HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 05-14 HHSCMINUTES OF THE
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
Administration Building Conference Room
1001 N. Idaho Road, Apache Junction, AZ
May 14,1997 6:30 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
CARMEN HUERTA, CHAIRPERSON
ED BARKER
JENNIE BENNETT, VICE CHAIRPERSON
CAROL CRANMER
1.Call to Order/Attendance.
STAFF PRESENT:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY, CITY CLERK
OTHERS PRESENT
COUNCILMEMBER URICH,COUNCIL
LIAISON
COUNCILMEMBER SURRA,COUNCIL
LIAISON
Chairperson Huerta called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.City Clerk Kathy
Connelly called the roll and advised there was a quorum present.
2.Approval of minutes for April 30, 1997.
Commissioner Barker moved to approve the minutes of April 30, 1997.Commissioner
Cranmer seconded the motion.The vote was unanimous.
3.Staff status report on applications for human services funding.
City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated there were some questions at the last meeting
regarding the non-profit status for the Boys & Girls Club.She had called the Dallas
regional office of the Internal Revenue Service today and they told her that the letter
the Boys & Girls Club has does assign them as a 501C, per paragraph one of that
letter.It states they are exempt from federal income tax under section 501A and the
Internal Revenue Code,as an organization,described as section 501C3.That
designates them as a non-profit organization.The next paragraph referencing 509 is
a separate category which they may try to achieve as a private foundation category.
A 501 is a non-profit, publicly supported, federal income tax exempt organization.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 14,1997
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The 509 is a private foundation and they must first be a 501 to be a 509.She stated
David Alexander had run the internal revenue codes for them if they would like to
have them.The difference in the two qualifications is the source and the variety of
the funding.The Mesa Senior Center also has the same letter.The ordinance states
that they have to have proof of non-profit status, it does not specify whether they
have to be a 501 or 509.They have to be specified as such through the Internal
Revenue Service.She stated there are many different categories of 501, and all of
them are non-profit.
4.Presentations by applicants for human services funding for Fiscal Year 1997-
98.
The first applicant was St. Georges represented by Susan Southwick.She stated they
had given them the amount of $31,673 which was what had been spent on their
clients in the Apache Junction area.She has not determined who were city residents,
but they are all local people.Chairperson Heurta asked if she was aware that she
would have to provide specific addresses on the city residents assisted if they are
funded by the city.Ms. Southwick stated she would get a map to get familiar with
the city limits.Commissioner Cranmer asked how she could determine these people
were local if she did not get the addresses.Ms. Southwick stated they may not all
be within the city limits but they are in the local area.She added if they come from
East Mesa she refers them to Holy Cross.Chairperson Huerta asked if she knew that
part of East Mesa has an Apache Junction mailing address.She stated if it states
Apache Junction on the driver's license she usually helps them.Chairperson Huerta
stated that anything west of Meridian is not Apache Junction.Commissioner Barker
stated that area is designated as Apache Junction by the post office but it is not in
the city limits.Chairperson Huerta stated one easy way to tell is if the address has
five numbers, they are not residents of Apache Junction.Commissioner Barker added
that is not true on a north/south street; then you must check the street.City Clerk
Kathy Connelly stated some of the other agencies give the people a map and ask them
to show them where they live on the map, and if it is outside the city, they cannot be
funded with city money.Chairperson Huerta discussed the means of identification
needed to be copied for the city.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked how she would
determine that the people were not double-dipping.Ms. Southwick stated she would
call the other agencies.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked about her calling the Food
Bank.Chairperson Huerta stated they do not worry about them double-dipping on
food.There was general agreement that families cannot exist on getting food from
one agency alone, and that they are more concerned about double-dipping on financial
assistance such as rent subsidies.Ms.Southwick stated they limit their financial
assistance to $50 per month, which she tries to use for extensions.Commissioner
Barker asked about their request for $40,000.Ms.Southwick stated she did not
understand where that came from,she was only requesting $10,000.City Clerk
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 14,1997
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stated the information they had received the first time was for $40,000.Ms.
