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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023.03.27 HHSC Minutes City of Apache Junction, Arizona Meeting location City Council Chambers `= 300 E Superstition Blvd R' Meeting Minutes Apache Junction, AZ Health and Human Services 85119 Commission apachejunctionaz gov P:(480)982-8002 Monday, March 27, 2023 5:00 PM City Council Chambers A. Call to Order Chairperson Mitchell called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. B. Pledge of Allegiance Chairperson Mitchell led the Pledge of Allegiance. C. Roll Call Present 5- Commissioner Kinner Commissioner Brennan Chairperson Mitchel Commissioner Moeller Commissioner Danford Excused I - Commissioner Borey D. Consent Agenda E. Public Hearings F. Old Business G. New Business 1. 23-166 Presentation and discussion on the applications submitted for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Human Services funding. Presentations were shared by the local non-profit organizations that submitted funding applications for FY 2023-2024. Listed is the order in which the organizations presented: Boys and Girls Club of the Valley: Emily Denes explained the requested amount of$35,000 to support the academic success of the programs they offer, to promote healthy lifestyles, and encourage good character and leadership programs that assist young adults. Boys and Girls Club employs youth development specialists that assist in providing critical support for families. The Organization also provides healthy snacks and meals and is the 2nd largest meal provider for children, following behind the school districts in AZ. Staff assists with home work completion and ensures the children have a good time being a kid. City of Apache Junction,Arizona Pagel Health and Human Services Meeting Minutes March 27, 2023 Commission Various inquiries from the Commission included: Eligibility for the program and number of current members How do kids find out about the program Data collection to determine the efficacy of the program Expertise used in the mentoring and coaching for the program Difference in staffing titles and salaires Funding received from other entities and fund Ms. Denes responded that any child between the ages of 5-18 and currently enrolled in school is eligible and currently the program has 350 participants. Information about the program is shared through various school programs, community events and word of mouth. A national youth outcome survey is used across the board to measure members progress and the effectiveness of the program. If members join the work force development program secondary education is tracked. Boys and Girls Club of the Valley partners with Terros Health, and are required to hire Behavioral Health Technicians with very specific credentials. Staffing titles are determined by the tasks expected and compensation is granted based on those tasks. The major fundraiser for this organization, the Yesteryear Event typically raises $100,000. The majority of expenses goes towards staffing. If funding has a shortfall, the organization has a strict standard of adult/child ratio, and the program would have to be reviewed on what could still be offered. Apache Junction Community Development Corporation (AJ CDC) Dave Waldron presented the mission for the AJ CDC is to assist residents that are challenged with code compliance due to disabilities and low income. The AJ CDC is asking for$ 6,400 to cover the insurance cost in order to operate the organization. There are many tools and items donated, as well as some cash donations received throughout the year. Make a Difference Day is an annual event they plan to continue offering. Various inquiries from the Commission included: Purpose of the insurance Clarity on receipts submitted with application Fundraising efforts Ways to show the value of this organization to community Confirmation on no operating costs - only Administrative Suggested the application be submitted with more detail and accuracy in the funding reports. Mr. Waldron stated the insurance is a general liability for the director, officers and volunteers. A single receipt was submitted with the application in the amount of$ 235.00, which was for a rider to cover the liability for the volunteers on Make a Difference Day. AJ CDC does not do any special fund raising events, but they do request donations of tools and materials for various projects. Boardmembers typically all work at the projects. Because requests are made for tools and materials, there are no operating costs burdened by AJ CDC, therefore only an Administration fee, which is for the insurance, was listed in the application. The Boardmembers for AJ CDC are all volunteer. Mr. Waldron agreed further detail and documents would be submitted to the City Clerk. Genesis Proiect: Trinity Cole announced the requested amount of$22,800 is to assist with rent, utilities and salaries for the Navigator services, at the Community Resource Center in Apache Junction. City of Apache Junction,Arizona page 2 Health and Human Services Meeting Minutes March 27, 2023 Commission Various inquiries from the Commission included: Heat exhaustion and heat stroke measurement Effectiveness of Navigator services Request for metrics be provided Ms. Cole shared that there are posters hung in various places at the center, that indicate signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These posters also show the first aid measures to be taken, and the center does have frozen towels on hand to administer immediate relief. They do not currently take the body temperatures