HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999 05-12 HHSCMINUTES OF THE
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
City Conference Center
1001 N. Idaho Road, Apache Junction, AZ
May 12, 1999 - 4:00 P.M.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
CAROL CRANMER, CHAIRPERSON
JENNIE BENNETT, VICE CHAIRPERSON
CARMEN HUERTA
RUTH WATERS
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
ED BARKER
1.Call to Order/Attendance.
STAFF PRESENT:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY, CITY CLERK
OTHERS PRESENT:
COUNCILMEMBER URICH, COUNCIL
LIAISON
Chairperson Cranmer called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m.City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly called the roll and advised there was a quorum present.Commissioner Barker
was absent.
2.Approval of minutes of May 28, 1998; June 3, 1998; April 22, 1999; and April
28, 1999.
Chairperson Cranmer asked if everyone had been able to read the minutes to be
approved, and then called for a motion.Commissioner Huerta moved to approved the
minutes of April 22, 1999 and April 28, 1999, but someone else would have to make
the motion on the other two meetings as she was not present at those two meetings.
Commissioner Waters seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
Commissioner Waters moved to accept the minutes of May 28, 1998 and June 3, Vice
Chairperson Bennett seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
3.Status report on applications for city human services funding.
Chairperson Cranmer stated they would move on to Item #4 and return to Item #3
later.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 12, 1999
PAGE 1 OF 18
4.Interview of applicants for city human services funding for FY 1999-2000.
Chairperson Cranmer excused herself from the meeting due to a conflict of interest as
the first applicant to be interviewed was Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center.
Vice Chairperson Bennett temporarily assumed control of the meeting.
Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center was represented by Executive Director
Gary SeIvy, Assistant Director Carleen Cranmer and Finance Officer Marge Prushka-
Walters.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated there were no problems with the reports
over the last year.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked how much of the wage overlap on
page four was for people serving in the same areas -people drawing from two
different areas for the same date of service.Marge Prushka-Walters stated they are
only charged to the emergency services program; the emergency services providers do
not overlap in staffing.Commissioner Huerta was concerned about the money used
for the information and referral which is actually for the lunch for the interagency
network.She asked if that was still going strong and attracting a large amount of
people.Carleen Cranmer stated it varies each month, depending upon the topic.They
may have 20 people attend,while the next month they may have only 3 attend.
Marge Prushka-Walters stated they seem to have better attendance if it is earlier in the
month;they tend to average 25 people unless the county or someone else has
something going on at the same time.The funding for that also maintains the
information and referral telephone lines.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked if they have
a way of singling out the Apache Junction patients.Marge Prushka-Walters stated
they have no problem with that.Commissioner Huerta commented they were only
asking for $18,000 this year.Marge Prushka-Walters stated they have received
emergency services funding from other areas; with the city cutting back on its funding
over the last few years, they would like to concentrate on funding in that area.City
Clerk Kathleen Connelly asked if $3,000 has been enough for the information and
referral services.Marge Prushka-Walters stated they went a little bit over budget but
not a lot.Gary SeIvy stated he has some concerns about crisis services funding with
the way the area is growing.The funding has almost been frozen; he has dedicated
all of the city funding and the United Way funding to crisis.Along with the funding
from Pinal-Gila, it still leaves them lower than what other areas are receiving.Carleen
Cranmer stated they had an increase of 300 between the last two quarters.City Clerk
Kathleen Connelly asked what kind of calls were involved.Carleen Cranmer stated
they were calls about people who are a danger to themselves or others, and people
dealing with grief or depression.The majority involve people who are a danger.
Commissioner Waters asked if they had any trouble getting staff out to people who
need grief support.Carleen Cranmer stated they work well with the police department
and Judy Robles; they have two programs meet those needs, either through support
groups or outpatient programs.Vice Chairperson Bennett commented some of the
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 12,1999
PAGE 2 OF 18
churches use those.Carleen Cranmer stated they do use the churches' support lists,
depending on what the people are comfortable with.They try to make it a community
effort.Most of their time is spent making sure everyone is safe, and that they can
spend a lot of time with the people and get them to where they need to go.They
work with the police department and the fire district.They all interact at the
information and referral luncheons, along with a childrens' counsel.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated the police department is concerned that if funding
is cut for the mental health agency, the overflow will fall back on them.They do not
have the expertise to handle these problems.They would prefer to see them get more
funding rather than less.They do not have the certifications to deal with the patients.
At this time the meeting referred back to Item #3.
3.Status report on applications for city human services funding.
Chairperson Cranmer returned to the meeting at this time.City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly announced the Salvation Army had called her on Monday.Their bookkeeper,
Edith Anderson,asked if they could do it on another day.She was advised no
alternate days had been selected.Edith Anderson stated Envoy Torres had some
family issues to attend to and she would get back to the city if no one would be able
to attend.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated no one had gotten back with her so
someone should be here to represent them.
The meeting continued with Item #4.
4.Interview of applicants for city human services funding for FY 1999-2000.
(Continued.)