Southwick apologized and stated that was their actual overhead from last year,
including her salary.She stated the $10,000 would cut into their overhead.She
added they have had twice as many people come in for food so far this year than they
had at this time last year.City Clerk Kathy Connelly asked Ms.Southwick if she
would have any problems completing the form.Ms. Southwick stated no.City Clerk
Kathy Connelly asked if they would be able to provide the city with an audit at the
end of the contract period done by somebody outside the church.She added this is
required by the ordinance.Ms. Southwick stated she was going to set up a different
set of books to keep track of the funding from the city.Chairperson Huerta stated
that should not be done as the full amount is not received at once,you get it
quarterly.The money is spent and then the city reimburses the agency each quarter.
City Clerk Kathy Connelly restated that the audit would have to be done by someone
outside the organization, and Ms. Southwick stated she had no problem with that.
City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated it would not have to involve any of their other
funding.Commissioner Cranmer asked if Ms. Southwick could come in before the end
of the first quarter to show what she had been doing.City Clerk Kathy Connelly
stated she could.Commissioner Cranmer stated that any ambiguities could then be
worked out.Ms. Southwick stated she was not sure if she should include food, as
a lot of their food is donated.Chairperson Huerta stated that is in case they buy food.
Vice Chairperson Bennett asked if Ms. Southwick would be able to buy food from St.
Mary's Food Bank.Ms. Southwick stated she gets it from the United Food Bank in
Mesa.City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated the rental assistance checks must be written
to the landlord, and Ms.Southwick stated she always writes those checks to the
landlord.City Clerk Kathy Connelly added the housing itself has to be in the city
limits, as there are instances where the driver's license states they live in the city,
when in fact they live in the county areas.Councilmember Surra asked what types
of things were funded by St. Georges last year financially.Ms. Southwick stated they
funded rent, utilities, prescriptions, doctor fees and overnight shelters at motels.The
overnight shelters generally would not apply to city residents unless it was a case of
domestic violence or some type of disaster to a home.Ms. Southwick asked if they
needed more than a handwritten form from the landlord when it comes to eviction
notices.Chairperson Huerta stated the landlords are generally only serving a warning
to the people with a handwritten notice; they do not really want to put them out.If
they are given a legal notice then they have to leave and it has to go through court.
City Clerk Kathy Connelly asked Ms. Southwick how she verified that they are the
landlord.Ms. Southwick stated she calls them if there is any question or doubt.She
checks to see if it will make a difference as there have been times where she has
helped and the people were evicted any way.At the end of the interview City Clerk
Kathy Connelly reminded Ms. Southwick to check on the audit requirement as it is
very important.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 14,1997
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The next applicant was the Salvation Army represented by Lt. Everett, Lee Katz (the
corps director), Edith Anderson and Beverly Chisolm.Mr. Katz stated the allotment
that the city gives them is used for social service work and none of it is used for
administration costs.He welcomed anyone to come over and check their records at
any time.He stated they had received $8,000 in assistance from the city for 1996-
97 and they have assisted 20 families to date for rent in the amount of $3,755 and
utilities for 20 families in the amount of $2,349, which leaves a little left over to be
distributed over the next couple of months.They do help people with food sharing
and the average box for a single person costs about $30 and about $80 for a family.
They have two concerns, one is the Welfare Reform Act which will burden the social
service agencies and the other concern is the government cutbacks to the social
service agencies.This is why they are asking for an increase in funds.He stated the
Salvation Army is involved in 4 youth programs; the Sunbeams for girls grades 1-5;
the Girl Guards, grades 6-12; the Adventure Corps for boys grades 1-8; and they just
established a new boy scout group in Apache Junction for boys 10-18.They are the
only boy scout troop outside the Mormon one in the city of Apache Junction.He
stated they had been granted $1,000 for a day camp in 95-96, and last year they did
not have a day camp.They are going to have a day camp this summer and would like
to have those funds; the camp is open to all children in the city.Day camp will
include crafts,field trips, environmental studies and the natural aspects of desert
living.They will also teach social skills.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked when the
day camp would be run.Mr. Katz stated it would be June 23 - June 27, 1997, which
is for one week.They do not have enough volunteer personnel to make it longer.If
they get the funds they may be able to hire an additional teacher or two.
