HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1991MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
January 14, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
PRESENT: Ald. Davis, Drummer, Feldman, Lanyon, Washington, Wollin
ABSENT: None
OFFICIALS Sally Roethle,-Vincent Adamus, C. Louise Brown, Jeanne Fox,
AND Harvey Saver, Amelia Lopez, Kate Kerin, Joe Butler, Ernest
Jacobi, Debra Sundblad, Cynthia Harris, Maggie Bloomquist,
Archie Mickey Tate, Don Wright, Jay Terry
OTHERS Barry Isaacson, Commission on Aging; Don Colieton, Manuel
PRESENT: Isquierdo, Bob Roy, Janice Lane, Youth Advocacy Program
Advisory Committee
PRESIDING: Aid. Washington, Chairman
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of December 10, 1990 were approved unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS
Recreation Department Monthiv Narrative
This communication was accepted without comment.
Reauest for Mental Health Board CILA Recommendations
This communication was accepted. Ald. Wallin asked that once the
recommendations were received from the Mental Health Board a special
meeting devoted to the subject would be held. Mr. Terry indicated that
would be done. Ald. Feldman clarified that the Mental Health Board
response was being sought by March 1, 1991.
CONSIDERATION OF RENEWAL OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE EVANSTON DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND THE CENTER FOR PUBLIC MINISTRY TO PROVIDE HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOR
THE HOMELESS
Director Brown indicated that the agreement was the same as the. one
instituted last year. Ald. Drummer moved for approval, and the Committee
unanimously approved the agreement.
CITY MANAGER'S ADJUSTMENTS TO THE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS BUDGETS
Ald. Wallin noted that the Administration and Public Works Committee was, at
the same time, considering a recommendation regarding a revised Arts and
ER
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 1/14/91 . . . Page 2
Recreation Magazine, which she felt was a good proposal and noted that if the
recommendation was accepted the appropriate budget adjustments should be made
in the Recreation Board and Arts Council budgets.
Ald. Feldman asked if there were any representatives from the boards and
commissions who had any comments. harry Isaacson, Commission on Aging, noted
that the City Manager's recommendation was $1,000 less than the .last proposal
submitted by the Commission; that he had a concern about the Commission's
ability to provide all the services they are currently providing; noted that
Books and Publications and Printing had been put in at zero. Ms. Roethle
clarified that the budget used by City Manager's staff for adjusting was the
primary budget submitted by the Commission on Aging. She noted that both
reductions and additions had been made; that some were made so that all line
items were in compliance with City budget policy. Ald. Feldman asked Ms.
Roethle if the City Manger's position was these reductions would not have any
meaningful impact on services. Ms. Roethle responded that some of the
reductions in Printing might cause some difficulties for the Commission;
however, it was felt that the Commission would be able to fulfill its
mission. Ald. Feldman asked Mr. Isaacson which of these cuts is absolutely
essential. Mr. Isaacson said Boards and Publications; because of the need to
stay abreast of the developments in the field of aging; the Printing budget
cut was perhaps less severe because photocopying could be used. Ald. Feldman
indicated he was interested in those cuts which directly affect community
services, those which will impact directly the citizens of Evanston. He
asked whether that amount wasn't closer to S200 or 5300. Mr. Isaacson said
it was difficult to say right now and just asked for any consideration from
the Human Services Committee. He also noted a reduction in office supplies.
He reminded the Committee that at the December meeting members had made a
commitment to support the last submission from the Commission. Ald. Feldman
responded that he had indicated at the December meeting he would support
their December budget submission. Ald. Davis asked Ms. Roethle whether or
not the Photocopying charge was a chargeback policy that was consistent
across all departments. Ms. Roethle responded yes, that each department is
allocated a charge. She also noted that the Commission on Aging's budget
called for no revenue increase. Ald. Wollin noted that the December budget
submitted by the Commission on Aging was a reduction from their earlier
submission; noted that, for example, there were other differences among line
items such as Postage, which the Commission on Aging had. reduced in their
latest budget while the City Manager has put the amount back up; that there
was time to rework some of the numbers within line items such as Training and
Travel, and felt that adjustments within line items could be done.
Ald. Lanyon reminded the Committee that the adjustments are made by the City
Manager to have the total City budget come out balanced and he did not feel
the cuts identified were program cuts. Ald. Feldman indicated he had no
problem of switching of amounts within line items. It was Ald. Drummer's
suggestion that the Committee direct the City Manager's office and the
Commission on Aging to sit down and work out adjustments to be made to
individual line items, but that the bottom line City Manager's
recommendations be adhered to.
The Committee unanimously approved the City Manager's adjustments to BoardsMir
=
and Commissions budgets.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 1/14/91 . . . Page 3
DESIGNATION OF A HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE TO THE 4C/UNITED WAY
DAY CARE BUDGET REVIEW
Ald. Drummer indicated he was still concerned that the format as set up by
4C's and the United Way still did not include a representative from the
Township, either the office or the committee. He felt that someone
representing the Township concern should be sent. He felt that both someone
from the Township Committee and the Township office needed to be involved.
Ald. Davis felt that when this process had first been set up, it was her hope
that she could be involved given her strong interest in the day care issue;
however, she would not be able to do it. It was her suggestion that the
Committee designate Ald. Wollin as their representative given her work on the
Day Care Committee of the Recreation Board, her work on Human Services
Committee, Township Committee and Unified Budget. Ald. Wollin indicated that
she would be happy to take that responsibility. Ald. Lanyon noted that as
Ald. Wollin is also on the Township Committee there would be a representative
of Township concerns. Ald. Drummer indicated he would still like a second
representative from the Township Committee. Ald. Washington indicated she
would have no problem with Aid. Wollin filling both roles, noting that Ald.
Wollin had worked more closely with the day care issue.
The Committee unanimously approved the designation of Ald. Cheryl Wollin as
representative to the 4C's/United Way Day Care process.
Ald. Washington noted that the Committee had received a communication from
the Mayor indicating that she was making references to the Committee 'from
recommendations of the Mayor's Special Task Force on Substance Abuse. She
directed staff to put it on the Committee's agenda at the appropriate time.
Ald. Wollin asked Ald. Lanyon, as a member of the Drug Task Force, whether he
and other Task Force members needed to evaluate one of their recommendations
about the Human Services Committee evaluating all other programs in other
cities. She felt that was much too great of a task for the Committee to
undertake. Ald. Davis indicated she had the same reaction to that reference
and reco"u endation as Ald. Wollin. She felt that was more appropriately the
Task Force's responsibility rather than the Human Services Committee. Ald.
Feldman concurred with those remarks and he directed that staff send a
communication to that effect to both the Mayor and the Task Force that
evaluation of other cities' programs is more appropriate for their agenda
than for the Human Services Committee.
PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Jacobi stated he was prepared to respond to any questions the Committee
might have.
Ald. Drummer stated he was hoping to get more detail about the program than
was contained in the memo which was part of the Committee packet. He
indicated he needed to know how the program was going to work; how it is
going to differ from the current operation; where were the cost reductions
identified. Chief Jacobi indicated it was part of a concerted effort to
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 1/14/91 . . . Page 4
reach at -risk youth; that there had been some overlap noted between the Youth
Advocacy Program (YAP) and the Youth Outreach Program (YOP) of the Police
Department; that the Police Department sees over 200 at -risk youth annually;
that there would be some attempt to differentiate between at -risk and
high -risk youth, and an attempt to 'reach youth at varying stages. He felt
that the consolidation of the two programs in one City department would
provide for a better service.
Ald. Drummer recalled discussions of a proposed 1983 Street worker Program;
that it illicited a great deal of discussion, and he recalled at the time
that community leaders stated the Police Department in its role as the
enforcement agency cound not be the agency that also tries to reform youth.
He asked what was different now from 1983 and felt that inherently some
conflict existed between those two roles. Chief Jacobi disagreed that any
inherent conflict existed. He noted that outreach had become much more
viable as a preventative service for all law enforcement agencies. He felt
that organizationally the Police Department had developed ways to separate
information; that the youth services component would not be sharing
information with the law enforcement component, and felt that aggressive
prevention and dealing with causes of problems was a good trine prevention
tool. Ald. Drummer noted that YAP had a coordination .role and made some
referrals and he essentially saw it as a human services program. Chief
Jacobi reminded the Committee that the YO as presently constituted in the
Police Department has over 200 contacts a year; that they have had a program
dealing with high risk youth and preventative youth offender programs of some
sort for over 22 years. He noted the new program would be responsive to the
community at large; that there were intentions to report to the Human
Services Committee. Ald. Drummer asked if the Chief had any objections to a
citizen's advisory committee. Chief Jacobi responded no, not at all.
Ald. Feldman noted that the reports the Committee had received from the YAP
Advisory Committee indicated that there was a social pathology present that
required a much greater community commitment; that the Human Services
-Committee's response was the YAP Committee was asking a great deal that might
be far beyond the ability of local government to respond. He sense was that
this proposal was saying that while the problem was too large for local
government to handle every aspect; this would be to say this is what we can
do. He felt that YAP was a more human centered approach, with advocates
truly advocating for individuals. He asked what is the at -risk projected
caseload and asked if that philosophy was being transferred as well as to
the staff or if a victim/witness philosophy would take over. Chief Jacobi
responded there would be no divergence of philosophy. He noted that the
commander of the Juvenile Bureau had recently organized a camp experience
with members of the Police Department serving as mentors for a group of high
risk youth; that there is very much a commitment among law enforcement
personnel to expand or to see the at -risk youth as individuals who need
better direction.
Ald. Feldman asked if the client population would be the same. Chief Jacobi
indicated the program would be targeting a lower age group; that at the -
At -Risk Youth Committee at the high school there had been a discussion of a
lower age group and that there was a consensus among professionals that the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 1/14/91 . . . Page 5
earlier point at which these youth are identified and interventions take
place the greater the likelihood of success. .
Ald. Feldman noted that one of the issues which posed a severe problem for
YAP was the leadership issue and he felt that issue still existed. Chief
Jacobi felt that leadership was less an'issue than an organizational identity.
Ald. Washington asked if the program would remain in the community noting the
outpost at Family Focus. Chief Jacobi responded yes that this program would
be community focused and based.
Ald. Lanyon said it was important that the Human Services Committee, based on
its review of at -risk youth programs, be kept in contact; that he would want
a quarterly report from any advisory committee. He is also concerned about
consistency over the transition period and wants to know what effect the
change in management of the program.would have; does not want to see any
diminishment or change of the outcome measures. Chief Jacobi indicated he
understood the concerns of Ald. Lanyon and would be sensitive to them.
Ald. Wollin indicated she saw the need to reach younger children; however,
she questioned whether the staff had the experiential background to work with
younger children at the low end of the age range. Chief Jacobi felt that the
basic qualifications were there but that there was a strong need for
in-service training.
Ald. Davis noted that while the placement in the Police Department would have
some advantages, and that they had a track record of working with this youth,
she asked Chief Jacobi whether or not he was worried about perceptions the
Citizens may have about the Police Department and that persons may be
reluctant to work with the Police Department on this type of program. Chief
Jacobi indicated he understood what those community perceptions might be; he
did not always agree with them; engagement in a police department based
program might be easier to achieve in that persons may be reluctant to treat
a Police Department worker as casually as perhaps in another program.
Ald. Davis indicated that if the current YAP Advisory Committee was going to
be dissolved they would need the strongest possible advisory committee to the
new program. She felt the YAP Advisory Committee had been forthright and
responsible and that a new program would need communjty strength and input.
She felt as an organization the City needed to tap into the professionals and
Community leaders who are available to provide input. Ald. Feldman concurred
with those remarks. He felt very strongly an advisory board should be in
place. He noted that the Human Services Committee .was involved in the
creation of the YAP; that the Human Services Committee wants to be involved
again. He made a motion that the YAP Advisory Committee be asked to meet
once more to make recommendations as to what the best possible citizen
advisory input could be to this program. He wants the same input into the
new program that he received from the YAP. He wanted their direction as to
whether their participation with the new program would be appropriate or
inappropriate. He wanted regular reports from the new program and felt. that
the Human Services Committee should be the committee of oversight. He said
he would support the new program if those things were in place. _
ra
HUI" SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 1/14/91 . . . Page 6
Ald. Drummer noted that the YAP had difficulty going beyond 33 cases. He
cautioned against setting objective measures too high; that they may not be
able to serve that high of a caseload. Mr. Terry clarified that this new
bureau was not just a transfer of YAP over to the Police Department, but in
fact a merger of two existing ongoing programs; that the Police Department
had a high caseload already; that the new Bureau would result in four
caseworkers and a coordinator devoted entirely to serving high risk youth,
and it would be the first time that there was a bureau within the Police
Department whose sole mission was Serving at -risk and high risk youth. Ald.
Drummer stated he had a long term concern about the top end of the YAP
program. He was always concerned about losing youth who passed the years of
17 or 18; that he does not know what happens to clients once they are no
longer involved in the high school setting and had some concern that the top
end of the program perhaps be extended. He indicated that he was not
necessarily opposed to the placement in the Police Department; however, he
very much wanted Human Services Committee oversight. He acknowledged that
there had been administrative problems in the YAP program. He felt an
important component to retain was getting agencies to comply with requests
for service and that staff needed to continue to demand services from
agencies.
Ald. Washington sought clarification that there would be no police officers
involved with the program, and asked who would be involved in the program
planning. Chief Jacobi responded that all employees in this bureau would be
civilian employees, and that the program planning would occur through both
the new advisory board and the supervisor who has not yet been identified.
Ald. Washington indicated she still had a number of questions about the
program and had some concerns. She recommended that the Committee not
endorse anything at this evening's meeting. She recommended that the
Committee revisit the issue; that there had been a great deal of difficulties
with the YAP Coordinator, but that she was not sure about the proposed new
program.
Ald. Wallin felt that for budgetary purposes and moving the program along
that as some sort of committee commitment to the concept was important. Ald.
Washington felt that the concept of the program was fine but she was not
comfortable yet with all the details. Ald. Drummer felt that another meeting
on this issue needed to be held. Ald. Davis felt that maybe some initial
steps could be taken towards that process. She felt there was a consensus
present at this evening's meeting that the program could be moved to the
Police Department; however, a number of questions were still raised as to how
the program would operate. Ald. Drummer felt that was acceptable but he felt
it was important that the Chief of Police be directed to provide further
information and respond to some of the Committee questions.
Ald. Feldman indicated that he could support the transfer of the program with
an understanding that there would be a great deal of oversight and that there
was some fixing and improving necessary in the design as written. He noted
that last time when the program was created that the Human Services Committee
accepted primarily the recommendations of the Youth Coalition and did not
change much of the program's design; and he felt that the Human Services
Committee needed to be much more involved; that it was a system that had
HU14AN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 1/14/91 . . . Page 7
difficulty changing. He noted that society, in general, was very concerned
about the state of the black male. He felt that if there was any program
that had any success turning these individuals around it should be pursued.
He wished the Police Department luck in developing this new program.
Ald. Davis asked if there had been input from the referring agencies,
particularly the schools. Mr. Terry indicated that he had met with Dr.
Pollack and informed him of the proposed change and that Dr. Goldman was
meeting with the At -Risk Youth Committee. Mr. Terry noted that
representatives of District 202 and District 65 served on the YAP Advisory
Committee and that they had been briefed at two meetings as to some of the
potential changes. He noted that Don Colleton, Chairman of the YAP Advisory
Committee, and Manuel Isquierdo were in the audience and could perhaps
respond to some of those issues.
The Committee asked Mr. Colleton to make some comments. He indicated there
was considerable concern as to whether the program, as designed, was doable;
whether the YAP"mission would be carried forward in a merged program. He
shares the concern about the oversight role of the Human Services Committee
and that there be an advisory committee to the program. He would like the
YAP Advisory Committee to meet again and discuss a merger of youth outreach
and youth advocacy and that such a merger should be considered both under the
Police Department's jurisdiction or under Health and Human Services
jurisdiction; that both options should be examined; that the Committee could
examine what a merger would look like and the structure of the program.
Ald. Drummer noted in the past that when changes were proposed in YAP the
Advisory Committee had prepared a report for the Committee. He noted that a
lot of work has been done by the YAP Committee and staff and he would like to
know if any changes are suggested by the YAP Committee. Mr. Colleton
indicated he wanted to know a little bit more about the program design before
he had a firm opinion.
Manuel Isquierdo, of Evanston Township High School, indicated that he
appreciated an opportunity to comment; he supported a number of comments
which had been made by the Committee members; that he and the Superintendent
have not had an opportunity to talk about this program a great deal; that the
Superintendent would hear his recommendations about this. He had a number of
questions. It was not a reflection on the Police Department concerning the
questions he raised; that he had some serious concerns about the placement in
the Police Department; that he was concerned about the YAP mission not being
fulfilled; concerned about the change in the age limit. He felt the rug was
being pulled out of District 202 by this program; that the advocacy role was
being pulled out; referrals sources may not cooperate. He asked how the
staff in this program can serve as advocates if they. were employees in the
Police Department. He acknowledged that YAP had its problems, and that he
would like an opportunity to review the proposal again.
Ald. Davis noted that everyone in the room was working towards the same end
goal; that it was clear at this point that the only consensus was that this
proposal needed to be reviewed more and that another discussion of this was
appropriate. Mr. Terry commented that the shift of the age group - to target
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 1/14/91 . . . Page 8'
serving a younger population, was a recommendation which had been included in
the last YAP Advisory Committee report to the Human Services Committee. He
suggested to the Committee that for those who are raising concerns about the
placement in the Police Department the burden was also to make suggestions as
to what alternative program placements or improvements would be. Ald.
Feldman indicated that he was sensitive to that issue; that he felt one of
the problems with the. YAP program was that there had been many public
proclamations of support which perhaps were not ultimately realized in the
day-to-day operations of the program. He Felt that this time the Human
Services Committee and the City needed to be sure that individuals who
support the program intended to follow through with that support. Aid.
Washington indicated that, -given the number of questions still to be
resolved, that the proposal to create a Youth Services Bureau in the next
City budget would be held over to the meeting of January 28, 1990.
The Human Services Committee voted to adjourn at 9:08 p.m.
Jay W. Terry
29AFT-NOT APPROVED
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
January 28, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
PRESENT: Ald. Davis, Drummer, Feldman, Lanyon, Wollin
A05ENT: Ald. Washington
OFFICIALS Vincent Adamus, Maggie Bloomquist, Paula Crismond, Richard
AND STAFF: Grodsky, Ernest Jacobi, Kate Kerrin, Amelia Lopez, Sally Lufkin,
Dan Moses, Don Wirth, Chris Yonker, Bruce Zimmerman, Jay Terry
OTHERS Don Colleton, Manuel Isquierdo, Frank Bukrey, Janice Lane,
PRESENT: Delores Holmes, Bob Roy, of the Youth Advocacy Program Advisory
Committee; Ed Moran, Recreation Board
PREMING: Ald. Lanyon, Chairman
= TO ORDES
Ald. Lanyon called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. He explained that Ald.
Washington was quite ill and he would be chairing the meeting in her absence.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of January 14, 1991 were unanimously approved as
submitted.
COMMUNICATIONS
Recreation Department Monthly Program Narrative
This communication was accepted without comment.
New Communications
Ald. Lanyon noted that the Committee was receiving two communications
being passed out at the meeting. One was a memo from Don Wirth and
Richard Grodsky answering some further questions about the proposed
staffing at the Levy Center. The second communication was a memo to the
Committee from Ald. Washington stating her position on the proposal to
accept private funding to support a staff position at the Levy Center.
Ald. Lanyon also announced that the next meeting of the Human Services
Committee on February llth would be a public hearing concerning the
potential sites of the Levy Center. The meeting would be held in the
Council Chambers beginning at 7:00 p.m.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 1/28/91 . . . Page 2
PROM AL TO UTILIZE PRIVATE FUNDING TO SUPPORT STAFF POSITION AT LEVY CENTER
Aid. Drummer asked staff what were the total savings to be achieved by the
proposed reorganization of positions in the Recreation Department. Mr. Wirth
and Mr. Grodsky said the total savings was in the neighborhood of $30,000;
primarily from the reclassification of one position and some other program
savings.
Aid. Drummer noted that the central part of the issue to be considered was
the seniors believed there would be less service under this proposed
reorganization. A1d. Feldman clarified it was his perception that the issue
was the seniors perceived there would not be the same attentiveness to their
personal needs. Mr. Grodsky said they also believed that some programmatic
changes will result. Ald. Drummer said staff believe that they have a good
plan, but the seniors don't. A private citizen has offered $18,000. He
recommended keeping the reorganization plan intact, but fund another position
directed to the seniors; either full or part-time. Aid. Woiiin requested
Aid. Drummer clarify the job duties of what that new position would do. Aid.
Drummer responded that person's job would be to provide the direct attention
to the seniors, and address some of the needs that Aid. Feldman had
described. Mr. Wirth said the staff in the Recreation Department are always
appreciative of all the donations which have been made by the Levy family,
which have been extensive; that staff are prepared to accept this donation if
that is the direction of the Human Services Committee. However, he noted
that the addition of the new position as suggested by Aid. Drummer would not
facilitate the reorganization plan of the Recreation staff. He still
believed that the shared position between the Senior Center and Leisure
Learning allowed the department to work in a more efficient way. He noted
that the reorganization plan will release the new split -time director from
clerical tasks currently being done by the two full-time directors. He noted
that what had happened over the last 20 years, the Men's Program Leader was
not operating at a 100% level. He noted that the new Recreation Aide
position will pick up new duties outside of the Men's section, and not just
work with the Men's Club. He felt that staff additions would pick up some of
the extra duties. He summed up his position on Mr. Levy's offer as he would
be glad to take it but he didn't believe it was needed. Aid. Drummer stated
he understood Mr. Wirth's position; felt it was a prudent position, but he
said we still have the issue of senior citizens who feel they need more
staff, and a private citizen, Mr. Levy, who is offering to pay for a position
for services. He -is looking for a way not to turn down Mr. Levy's offer.
Aid. Davis indicated she had three questions relative to the proposal. She
indicated she would like to have the Committee discussion move away from who
was in favor of services of seniors, believing that every Committee member
was in favor of services to senior citizens. She asked staff if the $18,000
were put back through Mr. Levy what would it cost the City to restore all
positions and programs back to their current structure. She noted that in
the reorganization there were more people put in at the program level and
that there were shared duties at the administrative level, which she believed
was responsive to past criticisms the Recreation Department had received.
Mr. Mirth responded that yes, it was an attempt to be responsive. Aid. Davis
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 1/28/91 . . . page 3
asked questions of clarification on which Recreation Aides were being
discussed and which would be affected should Mr. Levy's offer be accepted.
Mr. Wirth clarified that accepting Mr. Levy's offer, it was staff's position
that the Leisure Learning Program Director would need to be full-time. Aid.
Davis felt that from a management perspective there were a lot of reasons
that the reorganization made sense. Her reaction to Mr. Levy's offer was a
similar one to Aid. Drummer. She thought about using the funds to add a new
part-time position. She is concerned about there only being a two year
commitment for this funding; that the City Council had considerable
experience with positions and programs funded for a very limited time and
then the City is expected to assume those responsibilities when the funding
ends. Mr. Grodsky indicated that the answer to Aid. Davis' first question
about the total restoration of programs was $31,490.
Aid. Wollin said she agreed with Aid. Davis' last statement. She said that
the Council has asked departments to streamline; that the Recreation
Department has been responsive to that direction. She was concerned about
potential revenue losses if the department changes are made in response to
Mr. Levy's offer. She could not support that. She said there is always a
need to be careful in public policy; that we do not let outside sources
dictate what staffing or programming should be. She did not have a
particular opinion on Aid. Drummer's proposal of a new position; however, she
did not believe that the organizational structure, as proposed by the
Recreation Department staff, should change.
Aid. Feldman said it was his sense that the seniors don't want another
position. They want full leisurely access to the person at the top. He
stated his concern that we are trying to remedy something that is not
broken. He stated he had steadfastly refused to support any plan that
involved a dimunition of services to seniors at the Levy Center. He stated
he was repeated assured there would be no diminishment; the seniors want a
sensitive person; the Recreation Department has been told to bear that in -
mind as they recruit for this position. It is clear the seniors do not like
the proposal. It has been the position of the members of the Human Services
Committee that the only way to support this is with an evaluation after six
months with the participation of the Levy Center Advisory Committee. He =-
admitted that accepting the $18,000 was very tempting. lie would have
preferred an offer that said "here's $18,000 - do with it what you will"
rather than an offer of $18,O00 to fund a specific position. He said
accepting these funds leads to another philosophical issue that programs
which the Council was not able to fund at all that do not have a benefactor,
where do they rank in a priority then. He had no compunction about accepting -
money; he has a compunction about accepting dollars that are: (1) directed; -=
and (2) directed to a problem we don't agree exists. The Council told the
staff to cut the budget but not to cut services. If Mr. Levy gives us the
dollars okay, but maybe six months from now we may change our mind. He did
not agree with accepting the money just on an intuitive sense of the seniors _
that things will decline. He believed there was a need to give the
Recreation Department plan a chance to succeed.