Community Action Human Resources Agency was the next applicant.No
representatives were present.Commissioner Waters noted that one man had received
a furnace replacement twice in six months.Another address received a cooler unit
replacement and a furnace.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they could be separate
appliances.Commissioner Waters stated it had the same address, just a different
spelling of the last name, and that concerned her.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
she would not be surprised if multiple fixtures had gone in an older home.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated the Salvation Army was going to make sure they
had everything requested in the letter.Mesa Senior Services gave a real complete
packet, including their projected budget.She commented they had some questions
at the last meeting over what could be included in the contracts.She had contacted
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 12, 1999
PAGE 3 OF 18
the city attorney who stated he would give them some guidelines, if requested, after
all the interviews were over today.This would also give him some input as to how the
commission would like the contracts worded.
There was general discussion on the job Community Action Human Resources Agency
is doing.Commissioner Waters was concerned that someone getting more than one
item in the year was receiving more than their fair share.Chairperson Cranmer
commented their list of work completed shows that they are stretching every dollar.
Chairperson Cranmer asked if they should consider an alternative date if Community
Action Human Resources Agency and the Salvation Army do not show up.City Clerk
Kathleen Connelly stated it would be up to the board.
The next applicant interviewed was the Boys and Girls Club.It was represented by
Ramon Elias,who oversees the eight clubs in the east valley,the Director of
Operations Hal Hansen, and Bret Stilson.They presented the board with copies of
their current and proposed budgets.Ramon Elias stated in the first year they had
gotten a $50,000 start up grant from the Boys and Girls Club of America.Chairperson
Cranmer asked if that money went to the East Valley Boys and Girls Club or to the
Apache Junction Boys and Girls Club.Ramon Elias stated it was given to the Apache
Junction branch, but the money comes from the East Valley for Apache Junction.It
is for one year only to get the branch going.The budget for Apache Junction was
$121,000 for the past year.This year they are looking at $125,000.In the past year
they have added computers, a van, and other things that do not show up as money.
They have put in a request for funding from the United Way but they have not heard
anything back on that yet.The board is actively working at raising money, holding
fundraising activities including one this weekend.Chairperson Cranmer asked if they
have a board in Apache Junction.Bret Stilson stated they do, he will drop off a copy
of the board membership later today.They briefly discussed some of the local board
members.Bret Stilson stated their programs that they have received from the national
club has really taken off now that they have merged with the East Valley.They now
have a method for developing the programs.Earlier they just got feedback from the
kids on what they would like.They still do some of that, but now they pretest the
kids to see what their needs are and then they post test them to see if they actually
got something out of the program.They try to improve the programs that did not
work.They are starting a teen program again and they are extending the program
hours from 7 to 10 p.m.They had a program earlier as part of the Abuse Prevention
but the teens had their own ideas on how the building and everything else should be
taken care of.It was negative and they were very wild.He shut the program down
at that time and the teens coming out now are showing they are willing to participate
and have accountability on what goes on in the club.They are now accepting
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 12, 1999
PAGE 4 OF 18
structure.An added advantage to being with the national association and the East
Valley is the availability of career development programs.It is called "Job Ready" and
he has brought in six small scholarships that are very easy to get.The student has to
do 200 hours of community service in order to receive this money.The kids were
really excited because now they can see some rewards.They are able to get baseball
tickets now and other perks.The ten passenger van allows them to take the kids
places.Ramon Elias added they should be putting in some computers at the end of
this summer.Chairperson Cranmer asked if they would be new.Ramon Elias stated
they would not be new but they would be Pentium 100's.They will have internet and
e-mail access.Bret Stilson commented the programs they have added and the way
they evaluate them has jumped dramatically.They are about ready to add more stafaf
people and get the school district involved in dropping kids off at the club.It is
different from an athletic program where the supervision is there but the youth
development is not.They stress youth development and they communicate with the
youth that they are part of the club.It is like they are creating a family outside of the
family.Commissioner Huerta asked about the storage rental charge that they have.
Bret Stilson stated that is for items donated to the club and the bricks that were
bought for the new building.Commissioner Huerta asked if they could take the rental
money and buy a storage shed with it and store the items themselves.Bret Stilson
stated they could do that, they have one storage shed there now.City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly commented it would depend on the setbacks.Bret Stilson stated they are
hoping to expand the building prior to moving into it.Ramon Elias commented they
had an old trailer back there that had been donated.They cannot have anything that
a kid could get into or get hurt on so they had to remove the trailer in case someone
decided to set it on fire.Usually they get a mobile -mini or something that is build of
solid steel for storage areas.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated those are not allowed
in the city.Bret Stilson commented the shed already there has had the door pried off
and they have had to put it back together.With the larger crowd coming, they have
fewer security problems.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked how many children come
in now.Bret Stilson stated they have an average of 25 per day during the school year.