Commissioner Cranmer asked Mr. Katz if he was aware that over $3,000 had been
refunded to the city the last time they were funded.Mr. Katz stated he was aware
of that, he was not there at the time and could not speak for that.One of the women
with him stated the family assistance manager at the time was having severe health
problems and the office was was closed for two months.They had no one to take
her place so the money had to be refunded.Commissioner Barker asked about
another refund.City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated the day camp had been funded the
previous year because it never occurred.The funding was not provided the following
year.Mr. Katz stated it is on the books and is scheduled to take place and it will take
place.City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated these funds being allocated now are for after
that.Mr. Katz stated that was true but it will carry over for next year.They plan to
continue and expand the program over the years, with the long term plan to run it the
whole summer.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked if he was aware the churches run the
same type of day camp for 5-10 days during the summer.Mr.Katz stated he does
not know if it is a day camp, it might be a vacation bible school.Vice Chairperson
Bennett stated some of them do it in addition to that.Mr.Katz stated he was not
aware of that.Commissioner Cranmer asked if the money would go for salaries.Lt.
Everett stated the money would go for social service work, not administrative costs.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 14,1997
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Chairperson Huerta asked if the day camp would be for one month.Mr. Katz stated
they only have the funds for one week this year and he would like to encourage the
city to perhaps take a look at next year for a longer period of time.Commissioner
Barker stated the request he is making tonight is effectively for next year, so the
$1,000 requested would probably not make the camp any longer.Mr. Katz stated it
could make it last for 2 months; it would cover supplies and perhaps a teacher or two.
Day camp only lasts half a day.Councilmember Urich asked how many children
participate.Mr.Katz stated they have not done this before since he has been here
and he is hoping for 20 to 25,but it is open to the whole city.They have 15-18
children associated with the parish that will be coming.Chairperson Huerta asked
how the children were to be transported there.Mr. Katz stated they would pick up
the children who cannot get there.Chairperson Huerta asked if he would be able to
keep track of the city residents.Mr.Katz stated he would.Councilmember Surra
stated city funds must be spent on city residents only, and Mr.Katz stated he was
aware of that.Councilmember Surra asked how he would determine they were city
residents.Mr. Katz stated they would look at the driver's license, and his employee
Ms. Chisolm stated they would check a bill if they were showing a post office box on
the driver's license.She added any eviction notices have to have the address on
them.Councilmember Surra asked if they have a map.Ms. Chisolm stated they have
one, but she has had problems in the past over what address is the cut off point.
Commissioner Barker stated the other agencies ask the people to show on the map
where they live.Ms. Chisolm stated her map does not have the numbers on it.City
Clerk Kathy Connelly stated she is going to have engineering run off copies of the
large maps with the numbers on them to give to the agencies funded.Councilmember
Surra asked Mr.Katz to repeat the activities for the day camp and where they are
getting their literature for the day camp.Mr. Katz discussed what the activities were
and gave some examples, then explained the literature is put out by the Salvation
Army.Councilmember Surra asked if it is church -based.Mr. Katz stated only in the
sense that they talk about religion and god in their church; it is part of the program
but is not the total focus.It is not a religious program, but religion is part of the
program.Councilmember Surra asked if they would be charging a fee.Mr.Katz
stated they are looking at a nominal fee of $5.Chairperson Huerta asked what other
funds they receive besides those from the city.Mr.Katz stated they got a limited
amount from United Way; after their payroll deductions, it amounts to about $3,000.
They received $1,500 from FEMA, but it has nothing to do with their operation.Lt.
Everett stated it is not really FEMA money, it is emergency food and shelter programs
that have nothing to do with FEMA at all.Chairperson Huerta asked if the money was
from the federal government.Lt.Everett stated it is, but it is not from the FEMA
program.He stated everybody calls it FEMA but it is not.Chairperson Huerta asked
what happens to the monies they collect over the holidays.Mr. Katz stated that pays
for the salary and services of the social service worker and the associated paperwork.
