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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-26-2015 Minutes HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES January 26, 2015 I. CALL TO ORDER The Human Services Committee Meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm on Monday, January 26, 2015 at 1 East Main Street, Auburn, WA. Committee Members present: Jason Berry, Barbara Derda, Bette Van Gasken, Chuck Booth, Lela Brugger, Maryelyn Scholz Committee Members not present: JoAnne Walters Staff present: Director of Administration Michael Hursh, Parks, Arts & Recreation Director Daryl Faber, Community Services Assistant Emily Pearson and Veterans & Human Services Coordinator Erica Sullivan II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  There were no minutes to approve. III. AGENDA  Miscellaneous Michael Hursh welcomed and introduced new member Maryelyn Scholz to the group. An ordinance passed by Council to reduce the quorum number of the Human Services Committee to 7 members means that with the addition of Maryelyn we now have a full committee. Director Hursh asked the group for their thoughts on forming various task forces, consisting of a member to head the group and a few additional volunteers to form a subcommittee. Lela Brugger said she’d be interested in a diversity task force. Bette van Gasken asked if it might be a less formal atmosphere, to which Mr. Hursh replied that it could be less official than other committees. Following King County’s lead with the Best Starts for Kids Initiative, other possibilities could be infant/maternity groups, juvenile groups, high school completion, gang prevention & intervention, etc. .  Final Funding Recommendations Michael Hursh noted that action would be taken today to approve the 2015-2016 funding cycle recipients. In addition to those that are recommended, Mr. Hursh stated that Global 2 Local may also be a consideration at the end of 2015 as a budget amendment should our funding be unaffected for the 2016 calendar year. All recipients in the 2013-2014 cycle reapplied for funds except Neighborhood House; however agencies that did not apply could still be granted funding in an amount of $5,000 or less. Maryelyn Scholz asked if the funds are already approved. Mr. Hursh said yes, however the award amount from HUD is expected to be announced in April. Member Derda motioned to approve the 2015-2016 funding cycle allocations; Member Booth seconded the motion and Chair Jason Berry called for a vote. All members were in favor and the motion passed. Mr. Hursh then spoke to the Committee about upcoming agency visits. Members agreed that they appreciate the visits and find them to be beneficial. While some agencies see the visits as a burden, others tend to welcome it. Member Brugger stated that we need to remind the agencies that their participation is essential to their success and sustainability. The group discussed what the frequency of the visits should be, and it was decided that under three years between visits should be an attainable goal.  Les Gove Community Center/Teen Center Parks, Arts & Recreation Director Daryl Faber presented to the group on the new Community Center/Teen Center at Les Gove Park, which is partially funded by a $3,000,000 grant. The structure will connect the current Administration Building (PRAB) to The Gym and convert a portion into the Teen Center, which will be utilized exclusively for teens weekday afternoons from 2:30 – 5:30. New features for the campus include lighting, pedestrian-friendly access, a walking trail surrounding the park and various other safety upgrades as well as 80 new parking stalls. It’s planned to be 14,000 square feet. In addition to classroom space there will be a banquet area with a kitchen available for rental (for trade shows, weddings, meetings, fundraisers, etc.) that can hold approximately 240 people. Member Brugger asked how we could partner with the community to get them vested in the Teen Center. Mr. Hursh stated that this would be a perfect opportunity for a task force as previously mentioned. An upcoming neighborhood meeting, scheduled for Feb. 10, 2015 will provide an opportunity for the public to weigh in on what they’d like to see in the new Community Center. Director Faber spoke of the importance of collaboration between volunteers, teens, seniors and the surrounding community. Their input is essential and the City has already had many great suggestions from citizens responding to surveys. The project should go to bid in June 2015 and presumably be under construction from September 2015 through June 2016. Member Brugger suggested that it might be helpful to have someone facilitate the relationship between the Community Center and the needy population in the area. She reiterated the importance of an onsite resource to act as a liaison or to help connect individuals to local services that are near the Les Gove Campus. IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS The next Human Services Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2015. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m. APPROVED THE _____ day of ________________, 2015 _______________________________ __________________________ Jason Berry, Human Services Committee Chair Michael Hursh, Director of Administration