In the summer they normally see 40 kids per day.He thinks it may be more this year
as they have expanded the summer program and added a job training program.He has
the federal government paying the salary of the staff involved in the job training
program.They have a total enrollment of 475 kids, and they see about 230 in about
a three month period.Comissioner Huerta stated whoever makes that list needs to be
very careful, as there are several on the list who do not live in the city.She added
they should continue to serve them, just do not add them to the list of city residents
being served.There was general discussion on the city limits in the area between
Southern and Baseline.Chairperson Cranmer asked how the funding given last year
for the summer program was used in Apache Junction,and she wanted to make
certain that the money given this year will stay in Apache Junction.Ramon Elias
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 12,1999
PAGE 5 OF 18
stated each club has their own budget; whatever funds the community puts in stays
in the community.The clubs get funding from various places; the only club that is
funded 100% by the community is Gila River.Hal Hansen stated the clubs are not
staffed the same, it depends on the availability of funds.Commissioner Huerta stated
they would like to see an itemized budget on how the city funds are used.Hal Hansen
stated they could do that.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly commented that every
applicant will be getting that request.Commissioner Waters asked if there were any
subsidizing if the children could not afford the $35 per week.Ramon Elias stated they
have as sliding scale based on what people can afford to pay.He also described how
they show other communities how their money is being spent.Bret Stilson
commented the salary that they spent last year for the 8 week program, including the
actual summer camp,the extended hours and additional staff to cover for those
additional hours, cost the club $9,846 in salary.This will not reflect on the city's
budget.That was for 4 staff working a 40 -hour week, and it did not include any
scholarships given out to the kids.In addition, if they have people who cannot pay
some of all of the cost, they have the kids do community service to assist the club and
make up the difference that way.Commissioner Huerta commented they are asking
for $30,000 in funding for a staff person; the city will pay for direct services only, not
for staffing or administration.Bret Stilson stated they discussed this last year; the
materials they use are generally donated to the program.The cost is really the direct
service the staff is providing.They are teaching them athletic and life skills.Ramon
Elias stated they would do it in the manner the city feels comfortable; their biggest
expense is their staff.They deliver the service to the kids.It can either go to the
program or scholarships, or it can go for salary.They have to pay someone to deliver
the program.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked if they had a dedicated staff like Bret
Stilson.Bret Stilson said they did.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly the city funded the
program last year,but it was direct service through the staff person.It was no
different than the mental health center; the city is paying the salary for a person
providing direct service.The city will not pay for the administrative or clerical end of
it,such as bookkeeping.Commissioner Waters commented she believed it is an
exceedingly important program, more so than the programs for the senior citizens.
The children are the adults of tomorrow.Bret Stilson commented he would like
everyone to spread the word as they would like the kids to be coming down to
participate in their programs, which are state of the art.He would like to be able to
tell Ramon that they have to add on to the building right away because they are at
capacity every day.Ramon Elias stated the plan is to develop the program,get
established in the community, and have the people start valuing what they are doing;
then when it is seen how many kids they have participating, it is a lot easier to get
people to contribute to build a larger facility.Chairperson Cranmer commented the
city's funding is for start-up money.Ramon Elias commented on the Diamondback
tickets donated by Circle K which seat the kids along the left field fence where they
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 12, 1999
PAGE 6 OF 18
can talk to the players.Hal Hansen commented the players are aware the kids are
there and they talk to them and throw balls to them.Vice Chairperson Bennett
commented she believed they will start seeing involvement from the parents of the
kids,also.Bret Stilson stated he hopes for that.Vice Chairperson Bennett
commented they need to start some parenting training.Hal Hansen stated they are
supposed to be working with the family,not just the child.Commissioner Huerta
asked if they would be open during the summer later.Bret Stilson stated they would
be open past 7 p.m. for the teens only on Friday nights.If the teens do what they say
they are going to do, they will probably extend it to a few more days during the week.
As the club is small, they are primarily doing things with the teens.They want their
own separate space.If the teen does something around the younger children that they
do not allow, the teen gets the same punishment that the younger child gets - and
they do not like that at all, which he understands.Hal Hansen asked if they wanted
the local board roster that evening.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they could
drop it off whenever they got the chance.
The next applicant was Mesa Senior Services, represented by Dan Taylor, executive
director, and Joyce Jorgensen, the local center director.Dan Taylor gave them their
brochure on their organization.They try to accomplish health, hope and friendship
through their health and nutritional services, health promotion, outreach services and
helping people in their homes, and the friendship that ties it all together.They can
serve 105 people on a full day, which is done on a regular basis throughout the winter.