It is all put into the general fund account.Councilmember Surra asked if any of the
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 14,1997
PAGE 5 OF 14
general fund account went towards social services.Lt.Everett stated it does
sometimes, when something comes up that is not covered by the other funds he has
the authority to use the general fund for that purpose.Mr. Katz gave as an example
that they had to buy food with some of that money for last year as they had an
inordinate amount of people come in for food at the end of the year.They also buy
gifts for children for Christmas with that money if enough people do not donate the
gifts.Councilmember Surra asked about the food share program.Lt. Everett stated
there is a food share program but it is not a Salvation Army program.They just use
the building.It is known as Food Share and Food Care, depending on who you talk
to.Ms. Anderson stated they give out food boxes everyday, but it is not part of the
other food program. They discussed the food program.Commissioner Cranmer asked
if any money was used for utilities.Lt.Everett stated they coordinate with other
agencies when it comes to that.City Clerk Kathy Connelly asked if the Salvation
Army has sufficient insurance for tranporting the children to day camp.Mr.Katz
stated they are self -insured.City Clerk Kathy Connelly asked about the parents that
might be asked to transport these individuals.Mr. Katz stated they would be covered
by their own insurance.City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated her concern is to protect the
city, as when involved in an accident someone usually goes for the deepest pocket,
which in this case could be the city.Mr. Katz stated they would take responsibility
on the children they transport,and the parents would take responsibility for the
children they transport.City Clerk Kathy Connelly asked if they were going to be
getting releases from the parents when the children go on the field trips.Mr.Katz
stated the applications include them.City Clerk Kathy Connelly asked if their budget
had been prepared yet.Lt. Everett stated a preliminary budget has been prepared for
the United Way proposal and they should have next year's budget ready next week.
He stated Beverly suggested since the S.H.A.R.E. monies go to utilities, they might
want to put more emphasis on rental assistance.Mr.Katz stated they are running
$1,000 more towards rental assistance than they are towards utility assistance, so
he is requesting they dessiminate the money as they see fit or that the city designate
more money to go towards the rent assistance than for the utility assistance.
Commissioner Cranmer asked if they write the checks to the landlord.Mr. Katz stated
they write them to the landlord.Chairperson Huerta asked if the S.H.A.R.E. program
was still for senior citizens only.Edith stated she did not recall it ever being for senior
citizens only, all age groups can receive the assistance.Ms. Chisolm stated they have
to be able to show they are in a crisis; not having enough money does not qualify
them for funding from S.H.A.R.E.The maximum is $300 in a 12 -month period.Lt.
Everett stated since they are now going to be open more hours, they are anticipating
a greater demand for funding from the citizens, and that is another reason why they
are asking for an increase in their allotment.Chairperson Huerta asked if they could
call some of the other agencies and have them all pay a part of the rental assistance
so that no one goes over their maximum assistance level yet the rent gets paid in full,
without having one agency bear the brunt of the total.Ms.Chisolm stated she is
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 14,1997
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trying to put a limit of $150 per month and have them get the remainder from other
agencies.
Commissioner Cranmer declared a possible conflict of interest with Superstition
Mountain Mental Health as her daughter works for them.She removed herself from
the meeting at this time.
The final applicant was Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center represented by
Lynn Barber (board president), Dr. Stumpf, Marge Walter-Prusha and Gary SeIvy.Mr.
SeIvy stated they are applying for the same amount of funds as last year with an
increase in the psychiatric services category. They will continue to provide psychiatric
services and emergency services through emergency and referral.He stated the
number of people they are treating has increased.Commissioner Barker asked how
long they have been treating patients through the emergency services program.Mr.
SeIvy said it has been for 7 or 8 years.Commissioner Barker asked for an idea on
how the numbers had changed.Mr. SeIvy discussed how they spent the money and
stated he did not have any numbers on how many had been treated over the years.
Dr. Stumpf added it has changed quite a bit over the past five years that he has been
there.He briefed the commission on the changes that have occurred since he arrived.