Aid. Drummer felt that we are dealing with perceptions; that the seniors _
believe that a 50% person can't do 100% of the work. He is not worried about
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 1/28/91 . . . Page 4
setting a precedent in taking the dollars; he felt there were other examples
in the community of the private sector underwriting certain public projects.
He felt the Committee was building this into a major issue when it did not
have to be. He felt the money could be used to hire an aide to supplement
the director. Aid. Lanyon noted that the language in Mr. Levy's offer was
"funding for a full-time director." Ald. Drummer responded he was requesting
an aide and suggested we sit down and negotiate with Mr. Levy. Mr. Mirth
stated that while sitting at the meeting Mr. Zimmerman, he and Mr. Grodsky
thought it through; that there was, indeed, a need to sit down with Mr. Levy;
that they felt a new position such as suggested by Ald. Drummer could, in
fact, provide assistance to the director; perhaps a position at the
Administrative Assistant level. The question is whether such a position
would be acceptable to Mr. Levy. They feel that the spirit of accepting Mr.
Levy's offer is there; that staff do not also like to be in a position of
turning down dollars.
Ald. Davis felt that if tor. Levy's offer was accepted there needed to be a
further comment on the two year commitment. She inquired as to whether there
was a way to fund this position with an understanding similar to an endowed
chair at a university; that there was no implied commitment or obligation on
the City to continue the funding of this position after the two year period.
Ald. Feldman sought clarification as to how many hours the $18,000 would fund
in a part-time position. Mr. Wirth indicated it would depend upon the job
description - probably around a 75% to 80% time. Ald. Feldman said what
would be the impact on the seniors. Mr. Wirth indicated that if you got the
right person, it was somebody who could do direct counseling, advice on
social security problems and someone who is very sensitive to the needs of
the seniors.
Ald. Lanyon clarified that the direction to staff, from the Committee was to
go back and meet with Mr. Levy and discuss the terms of his offer, and see if
he is willing to accept the alternative proposed by the Committee. Ald.
Feldman indicated he had no problem with the two year commitment. It was his
hope that by then the new center would be in place with a new expanded table
of organization, and that the issue would have to be reviewed from a fresh
perspective anyway. It was his belief that what the seniors still wanted was
more access to a full-time director, not another staff person. Mr. mirth
clarified again that the Committee direction was to use the: money to fund a
new position with the understanding that it was an endowed type of position.
Aid. Davis clarified that Mr. Levy should also be informed that the Human
Services Committee is not inclined to change the proposed table of
organization as submitted by Recreation Department staff. Ald. Drummer
suggested that Recreation staff had a burden to not only meet with Mr. Levy,
but also to continue to work with the seniors at the Levy Center to convince £_
them that their services will not be cut.FIF
PROPOSAL TO CREATE A NEW YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Ald. Lanyon noted there were two memos in the packet which were responses to
questions which had been raised by the Committee.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 1/28/91 . . . Page S.
Chief Jacobi noted that regarding the age issue as brought up by the Youth
Advocacy Program (YAP) Advisory Committee that there was a great possibility
that the new program would be very flexible with regards to the age issue,
and in fact, the broader age was served now. Mr. Terry indicated that staff
of respective programs had already held some transition meeting and that it
was understood that no one would age out of the program; that once they began
service that service would continue; that the likelihood of there being a
high -risk youth at the age of 16 or 17 which no one had ever had contact with
before was very slim; that the Youth Outreach Bureau of the Police Department
did not have a lower age limit, and had to work with young offenders at that
lower age group already. Ald. Lanyon clarified and Chief Jacobi concurred
that no one in the program would be a sworn police officer, and he agreed
that there needed to be more flexibility relative to program age limits.
Ald. Drummer stated he concurred with a response to be more flexible on the
ages. He moved that the proposal to create the new bureau be accepted with
recommendations as made by the YAP Advisory Committee; that the age range be
expanded; that the Human Services Committee retain policy oversight of the
program; that there be a mayoralty appointed Citizens Advisory Committee to
the program that is also accountable to the Human Services Committee; that
the YAP mission of intensive case management and identification of service
gaps continue. Ald. Davis indicated she did not have a problem with the
lower• age; that so long as the program made all of the appropriate referrals,
she did not see a need to be arbitrary about the age limits. Mr. Terry
clarified once again his feeling that this was not just YAP going over to the
Police Department, but rather the merger of two programs; that the Youth
Outreach Bureau on an ongoing basis had reason to work with youth in the 8,
9, and 10 year old age groups when those youth have had police contacts; that
this new program should be viewed as the merger of two programs rather than
the transfer of one program into another. He believed that the total age
range would realistically be 8 - 17 years of age.
Ald. Feldman asked if the mission as perceived by the Police Department was
any different from the mission as described. Chief Jacobi believed that many
citizens were not aware of the extent of advocacy that staff of Youth
Outreach have done over the years; that their role included advocacy with the
school districts, and advocacy within the Police Department in which Youth
Outreach staff will advocate with individual officers on behalf of the needs
of a particular youth. Ald. Feldman noted that the report from the Advisory
Committee was very clear; that the mission of case coordination, intensive
case management, identification of service gaps were a priority. He wanted
to know if those were the institutional values of the Police Department.
Commander Moses.said case coordination has always been a mandate of the Youth
Outreach Bureau; that outreach workers do case coordination with agencies and
youth now; that case management and service gaps were areas where there had
not been as much work done; however, case management activities did occur now
for certain high risk youth. Ald. Feldman asked how the Committee could
assess the effectiveness of the Outreach Bureau over time; how would we know
that lives had been impacted. Commander Moses responded that certain
successes may not manifest themselves over years; that they experience youth
coming back to them now years later saying "thank you"; that they will
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of I/28/91 . . . Page b
measure the number of police contacts youth have and compare. He said that
one of their primary missions will be to take a very hard look at what impact
they are having. He noted that YAP also had been not very successful at
documenting success. Ald. Feldman noted he needed to have something beyond
sound and fury, a way to demonstrate success; that the program needed to have
a way to measure impact. Commander Moses said that YAP and Youth Outreach
are both proactive programs; that often their success is harder to measure;
that it is the operative philosophy of both those groups is deterrence, of
preventing future negative behaviors from occurring. He noted that many
police officers also have a philosophy of deterrence; that they do not want
to see crime reoccurring.
Ald. Feldman asked about the Youth Outreach program as it has existed over a
period of time, whether the training and professionalism was conducted
in-house or on the outside. Commander Moses said that all the civilian staff
are degreed. He felt that experience was the best teacher.
Ald. Davis said she was still concerned about the perception in terms of the
extent to which families would cooperate with the program. She was hopeful
that the same positive aspect of people being willing to work with the Police
Department, which Chief Jacobi had described, would apply also to working
with agencies. She was hopeful that there would be an enhanced ability to
work with social service agencies. Commander Moses noted that the Youth
Outreach Bureau already had a track record of working with social service
agencies such as St. Francis Hospital, Y.O.U., and Family Focus.
Ald. Lanyon felt that there was too much concentration on the perception
issue; that the YAP program had been "adrift" in human services, but it would
now receive some structure by placing it in the Police Department. He did
not see a major perception problem.
Ald. Feldman indicated he wanted to hear from the YAP Advisory Committee;
they had been asked to discuss the nature of the program oversight that
should occur. He noted that when the YAP Advisory Committee had been put in
place there was a formula of various percentages between service providers
not connected with the program, and community people. He did not believe
that there was any kind of magic formula, but wanted to know if the Committee
had considered that issue. Don Colleton responded that when the Advisory
Committee last met it did not have time to address that issue; that he was
speaking for himself, but he believed that the Committee members would
concur; that there needed to be a strong active board; that the participation
of both school districts was important; that the Committee should not be
unmanagably large. He believed that community people needed to be on the
board. He wanted to emphasize that he believed the creation of a board and
who was on it was incredibly important to the merger of the programs; how big _=
or how small the committee should be was really not an issue for him.
The Committee voted unanimously to approve Ald. Drummer's motion.
Ald. Feldman asked if the Committee should provide any direction to the Mayor
on the make up of the Advisory Committee. Aid. Lanyon suggested that subject
be taken up at a later meeting.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 1/28/91 . . . Page 7
REVIEW OF CD COMMITTEE PUBLIC SERVICE FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS
Aid. Wollin indicated she wanted the Committee to review this. She noted
that the Committee had talked in the past about better communication between
Human Services and the CD Committee; that she had some concerns about the CD
Committee funding a new agency and funding a new program. She wanted to know
what the rationale was behind some of these decisions.
Ald. Drummer said, speaking on behalf of the CD Committee, that the CD public
service dollars are fixed dollars; that the Committee has to spend all of the
dollars; that the Committee is always interested in ways to fund new and
needed programs. He took into account the Human Services Committee priority
to fund programs serving 0 - 3 year olds; however, no such agencies made a
request to CD; that there was no way the Committee could fund requests at all
of the levels; that a reduction was made in the allocation to the City's
Emergency Assistance Program. He noted that he has been sitting on the
Committee for years and that no new programs were ever funded; that he
believed this new program filled a service gap; that we know that the Teen
Program at the YWCA provides a service needed for teenage girls; that
preventive programs should be supported. He noted that the City and the
Township fund the Teen -Baby Nursery with a great deal of dollars; that he
felt this was targeting the same client population. He posed the question
"wouldn't you rather fund prevention programs?" Ald. Wollin asked if it was
possible for the Committee to receive a copy of the program description. She
also indicated her concern that this was identified as seed dollars. Aid.
Drummer noted that the minutes make it very clear that the dollars are to be
start-up dollars. Aid. Feldman and Aid. Davis both expressed concern that
other agencies had been told that as well, and the City often found it hard
to stick to that. Aid. Drummer again emphasized that he felt the CO
Committee was being responsive to service gaps; that senior services were
identified as a very serious community need and that prevention programs for
teen girls were also a serious need. Aid. Davis again raised the issue of
how does the City begin supporting new programs and how do you maintain
funding for them. Aid. Drummer noted that the programs are not new, but the
City funding of the program is new. He felt these are preventive programs
that are worthy of support.
Aid. Feldman said he had no objection to new programs; that he believed that
new programs were a part of a priority setting process. His concern was
whether the Y program would be duplicating any present services.
Aid. Feldman asked how the YWCA program differed from the prevention programs
at Family Focus; that he was looking for more information about that. Aid.
Drummer said they serve similar populations but they were not duplicative.
Mr. Terry suggested that one of the ongoing needs for youth services in
Evanston was the need for youth services that were able to serve the south
side of Evanston; that while the Evanston/North Shore YWCA was not
necessarily located in the south side; it was more centrally located and
perhaps more accessible to south Evanston girls than the Family Focus
location.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 1/28/91 . . . Page 8
0
Ald. Lanyon noted that the meeting had run past 9:00 p.m. The Committee then
unanimously moved to adjourn at 9:05 p.m.•
Jay W. Terry
pRAFT-NOT APPROVED
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
February I1, 1991
7:00 P.M.
City Council Chambers
PRESENT: Ald. Davis, Drummer, Feldman, Lanyon, Washington, Wallin
OFFICIALS Judith Aiello, Paula Crismond, Richard Grodsky, Ald. Jack
AND STAFF: Korshak, Ald. Lorraine Morton, Jay Terry, Jane Volberding, Dan
Wirth
OTHERS Ed Moran, Recreation Board; Don Berry, Barry Isaacson, Helen
PRESENT: Leister, Catherine Spriegel, Commission on Aging Members; George
Ammerman, John Bloom, Bruce Goodman, Bill Hoyer, Simon Hughes,
Rachael Kelly, Morton Liebling, Art Newman, Mr. Peterson, Louis
Silverstein, Nancy Smith, Helen Squires, Mary Wemette, Bea•
Zabel, Rosemary Zwick, Sidney Zwick
PRESIDING: Ald. Washington, Chairman
The meeting was tailed to order at 7:05 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
The Committee reviewed the minutes of the meeting of January 28, 1991. Ald.
Davis asked that the following correction be made:
Page 5, paragraph 2, line 9, should be amended to read wMinimum ace beino
lowered to eiabt;......
With that correction the Committee approved the minutes unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS
The McKinney Funding Notice and Day Care Article were accepted without
comment.
IEVY CENTER PUBIC HEARING
Ald. Washington announced that the Human Services meeting would be a public
hearing on the potential sites of the new Levy Center. She indicated she
would be calling those persons who had registered in advance and then those
who had signed up to speak.
A.D. LORRAINE MQRTON: She indicated that she has received a large number
of letters and phone calls in opposition to the site being placed at the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 2/11/91 . . . Page 2
Civic Center; she felt there had been previous agreements with the Marywooa
neighbors when the Civic Center was established and any agreements against
further developments should be honored; that she personally supported the
wishes of the community; she has not received a single communication from
aresident of the Fifth ward supporting the establishment of the Civic Center
site, and when the time came to make a vote in the City Council her vote would
reflect the wishes of the community.
ALD. JACK KORSHAK: He indicated that he was speaking as a senior citizen
himself; that there were two questions to be addressed; one was the location
of the new Levy Center, and the second was the nature of the facility to be
established. It was his view that neither one of the proposed two sites was
acceptable. It was his recommendation that the current Levy Center site
should be maintained; that he felt that if the Mayor were so inclined an
agreement between the Mayor and President Weber of Northwestern University and
the Shaw Company to preserve the Levy Center was possible. Regarding the
nature of the Center, he believed very strongly that the Center should be more
than a recreation center; that he believed in the concept of a multipurpose
center with expanded services. He summarized his position by saying "leave
the Levy Center where it's at; expand on the current building to the north,
and expand the services that are then available at the current location."
LOUIS SILVERSTEIN: He characterized himself as a representative of the
Marywood Neighbors and of the trees. He believed when the Civic Center was
established there was a commitment made to no further development; was very
much opposed to the Civic Center site for the new center; displayed
photographs that showed the park surrounding the Civic Center has a very
serious drainage problem; is very concerned that if the new Levy Center is
built here the water runoff will flood basements surrounding the Civic Center;
said during the week now there is no on -street parking, and that it is a
problem that will only get worse; noted that there are a great number of
children in the neighborhood immediately surrounding the Civic Center; that
the Senior Center would result in an increased traffic flow which would be a
danger to children. He noted that the recommendation from the Commission on
Aging called for above level parking; felt the creation of 5o to 15 parking
spaces above level around the Civic Center would result in the destruction of
the entire park. He noted that the park around the Civic Center serves as a
focal point of the entire neighborhood; it provides open space; there was an
opportunity for blacks and white to get together; they both use the park; felt
that a concrete parking lot would further neighborhood segregation; that the
park around the Civic Center was green space and that should always he
preserved; there is increased stress on public employees and that the park
helps alleviate that. He noted the number of mature trees in the park and
felt trees were very important; trees are a treasure. He noted that the
opposition to the Civic Center site did not imply an endorsement of the
Chicago Avenue site; submitted a number of petitions indicating the opposition
of the neighbors to the Civic Center site; stated the preferred site would
seem to be the Levy Center where it is now; noted that the City has a number
of financial problems and wanted to know why a new center should be built at
all.
Ald. Drummer commented that he didn't recall seeing any plans which called for
a paving of the park. Mr. Silverstein responded that the plans he had
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 2/11/91 . . . Page 3
received called for 50 to 75 spaces. Aid. Drummer said whatever the plans say
they do not call for the removing of park space for parking. In response to a
question, Ms. Aiello commented that the plans drawn for the site are only
conceptual plans so far, and there really are no details of that nature.
DRUCE GOODMAN: (Chairman of EVMARK) - He provided a description of EVMARK;
noted it is a group which helps market Evanston in partnership with the City.
He is very concerned about the taking away of surface parking from the
downtown area if the Church/Chicago site were to be selected; noted a large
number of physicians in the audience who are in the Carlson building; felt the
removal of that parking lot would be a violation of the spirit of previous
agreements to preserve surface parking in the downtown area; He recounted the
history of the desire to save surface parking downtown; in recent years there
was more and more of a move towards building parking garages rather than
surface parking. He said if the surface parking lot is taken away the message
would be to the professionals who have offices in the Carlson building, "you
might as well leave town." He noted he was also speaking as manager of the
Carlson building. It was his hope that the Levy Center would stay were it -is
at; if not, he is offering the assistance of EVMARK in identifying a location
for a new center which meets the needs of the seniors but does not have such a
destructive impact on downtown.
Aid. Davis commented to Mr. Goodman that the Aldermen had a memo from the
City's Traffic Engineer which indicated if a center was built in the
Church/Chicago lot, that parking could be accommodated and it would not
necessarily mean a reduction in parking. Mr. Goodman responded that could
only be accommodated through a structure; Evanston has always had a parking
problem; there was always a preference among the downtown merchants of surface
parking over a parking structure; that he encourage all efforts to try and
preserve open parking.
Aid. Feldman asked if it was the official position of EVMARK to retain the
Levy Center in its present location. Mr. Goodman said he would have to take
that up with the Board of EVMARK; that the only position so far is don't take
away surface parking; that he would be happy to make some efforts to talk to
the Shaw Company and President Weber of Northwestern to work out a solution.
BILL HOYER: He stated he was Vice Chairman of the Levy Advisory
Committee; however, he noted he was speaking for himself in making the
comments. He provided some of the history of the decisions that the Levy
Center needed to be moved. He noted that in October of 1986, the Levy
Advisory Committee received a letter from then City Manager, Joel Asprooth,
which stated very clearly that the Levy Center will not be torn down until a
use has been identified for the land on which it sits. He did not believe
that any such use had been identified thus far; questioned the need for speed
in terms of making this decision; noted that when the original proposal was
made it called for a center to be built with $4 million dollars at no cost to
the taxpayer, to be funded out of the Research Park TIF. He questioned
whether that was was still true. He noted that the Levy Center Task Force had
been established to develop a program statement; felt that task force, when it
was in existence, had done a lot of work; that all of the layouts called for a
single floorplan; that the two sites under consideration now were going to
result in multi -story senior centers; that was not acceptable. He didn't
believe that the architects who were working on plans for the new
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 2/11/91 . . . Page 4
library were informed of the potential for another building (senior center) at
a lot in such close proximity. He had been told that it was going to cost $1
million to relocate the utilities in the alley near the Church/Chicago site;
that the current plans for the new library indicated that 1,250 cars will use
the alley in back of the library daily, and that was without the Levy Center;
felt that a new senior center there would add even further to the congestion;
felt that neither proposed site was acceptable; the demographics of the
community show there will be more seniors in the community and encouraged the
City Council to do more planning.
GEORGE AMMERMAN: Stated he was representing the Levy Leisure Learning
Program; reminded that the Levy building is not exclusively for senior
citizens; that over 500 persons who are not seniors utilize the Leisure
Learning programs seven days a week with programs ranging from foreign
language to pet training to arts festivals. He noted that the Leisure
Learning Advisory Committee only considered two locations; within that
framework, he felt the downtown location was much better for the Leisure
Learning programs because of its advantage for marketing; felt- the Leisure
Learning Center would complement a new library; that the Leisure Learning
Board was not that concerned about the parking as an issue.
HELEN SQUIRES: Stated she was representing Research Park, Inc. She noted
that many assertions had been made about the agreements regarding the Research
Park; that many of the persons present at the meeting had not been involved in
some of these decisions, and she wanted to clarify a number of things. She
wanted to make six points:
1. The City and Northwestern signed a contract to develop a 24 acre
research park. The contract specified that the City and University
would contribute land to the project.
2. The research park contract set a three year schedule for the City and
University to clear the land they own and make it available to the
development. One exception to the schedule was the Levy Center
property, which had a five year time line.
3. It was important to point out that the City/University agreement that
addresses the Levy Center predates the contract between Research Park,
Inc. and the Shaw Company. The RPI/Shaw contract incorporated a master
plan for the park that governed land use, building heights and other
matters. It was important to clarify that the master plan has always
been available to the public; that it was available in the City Clerk's
office of the Civic Center, and the public library, its branches, and
at RPI and Shaw Company offices. Any allegation that Shaw Company was
reneging on its commitment for a mixed use development was not true;
that the Shaw Company has repeatedly stated its intention to
incorporate mixed use development into the park; that Shaw and RPI,
Inc. were both honoring the agreement that allowed extra time to
relocate the Levy Center; that it was misleading to tell the public
that Shaw and RPI were violating a contract; that they are, in fact,
living up to all the terms of the 1986 City/University agreement.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 2/11/91 . . . Page 5
4. Progress to date shows that the goals of the project are being
fulfilled. The park now contains 300,000 square feet of research and
development and office space. The Shaw Company has built two
buildings; one is fully leased, and the second is nearing completion;
that all these buildings are taxed at commercial rates and she did not
believe that anywhere else in Evanston was property being added to the
tax roles in this fashion.
5. The replacement cost for the Levy Center was included in the Capital
Improvement Budget for the Research Park; that the cost of relocating
the Levy Center, installing new streets and other improvements are
supported by taxes paid inside the park - not from the General Fund
Tax Levy.
6. RPI response to the community on a regular basis, and that anyone who
wishes to visit the park is welcome to stop by the RPI offices and to
direct any questions to RPI.
RACHEL KELLY: (National Women's Christian Temperence Union) -
Stated that the WCTU loves seniors; however the Chicago Avenue location is in
a very, very congested area; that the seniors would be very unhappy at Church
and Chicago.
MR. PETERSON: He identified himself as a resident of the
Presbyterian Home. He did not believe that senior citizens were always
treated fairly and equitably, noting that as a resident of the Presbyterian
Home he had to pay real estate taxes, but he didn't own the title to his
property; that he owned his own realty firm for 39 years in Evanston; that he
did not like the idea of City Council pitting others in the community against
senior citizens. He offered a number of historical perspectives and what he
believed to be ill advised decisions in the Council in the years of the 140's
and 501s; that many of the problems that existed in Evanston were not a
product of today's City Council and, consequently, he urged the City Council
members to move slowly in making a final decision and to do some long range
planning.
BEA ZA ELL: She was a transplant to Evanston and has lived her
since 1981; she lives in downtown Evanston; she felt the current Levy
location near transportation was ideally located; the only thing missing was
a shuttle bus; that tearing down the current Levy Center was like cutting the
seniors' throat; that the current building was ideal; everyone talks about _
parking and should instead be talking about public transportation; that she
wanted the Dominick's brought back; that the Dominick's in that location was
ideal. She summarized her position as saying "leave the Levy Center be."
DONALD BEM: (Commission on Aging member) - Stated he was a
member of the Levy Center, but was speaking tonight as a retired professor of
transportation engineering. He had a number of concerns about the parking at
both locations; that at Church and Chicago there would almost have to be use
of an outside ramp; that on any one floor there could not be more than 40
cars; if you allowed for handicapped parking spaces and other uses of the
space it was more likely that only 25 cars could fit on a level; that there
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 2/11/91 . . . Page 6
was no way that all the seniors who utilize the center could use that free
lot; that the overflow would end up going up the Church/Chicago garage where
you have to pay for all time in excess of an hour, and this could result in
an expense on the seniors that would have to use the lot and use the center.
He questioned how you would monitor a 25 space lot since it didn't justify
the use of a parking attendant, yet how would you guard against abuse of that
lot. He said it was possible to provide parking at the Civic Center without
paving over Ingraham Park; you could provide good access to two levels with a
parking structure similar to the one at Pick Steiger at Northwestern
University. He agreed with those who said the Chicago Avenue site would
result in the loss of short term surface parking and he knew that would have
a real adverse effect on the Carlson Building.
Ald. Wollin clarified that while no detailed plans had been drawn up for
either site, there was no intention, if the Chicago Avenue site was built,
that there would be a loss of parking spaces, no intent to lose the 83 spots
currently there.