They are feeding about 70 now, with about 30 home delivery meals at this time.They
still have a waiting list for home delivery meals.Joyce Jorgensen was at a meeting
with their federal provider, and one of the things they do not want to see is a waiting
list for home delivered meals.She believes they will up their funding which will allow
them to provide 40 home delivered meals, which will usually take care of the waiting
list.Dan Taylor they have added a program called "Meals While You Heal", which
delivers frozen meals to people who have just gotten out of the hospital.A simple
phone call notifies them that these people need meals.They have outreach staff at
the senior center 2.5 days per week to handle these calls and assist those at the
center.The service will provide 14 meals if they have room in their freezer that they
can eat whenever they want to.Chairperson Cranmer asked if there is a fee for the
meals on wheels.Dan Taylor stated they just suggest a donation with all of their
meals;those that can afford to give more do so.They have a suggested $2.00
donation for the meals on site at the senior center.It is confidential, the money is put
into a box.Councilmember Urich asked how they came up with the $2.00 price.Dan
Taylor stated it evolved over time; it used to be lower but with the price of food going
up they had to increase it.They do not want to put it beyond a certain price; they lost
some people the last time they raised it because they were too proud to say they could
not afford it.They always check with the advisory committees before they make any
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 12, 1999
PAGE 7 OF 18
increases in price.They have found the $2.00 to be a pretty good comfort level; the
Apache Junction Center averages $1.70 to $1.75 per meal at the senior center.The
home delivered meals average lower; the "Meals While You Heal" averages $1.30 to
$1.35.They want to get the service to the person and they would like them to
contribute, but they are not going to force them to contribute.He believes everybody
in Apache Junction receiving meals contributes something.Joyce Jorgensen stated
there are some that are not able to contribute much monetarily, so they volunteer to
wrap silverware, carry trays and clean the room.Commissioner Huerta asked if they
still have to notify them 24 hours before a meal that they would like a meal.Dan
Taylor stated if someone did not make a reservation and someone else called in and
canceled, they will then put that person on the list for food.They will at times call
people to see if they are attending.He commented they do not like to turn anyone
away, but in the winter they frequently have to turn them away.Chairperson Cranmer
asked if they have two sittings.Dan Taylor stated they do not,but it has been
discussed.Due to the fact that they have programs going on before and after lunch,
and the size of the facility, they are unable to do so.Commissioner Waters asked if
a lot of winter visitors are coming in during that time.Joyce Jorgensen stated they
have a sign up sheet printed daily.It has the Apache Junction residents on it.If they
cancel, then they fill it with someone else; this year they had fewer winter visitors
than in the past.She has noticed that there are people who were winter visitors that
are buying houses here and are selling their out-of-state homes in order to live here
year round.Vice Chairperson Bennett commented she believes the senior center
should be a helping place for those people who are hungry.She understood that the
meal actually costs $5.21 to prepare.Dan Taylor stated the home delivered meal
costs that much, the congregate meal is $4.32.Vice Chairperson Bennett stated
those people who can afford to eat out should do so but they should be able to attend
the social hour.Joyce Jorgensen stated they have people who donate a lot of time
and money.Dan Taylor stated the meal is the center point, its the things that happen
around the meal that create the helpful atmosphere.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
asked if a certain percentage of these people actually live here but go up to northern
Arizona for the summer months.Joyce Jorgensen stated they take those people into
consideration.Dan Taylor stated it is a rewarding experience to see what is occurring
at the senior center.People are serving and helping; everyone is served at their table
which makes everyone feel equal.They have the health education program,an
outreach person to answer their questions, and a lot of other services that are there
for them to insure that they can have the best quality of life that they can for as long
as possible.Joyce Jorgensen commented Adult Protective Services came out today
to explain what was available to them; they have different talks every Wednesday.
Dan Taylor commented they currently deliver a hot meal Monday through Thursday
and a frozen meal on Thursday for Friday; their goal is to hot meals five days a week
with weekend frozen meals an option.However, they need the additional funding.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 12, 1999
PAGE 8 OF 18
Vice Chairperson Bennett asked if they serve meals five days a week at the senior
center.Dan Taylor stated they started doing that a few years ago and it worked very
well.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly asked if the Apache Junction residents were given
the opportunity to go over and use the multi -generational center in Mesa.Dan Taylor
stated they may go, it is totally open, but they have found that most people want to
attend the center in their own city.He did notice that some of the winter visitors who
could not get in at Apache Junction did go over to the multi -generational center.The
facility was just opened in March and it should not cause an impact on this center.It
could take some of the pressure off this center.They have been able to offer some
computer training through the schools.Commissioner Huerta asked if the meals were
coming directly from the new center.Dan Taylor stated they are not coming from
there yet, but they will be by August.This will improve the presentation of the food.
They have also gone to the microwave containers for the food, which gives them a
better base for the food and allows it to hold the temperature during transportation.
Commissioner Huerta asked if the frozen meals would be in the same package.Dan
Taylor stated not yet.Joyce Jorgensen added they have some people who do not
have microwaves.
The Salvation Army was the next applicant to be interviewed.They were represented
by Envoy Arlene Flores,her husband Juan,and their bookkeeper,Edith.Edith
distributed copies of the corps budget.There are separate budgets for the thrift store
and the corps.She also handed out copies of their last audit, including an acceptance
letter of their response letter.Councilmember Urich commented it is dated 1-22-98.
Edith stated that is the date of their last audit, they did not do one this past January.
They will probably do one in August.They are currently transferring from manual
books to computerized bookkeeping throughout the southwest division; it is holding
up a lot of things.Councilmember Urich stated she was surprised the last two audits
were so close together.Edith stated they had their normal audit date and another was
performed when the commanding officer was transferred.One is always done at that
time.Councilmember Urich commented she was surprised they did not do yearly
audits.Edith stated they normally do, but there has been so much going on in the last
few years that they did not get done.Chairperson Cranmer commented they are
asking for $8,000.Edith stated she did not recall the amount stipulated in the letter;
they last received $8,000 and they would like to receive whatever they can get.
Chairperson Cranmer commented they did not receive any funding last year.Envoy
Arleen Flores stated she was not here at that time so she does not know what
occurred.Commissioner Huerta stated the budget they were just given is the same
one that the commission already had.Edith commented the audit is the same as the
one previously sent.Chairperson Cranmer asked if they have records for this year on
families that they have helped.She found the information after looking into the packet
more.Edith commented that is the budget for the store and for the corps.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 12, 1999
PAGE 9 OF 18
Commissioner Huerta commented it is the projected budget.Edith stated they have
actual figures through 9-30-98,with the proposed budget ending in 1999.