Councilmember Urich asked if they treated patients outside of the city.Dr. Stumpf
stated they get referrals from the county and other cities in Pinal County.Mr. SeIvy
stated they keep track of where their patients are from.Councilmember Surra asked
if they were only taking patients that were already being seen.Dr. Stumpf stated
they could also be Apache Junction residents that they had not been made aware of.
Councilmember Surra asked him if he was actually providing services at Valley
Lutheran Hospital.Dr. Stumpf stated he was not.Councilmember Surra asked him
what his connection was with Superstition Mountain Mental Health.(Break in tape.)
Mr. SeIvy stated 50% of the kids who came through the school were there for awhile,
from two to three months, before being transitioned back into the regular schools.
Councilmember Urich asked if these were all Apache Junction kids, and Mr. SeIvy
stated they were.Councilmember Urich asked if it started slow.Mr. SeIvy stated
they started with 9-10 kids and it built to 16 before the school year was over.It will
be run as an in -treatment program during the summer.They intend to start with 16
again in September.Chairperson Huerta asked if the money from the city was
designated for this purpose.Mr. SeIvy stated it was not, but he has requested it this
year for that program.Mr. SeIvy stated he has always requested funding from the
city to build emergency psychiatric services.Chairperson Huerta asked Mr. SeIvy if
he was getting any more funding from any other new sources, stating they need to
start weaning the agencies off of the city funds who have been receiving those funds
for some time in order to have funds available for new agencies who need help
starting up.Commissioner Barker added they seem to have at least 2-3 new agencies
asking for funding every year.Councilmember Surra asked him if he were looking for
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 14,1997
PAGE 7 OF 14
other funding sources.Mr.SeIvy stated they are always looking at new funding
sources but it is very difficult to find new funding.Managed care costs more, and
their primary source of funding has changed within the last week, they have changed
the ground rules for how they authorize services and how they are paid for them.
Prior to this change they were in good shape for the remainder of their fiscal year,
now they may lose $100,000 or more.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked what the age
group was of the 16 children.Mr. SeIvy stated they were all elementary school age.
He added they had a discussion with the schools today and they may increase it to
the eighth grade level.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked for an estimate on each
child's care.Mr. SeIvy stated the cost would be $60 to $70 a day.Vice Chairperson
Bennett asked if the children's insurance covers any of the cost.Mr. SeIvy stated
most of them do not have insurance.Chairperson Huerta asked if AHCCCS covers
any of it.Mr. SeIvy stated they do not cover any of it.Councilmember Surra asked
if they considered long term care for the emergency services.Mr.SeIvy stated
emergencies are not long term programs, they are only 1 or 2 sessions.City Clerk
Kathy Connelly asked if they received funding from ComCare.Dr. Stumpf stated they
received some.City Clerk Kathy Connelly asked what that is used for if they are
primarily Maricopa County.Dr. Stumpf stated they receive kids who live in Maricopa
County just outside the city limits and it pays for the medication,lab testing and
occasionally their counselling.Mr. SeIvy invited them to visit the center as May is
Mental Health Month.
Commissioner Barker called for a small recess at 8:10 p.m.The meeting reconvened
at 8:19 p.m. with Commissioner Cranmer back in attendance.
5.Discussion on applications for human services funding; possible formulation of
recommendations to City Council.
The meeting reconvened.City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated the Salvation Army was
asking for funds for this June,which is not a possibility as it is not part of this
contract.Therefore, they must either project for next year or have the camp in July
or August,but they would not receive the funds until after July or August.The
contracts have to be approved first.Commissioner Cranmer asked if they must have
proof of what they did during that quarter.City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated they
must have the proof.Commissioner Barker stated he got the impression that they
should stay away from funding their day camp.Vice Chairperson Bennett and
Chairperson Huerta agreed.Commissioner Cranmer stated she was skeptical.City
Clerk Kathy Connelly stated her biggest concern was the insurance.Chairperson
Huerta stated she is concerned with the fact that when the bellringers at Christmas
time collect the money, none of it is used for the poor.They should be saying the
donations are for them to continue their programs; they should not say that they are
donations for the poor.Commissioner Barker suggested coming back to the Salvation
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 14,1997
PAGE 8 OF 14
Army.
