1527 4th Street

Santa Monica, CA

Monday, July 25, 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, July 25, 2005 regular Social Services Commission Meeting was called to order by Commissioner Perliter at 7:05 pm.

2. Roll Call

Present: Commissioner Barish

Commissioner Crimmins

Commissioner Huizar

Commissioner Perliter

Commissioner Sampson

Absent: Commissioner Bravo

Commissioner Gunn

Commissioner Lee

Also Present: Setareh Yavari, City Liaison

Julia Brown, Human Services Division

3. Approval of Minutes: Motion by Commissioner Crimmins, seconded by Commissioner Barish, to adopt the minutes of the regular June 27, 2005 meeting. The motion carried by voice vote.

4. Public Input: A member of the public, Jean Sedillos, spoke on behalf of Councilmember Shriver on the matter of the Homeless Secretary position. She stated that the position would work regionally to solve local issues and that an advisory committee has been formed.

A member of the public, Tom Viscount, stated his interest in becoming a member of the Social Services Commission. He was encouraged to file an application with the City Clerk’s office.

5. Committee Reports:

A. Older Youth Issues and Needs: The committee had no new information to report.

B. Violence (Interpersonal/Community): The committee had no new information to report.

C. New Approaches to Addressing Homelessness: The committee had no new information to report.

6. Old Business

A. City of Santa Monica Homeless Secretary: Commissioner Sampson distributed a draft letter illustrating the Commission’s position on the Homeless Secretary. Slight revisions were suggested in the ensuing discussion.

Motion by Commissioner Huizar, seconded by Commissioner Barish, to accept the letter as revised. The motion carried by voice vote.

B. FY 2004-05 Social Services Commission Budget: The item was continued to the next meeting.

7. New Business

A. Commission Vacancies: Three candidates for the Commission vacancies spoke: Michele Christensen, Leigh Brumberg, and Brian Buchner.

Motion by Commissioner Huizar, seconded by Commissioner Sampson, to make a recommendation immediately. The motion carried by voice vote.

The Commission agreed by consensus to each vote for one of the three present candidates and hold a run-off vote, if necessary.

First Round: Commissioner Sampson: Michele Christensen

Commissioner Crimmins: Brian Buchner

Commissioner Barish: Brian Buchner

Commissioner Huizar: Michele Christensen

Commissioner Perliter: Leigh Brumberg

Second Round: Commissioner Sampson: Michele Christensen

Commissioner Crimmins: Brian Buchner

Commissioner Barish: Michele Christensen

Commissioner Huizar: Michele Christensen

Commissioner Perliter: Brian Buchner

The recommendation of Michele Christensen to the Social Services Commission will be conveyed to Council by staff.

B. Social Services Commission Retreat:

Motion by Commissioner Crimmins, seconded by Commissioner Huizar, to reconsider the motion of the June 27, 2005 Social Services Commission meeting to hold the Special Social Services Commission Retreat on August 27, 2005 due to her difficulty in finding a speaker available in the month of August. The motion carried by voice vote.

Discussion ensued regarding the potential dates the Retreat could be held in September and potential topics to be discussed. Commissioner Perliter asked Commissioners to come to the August meeting with potential topics for the Retreat.

Announcements/Staff Updates: Commissioner Huizar reminded the Commission that non-members are eligible to participate on Committees.

Staff distributed promotional materials for the Los Angeles 2-1-1 services.

Staff updated the Commission on the staffing progress for the new Homelessness Unit of the Human Services Division.

9. Adjournment

Motion by Commissioner Huizar, seconded by Commissioner Crimmins, to adjourn the regular Social Services Commission meeting at 8:51 p.m. The motion carried by voice vote.