MORTON LIEBLING: He said he would limit his comments to the two
specific sites; that he was -very active in the Levy Center. He said either
site would be fine with him, provided certain conditions were met; noted the
number of people who utilized the Levy Center today who need assistance
either through crutches, motorized wheelchairs or canes. He was strongly in
favor of a single story senior center; wanted to know if a multi -story
building would have an elevator; would it have an elevator operator to assist
the seniors; that he has a number of physical problems; that he can't walk up
ramps or stairs. He questioned what would happen in a power failure or fire
in a multi -story structure; felt that the current site was on a worthless
piece of Research Park triangle land; was very grateful for the current
center and asked the City to please not destroy it.
JOHN BLOOM: He wanted to echo a number of comments made before.
He felt that the public transportation and current site was excellent. He
recommended that if building had to be done it should be built at the
Church/Chicago site; it was convenient to a number of other locations that
seniors utilize, and he also felt that discussions should end quickly; that
there has been too much talking on the subject; that construction of a new
center should begin very quickly.
NANCY SM M: She said she used to be with the Department of
Public Safety in another city. In her experience in that city a project was
developed in which in the central business district all of the surface
parking was removed; that the area became a hangout for teenagers; she has
only been here seven months; she encouraged City Council members not to make
another city's mistake; also favored a one story building.
MARY WEMETTE: (Levy Advisory Committee member) - She wanted to
correct errors which had occurred in the Daily Northwestern. The map they
showed for the proposed Civic Center site was not correct. The editorial in the Daily Northwestern had implied that senior citizens had not been active
on this issue in the past in opposing the moving of the Levy Center which was
not correct, and there had been a history of activism on this subject.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 2/11/9I . . . Page 7
SIMON HUGHF.S: (Manager of J. B. Winberie's) - He noted that his
restaurant had over 100,000 visitors last year; that if you take away the
surface parking it would inhibit the restaurant's ability to survive; that
9O% of his customers drive; that he will lose the ability to attract drive -by
guests; people feel that structured parking would cost more; that J. B.
Winberie's is owned by Stouffers and that in their restaurant specifications
they say that surface parking must be available; that one of the reasons the
restaurant exists will leave if that lot is taken away; that there will be a
number of shoppers who will be lost.
Ald. Wollin commented that the City built the Church/Chicago project at the
request of the business community. Mr. Hughes responded that people will not
park in the Church/Chicago lot and come to his restaurant; that the loss of
the surface parking will contribute to the further deterioration of the
commercial center.
,MONEY ZWICK: He was strongly in favor of the Levy Center staying
put; that he had been told by the Mayor that is not possible; that it would
cause irreparable harm to the Research Park project. He noted that the
current land on which the Levy Center was on was less than one percent 'of the
total Research Park project; that under the original agreement which was sold
to the citizens, in the master plan there would be community buildings; felt
that retaining the current Levy Center site would be in keeping with the
original master plan; that Shaw's actions, thus far, belied their words; that
only office buildings have been built so far; doubted the sincerity of the
Mayor. He noted that City officials sit on the TOPCORP Board; that citizens
are told that RPI is a private corporation; however, he noted that all
infrastructure improvements have come out of the taxpayers' pocket; felt that
private meetings of the board was an abuse of the public trust; noted that
there have been two changes made so far to the agreement; one was the change
of the name from the Evanston/Northwestern Research Park to the
Northwestern/Evanston Research Park; that no official action was ever taken
to change that name; felt that the original master plan was extremely
confusing and intentionally confusing; felt that a Levy Center would be an
integral part of mixed use development; felt that Shaw had a history of
arrogant attitudes. He summarized his position by saying the seniors don't
need or want a new center and the taxpayers of Evanston also did not need or
want a new center. He felt that keeping the current Levy Center was the only
reasonable solution. He stated the Independent Senior Citizens Organization
would be writing to the Shaw company requesting that they postpone demolition
of the Levy Center. He did not believe that it was possible to change the
current City Council members' minds; however, he went on to express his
endorsement of a nine member City Council.
ROSEMARY ZWICK: She indicated that she had a copy of a newspaper
article from an out-of-state paper in which the Chairman of the Research
Park, Mr. Ihlandfeldt, was quoted as indicated that the citizens of Evanston
were "local yokels"; that there was a need to have someone stand up for the
senior citizens of Evanston and it was her intention to lie down in front of
any bulldozer that would be tearing down the Levy Center, if that need be.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 2111191 . . . Page 8
ART NFWMAN: He noted that the tenor of the meeting had changed
from just commenting on the two sites to commenting on a number of levy
Center issues; noted that in a previous hearing an assertion was made that
there would be State money available to help build a new center; that he. had
spoken to a number of State officials and that there would not, in fact, be
any State dollars to help build a new center. He characterized it as
unbelievable that the chairman of EVMARK did not know about the potential for
a senior center at Church and Chicago until he, in fact, had called him and
notified the Chamber of Commerce. He did not believe that anyone was
fighting for the Evanston taxpayers; said it did not matter what kind of
structure was built; that the loss of surface parking at a Church/Chicago
site was wrong; noted the downtown drugstore at Sherman and Church had gust
gone out of business; felt that the people who shop, the disabled persons in
the Carlson Building need surface parking; can't believe that anyone would
seriously consider a Chicago Avenue site; can't believe in the name of
economic development we would further contribute to the killing of the
downtown business district; noted that the Shaw Company themselves mentioned
Evanston's downtown area in their 'literature; that there would be a great
loss of parking and all the construction activity would be disruptive to the
downtown area. He said he was present for a lot of the Research Park
meetings from the beginning, and did not believe a lot of these matters were
fully understood. He said no one believes it is in the best interests of the
City to move the Levy Center; did not believe you could have a referendum on
the ballot in the City on this subject and have it pass. He recommended that
the City go back to Shaw and renegotiate and resented any attempts to pit the
Fifth ward against the neighborhood around the Chicago Avenue site.
$ARRY ISAACSON: (Commission on Aging member) - He noted that four
years ago the City Council made the decision for a new center; that in May of
1989 a decision was made to support expanded services and an enhanced
multipurpose center; that the Commission on Aging looked at both sites; that
on balance they felt the Civic Center site was preferred; however, their
major intention was to reaffirm support for a multipurpose center. He was
confident that some of the problems which had been identified could be
resolved. He looked forward to the day when the new center was a reality.
CATHERINE SP IEGEL: (Commission on Aging member) - She stated that the
Commission considered the matter very thoughtfully; that she merely wanted to
reaffirm her support for a multipurpose center and would be very disappointed
if any new center resulted in extended services being deleted.
MEN LEISTER: (Commission on Aging member) - She was very
supportive of a multiservice center; felt that both of the proposed sites had
good and bad aspects, but whichever site was to be chosen a multipurpose =
center should be the common goal. -"
Ald. Washington noted at this point that the hearing had to end to allow the
full City Council meeting to take place at 9:00 p.m. and that there was a
need to clear the room; however, there were five more speakers on the sign-up
sheet. Ald. Wollin recommended, and the Committee concurred that the next
meeting of the Human Services Committee on February 25th would begin at 7:15 =
a
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 2/11/91 . . . Page 9
p.m. to allow those five individuals whose name appeared on the sign-up sheet
for the hearing an opportunity to express themselves on the subject.
The Committee unanimously voted to adjourn the public hearing at 9:00 p.m.
Jay W. Terry
DRAFT -NOT APPROVED
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
February 25, 1991
7:15 P.M.
Room 2402
PRESENT: Ald. Davis, Drummer, Feldman, Lanyon, Washington, Wallin
OFFICIALS Athy Ames, Jeanne Fox, Harvey Saver, Paula Crismond, Sally
AND STAFF: Lufkin, Lois Miller, Richard Grodsky, Don Wirth, Jane
Volberding, Jay Terry
OTHERS Barry Isaacson, Chairman, Commission on Aging; Gerald Murphy,
PRESENT: Victor Margolin, Jessie Waller, Vicki Masterman, Jean Levy -London
PRESIDING: Aid. Washington, Chairman
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 1:35 p.m.
MINUTES
The minutes of the February 11 Human Services Committee meeting were
unanimously approved without correction.
COMMUNICATIONS
Two communications, the Recreation Department Monthly Program Narrative
and the Multi -story Senior Center memo were accepted without comment.
SENIOR CENTER TESTIMONY
Ald. Washington announced that five speakers who had registered at the
February llth hearing, who had not had an opportunity to testify at that
hearing because of time, would be called upon to give testimony at this
evening's meeting.
GERALD MURPHY: (Evanston Chamber of Commerce) - He is very concerned =
about the possible location of the Center at Church and Chicago; was �_
concerned about the loss of parking; the loss of revenue from sales tax. he
noted at the last meeting there had been considerable discussion as to the
relationship of surface parking versus parking in a structure or garage. He
said a number of people are visiting doctors' offices that utiliza the 101.
which would be removed if the Center were built at Church/Chicago, and. .; ,.
those persons need surface parking lots. He believed that the cost of
additional parking to accommodate the spaces necessary would be 52.4 million
dollars. He stated the Chamber was active in helping the City to explore
other sites; cited the Fountain Square Building and the 990 Grove Street
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 2/25/91 . . . Page 2
Building as being two possibilities. The Chamber was advocating the
possibility of combining projects into a joint facility; that the Library,
the Levy Center, the Northlight Theatre and other uses identified for the
Transportation Center could be combined into mixed use facilities and achieve
some important savings. He indicated the Chamber was willing to work with
the Committee to identify an acceptable alternative.
VICTOR MARGOLIN: Mr. Margolin identified himself as a professor of
art, architecture and urban planning at the University of Illinois and a
neighbor of the Civic Center. He indicated he had some real problems with
the planning process; was concerned that not enough review had been done of
environmental impact. He studies cities and urban growth and is well aware
of civic symbols, and some may think of Evanston as the lake or Northwestern
University but that the true civic symbol of Evanston was the Civic Center
and the park behind it. Her supported testimony that had been made by his
neighbor, Mr. Silverstein, at the previous hearing regarding trees; felt that
the parkland around the Civic Center was very important; that it was a space
where the different races could mingle. He felt a building being built on
this site was sending the wrong message; that it would be known as "the great
mistake" and be a scar on the community. He said in the time he has i ived
here there have been four attempts on the park, including Farmer's Market and
other inappropriate uses of the park, He noted that Ald. Morton had
testified two weeks ago that there was perhaps an agreement between the City
and the sellers of the Marywood property limiting the uses of the property;
encouraged the City to look into that and see if documents could be found; if
the Senior Center is not built that the City Council should entertain a
motion to put the park in some sort of landmark status so that the community
would not have to go through this worry again. He felt building the senior
center at the Civic Center site would be a travesty.
JESSIC WALLER: He identified himself as a physician in favor of the
current location of the Levy Center. He noted that most of the speakers at
the previous hearing had been in favor of the current center; that in
consideration of location and transportation the current Levy Center was
appropriate; noted there were 105 medical offices in the 636 Church building
with many handicapped patients; that the 708 Church building also has a
number of medical professional offices, and that the Evanston Hospital Rehab
Center is near the Church/Chicago site. He is very concerned about the loss
of parking spaces for all those patients should a senior center be built at
Church/Chicago. He noted that in the current lot the parking spaces are very
popular; that there are many older patients; that those doctors' offices
attract patients throughout the metropolitan area. He distributed
photographs showing the current parking lot. He described the various types
of patients including disabled persons, older people and mothers with
children; that there is a need for more parking space, and that the current
Levy Center is well situated.
Robert Armbruster who had registered to speak at the previous meeting not
present.
VICKI MASTERMAN: She indicated she was a resident of Noyes Street;
that she is speaking on behalf of her family and neighbors and had three
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 2/25/91 . . . Page 3
points she wanted to make. 1) she wanted absolutely no infringement on the
open space in the neighborhood around the Civic Center; it was why families
moved to the Civic Center location and it was why they have consistently
elected representatives to insure there is no infringement on that open
space. 2) Aldermen can count an the protest continuing. The issue touched
a nerve in the community; the community will monitor the elected officials
response to this issue and if need be, take remedial action througn the
electoral process. 3) She had serious questions about the decision ma?ing
process which had been used; that throughout this process residents had been
told it is both too late to make changes or too early to identify specific
issues, and that was not acceptable. She felt, as an attorney, that
contracts are renegotiated all the time so the City should review the status
of the current center. She reaffirmed that the neighborhood will be watching
the actions of the Aldermen very closely.
Following the testimony, Ald. Feldman indicated that the amount of
participation at the various hearings and the number of people who have been
speaking out were ample testimony to both the importance and the emotion-iity
of the issue; that the Aldermen have been placed in a very difficult
situation; that most of the people who have testified support the current
site and/or criticize the two potential sites which have been identified. He
felt that there were many unanswered questions about both sites and die not
believe the current atmosphere was conducive to any kind of reasoned inc:;iry
on any side. Therefore, he offered a four point motion. One was that
Committee consideration of any site be tabled to a date uncertain; second,
that the City request the developer postpone any moving of the levy Center
until 1995; that the Civic Center site be eliminated as a potential site and
that we use this timeframe for re-examination of the suitability of all sites
within the 1995 time frame including not to preclude staff and Council going
to the developer to discuss the use of the current center. Ald. Or;;--_r
suggested that those four points be broken into four separate motions. Old.
Feldman asked if he had opposition to any of those four points. ,old. O ru7--er
said he is not particularly opposed to any part of the motion, but was
interested in more discussion. Ald. Wallin said she had no problem with the
motion, except that she suggested a modification to number 2, that the
Committee request an extension until 1995 and it will be energetically
pursued. Ald. Feldman said he accepted that modification.
Ald. Davis noted that the City, as one party of a contract, could not
unilaterally change the date; that the City can only pursue a change.
However, she felt it was a reasonable request at this point in the
development. Ald. Davis asked that there be an addition to the motion to add
that parking would be reviewed for all potential sites, given the amount of
testimony heard on that issue.
Aid. Feldman accepted Ald. Davis' change and restated the motion for the
record as follows:
1. That Council consideration of potential sites for the levy
Center be tabled until a date uncertain.
2. That the City request of the developer an extension of the date
for removal of the current levy Center until I995.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE t
Minutes of 2/25/91 . . . Page 4
3. That the potential Civic Center site be eliminated from further
consideration.
4. That the City use this time for a re-examination of the
suitability of all potential sites with special attention to the
availability of parking. Also included in this examination
would be thoae sites which might present themselves within this
1995 timeframe and this re-examination would not preclude
Council and staff discussion with the developer concerning the
use of the present site as well as other potential sites within
the research park.
The Committee voted unanimously to approve Ald. Feldman's motion.
The Committee, audience and staff had a discussion clarifying that certain
portions of that motion needed to be approved by the full City Council and
would be considered at a future meeting.
PROPOSAL TO UTILIZE PRIVATE FU11DING TO UNDERWRITE A STAFF POSITION AT THE
LEVY CENTER
Ald. Wallin noted that there were still ongoing discussions with Jean
Levy -London regarding her family's proposal; that a meeting had been hold
with her prior to the Committee meeting; and another meeting was scheduled
with Ms. London at the Levy Center. She recommended postponing any Committee
action on this proposal. The Committee consensus was that this issue would
be held over to a future meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF CITY'S APPLICATION FOR MCKINNEY HOMELESS ASSISTANCE FUNDS
Ald. Wallin moved approval of the City's application as described in the
staff memorandum. The Committee vote was unanimous.
DISCUSSION WITH THE COMMISSION ON AGING REGARDING THE HOUSING AND NEEDS
ASSESSMENT OF OLDER ADULTS IN EVANSTON
Barry Isaacson, Chairman of the Coriumission on Aging, indicated that the
Commission would like an opportunity to make a presentation at the next Human
Services Committee meeting. The Committee consensus was that presentation
would be heard at the next Human Services Committee meeting.
A member of the audience indicated that a number of the senior citizens who
utilize the Levy Center would like an opportunity to be present at any future
discussions between the City Council and Ms. London. Aid. Wallin felt that
was not appropriate; that discussions of that nature could not be done with a
large group. Ald. Feldman assured the audience that the Committee members
were trying to reach a solution which was acceptable to everyone. The
Committee and the audience requested Ms. London to make a staterent
clarifying her position. Ms. London indicated that her position was that she
wanted a full-time director of the senior program at the Levy Center with all
authority for the building, believing that the Levy Center was a real program
asset to Evanston and that it was her desire to see the senior program
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 2/25/91 . . . 5
growing and not diminish. The Committee members indicated they had no
conflict with Ms. London's goals and that discussion regarding staffing of
the center would be continuing.
A motion to adjourn was made and the Committee adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
Jay W. Terry
DRAFT -NOT APPROVED
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
March 11, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
ERESENT: Ald. Davis, Drummer, Feldman, Lanyon
ABSENT: Ald. Washington, Wollin
OFFICIALS Ernest Jacobi, Jane Volberding, Harvey Saver, Jay Terry
ANC:
OTHERS Barry Isaacson ( Chairman, Commission on Aging), Teresa Valdes
PRESENT: (Commission on Aging), Helen Leister (Commission on Aging), Anne
Vitkovich (COA - Housing Committee), Mary Jane Klein (Keep
Evanston Beautiful), Don Coileton
PRESIDING: Ald. Lanyon, Chairman
CU TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of February 25, 1991 were approved unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 22-R-91 ILLINOIS CLEAN AND BEAUTIFIX GRANT
APPLICATION
Ald. Lanyon clarified this was money which would help support Keep Evanston
Beautiful. Mary Jane Klein of Keep Evanston Beautiful, notified the Aldermen
that she was present in the audience. There were no questions. The
Committee unanimously (4-0) approved Resolution 22-R-91.
HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF THE COMMISSION ON AGING
Mr. Isaacson indicated the Commission was very pleased to present this report
to the Committee; it represented a lot of hard work. The Housing Committee
of the Commission worked for a number of months to try and put this
together. Mr. Isaacson stated Teresa Valdes would make the presentation.
Ms. Valdes stated 2,300 surveys had been returned, of which 1,600 were
determined to be valid; 393 interviews were conducted over a period of eight
weeks; that the purpose of the report was to get some sense of the
demographics and need of housing for older persons; the Commission on Aging
had a long history in housing issues for older persons. Over the years they
have worked on projects such as Sherman House, Primm Towers, the Noyes Court
building, a previous housing needs survey, the Senior Handyman Home Repair
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 3/11/91 . . . 2
Program; in 1988 the Commission began to explore the methodology for
preparing a report of this nature. They warted to present the key findings
and recommendations of the assessment and would like an opportunity, at some
point in the future, to have an in-depth discussion with members of the Human
Services Committee.
Ms. Valdes noted one finding was that older adults prefer to remain at home,
if at all possible, whether that home was a single family dwelling, an
apartment, or a condominium; that the population surveyed preferred to stay
in Evanston; they were very loyal to Evanston; they are not longing for
congregate housing, but do prefer housing with amenities such as parking and
laundry. There did not appear to be much preference For studio apartments;
that studio apartments would not be something that should be built targeting
an older audience; respondents to the survey indicated that home sharing
would not be a viable option, but the Commission has some concern that
response reflects a lack of knowledge about home sharing rather than an
opinion that home sharing is not appropriate; a large number of the older
adults surveyed were reluctant to express a need for support; even those who
are currently receiving support do not identify themselves as being in need
of support; however, home repair and maintenance is something that is
sought. A significant percentage of the respondents spend half of their
income on home maintenance.
Ald. Feldman stated that he assumes for such a large percentage of income
that the home maintenance is interpreted as including rent and mortgage
payments. Mr. Isaacson clarified that would include utilities, taxes,
Insurance, and home repair items. Ms. Volberding noted that the survey was
slightly skewed to those capable of answering the questions; that a more
frail population perhaps is not represented as adequately as should be. Ald.
Davis noted the report said 18% of those responding spent 50% of their income
on housing. She said if home repair is such a significant issue she was
curious as to why a large number of respondents to the survey did not answer
the question. Ms. Volberding said they really don't know. The only
supposition she might have is that since it was a City survey, answering that
question might relate to a fear of aggressive inspection by the City.
Ald. Davis noted in the surveys that certain answers were provided by
caregivers and certain answers were provided by the older person, and that in
the compilation of these results these answers were lumped together. She
questioned whether or not you would get different answers depending upon who
responded, the senior or the caregiver, particularly in areas such as need of
support. Ms. Volberding responded that the caregiver respondents were
actually a very small amount of the survey responses - so much so that they
were statistically insignificant.
Ald. Drummer asked if the survey revealed how familiar the elderly are with
the City's Paint and Repair Program. Ms. Volberding said she did not think
the knowledge was as great as it should be. Ald. Drummer hoped they intended
to continue to spread the word.
Teresa Valdes resumed her presentation. She said a significant finding was
that most older adults are reluctant to do long range planning. "�
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 3/11/91 . . . Page 3
Ms. Valdes moved on to give the significant recommendations in the report.
She said the first recommendation was that the private financial community
should begin to focus on the goal of providing the financial support
necessary to older adults who prefer to remain where they are. Mr. Isaacson
indicated this would include such things as reverse mortgages, home equity
loans; that there may be advocacy for state legislation required to implement
that. Aid. Davis questioned, in light of the fact that the reverse mortgage
concept seemed to be very logical, as to why more persons did not take
advantage of it. She wanted to know whether the Commission had initiated any
such discussions with banks to know why they did not like it. for. Isaacson
indicated that banks basically did not want to own real estate. Mr. Terry
indicated that reverse mortgages nationwide was a program that ran into some
difficulty because it meant that banks would be long term holders of property
and assets, and they did not like to have too many non -liquid assets. Mr.
Isaacson said a shared equity type program is something that needs to be
explored further. Aid. Davis asked if the Commission had a plan to meet with
banks and financial institutions. Mr. Valdes indicated the Commission
planned on meeting with banks to hear their concerns. Mr. Isaacson noted
seven bills have been introduced into state legislature to make reverse
mortgages easier.
Aid. Drummer asked how involved the Commission on Aging was with the Housing
Commission. Mr. Isaacson said the Commission very much encourages their
support, and the Commission on Aging recognizes that they need the Housing
Commission's assistance. Ald. Davis and Aid. Drummer both indicated that at
some point, a joint subcommittee of the Commission on Aging and the Housing
Commission would be appropriate to implement some of these recommendations.
Aid. Feldman asked if in the interview process, reverse mortgages were
brought up. Mr. Terry indicated another problem reverse mortgages
historically have had is many older people see their home as an asset they
want to be in a position to leave to their family. Aid. Feldman concurred
that many older persons would have those feelings. Ms. Valdes indicated that
it might come down to a decision to save your house by having a reverse
mortgage.
Aid. Feldman asked if there was any data on the percent of older people in
Evanston who lose their homes to taxes. Ms. Volberding said no they didn't
have that information now, and hoped to get it soon. She said she was aware
of one case which had required a great deal of staff time and attention
involving one older couple and two pieces of property in Evanston. Aid.
Feldman said he was aware of that case as it was in his ward, and the lesson
he learned from that was the need to identify these problems as soon as
possible.
Ms. Valdes continued on with the recommendations, noting the second
recommendation was providing in home care services should be emphasized over
institutional care. The third recommendation is multiple sites for adult day
care and nutritional programs need to be developed in Evanston, as a further
support of the desire to age in place. The fourth recommendation is that the
City should provide the financial incentive to providers of other types of
services; an example being the Taxicab subsidy program. Aid. Drummer asked
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 3/11/91 . . . Page 4
in terms of nutritional programs and day care, what were the current numbers
and how well they were utilized. Ms. Volberding clarified that there was one
congregate meal site at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Center that was not being
utilized to its full potential; that the home delivered meals programs in
place in Evanston were being fully utilized with a greater need; that a
problem in getting the congregate dining up to their full potential may be
outreach; outreach is a very staff intensive activity; that the appropriate
staff levels are not available; transportation is also an issue. Ald.
Drummer noted that the home delivered meals program is looking for volunteer
drivers; wanted to know what the involvement of the church network had been.
Ms. Volberding said the primary involvement has been through the soup
kitchens of the Evanston Ecumenical Council. Mr. Terry noted the congregate
dining program was a national program that was over 20 years old, and
nationally, the numbers of participation in congregate dining were gradually
declining, given that the lifestyles and tastes of older persons were
changing, so that group feeding sites were no longer necessarily meeting the
needs. Ms. Volberding noted, however, there was a new site in Elk Grove
Village that was serving at well over capacity; that there were still pockets
of need for congregate dining sites.
