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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-26-2018 Minutes J CITY OF_ U-13-URN HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES WASHINGTON March 26, 2018 I. CALL TO ORDER The Human Services Committee meeting was called to order by Brugger Lela Brugger at 4:02 pm on Monday, March 26, 2018 at 25 West Main Street, Auburn, WA Committee Members present: Barbara Derda, Dana Riel,JoAnne Walters, Lela Brugger Absent: Jason Berry, Maryelyn Scholz Staff present: Director of Administration Dana Hinman, Human Services Manager Joy Scott, Human Services Program Coordinator Emily Pearson Guests: Mayor Nancy Backus, Councilmember Largo Wales II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Member Barbara Derda moved to accept the February 26, 2018 meeting minutes; Member JoAnne Walters seconded the motion. All committee members were in favor of adopting the minutes as submitted. The February 26, 2018 meeting minutes were approved. III. AGENDA • Spotlight Guest: Mayor Nancy Backus Mayor Backus opened the meeting by expressing her appreciation to the Committee for their dedication to the citizens of Auburn. She acknowledged that the commitment is not easy and requires many additional volunteer hours outside the standing monthly meetings. She then asked the group if they had questions for her. JoAnne Walters asked if applicants to the Human Services Committee had to be residents of Auburn. Mayor Backus stated that only some of the City's boards and commissions have that requirement and she'd have Tamie . Bothell check in with the City Attorney. Emily Pearson agreed that the Human Services Committee's rules did not specify that an applicant live or work within the City of Auburn limits, as she'd learned from the City Attorney. Barbara Derda asked if there was any prospect for an increase in Human Services funding in the near future as it's been at 1% for a long time and she feels that it's time to consider more funding. Mayor said that the Council budget retreat is taking place later this week and the City's 6-year forecast will be discussed. The potential for short falls and gaps is always there, and the purpose of the retreat is for Council to determine their priorities and that potential expansion of Human Services funding will be considered. Lela Brugger asked if homelessness issues are separate from Human Services funding; Mayor Backus said that in the recent mid-term budget amendment that more (Human Services) general funds were allocated to the Ray of Hope (day) and Sundown (overnight) Shelters. Auburn shares the same issues as other South King County cities. On average 25,000 people rise out of homelessness each year but 30,000 enter into it. Auburn is trying to help fill that gap and is part of the One Table group, which is a community approach to combating homelessness and creating housing affordability. The effort is being led by King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkin and Mayor Backus. 1,000 new units of affordable housing are coming soon but that still won't address the majority of households with an income level at 0-30% AMI. JoAnne Walters asked what is being done with the Heritage Building that was destroyed by fire in December. The City is still discussing options with the owners but a mutually agreed-upon date has been set for a final decision to made by the owners, whether it be to demolish, remodel, etc. Over half of the affected businesses have reopened in other locations; many on Main Street. Years ago Valley Cities had a contract with the owners to allow for low-barrier housing; APD was in favor of these living arrangements as they made it easy for them to keep track of some of the residents. Lela also asked if the Police Department noticed a difference since the shelters have opened; according to Mayor Backus, APD says they're grateful that they now have a place to tell people to go if they come across someone needing resources and/or shelter. Catholic Community Services was originally running the night shelter but now it's run by The Auburn Food Bank and Valley Cities. JoAnne also asked about the timeline for when the road construction near the Muckleshoot Casino might be finished. Mayor Backus will check on the specifics with Ingrid Gaub, City Engineer. Lela reminded the group of the upcoming Empty Bowls event that benefits The Auburn Food Bank on Friday, April 27 from 11 am to 1 pm at Grace Community Church. • Application Cycle Updates Emily read a list of new applicants to date that had begun the application process through the new Sharel app website. The group discussed whether or not there is a need for a 2- hour meeting in April; Emily will coordinate with the entire Committee via email within the week and coordinate a final meeting timeslot. Joy Scott told the members that it had been mentioned at both the North and East King County application workshops that Eastside agencies are encouraged to apply for funding that reflects what they actually need to fully run their agencies, not just their programs. Historically South King County applicants were encouraged to ask for an amount that makes fiscal sense for the program alone. She urged the group to remember these discrepancies when reviewing applications in case there are disparities. Dana Hinman suggested this piece of information be shared publicly to reflect the differences in the needs of agencies and programs county-wide. IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS • The next regular Human Services Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 23, 2018. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 4:41 p.m. i APPROVED THE 2 /q tday of 4.47 , 2018 Jason erry, Human mmittee Chair la Inman, Director of Administration