HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-23-2015 Minutes (2) CITY OF
A " 5 D HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
11 ,+ ‘10 MINUTES
- - WASHINGTON March 23, 2015
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Human Services Committee Meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm on Monday, March 23, 2015 at
25 West Main Street, Auburn, WA.
Committee Members present: Jason Berry, Barbara Derda, Bette Van Gasken,JoAnne Walters, Lela Brugger, Maryelyn
Scholz
Committee Members not present: Chuck Booth
Staff present: Community Services Assistant Emily J. Pearson and Veterans&Human Services
Coordinator Erica Sullivan
Staff not present: Director of Administration Michael Hursh
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• Member Barbara Derda motioned to accept the February 23, 2015 minutes; Member
Maryelyn Scholz seconded the motion. All Committee Members were in favor of
adopting the minutes as submitted.
The February 23, 2015 minutes were approved.
III. AGENDA
• CAPER
Emily Pearson distributed a copy of the draft CAPER (Consolidated Annual Performance and
Evaluation Report) to the Committee. The report is presented to HUD regarding the City's
activities and accomplishments that are utilized through Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds. Member Maryelyn Scholz suggested they read the report and discuss it as an
Agenda item next month. The Committee agreed to provide feedback at the April 27, 2015
meeting.
• Site visits
The Committee continued their discussion on upcoming site visits. Orion Industries is at the top
of the list. Member Barbara Derda stated her interest in revisiting Domestic Abuse Women's
Network (DAWN). Member JoAnne Walters said she would like to see Washington Women's
Employment & Education (WWEE); Emily Pearson noted that WWEE had recently changed the
name of their organization to Courage 360; the reason for the change was to remove the stigma
that WWEE only serves women. They provide job placement training, interview preparation, etc.
Ms. Derda mentioned that not all agencies were visited and asked Ms. Pearson if she could find
out specifically which ones and perhaps those could be a priority.
Ms. Scholz asked if we could visit agencies that aren't funded by the City. Chair Jason Berry
remarked that it was a possibility, however the priority of visits should be those agencies that
serve our residents.
Emily Pearson will produce a list of the top preferences of the Committee based on their
responses and coordinate the visits for the members.
• Code Enforcement Overview
Ms. Pearson introduced Jeff Tate, Assistant Director of Community Development Services. Mr.
Tate said that the City currently has two Code Enforcement officers and is in the process of
hiring a third, and that this was a good ratio given the population of the city. The Department is
in the process of changing the ways they approach code enforcement issues. Traditionally their
work has been response-based, for example, responding to a complaint from a citizen regarding
overgrown grass, excessive noise or garbage, illegal burning, etc. Member Lela Brugger asked
how the division is contacted. He said they take complaints over the phone, at the front counter
and via email (codeenforcementna.auburnwa.gov). Member Scholz asked if the City could
enforce anything on Tribal land, and Mr. Tate said that it depends on the situation on a case-by-
case basis.
Code Enforcement and the Police Department often work together. Responding to reports of a
homeless encampment would be led by Police and assisted by Code Enforcement. Mr. Tate
said they are prepared with referrals to give out; they often run into mental health issues
(hoarding, etc.)while on typical calls.
The City can fine, ticket, and even levy liens against a property in violation. Member Derda
asked if a lien can be placed against a bank that owns a property, to which Mr. Tate said they
absolutely can. Home Owners' Associations can also contact Code Enforcement if extra support
is needed.
Mr. Tate spoke on the relationship between Code Enforcement and Housing Repair. Every
Wednesday an inspector will assess what's in need of repair and help those home owners.
choose the priority of work that's needed. Member JoAnne Walters asked how the public car
apply for assistance; Mr. Tate said they can access applications online or pick one up from
Community Services. Citizens must live in the city limits; their income is verified and
determinations are made based on need and funds available.
Member Bette van Gasken asked what the long-term vision for the department was. Mr. Tate
spoke of two items: hire a third officer with hopes of becoming more proactive; and to educate
people — many citizens don't know the capabilities of Code Enforcement. He finished by saying
that restoring downtown Auburn to its former glory is always a priority.
IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next Human Services Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2015.
V. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
APPROVED THE �7di� day of n 1 , 2015
J on Berry, Huma NI Committee Chair Michael Hursh, Director of Administration