Councilmember Urich commented there is no one on their advisory board that lives
within the city limits.Envoy Arlene Flores stated Ray Kimball lives in the city limits;
he moved to the city recently.Councilmember Urich commented the other two
Apache Junction addresses involve a business address and one that is not within the
city limits.Councilmember Urich asked if Ray Kimball lives within the city limits.
Envoy Arlene Flores stated she is not sure as she does not know what the city limits
are.Councilmember Urich commented she would have to in order to spend the city's
money.Envoy Arlene Flores stated she was not sure of his address; she knows he
lives near the foothills.Councilmember Urich commented that may not be in the city
limits.Chairperson Cranmer asked what they proposed to use the $8,000 for.Envoy
Arlene Flores stated they intend to use it for housing, food and immediate necessities
for families.Chairperson Cranmer asked if they worked with other agencies in Apache
Junction that give out food and gas money and if they use referral.Envoy Arleen
Flores stated they do.They call around and work with St. George's, the Food Bank,
Project Help and any other agencies that could help service the people here.They give
them a written referral.Chairperson Cranmer asked if they do the same with them.
Envoy Arlene Flores stated they do.Commissioner Waters asked if they monitor
repeats.Envoy Arlene Flores stated they do; they keep a file on every person who
comes into their offices.They only give them one financial assistance per year and
food boxes once every three months.They also cross check in case someone moves
in with someone who has been receiving assistance before.Chairperson Cranmer
asked her when had arrived.Envoy Arlene Flores stated she had arrived in January of
1998.Commissioner Huerta asked that they include the address on the reports along
with the names of the people they have helped.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
they were submitting that on a quarterly basis when they were receiving funding.
Commissioner Huerta stated they do not have to put down their names, they can just
use initials.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated the initials work if they are protected
by some kind of confidentiality, such as the mental health center.It will not work for
the other agencies.There was a general discussion on the city limits.Commissioner
Huerta asked if they were receiving funding from any other sources.Edith stated they
still get FEMA funds.Chairperson Cranmer asked if they get any funding from the
national organization.Envoy Arlene Flores stated every post has to raise their own
funds,which they do with their kettles,thrift store and with their mail appeal.
Councilmember Urich asked if they would specify how much of the $8,000 would be
used in each area.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated the commission can do that
break down.Vice Chairperson Bennett stated that could be difficult as it could depend
on the circumstances.Edith stated the biggest need is the rental assistance.Vice
Chairperson Bennett commented she believed they do not pick up the full cost of the
rent, that they share it with other agencies.Edith stated that was correct; they either
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 12,1999
PAGE 10 OF 18
share with other agencies or the person comes up with part of it themselves.Envoy
Arlene Flores stated they have a cap; the person has to show a receipt for the portion
they have been required to pay themselves and then the Salvation Army will pay the
rest.Commissioner Waters asked if the people being served where those that just
needed a temporary helping hand, or were there people who were just going from
place to place.Edith stated you will always have the latter ones, and they have to
watch for those.Many of the turn aways are the latter.Commissioner Huerta asked
if they were getting homeless families and how they were working with them.Envoy
Arlene Flores stated they get them and they will put them up for three days in a motel
if they have the funds.If possible, they will hep them get jobs.If they do not have
the funds, they end up calling Community Action Human Resources Agency or another
agency that will have the funds to provide them shelter.Commissioner Huerta asked
if they help them to find housing.Envoy Arlene Flores stated they do, they only put
them into motels if there is no housing available.They only move them into a motel
if there are small children involved.And they make sure the family agrees to look for
a house during that time before they give them the motel room.If the family does not
comply, they are removed from the motel.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked how the
screened for drugs and alcohol abuse.Envoy Arlene Flores stated they have the ability
to test them for drugs if they choose to do so.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked if they
had some facilities where they could work 2 or 3 hours in exchange for what they are
being given.Envoy Arlene Flores stated they do.Edith commented the social services
office tries to find them jobs.They have a weekly job line listing.Councilmember
Urich asked if the were required to attend the services over there.Envoy Arlene Flores
stated they do not; they have a worship center they can attend if they want to but
they are not turned away if they do not.They apologized for not having a more recent
audit, and Commissioner Huerta advised them to send the commission the new audit
when it is completed.Edith invited all of them to stop by and see the changes that
have been made in the Salvation Army since the Torrez' have arrived.
The final applicant was the Apache Junction Reach Out Food Bank.It was
represented by John Snethen.Chairperson Cranmer asked him to tell them about the
past year.John Snethen stated they had some ups and downs.They currently need
more money and they are out of room, however, they did service a lot of people.The
WIC program takes up part of the building and it does not leave them too much room.
