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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-08-25 HHSCMINUTES OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION City Conference Center 1001 N.Idaho Road,Apache Junction,AZ August 25,2004 -5:30 P.M. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: ED BARKER,CHAIRPERSON JOYCE PAYNE,VICE CHAIRPERSON KIMBERLY BROSSMAN SUSAN CLABUESCH I.Call to Order/Roll Call. STAFF PRESENT: KATHLEEN CONNELLY,CITY CLERK JAN MASON,DEPUTY CITY CLERK Chairperson Barker called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.Deputy City Clerk Jan Mason called the roll and advised there was a quorum present. 2.Status report on applications for city human services funding. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated letters went out after the last meeting. The only person who called and said they had a problem with the time was Marge from Superstition Mountain Mental Health.She was told she would have to make her own arrangements to switch with someone else.She advised she would do SO. Chairperson Barker stated there would be six to interview. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated the only one she did not include was the Little League. Chairperson Barker commented the interviews start at 5:45 p.m. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated that is correct. 3.Interview of applicants for city human services funding for FY 2004-05. Mr.John Snethen and Mr.Bill Dowd from the Apache Junction Reach Out Food Bank were the first to be interviewed.Mr.John Snethen stated they have 62 volunteers and they get a lot of people from community service that have been in trouble and need to work off their hours.All the city funding goes for HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 1 OF 28 food.They fed 20,000 and they keep records of everyone who comes in for food.They keep good records.If they need food and they qualify,they give them food. Commissioner Clabuesch asked what the qualifications are. Mr.John Snethen stated they have to have a picture identification,proof of residence,and be making less than $5,000 or $6,000 per year for one person. He does not recall exactly,but he can get the information for her if she would like.The city requires proof of residence.Of the 20,000 fed,there were over 60-70% that were from the city. Commissioner Clabuesch asked if they are restricted to the amount of times they can ask for food. Mr.John Snethen stated they can ask for food every two months.They are an emergency food bank.He went to a meeting at another food bank and they had been having problems with people who were coming in for fbod too' often..His food bank does not have that problem because they keep .good records. Commissioner Clabuesch asked if they provide food to people outside of Apache Junction as well. Mr.John Snethen stated they do. Commissioner Clabuesch commented she had noticed that they had in one place noted 1,473 supplied with food and 963 of them were from Apache Junction.She asked if they were all in Pinal County. Mr.John Snethen stated they provide food for those in Pinal County and in Maricopa County.They go west as far as Ellsworth because they have no place to get food and there are a lot of poor people there.They go down as far south as Queen Creek Road. Chairperson Barker asked how much of an increase they had seen in the last year. Mr.Bill Dowd stated this has been a rough summer.Normally i t slows down in the summer;this year the summer has doubled from what last summer was.They do not know where i t is coming from.The draw down on their reserves has been tremendous this year. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 2 OF 28 Mr.John Snethen stated they have 10.000 pounds of food and that usually tides them over through the summer.It did not do it this year. Mr.Bill Dowd stated he compared the accounts from last summer on a daily basis to the accounts from this summer and i t has almost doubled. Chairperson Barker asked if anyone else had any questions. Vice Chairperson Payne stated they had answered most of her questions last year. Commissioner Clabuesch stated she had been to the facility and she was very impressed with it. Mr.John Snethen stated they have a new freezer and a new cooler in the new building.They had been having condensation problems with the cooler. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly asked if it was under a guarantee. Mr.John Snethen stated i t is. Mr.Bill Dowd stated they are still servicing them.The condensation has been more this year than it was last year. Chairperson Barker asked what percentage of the total budget is the $19,000 they received from the city. Mr.Bill Dowd stated i t is probably close to half of their budget. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they also gave them $4,000 for the utilities.It was split from the $19.000 for food. Chairperson Barker stated the amount the city gives the food bank is very important to them. Mr.John Snethen stated i t is very important.The bill last month from Salt River Project was $476.98.They run the freezers and cooler and they have to have that to preserve the.food.The gasoline bill last year was 415,000,but it will be more thiS year because gas is now $2.00 a gallon.They put a refrigerated unit on the truck.They were told they would not get any perishable items if they, had not put the unit on the truck.The insurance on the truck was $3,655.He asked if they know of any volunteers,send them over. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 3 OF 28 City Clerk Kathleen Connelly commented she was not sure if they were getting customers from the Crossings complex downtown last year,but they are getting them now. Mr.John Snethen stated they are also starting to get a lot of the people who live south of Southern in those houses.He commented a newspaper employee told him one guy was driving a new truck.He told him the man would probably be walking next time because they have not repossessed it yet.He added they would be surprised at the homeless people that are living out on the desert. He also knows who the freeloaders are,but he does not want to make that decision,as he has to watch himself shave every morning.He commented they appreciate what the city does and he thinks the city should appreciate what they do because they all work for nothing. Chairperson Barker stated they do appreciate him and the others that work there.Their recordkeeping is excellent. Mr.John Snethen commented they have people who do that that do an excellent job. Chairperson Barker closed the interview as there were no more questions. Chairperson Barker commented the Boys and Girls Club did not apply for funding last year. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they did not.A lady from the Tempe branch called her about February of last year stating we had not contacted them.We had the documentation showing that we had.She eventually admitted that she dropped the ball. Chairperson Barker commented it was not because they did not want money. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they just missed the deadline.This year we doubled up on the notification to make sure both the Tempe branch and the local branch were notified.There is a new director at the local branch. Wynton has switched to Tempe. Chairperson Barker called for a ten-minute break at 5:48 p.m.Chairperson Barker reconvened the meeting at 6:03 p.m. The Boys and Girls Club was the next applicant to be interviewed.Ms.Judy Borey,local branch director,attended to answer any questions. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 4 OF 28 Vice Chairperson Payne asked if they have a separate operating budget for the local branch or if it is all under the East Valley. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly commented i t is included in the budget pages but she may be able to look at it and tell them which is which. Ms.Judy Borey stated their request is for $35.000.She asked if they were looking for the expenditure breakdown. Chairperson Barker stated they wanted to know how much they spend in Apache Junction. Ms.Judy Borey stated they spent $246,360. ' Vice Chairperson Payne asked if all of that is through here or do they get help from the club altogether. Ms.Judy Borey stated they are supposed to raise their portion of the contributions as much-as possible from the community. Chairperson Barker asked if she worked strictly here in Apache Junction. Ms.Judy Borey stated that is correct.They have written other grants, including the Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant through the Boys and Girls Club for $25,000.They received that last year.She believes they will get it again this year.They are getting $8,000 from United Way.They also have special events for fundraisers,such as the bowl-a-thon and a golf tournament. Desert Rose has a golf tournament that they receive contributions from.They also get contributions from the community. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly asked if the $8,000 from United Way was from their pool of money. Ms.Judy Borey stated that is correct. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated she puts them down for her payroll deduction:she asked if that would be in addition to the pool of money. Ms.Judy Borey stated she is not certain as they only receive one allocation of money. Commissioner Clabuesch asked if whatever is given from the city stays in the city. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 5 OF 28 Ms.Judy Borey stated that is correct.They have 9 funds that have reservations,and each of them is allotted to their communities. Chairperson Barker asked how many children are participating in Project Learn. Ms.Judy Borey stated i t is a summer program so all of them participate.They have 256 children from the City of Apache Junction.They also get some from Gilbert,Mesa and Gold Canyon. Chairperson Barker asked if that was a total over the years. Ms.Judy Borey stated that is from May 1,2004 to today.They will also be tracking for the KidsTrax program.They will have a roster that can be broken down demographically. Chairperson Barker asked if the $35,000 was the entire budget for the program. Ms.Judy Bores stated i t is not their entire budget for the program.Project Learn is a pretty extensive program.A lot of the programs they do in the club fall under Project Learn.The $8,000 from United Way also is used towards the program. Chairperson Barker asked if they have other sources to get additional monies for the program if they did not get the entire $35.000 or would they have to discontinue the program. Ms.Judy Borey stated they would not discontinue the program.They would have to find a way to come up with the additional funding needed because they want to do all of the programs.They may not be able to do as many of the programs as they would like to do.The brochure includes all the programs that they really want to have this year. Chairperson Barker commented they state that the participants have had an increase of almost 8.5 points in their grade point average.He asked how they could increase that many points as a grade point average goes up to only 4.0. He asked if it was 8.5 %,except in another place i t says 11%. Ms.Judy Borey stated i t has to do with the participants participating in the study.She believes that information was taken from Project Learn. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated it could also be a raise in grade over the three months. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 6 OF 28 Chairperson Barker stated i t is not all that important. Ms.Judy Borey stated she would find out about that. Vice Chairperson Payne asked if the amount received from the city would be designated for Project Learn only. Ms.Judy Borey stated i t is going for Project Learn only. Chairperson Barker asked if they feel comfortable with the documentation that this funding only goes towards the Apache Junction residents. Ms.Judy Borey stated in the past they have asked for utility bills to prove residency.She is not sure if anyone has used post office boxes in the past. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they have had sporadic problems with that but nothing too major. Ms.Judy Borey stated she believed the problems they have been having have primarily been timelines. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated that is correct. Ms.Judy Borey stated a lot of the programs are progressive and they are trying to help kids get a good education and support the family.Project Learn encompasses everything,including sport sand arts.Some of it they do subliminally,they have put pennants up,and different learning venues.They know that if the kids are not reading by the third grade,then they have a problem.They can target those kids.They feel this is a worthwhile effort on their part. Chairperson Barker asked what kind of support are they getting from the school district. Ms.Judy Borey stated they are working with them closer than they have in the past.Some of their staff works for the school district full-time and then work for them part-time.They have real good avenues to get more information. They also have to find ways to get the kids to bring their report cards to see the areas where they might be struggling and need work. Commissioner Clabuesch asked if they have larger attendance at their programs during the summer.,resulting in the need for more staff at that time. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 7 OF 28 Ms.Judy Borey stated they do.They will have about 60 kids a day during the school year.The rotary is donating money for picnic tables that they will put on a slab out back for another program area.They will spread them out as the weather stays good.There will also be an awning over the slab. Vice Chairperson Payne commented they have 256 registered and 60 come in per day.She asked if they only come in so many days a week or how that works. Ms.Judy Borey stated it depends on their schedule,including their parents' schedule.Some only come in one day a week,others 4 or 5.She added i t is good here in Apache Junction that the schools supply the buses so the kids can get there.The parents then pick them up. Chairperson Barker ended the interview as there were no more questions. Mrs.Sandie Smith added the Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley usually supplants their budget to the tune of $50,000 over what they raise here so that they can provide the programs.They do have one of the best fundraisers, however,according to the East Valley Club.The support in the community is great:they just do not have as many of the large corporations to support the programs.When those come in,they will rely less on the,East Valley.They would like to be independent. The next organization to be interviewed was Community Action Human Resource Agency,represented by Ms.Mary Lou Rosales. Chairperson Barker asked for a brief summary of what the organization does Ms.Mary Lou Rosales,the executive director,introduced Mr.Regis McCusters, their housing program coordinator,and stated they are a nonprofit organization that provides services throughout Pinal County.They are based in Eloy.They come to Apache Junction 3 or 4 times a month and work out of the Pinal County Health Department at that time.This is for a housing program for emergency home repair.They are requesting $10,000.They appreciate the money in that it adds to the things they can do in Apache Junction.Last year they helped 16 individuals with the funds.It is not rehab;they spend $900 per household:And when they see other things wrong that Apache Junction funding cannot be used for, they bring in other dollars to take care of those items.They do as much as possible when they are in the home.They have a little money available now where they can spend up to $3,500 per home.It is nice leveraging for the program. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING. AUGUSTAUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 8 OF 28 Mr.Regis McCusters stated they weatherized 4 houses in the last year.They were able to put over $5,000 into some homes.They have put in new windows, new air conditioning systems,doors,insulation,and plumbing.It can change peoples'lives.The funding from the city gets them started on a project as most people are calling in about the air conditioning or cooler pumps.They then see other problems that need to be addressed.The extra money goes over and beyond what they can do and does make a difference.With their leveraging,instead of being able to do just 10 to 12 homes,they can probably do 25 to 30 homes.It is a benefit to the city to fund them again. Vice Chairperson Payne asked if the people are required to own the homes and if they do mobile and fixed homes. Mr.Regis McCusters stated if they own the home and are leasing a lot,they can fund them.If they are renters,they cannot.However,they do try to refer them to other resources. Vice Chairperson Payne commented they do repair mobile homes i f -they are owned and have leased a space. Mr.Regis McCusters stated that is correct. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated the city agreement requires them to be owner -occupied. Commissioner Clabuesch asked what other qualification they have to meet. Mr.Regis McCusters stated i t depends on the funding sources they will be leveraging.They do an income -based search,fill out an application,and provide copies of photo identification so.that they can make sure they are getting the correct information.They have to list all of the income coming into the home as that is taken into consideration. Commissioner Clabuesch stated i t is basically low income. Mr.Regis McCusters stated that is correct. Commissioner Brossman stated they generally help a lot of seniors. Commissioner Clabuesch asked if they can quality year after year if there is a problem. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 9 OF 28 Mr.Regis McCusters commented they use the Apache Junction money to check the maintenance on air conditioning units and do the annual tune up on them.They can call in prior to the summer 'season.He has contractors he works very will with.They give them a price break:he has done this work in the past so he knows how much it costs.It allows them to stretch the money out to help more people. Ms.Mary Lou Rosales added the state is recommending that they install air conditioning units instead of coolers as they are more efficient these days. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they would also be conserving water as i t is used in evaporative coolers. Mr.Regis McCusters stated instead of servicing coolers,they just request that they change their furnace filter now and then.That also saves energy. Ms.Mary Lou Rosales commented many homeowners are against this because they are afraid:they have heard the stories of high utility bills. Vice Chairperson Payne asked if there have been any in Apache Junction that have refused them. Mr.Regis McCusters stated there have been a couple.In those circumstances, they have had the cooler located on top of the roof.and i t is very hard to service.They then relocate the cooler and do an updraft or a side draft and make it convenient for someone to service it.If they stay with the cooler, they put a clean machine in there,which is a pump that purges the system, keeps the pads clean,and probably adds 5 to 10 years of life to the cooler. They still need to be covered up in the off season and tuned up. Ms.Mary Lou Rosales stated they try to make the application process as easy as possible.It can be filled out by the homeowner and they give them a list of the documents required.They have applications at the senior center, health department,and the Department of Housing Rehab here so that they do not have to wait in case i t is a priority. Mr.Regis McCusters commented they give them a list of the problems and they can check off what is needed.It helps him prioritize what they need.The applicants are put on a waiting list.They will put someone ahead of others if there is. a medical reason. Chairperson Barker closed the interview as there were no more questions. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 10 OF 28 The next interview was with Mesa Senior Services. Mr.Dan Taylor,executive director of Mesa Senior Services,addressed the commission.He stated they have 3 centers with one of them in Apache Junction.He introduced Terry Crawford.the center manager,Sylvia Stevens, and Marilyn Harvey,the program assistant at the senior center.He stated they have been in the Apache Junction area for 8 years.They are looking towards the future with the new building.This fiscal year they are looking at what they need to do to gear up and get ready to be in a much larger facility and a different environment. Ms.Terry Crawford stated the major program at the senior center is the congregate meals.They had 13,516 meals in 2003 and 14,218 in 2004.They had 164 new clients since July 3 to today.Forty-nine of them have an income of less than $900:four have a $300 income,six of them less than a $500 income, fifteen of them less than $700,and twenty-four make less than $900. Congregate meals make a big difference in their lives.Another program is their home -delivered meals.The last fiscal year they had $16.751 and this fiscal year they have 18,402.They deliver meals to 73 people and they have a waiting list of eleven.They provide many different resources and activities at the senior center.They can get meals,transportation to and from the center for lunch,and transportation to medical appointments and shopping. The city provides them with funding through the Enabling Transportation program.They also do referrals to many different agencies and community groups,including health issues with Pinal-Gila Council Senior,monthly nutritional classes,and information on how to make nutritious meals on a limited income.They have different companies come in and make presentations on issues such as hearing,blood pressure,and glucose.They provide a social atmosphere;when a senior sits down,they have someone to socialize with. They do different brainteaser,trivia and physical exercises.They have a very strong activity center. Ms.Dan Taylor stated they did ask for an increase this year in their effort to gear up.They have been adding more staff and they will continue to need to add more staff.It is a challenge as they will be adding more programs and i t is important to have their participants prepared for the change.They have become used to a small space,so it will be a very different feel.They have been working with an advisory committee who will be their leaders as they move over there.They do not know when they will be over there,but they believe it will be in the second quarter of the next calendar year.It is better to do it at this time rather than in the middle of winter.They can get over there and get ready for the larger crowds,although they believe a lot of people will come in at the beginning just to see it.He commented that five HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 11 OF 28 years after they moved into the new Mesa Senior Center,two-thirds of their volunteers were not active five years ago.It does draw a lot of new people. Commissioner Clabuesch asked what percentage of money that they have coming into the centers actually goes into Apache Junction. Mr.Dan Taylor asked if she meant in terms of organizational versus Apache Junction. Commissioner Clabuesch stated that is correct. Mr.Dan Taylor stated any money that is raised in Apache Junction,such as funds from the dog track,goes 100% directly to the Apache Junction Senior Center.They also have a friends campaign and all the money that they raise goes into Apache Junction.In terms of other things,depending on if one has a deficit in certain areas,then all of their fundraisers go across the board that contribute towards that.It is a matter of where the needs are for those undesignated funds.However,a lot of the funds they receive are designated, and those funds go 100%for those areas.They have separate funds set up,and they have separate funds set up strictly for Apache Junction.The budget and finance committee track them every month.They go through by line item to make sure the money is spent in the right places. Chairperson Barker asked what their average congregate meal costs. Mr.Dan Taylor stated it costs approximately $6.00 per meal.They ask for a suggested donation of $2.50.The food costs have jumped tremendously on them. They cannot control that.Another cost item is having to drive the meals out here.The cost could be a little bit lower than that,but he would rather be high in his estimate than low.His best guess would be between $5.50 and $6.00.That includes everything,including labor.The home delivered meal is actually a little bit more because of the delivery cost. Commissioner Brossman commented -they had mentioned that there were 11 people on the waiting list.She asked if that is because they do not have enough time to get them out or was there not enough money. Mr.Dan Taylor stated i t is because there is not enough money.They were able to get an increase from the area agency and the United Way for this year for home delivered meals only.They are already at contract limit and they are only one -and -a -half months into the year.They will be looking for other sources for dollars.They service the additional people as they get more dollars.Some of those people will get served because of attrition,as the HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 12 OF 28 population they deal with is the frailest and may have to make a transition. They were well over 100,000 meals in home delivery last year across the organization. Ms.Terry Crawford stated they were at 60 home delivered meals in April,are now at 75 and have 11 on the waiting list. Mr.Dan Taylor stated they had gotten a little bit of extra money from other agencies so that the waiting list was empty in April. Commissioner Clabuesch stated they dealt with those 11 people as if it were urgent. Mr.Dan Taylor stated that is correct.They work with the case managers who let them know the top priorities.They give them a list advising them to start in a specific order.They then know who the people are that need the meals the most and they do everything they can to move them as much as they can.If they need to get a person on,they get that person on.He is more concerned about getting those people a free meal,although they cannot go 10 to 20 meals over everyday.If they cannot get them the fresh meal,they give them their emergency frozen meals.Those are 7 to 14 meals delivered for those recently out of the hospital or something like that. Commissioner Clabuesch asked how much staff they have altogether. Ms.Terry Crawford stated they have 6 staff,2 Title 5 and about 75 volunteers. Mr.Dan Taylor stated that is a big increase.They used to have 2 staff. They have added staff to help with the driving and the home -delivered meals. Commissioner Clabuesch asked if it would increase again when they move to the new center. Mr.Dan Taylor stated they will continue to add more staff.They need at least one more program staff and additional kitchen staff.He pushed very hard to have a kitchen'and a grant enabled them to have the equipment.They may not cook the entire meal on day one,but he has made a commitment that they will be serving on china on day one. Commissioner Clabuesch commented that for them to be able to eat off a plate must make them feel good. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 13 OF 28 Mr.Dan Taylor stated it does.It is actually a dual thing.It is costly to serve on paper plates and china lasts a long time.There is some labor involved in dishwashing,but i t is cost effective.It can be cleaned every day and i t really presents the meal so much better. Vice Chairperson Payne asked what they want their funding to go for,whether i t is the meals on wheels or the congregate meals. Mr.Dan Taylor stated it will probably primarily be used for both of the meal programs.They will not use as much for transportation as they were able to access some state funds through the city.They are still using those funds from the last fiscal year to fund the transportation program.The extra funds will be primarily for the congregate and the programming that they want to increase. Vice Chairperson Payne asked if they designate funds for that program only does i t stay for that program only. Mr.Dan Taylor stated it does.He believes they will have needs in both the congregate and home -delivered meals. Vice Chairperson Payne commented that the funds would be designated for those two programs. Mr.Dan Taylor stated that is correct.He believes they will be able to fund the transportation program with the funds they have available plus the carryover from the previous year.He appreciates that,as i t helps them in that area.However,they would like to increase their programs:they do more health promotion programs than they used to do.If they can keep people healthy,everyone wins. Chairperson Barker closed the interview as there were no more questions. The next interview was with St.George's Catholic Community. Ms.Margaret Soza,coordinator of the emergency aid ministry:Father Pinti, the pastor,and Cindy Nettles,administration and finance,attended the interview.The emergency aid ministry is the primary focus for the funding request to meet the needs of the residents of Apache Junction who are experiencing an emergency crisis.They provide assistance based on funding availability.They usually seryice people who are in need of food boxes, toiletries,utility assistance,prescription drugs,medical and dental assistance,propane vouchers,shower vouchers,clothing vouchers,furniture HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 14 OF 28 and household appliance vouchers,travel vouchers,rental assistance,auto maintenance vouchers,and Christmas and Thanksgiving supplemental food boxes. The ministry is solely funded by parishioner donations and through the city grant.They had limited funding from May through November;additional funding would have provided clients more assistance for 'rent or mortgage due to cost of living increases and higher electric bills.They have experienced a 30% increase in requests for emergency assistance.They turned away approximately 356 people.They are getting more and more referrals from other agencies. The Salvation Army has assisted them,but they require the clients have employment.The overwhelming majority of clients are not parishioners and regardless of their religious denomination are assisted in some manner.The funding awarded last year has made a significant impact on the funding availability for the residents. Father Pinti stated they have always tried to help the people of Apache Junction that have come to them for help.The Catholic Church believes that the needy are everyone,regardless of race,religion or culture.He has been here for six months,and he has seen more people come asking for help in the off times.It appears to be an increase across the city.He had come from Safford where they had a program they had started there.All they can do is their part. Chairperson Barker called for any questions.There were none.He asked i f there were any comments on the reporting. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly Stated there were only problems with a question on residency once in a while.She commented when the funds were allocated last year,the commission stated the funds could only be used for certain categories.She asked if that had caused any problems.It covered rent, toiletries and prescriptions,but she did not think i t covered food because there was another allocation for that. Chairperson Barker stated that is correct. Ms.Margaret Soza stated there were no problems with that. Chairperson Barker asked if their not being to use the funds for food boxes handicapped them in any way. Ms.Margaret Soza stated i t did not. Chairperson Barker asked i t if worked out. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 15 OF 28 Ms.Margaret Soza stated it worked Out fine. Chairperson Barker commented he hoped they understood that they were trying to avoid a duplication of services. Commissioner Clabuesch stated they gave a very good report and she appreciated the information they covered. Chairperson Barker agreed.He closed the interview as there were no further comments or questions. The final interview was with Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center.Mr Bob Rundio,chief executive officer,and Ronnie from Crises Services were there to represent -the center. Mr.Bob Rundio stated their agency has been around since 1986.Originally providing services to this community,they now have expanded to where they provide services all the way down to Oracle,San Manuel,Superior and other outlying communities.They provide a variety of services as their request shows.They are requesting funding for their emergency services;they have been getting funding from the city for this service for many years now.It helps to have that money as this is one of their services that is not a break- even service for them.To provide these services,they have to have people on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year.They respond anytime they get a call, and they average 300 calls a month in the Apache Junction area,with about 100 of those turning into face-to-face contact.In the past year they have worked closely with the police department and fire district to provide training on crisis and how to recognize it.They also work with Banner Baywood when they get someone in the emergency room with an emotional crisis.This program,due their contract,is not fully funded.The city has also provided funding for the information and referral,where they provide a service advising people where to go for specific services and then they also maintain the Apache Junction Human Resources Network,which is a list of all the speakers that they put together for the last year.They coordinate a monthly luncheon for the human resources community. Chairperson Barker asked if they get any matching funds for the emergency services. Mr.Bob Rundio stated they deal with Pinal-Gila Behavioral Health Association, a regional behavioral health authority that has a contract with the Department of Health Services to organize behavioral health in a given region.They contract with them for services.If the clients they serve are eligible for HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 16 OF 28 ACCCHS,then they can roll the fee for the services into those funds; frequently they are not.They get some funding,but not enough to pay for all the crises that they respond to. Chairperson Barker commented they do not have any matching funds. Mr.Bob Rundio stated they do not get matching funds.It is a fee for services.They bill them for the services performed. Vice Chairperson Payne asked what kind of fee they were looking for to comer. Mr.Bob Rundio stated they are requesting $25,000 for assistance with the crisis services. Vice Chairperson Payne asked how much they had to pay out for the crisis services. Mr.Bob Rundio estimated they paid out a couple hundred thousand dollars. Vice Chairperson Payne commented that they are requesting only a -small portion of it. Mr.Bob Rundio stated that is correct.Crisis services is the one department where they serve all clients,regardless of private insurance,AHCCCS or Title 19.It depends on their need,not their insurance. Commissioner Clabuesch asked if they have an in house program,where clients come in to be seen every day. Mr.Bob Rundio stated they have an inpatient unit where people with major psychiatric emergencies are taken for evaluation and treatment.They also have residential facilities,where people stay with them as long as necessary depending on the nature of their illness.They also have subsidized housing. Commissioner Clabuesch asked if they treat a lot of children. Mr.Bob Rundio stated they do. Commissioner Clabuesch asked if that included teenagers. Mr.Bob Rundio stated i t has increased a lot.They deal with chemical dependency as well mental health issues. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 17 OF 28 Commissioner Clabuesch asked if they have their own caseworkers. Mr.Bob Rundio stated they do,along with social workers,counselors, paraprofessionals and bachelor levels. Chairperson Barker closed the interview as there were no further questions. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they have provided much more in services than they have been funded for.The quarterly reports show the actual costs and how much the city has funded. Chairperson Barker called for a short break at 7:18 p.m.and requested they mull over what they think they want to do. Chairperson Barker reconvened the meeting at 7:25 p.m. 4.Consideration and action on recommendations for human services funding for FY 2004-05. Chairperson Barker commented they have $80,000 dollars this year to work with, the same as last year,but they did not have the Boys and Girls Club to contend with who is asking for $35,000 this year.They are dealing with the same limit as last year but they cannot recommend the same levels as they have an extra provider requesting funds.He asked for suggestions.Everyone is asking for more than they got last year except for Central Arizona Human Resources Agency. Vice Chairperson Payne stated the mental health center is asking for quite a bit more. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they asked for $29,000 last year and they were given $19,000. Chairperson Barker stated they would discuss them one at a time.The Food Bank is requesting $20.000.They were funded at $19,000 last year.They had only asked for $15,000 but we had a Tittle extra money because the Boys and Girls Club missed the funding deadline. Commissioner Clabuesch commented the Food Bank does a lot of good in the city. It is a very good,worthy cause and she would like to fund them for what they are asking for if they can. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 18 OF 28 Chairperson Barker commented one of the important things about funding the Food Bank through the health and human services funding is to consider that this funding is about 50% of their budget.That is not the case with anyone .else on the list. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated everyone else on the list is joined to some other parent organization,and they have professional staff. Commissioner Clabuesch commented the Food Bank has all volunteer staff. Vice Chairperson Payne asked if Central Arizona Human Resources Agency is a duplication of the city department that does the repairs on the homes. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated those are two different things.They will go in initially and help people with the weatherization or replacement of the appliances.If they see something in addition where the city funds cannot be used,they combine some of their other resources with some stuff that Mikki Frazier is able to access to take care of the problems.Mary Lou is very good at making sure her staff takes a little bit from here and there and get something for that homeowner.Central Arizona Human Resources Agency is very successful at getting a little bit of money and stretching it. Vice Chairperson Payne commented she had asked them if they had to be homeowners and they had said yes,but they will do the ones that just lease their lot. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they own the unit:they just lease the lot.It is not required to own the land. Chairperson Barker commented they are_not fixing up a building for a landlord. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated a lot of those units are occupied by very senior residents in the community. Vice Chairperson Payne stated she thinks they should give them $10,000.They are reasonable in what they are asking for and i t is only an eighth of the whole amount of funding. Chairperson Barker stated there is no easy way.He asked if they were done discussing the Food Bank. Vice Chairperson Payne stated she would like $20,000 to go to the Food Bank since that is half of their budget. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 19 OF 28 City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated last year they gave them $19.000:there was the original $15,000 for the food and an additional $4.000 for utilities as they were adding the new refrigerated units and they did not have enough money in their budget for the utility bills. Chairperson Barker asked if they broke it down again that way this year. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they broke i t down to $15,000 for food and an additional $5,000 for the utility bills. Chairperson Barker asked if they were in agreement that they would like to recommend $20.,000 for the Food Bank.The consensus was they were in agreement on $20,000 to the Food Bank.He commented the Boys and Girls Club is asking for $35,000:they were funded for $15,000 last year.They are asking for funds for the same thing. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated i t appears from the letter they have gotten more formalized and sophisticated.They are going to people with experience in programs rather than creating them themselves. Commissioner Brossman stated she has had a lot of experience with the Boys and Girls Club.Her kids go there because their friends go there.They have made huge jumps from where they were 4 years ago to now.It is phenomenal.She deals a lot with the kids when she is down there.Their behavior is so much better in school.They are organized now compared to what it was like when she first walked in there.They do a lot of good. Commissioner Clabuesch recommended not more than $15.000 for them. Commissioner Brockman agreed. Chairperson Barker commented they would recommend $15,000 at this time and see where they go from there.He stated the Senior Center is asking for $30,000: they were funded at $22,000 last year. Vice Chairperson Payne asked if they get a lot of their funds from different government programs for the seniors. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated those are more restrictive funds in some cases:some are not as restricted.There is one program they get federal •funds from where i t cannot be income -based,i t is age -based.They can participate if they are over a certain age and their income cannot be HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 20 OF 28 questioned.They have gotten serious about making sure these are city residents and not winter visitors. Vice Chairperson Payne commented that had been one of her questions on all these meals they are serving. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated there is a form that they fill out every quarter that has the name,address,and the form of identification that was required.They cannot use post office boxes.They can use a driver's license,utility bill,or a property tax bill. Chairperson Barker stated years ago they used to see a lot of out-of-state plates at the Senior Center.We do not see that much any more. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly states she does not see any at all. Vice Chairperson Payne asked if they thought that would increase when they get to the new place. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated the usage will increase. Chairperson Barker stated the usage will increase but they are tenacious in making sure they are only serving local city residents. Commissioner Brossman commented before some of this money was going for transportation,but with the ET program in place,she was unsure if that would affect this funding. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated it would be for food. Vice Chairperson Payne recommended $20,000 for the Senior Center.She commented i t is a little less than last time,but part of their transportation costs are cOvered and it will all go for food now. Chairperson Barker asked if the recordkeeping from St.George Catholic Community was okay. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated there were a couple of errors that they had to back out,but there was always someone else to come in and take advantage of the service.It was fine.They were very conscientious about calling to check on addresses if they were not sure. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 21 OF 28 Chairperson Barker stated there were restrictions on what they could use the money for,such as rent,utilities and prescriptions. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated there was no duplication for food. Vice Chairperson Payne stated they seemed to have followed their instructions and she does not think they would have submitted something that was not within their scope. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated she had wanted to make sure there were no problems as this was the first time that they had been restricted. Vice Chairperson Payne stated they do fill a need for those things that fall in-between,such as a mother that cannot get her diapers through WIC.She believes they should be funded. There was general discussion and the consensus was to recommend $10,000 for St.George's. Chairperson Barker commented when this funding first began 'years ago Superstition Mountain Mental Health got funded at a fairly good level and they got matching funds at four to one.Over the last few years they have only been asking for funding for emergency services and the information and referral services.Other commissions in the past have discussed the possibility of weaning the mental health center off the funds all together as i t has grown into a large entity.It does a good job and he has nothing against what it does.However,if one looks at who the applicants are,the Food Bank is a small operation,the Boys and Girls Club is nowhere as big as the mental health center,nor is Central Arizona Human Resources Agency.The senior center is a big operation but their budget is not anywhere near what the mental health center's budget is.The mental health center has grown from one building 15 years. ago that they funded annually for quite a bit of their budget into an'enormou's.organization that covers a great part of Pinal County and Maricopa County.Several years ago the Casa Grande mental health center covered Oracle,San Manuel,Mammoth and so on;now the Apache Junction organization covers them..He does not know if they want to wean them down to the point of not giving them any funding from the city.It is something that needs to be discussed. Vice Chairperson Payne stated they have $5,000 left. Chairperson Barker stated that would fund the information and referral services and it will leave them hanging for emergency services.But,there HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 22 OF 28 are other sources for them.In fact,Pinal-Gila Behavioral Mental Health Center,which funds Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center,was originally started by Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center.Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center was getting the short end of the stick in funding from the state and county so they started their own organization.One of the reasons they are down in Mammoth,San Manuel and Oracle is because when they started their own organization,they shut down Casa Grande.He penciled in $5,000 for the mental health center and asked for any discussion. Vice Chairperson Payne commented she thinks they have pretty much given everybody what they requested before,other than the mental health center. Chairperson Barker asked for their opinions on cutting the mental health center that drastically as they may be asked that question by the council. His answer is that they have many other sources of funding,much more so than the other organizations.It is not that they do not appreciate what they do, but the others do not charge for their services,other than the senior center charging $2.50 per meal. Commissioner Clabuesch stated Central Arizona Human Resources Agency has other sources of funding. Chairperson Barker agreed,but added they do not charge for their services. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated the Boys and Girls Club charges a $20 membership fee. Commissioner Brossman stated they do,but everything they do through the year, the big events and the overnight trips,are free for the kids. Chairperson Barker commented the Food Bank does not charge.The only one that charges for their services is the mental' health center. Commissioner Clabuesch commented they only have so much funding to work with. Chairperson Barker commented that is true unless the city council gives them more. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated she asked earlier this year.The council stated last year that if there were funds available they would increase it. The city manager thought there were none available. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 23 OF 28 Chairperson Barker commented he had been trying for years to get someone to give them 1% of the budget. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated it was discussed during the budget process.She added it could be 1% of the budget because there are dedicated funds that they cannot touch. Chairperson Barker commented he would like to have 1$of the general fund.He stated they have discussed giving $20,000 to the Food Bank,$15.000 for the Boys and Girls Club,$10,000 for Central Arizona Human Resources Agency, $20,000 for the senior center,$10,000 for St.George's Catholic Community and $5,000 for Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center.He asked if everyone felt they could justify that and support the recommendation. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated the $5,000 for the mental health center would be $4,000 for information and referral and $1,000 for emergency services. Chairperson Barker commented they could just fund the information and referral and give the $1,000 to -another applicant. Vice Chairperson Payne commented funding the information and referral might be a better solution than just giving them $1,000 for emergency services,as they have other sources of income for the emergency services. Chairperson Barker asked for suggestions on who to give the other $1,000 to. Vice Chairperson Payne suggested either the senior center or the Boys and Girls Club. Commissioner Brossman suggested the Food Bank or the senior center. Commissioner Clabuesch suggested the senior center. Chairperson-Barker commented they are then recommending $20,000 for the Food Bank,$15,000 for the Boys and Girls Club,$10,000 for Central Arizona Human Resources Agency,$21,000 for the senior center,$10,000 for St.George's Catholic Community,and $4,000 for the mental health center. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly commented the Food Bank would be getting $15,000 for food and $5,000 for utilities,and the mental health center would be getting $4,000 for information and referral. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 24 OF 28 Chairperson Barker asked if they wanted to put a restriction on St.George's Catholic Community the same as they did last Year. Vice Chairperson Payne stated she thought that was fair. Chairperson Barker stated the money was earmarked for rent,utilities and prescription drugs. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated the senior center contract would be written to delete transportation.She asked if the Boys and Girls Club funding is going towards Project Learn. Chairperson Barker stated that is correct.He closed the discussion and called for a motion. Vice Chairperson Payne MOVED THAT THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS BE MADE TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR HUMAN SERVICES FUNDING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005:APACHE JUNCTION REACH OUT FOOD BANK FOR $20.000 WITH $15,000 FOR FOOD AND $5,000 FOR UTILITIES;$15,000 TO THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB FOR PROJECT LEARN;$10,000 TO CENTRAL ARIZIONA HUMAN RESOURCES AGENCY;$21,000 TO THE SENIOR CENTER TO BE DESIGNATED FOR THE MEALS;$10.000 TO ST.GEORGE'S WITH THE RESTRICTIONS THE SAME AS LAST YEAR;AND $4,000 FOR SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN MENTAL HEALTH TO FUND THEIR INFORMATION AND REFERRAL PROGRAM. Commissioner Clabuesch SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. 5.Discussion on schedule for presenting recommendations to the city council. Chairperson Barker commented they are a little behind this year. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they are a little behind and i t is a little too late for the next meeting of September 7.She usually talks about it to them at a work session first but there will not be a work session because of Labor Day.So they would be looking at September 20 and September 21.Because they are a little behind,she would like to present it at the work session of September 20,and have the contracts based on these recommendations in their packets so that they can be approved on September 21. They can always say no and think about i t for a couple of weeks,which they HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 25 OF 28 might do with the change to Superstition Mountain Mental Health.In the past they have always supported the commission's recommendations. Chairperson Barker asked if that would mess up the funding cycle. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated she has told all of these agencies to not spend money that they do not have yet,but she does not know what they have been doing.They do have other funds. Chairperson Barker commented the first check is due October 1. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they are required to turn in documentation to her by the tenth of the month following each quarter.The checks are usually cut about 2 weeks after that.It is a little late,but not too late. Deputy City Clerk Jan Mason asked if they wanted any of the commissioners to be at the work session. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated somebody should probably be there to speak to the council. Vice Chairperson Payne stated she could be there on Monday.She cannot be there on Tuesday. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they will only need commission members there on Monday. Chairperson Barker stated he may be there. 6.Election of chairperson and vice chairperson. Chairperson Barker asked for any nominations.He NOMINATED JOYCE PAYNE FOR CHAIRPERSON. Vice Chairperson Payne stated she was going to nominate him. Chairperson Barker stated the next meeting will not be until next May.She should have plenty of time to get ready.He called for a second. Commissioner Brossman SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 26 OF 28 The motion carried. Chairperson Barker called for nominations for vice chairperson. Vice Chairperson Payne NOMINATED SUE CLABUESCH FOR VICE CHAIRPERSON. Commissioner Brossman SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. 7.Approval of minutes of July 30,2003;August 6.2003;October 14,2003; and October 27.2003. Chairperson Barker called for a motion. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly commented if they are wondering if they can vote for approval even if they were not at that meeting,according to the city attorney's opinion they can vote.This is just procedural'. Vice Chairperson Payne MOVED THAT WE APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM JULY 30,AUGUST 6,OCTOBER 14,AND OCTOBER 27 OF 2003. Commissioner Brossman SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous., The motion carried. 8.Discussion on future meetings. Chairperson Barker asked if there were any other meetings to discuss. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated because the council opted to do the city- wide thing on the CDBG grants,they will not be doing the sequence of meetings starting in October. Chairperson Barker stated they would see everyone next year around April. 9.Adjournment. Chairperson Barker adjourned the public meeting at 8:47 p.m. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 27 OF 28 prkcir all-person HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 25,2004 PAGE 28 OF 28 Kathleen Connelly City Clerk