Commissioner Barker stated the Apache Junction Reach Out Food Bank was
interviewed last week and he would like to see them funded for the amount they
requested, which was $12,000.The others all agreed.Chairperson Huerta stated
she has some concerns with the Boys & Girls Club of Apache Junction as they appear
to be not all there yet.She thinks they should wait a year to let them get better
organized.They should have something going so the commission can see what they
are doing.Commissioner Barker stated they would then have a track record.City
Clerk Kathy Connelly stated they did receive United Way funding but she could not
recall what it was specifically for.Councilmember Urich stated it was for operating
expenses.Commissioner Barker is concerned about their lack of programs and feels
the cost is too high per child for participation.Commissioner Cranmer agreed with
them.Vice Chairperson Bennett stated she believes the city needs a Boys & Girls
Club, but she does not see how they could give them anything or what they might do
with the money they were given.Commissioner Cranmer stated they do get money
from a national organization.Commissioner Barker stated they have applied for a
Community Development Block Grant.Councilmember Surra stated she does not
believe they get money from the national organization,they have to pay that
organization.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked if the children paid to belong, and she
was told they did.Commissioner Barker stated he believed everyone in the room
supports the club or the concept of the club, but everyone has expressed concerns
about the effectiveness of the program.It appears to be a tutoring program and they
do not appear to target at risk kids.He believes the money could be better spent
elsewhere.The others agreed to strike it from receiving any funds.Commissioner
Barker was concerned that Central Arizona Human Resources Agency still had $8,000
left, even though he has been told they will put in a lot of coolers in the next 5-6
weeks.City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated they usually do; this is when their volume
really goes up.Commissioner Barker stated they asked for $8,000 and the
commission is considering giving them $12,000; he added he is open to suggestions.
There was general comment on how the money was designated to be used for utility
repairs, how new coolers cost $600, and that they were having to return to repair
ones worked on before.Vice Chairperson Bennett stated she believes $12,000 was
fair.Commissioner Barker asked if anyone else thought that might be too much.
None of the others agreed with him.City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated their contract
stated they had so much to spend on cooler repair and so much to spend on utility
repair.She asked if they wanted to be more flexible.The commission stated they
wanted to be more flexible.Commissioner Barker stated the senior center is doing a
tremendous job and how they now have it open 5 days a week.Councilmember Surra
added they are sponsoring many different kinds of activities.Commissioner Barker
stated they had been given $14,000 for 4 days a week, he believes the $17,000 for
5 days a week is warranted.City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated the parking lot used to
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 14,1997
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be full in the winter only, it is full now in May.Councilmember Surra stated she likes
it that they are not only providing them with services, but providing them with an
atmosphere of community involvement with other age groups.Everyone agreed to
give them $17,000.Commissioner Cranmer stated she was impressed with the
presentation given by Ms. Southwick for St. Georges.She believes the information
will be provided, and that they need the money.Commissioner Barker asked if there
were any concerns regarding the bookkeeeping.City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated she
still has some concerns, but she thinks that will fall out very quickly in the first quarter
and that she can work with her.Her only concern is interference from other people.
Commissioner Cranmer stated those other people must be brought to understand that
if they interfere they can lose the funding.Commissioner Barker stated he would talk
to them.City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated her other concern was about the audit and
the fiduciary responsibility.Councilmember Surra stated they had been very up front
about their costs.Vice Chairperson Bennett stated there is no proof that is true but
she believed they should be given the chance.Councilmember Surra stated they do
not take in enough to cover what they spend so the money must be coming from the
general fund, including Ms. Southwick's salary.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked if
they get any funds from the St.Vincent's store,and she was told they do not.
Commissioner Cranmer asked what part needed to be audited.City Clerk Kathy
Connelly stated they only need to audit the city funds.Commissioner Cranmer stated
she did not think that would be a problem for them.City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated
she hoped Ms.Southwick understood that the person doing the audit cannot be
anyone that is handling the funds.Commissioner Cranmer stated since they are
skeptical of the Salvation Army they should take half of that money and give it to St.