There was a general discussion on the needs, possible relief and the general layout of
the building.Chairperson Cranmer asked if they get funding from anyone else.John
Snethen stated they get money from Community Action Human Resources Agency and
the city, and they have applied with the United Way.Chairperson Cranmer asked if
they needed money to build a portable building of some type there.John Snethen
stated it would be nice if the city and county would get together on that.City Clerk
Kathleen Connelly stated it could not come through this funding.Johh Snethen stated
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 12, 1999
PAGE 11 OF 18
they are asking the city for money to buy food.A woman added the population is
growing and food prices have gone up.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked how they did
through the mail with that.John Snethen stated they did good on that; they would
run out of food during the summer if it were not for the contributions received through
the mail.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked if there grant writer had ever approached
Boeing.John Snethen stated they had.A woman said they were given money last
year but they did not receive any this year.Councilmember Urich commented she had
been over to the Food Bank about a month ago and she complimented them on a well
run operation.John Snethen stated he has 62 volunteers and they are super.City
Clerk Kathleen Connelly complimented him on his detailed reports.Chairperson
Cranmer remarked they are clear in what they are requesting the money for and what
they are using the money for.John Snethen commented if they hear about a place
where they can get food, they search it.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked if they were
still having problems with their vehicle.John Snethen stated they now have another
vehicle.They can roll the pallets from the Food Bank right up on it.They are not
asking for the increase in the money just to have an increase, they will be buying food
with it.They went $63 in the hole buying food last year.Vice Chairperson Bennett
asked if they were given wholesale prices when they buy the food.John Snethen
stated they are allowed to buy the sale items in bulk wherein other people are limited
to three sale items at Bashas'.Fry's will not let them do that.Commissioner Huerta
asked if they still bought food from St. Mary's Food Bank anymore.John Snethen
stated they receive food from St. Mary's Food Bank.Commissioner Huerta asked if
they get it free.John Snethen stated they get free food, with a lot of it being free
produce.Commissioner Waters asked if they get any overages from the bakeries.
John Snethen stated they get that from all the stores, even Fry's.There was general
discussion on the different stores, clubs, churches and civic organizations that have
donated food or money and suggestions on other means of obtaining additional food
or money.Chairperson Cranmer complimented him on his clear and detailed reports,
adding those reports allow the city to keep funding them.John Snethen commented
that they highlight the streets outside the city limits on their maps to ascertain if
someone lives in the city or not.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they always
provide a higher level of service than the city funds them for.John Snethen
commented their boundary goes to the county line to Queen Valley Road to Ellsworth,
and it takes time to mark off those roads outside the city.Anyone that comes in does
not get turned away, they all get food.Commissioner Huerta asked where the closest
food bank was for those people living west of his area.John Snethen stated there is
a Baptist church on Ellsworth that has a food bank.Commissioner Huerta asked whey
he was servicing the people up to Ellsworth.John Snethen stated they have no other
place to go and they require them to attend service to get food.There was a
discussion on other churches with the same requirements.Vice Chairperson Bennett
asked if they had people coming in every week.John Snethen stated they are allowed
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 12, 1999
PAGE 12 OF 18
to receive food every two months.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked if they would give
them an earlier supply if they had a church referral.John Snethen stated they would
give them the food.There was general discussion on the procedure for getting the
addition built.John Snethen commented they would appreciate whatever funding the
city gives them, and he would also appreciate a good word regarding the building.
5.Discussion with City Attorney on available options in the event of unsuccessful
contract performance.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated the agreement provides for the applicant to reimburse
the city and account for everything that they do not use the way they are supposed
to use.If they do not reimburse the city,the city can terminate the agreement
officially and then sue them for whatever amount they owe.Depending on how much
it is, it would probably be pursued in superior court, or the justice of the peace court
if it is a small claims action.Chairperson Cranmer asked if this is stated in whatever
they work from.City Attorney Joel Stern commented it is stated in the agreement.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated St. George's had the deadline of October 1st for
the audit, they did not meet that deadline and no further funds have been distributed.
Commissioner Huerta asked if they had used any of the city's money.City Clerk
Kathleen Connelly stated they had not; they got the first quarter as they were still in
the grace period.Councilmember Urich commented they have not justified the use of
that money.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they have provided quarterly reports
for that period.Councilmember Urich asked if that was sufficient.City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly stated it was; they just continue to lack the audit.
City Attorney Joel Stern commented they could ask for an injunction from superior
court.If they have the money, the city would ask the judge not to have them spend
the money.However, with an injunction you have to show that there is no legal
remedy available, meaning there is no contract.There is a contract so the judge would
probably say no to the injunction; it would have to be sued under the contract.
Vice Chairperson Bennett asked if St. George's had accounted for the funds that had
been received.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they did.After October 1 they
were no longer meeting the terms of the contract as they did not provide an audit for
the past quarter plus the previous year.Vice Chairperson Bennett asked if it would
mitigate it some since they have received no funding since October 1.City Attorney
Joel Stern stated they did not spend any money in violation of the agreement; there
is no cause of action.Effectively, the contract was terminated by not giving them any
more money.He stated St.George's could sue the city for that,but they have
violated the terms of the agreement.They could go through a formal termination
procedure.It could give them bad public relations, but the city officials would be able
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 12, 1999
PAGE 13 OF 18
to explain what had happened.If they do not do what the contract calls for, they have
to stop the money flow.This takes care of the problem unless they complain.