Ms. Valdes continued with the recommendations, with the next recommendation
being that although the current State political and financial situation is
not conducive to this, financial aid from the State should be expanded to
cover those seniors truly in need of services or financial assistance. The
next recommendation was housing providers need to concentrate on the
renovation of existing homes and the development of low cost housing which
supports independent living. The final two recommendations are that the
Commission needs to consider the creation of a non-profit arm to serve as a
conduit for grants and other funding sources; and finally as emphasized
before, older adults need to be encouraged to do more long range planning.
Ald. Feldman sought clarification regarding Mr. Terry's comment about senior
citizens' tastes changing. Mr. Terry indicated trends reflected that
lifestyle changes for younger seniors were that there was less willingness to
participate in certain group activities. Ald. Feldman asked whether the
information contained in the Housing Needs Assessment put any different
perspective on the need for a multipurpose center. Mr. Isaacson indicated
that the need for a multipurpose center was very strong; that while the
survey may have reflected there is no need for congregate living facilities,
there is still a great need for multiple activities to occur outside the home
for independent older persons. Ald. Feldman asked whether there was any
diminished attractiveness of a multipurpose center. Mr. Terry noted that
given the life expectancy continuing to grow, and that the Co�m:nission on
Aging's statutory responsibility begins at age 60, the Commission on Aging
programs for older persons were now serving a potential age range of 25 to 30
years, from 60 to 90+, and that this included a wide range of tastes,
interests, life styles and abilities, and a multipurpose center is necessary
to respond to that range. Ald. Davis felt that a senior center allowed for
independent living because a person can have activities out of the house but
live at home. She asked given the survey revealed a lack of interest in home
sharing and congregate housing facilities, will the Commission on Aging in
the future make that a lower priority for their activities. Mr. Isaacson
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 3/11/91 . . . Page 5
1
responded that he felt the negative reaction on home sharing was related to a
lack of information and that there was a need to do further education about
homesharing. Ald. Davis asked about congregate housing, noting that had
historically been a large part of Commission on Aging activity. Mr. Isaacson
said that may be an advocacy area that the Commission would want to
reconsider.
Ald. Feldman noted it has always been his concern about those we have not
reached, and what does the Commission recommend. Ms. Volberding noted that
there is full participation now of an Evanston Senior Services Provider
Exchange; noted that outreach is a very staff intensive function and involved
going out to homes; because seeing houses which are not being maintained is a
sign that an older person no longer able to care for the house; there is an
ongoing effort to make the Evanston home inspectors part of the network to
identify those seniors in need of services. Ald. Feldman asked if the
Commission makes a great use of the City's HIGHLIGHTS, and Ms. Volberding
responded yes.
Ald. Lanyon thanked the Commission on Aging members for their presentation.
The Committee concurred the report had provided useful information.
CONSIDERATION OF REFERENCE FROM THE MAYOR'S SPECIAL TASK FORCE ON SUBSTANCE
ABUSE
Ald. Lanyon indicated that this was a reference from the Mayor; that the Task
Force was anxious to receive the reaction of the Human Services Committee.
Ald. Feldman said he was very appreciative of the work that had been done by
the Task Force. He felt the Task Force had done as much as anyone could do;
the question is how do we deal with the service gaps which have been
identified. It was not at all clear to him what it was that the Mayor wanted
the Human Services Committee to do. Ald. Davis indicated she shared Ald.
Feldman's uncertainty. She characterized the report as an excellent
compilation of all the available statistics on the issue; it is an excellent
state of the problem in Evanston; the question is where do we go from here.
She felt the two new grants to PEER Services were a great step in the right
direction; noted also that the Unified Budget Panel had responded to an
Identification of service gaps; that the report provided excellent knowledge
as to what is our starting point for future activities.
Ald. Lanyon asked if staff knew why the two Evanston hospitals, St. Francis
and Evanston, did not participate in the Drug Awareness Warning Network
(DAWN). Mr. Terry said he did not have that information.
Ald. Drummer asked if anyone could provide further information about the two
new grants which were received, particularly more information about the
westside organization identified in the newspaper articles. Kate Mahoney,
PEER Services, indicated they were two separate grants to PEER Services. One
was for $40,000 for youth treatment to be provided out of the PEER Services
offices. She felt this was very significant; this was the first adolescent
treatment dollars awarded to Evanston; that an additional $81,000 had been
awarded to PEER for prevention services; that included in this prevention
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 3/11/91 . . . Page 6
grant were plans for some culturally sensitive prevention programs which
would include significant outreach and other activities on the west side of
Evanston; that in terms of the westside organization, it was identified that
this included organizations such as Save Our Children, the Evanston
Ministerial Alliance; that Ald. Washington had been instrumental in having
this group meet with Senator Art Bermann.
Ald. Drummer asked if Ms. Mahoney could indicate how they intended to utilize
the grant. Ms. Mahoney indicated there were still some details to be worked
out; that many organizations had been involved in accessing this money; many
letters of support had been received; there had been intensive lobbying with
the State Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse.
Ald. Davis clarified that no organization was serving as a co -grantee for
this or had any administrative responsibility. Ms. Mahoney responded that
the relationship for both grants was between the Illinois Department of
Alcohol and Substance Abuse and PEER Services.
Ald. Davis asked about why there was a split between prevention and
treatment; wanted to know how Evanston could get all the appropriate funding
it needed for adolescent treatment. Ms. Mahoney indicated that would be very
difficult; that the Governor and DASA have both indicated that prevention is
their priority; however, here in Evanston we need both, and we need to
maintain a balance. Aid. Davis noted she had just returned from a League of
Cities meeting in Washington and learned more details of the federal budget
agreement worked out last fall; that it contained discouraging news for human
y services; that the budget agreement included a three year cap on human
services funding; that any new dollars must result in cuts to other
programs. She again raised the question of what does the Drug Task Force see
as its next step in Evanston. Ald. Lanyon said that perhaps the next step is
to get providers into a workable plan to pull together to do an assessment of
the services being provided. Ald. Feldman asked if Task Force members saw a
potential of this fitting into a notion of centralized case management. Mr.
Terry indicated that would be very difficult given the high value placed on
confidentiality in the fighting of substance abuse services; that there are
federal confidentiality regulations for providers of substance abuse
treatment.
Ald. Lanyon said he will report back to the Task Force that the data
collection portion of the report was well received. Ald. Drummer said he
commended the Mayor's Special Task Force on Substance Abuse; that they are
off to a good start. Ald. Feldman felt that an emphasis in the future should
be on some determination of effectiveness; they need to know what works and
what does not work. Mr. Terry indicated that in terms of prevention, there
are a significant number of prevention programs and it is hard to know
exactly what works; that there was a short term evaluation done of the
D.A.R.E. program which indicated it had short term benefits, but its long
term benefits were still unknown; that there is a great deal of disagreement
and unknowns about treatment; that it depended upon the substance and
population involved; for example cocaine treatment has a very high recidivism
rate, and that even professionals' opinion on treatment varies. Mr. Terry
noted in 1989 at the unified Budget hearings, St. Francis OATES program felt
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 3/11/91 . . . Page 7
adolescent outpatient treatment did not work, and a year later they indicated
they felt it could work and were requesting funding for that purpose.
Ald. Davis noted that in reviewing this, quite often the lines between
prevention and treatment quite often blur, particularly in dealing with
adolescents; that it should be noted that adolescent treatment is really
prevention of longer term adult substance abuse.
CITIZEN`S ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE YOUTH SERVIU5 BUREAU
Ald. Lanyon indicated that in previous discussions the Committee had
indicated they wanted to have some voice in defining the appointment and
oversight role of the advisory committee to the Youth Services Bureau; that
he had invited Don Coileton, Chairman of the old Youth Advocacy Program (YAP)
Advisory Committee to participate in the discussion. Chief Jacobi indicated
that his review of the minutes reflected that the Human Services Committee
wanted the Mayor to appoint a committee; however, there had been no
established guidelines as to the members and their role. Ald. Feldman
indicated that when the discussion of an advisory committee for the old YAP
program took place, it was his feeling there was a need to include
professionals and non-professionals who were not part of the original program
design. He felt that was not a bad recipe and it resulted in a broad range
of citizen input and talent. He felt that some of the elements which
dictated Who was on the YAP Advisory Committee were not necessarily in place
in the current situation; that it was now a program part of a much larger
organization; that it would now appear that the Mayor would be free to choose
among those citizens best qualified. He raised questions of how the Police
Services Committee fit into this mix and what would be the relationship
between Human Services and Police Services. Chief Jacobi noted that in the
23 years the Police Department has had a Youth Outreach program, there was
never a reason for the Police Services Committee to review that function of
the department. He felt there were unique characteristics to the Police
Department as an organization; that the YAP Committee did a great job; they
provided a program framework; they identified pitfalls. He noted the budget
for the new Youth Services Bureau contained goals and objectives and
performance measures which had not been in place before, and that the program
had some strong, clear goals. It was his view that there could be a
committee primarily made up of professionals who agree to meet in a problem
solving fashion, and that he is willing to come back and give a further
report on the progress made towards that. -
Ald. Feldman asked what the exact relationship of the YAP Advisory Committee
had been, whether supervisory or advisory. Mr. Terry indicated it was an
advisory committee but did have some strong supervisory characteristics; that
there had been. staffing issues; there was direct management of the program
required, particularly in the period of 1989 in which there was no Director
of Health and Human Services; that it was a very activist committee. Don
Colleton said that when the YAP Advisory Committee had been formed, the issue
of how strong a committee was never really discussed because there was never
a need to discuss it; that the committee met on a basis of mutual
understanding of a need to solve problems. He said that as he views the new
Youth- Services Bureau how good that program is will be determined by the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 3/11/91
following major elements. He felt that first and foremost, there needed to
be a good "horse"; that the coordinator of the program was key. Mr. Colleton
said he was a believer in a strong advisory committee, not passive, not too
big, and that there needed to be representatives who could speak with
authority on behalf of the organizations they represent; that there needed to
be on the committee players in the system who can step in and make it work;
that if it were a passive committee he didn't understand what role that type
of a committee would play.
Ald. Davis indicated her model in this kind of discussion is the Teen -Baby
Nursery Advisory Committee. She feels that is the best advisory committee
she serves on; the key players are there; they are there to make it work; it
facilitates coordination and communication; there is ongoing, regular,
frequent communication among the members. Mr. Colleton indicated the other
key role for the advisory committee is the identification of gaps in service
and that you need key players who with staff have identified these gaps in
service are able to respond appropriately towards developing strategies to
deal with those gaps in service. Ald. Davis noted, however, that there is a
need to make sure that everyone involved is on the same track; that the
members of the advisory committee agree with the program's goals, and that
there is ownership of the program. Mr. Colleton said that regarding the new
program, there still needs to be strong statements from Districts 202 and 65;
that they are a part of this program and believe in it. Ald. Feldman
inquired as to what is done if Districts 65 and 202 said yes they support the
program, but their level of representation and participation won't change
from YAP. He felt a weak committee was a waste of everyone's time and
energy; that we have to make it clear to the members that they will have some
input in how the program is designed and operates. Mr. Colleton said the new
committee would be an extension of how the City wanted the program to work.
Ald. Drummer said he had great admiration for the former committee; that it
was a driving committee; he liked the way it operated; recognized that the
new program was in the Police Department, but it is still a human services
problem.
Ald. Feldman directed staff to develop a list of those organizations that
were perceived to be necessary for a a committee to work effectively. Ald.
Lanyon stated that Mr. Terry, Chief Jacobi and Mr. Colleton should get
together and develop two drafts. One would be a draft committee charge, and
the second would be a potential list or organizations that need to be
represented on the committee. Ald. Davis said she hoped that Mr. Terry,
Chief Jacobi and Mr. Colleton could work together to develop that list.
The Committee unanimously moved to adjourn at 9.02 p.m.
Jay W. Terry
DRAFT -NUT APPROVED
PRESENT:
OFFICIALS
AND STAFF:
Presidinq:
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
March 25, 1991
- 8:00 P.M.
Room 2402
Ald. Davis, Drummer, Feldman, Lanyon, Washington, Wollin
Jeanne Fox, C. Louise Brown, Kathleen Brenniman, Richard
Grodsky, Jay Terry
Ald. Wallin, Chair
The meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m.
MINUTES
The minutes of March 11, 1991 were reviewed. Ald. Washington stated the
content of the minutes of that meeting did not reflect accurately the status
of a recent grant for substance abuse services. She indicated she had
concerns with statements made by Kate Mahoney, Executive Director of PEER
Services, Inc. She distributed communications to the Committee which
included copies of the pages from the original grant proposal to the Illinois
Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, and also copies of a press
release which she had issued. She noted that the funding received was in two
parts; that she had done the majority of the work; she tried to get a grant
working through Senator Berman last fall for the West Side Community
Organization; they then had to wait because of the change in DASA staff; that
the funding is targeted for the west side; that the organization had to go
through PEER Services because PEER was already DASA approved; the funding
will result in the opening of a center on the west side; the only reason PEER
Services is involved was as a financial agent; the grant is between the
Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse and the Westside Community
Organization.
Ald. Drummer asked for further clarification and Ald. Washington indicated
that PEER Services would handle the administrative end of the grant; that the
grant would call for two part-time people; that they are still working out
the details of the program. Ald. Davis asked if that meant that the grantee
to the State was, in fact, the Westside Community Organization. Ald.
Washington said yes, the Westside Community Organization was the grantee, but
there was a need to go under PEER Services to get it approved.
Ald. Davis noted that in the minutes of the March 11 meeting, Kate Mahoney
had indicated no organization was serving as a co -grantee. She noted that
technically for the State's purposes PEER Services is the party responsible
for the performance of the grant, and the agency that has to account for the
expenditures.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 3/25/91 . . . Page 2
Ald. Feldman noted in the communication sent by Ald. Washington that in the
grant application it indicated that the Westside Community Organization was
serving as an advisory group and would provide community feedback and
strategies for integrating the program into the community. He asked Ald.
Washington if that was still the role. Ald. Washington said she was not
interested in disputes over terminology; that the fact was the Westside
Community Organization was not DASA approved; it did not have a track record
so there was a need to go through PEER Services. Ald. Feldman noted that the
Westside Community Organization did not have a social worker on staff. Ald.
Washington indicated there were funds in the grant for a treatment worker to
be hired who would be working with the Westside Community Organization. Aid.
Drummer commented that no matter who the grantee was it was a significant
amount of new dollars coming into the community for substance abuse
prevention, and he would like to see how it fits in the overall system of
service delivery in Evanston.
Aid. Lanyon said he would like to see a copy of the actual grant award. Ald.
Washington indicated that her main point in raising this as an issue is she
wanted it made very clear that she had done all of the work involved in
accessing this grant. In response to Ald. Lanyon's question Mr. Terry
indicated it was his understanding that the State had not yet issued a formal
notice of grant award so there was not one available to distribute to the
Committee.
Ald. Davis indicated she had one correction to the minutes:
Page 5, paragraph 5, line 11, should be amended to read
" ..identification of service gaps, oarticularly in adolescent
treatment: "
Ald. Wollin indicated she had a comment on the minutes regarding the
recommendations of the Commission on Aging; that there was the finding so
many of the elderly want to live at home and that many of the other housing
options are not of interest to them. She understood the desire to stay at
home as much as possible, but wondered whether anyone who was present at the
meeting had indicated to the Commission on Aging that is not entirely
realistic. She felt there were certain times when older persons needed to be
assisted with other housing options. Ald. Feldman responded that in his view
the thrust of the report outlined the need for services which would push back
threshhold point at which persons were no longer able to stay at their own
home; that there were certain needs the community could address such as
financial assistance, home maintenance programs, counseling and better
information about existing services.
With those additions and clarifications the Committee unanimously approved
the minutes of March 11, 1991.
MQ21101011�'i 1
March Mopt: lv Recreation Department Proaram Narrative
Ald. Wollin wanted to note for the record -that the Recreation
Department staff had been successful with achieving a UPPAR grant;
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 3/25/91 . . . Page 3
that this would be
Fleetwood-Jourdain and
Development dollars, and
congratulations to those
money to allow for improvements at
that would, in turn, free up Community
she wished to have staff convey the Committee
who had prepared the grant.
Evanston Community Foundation Grants
Ald. Wallin asked for information about the Lighthouse Program which
had been funded. Mr. Terry indicated this was a program supported by
the First Church of God; that it was a drop -in center on Simpson
Street; its primary focus was on youth issues, particularly substance
abuse; the volunteer staff have had training from both PEER Services
and the Mental Health Association of Evanston.
Ald. Drummer asked for information about the Leadership Training
Program to which the Foundation had allocated funds. Mr. Terry
indicated it was an exploratory project on the Foundation's part to
determine the level of interest in the community in developing a
Leadership Training Program similar to that run in other communities;
it was a project currently undertaking a needs assessment and that
Helen McCarthy had been hired by the Foundation to run that project.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT ON THE ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL CITY CONFERENCE
Ald. Wallin noted she had returned with copies of a document called "WHAT IT
TAKES - STRUCTURING INTERAGENCY PARTNERSHIPS TO CONNECT CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
WITH COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES; she had distributed copies of the booklet to
Committee members and staff; she was interested in having reactions to it;
she felt it had a number of innovative things in the book which were very
worthy of discussion, particularly as it related to discussions which had
been held in Evanston about comprehensive case management. She felt two
suggestions the book had made which were doable and new to Evanston were
including the client in the development of the service plan and also the
notion of different agencies sharing locations. She noted the booklet
contained a number of guidelines for collaborative programs; it was perhaps
something the Unified Budget Task Force could take a look at; the booklet
made some important distinctions between cooperative and collaborative
programs; felt that Evanston was at a level of cooperation but not
necessarily collaboration.
Ald. Davis was interested in learning from staff where the Task Force and
agencies were at toward this notion of comprehensive case management. She
noted that the booklet contained a listing of questions on assessing the need
for interagency partnerships and felt it might be an appropriate
questionnaire to be sent to the agencies in mid -year; it might be a mechanism
to get agencies starting to think in those terms; ultimately the staff may
want to hold a workshop on these types of issues for the agency heads.
Ald. Davis asked Mr. Terry for his reaction to the report. Mr. Terry
indicated he could respond to the questions in two ways, both immediate and
long term. The Committee needed to know that the most immediate development
relative to developing comprehensive case management was the development of
the Intergovernmental Agency Agreement, which was something produced by the
At -Risk Committee of Evanston Township High School; it was an agreement which
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 3/25/91 . . . Page 4
called for better communication between agencies, provided all appropriate
client confidentiality releases were secured; it was proposed there be five
signatories to the agreement, City of Evanston, District 202, District 65,
Mental Health Board and Evanston Township. It was his understanding that
District 202 had already approved the agreement; District 65 was about to; it
was something which had not yet come to the Human Services Committee, and the
Mental Health Board was just now beginning to consider it. Mr. Terry
indicated what was different about this agreement was that it contained
language that implied if agencies were not cooperative with the sharing of
information, their funding could be jeopardized. Mr. Terry stated that in
regards to the response to the report in general, he felt the report
indicated that if you were going to adopt the recommendations they were
making, it would call for a major shift in community thinking and it was not
something in which there was going to be significant improvement or
achievement by finetuning the edges of your existing service delivery
system. He questioned whether there was the commitment or desire for the
type of wholesale, systemic change that was called for by the report, and
that type of major shift in system design needed to be considered further.
Ald. Feldman indicated he was very impressed with the contents of the report;
he recommended it be circulated to the Unified Budget Panel, Task Force, and
the Mental Health Board. He felt it was important that there be some input
from the agencies. He felt perhaps that a staff workshop could result from
this. He noted that much of the community's and Human Services Committee's
frustration over the years has resulted from issues like this; efforts in the
Youth Advocacy Program and efforts to fight substance abuse have been
targeted to deal with these type of problems; felt this document pointed the
way and was glad that members of the Human Services Committee were able to
get copies of this report.
Ald. Drummer concurred with Ald. Feldman's comments; felt the community has
been struggling with issues like this; it confirms contents of the last
report of the YAP Advisory Committee. He felt the case study presented in
the report on a family at -risk could be duplicated, telling the stories of
many Evanston families in similar situations; felt that Mr. Terry had raised
the appropriate question as to whether the City was ready to make the big
commitment to change the way we're doing things now.
Ald. Lanyon asked for clarification on the Intergovernmental Agency
Agreement; wanted to know if District 202 had, in fact, approved it. Mr.
Terry indicated that the District 202 board had approved it; the agreement
was drafted by the District 202 attorney, and was the proposal of
Superintendent Goldman. It was understood the school boards were going to
consider it first; it was Mr. Terry's understanding that it would be an
agenda item for the next City/Schools Liaison Committee. Ald. Lanyon felt
that any agreement was putting the cart before the horse. He was concerned
that details of an agreement had been worked out by a committee prior to
general consensus as to the commitment to that program. He was concerned
that an agreement had been drafted which showed the City as a signator;
wanted to know what the City's participation had been. Mr. Terry indicated
that the At -Risk Youth Committee was regularly attended by him, the Chief of
Police, the Commander of the Youth Division of the Police Department, and
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE;
Minutes of 3/25/91 . . . Page 5
occasionally, by the Superintendent of Recreation.
Jeanne Fox indicated that in her opinion there were good ideas in the report;
it was something which should be shared with the Unified Budget Task Force.
She noted that one of the things necessary for many of the successful models
which were included in the report, is involvement with the State social
service system and that is something missing in Illinois, the comimunication
between the local level and the State service delivery system is often not
very good.
Ald. Drummer indicated that the booklet and ideas really hit at the heart of
some of the issues here in Evanston; noted upon reading the Recreation
Department's Monthly Narrative he felt there are still significant issues
about lack of cooperation; he attended the high school basketball league
banquet; there were 120 ballplayers and 20 coaches; that FRAM had over 15
teams in its basketball league; there is so much activity, volunteer and City
sponsored, involving recreation programs for high -risk youth but once those
end, there is no real effort to pick up on the role they play. He believed
that after these leagues all disbanded for the season, there has been an
upsurge of activity on the street and there needs to be a greater commitment
to sponsoring these type of cooperative programs.
UKIDERATION OF A R UERENCE TO BAN C GA TTE VENDING MACHINES
Ald. Drummer opened the discussion by indicating he was in full agreement
with the notion that smoking is bad and he would vote to approve a ban on
cigarette vending machines. Ald. Davis noted this was a reference by Ald.
Collens and she had suggested that Evanston might want to follow the Chicago
model. However, she saw no point in exempting out establishments with liquor
licenses; she suggested the Committee should either ban vending machines
across the board or not ban them at all.
Ald. Feldman moved the Committee endorse a ban of all cigarette vending
machines in Evanston. Ald. Lanyon seconded the motion.
Ald. Washington felt the 11 establishments which have liquor licenses and are
based in restaurants should be able to keep their cigarette vending
machines. Ald. Drummer was concerned and felt there should be a reasonable
balance protecting smoker's rights as well as non-smokers. It was his belief
that establishments which serve liquor should have machines if they so
desire. Ald. Feldman stated that what the Committee was considering banning
was easy access; in no way was this a ban on cigarette smoking; smokers in
Evanston have numerous opportunities to purchase cigarettes on a face-to-face
basis in many stores and other areas. Ald. Wollin speculated that Chicago
exempted taverns from enforcement because minors are banned from taverns;
noted that taverns don't exist in Evanston.
Ald. Davis said that in order to consider a ban on cigarette vending
machines, the Committee needs to go back and analyze why such a proposal was
being proposed; that it was an attempt to cut down on youth access to those
vending machines. She felt if that was the purpose of the proposed
ordinance, then you have to ban all vending machines. She didn't understand
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 3/25/91 . . . Page 6
what point would be served in exempting restaurants from enforcement of the
ordinance. She asked for those who wished to promote that exemption to
explain their rationale for doing so.
Ald. Drummer agreed that the ultimate goal should be to ban all cigarette
smoking; however, he felt it was naive to think the community could ban all
smoking. He felt banning these machines may be causing economic hardship on
some businesses. He didn't believe the ordinance had to be all encompassing
with all cigarette vending machines; the cigarette vending machines are a
matter of convenience to customers. Aid. Feldman believed the majority of
vending machine income goes to vending companies; the establishment where the
machine is located actually gets very little income. He could not imagine
that those establishments needed that income; felt there was no basis to ban
cigarette machines unless the purpose is to deny easy access to young
persons. He felt even if underage persons have an ability to access
cigarettes or liquor, that doesn't mean the City should give up its
enforcement responsibilities. He felt banning the machines would send a
clear message that young persons should not have free and easy access to
cigarettes; that there may be current holes in the community resolve against
that but it was no diminishment in the City's responsibility in this area.