Georges.City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated she is more comfortable with St. Georges
after meeting and speaking to Ms.Southwick.Chairperson Huerta recommended
giving them $8,000.Commissioner Barker recommended giving them the whole
$10,000.Vice Chairperson Bennett believed they should be given $8,000.
Commissioner Barker stated they have 3 other agencies to fund with the remainder.
He commented that they cut Superstition Mountain Mental Health by $1,000 last
year,and though he knows funds are hard to come by,they have been funding
Superstition Mountain Mental Health for 9 years now.Every year they say they are
going to start cutting the funding from them to give to new agencies requesting
funds.He believes they do a good job and are needed in the community, but they
should start cutting back on the funds to them.They were funded for as high as
$33,000 one year, and they went out and got further funds for $100,000.The city
ended up paying for part of the building improvements on Ocotillo.Chairperson
Huerta stated if St. Georges and the other agencies have money to help the families
so they are not stressed out and need mental health help and can cope with their
problems,it could help to prevent some mental health needs in the city.
Councilmember Urich wanted to add to St.Georges that it should be non-
denominational.Councilmember Surra commented that was stated in their
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 14,1997
PAGE 10 OF 14
presentation.Councilmember Urich stated she wanted it in the city's contract.City
Clerk Kathy Connelly stated it should also be in the Salvation Army contract.The
commission agreed.Commissioner Barker stated if they agree to fund Superstition
Mountain Mental Health with $19,000, that leaves $14,000 for the Salvation Army
and St. Georges.He added if they give $4,000 to the Salvation Army, that would
leave $10,000 for St. Georges.Commissioner Barker stated the Salvation Army has
new leadership,but there have been concerns over the last two years.
Councilmember Urich stated they still do not have a budget.Commissioner Barker
stated last week he would not have recommended any funding for them, but they
have recognized that there has been reason for concern and they are doing something
about it.Councilmember Surra stated if they do run into problems they have some
places they can refer the people to that the city has funded.City Clerk Kathy
Connelly stated they need to keep in mind how they want those funds designated.
She added they had stated they seemed to be doing a lot of rental assistance.
Commissioner Barker stated they should designate it all to rental assistance.The
commission as a whole agreed to have it all for rental assistance and not to fund the
day camp.The commission agreed to give $4,000 to the Salvation Army.They then
agreed to give $10,000 to St. Georges.
Commissioner Barker asked if the city would be sending out the form letter stipulating
that although the agency has received funds this year, it does not guarantee they will
receive funds every year.City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated she would.
Chairperson Huerta stated they appeared to agree that $19,000 should be given to
Superstition Mountain Mental Health.Commissioner Barker asked how much money
was being given to the Information and Referral System and the Health and Human
Services Network.City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated they had been getting $3,000
in funding.Commissioner Barker asked if he could designate $3,000 to information
and referral of the $19,000 in the motion.City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated they are
requesting $15,000 for emergency services and $15,000 for psychiatric services.
Commissioner Barker suggested $8,000 for emergency services and $8,000 for
psychiatric services.He then changed his recommendation to $10,000 for the
emergency services, in order to cover information and referral, and $6,000 for the
psychiatric.
Commissioner Barker moved that they recommend to the city council funding for
Fiscal Year 97-98,to the Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center the total
amount of $19,000,with $3,000 earmarked specifically for the Health and Human
Services Network and Information and Referral,$10,000 earmarked for emergency
services and $6,000 earmarked for psychiatric services.Vice Chairperson Bennett
seconded the motion.The vote was unanimous.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 14,1997
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Commissioner Barker moved that they recommend to the city council funding for
Fiscal Year 97-98 to St.Georges the total amount of $10,000.City Clerk Kathy
Connelly asked if he wanted to declare some limitations.Commissioner Barker
changed his motion to read he moved that they recommend funding for St. Georges
Catholic Community in the amount of $10,000 with the stipulation that the money
be spent non -denominational in their Vincentian fund for utilities, rent and medical.