Commissioner Waters commented that so far they have not complained.Chairperson
Cranmer asked if the city attorney writes separate contracts or does he use a generic
contract.City Attorney Joel Stern stated it uses formal language and they fill in the
spaces; it is not tailored for each specific group.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
the dollar amount and the services provided are the only things different.She added
the commission wanted to know if anything could be put in the contracts to cover the
situations where the agency has failed to perform but they have been allocated the
money,and how the money could be reallocated,if at all.Chairperson Cranmer
commented the money would be reallocated to an agency like the Food Bank, which
had already been funded.This would be additional money.City Attorney Joel Stern
asked what the cap was.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated there was no cap.City
Attorney Joel Stern stated he would have to look at the ordinance as he does not
recall what it says.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated the ordinance does not state
anything on this.City Attorney Joel Stern commented they would then have to amend
the ordinance for that kind of distribution.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly suggested
doing an addendum to the contract, since the ordinance does not address it at all.City
Attorney Joel Stern stated they do not have the authority under the ordinance to do
the addendum.This would create a secondary list of agencies to get money if the first
set do not perform.As that is not in the ordinance, it would have to be changed.
Chairperson Cranmer asked if the ordinance could be changed.City Attorney Joel
Stern stated it could be changed by the city council.Commissioner Huerta suggested
not putting down the names of the organizations, just if some of the organizations do
not comply with their contract, that they do an addendum to other organizations that
have already been approved.City Attorney Joel Stern stated they could do that if that
procedure is already in the ordinance; the base authority has to be in the ordinance.
There would have to be an amendment to the ordinance.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
commented she is concerned that if they change the ordinance, people will then say
to remove the terms and conditions.The agencies will complain that it is too difficult
to comply.Some agencies do not like the January 31 deadline; they would prefer to
come in mid -budget year with their off-the-cuff requests.City Attorney Joel Stern
suggested the commission could come before council and advise that a problem could
exist where money does not get spent because the organization does not do what it
is supposed to do and the money goes back to the general fund.They would want a
limited ordinance amendment, addressing only that area.It would be the commission's
recommendation.He suggested having another meeting to talk about it.City Clerk
Kathleen Connelly stated the ordinance does not even address contracts; it talks about
what they are required to file, deadlines, and the quarterly reporting mechanism.It
sets out the administrative end of it but it does not get into limitations on contracts.
City Attorney Joel Stern suggested bringing the finance director in on this since the
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 12,1999
PAGE 14 OF 18
money does go back to the general fund.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated it
remains in the general fund until she does the check request to expend it.City
Attorney Joel Stern again suggested having the finance director at the next meeting
to find out if what they are talking about could work.He would also be there if they
would like.He believes it should be fairly easy as they are allowed to do it under state
statute and the constitution.They should be able to allocate it any way they want.
Chairperson Cranmer commented she hates the fact that they have been given the
money to dish out and then it does not get used.There was general discussion about
some of the money not being used at all and having to be returned when it could have
been used elsewhere.Chairperson Cranmer suggested setting up another meeting.
City Attorney Joel Stern commented he would come up with some language.City
Clerk Kathleen Connelly asked if they have to amend the ordinance or could they do
a new one.City Attorney Joel Stern stated he would do a new ordinance.There was
general discussion on whether it should be an amendment or a new ordinance, and
what is the proper procedure.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated if it is on the
agenda, there will be a number of people coming forward asking that it not exist.City
Attorney Joel Stern stated they would have to have a public hearing, opening the door,
but they cannot just add it to the contract.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly asked if they
could put a not to exceed amount.City Attorney Joel Stern stated they could put a
cap on the amount.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly asked if that would mean subject to
available funds, which could include unused funds by another agency.City Attorney
Joel Stern stated they could establish a first draft of those agencies that passed the
requirements, and then there would be a second or waiting list in case there are excess
funds due to nonperformance with the signed agreements.Chairperson Cranmer
stated the second list would only include those agencies that have already been
interviewed.City Attorney Joel Stern commented the interviews should be conducted
the same way as in the past,using only one interview,and the agencies will be
notified if they are on the first list or the waiting list.Commissioner Huerta asked if
they would have to do that every year.City Attorney Joel Stern stated they would.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly added this would happen as long as they continue to have
nonperformance.There was general discussion on Project Help.City Attorney Joel
Stern suggested they add language to the contract stipulating that nonperformance
could lead to litigation.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they were going to
combine parts of the professional services agreement to these agreements.City
Attorney Joel Stern commented they could create a new agreement with that which
would not need council approval.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly asked if they came up
with a base list and a waiting list,and make recommendations that the contracts
include a reference to a not to exceed amount, and if other funds were to become
available, it could go up from the base amount to a higher amount.City Attorney Joel
Stern stated they should probably have a cap on that.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
commented it would be easier to work with,having a maximum dollar amount.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 12,1999
PAGE 15 OF 18
Chairperson Cranmer added they could then give it to more organizations.City
Attorney Joel Stern asked if they had a breakdown on those agencies that did not
perform and how much money was left over.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated St.
George's was the only one and $7,500 was left over.There was general discussion
on the performance of the Salvation Army in the past.
