HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 04-25 HHSCMINUTES OF THE
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
Administration Building Conference Room
1001 N.Idaho Road,Apache Junction,AZ
April 25,1995 6:07 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
CARMEN HUERTA,CHAIRMAN
JAMES BANCROFT,VICE CHAIRMAN
ED BARKER
JENNIE BENNETT
LIAISON PRESENT:
VICE MAYOR ROBIN BARKER
COUNCILMEMBER ANNE SURRA
STAFF PRESENT:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY,CITY CLERK
The meeting was held to determine the distribution of City funds,and was called
to order by Chairman Carmen Huerta.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly took the roll.
The minutes from last year:April 12,1994;April 21,1994 and April 26,1994
were reviewed and accepted unanimously.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated that she had submitted a memo to the Council
stating that Mrs.Urich had applied for the vacancy and that the Commission had
not expressed any opposition to that appointment.Councilmember Ed Barker said
that he wanted to remain on the Commission,so his name was added to her memo
which was going to the Council on May 2,1995.
Funding requests for 1995-96 were reviewed.$70,000 total was given out to 5
agencies last year.Minimum of 6 organizations will be funded this year.Times
allotted for each requestor was discussed.
Councilmember Barker requested that City Attorney Gimbut be asked to attend the
next meeting.It was agreed that this was a good idea.
Chairman Carmen Huerta suggested that a limit of 5 years of help be placed on
each organization so that other organizations have a chance for funding.After
discussion,all agreed that i t should be a general understanding,rather than a
hard and fast rule.
Superstition Mountain Mental Health and Abuse Prevention Council get matching
funds from the government,so that should be considered when funding is
requested.
No decision will be made at this meeting regarding the amounts to be given out
to the six agencies.Commissioner Ed Barker mentioned that they should keep in
mind that the City's budget deficit is estimated at over $400,000 for this year.
MEETING OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
April 25,1995
Page 2 of 3
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly said that she has not had any indication that
funding would be below $70,000,but it has been strongly suggested to her that
it would not be much above that figure.She suggested that two levels be used.
One would be at that level,and one at a little higher.This was done last year
and the Council liked the option of a choice in funding.
Vice Chairman James Bancroft has a son who knows many of the young people listed
on the Abuse Prevention Council Events List,and many of the 400 listed are no
longer in the area for one reason or another.Councilmember Jennie Bennett said
that there are about 25 people who currently use the Center.Obtaining an
updated list was discussed,and their method of keeping the list current was
reviewed.
Outreach Food Bank was discussed.Councilmember Jennie Bennett,who volunteers
there,explained how they determine who gets the aid.They have a good file on
the aid given.She sees no abuse of the system.
Boys and Girls Club of Apache Junction was discussed.A letter will be sent to
invite them to an interview i f the City Attorney sees no problem with it.
CAHRA was discussed.Jennie Bennett inquired about the source of their funds.
She was assured that several sources were used,as with other agencies.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly assured everyone that the agency shops carefully for
replacement coolers.She said that often it was more economical to buy a new one
than to repair the old one.
Catholic Services,Senior Center was discussed.
Jennie Bennett said that she feels that the seniors should pay their way when
they participate,even for social functions.
Chairman Carmen Huerta had a concern about Meals on Wheels.City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly assured everyone that she has personally reviewed the reports on the
backgrounds of recipients of the meals,and she feels that they are all
legitimate.
Concern for duplication of services given by the Salvation Army was discussed.
Some people who need these services prefer to go to the Reach Out Food Bank,
because of the appearances,possibly unfounded,of being in poverty to get help,
and the religious connection to the aid.
Food Share program was discussed,and Councilmember Anne Surra mentioned that
this program should not be funded,as it is not necessarily for the needy.
Ed Barker assured everyone that the Salvation Army does not fund the Food Share
and that they keep good records.
MEETING OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
April 25,1995
Page 3 of 3
A problem with Superstition Mountain Mental Health providing services outside of
the city limits was discussed.They had been using Chamber of Commerce maps.
Record keeping seems to be the problem,rather than a financial problem.
Volunteer Center of United Way was discussed next.They were invited for an
interview and questions.City Liaison Robin Barker mentioned the question of
whether the volunteers were disbursed among agencies to provide help,or possibly
given training at the Center for solicitation of funds.City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly stated that we could only help i f it were a service to other agencies,
and only within the city limits.
Networking and referral services availability were discussed.The only referral
available for those seeking help is the Phoenix -based Information and Referral
Service.The services in Maricopa County are available to persons living in
Pinal County when these services aren't available in Pinal County.A new listing
of service providers is sent to Apache Junction each year.Chairman Carmen
Huerta said that she has a directory of services.
Chairman Carmen Huerta agreed with others that the Volunteer Center of United Way
should be invited to come in and explain their functions,with the City Attorney
present.Then he could advise the City if they would fulfill our requirements.
Commissioner Ed Barker suggested another meeting after going through the process
and making their recommendations.They could discuss transportation at that
time,including looking at an electric bus.
Chairman Carmen Huerta suggested that they table Item No.5 until after the
regular meetings,and City Clerk Kathleen Connelly offered to bring back Item No.
6 at that same time.
Their interviews were moved back to Tuesday,May 9,1995,6:00 p.m.
The "We Go Where You Go"program is tabled for future consideration.
Commissioner Ed Barker made a motion for adjournment.Commissioner Jennie
Bennett seconded the motion and i t carried unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Carmen Huerta,Chairman
ATTEST:
Kathleen Connelly,City C