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Home My WebLink About1995 05-09 HHSCMINUTES OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES MEETING Administration Building Conference Room 1001 N.Idaho Road,Apache Junction,AZ May 9,1995 6:15 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: CARMEN HUERTA,CHAIRPERSON ED BARKER JENNIE BENNETT CAROL URICH COMMISIONER ABSENT: JIM BANCROFT LIAISONS: VICE MAYOR ROBIN BARKER COUNCILWOMAN ANNE SURRA GUEST: ATTORNEY GLENN GIMBUT STAFF PRESENT: KATHLEEN CONNELLY,CITY CLERK Attorney Gimbut addressed the Commission regarding the legal requirements for funding of the Volunteer Center of Pinal County United Way. Marcia Streets represented the Volunteer Center of Pinal County United Way.She explained its non-profit nature.She outlined her duties and those of the volunteer staff.She also explained the type of services that they provide.She said that they plan to open a satellite office here on July 1,to be open once a week. Chairperson Carmen Huerta stressed that the records require specific information about hours worked,where and with whom.The assistance and volunteer must be in and from Apache Junction. MEETING OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION May 9,1995 Page 2 of 6 They are asking for $5,000 and will spend the entire amount in Apache Junction. This will be about 80% of their expenses for the first year. Casa Grande was given as an example of a similar community where they have operated. She assured everyone that the volunteers are not used for fund-raising. Abuse Prevention Council sent information consisting of a lump sum amount instead of a breakdown asked for by City Clerk Kathleen Connelly.Tom Johnson brought a breakdown of the funds,which he explained. Tom Johnson turned the meeting over to Terry Baugher to address the concerns of the accuracy of the client list.He explained their efforts in checking the lists up to May 12,almost 13 months.He will provide an updated list of the kids who were at the youth center or were involved in activities and tournaments at the youth center.Cathy Cook will update the data base. The new programs,activities and plans for a basketball team were presented by Cathy Wilson and Tom Johnson. Carol Urich inquired about fund raising activities and methods of identifying students with financial needs.Their sources of funds and methods of identifying and helping these students were explained. Bobby Johnson from East Valley Catholic Social Service,Senior Center explained their services and charges for the meals they provide to senior citizens.The meals average a total of about $2.65 each and they serve about 5,000 home delivery meals and 10,000 other meals,targeted at senior citizens and low income persons in Apache Junction.Carol Urich said that i f the meal costs $2.65 and they are asked for $2.00,couldn't they ask for the full $2.65?Bobby Johnson said that in their next year's budget,they are planning on doing that to help keep their costs down. Other services and the costs and donation amounts for them were discussed.The use of the van and the meals are the only services where a donation is asked for. Federal guidelines state that they only ask for a donation,not require it. There are times when those participating can only supply pocket change.They will look into user fees for the other services provided.When the van is used, $3.00 is asked for. MEETING OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION May 9,1995 Page 3 of 6 Bobby Johnson invited the committee to come to the Senior Center during the four days a week when they are open,to see their operation. Lt.Covert is in charge of Salvation Army.They provide family assistance to 50- 60 people a week.They assist with utilities,rent,and food boxes, which supply food for 7 days.They request $23,500 to go specifically to family services. They also have a day care program for the summer.He is actively selecting out the people who are taking advantage of their program.He has maximum amounts for each type of assistance,and encourages checking into each request for help. Gary Selvy of the Superstition Mt. Mental Health Center,Inc.said that they have about 700 clients in their outpatient department and 175 seriously mentally -ill clients,with a total of over 800 active clients. Gary Selvy said that they purchased the County property on Ocotillo and have their outpatient department there,and a 14 -bed acute care hospital.They have a facility for the seriously mental ill on property leased from the City.Also, there are 24 residential beds located on Broadway and 10th Avenue. The youth care hospital has admitted 102 patients during the first 6 months.The last half of the year the turnover had been greater and they expect to see a total of 250 different clients admitted.Only a handful could be regarded as repeat admit clients.Approximately 85%are Apache Junction residents. This