He felt there should not be an exemption and the Committee should either vote
to ban totally or not ban at all.
Ald. Washington raised concerns about young people who can buy cigarettes at
the corner grocery store. She felt there needed to be a mechanism for
greater community input on this issue; that the Human Services Committee, if
they were to vote in favor of this, would be voting in a very self-righteous
way. She wanted to see a list of the 32 current vending machine locations
and wanted to get some sense of what the impact on the host location would be.
Ald. Wollin recounted that when she served on the Environmental Control
Board, the Board had drafted an ordinance proposing to ban free distribution
of cigarettes; they had evidence they were being given indiscriminately near
middle schools; however, the night that issue was to be considered by the
Human Services Committee the Environmental Control Board walked in and found
a room full of people from the Tobacco Institute; that the Human Services
Committee at that time had dropped the proposal under a threat of lawsuit.
She questioned whether Chicago's ordinance had been tested in court.
However, she felt the Human Services Committee and the City were well within
their rights to take actions to protect youth. She noted in the past, store
owners in Evanston have been fined for selling cigarettes to underage youth.
She agreed with Ald. Feldman that just because enforcement was not 100%,
didn't mean the City didn't have responsibility to enforce those laws.
Ald. Drummer felt that he and Ald. Washington could support a ban on vending
machines but were still looking for those exemptions.
Ald. Wallin asked City staff what would be the legal base for such an
exemption. Kathleen Brenniman responded there has been very little case law
in this area; she would have to investigate, but she could forsee some
problems with as exemption for those establishments. Ald. Davis said it =
appeared to her that Chicago exempted taverns and the basis for that
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE.
Minutes of 3/25/91 . . . Page 7
distinction was that you had to be 18 years of age to enter those
establishments; there was nothing similar in Evanston to support that type of
a distinction. Ald. Drummer stated that no matter where the machines were
located, it would still be illegal to buy cigarettes if you were underage.
Again, Ald. Davis felt that the exemption would amount to a type of
discrimination and there was no legal basis for this.
Ald. Wollin indicated this matter would be held over until the next meeting
of the Human Services Committee. Ald. Lanyon stated the further infonnation
he wanted to see was what income is generated by the local establishments
from their cigarette machine and also the list of current machine license
holders. It was Committee consensus that this issue be held over.
The Committee unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:00 p.m.
* I /�)" f � /4'
Jay W. Terry
OFFICIALS
AND STAFF'
DRAFT -NOT APPROVM
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
April 9, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
Alai. Davis, Drummer, Feldman, Lanyon, Washington, Wollin
C. Louise Brown, Harvey Saver, Richard Grodsky, Don Wirth,
Jay Terry
Ald. Wollin, Chair
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m.
MINUTES
The minutes of March 25, 1991 were approved unanimously without correction.
COMMUNICATIONS
Evanston 4Cs Roundtable
Ald. Wollin noted the communication from the Evanston 4Cs requesting
input from people in the community as to the future of the agency. She
noted she would be unable to attend, and it was her understanding Ald.
Davis couldn't attend and was wondering if anyone on the Committee would
like to go. She was suggesting the minutes of June 25, 1990 were a good
summation of the Human Services Committee review of day care issues and
felt a communication should be developed from those minutes which
reflected the human services priorities and the Evanston 4Cs could be
informed of that. Ald. Drummer asked whether Mr. Terry was going and Mr.
Terry responded that he was.
Ald. Feldman noted that the communication from 4Cs asked some specific
questions and wondered if the Committee wanted to respond to those. Aid.
Wollin noted that Committee members could respond as individuals; she was
unsure as to whether the Committee should respond as a whole. Ald.
Washington stated she felt it would suffice t❑ send a copy of the minutes
of June 25th and that members were free to send individual comments if
they had them. Ald. Drummer felt the Committee would be represented at
the meeting if Mr. Terry was going to be present. Ald. Wollin stated
that following the orientation to the Unified Budget Process (UBP) she
noted the need for panel members to have an increased knowledge of how
day care is funded in the community and a need for better explanation of
4Cs' role in funding day care.
W
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 4/9/91 . . . Page 2
Ald. Davis noted the 4Cs Roundtable was going to be more of an
introspective review; a self examination; she felt it was appropriate for
the Human Services Committee to send general information and receive a
report back from Mr. Terry as to what occurs.
Ald. Feldman asked for clarification as to how the number of slots a
community received was determined; what process 4Cs uses in arriving at
that figure; whether there was room for expansion; whether it was a
question of community funding; if it was a question of dollars from the
State or agency space. Mr. Terry responded that it was a combination of
those factors; the UBP did not fund 4Cs at the level they had requested.
However, also last year the Evanston 4Cs had not spent their entire
allocation; there was room for expansion. Ald. Feldman indicated his
concern was motivated by the pending development of a new day care center
affiliated with St. Francis Hospital; that St. Francis Hospital had
indicated a willingness to accept Title XX children and he would not want
to find that when the center is ready to open there are no Title XX slots
available. Mr. Terry stated he believed there would be slots available
for St. Francis when they are ready to open. Ald. Davis indicated that
her information, upon returning from Washington, there is slow
administrative response related to the federal dollars that will soon be
available for day care. Mr. Terry also indicated the lack of a
definitive answer regarding the availability of slots at St. Francis was
a reflection of the need for more precise information on how the Evanston
4Cs makes its funding and allocation decisions.
PIER Services DASA Grants
This communication was accepted without comment.
CONSIDFRATION OF RESOLUTION 33-R-91 TO ACCEPT A DONATION FROM THE JOSEPH &
SARAH LEVY FOUNDATION TO FUND A STAFF POSITION
Ald. Drummer moved for approval of the resolution. Ald. Lanyon asked
clarification as to why there was a slight dollar difference between the
Director position for the Senior Center and the Director position for the
Leisure Learning Center. Mr. Grodsky responded that the difference is in
step levels; that one is a higher graded position. Ald. Lanyon asked what
the significance was of the difference. Mr. Grodsky said the Senior Center•
Director is. responsible for all the programs in the total building. The
Leisure Learning Center Director is responsible for all non -senior citizen
programs occurring from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and on weekends. That person
is also responsible for all lakefront programs. Ald. Lanyon clarified that --
in his view the Leisure Learning Center Director was, in fact, a somewhat
expanded program manager.
Ald. Davis noted in the memo staff indicated the language in the agreement
was similar to that in previous agreements. She wanted it clarified that the E
only difference in this agreement is the specification of where the most
recent contribution of $25,000 would be going. She sought clarification that
the language regarding the Levy Center Advisory Committee was the same as in —
previous agreements. Mr. Wirth indicated that was correct. Ald. Davis felt �.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 4/22/91 . . , Page 3
Cmdr. Moses did not believe it was designed to be an oversight committee,
but more of a problem solving committee. He again expressed concern
about the Police chain of command. Ald. Drummer said he did not see that
as a problem; felt the issue was one of accountability and there needed
to be a reporting mechanism back to the Human Services Committee. Ald.
Washington stated she believed there needed to be more involvement from
citizens; that the last program coordinator did not communicate well with
the community and that was a problem. Cmdr. Moses said his
recommendations for the small advisory committee were based on what he
had seen as a YAP Advisory Committee member; he had no problem with
accountability and he was happy to be accountable to the Human Services
Committee. Ald. Feldman felt there was a difference in perception as to
what the advisory committee is. He felt it was advisory in all aspects
in terms of operations, conceptually, and philosophically. He did not
understand why there would be a need to limit it to one function. He
felt that committees of this nature tend to come better from citizens and
that there was a need to be independent of staff. He was also concerned
that there be a reporting mechanism to the Human Services Committee and
through the Director of Health and Human Services. He felt that if Cmdr.
Moses chaired the committee part of the function of the committee would
be to critique the program and it would be very difficult for the
committee to critique the program. He strongly recommended expansion of
the committee.
Ald. Lanyon felt that essentially the discussion was about 2 different
types of committees; one would be the problem solving committee
identified by Cmdr. Moses providing case coordination and facilitating
interagency referrals; the other committee was a much larger oversight
community -wide committee that had a much greater scope. Ald. Davis said
in terms of comparing where the City was when it started the Youth
Advocacy Program she felt the committee would not have the burden of
designing the program as was true with YAP; however, she felt several of
the community's key players were needed on the committee to keep the
program on track and to help make modifications as the program
progresses. She acknowledged the concern of staying away from big
numbers of persons serving on the committee but felt the group identified
thus far was too limited. She recalled that the Human Services Committee
had directed the Chief, the Director of Health and Human Services and Jon
Colletan, the last YAP Chairman to meet and discuss the committee. She
asked whether that had occurred as yet. Mr. Terry indicated that
schedule conflicts had prevented this from happening. Ald. Davis
recommended that this proposal for the committee be sent back and
encouraged the Chief, Don Colleton and Mr. Terry to get together and
provide some further recommendations. Ald. Wallin indicated this issue
would be held over until the meeting of May 6. Ald. Feldman inquired as
to what role the Director of Health & Human Services had in the
development of Chief Jacobi's memo. Ald. Wallin noted that the memo had
come from the Chief directly. Ald. Feldman asked if as presently
constituted this program was under the supervision of the Director of
Health & Human Services and Mr. Terry responded no it was solely a Police
Department program. Ald. Wallin again noted that it would be held over
Human Services Committee t
Minutes of 4/22/91 . Page 4
until May 6th at which time another Committee discussion could be held.
Cmdr. Moses said the program is very clearly under the auspices of the
Evanston Police Department; there should be no confusion about this, and
he again stated his concern with conflicts with the police chain of
command. The Committee consensus was that discussion on this would
resume on May 6.
APPROVAL OF i. TE TERS TO ESTA$LISWENTS WITH CIGARETTE VENDING MACH114E LICENSU
The Committee unanimously approved the two letters as written and directed
that they be sent out. Ald. Davis inquired about the cigarette vending
machine located in the Civic Center. Mr. Terry indicated that the Acting
City Manager had responded that our short term plan was to move the machine
to the Parasol Room on the fourth floor and that ultimately, a decision would
be made as to the final disposition of the machine.
The Committee unanimously moved to adjourn at 8:05 p.m.
Jay W. Terry
RAFT -NOT APPROVE D
OFFICIALS
N AFF:
PRESIDING:
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
April 22, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
Aid. Davis, Drummer, Feldman, Lanyon, Washington, Wallin
Ed Moran, C. Louise Brown, Dan Moses, Jane Volberding,
Richard Grodsky, Jay Terry
Aid. Wollin, Chair
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
MINUTES
The minutes of April 9, 1991 were approved unanimously without correction.
COMMUNICATIONS
Recreation Department Monthlv Narrative,
This communication was accepted without comment.
Reference from Administration and Public Works Committee concerninq
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
Aid. Wollin indicated she had attended a Recreation Board meeting in
which the Recreation Board had established a subcommittee to look at the
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre funding issue; the subcommittee would consist
of two members of the Recreation Board, two members of the
Fleetwood-Jourdain Advisory Committee and two members of the
Fleetwood-Jourdain Art Guild; that the subcommittee was looking for a
Human Services Committee members to be a member of that subcommittee. In
her opinion, the City has made substantial investments into the theatre
that need to be reviewed. She had not committed to the issue of a Human
Services Committee member. It was her belief that this review of the
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre needed to be held prior to the next budget
year.
Aid. Washington distributed a memo which she had prepared regarding this
reference which indicated that any Human Services Committee discussion on
this issue should be held on a date some time in the future. She stated
she would like to be the Human Services Committee liaison to that
subcommittee. Aid. Wollin indicated that Aid. Davis was the next
chairman of the Human Services Committee and she would notify Aid. Davis,
who was not present at that time. Alt Drummer felt it was very
important that Ald. Washington would be in on the initial phases of the
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 4/22/91 . . . Page 2
subcommittee's work. He was very concerned that a review of the
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre would weigh the dollar side and not the
quality of life side; he wanted Ald. Washington involved as soon as
possible. Ald. Feldman asked that a response be sent back to the
Administration and Public Works Committee informing them that this
subcommittee is in existence and that the Human Services Committee will
be monitoring the subcommittee's progress. Ald. Wollin concurred that
was appropriate. She noted she was not debating the worth of the
existence of the theatre, just wondering whether there were other cost
effective ways of providing some of the services, advertising, or other
work provided by the theatre.
Ald. Washington agreed that there were a number of things which needed to
be looked at. She noted that herself and Ald. Morton had met with
Superintendent Grodsky and Mr. Wirth on this issue. She was concerned
that she did not have prior knowledge of the bills inquiry which had been
at the Administration and Public Works Committee. Aid. Drummer asked if
there were any implications for this review in this years budget and Ald.
Wollin responded no. Mr. Grodsky clarified that the first meeting of the
advisory committee would be held the next evening and that two Recreation
Department staff are also involved in this review. Ald. Wollin asked if
minutes will be distributed of the subcommittee's work. Mr. Grodsky said
yes.
Youth Services Progress Reoort
Ald. Drummer clarified with Cmdr.. Moses that Chief Jacobi was
recommending a four member board. Cmdr.. Moses confirmed that. Ald.
Drummer sought clarification that Cmdr.. Moses was the person responsible
for the Youth Services Bureau. Cmdr.. Moses said that was the fact, that
the Coordinator position reports directly to him. Ald. Drummer said in
light of that he had two concerns. One was the size of the Committee
which was proposed; he was seeking broader representation. He also did
not believe that the Chair of the Committee should be the person
responsible for the program. He felt that Police Department officials
should staff the Committee not chair the Committee. Mr. Moses felt that
presented difficulty with the Police chain of command; that if this
committee were a true oversight committee, where was the chain of
command; who did the committee report to, the Chief of Police?; his view
of the committee was that as a problem solving committee; he was hopeful
that the heads of social work at District 65 and District 202, which
serve as members of the committee. Ald. Drummer said he had no problem -
with those persons being on the committee but he felt the schools were
not the only place the high risk youth were encountered. Cmdr. Moses
said that the concept of the program is coordination and they would be
working with a number of community agencies. Ald. Drummer again felt
there was not a broad enough range; that there was a problem with checks
and balances.
Ald. Davis entered the meeting at this time.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 4/9/91 . . . Page 3
there should be language consistency in the use of the term "center" so that
it is clear the agreement pertains to the current center only. She did not
want these terms to bind the City to any obligation when the new senior
center is built. She suggested the City legal department clear that up.
Ald. Nollin noted regarding the language on the Advisory Committee that she
had sent a communication to the Recreation Board recommending that only
residents of Evanston Serve on Recreation Department advisory committees.
The Recreation Board considered her recommendation and it was her
understanding their decision was they would consider that on a case -by -case
basis as new advisory committee members are appointed; that currently there
are two non -Evanston residents on the Levy Advisory Committee and one on the
Leisure Learning Advisory Committee. She feels very strongly that as the
Human Services Committee hears advocates for the new center, and program
design 'recommendations, it is very important the persons giving the advice
should be those persons who will ultimately be paying the bills.
The Committee unanimously approved Resolution 33-R-91. Ald. Drummer
clarified the unanimous vote also meant approval of the changes in the
Recreation Department budget to make the Leisure Learning Director
full-time. The Committee concurred that was the intent of the vote.
CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL TO BAN CIGARETTE VENDING MACHINES
Ald. Lanyon asked which Dunkin' Donuts was the one with the cigarette machine
and Mr. Terry responded the one on Green Bay Road. Ald. Drummer said the
most recent staff memo did not change his opinion as to how liquor
establishments would be affected. He was intrigued by the proposal that
places that currently had machines could get licenses to sell cigarettes over
the counter. He was willing to consider rules regarding the placement of
machines; however, he did not believe the Committee should be legislating
something that was a convenience item for customers in establishments that
served alcohol. Ald. Lanyon indicated he was in favor of trying to find a
way to limit unrestricted access to these machines by minors; however, he
felt he was trying to find a way this could be reviewed on a case -by -case
basis because he did not favor a straight ban on all these machines.
Ald. Davis indicated she concurred with the sentiments of Ald. Lanyon. She
felt, as she had stated at the previous Human Services Committee meeting that
there was a need to be clear about the purpose of a ban. She did not believe
any exemptions from a ban would stand up to a legal challenge. She noted
that the purpose of the ban was not an attempt to limit smoking, rather it
was to enforce a ban on minors' accessibility to cigarettes. She noted the
memo stated there are a small number of machines within the community and
that the owners of the establishments where they are located say it is no
problem. She suggested the City zero in on the access problems; that she too
is willing to consider distance requirements and some other monitoring
issues. She was hoping the City could focus on this issue on a cooperative
basis, and encourage establishments not to make their machines accessible to
minors. She felt the universe of who we would end up regulating by a ban
would be too small.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 4/9/91 . . . Page 4
Ald. Drummer agreed with Ald. Davis that the Committee should be looking for
voluntary compliance. He did not believe that the owners of these machines
were actively engaged in the risk of selling to underage persons.
Ald. Wollin stated her greatest concern was Mustard's Last Stand. She felt
that is heavily populated by children, though she acknowledged there could
not be a regulation just for one place. Her concern was amplified when she
saw that Mustard's Last Stand was the place most concerned about losing
income. Ald. Drummer said the City and the Committee could let the owner of
Mustard's Last Stand know that he has a responsibility not to sell cigarettes
to minors.
Ald. Davis felt if the Committee solicited voluntary compliance there was a
possibility that Mustard's Last Stand would want to move to over the counter
sales of cigarettes.
The Committee clarified that the Police Department is responsible for
enforcing the current ordinance, though acknowledged that it was probably not
an enforcement priority.
Ald. Washington felt the Human Services .Committee could send a communication
to the establishments that currently have cigarette machines reminding them
of their responsibilities and seek their voluntary compliance. Ald. Wollin
asked whether distance requirements should be considered. Ald. Drummer felt
voluntary compliance in monitoring access to persons underage was the
appropriate thing to do right now. Ald. Feldman felt the communication to
the owners of these machines should make it very clear that it is currently
against the law to sell cigarettes to minors; the Committee is ready to go
through a period of voluntary compliance; owners have a responsibility to
restrict access to children; the Human Services Committee is currently not
willing to eliminate a ban on those machines, but will be monitoring
compliance to see if a ban is necessary in the future. He felt the
establishments that had placed the machine in the vestibule of their building
were abdicating their responsibility to monitor access. Ald. Lanyon felt
staff should draft a letter to be sent to these establishments, and that the
Human Services Committee could review it. Aid. Drummer said he agreed with
most of Ald. Feldman's comments; however, he cautioned against the letter
being too strict. He did not believe that any kind of club was necessary at
this point; felt there had been an increased consideration on the part of
cigarette smokers; he could not imagine an establishment in town being
resistant to the intent of the letter. Aid. Wollin noted the issue had been
in the newspapers so there should have been ample publicity that this is now
an issue. Ald. Davis said the letter to the establishments should say the
Committee has considered a ban; if there is to be no ban of machines that the
establishments should be monitored; it is the vendors' responsibility to make
sure that minors to not have access to machines and they needed to be
reminded that they are subject to penalty if they violate this. Ald. Feldman
noted there already is a fine; the letter should state it is against the
law. He said the issue is not smoking, it is access to young people where a
law currently exists. He said he is willing to go along with this voluntary
N
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 4/9/91 . . . Page
compliance attempt for the time being. Ald. Wollin noted she will meet with
Mr. Terry to draft a letter. She suggested that a special letter be sent to
Nevin's Pub and Bennigan's with an extra paragraph which suggests they should
move their machines out of the vestibules of their building.
Ald. Feldman noted an issue that had not been covered, was while Builder's
Square's machine is not accessible to the general public, Builder's Square
employs a significant number of minors and the store had a responsibility to
insure their underage employees have no access to the cigarette machine.
Ald. Washington expressed the concern that this discussion would leave the
impression that all minors are now smoking. She noted there are large
numbers of younger people who are rejecting smoking cigarettes.
Ald. Davis indicated her final concern on this issue was the lack of
monitoring relative to the Civic Center cigarette machine; felt the City
needed to clean up its own act before it could be telling others regarding
the placement of their machine. She encouraged staff to move the Civic
Center cigarette machine to a location that was less accessible to the
general public and one which could be monitored more closely. Ald. Drummer
felt the City staff could determine a more appropriate location for the
cigarette machine.
The Committee unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:25 p.m.
*A IV -�
Jay W. Terry
QMFT-NOT APPROVED
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
May 6, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
PRESENT: Ald. Drummer, Moran, Washington, Davis, Feldman
OFFICIALS Jonathan Fiske, Don Wirth, Richard Grodsky, Robert
MD STAFF: Goldman, William Logan, Delores Holmes, Frank Kaminski,
Ernest Jacobi, Robert Dawkins, C. Louise Brown, Tom
Jager, Jeanne Fox, Donald Baker, Nicki Pearson, Judith
Aiello
PRESIDING: Ald. Davis, Chair
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
Ald. Davis noted this was the first meeting of the newly constructed Human
Services Committee. She welcomed Ald. Moran to the Human Services Committee
and also noted the presence of Mr. Fiske. Members of the Committee extended
a welcome to Ald. Moran and indicated their anticipation of Mr. Fiske joining
them.
MINUTE.
The minutes of April 22, I991 were approved unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS
4C's Roundtable
Ald. Davis instructed staff to keep the Committee posted regarding
potential State cuts in day care. She noted that a public hearing had
been held on human services budget cuts that morning at the Center for
Public Ministry and asked Mr. Terry to provide a report. Mr. Terry gave
an overview indicating that a number of clients and service providers had
spoken to a panel made up of the Mayor, members of the City Council,
State Representative Schakowsky and a representative of Senator Berman's
office, outlining the concern of potential cuts in day care, substance =-
abuse programs, medical programs for the poor; it would appear that the
impact of these potential cuts was going to be quite significant on W
Evanston residents. Ald. Feldman asked that staff convey to the Center for Public Ministry concern that the hearing was scheduled at a time in
which certain Council members were unable to attend. He indicated his
strong interest in appearing at that hearing.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 5/6/91 . . . Page
Ald. Washington noted there would be a rally in Springfield on May 16th
to protest these cuts, and that a bus would be leaving from Evanston.
Proposed Citizen's Advisory Committee to the Youth Services Bureau
Ald. Davis noted the communication from staff was an update; encouraged
Chief Jacobi, Mr. Colleton and Mr. Terry to keep meeting and keep the
Committee informed.
EBOPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL_INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
Ald. Davis provided some background to the agreement. She indicated it had
been conveyed to City Council members at a City -School Liaison meeting; she
tailed upon Mr. Logan to make a statement.
Mr. Logan indicated he had convened a group which had been meeting since
April of I990; this was a group of citizens concerned about at risk behavior
of youth and increased gang activity. He read a list of individuals who had
been involved from the City Manager, the Police Chief, Director of Health and
Human Services, a number of school personnel and community leaders. The
Committee began to examine all of the services provided in the community for
youth; they identified a list of key areas; criminal justice, community,
Recreation, City services, social services; they heard from social workers at
District 65, the YAP Program, the Youth Outreach Bureau; these meetings
produced some immediate results; they were able to have recreational fees
waived for 15 young persons; this group identified a strong need for
information sharing between the Police Department and the schools; they
approached a Juvenile Division Judge who gave permission for better
information sharing; the At Risk Youth Committee appointed a subcommittee to
make recommendations; that the Intergovernmental Interagency Agreement was an
offshoot of that; they have also engaged some Kellogg students from
Northwestern University to produce a report for the Committee. The proposed
planning grant to the federal government was another product. fie
characterized the overall objective of his committee to improve coordination
and develop new strategies for cooperation and learning from the experience from YAP.
