1527 4th Street

Santa Monica, CA

Monday, May 23, 2005

7:00 P.M.

The regular Social Services Commission Meeting was held at the above named place and time.

MINUTES

1. Call to Order: The Monday, May 23, 2005 regular Social Services Commission Meeting was called to order by Commissioner Blumenberg at 7:00 pm.

2. Roll Call

Present: Commissioner Blumenberg

Commissioner Barish

Commissioner Crimmins

Commissioner Gunn

Commissioner Huizar

Commissioner Lee

Commissioner Sampson (arrived at 7:09 p.m.)

Commissioner Bravo

Commissioner Perliter (left at 7:45 p.m.)

Also Present: Stacy Rowe, Human Services Administrator

Setareh Yavari, City Liaison

Julia Brown, Human Services Division

3. Approval of Minutes: Motion by Commissioner Huizar, seconded by Commissioner Barish, to adopt the minutes of the regular April 25, 2005 meeting. The motion carried by voice vote.

Motion by Commissioner Huizar, seconded by Commissioner Gunn, to move item 7E to follow item 4. The motion carried by voice vote.

4. Public Input: A member of the public, Pro Se, announced that the Commission for the Senior Community will agendize for their next meeting a recommendation to Council to hold a town hall meeting on the status of the former police building.

5. Committee Reports:

A. Older Youth Issues and Needs/Violence (Interpersonal/Community): Commissioner Gunn proposed a plan the joint committees had developed to incorporate an educational component into the Commission retreat. Speakers would be asked to present on models and approaches that are working to stem violence among youth. Commissioner Barish requested that Commissioner Perliter continue to report on the actions of the Chamber of Commerce, as they are involved with job development for youth. Commissioner Bravo suggested the Commission not forget that they felt disconnected from the City planning process as related to the Stop Gang Violence program, and suggested they keep themselves informed on these matters.

Motion by Commissioner Perliter, seconded by Commissioner Gunn, to move item 7G to precede item 5C. The motion carried by voice vote.

B. New Approaches to Addressing Homelessness: The committee had no new information to report. Staff announced the appointment of Setareh Yavari as Homeless Services Coordinator.

6. Old Business

A. City Council’s action regarding the appointment of a Homeless Secretary: After discussion of Council’s direction to staff to draft a job description for the Homeless Secretary, Commissioners Huizar, Sampson, Perliter and Bravo were charged with preparing a statement to Council to be ready whenever Council next takes up the issue.

B. Leadership Recruitment Event: Commissioner Lee reported the event was well attended and he was able to discuss the Commission with several interested members of the public and with members of other Commissions.

C. FY 2004-05 Social Services Commission Budget: Commissioner Lee reported that it is unlikely the Youth Brochure will be ready for printing this fiscal year. A portion of the remaining Commission funds will be expended on printing additional copies of the Commission’s Resource Guide.

7. New Business

A. Update regarding the 2005-2010 Consolidated Plan: Stacy Rowe, Human Services Administrator, reported the draft Consolidated Plan is available online and is currently in the public comment phase.

B. FY 2005-06 City Budget: Stacy Rowe presented several components of the City budget, including a Youth Budget and the Community Development Programs budget. Discussion ensued.

Motion by Commissioner Crimmins, seconded by Commissioner Barish, to be proactive and holistic in thinking about the budget and inform Council of Commission priorities regarding the Community Development Programs, the Youth budget, and the Consolidated Plan, while maintaining respect for the work that has been done on the budget.

Commissioners Blumenberg, Bravo and Crimmins agreed to present statements from the Commission at the June 21, 2005 Council Budget Adoption Meeting.

C. Letter to the City Council regarding Council Liaison appointments to the Commission: Following a discussion of how the issue could best be brought to Council’s attention, including the possibility of incorporating it into the Commission’s response to the Homeless Secretary position, the Commission decided to continue discussion of this issue at the June meeting.

D. Free Your Mind Mental Health Awareness Event: No new information to report.

E. Appointment of a new Commission Chair and Vice-Chair for FY 2005-06: Commissioner Huizar led a discussion about the possibility of electing Co-Chairs, rather than Chair and Vice-Chair, and about what qualities these Chairs should have.

Motion by Commissioner Huizar, seconded by Commissioner Gunn, to appoint Commissioner Perliter as Chair and Commissioner Crimmins as Vice-Chair. The motion carried by voice vote.

F. Upcoming Commission seat vacancies: Commissioner Barish announced that she will seek a third term on the Commission, leaving one upcoming vacancy. The vacancy is due to Commissioner Blumenberg’s decision not to seek a second full term. There are currently two new and two holdover applications. Interviews will be agendize for the June meeting.

G. The Social Service Commission’s annual retreat: The Commission will review possible dates for an August retreat. Staff will identify a venue and possible dates for the retreat and return to the June meeting with suggestions.

8. Announcements/Staff Updates: Commissioner Lee announced that the information for the Youth Brochure is being moved into an electronic format.

Commissioner Bravo announced the Torch Foundation has partnered with PYFC to offer a free weekend experiential training for 13 to 17-year-olds. The Commissioners were asked to share contacts with schools, community groups or agencies with Commissioner Bravo in order to assist her preparation for this workshop.

Staff announced that Meals on Wheels is, as discussed at the April meeting, is seeking a new facility. In June, their lease will convert to a month-to-month contract.

9. Adjournment

Motion by Commissioner Gunn, seconded by Commissioner Crimmins, to adjourn the regular Social Services Commission meeting at 9:06 p.m. The motion carried by voice vote.