts with holidays can be handled at that time. Mr.Hoffman stated that selection of meeting dates will always be on the agenda in case alternative dates for holidays are necessary. Mr.Hoffman stated that he wishes to ensure that the Commissioners accomplish their goals as such,and should any assistance be needed he would be happy to do so. Commissioner Huerta requested that a human service provider give a presentation to the Council,possibly once a month. Mr.Hoffman explained that the purpose of the Commission was to gather information without the Council having to do i t all,and suggested that the Commission may report to the Council on a quarterly basis.Mr.Hoffman added the Council could be informed of the scheduled meetings with the human service providers,inviting them to attend. Chairman Seeman agreed that reporting on a quarterly basis would be a good idea,especially during the budget process. Commissioner Calef pointed out that the Commission has not received information such as,dollar amounts to providers and what services are provided. Mr.Hoffman explained that the information referenced has to be provided prior to monies being issued,and it can be forwarded to the Commission. Commissioner Calef stated that the reports only give the total amounts the providers spent on a particular service, and Commission should receive more specific information. Mr.Hoffman suggested drafting aletterrequestinganyquarterlyreportsthehumanserviceprovidersgiveto their boards,also be provided to the Commission to allow for more accurate information disseminated to the Council. Commissioner Calef commented that a personal liaison from each of the agencies would be more appropriate,rather than a report. Commissioner Huerta further suggested that all agencies have to do a yearly report,and obtaining those would be sufficient to assist with the budget considerations. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25,1990 PAGE 6 Commissioner Calef disagreed, stating that the personal contact with needs expressed would be better than statistics. Commissioner Barker pointed out that there are drawbacks to liaisons,one in particular being the loss of objectivity with the personal contact with any agency singularly. Commissioner Calef stated that there is too much objectivity in the world and not enough personal touch. .Commissioner Barker replied that this is not the Commission's job. Commissioner Calef commented this is a "cop-out". Chairman Seeman stated that she would like to get to know all of the providers,but i t is the responsibility of the Commission to draw lines of objectivity. Commissioner Huerta commented that there was hesitation on her part to apply for this Commission because of her participation in Project Help. Mr.Hoffman pointed out that the members have brought up some important issues and points,possibly because of participation in other programs. Mr.Hoffman asked i f there would be a problem establishing personal contact between members that are not currently participating with agencies,and human service providers. Chairman Seeman replied that there is no problem with this,that it would be a good idea to let the agencies know that the Commission is available for them to express any special needs. Commissioner Barker pointed out that some people may consider Commissioner Huerta and himself as advocates for their particular agencies,but to the contrary,you can lose your effectiveness by a close bond with an agency. Chairman Seeman suggested drafting a letter to the agencies,stating that one of the Commission's goals is to have them communicate with the Commission,would like to know i f there are problems and also what the good things are that are occuring,and asked the Commission i f they would like their phone numbers given out for contact purposes. Commissioner Calef further suggested notifying the agencies of meeting dates,invite them to attend,and make them welcome to contact members. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25,1990 PAGE 7 Mr.Hoffman told the Commission about the Council call -in program he began and how successful it was,noting that i t i t important to people that they have access to their government officials. Commissioner Barker MOVED THAT A LETTER BE DRAFTED TO SEND TO THE HUMAN SERVICE AGENCIES,EXPRESSING THE COMMISSION'S INTEREST AND OPENNESS. Mr.Hoffman as to the content of the letter. phone numbers for the Commissioners. motion. VOTE:Unanimous The motion carried. Chairman Seeman made suggestions to Chairman Seeman asked for contact Commissioner Calef seconded the Chairman Seeman stated that the Commission needs to put ideas together for presentation to the City Council,and ask the Council how they may assist with the funding at budget time. Mr.Hoffman suggested asking the Council what it would take to help allocate more money for human services,and let the Council tell the Commission. Barker agreed with this suggestion. suggestions. be pinpointed for future meetings. COMMISSIONER REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ) ) Commission is restricted to seven members. Chairman Seeman and Commissioner Chairman Seeman asked for workplan Commissioner Webb asked that dates Commissioner Barker asked why the Mr.Hoffman explained that the Ordinance establishing the Commission calls for seven members,and personally advised against more members. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25,1990 PAGE 8 Commissioner Barker stressed the need to fill the vacancy,and asked how that is accomplished. Mr.Hoffman stated that staff recruits for the Commission and the Council appoints the member,and pointed out that some of the current members were just reappointed. Commissioner Huerta suggested discussing the lack of attendance by Reverend Rushing,and possibly appointing someone else to that position. Mr.Hoffman suggested contacting Reverend Rushing,asking i f he would be able to attend future meetings,and i f not requesting that he resign. Mr.Hoffman stated that he would be sending the Commissioners a list of the things accomplished,and requests made, at the meeting to ensure that nothing was left undone. Commissioner Calef read the portion of Ordinance No.708 pertaining to the removal of a member for not attending three or more meetings. Chairman Seeman requested that Mr.Hoffman call Reverand Rushing first,and then place i t on the next agenda for action i f the indication is that he will not be able to attend meetings. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES,TIMES, LOCATIONS AND PURPOSES )Chairman Seeman stated that both Tuesday and Thursday have been discussed as regular meeting days. Commissioner Calef MOVED THAT THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEET REGULARLY ON THE FOURTH TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT 7:00 P.M.,ON THE CITY HALL COMPLEX. Commissioner Webb seconded the motion. Commissioner Barker AMENDED THE MOTION THAT THE DECEMBER MEETING BE SUSPENDED,UNLESS THERE IS AN EMERGENCY. Commissioner Webb seconded the amendment. VOTE:Unanimous The motion carried. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25,1990 PAGE 9 ADJOURNMENT )Commissioner Webb MOVED THAT THE MEETING ADJOURN AT 8:12 P.M. motion. VOTE:Unanimous The motion carried. ATTEST: /7,9 7 atETCCUMAN Assistant City Manager Commissioner Calef seconded the , VIRGINIA/SEEMAN Chairma HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25,1990 PAGE 10