Superintendent Goldman spoke on the Interagency Agreement; noted there were
issues which cut across agency lines. He spoke to the District 202 attorney
about confidentiality issues. The attorney asked whether the agencies had
ever considered an intergovernmental agreement. The school district had not
been involved with intergovernmental agreements between different branches of
government. Since the agreement was drafted there have been a number of
modifications proposed. He indicated that after discussion with the agencies
=
and other members it was clear that the role of the Executive Committee
needed to be clarified; however, there are two conflicts with the role of the
Executive Committee; some saying it appears to not have enough authority
while some feel it has too much authority. He noted that the school district
has some students which it is mandated to serve; however, agencies do have
some choice as to who they serve. If there is an agency already successfully
engaged with a client, it is thought that another agency would think twice
before becoming involved in that case. He said that while discussion of the
—
R
�4
Human Services Committee
r Minutes of 5/6/91 . . . Page
interagency agreement was going on it became known there is potential grant
money for collaborative efforts. He said they have engaged in conversation
with researchers from Northwestern University who know about collaborative
efforts; one reason other collaborative efforts have not worked is that there
has been an assumption that they were perfect from the day they went into
place; true collaborative efforts require policy makers to jointly plan their
mission statements; felt that the workers in Evanston needed protocols and
training on how to share information. He noted that the grant was very
strong on the planning aspects. He encouraged the members of the community
to try and solve what is solvable. He noted whenever there are agency heads
in a room there is a great deal of good will but also a great deal of
mistrust; the grant was a way for people to work together; there were support
letters from Evanston Hospital, District 202, District 65, the Children's
Home and Aid Society; it was expected that there would be more support
letters for this grant.
Ald. Davis said she appreciated the background. She encouraged Committee
members to try and separate the concerns between the interagency agreement
and the grant proposal. Mr. Goldman indicated the grant had a May 20th
deadline. Consequently, work was focused on the grant and not revising the
Executive Committee of the intergovernmental agreement until the grant was
finished.
Ald. Drummer asked if some of these goals were what the Youth Advocacy
Program was supposed to do. He indicated there were still some members who
were hopeful that concept was still going to work. Mr. Logan said the new
Youth Services Bureau (YSB) did have service coordination as a goal. He did
not see this agreement taking away from their work. He felt that YAP tried
to take on too much of a mission; felt the grant and agreement would bring on
great collaboration; with YAP the burden was on one agency to do all the
coordinating. He felt through the agreement it was everyone's burden to
share information. Ald. Drummer noted that YAP had met some agency
resistance and wanted to know these new initiatives would be different.
Superintendent Goldman responded that with YAP the decision to cooperate at a
policy level did not come down to the worker level; there needed to be
protocols; workers needed to know what was expected of them in terms of
sharing information; with YAP there had been no examination of District 202
and 65 protocols and no effort to resolve any conflicts. He felt it took
planning and training for this type of cooperation to really work. He felt
that if those who liked and trusted each other would be willing to cooperate
and if there was no trust, that cooperation would not happen. After
discussions with experts in the field, he believed that if the operating
details for collaboration are not developed systematically, collaborative
efforts will die out of frustration. He also indicated that true
collaborative efforts needed to be divorced from any annual budget evaluation.
Ald. Drummer asked how the Executive Committee of the interagency agreement
would be staffed and where it would be housed. Mr. Goldman said he did not
see there being an ongoing staff function for the interagency agreement;
however, he felt the planning grant was the key. Ald. Drummer asked how many
agencies had not been contacted. Mr. Logan said there were more agencies
becoming part of the coalition all the time.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 5/6/9I . . . Page 4
Ald. Washington expressed her concern that in the beginning only those
agencies listed in the agreement were those who got City funding, and she was
concerned that agencies were told that if they did not cooperate with the
grant they won't get City funding. Delores Holmes said regarding the
Intergovernmental Interagency Agreement, in her personal view the YAP program
never had authority to mandate agency cooperation. There was, at the time,
discussion about attaching funding to the YAP authority; however, she never
participated in any discussions with the At Risk Youth Committee which
indicated there needed to be a strong tie to funding decisions to cooperation
with the agreement. She noted that she personally favored such a decision.
Ald. Washington was still curious as to what the incentive was for agencies
to cooperate.
Ald. Feldman extended his thanks for all the work that had been done. He
noted that in previous discussions an accepted value, confidentiality has
held us back from true cooperation, and in that sense he can support the
grant. He is not sure about the issue of cooperation; does not believe that
was the problem with YAP; no one expected YAP to develop cooperation in all
aspects; did not agree with the characterization that YAP was supposed to be
perfect from the beginning; YAP was created in a pioneer spirit. He felt the
Human Services Committee was extremely cooperative with YAP to allow it room
to make mistakes and learn from them; that the change came about not from the
Human Services Committee, but from internal discussion of staff as to
something which would be more effective. He did not believe Ald. Drummer's
concern had been addressed; how would agencies cooperate on referrals. There
were those who saw YAP as a discreet service; agencies held back for personal
reasons, not protocols. No one ever came to the Human Services Committee and
said "we don't have protocols for sharing information." He did not believe
the diagnosis of the problem was correct; did not know the diagnosis but knew
the symptoms; believed the agencies who gave birth to the YAP program didn't
support it once it was in place; did not see the Intergovernmental Agency
agreement being able to resolve this issue. He felt there was a disturbing
spirit to the Intergovernmental Agency agreement. He said the goal is not to
be an enforcer; felt the agencies are staffed by people of good will; there
was no need to lord over them; they should not be intimidated that their
funding is at risk. He has objections with any executive committee that
convenes meetings of this nature; didn't understand the role of the executive
committee at all, especially if they are going to do things such as analyze
finances. He was concerned about process; there were no community -wide
meetings; there has been a year of work, yet no consumers, no elected
officials, no minutes of board meetings. He commended the goals of what was
trying to be accomplished, but suggested some serious thinking be done about
what is being proposed here. The YAP did do an evaluation and there was some
self-criticisms. Their concerns were, however, that there were no referrals,
no dollars, no community resolve, no training mechanisms; YAP ran into
agencies not willing to cooperate, plus the agencies did not have the
resources to deal with the problems which you have identified. He said
nothing in here is new and different; help, study, cooperate, everyone says
that. He said he expected much greater specificity that would do justice to
all the expertise that was involved in producing that type of document. He
would support a specific agreement for information sharing.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 5/5/91 . . . Page
Ald. Davis believed that the use of some of the terms in the agreement were
confusing; there was a need to make sure that everyone was using the same
terms and all having the same focus. It was her understanding that the
agreement was leading to a client focused process designed to make XYZ
agencies have a process for sharing information. She was concerned about
those terms in the agreement which imply a policy making role for the
executive committee. She felt the goal is a process one; its client focus;
it's a case coordination model; the Intergovernmental agreement ne'bded to be
revised along those lines. She asked if she was correct in her
characterization of the proposed agreement. Mr. Logan and Mr. Goldman both
said yes.
Ald. Moran asked if the Interagency agreement was prepared with the grant in
mind. He was concerned that the Interagency agreement may represent a
"Trojan horse" in that it looks confined, but that the language could be
expansive. He clarified that this was not the final document. Ald. Moran
felt that the question of making making participation in the agreement a
condition for funding seemed too open ended and opened a Pandora's box. Mr.
Goldman indicated the aldermen were in the best position to answer that
question. Ald. Moran felt that in order to make an intelligent decision on
whether or not to make participation mandatory, he needed to know how
agencies feel about the confidentiality waiver. He also had a second concern
that if the client didn't sign the waiver what would be the impact on the
client. Mr. Goldman referred the aldermen to the Client Release of
Information form attached to the agreement; that it was the result of
research by the District 202 attorney; that all schools have to follow strict
confidentiality rules; that there are mental health rules. In his view, if
the agreement was in place, if the client didn't want to sign then
theoretically the client would not benefit from cooperation and that the
client is saying they don't want to benefit from the information sharing
benefits that would result. He said that agencies would still make their own
internal decision as to whether or not to serve a client. Ald. Washington
said she had spoken to clients; that the clients knew best what agencies are
not doing to serve them; asked whether there had been any client input into
this process. Her concern with YAP is that all of a sudden here comes four
or five social workers into the house. She said she could only support the
agreement if there had been more community and client input. Mr. Logan
cautioned that he was 'not saying the City needed to approve as is; this was a
step by step process; they wanted input before it was a final document.
Ald. Feldman asked on page two of
Purpose of Organization, he noted
Executive Committee it still reads
believe there was any way you could
say that the Executive Committee
concurred that the language in the
like the Executive Committee will be
Ald. Drummer said he encouraged
agreement; that there was a need for
as to the City's role. He noted
dollars to agencies cooperation, but
the Intergovernmental Agreement, under
that for any position taken by the
to be a policy committee. He didn't
:ome up with an interpretation except to
was a policy committee. Ald. Davis
agreement at present does make it seem
i super policy committee.
the group to continue to refine the
some Human Services Committee discussion
there had been discussion about tying
that different services were coming in
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 5/6/91 . . . Page 6
at different levels. He is afraid the Committee would have to return it due
to the disagreement and not approve it this evening, but there was a neod to
continue to dialog on this subject.
Ald. Davis questioned how fenders would be able to document that they were
cooperating with the agreement. She summarized the Human Services
Committee's position as a Committee consensus supporting the concept for the
sharing of information; however, they were looking fdr specific language
changes. She directed City staff who had heard the thrust of the Committee's
remarks to return with suggested language changes. Ald. Drummer reminded the
Committee that they needed to be very clear amongst themselves as to what
criteria would be used for judging agency participation.
CONSIDERATION FOR PROPOSED CITY MEMBERSHIP IN THE EVANSTON COAt.ITIQN FOR
YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES,
Ald. Drummer had questions about the City's commitment to this grant; what
was being asked of it. He was concerned there was not enough time to
consider it. He was also concerned that there had not been a range of
community involvement; he wanted everybody involved in putting this grant
together; we have three weeks to get our community vision together. He said
it seemed to him that the Committee was saying get the dollars; that the
first thing he felt the Committee was being asked to say that we don't know
anything; he was very reluctant to do that. He felt that the YAP Advisory
Committee's last set of recommendation provided some useful information. He
was very reluctant to sign on to anything that says we have no idea what is
going on. Mr. Goldman responded that the commitment from the City would be
part of the 25% match. It was his feeling that the match could be identified
purely in in -kind services such as salary and space. He is not asking the
City Council to spend any dollars; not asking for an appropriation; merely
asking for permission to become a member of the Coalition.
Ald. Moran said it seemed like a sensible grant purpose to him. He noted
that the group would have a lot of work to do by the May lath grant
deadline. He said in order to consider becoming responsible members of the
Coalition that the Committee needed to know what the grant application would
say. He didn't need a final product but he needed a lot more information
than had been provided for the Committee that night.
Ald. Feldman read from the Federal Register language that announced the
availability of the grant. He read from the minimum requirements for the
project design; felt there was an awful lot of work to be done in two weeks;
that the grant application appeared to require a great deal of specificity
that the Coalition, up to this point, had not provided to the Human Services
Committee. He supposed if we were to ask different members of the audience
what the grant was all about, he would probably get different answers. He
said the members of the Coalition need to ask themselves if they could
ethically and effectively come up with a statement of need which represents
Evanston's aspirations in this grant. fir. Goldman responded no, that the
Evanston Coalition of Youth and Families couldn't be that broad. He said
there was a lot more information which had gone into the product which the
Coalition had seen which had not been shared with the Human Services
MI
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 5/6/91 . . . Page 7
Committee. Aid. Feldman said he couldn't help but question what the support
representation for the grant application really meant; the concept, in fact,
was easy to support, but what did it really mean.
Aid. Davis felt the situation presented a problem. Was the grant application
doable in the time remaining; that staff had checked and the grant requires a
postmark by May 20th; wondered how the Committee and the City Council could
get that approval in and whether or not the Committee should have a special
meeting on Monday, May 13th. Ald. Feldman questioned how the Committee could
sneak and make a determination for the entire City Council. Mr. Terry
responded it could not, but one mechanism would be to submit a grant
Indicating that the Human Services Committee had approved and that the final
vote of the Council would be transmitted to Federal government as soon as it
was done. Aid. Feldman indicated that he had received four calls from
aldermen not on the Human Services Committee expressing their concern about
the grant; they will all want input into the decision -making process.
Aid. Davis suggested that the Committee meet on May 13th; that the material
received on that date will either be sufficient or not and then the Committee
could then make a decision as to whether or not to proceed with the full
Council.
Aid. Davis and Aid. Drummer asked how close to the final product the Human
Services Committee could expect to receive. Aid. Feldman indicated that
before next Monday night he wanted to see as much community input as
possible; there had been questions raised about the appropriateness of
District 202 serving as the fiduciary agent; what is the $30,000 for staff;
what is involved with weekend retreats; should this be the focus of our
efforts; this grant was too significant to approve without all the
appropriate answers.
Aid. Davis announced that the Human Services Committee would meet at 6:30
p.m. Monday, May 13, I991, for approximately one hour for the purpose of
considering this grant proposal.
Aid. Drummer indicated again that he wanted to see as much public involvement
as possible. Aid. Davis asked how it would be possible in the amount of time
to have any kind of public hearing.
Superintendent Goldman said he was not interested in fighting the community;
that he didn't want the grant application to be a wedge between groups. He
said if applying for the grant raised questions and was devisive he didn't
want to do it. Aid. Feldman questioned Superintendent Goldman's use of the
word devisive and stated every issue has opposition and that the people in
the community have concerns; if you can answer the questions I can support
it; they are legitimate questions and concerns.
Aid. Davis stated she was hoping the material that would be available for the
Human Services Committee for their next meeting would present a very clear
plan with community involvement, a strong needs statement, and strong
clarification of local match. She said that the Human Services Committee had
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 5/6/91 . . . Page 8
to get this information as soon as possible and that it must go out in the
mail on Friday for consideration by the Committee; there should be no new
information presented to the Committee at Monday night's meeting.
The Committee unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:40 p.m.
Jay W. Terry
DRAFT -NOT APPROVF9
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
May 13, 1991
6:30 P.M.
Room 2402
PRESENT: Ald. Drummer, Fiske, Moran, Washington, Davis, Feldman,
Rainey
OFFICIALS Jeanne Fox, Harvey Saver, Robert Goldman, Ernest
AND STAFF: Jacobi, Richard Grodsky, Tom Jager, Nicki Pearson, Robert
Dawkins, Bill Logan, C. Louise Brown, Ray Ganey, Diane
Goodson, Don Colleton, Bob Roy, Don Baker, Jay Terry
PRESIDING: Ald. Davis, Chair
ML TO ORDER.
The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m.
Ald. Davis clarified that the only agenda item for the evening's meeting was
the consideration of the grant proposal to the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services.
Ald. Feldman indicated it was clear that the week had been filled with a lot
of work. He is convinced that there is the beginning of a spirit of working
together. He asked if this was the final document. Mr. Goldman responded
no, that May 16 the final document would be submitted. Ald. Feldman
indicated that his intention was that the full Council still have a chance to
review this before it goes in and that as such, he needed a final document.
Ald. Davis said she assumed that the remaining work to be done was the
standard federal language, and Mr. Goldman concurred.
Ald. Washington said she still wanted to make sure there was as much church
involvement as possible and was hoping that the Coalition would make an extra
effort to work with churches. Mr. Goldman indicated that a statement of
support had been received from the Evanston Ministerial Alliance.
Ald. Moran indicated that it reflected a tremendous effort in a short period
of time; the document is now a clear view of what is to be attempted. He
commended the spirit which produced this document.
Ald. Drummer questioned whether the grant was to meet identified needs or to
identify needs. Mr. Goldman said it was both. Ald. Drummer noted the
identification of staff not being trained to collaborate was a pretty blanket
statement. He recommended that Don Colleton get involved with the Coalition
based on his work with COE-POPS and COE-MOMS and the YAP Advisory Committee.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 5/13/91 . . . Page 2
Ald. Fiske indicated that the purpose of the grant was unassailable; it
appears that it must be done. He was curious to know whether coordination
would lead to an elimination of waste. His question was whether there were
any community groups who were opposed to the proposal. Superintendent
Goldman indicated the only one who stated any concern thus far was the Youth
Job Center, and they merely indicated they wanted more information.
Ald. Feldman said he has talked to agencies and they do have questions as to
the clarification of roles, whether it would affect their funding, who do
they seek for guidance and support if they have questions. He felt it was up
to everyone to provide the system which can offer the greatest support to
agencies. He was sure that some were apposed but he was hoping that wouldn't
last.
Ald. Davis said it was her assumption that since it was a consensus building
grant they would forever be willing to add more people and include more
groups.
Ald. Feldman noted that the Intergovernmental Interagency Agreement was
mentioned in the grant; that it was the intention of the members of the Human
Services Committee to fix the deficiencies in that agreement quickly. His
question was what is the next step for the Coalition if there is no grant.
Mr. Gold indicated that in his opinion he would like to see the individual
organizations in the Coalition put up some dollars for planning and training
activities; the building of a structure has never been done; it was only
loosely talked about before the grant. Don Baker said that before they
started moving towards the grant they had been working on the
Intergovernmental Interagency Agreement; that he would assume that once the
grant work is done the group would proceed to fine tune the agreement.
Ald. Drummer noted that certain agencies might be reluctant if they felt
there was going to be some super agency created. He wanted to assure
agencies that was not going to happen; there was much work for agencies in
the community to do. He noted that in the Youth Job Center not every client
sz—
is an at risk client. Ald. Feldman clarified that the Youth Job Center
wasn't necessarily opposed, they just wanted some more information. Ald.
Moran said it was not his impression that this would lead to the creation of
a super agency, it was merely an attempt to build a coalition; that there had
been no tendering of authority. Ald. Davis concurred, indicating that each
entity sees their own mandates; that there was no giving over of authority
here, it is simply a grant to make sure that we are talking to one another.
In terms of process, Ald. Davis suggested that it be approved in Committee,
to be considered by the Council on May 20, 1991 for ratification, and that
communication would be sent to the federal government of the Council action
taken on May 20th. Aid. Feldman indicated that was not what he had in mind.
He felt there was something less than real about debate after the fact;
wondered what would happen if the application was sent and there had been no
Council ratification; he was seeking a full discussion before the grant went
to the Council. He had no suspicion that the grant would not be okayed by
the Council, but it was his suggestion that there be an emergency session of
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 5/13/91 . . . Page 3
the Council called for Saturday morning, May 18the. Ald. Davis said that
having the grant deadline did not preclude full Council discussion; that the
grant could be withdrawn at any time and there could still be full discussion
of the grant. She questioned whether a Saturday meeting would produce full
consideration of the issues regarding the grant.
Ald Drummer felt that it was merely a planning document; that the Committee
could endorse the concept. He questioned whether the full Council needed to
be involved.
Ald. Davis questioned whether the discussion was after the fact; that if the
Council said no the grant application could be withdrawn before the federal
government had done any consideration of it at all.
Ald. Moran questioned whether full Council consideration was needed; whether
the Council approved all grant applications. Mr. Terry clarified that no,
the Council did not approve all City grant applications, but that Council
approval was required per the terms of this grant by the federal government
and that in a discussion with Herbert Hill of the Law Department, it was
clarified that the Human Services Committee could not speak for the entire
City Council; that at some point the full Council must consider this matter
if the Human Services Committee approves. Ald. Feldman said not only must
the full Council consider it, it should; it is a significant initiative
requiring significant participation; this isn't trivial; it was a commitment
for all of the community; it could not be decided by six aldermen; there is a
difference between passing something and debating something; there is a need
for the clear articulation of the goals and purposes of the grant. Aid.
Davis agreed that the Council needed a full opportunity to debate the issue,
however she didn't believe that a Saturday morning meeting hastily called
would get the full participation which would be necessary to consider the
grant; that the decision still remained in the Council's hands; she would
rather have the full participation of a Monday night meeting than a Saturday
session.
Ald. Rainey indicated that she was concerned that the full Council have a
chance to debate this grant; that based on the history of her serving on the
Council, she had concerns about hearing from similar groups in the past that
they found the final solution for serving at risk youth. She approaches this
grant with a degree of skepticism; she had no problem with the Human Services
Committee approving as the Human Services Committee but she wanted the Human
Services Committee committed to a full discussion at the Council level. She =
noted it is not the Council's fault that they didn't have this document to
debate this ahead of the grant deadline.
Ald. Davis noted that the authors of the grant had found out about it within
a short time period; that she was committed to a full discussion of the
grant. Ald. Rainey stated that if the Human Services Committee approved and
then send on it would bias the discussion; it was a terrible position for
aldermen to be put in; yes or no to something that had already been sent in.
Mr. Goldman clarified that something had to be sent in by May 20the; it had
to be received by the deadline; it was a competitive grant situation; it must
have a May 20th or earlier postmark.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 5/13/91 . . . Page 4
Ald. Moran questioned whether it was possible to call a Council meeting early
an May 20th so it was possible to have a postmark. Mr. Terry indicated that
he had contacted the Evanston and Chicago Post offices and it didn't appear
it was feasible to get a May 20th postmark within any reasonable timeframe
that night.
Ald. Feldman indicated that Ald. Rainey had raised an interesting question
regarding the possibility of alteration to the grant. He said there was a
potential that if aldermen saw it on Saturday morning they could suggest
changes whereas if the document was gone there was no opportunity for input,
only a yes or no. He said if it is physically impossible to call a Saturday
meeting then the Committee had no choice. He questioned what objection there
would be to a special meeting. Aid. Davis said if there is not a full
complement of aldermen present at the Saturday meeting it is not fair to the
entire Council. Regarding the chance for changes she noted this was a
planning grant; there will be many opportunities, should the grant be
awarded, for Council input. The opportunity for input existed in the
implementation of the grant. Ald. Davis said even assuming a change in the
grant, could the Coalition react and agree to those changes. Ald. Moran said
he had no problem discussing with the full Council, but was that possible.
He indicated the Human Services Committee had a burden to try and expedite
this grant.
Ald. Fiske asked whether staff had exhausted the possibilities of the Post
office staying open. Ald. Drummer felt that Council members this was a much
bigger issue than it needed it to be. He said he couldn't imagine that
Council would object to this; felt there was a need for more work amongst
Committee members themselves to see if there were any Council objections.
Ald. Rainey asked what form approval would take. Mr. Goldman indicated that
at some point on the application there should be a signature from a City
official. Aid. Feldman indicated there was nothing he wanted to do to
inhibit this process. He believed in the proper processes being followed.
Aid. Feldman offered a motion that the Human Services Committee approve the
City membership in the Evanston Coalition for Youth and Their Families and
approve the submission of the application for the planning grant. Ald.
Drummer seconded the motion.
Ald. Washington felt that every member of the Council had received a copy of
the grant application the previous Friday. She suggested members of the
Human Services Committee contact all other members and see if a Saturday
meeting was necessary. Aid. Davis said checking with other Council members
would only delay the process. She noted that all aldermen were invited to
attend tonight's meeting and those who were not there had chose not to.
Ald. Feldman's motion was approved 6-0.
Ald. Feldman moved that the Human Services Committee call for a special
Saturday meeting on May 18th to allow for full Council consideration of this
grant application. Ald. Feldman's motion failed for the lack of a second.
t
S
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 5/13/91 . . . Page 5
Aid. Davis noted that this would then be on the Council agenda for approval
the night of May 20th. Ald. Feldman expressed his concern that this grant
application would not be seen by the federal government as a full document.
Aid. Davis directed Mr. Terry to contact the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services to find out if the Human Services Committee endorsement of
this grant was not enough, and if staff communicated back to the aldermen
that Human Services Committee endorsement was not enough that there would be
a special meeting called on Saturday. Ald. Drummer noted that whether or not
there was a need for a Saturday meeting there was a need for the aldermen to
communicate the purposes of the grant with the rest of the Council.
The Committee unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:30 p.m.
W
Jay W. Terry
DRAFT -NOT APPROVED
I
OFFICIALS
AND
PRE�IDING:
S� lR , TO ORDER
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
May 20, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
Ald. Drummer, Fiske, Moran, Washington, Davis, Feldman,
Donna Hriljac, Irving Miller, William Hoyer; Environmental
Control Board, Harvey Saver, Bruce Zimmerman, Ellen
Szymanski, Jay Terry
Ald. Davis, Chair
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of May 6, 1991 were considered with the following
corrections:
Page 5, paragraph 1, line 7, the sentence should read: "She felt the goal
is a process one; it is not a new program or aaencv:........
Page 7, paragraph 7, line 6, should be amended to read .....if you can
,gat answer the legitimate questions and concerns, maybe the or000sal
should be withdrawn.
With those corrections the minutes of May 6, 1991 were approved unanimously.
The minutes of May 13, 1991 were considered. Ald. Davis requested
corrections as follows:
Page 2, paragraph 3, line 2 should be amended to read:........ they would,
as time goes along, add more people and include more groups.
Page 3, paragraph 5, line 7 the sentence should be amended to read:
....Council level whether on Saturday or Monday.
