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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994 04-21 HHSCMINUTES OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING Administration Building Conference Room 1001 N. Idaho Road, Apache Junction, AZ April 21, 1994 6:30 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: ED BARKER, VICE CHAIRMAN CARMEN HUERTA JOY MC NULTY JENNIE BENNETT STAFF PRESENT: KATHLEEN CONNELLY, CITY CLERK JOHN FLUMERFELT, HOUSING & GRANTS COORDINATOR Vice Chairman Ed Barker asked for a motion to approve the minutes of April 22, April 28, and May 19, 1993.Carmen Huerta made the motion for approval of the minutes and motion carried. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly said that today she had received a call from CHRYSALIS Shelter, Inc. and they want to be considered for funding.It was decided that no exceptions could be made to the rules to permit this. John Flumerfelt, Housing and Grants Coordinator for the City of Apache Junction, was introduced and was informed that CAHRA did not meet its funding deadline and so they likely will not be considered for funding this year.It was hoped that he could provide more information on the details concerning grants. John Flumerfelt,Housing and Grants Coordinator provided information on open grants that he currently has and he works mostly with CDBG. For the past recent years, most of the money has gone to housing rehab programs and basically,they have two different products: a $5,000 grant and a $20,000 zero interest deferred payment loan.They are thinking about increasing these amounts due to rising construction costs. The qualifying process is quite lengthy and doesn't respond as fast as it could be needed.There is a great need, and it isn't being met. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MTG. APRIL 21, 1994 PAGE 2 He is providing information on working with CDBG.At the present time he has three contracts with CDBG.The first one is almost closed, the next for $220,000 is getting near the end.The only money left is the money he has to fix the bathrooms at the end of his building.For people who have received assistance during the last 6 or 7 months, it has come out of this particular grant.The next one: the $275,000 he was awarded through CDBG although they had asked for $225,000.It has a partner: a home grant. Two different funding sources were sought because they were available.They received $150,000.For the coming year, he has $425,000 toward housing rehab. This amount is more than they have ever had at one time.He hasn't allocated this money yet.The easiest one that he could adjust is the $275,000 grant through CDBG.It would take an amendment process:$5,000 per house or $20,000.We now go back and say is it possible to take part of it for some recipients who are able to get emergency type grants in the vicinity of $500 per household?He thinks this is the best solution for this situation. CAHRA receives some assistance through CDBG much the same way, and has some experience working with CDBG staff.This would not be an unusual procese and meets a need.The amounts per house are usually higher and require extensive qualifying process.The waiting list is out a year, and wouldn't be appropriate for someone who just needs a cooler. When they go into a house, they are concerned that they leave it decent, safe and sanitary.If the electricity and plumbing are bad, and there are bugs, he feels that just putting a roof on is not serving a client well.Their program is comprehensive. He recently met Carrie McClure,Executive Director for the Foundation for Senior Living,out of Phoenix.They have an emergency repair program and work in the city of Phoenix.Their yearly type of activity is 1600 repairs,670 households,but relatively low dollar amounts:handicap ramps,weatherization, cooler repairs, with quick response.They received a special award from the City of Phoenix for doing emergency type repairs.He likes CAHRA and works with them. There is also an opportunity to shift some money to emergency repairs and if offered to sub contractors such as the Foundation and CAHRA, we could do some demonstrations and expand a little.He doesn't go into the parks in Apache Junction at this time.There could be a need there.He is here to give encouragement and could easily shift money and would be happy to investigate it.He would keep the City informed on progress, and has a ballpark figure of $50,000. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MTG. APRIL 21, 1994 PAGE 3 With the two different programs, CAHRA does a variety of things. He has been trying to call and ask Mary Lou if there was money, is the need there for more projects? Vice Chairman Ed Barker said that one of the concerns last year was that they don't go into trailer parks.He agreed that perhaps money could be shifted into trailer parks under some of your programs. Coordinator John Flumerfelt said that it would be possible.He will continue to check into the situation. If CAHRA sees shifting monies from one area to another as the best use of the available funds, he is all for it. His greatest number of requests for funds come from people who want to hook up to the sewer system.He considers this the best use for the money at this time.He has funding sufficient to cover the needs until late in 1995, at which time he will go back to CDBG for further funds. Repairs to mobile homes roofs was discussed and the increase in amount allowed per mobile home from $5,000 to $7,500.At this time only mobile homes on an owner -occupied lot,not in parks,are considered.They work with sub -recipients to cover those located in parks. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly commented that she had heard from a man that day whose cooler had just been repaired.It had "froze up"and he had been without the cooler since last July.He hadn't known who to call.So he called to thank the City for the assistance. Coordinator John Flumerfelt distributed copies of Housing Rehab Guidelines. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly mentioned that a future agenda item could be advancing housing programs in the City, instead of just repairing homes. Carmen Huerta said that it upsets her to see housing which is boarded up and abandoned when there is such a need for housing. She suggested that the City buy them, fix them up, and rent them to low income people in need.The problems and opportunities associated with this idea were discussed. Reach Out Food Bank: John Snethen from Reach Out Food Bank has requested $7,500 this year.Only their financial statement for December 31, 1992 was HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MTG. APRIL 21, 1994 PAGE 4 available.They decided that the year of this document should have been 1993 instead of 1992.He has asked for $2,500 more this year than was provided last year.He explained that there were 1,000 more people aided in 1993 than in 1992, and that the food ran out before the end of the year.Also, insurance on their van is $1,100 per year.It is a 1985 van with 95,000 miles on it. They have expenses for electric, fuel, and upkeep on the van. Vice Chairman Ed Barker and Carmen Huerta questioned his record keeping methods.Their questions were answered satisfactorily. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly said that what she does with the Food Bank's quarterly reports is to compare the allocation to the level of funding and she hasn't seen any instance where the City has given more money than they spent. Reach Out Food Bank has 50 employees,all volunteer,no paid employees.They pay for their own gas and use their personal vehicles.They would like an increase so that they could feed more people. Joy Mc Nulty asked for the criteria used in allocating the food. John Snethen said that anyone who has children and are hungry, will get food.If they are from out of the district, the first time they come here for food, they are given food, and they are told that they are out of our district.But they also help if their food stamps are lost, and they also have a lot of young families who have lost their job and are hard up.Some people live on the desert, some executives come there driving a new car but have lost their job and are hungry. Joy McNulty wanted to know at what point they would be referred to the Salvation Army. Carmen Huerta said that the Salvation Army gives out food only once or twice a year, no matter what the circumstances.The Food Bank doesn't, so if they are hungry, they give them food.Also, her program gives whenever people are hungry. Joy McNulty asked if the food bank program distributes more than the Salvation Army? John Snethen responded that last month they spent $3,244.38 for food.So, the one month almost depletes the $5,000 amount.He had a list of some of the things they buy. East Valley Social Services: Ellie Gersten, Executive Director, was interviewed from the East HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MTG. APRIL 21, 1994 PAGE 5 Valley Social Services, in place of Bobby Johnson, the Director of the Senior Center.They received a total of $13,000 from the City of Apache Junction for the current fiscal year.They provide over 12,000 meals a year, 7,500 of those are on site and 5,000 are to the home bound. Last year they ran into a deficit.There have been changes in management and food service, so they hope to break even this year. Joyce,their new driver,commented on her recent visit to the Senior Center as a recent widow, and ended up driving the van. They have from 21-25 people a day.Some of them, if it weren't for this program, would have to be in a rest home.They have one lady of 92 years, who can stay in her own home since she gets food from them.There are several like that.Joyce is their link to the outside world.It would cost a lot more to put them in a home. They have a support system as well as meals, including birthday parties, a lawyer who comes in to inform them about legal aid, card games, and a "rap session".Many are volunteers at the Center. The hours of operation and costs of meals was discussed. Salvation Army: Vice Chairman Ed Barker said that the Salvation Army is requesting $20,880. this year.Last year they received $20,000. Trudy from the Salvation Army explained the function of the "indirect services".The children are charged .25 per day.If they cannot afford it, the fee comes out of their funds, or they •work with the parents.Most of them can pay.They open at 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.A snack is provided. These programs are for children 6-12 yrs.There are 2 staff people hired and some volunteers come in to conduct classes. The Salvation Army also helps people in a crisis situation, someone who has no food, recently lost a job, had a separation or disaster such as their house burned down, etc., or a medical crisis.They have no income guidelines.However,the situation has to be verified by documentation.Their food costs are a little higher than Food Bank's, because they provide it for a longer period of time, until they get on another program such as food stamps, etc. Salvation Army is still connected to the Right to Read program through fund raising and the Tutor Training.The Library will provide the funding for this. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MTG. APRIL 21, 1994 PAGE 6 City Clerk Kathleen Connelly provided and discussed a one -page overview of the Literacy Program, received from Library Director, Pam Loui. Trudy explained the funding needs which occur at certain times of the year, or are needed before it is available.She believes that receiving the money "up front" would help to solve this problem. Their funding from other sources are "up front", with the first installment received in advance of the first three months of that year. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly said that this is permissible under the City Ordinance.If there is a letter submitted requesting one quarter in advance,we can do that.Some organizations have availed themselves of that.The City follows the ordinance, but we would need a written request for each quarter. Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center: Gary Selvy of the Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center is requesting $25,000.Last year they received $22,000. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly received an anonymous "nasty inquiry" last week from a neighbor of a neighbor, who has lots of money, and is receiving services through the Mental Health Center at no cost, and what was the City going to do about it?She responded that there is always some level of financial verification. Gary Selvy said they do a financial determination on everybody who comes through the door. Carmen Huerta asked about the funding request increase. Gary Selvy said that it had to do with the Psychiatric services and the number of people who are seriously mentally ill.Almost all are on medication, which is expensive.They may be on SSI or AHCCHS or other program which may pay for part of it.There is an increase in those who are not eligible.Some of the programs require matching money from this Apache Junction. Abuse Prevention Council: Tom Johnson represents the Abuse Prevention Council,which is asking for $10,000.It was funded at $5,000 last year. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly provided a first and second quarter's listing of students who participated in the program. The accounting methods and schedules for review and audit were discussed.Also the other non -governmental sources of revenue were included in the most recent audit. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MTG. APRIL 21, 1994 PAGE 7 Carmen Huerta asked what amount of funds had been received from RICOH funds and the Greyhound Foundation? Tom Johnson said that the first year they received $6,000 from RICOH funds.They did not receive any RICOH funds from the County this year,due to the change in the County Attorney and the procedures.The maximum RICOH offering for this year is $150. They did receive $1,000 from the City this year through RICOH funds.Last year they had received $3,000.They ran a $10,000 deficit this year.They used other "cushion funds" to help out, mainly mortgage money.If they hadn't had that in reserve, they would be close to closing their doors here.It takes about $45,000 a year to operate the Youth Center and APC activities. Some activities may include day backpacking trips into the Superstitions for high school students,coordinated with volunteering with the P.D. and A.J. Fire Dept.So all the labor was free on those trips. They are preparing now for the second annual drug -free outdoor experience on the Mogollon Rim.The National Guard provided walkie-talkies, 6 tents, and 2-4 National Guardsmen.It is well supervised, the Fire Dept. and Police Dept. and National Guard are again sponsors. New basketball courts are being constructed at the Youth Center, and Parks & Recreation will help design them. AZ Water will provide in -kind support,along with other local companies. Tom Johnson said that they have a lot of neat programs going. Participation is greater than ever.They provide a healthy, safe environment for the kids.No drugs, no smoking, no gangs, no gang colors.But they are worried about the funding.Ray Hampton has notified them that due to the decrease in their live racing, (Greyhound has to give out some money every year from the live racing proceeds to community organizations), they will not give out any funds this year. Tom Johnson said that $5,000 is essential from the City which is required by the Governor's office to match monies for the grant. They have always received $22,500 the first year,$11,000 last year. They put in a strong bid for funding but don't know what will be coming.They are looking for decreasing funding all around and as of July 1, the grants all end.They will have between $3,000 and $4,000 which is a "shoestring".If unable to come up with $4,500 total funds, they will have to decrease services and cut back.The Greyhound money is for facilities only. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MTG. APRIL 21, 1994 PAGE 8 Vice Chairman Ed barker reviewed the financial documents in detail with Tom Johnson. They were broken into this Christmas,as well as the first Christmas they were open.No vandalism,just a Nintendo game taken. Vice Chairman Ed Barker asked for clarification on the situation with the funding and if they don't get at least $5,000 funding this year from the City. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated that no one knows the status of the RICOH funds availability. Jennie Bennett asked for clarification on one page that states $3,750 will be received for the City of Apache Junction. Tom Johnson replied that at the time this was sent, he had received one of the first quarter payments of the $5,000.It should say "from", instead of "for". Jennie Bennett also asked the age group being served, and what goes on in the building itself. Tom Johnson said that they are serving all the Jr. High and High School, and some 6th grade students. Tom Johnson said there are two pool tables which were donated, an air hockey game,a foos ball game,2 ping pong tables,a TV, Nintendo, an area where they can sit and watch TV, or play music. An adult is in the building at all times for supervision.There are some video games which are donated, so all activities are free to the kids.There are also tokens given out so that the kids can play the machines. Jennie Bennett was assured by Tom Johnson that they are getting along quite well with the neighbors now.One neighbor has even volunteered to go on a trip with them.The facility is also sharing the outside grounds with a neighboring Boy Scout Leader and his group. Jennie Bennett wanted to know how the children are brought into the decision making process. Tom Johnson said there is an 11 member board of directors, 2 of which are high school students.They participate and vote in the monthly meeting.There is a second, general meeting where there are a number of other community members.There are 12 to 15 high school students who take part is that meeting.The meeting has HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MTG. APRIL 21, 1994 PAGE 9 been moved to the high school site so that they could participate. There are other students who attend also.They identify goals, objectives and central projects.There was a workshop on date rape which the Center funded for $600 last year to bring in outside trainers.They trained the PATH group, who then trained others at the high school. Vice Chairman Ed Barker made a motion to adjourn the meeting and schedule another meeting. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly mentioned that the materials she has provided for the meeting are an updated Board and Commissions List, and a report received on a quarterly basis from Community Information and Referral Services.It gives you a breakdown on the types of calls they get.This could be of interest.Also, the report received the end of last year indicated the number of inquiries they got about the local government the end of last year was 32, and it is now down to 8.So it looks like things are improving. Carmen Huerta mentioned that Information and Referral also has all the agencies in Pinal County listed in their directory. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly will send a letter to Mary Lou encouraging her to remain active in Apache Junction. Jennie Bennett suggested that a letter be sent to the Salvation Army advising them that they can apply for advance funds as City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly was asked by Jennie Bennett about the Salvation Army's request for seed money for people to get permanent residency within the city limits.She consulted with the City Attorney, who asked if it was a once a year problem, or continuing. If it a continuing problem, it was agreed that the City Council should address the issue, and it will be put on the Council Agenda. Last year Carmen Huerta had 56 homeless families.This year she has had 35 so far. These are families that are living with friends or relatives, or just living in their cars close to where their kids can go to school.The attorney sees it as not being different from last year with the Senior Center, the funding was contingent on staying open not less than 4 days a week.Just different circumstances, and stipulations can be imposed. Jenny Bennett asked if it is true that children cannot be enrolled in school if they have no permanent address.Carmen Huerta said that this is not the case in Apache Junction.Some children do not even have a birth certificate, but are enrolled.She said that in HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MTG. APRIL 21, 1994 PAGE 10 Mesa and Tempe, however, the children cannot be enrolled without a permanent address. The next meeting will be held on April 26, 1994 at 6:30 p.m. Vice Chairman Ed Barker entertained motion for adjournment,so moved, and passed. Ed Barker, Chairman ATTEST: Kathleen Connelly, cityXlerk B:\42194HHS.MTG