HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-11-2008CITY OF
CIU.UR T
WASHINGTON
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
February 11, 2008
MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. in Conference Room 3 located on the first
floor of Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street, Auburn, WA. Committee members present
were: Chair Suzanne Limric, Michael Cummings, Marian Thomas, Joanne Walters.
Barbara Derda, Mike Harbin, Gary Masterjohn and Daryl Thompson. Not in attendance
Tony Ladner and Virginia Lloyd. Ms. Lloyd is on a 6 month leave.
Staff present was Human Services Principal Planner Michael Hursh and Assistant
Secretary Carolyn Brown. Mayor Pete Lewis was also in attendance.
Guest: Debbie Christianson with the Auburn Food Bank.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The January minutes were approved as read.
III AGENDA
A. King County Initiative
Mr. Hursh discussed an article in the Sunday paper that referenced a King County initiative
regarding equity and social justice. It is an effort by the county to address inequities
countywide. Auburn has written a letter on behalf of Auburn, Algona, and Pacific that is
putting King County on notice that these cities want to be a part of the initiative.
Mayor Lewis briefly discussed the letter that was sent to King County and stated the
initiative will help south King County.
The HSC discussed briefly the financial pressure being felt by agencies that provide health
services to clients on state aid. The increase in the numbers in poverty level is up.
Mr. Hursh stated he will provide everyone on the committee a copy of the initiative and a
copy of the letter from the Mayor, also.
B. Human Services.
Mr. Hursh said the agency contracts are all out. Now just waiting for signatures.
Mr. Hursh also provided an update on the homeless count. The count in Auburn was
around 40, and 40-70 had been expected. Mayor Lewis added there is a core group of
homeless that live in their cars and stay near the senior center, the parks, and by City Hall.
Mayor Lewis said he is presently working with the mayor of Enumclaw on the Southern
"Arch". All cities that belong, Auburn, Enumclaw, Algona, Pacific, and maybe Burien, would
contribute to the "Arch" fund.
A regional policy made up of suburban cities, Seattle, King County as members that would
attend. The focus is on Human Services in 2008. HSC members are asked to bring any
issues to the attention of Mr. Hursh.
Mayor Lewis stated the Planning Department is very busy with land issues and does not
have time to focus on HSC issues. Mayor Lewis said a new department has been formed
called Community Services. Duanna Richards is the manager, Michael Hursh is diversity
support, and additional support staff will be hired. The group will be meeting with
neighborhoods regarding specific needs.
Mr. Masterjohn asked if this group will have any Emergency Management involvement.
Mayor Lewis said there will be a connection as a liaison to the Police Department. On
another note the City will be setting up an emergency radio station in Auburn.
The HSC discussed briefly the relocation of the ACAP Daycare from the Community Center
site.
Mr. Hursh reported on the housing repair program. There is still a back log of housing
repair due to funding delays early last year. There are about 70 requests still pending. Mr.
Hursh said he is in contact with a few people that can make small repairs. Mr. Hursh said
the process is to review the application, schedule an inspection, review the applicants
qualifications, and hire a contractor. The City will take emergency repairs first.
Mr. Hursh added that 90% of the repairs are on mobile homes.
Mr. Masterjohn asked if any of the clubs in town have been asked for help with minor
repairs. Mr. Hursh said he is using volunteer groups, and men's ministries though some of
the local churches. He is involving some of the contractors in the City as leads. They could
provide a way to buy materials with grant money and find volunteers to do the work.
The HSC briefly discussed the city's liability using volunteers.
C. Debbie Christian with Auburn Food Bank.
Ms. Christian began by stating the Food Bank is responsible for 3 different contracts: 1)
emergency suppers, 2) emergency food rations, and 3) emergency housing. The staff also
keeps records of clients. She noted the Food Bank is open 4 hours a day and sees all ages
and circumstances. The requests are up 20% from last year.
Ms. Christian discussed the move to the Community Center campus. The rent will be
higher but money is being save for that reason. Partnering with business happens
everyday.
The HSC discussed the move and increase in operating. costs. Ms. Christian stated the
clients will be served better and will be easier on clients to have the help they need in one
central location. Also the Food Bank will have much more space and hopefully have all
their resources at one site. As it is now, food is stored in various warehouse around town.
With a central location she can better utilize staff and volunteer time.
The HSC discussed the ACAP participation in the Community Center and if it will full time or
part time. King County funding is down and the current direction is to help the homeless.
B. Results Based Accountability
This item is tabled until the next meeting.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
V.
No old business.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 11 at 4:00 pm.
V. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
APPRO ED THE 11th day of arch, 2008. ?
Suza a 0 ric, Chai Carolyn Brown, Secretary