Page 4, paragraph 2, line 12, should be amended to read: Ald. Davis said
even assuming Suggested chances in the grant, how could the Coalition
react and agree to those changes by the lath. On page 4, paragraph 5,
line 6, the sentence should be amended to read: .....meeting or to
forward their comments to the Human Services Committee. She had not
received any comments from other Aldermen prior to tonight's meeting.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 5/20/91 . . . Page 2
Page 5, paragraph 1, line 6 should be amended to read: ....grant followed
by Council aonrovai on the 20th would meet the aranj reouirement: if
staff communicated back to the aldermen this aaproval process was not
sufficient then there would be a special meeting called on Saturday. w
With those corrections, the Committee unanimously approved the minutes of May
13, 1991.
COMMUNICATIONS
Recreation Department Mopthly Narrative
The Committee accepted this communication without comment.
Ald. Washinaton`s Communication on the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
Ald. Washington asked if it was appropriate for a communication to be
sent to the subcommittee of the Recreation Board looking at the Theatre.
Aid. Davis noted that Aid. Washington has attended these meetings. She
agreed that Aid. Washington should be the liaison providing the
subcommittee realizes her attendance is not as an advocate but as someone
who would convey information between the subcommittee and the Human
Services Committee. Ald. Feldman suggested that staff draft a letter
using language similar to that which describes the liaisons to all boards
and commissions.
CONSIDERATION OF THE STATUS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN BY THE
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD
Ald. Davis stated it was her intention that the Human Services Committee
consider this recommendation in as fair a manner as possible. She noted that
the Human Services Committee has heard concerns about this plan from the
Environmental Control Board before; the Committee was anxious to hear the
discussion, however, she noted that an executive session might be appropriate
to consider the future of this plan on the grounds of possible or pending
litigation.
Ald. Feldman noted that the memo received in the packet from the
Environmental Control Board is a restatement of much information that has
been transmitted before; many of the concerns have been articulated before;
that the Committee is not hearing about these problems for the first time.
He noted the new content of the memo was the plan of the Environmental
Control Board to take corrective actions.
Assistant City Manager Bruce Zimmerman suggested to the Committee that
specific performance issues were probably best discussed in an executive
session, in view of the potential for litigation.
Aid. Feldman made a motion to go into executive session for the reason of
possible or pending litigation. Ald. Drummer seconded that motion. On a
roll call vote this motion passed unanimously.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 5/20/91 . . . Page 3
The Committee went into executive session at 7:46 p.m.
The Committee reconvened into open session at 8:50 p.m.
Ald. Davis conveyed her thanks to the Environmental Control Board for all of
their hard work.
U.S. HEALTH AND IJUMAN SERVICES GBANT PROPOSAL
Ald. Davis noted that all Council members had received a final copy of the
grant application to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She
noted there would be a memo on every Alderman's desk in the Council chambers
tonight; that certain members, upon receiving the final grant application,
had raised some concerns in the language in the grant application on the
makeup of the Steering Committee; that there was some concern that the staff
members who had served on the original grant planning committee would not be
continuing to serve on the committee and she felt continuity was very
important. She read a copy of the memo from Mr. Terry to the Council members
that would be distributed that night. The consensus of Committee members was
that the language in the memo was appropriate and clarified concerns.
Ald. Feldman asked if there was a need to have the liaison to the Steering
Committee appointed. Ald. Davis suggested that could wait until it was
determined what the next step of the Evanston Coalition of Youth and Their
Families would be. Ald. Feldman expressed his support for the new language
on the Steering Committee because he believed it was very important that the
staff members of District 202, who had been involved in this, would continue
to be involved. Ald. Fiske concurred and indicated that Robert Goldman and
Bill Logan's involvement were vital in this project.
The Committee unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:00 p.m.
s
4
t
Jay W. Terry
MINUTES
R
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
June 10, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
PRESENT: Ald. Drummer, Feldman, Moran, Washington, Fiske, Davis
OTHERS Jane Volberding, Barry Isaacson, Stacy Sochaki, Linda Lutz,
PRESENT: Jay W. Terry, Owen Thomas
PRESIDING: Ald. Davis, Chairman
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 8:03 P.M.
MINUTES - May 20, 1991
Alderman Davis suggested the following corrections. Page two, line 27, be
amended to read... consider -matters of performance under the contract on the
grounds... The last sentence in that paragraph should read Issues concerning
proposals for the direction of a future Plan, could then be discussed in open
,Session. On page three, line four she suggested the sentence should
end... their hard work, and the desire of the committee to meet with the board
again concerning its future plan or000sals. Page three, line 18, change to
Alderman Davis suggested that it could wait until the grant or000sal was
approved or denied by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services and
it is determined... With those corrections, the committee unanimously
approved the minutes of the meeting of May 20, 1991.
COMMUNICATIONS
Noyes Center Community Services
Alderman Davis characterized it as an interesting report and was pleased
with the number of activities that were involving the tenants of the
Noyes Center. Alderman Feldman suggested a way be found to get the
contents of this report put in Highlights. He was interested in more
people of Evanston being aware of these activities. Alderman Drummer
suggested there were a number of communications for this evening's
meeting that should be in Highlights.
Evanston Community Garden Program
Alderman Drunmer said that this memo was useful giving insight to the
program. He noted that there are a number of people that depend upon the
Garden Program to help make ends meet. He felt that it was a good, low
overhead program. Alderman Feldman indicated that this was in fact,
another program which should be in Highlights. The Committee directed
staff to see if information regarding the Noyes Center Community Services
and the Community Garden Program could be placed in Highlights.
HU14AN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 6/10/91 . . .
YWCA Proaram update
Alderman Feldman said that the current situation is very disturbing; he
felt that the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence was somehow
placing in harms way the very people they were responsible for taking
care of. He did not believe that the case had been made that the YWCA
should not receive any future funding and was frustrated not knowing what
the Human Services Committee could do to alleviate the situation. Mr.
Terry provided history as to how the current situation developed.
Alderman Davis asked what rights the City has as funders of the service
as well to know more about the Coalition procedures for funding the
YWCA. Alderman Feldman asked that we inquire of the Illinois Department
of Public Aid as what legal requirements they are under; felt that the
ICADV process was arbitrary. He said that it occurred to him that the
coalition was more interested in closing a service than keeping the
service going. Alderman Drummer noted that he was encouraged that there
was an RFP process and that perhaps, if the YWCA reapplied, there would
be a way to continue the service. Alderman Drummer asked what the YWCA
plans were if the funding did not go through. Mr. Terry indicated that
the current plan was for a reduced size shelter, serving a smaller
service area with the maximum of ten beds. Alderman Moran felt, not
knowing all of the history of this situation, that there would be an
opportunity for both sides of this dispute to go forward and provide a
service; whatever concerns were raised, would be addressed; asked whether
there was a likelihood of residual prejudice if, personal feelings were
involved between the Coalition and the YWCA. Mr. Terry indicated that in
fact, there were some personal feelings involved. He noted that he had
prepared a report for the Committee in December and would be sharing that
report with Alderman Fiske and Alderman Moran to give a better background
but that personalities played a part in the situation that existed.
Alderman Feldman indicated that kind of criteria for judging a contract
agency was inappropriate and did not feel that the Illinois Department of
Public Aid could make decisions on that basis. Alderman Davis asked that
staff draft a letter for Human Services Committee review which reflects
the concerns which had been outlined this evening.
Illinois Department of Public Aid
Alderman Davis noted her great concern of the situation. Mr. Terry
indicated that he had received a phone call late in the afternoon from a
Ms. Langston of the Illinois Department of Public Aid who indicated that
food stamps, in fact, had not been cut off, and that a directive was
being sent to all IDPA case workers which clarified that status.
Family Focus Undate
Accepted without comment
C HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 6/10/9I . . .
RECOM14EIlDATION FROM THE COMMISSION ON AGING ON REC.111-ATION OF ADULT DAY CARE
Barry Isaacson, Chairman of the Commission on Aging, indicated that a
committee of the Commission had been working on this issue for sometime and
that Stacy Sochacki who served on that subcommittee would give a report. Ms.
Sochacki indicated that reviewing Adult Day Care began in 1990 as a result of
citizens inquiries about providing adult day services in the home and
notification that the Council For ,Jewish Elderly Would be opening an adult
day care facility within Evanston; that the Committee had done a lot of work
in reviewing the professional standards which were in place, visiting other
adult day care centers that were In the Chicago Metropolitan area and having
a meeting and a discussion with directors of adult day care centers including
the one in Evanston. It was the recommendation of the Commission on Aging
that a local ordinance be developed to protect the health and well being of
those persons who would be receiving adult day services. Alderman Drummer
said he was surprised that local regulations were not already in place. fie
would expect this type of expansion of day care and supported local
regulation. He inquired as to how many private citizens had in fact,
approached the Commission, Ms. Sochacki said currently only about two or
three and it was her prediction that once funding was available, this service
would expand. She said that certain employers are, in fact, funding adult
day care as a service available as an employee benefit. Alderman Feldman
noted the Council on Aging memo indicated that this was a direction in which
society is going. He thought it was a good strategy to have attention to an
issue before it became a problem; Asked if the Commission on Aging felt that
they would be preparing this ordinance with the law department; asked if
other cities had an ordinance. Ms. Volberding and Ms. Sochacki responded
that the Commission would be part of a process to develop the ordinance and
indicated that other municipalities such as Skokie had an ordinance and
Chicago was in the process of developing an ordinance. Alderman Feldman
moved that the Human Services Committee endorse the development of a
regulatory ordinance for adult day care and directed the Commission on Aging
to report back to the Human Services Committee on any issues which developed
during that process. Alderman Davis inquired about what was meant by home
based adult day care; was it in fact, persons being dropped off at someone
else's home? Ms. Volberding and Ms. Sochacki indicated that was the case.
Alderman Davis noted from a National League of Cities publication, a company
in Los Angeles was providing both adult day care and child care on site; at
the same time. She said she would expect this to grow given the fact that
quite often it is the same person who has child care and older adult care
responsibilities. Ms. Volberding indicated that a program of this nature had
been pioneered by a firm in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She also noted that
the Fel Pro Company locally had been pursuing a possibility of that nature.
Alderman Fiske asked if this emerging phenomenon was merely a function of
demographics. Ms. Sochacki indicated it was probably a combination of both
demographics and women being the primary caregivers, and the need for women
to be in the workforce. Mr. Isaacson also noted that adult day care was a
low cost alternative to institutionalization. Alderman Washington indicated
that adult day care could be a replacement service for the number of families
who needed to have aids placed in the home. The Committee voted unanimously
to approve Alderman Feldman's motion.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 6/10/91 . . .
REDUEST FROM BE -HIV FOR APPROVAL IN PARTJGJPATION IN THE 1991 UNIFIED BUDGET
PROCESS
Alderman Davis noted that last year a similar request had come from BE -HIV
and the Committee was told that incorporation was in process at that time.
Peter Ilgenfritz of BE -HIV gave a presentation; noted that BE -HIV was founded
in September 1989, that BE -HIV now has State incorporation as a separate
organization and that their 501C3 tax exempt status is pending an application
currently in process. Alderman Davis asked when they expected to receive
word on their 501C3. Mr. Ilgenfritz said it was his expectation that the
process took three months.Alderman Feldman said that he did not exactly
recall the commitments that were made at the start up of the service but
recalled that a promise was made not to engage in further funding requests
from the City. He did not have the minutes available from that original
meeting and he wondered if Mr. Ilgenfritz recalled that promise. Alderman
Washington said her recollection was that the service could be funded through
the Center for Public Ministry until incorporation had in fact taken place.
She did however mention that there was an intention to fund the start up of
the program not necessarily ongoing services. Alderman Feldman felt a review
of the minutes of those meetings was appropriate. Alderman Drummer said he
recalled a commitment to not go through the Unified Budget Process when the
original start up funding was provided. However, he noted that issue is
already old because BE -HIV is already in the Unified Budget Process to
receive $1,000.00 in Township funds through the Center for Public Ministry,
Alderman Drummer noted that if the BE -HIV was just changing their fiscal
agent, he felt that the City, by already funding them 51,000.00, had okayed
whatever breach of the commitment has been made. He noted that BE -HIV could
expect difficulty in getting significant new funding given the City's Budget
situation. Mr. Ilgenfritz noted that BE -HIV currently receives a 51,000.00
from Evanston Township and 52,000.00 from New Trier Township. He felt that
any request to Unified Budget would be in line with the number of Evanston
clients BE -HIV is seeing. That the bulk of BE-HIV's support has come from
private foundations. Alderman Drummer asked if there was any State money
involved. Mr. Ilgenfritz said there had been some funding from the Illinois
Department of Public Health. Alderman Feldman felt that any support of
BE -HIV needed to be tied to BE-HIV's strong efforts to secure other funds
from other sources. The Committee needed to be convinced that efforts of
that nature were underway. Mr. Terry indicated that the decision to overlook
the agreement was in fact, made by the Unified Budget Panel last year on the
recommendation of the Township Supervisor who felt that 51,000.00 for
BE-HIV's services was appropriate given the number of GA clients who were HIV
positive. Alderman Moran said he did not know the history but if the City
had condoned funding this agency through the Unified Budget Process, then the
issue had already been dealt with. He noted that this was also just a
request to participate in the process. He did feel that there was a serious
need to deal with this problem. Alderman Washington asked for clarification
of the breach of commitment issue. Alderman Drummer said he recalled that in
August 1989, the representatives of BE -HIV indicated that they did not intend
to appear before the Unified Budget Panel for further funding.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 6/10/91 . . . 5
However, he did not recall that they said they would never do that, and that
never is a long time. He felt that there was a cloarly a need for BE -HIV
services for Township clients. He would support their participation in the
Unified Budget Process. Alderman Washington noted that this would not be a
funding recommendation to the Unified Budget Panel. Alderman Davis indicated
that Human Services Committee approval was necessary for participation.
Alderman Washington indicated that she had met with staff from BE -HIV and she
would like to see approval of their participation in Unified Budgeting.
Alderman Davis clarified that the Human Services Committee was not sitting in
Judgment of the substance of any program; noted when the start up funding had
been made in 1989, there were some commitments made at that time of no
involvement in Unified Budgeting; that those recommendations were important
at the time to secure the approval of the funding since aldermen were
concerned that there not be a long term commitment to support this program.
The BE -HIV came to Human Services last year and there was a lack of
independence from the Center for Public Ministry and the aldermen felt that
separate consideration of BE -HIV had to be as an independent stand alone
agency. She noted that has not been completed since there is no 501C3
status. She felt that the participation would be contingent upon Unified
Budgeting receiving proof of 501C3 status. If that is not secured, that any
UPB money for BE -HIV would have to go through the Center for Public
Ministry. Mr. Ilgenfritz indicated that would pose some difficulty since
they are a separate agency from the Center for Public Ministry. He noted
that the 50lC3 could take up to three months, but felt that he would have it
in time for the Unified Budget Process. Alderman Davis noted her concern
that last year BE -HIV said that the process would be complete by the Unified
Budget Process however, the incorporation papers were just secured this
year. There needed to be some consistency or review of the past arguments
that were made. Alderman Feldman indicated that he is comfortable with the
analysis of the past commitments that other committee members provided; felt
that if it was just something that evolved, that was fine. He would support
approval of the Unified Budget Process with the contingency that they get
501C3 status. Alderman Davis noted that whatever breach had happened before,
it was considered when the Unified Budget Panel made their funding
recommendation last year. Alderman Feldman noted that it is always
government's responsibility to respond to different priorities and needs,
however he was hoping that Evanston's response could be shared with other
communities and he encouraged BE -HIV and Mr. Ilgenfritz to continue to seek
other funding from other communities as well. Alderman Drummer made a motion
that BE -HIV be allowed to participate in the Unified Budget Process
contingent upon their final securing of 501C3 status. Alderman Drummer's
motion was passed unanimously.
GANG AND DRUG POLICY PROGRAM
Alderman Davis noted the staff were looking for some commitment from elected
officials to participate in this program. She suggested that those
interested talk to either Chief Jacobi or Jay Terry. Alderman Moran
indicated that he might be interested in participating but five days Monday
through Friday was a heavy commitment of time to this program.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 6/10/91 . . . 6 '
Alderman Davis suggested that the city do its best from a staff side. Anyone
on the Council could attend if they had the time available. She suggested
that the request I,o participate be distributed to all Council members.
REFERENCE FROM ALDERMAN PADEN THE DIRECT THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TO
CONDUCT AN INQUIRY TO A POSSIBLE DISCRIMINATORY PATTERNS IN PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE VIOLAFIONS
Alderman Davis noted the request from Alderman Paden and requested comments
from committee mvinbers. Alderman Feldman asked if we in fact, knew the
percentage of property maintenance violations that were alleged to be
minority. Committee members noted that Alderman Paden in her request, said
It was ninety percent.
Owen Thomas of the Human Relations Commission said Alderman Paden's request
was an unprecedent one, the Commission had not dealt with a request of this
nature; it would be a difficult request to deal with because there was no
data base.He said of course citations for property maintenance violations are
not based on race therefore this type of information is not kept by the
City. There would tremendous staff time involved in trying to investigate
these accusations. He felt that so far there was no substance or specificity
to which the Commission or Commission staff could respond. Alderman Feldman
felt it was implicit in the reference that racism was an issue and he
suggested that Alderman Paden be asked if she has further documentation that
the Commission could look at. Alderman Fiske noted that the compiling of any
information of this nature is illegal. Alderman Davis noted the compiling
would not be illegal, but asking it in the first place would be. Owen Thomas
indicated it would be possible to do a review of property maintenance
violations by census tract but even that type of thing would not be an
overnight assignment. The Commission staff would need specific information
to respond to. They need to know the number of erroneous complaints, the
number of valid violations, need to know the number of minorities, need to
know the number of non -minorities who are involved, need to know what time
frame to be investigated. Alderman Davis asked what should the committee ask
of Alderman Paden. Mr. Thomas suggested Alderman Paden should provide as
much specificity as possible; any specific complaints that people were
treated unfairly. He felt there are some serious allegations in the
statement made by Alderman Paden. The committee consensus was that this
reference not be passed on to the Human Relations Commission and ask Alderman
Paden for further information which would warrant the serious expense that
would be needed to follow up on her reference.
The Committee unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:12 P.M.
Jay W. Terry
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
June 24, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
PRESENT: Alderman Drummer, Feldman, Moran, Washington, Fiske, Davis
OTHERS Richard Grodsky, Sally Lufkin, Peggy Tarr, Shel Newberger,
PRESENT: Frank Kaminski, Jay W. Terry, Bruce Zimmerman
RUSIDING: Alderman Davis, Chairman
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
MINUTES - June 10, 1991
Minutes of the meeting of June 10th were considered. The Committee members
made the following corrections Page two, line 22, the sentence would be
amended to read —should be addressed and he expressed a concern about
residual ore.iudice...On page three, line thirty-five change to the City of
Los Anaeles. Page five, line 26, should read...BE-HIV said that the
incorporation process would be complete by the Unified Budget Process.
however the incorporation vaners were iust recently secured ,...On page six,
line twenty-two delete two sentences beginning "Alderman Fiske noted... With
those corrections, the committee unanimously approved the minutes of the
meeting of June 10, 1991.
Alderman Davis announced that there would be an Executive Session held later
on in the meeting to consider possible litigation and land acquisition.
COMMUNICATIONS
Recreation Department June Monthly Program Narrative
Accepted without comment.
Youth Services Bureau Status Report
Alderman Drummer asked for clarification as to the number of cases the
Bureau is seeing. Frank Kaminski indicated that at the end of the first
three month period they had seen eighty-five at risk youth and forty-one
high risk youth. Alderman Drummer expressed concern that this was a high
case load and asked how the Police Department was handling this. He also
asked for clarification as to what a completed case was. Deputy Chief
Kaminski indicated that was a closed case. Alderman Drummer asked if it
would be possible for the Police Department to submit a narrative report
as to what was a closed case, and what were the characteristics that lead
to a case being closed.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 6/24/91 . . .
Deputy Chief Kaminski indicated that such a report would be sent. Alderman
Davis asked if the number of referrals from the Juvenile Bureau was any
higher than those received by the Youth Advocacy Program. Deputy Chief
Kaminski said those numbers were similar. Alderman Feldman indicated that he
had the same concern as Alderman Drummer as to why and how a case was closed;
wanted to know the average length of time a case was opened and how many of
those were leftovers from the Youth Advocacy Program. He also asked for some
further information about the referral process; were staffings held before a
referral; whether staffings were held before a case was even accepted by the
Youth Services Bureau. Deputy Chief Kaminski indicated the at risk referral
form had been developed which had some of these criteria and that he would be
sharing a copy of this with the members of the Committee.
Alderman Feldman also noted that he and other Committee members were anxious
to get the Police Chief's response to the Human Services Committee concerns
about a Citizens Advisory Committee to the Youth Services Bureau. Alderman
Washington indicated that she was very concerned about the Advisory Corramitee
and also noted the high number of applicants for the Coordinator position,
and the Police Department's ability to evaluate that high number of
applicants. Deputy Chief Kaminski said that a screening process was employed
narrowing the number of candidates down to nineteen and then a group of five
were called in for second interviews. Alderman Davis indicated that the
Committee would look forward to receiving the report on the Committee's
questions from the Department.
Substance Abuse Information
Accepted without comment.
COMMITTEE COMMUNICATION TO THE ILL.INOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AID
Alderman Davis indicated the letter was acceptable to her; asked that the
letter be adjusted to list the members of the Human Services Committee.
Alderman Drummer indicated that a similar letter would be brought before the
Housing and Community Development Committee and they would be sending one on
to the Illinois Department of Public Aid as well.
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO REMOVE THE NICHOLS LIGHTED SCHOOL FROM THE
UNIFIED BUDGET PROCESS
Alderman Drummer felt that the Nichols Lighted School was similar to the
Youth Services Bureau and the Teen Baby Nursery Program that called for
special Human Services Committee oversight. He could sympathize with the
program not wanting to be involved in the Unified Budget Process. He felt
that the program was somewhere between Human Services and Recreation, not a
pure human services program for consideration by Unified Budgeting. The time
may be appropriate at some point in the future to include it in Recreation,
but for now Human Services Committee oversight should be retained. Alderman
Feldman clarified that the City was the only UBP funder of the Nichols
Lighted School.
11
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 6/24/91 . . . 3
Shel Newberger offered to give the Committee some history of the
program. He indicated that he had been involved in the Nichols lighted
School since 1967 when a delegation went from Evanston to Flint, Michigan
to learn about the lighted School concept. It was a program begun by the
Recreation Department in 1968 when lighted schools were established both
the Haven and Nichols Schools and were successful throughout the '70s.
The program had grown stale towards the end of the 70's and early 80's.
In 1982, the City faced a terrible tax crunch and the City Council voted
to drop the lighted schools. At first the program was not missed, but
then the community began to notice the effects of not having a lighted
school. The Nichols' Neighbors originally came in and asked for
$10,000.00. However, there was some concern that the Recreation
Department had not caught the true spirit of the program, so the request
was that School District 65 would contribute the building and janitor,
and that the neighbors would find and fund a coordinator for the
program. He said the program today is a gym program, other youth
activities, and tutoring through District 202. The program has met with
great success. He said that the Nichols program was informed two to
three years ago that it had to go through the Unified Budget Process;
that the Nichols Board was concerned because they felt that they were
running a fine program, but that the Human Services Commitee members at
the time, told them they did not have time to review the Nichols
program. The program was funded at a $30,000.00 level when it initially
entered Unified Budgeting but now its latest allocation was $23,500.00;
Said that the Nichols Program would love to be removed from Unified
Budgeting, felt that they were a fish out of water at UPB; felt that the
Program staff and Committee could come in and meet with the Human
Services Committee any time.
Alderman Davis expressed some concern as to how a review would fit in the
City's budget process and where it would be placed in the budget. Mr.
Terry's recommendation was that if the program was taken out Unified
Budgeting, their current allocation would be removed from the Unified
Budget dollars to be considered for purchase services; that it still
would be listed in the budget as a purchase service similar to Teen Baby
Nursery and Human Services Committee would retain oversight.
Alderman Feldman asked how the oversight would take place; wanted to know
additional history where the program was within the Recreation
Department; whether there was Recreation Department oversight. Ms. Tarr
and Mr. Newberger indicated that at some point when it was a Recreation
Department program, there was Recreation Department staff but under
Unified Budgeting there is a Coordinator to the program who is
responsible for reporting to the City. The Program is currently run by
the Principal at the Nichols School and the part time Coordinator.