year they are continuing their request for assistance with emergency mental health services.They provide evaluations and screening for those in need of emergency care.Referral is by the Police Department and Pinal County Sheriff's Dept.24 -hour screening service is provided. They also provide a psychiatric service for the seriously mentally ill program, across the street from City offices.There are approximately 175 clients there. Almost all have been in the Arizona State Hospital and are now back,and are on medication provided by the state for their condition.Their Medical Director, Dr.Stump,follows each person to monitor their usage of the medication.They also provide services through Information and Referral,and a hotline and newsletter for information sharing and communication. Carol Urich asked i f any fees are charged.Gary Selvy said there are,on a sliding scale based upon family size and income.Many of the clients have a very low fee of .50,so that they can participate in some way in these services. Current sources of funding were discussed. MEETING OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION May 9,1995 Page 4 of 6 Carol Urich inquired about the $23,000 long distance telephone bill,and how they watch to see that there are not abuses.They explained that there are multiple facilities and a computer network which requires modem lines.It was agreed that this seemed high. The $27,000 travel expense figure was questioned.Gary Selvy estimates that this amount will be reduced when the contract for all of the adoption services for Pinal and Gila Counties expires.These services require a lot of travel.They do some on -campus advising at the schools,as needed and have a few group home setups for clients. Apache Junction Reach Out Food Bank,Inc.and Community Action Human Resources Agency didn't attend this meeting.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly said that all agencies received the same letter,which stated that this would be the only meeting at which they could present their requests.However they still can be considered this year. Preliminary recommendations were: THE HIGH FIGURES: Abuse Prevention Council:$5,000. Salvation Army: $2,500.for emergency food $6,400 for utilities $10,500.for rent $600.for medication $1,000.for day camp (no latchkey) Total is $21,000.for Salvation Army. A.J.Reach Out Food Bank:$7,000.(with stipulation that by the second quarter they improve their records by typing them,or the funds will cease) Community Action Human Resources Agency:$5,000. East Valley Catholic Social Services Senior Center:$13,000.and ask them to notify the Commission of results i f they implement our ideas. Superstition Mt.Mental Health:$23,000.(with stipulation that they change from "elderly and handicapped"to "elderly and disabled".) Total:$74,000. MEETING OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION May 9,1995 Page 5 of 6 THE LOW FIGURES: Abuse Prevention Council:$5,000. Salvation Army:$17,000. A.J.Reach Out Food Bank:$5,000. Community Action Human Resources Agency:$5,000. East Valley Catholic Social Services:$10,000. Superstition Mt.Mental Health Center:$20,000. Total:$62,000. Ed Barker moved that the Health and Human Services Commission recommend to the City Council the funding for 1995-96,as follows: Abuse Prevention Council:$5,000. Salvation Army:$21,000. A.J.Reach Out Food Bank:$7,000. Community Action Human Resources Agency:$5,000. East Valley Catholic Social Services Agency,Senior Center:$13,000. Superstition Mt.Mental Health Center:$23,000. The above figures are recommended with the stipulation that all of these agencies are registered with the Pinal County Information and Referral Service,with the 1-800 phone number,and a further stipulation that the A.J.Reach Out Food Bank be given two quarters to upgrade their recordkeeping to a satisfactory level, which would mean with the approval of the Apache Junction City Clerk;and a stipulation that Superstition Mt.Mental Health change from "elderly and handicapped"to "elderly and disabled";and a further stipulation that the Salvation Army be required to spend their funds in the following manner: MEETING OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION May 9,1995 Page 6 of 6 $2,500.for emergency food $6,400.for emergency utilities $10,500.for rent subsidies $600.for medication $1,000.for their day camp program $21,000.total for Salvation Army TOTAL FUNDING RECOMMENDED FOR 1995-96 FISCAL YEAR:$74,000. Ed Barker moved that the above motion be approved.Seconded by Carol Urich and passed unanimously. Chairman Carmen Huerta made a motion to wait until August for their next meeting, at which time they will discuss transportation.All agreed. Chairman Carmen Huerta made a motion for adjournment.Passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Carmen Huerta,Chairman ATTEST: Kathleen Connelly,City Cle0i- C:\WP51\HHS\50995HHS.MIN