of guests, but do have the touch less wands and will begin doing so. Staff at the center is not certified to bring anyone out of heat exhaustion, so when very obvious signs are presented they immediately contact EMT's. The Navigator services have been tremendously accepted and are being noticed as more and more necessary on a daily basis. This position not only issues ID's, but is now getting more involved in housing vouchers, connecting with health care providers, enrolling individuals in Access, assisting guests with quarterly renewal services , and informing and setting up services for individuals that are unaware they are entitled to such services. Metrics are being collected by the Navigator on every individual case that services have been offered, and these will be submitted to the City Clerk going forward. Ms. Cole meets with the Apache Junction Homeless Coalition on a monthly basis, which is comprised of 17 local organizations, and during these meetings they collaborate and bring resources together to ensure there are no to limited duplication of services being offered. Horizon Health and Wellness: Cheri Degree, Director of Organizational Development shared the benefits and services offered through Horizon Health and Wellness. She elaborated on the Earth Heart Park, and the many amenities it offers to not only clients at the facility but also the residents of Apache Junction. She stated this can be used for picnics and family events on a first come basis. The request of$ 7,060 is to bring lighting to the park for extended hours for community events, as well as overall. Because of the current lighting there are safety concerns, and more lighting would extend the park use with longer use of time. Various inquiries from the Commission included: Status of current lighting Hours the park is open Number of bids received and how was decision determined Number of declined events due to inefficient lighting Size of the park Assurance of maintenance responsibility Reason Horizon maintenance wouldn't afford this Ms. DeBree announced there is current lighting but it is not substantial to afford safety after dark. There have not been set hours for the park to be open, but the new lighting system will be on a timer, will not be on 24/7. In the past year two (2)fairly major events were declined due to the current lighting. Assurance was granted from Ms. Debree that Horizon would be handling the maintenance, and all equipment will be firmly secured to avoid theft of the solar panels. There were a total of 3 bids received, and the award was granted to the middle vendor. Horizon Health and Wellness is very regulated with federal funding, and grants are written more City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 3 Health and Human Services Meeting Minutes March 27, 2023 Commission for programs in rural areas such as Apache Junction. This will be an enhancement that gives back to the community and is very specific for Apache Junction and resident involvement. Otherside Ministries: Neil Lannuier and Jason Taylor explained the mission of Otherside Ministries is an outreach to the homeless and low income individuals. They provide hot meals to these individuals every other Sunday through Genesis Project, as well as offer a mentorship program, titled "New Beginnings", that teaches culinary and life skills to attain possible employment in the restaurant industry. The requested amount of$10,000 will be to assist with costs related to the New Beginnings classes. Various inquiries from the Commission included: Why predominately male students Efforts to get adult GED preparations Devotion ratio to career Placement program and length of mentoring Origin of the program and confirmation of funding location Verification of Apache Junction students Clarity on Projected Budget- revise and be specific for each of these items and resend to the City Clerk Mr. Taylor stated the program is offered to males and females, age 16 and above. When the program began there were more females than males. Since the pandemic, it has been mostly male participation and he was unsure of why this is the case. They currently work with CAC and the GED program offered there. Mr. Taylor feels if a recession were to happen, these students would be minimally affected, as he has witnessed in his own career in the food industry over the years. He emphasized this skill is a tool that can be used anywhere, and because the students are also being trained in life skills this program will serve the students for a life time. A major component of the program is job placement,which includes assistance in interview setup, wardrobe provisions and transportation for the first 90 days. Job placement is the ultimate goal of the program. If students remain in the program for 6months, they are entitled to an advance 6 week class. The program began in March of 2019, while Mr. Taylor resided in Mesa, hence the Articles of Incorporation are listed with a Mesa address. However, the entire program is operated in two (2) facilities in Apache Junction, and all students are referred from local non-profits, to ensure the students are residing in Apache Junction. A more in-depth explanation for the Project Budget will be submitted to the City Clerk. Superstition Community Food Bank: Erik Arriola announced the requested amount of$ 50,000 will be to assist with purchasing food for the Food Bank. The rise in food costs has resulted in yielding less food, and the need for buying food has risen because of the lack of receiving it. Various inquiries from the Commission included: Cash donations