This would include transportation to the medical facility, treatment,prescriptions,
office visits or emergency surgery.They may split it at their descretion.City Clerk
Kathy Connelly asked that they include that an audit must be provided.Commissioner
Barker added to his motion that it be under the stipulation that they provide an audit
at the request of the city clerk at their own expense.Commissioner Cranmer
seconded the motion.The vote was unanimous.
Vice Chairperson Bennett moved that the Salvation Army be given $4,000 and
specified that it be used for rental assistance.Commissioner Barker seconded the
motion.The vote was unanimous.Commissioner Cranmer asked if that included
utility assistance.Chairperson Huerta stated no, they said they had the money for
utilities, they needed the money for rental assistance.
Commissioner Cranmer moved that the Apache Junction Senior Center be allocated
the full $17,000.Commissioner Barker seconded the motion.The vote was
unanimous.
Commissioner Cranmer moved that the Central Arizona Human Resources Agency be
allocated their full request of $12,000 to be spent on cooling and related utility
repairs.Vice Chairperson Bennett seconded the motion.The vote was unanimous.
Commissioner Barker moved that the Apache Junction Reach Out Food Bank be
recommended for funding in the amount of $12,000 and that the money be spent on
food only.Commissioner Cranmer seconded the motion.The vote was unanimous.
Chairperson Huerta stated the final applicant was the Boys & Girls Club.She asked
if their recommendation needed to go on record.City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated
since they were interviewed they needed to go on record.Commissioner Barker
stated since this had to go and appear before the council that they needed to go on
record with the vote,plus they had to be able to give the club an explanation.
Chairperson Huerta stated the explanation should be that they would like to wait until
they are better set up and have programs going before they can make any decisions.
City Clerk Kathy Connelly asked if they wanted them to be more established as an
organization and have established programs. The commission stated that was correct.
Commissioner Barker moved that they do not recommend funding the Boys & Girls
Club this fiscal year because they think the city should wait until this organization is
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 14,1997
PAGE 12 OF 14
better established and has a track record for providing programs.He added it does
not appear that they have given a lot of thought to the program when the program
costs $16,000- $17,000 per child.Commissioner Cranmer seconded the motion.The
vote was unanimous.City Clerk Kathy Connelly asked if they wanted her to include
a memo that they needed to establish more of an outreach into the community.
Commissioner Barker stated no,that would be telling them their business.
Chairperson Huerta stated they need to be told they need to be more established,
have programs ready and have a track record.Commissioner Barker added they need
to be programs that are more fiscally effective.
City Clerk Kathy Connelly had some points of clarification.She asked if the Salvation
Army was to be non -denominational.The commission stated that was correct.City
Clerk Kathy Connelly asked if in all cases the funds were to be used only for city
residents.The commission stated that was correct, also.
Chairperson Huerta stated that brings them to the end of their interviews and
recommendations to council.Vice Chairperson Bennett, Commissioners Barker and
Cranmer would be in attendance at the council meeting for the presentation.City
Clerk Kathy Connelly stated she would do the memo tomorrow and let the council
know it is available.She will also mail it out to all of them so they have a copy.She
asked if they have any questions to give her a call.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked
when it would have to be presented.City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated it would be
Tuesday night at the council meeting.
6.Requests for future agenda items.
Chairperson Huerta stated she has been to several meetings on welfare reform, and
one of the main concerns is that people will be required to go to work as soon as
possible.There is a desperate need for transportation.The draft signed allocated $2
million for transportation and the city will probably not get any of it.She was told the
information would be sent to the cities with instructions on how to apply for it.City
Clerk Kathy Connelly asked if she knew when it would be sent.Chairperson Huerta
stated it should be within the next month.She added she would like to see the
commission called together when that information comes in.
7.Adjournment.
Commissioner Barker moved for adjournment. Vice Chairperson Bennett seconded the
motion.The vote was unanimous.The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 14,1997
PAGE 13 OF 14
Carmen Huerta
Chairperson
Kathleen Connelly
City Clerk
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 14,1997
PAGE 14 OF 14