6.Discussion and motion on request from Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley
regarding routing of correspondence, contracts and checks.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly commented they had received a letter from the Boys and
Girls Club of the East Valley requesting all checks, contracts and correspondence be
sent to them.The current contract names the Apache Junction Boys and Girls Club
as the recipient.She asked if the city has to honor the East Valley request or does the
city continue to send everything to the Apache Junction branch.City Attorney Joel
Stern stated a letter should be sent to them advising them of what the agreement
says.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly commented she is talking about the next
agreement, not the current one.City Attorney Joel Stern asked if she would be doing
that for other organizations.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated there is no similar
situation.City Attorney Joel Stern asked if that is their main office.City Clerk
Kathleen Connelly stated it is their administrative office.City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he could see no problem with that;it would be up to the commission.
Chairperson Cranmer commented they had asked them at the meeting if the city funds
would be completely spent in Apache Junction; they implied the funds would be totally
spent here and they will show that on their reports.City Attorney Joel Stern stated
this is for administrative purposes only;it could easily be changed for next year.
Chairperson Cranmer asked if anyone sees a problem with sending everything to the
main office.Vice Chairperson Bennett stated it would be similar to the senior center
as everything goes to East Mesa.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated the senior center
has never had any offices here.Chairperson Cranmer stated she agreed with it as long
as they could show that all the money was spent in Apache Junction.Commissioner
Huerta commented it was okay as long as the money was given for the staff person
that they want.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated this is something they do not
have to do tonight,they can come back to it after they have determined their
allocations.
7.Discussion and motion on applications filed by Central Arizona Shelter Services
and St. George Catholic Community (Vincentians).
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated there needs to be some kind of closure on this.
Central Arizona Shelter Services has told the city that they cannot meet the
requirements as they do not ask anyone where they live.There is no way to
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 12,1999
PAGE 16 OF 18
determine if the people being assisted are Apache Junction city residents.Vice
Chairperson Bennett stated if they will not comply with the requirements, then it is
their loss.Commissioner Huerta moved that the health and human services
applications for 1999-2000 funding, as filed by the Central Arizona Shelter Services
and St. George Catholic Community are recommended to the city council for denial
based upon the following reasons: Central Arizona Shelter Services because of their
inability to provide information and status as a city resident as required by Ordinance
No. 659; and St. George's Catholic Community because of their failure to provide the
appropriate audit pertaining to the use of city funds as required by the current human
services agreement and Ordinance No.659.Commissioner Waters seconded the
motion.The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.
8.Consideration of recommendations for human services funding for FY 1999-
2000.
Chairperson Cranmer asked if they wanted to discuss any recommendations or wait.
Commissioner Huerta suggested talking about it a little.Chairperson Cranmer asked
if they wanted to have Community Action Human Resources Agency come to the next
meeting.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly suggested they decide that first, otherwise, it
is assumed they would not be funded.Commissioner Huerta commented she would
hate to see them go unfunded.She would like to interview them if they had a good
reason for not showing up today, but if they just forgot about the meeting they should
be passed over.Chairperson Cranmer stated she would like to see them interviewed
regardless of the reason.Commissioner Huerta commented if it happened now it could
happen again or it could happen to another agency; do they want to set a precedent.
Chairperson Cranmer asked if they could act upon what they had in their application
and forego the interview.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated that would be tough,
as you know about their existing program, but the case manager position is new.
Commissioner Huerta commented the Department of Economic Security has given
them the funding for two case managers; that money will be used to help the families
those case managers are working with.It will be direct services.City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly commented that is a lot of money per family if there are only two families.
Commissioner Huerta stated there would be twelve families involved.Councilmember
Urich stated it is actually to help twenty families.Commissioner Huerta added they
will be working in conjunction with Project Help and these will be families with
children.Commissioner Huerta suggested setting a precedent wherein if an agency
could not show up and requests to schedule their interview to another day, that they
be able to do so.She gave as an example the Salvation Army not being able to show
up today.Vice Chairperson Bennett reminded her the Salvation Army did show up
today; they were told to be here as there would be no other interview date.She
added Community Action Human Resources Agency may have a good reason for not
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 12, 1999
PAGE 17 OF 18
being here;if it is legitimate,they should be considered.Commissioner Huerta
suggested allowing anyone that did not show up for their appointment to be able to
make another appointment.This would not show any favoritism to Community Action
Human Resources Agency.Chairperson Cranmer and Commissioner Waters agreed
that it would have to be a very good, legitimate reason to allow them to reschedule
their appointment.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly suggested they set up another
meeting,which will enable them to discuss the contracts,and invite Community
Action Human Resources Agency at that time and let them present their reason for not
showing.They can decide then if they want to interview them.There was general
discussion on the suggestion.The commission agreed with it.
9.Discussion on future meetings.
There was general discussion on the next meeting date.The commission agreed to
meet on Monday, May 24th , at 1:30 p.m.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated she
would contact Community Action Human Resources Agency and ask them to be here
to tell the commission what happened.Chairperson Cranmer added they would do the
recommendations for funding at that time.City Clerk Kathleen Connelly reminded
them there would be a gap with St. George's not being able to get funding, though
some of it will be covered by the Salvation Army.There was a general discussion on
the amount of money available this year, which is again set at $78,000.
10.Adjournment.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
__,ea-ele,6-ZA_
Carol Cranmer Kathleen Connelly
Chairperson City Clerk
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 12, 1999
PAGE 18 OF 18