vs actual food Kroger donations Community college and a community garden Mr. Arriola explained cash donations actually work better as cash offers better buying power for City of Apache Junction,Arizona page 4 Health and Human Services Meeting Minutes March 27,2023 Commission the Food Bank. The Food Bank can buy food by the pallet at more than 1/2 the cost of normal consumer prices. He assured that food drives will always be necessary and people love to do them, as it gives them a sense of satisfaction. Schools will continue to participate as kids really enjoy giving, but he reiterated that cash does go further. Kroger has been contacted in the past, but due to the nature of the food bank organization as a whole, the larger corporations tend to partner with United Food Bank and Feeding America. However, seeking assistance from local larger grocers does continue. Currently there has been no contact with the local community college and the possibility of a community garden, but Mr. Arriola will be connecting with Horizon Health and Wellness to further discuss options with their Earth Heart Park. Chairperson Mitchell wrapped up by stating there has been a total amount of$131,390 requested and the Commission has a budget of$80,000 to disburse. City Clerk Jennifer Pena stated the next steps will be for the Commission to go through the funding process at the April meeting. Results from that meeting will be recommended to City Council in May. City Council prefers a representative from each of the non-profits attend this meeting, as they may have questions that are specific to each organization. Ms. Pena stressed this year the Council may have more questions as the Commission is requesting an increase in the overall funding. The City Clerk's office will send an e-mail to inform the Commission members and the non-profit organizations of this May meeting date. City Council will be approving the final budget in June. Chairperson Mitchell declared he will be promoting the budget increase because the benefits of it to the non-profits will aid in the betterment of our community. H. Information and Reports Chairperson Mitchelt invited everyone to attend the next AJ Homeless Coalition meeting, held at the Multi-Generational Center on April 6, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. Representatives from each of the non-profits present at today's meeting will be at the Coalition meeting in April. Apache Junction Rotary Club meets at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort every Wednesday at noon. The Rotary Club partners in funding many of the non-profits as well. Join them and receive a free lunch! Kiwanis Club meets on March 30, 2023, at the Salvation Army, located at 605 E. Broadway in Apache Junction. This Club is dedicated to improving the lives of children in our community by fighting hunger, improving literacy and offering guidance. Boys and Girls Club will be hosting the annual Yesteryear Event on April 8, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.at 3301 S. Goldfield Road in Apache Junction. This is a Mardi Gras thamed event, and is their significant fundraiser for the year. Stand Up AJ - Battle of the Badges is a fun softball game competition between the Apache Junction Police Department and Superstition Fire and Medical District. This will be held at Prospector Park on April 15, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Non-profts are welcomed to set up a table for their organizations. This is a great family event. It is a fundraiser to educate children on drug awareness and resiliency strategies. Erik Arriola with the Superstition Food Bank announced they will be celebrating 40 years of service. They have teamed up with the Barleen Dinner Theatre to offer dinner, dancing and live entertainment on April 21, 2023. Tickets are available for$ 60.00 per individual, or you can City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 5 Health and Human Services Meeting Minutes March 27, 2023 Commission entertainment on April 21, 2023. Tickets are available for$60.00 per individual, or you can purchase a table for 8 at$500.00. Superstition Food Bank will be present at the Renaissance Festival on April 1 and 2, 2023. Children will be allowed free entry with 3 cans of food. A shredding event will be hosted by Lori Blank and Associates on April 8, 2023, from 9:00 a m - 1:00 p.m, located at 6140 S. Kings Ranch Road, Gold Canyon, AZ. The proceeds from this event will be given to the Superstition Food Bank, and either canned food or cash will be accepted for the service. 1. Staff Liaison's Report Staff Liaison Jennifer Pena had no report. J. Selection of Meeting Dates, Times, Location and Purpose Chairperson Mitchell announced the next scheduled meeting for Health and Human Services Commission will be April 24, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. in the city council chambers, located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard. At this meeting, the Commission will be discussing and considering the funding recommendations for the non-profits for FY 2023-2024. K. Adjournment Chairperson Mitchell adjourned the meeting at 6:41 pm. JeffL4#htchell Chair HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVSCES COMMISSION MINUTES CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Health and Human Services of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona, held on the day of Ma_ ,2023. 1 further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this A day o/ 2022, A.,t, 44,- rfer Peney City Clerk City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 6