Alderman Davis noted that in the past two years of consideration by the
Unified Budget Panel, there have been questions raised as to whether
District 65's contribution to funding that position could be increased.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 6/24/91 . . . 4
Alderman Feldman said his only concern with removing
Unified Budgeting was that the Human Services Committee
insightful information as to what the program is doing;
be connections between the Human Services Committee
Board. He felt that the Human Services Committee memb
ready to assume that responsibility; that in some c
program to Unified Budgeting is a defusion of responsil
Davis felt that the Committee could decide to remove it
Budget process and then make a decision later in the yer
into the budget process.
the program from
continued to get
there needed to
and the Nichols
?rs needed to be
ases, sending a
)ility. Alderman
from the Unified
r of how it fits
Mr. Newberger clarified that the funding for the program involves the
City writing a check to District 65 and he again started that the program
would be happy to provide whatever reports Human Services Committee was
looking for.
Alderman Drummer made a motion to remove Nichols Lighted School from
Unified Budgeting Process but still retain oversight by the Human
Services Committee and City in whatever structural arrangements are
worked out. This was seconded by Alderman Washington. Alderman Drummer
noted that it is a collaborative program. He has visited the school and
he feels that it is a very important community effort. Alderman Davis
directed Staff to develop further recommendations as to how the funding
of the Nichols Program would fit in the budget process. The Committee
unanimously approved Alderman Drummer's motion.
The Committee voted on a roll call vote to unanimously to go into an
Executive Session at 8:15 P.M.
The Committee came back into open Session at 8:50 P.M.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE
Alderman Feldman said it was his suggestion that Alderman Moran and
himself attend the next meeting of the Environmental Control Board. They _
would notify the entire Environmental Control Board that they would be
coming, it was important that they get a sense of the thinking of the
Environmental Control Board members as they develop plans to proceed with
the protection plan. Other Committee members indicated that was
acceptable. Committee members expressed concern that Alderman Moran and
Alderman Feldman get a sense of the ability of the Environmental Control
Board to monitor any further projects in depth and determine the starting -
point in our base of knowledge in terms of the remaining work.
Committee voted to unanimously adjourn at 8:55 P.M.
d/. �
Jay W. Terry
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
July 8, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
PRESENT: Alderman Fiske, Feldman, Washington, Davis
ABSENT; Alderman Drummer, Moran
OTHERS Richard Grodsky, Harvey Saver, Jay Terry, Donald Wirth,
PRESENT: Jane Volberding
PRESIDING: Alderman Davis, Chairman
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m.
MINUTES - June 24, 1991
Alderman Fiske indicated that he had a concern with the corrections of the
minutes of June 10, 1991. On page six, line twenty-two, rather than deleting
the sentence which began, Alderman Fiske noted, it should read... Alderman
Fiske questioned... With that change, the minutes of June 24, 1991 were
approved unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS
Earn and Learn
Alderman Feldman asked if there had been any new developments in Earn and
Learn's status since the staff memorandum had been written. Jay Terry
indicated he had a conversation with Dr. Pollack of District 65 and Dr.
Pollack said the District was still in the process of trying to develop
details of their replacement program. The completed program design would not
be available until September 1, 1991, and that discussions were ongoing
internally at District 65 in terms of whether a new program would seek
Unified Budgeting funding.
Alderman Davis asked if the school district felt they could come in with a
program for this year's Unified Budgeting. Jay Terry said he believed the
school district was operating under the impression that they had automatic
entree into Unified Budgeting. Alderman Davis suggested that staff write to
District 65 and indicate any new program developed by District 65 to succeed
Earn and Learn must follow the rule that any new program wishing to be
considered for Unified Budgeting funding must come to the Human Services
Committee for a review first.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 7/8/91 . . . 2
Alderman Feldman suggested that a communication be sent to Dr. Pollack
indicating that payments would not be transmitted under the current budget
year, pending justification of expenditures, that the committee should treat
Earn and Learn and any successor program as if starting anew; that in any
future funding consideration by the Unified Budget Panel, members will need
to take a very hard look at the fact, there are many organizations in the
community running smoothly which are in need of funds and it would appear
that Earn and Learn is significantly disorganized at the present time.
Alderman Davis indicated that she was in support of the notation in the staff
memorandum that City funding of a successor program would be called into
question if the new program is more education focused; that the communication
should caution District 65 not to assume anything. The Committee consensus
was a communication be sent to District 65.
Be- iv
Jay Terry notified the committee that the proposal to allocate $5,000.00 of
Township funds for a contract with Be-Hiv was approved by the Township
Committee and would be on the full Council's agenda for the July 22, 1991
meeting.
Day Care Follow-Uo
Alderman Davis thanked staff for developing the new brochure. Alderman
Feldman asked how many had been sent out thus far, Jay Terry estimated the
City had recently received between ten to twelve inquiries on home care
permits, or day care centers. Alderman Davis indicated that she would be
attending the City Chamber liaison meeting on July 25, 1991 which would
discuss day care issues.
Environmental Control Board
Alderman Davis noted this was a communication from the Environmental Control
Board requesting guidance on a potential survey of electromagnetic fields in
Evanston. Alderman Feldman said he has been aware for some time of the
community's concern about electromagnetic fields. It was a concern not just
restricted to Evanston Hospital. However, the need is always to know the
reality of the danger from the fields. It was his suggestion that any ==
concern about electromagnetic fields not be part of a special study, but
rather tied in to the entire Environmental Control Board review of
environmental risk in the City; that there would be a comprehensive
community -wide review of the issue as a City policy on environmental hazards
is developed.
Alderman Davis concurred feeling this would fit well in to the overall
environmental plan which was being developed. She noted since Alderman
Feldman and Alderman Moran were both going to be discussing the Environmental
Ordinance with the Environmental Control Board, that they could also discuss
the issue of electromagnetic fields with them. Alderman Feldman felt there
was an opportunity to benefit from the other studies done in Lincolnwood and
Wilmette without duplicating those studies; that staff could obtain copies of
those reports. Alderman Davis agreed stating that electromagnetic fields are
potentially serious but experts in the field have been looking at it for
years without any conclusions.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 7/8/9I . . . 3
Alderman Davis felt a request to fund a study for $10,000.00 was coming to
the Committee out of the budget cycle, that a request of that nature is
usually considered only for emergency type situations and she could not
,justify the current request as an emergency. She also felt more scrutiny was
needed to know what exactly $10,000.00 would buy in terms of a study; what
follow-up action Lincolnwood and Wilmette took once their reports were
received. She would suggest staff and the Environmental Control Board
contact the National League of Cities to see what information they have on
electromagnetic fields. She felt the issue was just very complex and not one
to be handled simply by contracting out for a study. Alderman Feldman
indicated while this was going on there was also a need to have contact with
Evanston Hospital to determine what they were doing in response to citizens'
concerns. He suggested the Environmental Control Board assume that
responsibility.
Alderman Davis brought closure to the issue by indicating the matter would be
sent back to the Environmental Control Board for future review and discussion
with Alderman Feldman and Alderman Moran.
Unified Budget Aaencv Visits
Alderman Davis encouraged any interested members of the Human Services
Committee to go along on these agency visits if time was available. Alderman
Washington questioned how the schedule was developed, particularly was
interested in a visit to the Peer Services treatment facility. Jay Terry
indicated that agencies had identified those dates and facilities which were
available for a visit; that the visits were not mandated by the City and that
perhaps Peer Services would have something scheduled later in the summer.
RESOLUTION 60-R-91 PROPOSED AGREEMENT WITH EVANSTON SCHOOL DISTRICT 65
COVERING THE USE OF FACILITIES
Alderman Davis asked if this resolution and agreement were simply codifying
the existing arrangements and procedures. Mr. Grodsky said yes, the
Recreational Department has been using many of facilities of District 65 for
years, that the agreement formalizes practices that have been in existence
for some time. Alderman Feldman asked if this agreement reflected any
changes in the current relationship with District 65. Mr. Grodsky said no.
Alderman Feldman moved approval of Resolution 60-R-91.
Alderman Washington asked if any new staff duties were required as a result
of this agreement. Mr. Grodsky said no, there would be designated staff with
responsibilities for implementing the agreement. Alderman Davis noted the
portion of the agreement about requiring notice as to use of the facilities
and wondered whether the agreement allowed for any last minutes requests.
Mr. Grodsky said the experience was ten day notice was not a problem but
there is latitude in the relationship with District 65 for short notice
requests. Alderman Davis noted that Evanston has a tendency to take this
close relationship between the City and the School District for granted. She
knows from her national experience that in many communities it is unheard for
the local government and the local recreation department to work so
cooperatively with the school district and that the residents of Evanston
need to be thankful that this relationship exists because it certainly
enhances our ability to provide recreational services for youth.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 7/8/91 . . . 4
The Committee unanimously approved Alderman Feldman's motion.
i an Ser_vire�unHinn Priorities
Alderman Davis stated that it has been her experience that the Human Services
Committee and the City's representatives to the Unified Budget Panel have
tried many quantitative methods in attempting to list priorities for Human
Services, with varying degrees of sophistication, but ultimately funding
decisions quite often will come down to Panel members judgement. The
priority rankings have not changed in the last three years, but every year
Committe members have been asked, "have these things changed?". last year
the Human Services Committee did indicate, in addition to the ranking
process, that their priority was day care and programs for those in the zero
to three age group. Alderman Feldman said that every year he analyzes these
rankings and the process used for ranking priorities with a skeptical eye but
remains convinced that a good job has been developed in listing these
priorities, even if judgement is involved in identifying funding there is
still a logical, ethical, and moral order to which the Committee views
funding priorities. He was essentially happy with the ranking as listed and
suggested it be retained. He did want a postscript added to the
recommendations that in addition to the priority listing, that once again
emphasis be given to prevention programs rather than remediation programs.
It is the only way he sees as some way to stop what seems like a never ending
cycle for funding Human Services programs.
Alderman Davis concurred with that emphasis on prevention and noted that was
linked to Committee's emphasis on younger age groups as well. She indicated
that no matter what the programs, what the target group, there is always an
interest in preventive programs.
Alderman Fiske suggested a slight change in the priority ranking that could
indicate that younger age groups were a priority. He suggested that the
ranking of counseling and social services for children be moved up one rank.
Alderman Fiske noted if we could not change the rankings how do we document
there is a priority such as prevention. Alderman Feldman noted that it was
difficult to codify; that he has long been a supporter of a separate
allocation simply for new priority programs but it has always been difficult
to identify funds that could be used for that allocation.
Alderman Washington noted that prevention should go right under physical
survival. Alderman Davis suggested that ranking number six, employment for
adults without children could be moved down three spaces, and counseling and
social services for children; overcoming pathology adults with children; and
overcoming pathology for children all be moved up a notch; that this would be
more reflective of the Committee's intention to focus on younger age groups.
Alderman Fiske noted that this listing was not tied to the actual funding
allocations. Alderman Davis agreed but noted that it was still important to
have a philosophical base for reviewing agency funding proposals.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 7/8/9I . . . 5
The Committee unanimously agreed with the change in the ranking as identified
by Alderman Davis and Alderman Fiske.
PROGRAM UPDATES
The Committee then asked staff some update questions and Jay Terry provided
the Committee with an update on Evanston Hospital funding of programs at the
Health Department with the Evanston Community Endowment which had run out
after three years. The City has received verbal notification from the
hospital that the funding in fact, would not be renewed.
Alderman Feldman asked for an update on the Evanston Coalition of Youth and
Their Families. Jay Terry indicated that he had spoken to Dr. Goldman of
District 202 and he had been interested in reconvening to discuss getting the
Coalition moving, however, the press of activities related to the closing of
school had prevented that and he indicated that a meeting would be held
soon. This status also applied to the Interagency Intergovernmental
Agreement. Alderman Davis asked how an agreement of that nature with five
separate signatories ever got finalized if each of the five made their own
sets of amendments and then it required the approval of the other four.
Alderman Feldman felt that the best way was for the City to write its own
agreement and to provide its version and hope that the version was acceptable
to the other four groups.
Alderman Feldman also noted that as the City, Mental Health Board and
Township proceeded to go into the Unified Budget Process, there was a concern
identified from last year that there needed to be more input from staff
regarding the proposals. Jay Terry indicated the Unified Budget Task Force
was considering instead of a rotating chairmanship of all the Unified Budget
hearings staff were hoping to identify one or two people who could serve as
quasai-permanent chairmen. These would be individuals who can facilitate
running the meeting so that the hearings moved along in a timely manner.
Alderman Feldman indicated that should be the Coal of all chairmen and that
he was very supportive of that idea.
The Committee then voted to adjourn at 8:50 P.M.
Jay W. Terry
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
July 22, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
PRESENT: Alderman Fiske, Feldman, Drummer, Davis, Moran (arrived late)
AUSENT: Alderman Washington
OTHERS Eric Anderson, Ernest Jacobi, Frank Kaminiski, Harvey Saver,
PRESENT: Ronald Strong, Jeanne Fox, Jay Terry, Vince Adamus
EUSIDING: Alderman Drummer, Chairman
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
MINUTES
The Committee considered the minutes of the meeting of July 8, 1991.
Alderman Davis offered the following correction... page five in the last
sentence of paragraph four, it should read... Alderman Feldman indicated that
allowinq time for staff auestiops... With that correction, the Committee
approved the minutes of July 8, 1991 unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS
Recreation Department Monthly Pro4ram Narrative
Accepted
BE -HIV Tax Exempt Status
Alderman Drummer noted that this was a request from BE -HIV asking that the
City accept the Center for Public Ministry to serve as their fiscal agent as
they go through the Fail Unified Budget Process.
Alderman Davis reminded the Committee that they had approved BE-HIV's
participation in Unified Budget contingent upon 501(c)3 approval. She noted
that last year BE -HIV had indicated that they were close to an incorporation
on non -for -profit status and it did not get done until earlier this year.
She asked if staff had a realistic notion as to when the 501(c)3 status might
be granted. Jay Terry replied that it was his understanding that the
application was submitted about two weeks ago, that BE -HIV had indicated the
application process would take about three months.
4
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 7/22/91 . . . 2
Mr. Terry thought that might be a little optimistic. Alderman Drummer noted
that the communication had indicated that there was a precedent for letting
someone else serve as a fiscal agent as evidently the City had allowed the
Center for Public Ministry to have a fiscal agent when it first got started.
Alderman Davis said she could see that there could be some advantages as to
why BE -HIV would not be reviewed as part of the Center for Public Ministry
proposal. She thought it might be better to examine BE-HIV's financial
reports and their staffing pattern as a separate entity. Alderman Davis made
a motion that the Committee accept going forward with having BE -HIV
participate in Unified Budgeting with Center for Public Ministry acting as
their fiscal agent. She asked staff to inform BE -HIV that the Committee
members wish to be informed of any action taken by the IRS with respect to
their application for tax exemption and any correspondence they might receive
from the IRS. Alderman Feldman seconded that motion and the Committee
approved it 4 - 0.
Earn and Learn Update
Alderman Feldman indicated this communication reaffirmed his belief that the
City should stay out of this controversy; he was glad that the Human Services
Committee had adopted the policy that it had at the July 8, 1991 meeting. He
Indicated that he is troubled because throughout this controversy, he has
seen little discussion of the youth that were participating in the Earn and
Learn program and their fate.
Alderman Davis noted that all Aldermen and many agencies had received a
letter from John Donahue stating the position of the Earn and Learn Policy
Board. She questioned as to how the City would proceed with any payment
mechanism. Jay Terry stated that the City had, as noted in the
communication, received invoices from Mr. Weiland of Earn and Learn however,
there was a direction that they be paid to the Earn and Learn Policy Board.
Mr. Terry indicated that prior to the July 8, 1991 meeting, the 199I-92
purchase of service agreement with Earn and Learn had not been returned.
Subsequent to that meeting the purchase of service agreement for the current
fiscal year had been returned, signed by Mr. Donahue and Mr. Weiland.
However, the purchase of service agreement which the City had used, indicated
the provider of service as being both Earn and Learn and District 65. The
words, "District 65" had been erased on all three contract copies when
returned by Mr. Weiland. The contract had been altered without any
notification or approval of City staff. Mr. Terry did not believe any valid
purchase of service agreement was in place at the present time.
Consequently, the City was in no position to make payments to anyone on an
Earn and Learn related program.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 7/22/91 . . .
Mr. Terry also indicated there has been difficulty
the trail of the funding to Earn and Learn
relationship has been District 65 pays the bills
Program, that United Way or Community Developrr
transmitted to District 65 and that our under;t
incurred by Earn and Learn not covered by any of th
considered as District 65's contribution to the pro
a review of files related to our relationship with
that as late as last fall's Unified Budget Process
staff notes indicated that in response to panel ciu(
Learn Policy Board the Unified Budget Panel was
board was not in fact, a policy board, and was
raising in nature. Conseauently. attempts to Dor
with respect to following
that historically the
for the Earn and Learn
ant or City funding is
ending was, any expenses
three funders, were then
Tram. Staff had conducted
Earn and Learn and noted
earing of Earn and Learn,
stions about the Earn and
informed that the policy
merely advisory and fund
:ray the Dolicv board as
something different now were very much a change in position. Jay Terry also
noted that representatives of both School Districts 202 and District 65 had
come to the agency kickoff for Unified Budget for this fall's process.
However, he had conveyed to both representatives the policy was anyone who
wished to go through Unified Budgeting this Fall on an Earn and Learn related
program, needed to come before the Human Services Committee first.
Alderman Drummer reaffirmed the policy and indicated that no City dollars for
Earn and Learn should be transmitted to any entity until a presentation had
been made to the Human Service Committee first.
Electromaqnetic Fields
Alderman Drummer indicated it was his understanding that this issue was to be
sent back to the Environmental Control Board pending their conversation with
Alderman Feldman and Alderman Moran and any subsequent recommendations.
Battered Women's Shelter Funding
Alderman Feldman noted this is excellent news. He questioned, in light of
the fact that this was a decision by the Illinois Department of Public Aid,
what could be expected in terms of the future relationship between the
Battered Women's Shelter and the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic
Violence. Jay Terry responded he really did not know how that relationship
would work itself out over the coming year, and it was something that
everyone would need to monitor.
YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU PROGRAM UPDATE
Deputy Chief Kaminiski introduced Ron Strong as the new Youth Services
Coordinator in the Police Department. Chief Kaminiski stated Mr. Strong
started July 8, 1991, and felt that it had been a very vigorous application
process, that the Police Department had received well over one hundred
applications and he indicated that Mr. Strong had both a Master Degree in
Social Work and a Master Degree in Public Health, both from the University of
Illinois.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE +
Minutes of 7/22/91 . . . 4
Fie was formerly Program Director at Methodist Youth Services on the westside
of Chicago. He also worked for Cook County Hospital and Juvenile Court. Mr.
Strong indicated he was very happy to be working for the City of Evanston.
He described himself as a product of Evanston, having graduated through the
Evanston school system; it was his first opportunity to serve the community
directly. He described the problems that he would be dealing with as
extensive but he felt that he was prepared for the challenge.
Alderman Davis welcomed Mr. Strong. She was delighted that he has come to
work for the City, very impressed by his background in social services. She
also complemented the case studies which had been transmitted as part of the
Committee's agenda, that they had provided a clearer idea of the type of
cases that the staff is dealing with, more than anything which had been
transmitted previously. She now has a better idea of the strategies employed
and what is the thinking when a case is closed. She said the information was
very helpful.
Alderman Feldman echoed the welcome to Mr. Strong and said that there has
been a perception for quite a long time that the program needs a very strong
leader that can mobilize the community. He indicated that the Committee has
found it very frustrating over the past couple of years, that there is a
willingness to invest time and money and patience in dealing with some of
these problems, but up to now, not achieve the results which had been hoped
for. There is a perception which has grown that some of the problems present
in the community are beyond the City's ability to have a significant impact
upon. Mr. Strong said that he is still in the assessment phase however, he
has extensive experience in school based programs and he is a firm believer
In taking services out to the community. He is a firm believer in support
services in the schools. He did not support traditional models of social
services, that services needed to be home based and school based. (Alderman
Moran entered the meeting at this point.) He said it is difficult to measure
success, that successes may not manifest themselves until five or seven years
down the road. However, good effective work has been done by the staff based
on what he has seen so far. He is a firm believer of early detection and
early intervention. Alderman Feldman asked if he had any thoughts on how to
enlist the aid of parents and empower parents to become allies when lack of
parental involvement is sighted as a common problem. Mr. Strong said that
you need to work with the families in a home based manner. It is an
opportunity to see problems firsthand, see how they are manifested at home,
that the traditional model is to wait for clients to come in for a counseling
session, and that does not work any more.
Alderman Davis said given the importance of home based services what
mechanism will the bureau use for those agencies who cannot provide home
based services. How do you try to effect change or coordinate those
services? Mr. Strong said that sometimes you have to take people to Where
services are going to be delivered, if need be. He felt that the central
communication and coordinating role of the bureau was an important one, so
that everyone has the same agenda.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 7/22/91 . . .
Alderman Feldman asked if it was Mr. Strong's intention to assume an advocacy
role to promote more agencies providing home based services. Mr. Strong said
that he is not entirely comfortable with that role as good services can also
be provided on site. He felt that as long as agencies were in agreement as
to what was necessary for the family, the location of the service provision
should not be a major issue. Alderman Feldman said in his view, based on the
experience that the child is more easily delivered in to the program than the
parents are, he wondered whether the community had the ability or commitment
to go into homes and try to reestablish a family structure where needed. He
said if the community is not prepared to do that, how do we try to change
that mind set. Mr. Strong said, it is easier to promote ideas like that when
there are successes. It is a question of who wants to provide that service.
He noted that many agencies in Chicago provide home based services; it is not
a new concept.
Alderman Davis noted it is not always an all or nothing proposition, that
home based services are not always appropriate. Mr. Strong agreed that it is
an individual determination based on each case.
Alderman Feldman said the hiring of Mr. Strong is a very important moment in
the development of the Youth Services Bureau, leaving the only major
unanswered question, the status of the Citizens Advisory Committee. Chief
Jacobi indicated that he was hoping to come to the Committee for this meeting
with a proposal, that he has met with Don Colleton however certain logistical
details have not been worked out yet, Mr. Colleton was receptive to working
with him however, some conceptual and logistical problems were not resolved.
Alderman Feldman asked when the Committee could expect a report on this
issue. Chief Jacobi indicated that he had hoped would have been ready for
this evening's meeting. Alderman Feldman told the Chief that this is the
missing cap to putting the program in place, he is looking forward to
receiving his report.
Alderman Drummer reminded Chief Jacobi that the Citizens Advisory Committee
was to be mayorally appointed. He indicated that the packet material sent by
the bureau was interesting, he wished the new program a lot of success. He
said his confidence in the program had been increased with the hiring of Mr.
Strong and was glad to know that a number of human service concepts had not
been lost by the move to the Police Department.
Alderman Feldman stated that one of the things that he had been very
impressed with the Youth Advocacy Program was the program's ability, both
staff and advisory committee, to evaluate itself honestly, he felt that it
had been a unique and refreshing idea, he was hoping that the same spirit
would be present with the Youth Service Bureau, that they would be as willing
to admit their frustration and failure; and he was hoping that spirit would
be included in communications sent from the Bureau to the Committee. He
believed that type of honesty would serve the Program and the Committee well.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 7/22/91 . . . 6
Alderman Fiske indicated that he wanted to concur with Alderman Feldman's
remarks, he wanted to wish Mr. Strong all the best of luck in his position.
He asked for some clarification on language used in the case studies which
had been transmitted, sought clarification as to what was a social and what
outreach meant when it is used as a verb. Mr. Strong indicated a social,
usually means the first visit with a client in his home; it is an assessment
and get to know one another process that needs to occur before there is any
formal plan of action. He said that when someone has outreached, it usually
means that the worker is not on site at the agency, that they have gone into
the community to access a client.
Alderman Moran noted in the referral form for high risk youth, that there are
a number of criteria for acceptance. One of which was the parents agree to
the intake interview. He asked if this were a firm requirement for
participation in the program, and if it was, what happens to high risk youth
if the parents do not agree to participate. Mr. Strong indicated that it is
very hard to deliver service in a non -consenting atmosphere with the
exception of some limited services regarding abuse situations or teen
pregnancy; that parental consent is key for workers to have access to the
youth.
Alderman Davis noted that this had been an issue with the Youth Advocacy
Program that there is a feeling that it is impossible for any program to
reach every youth so that there needs to be some degree of prioritizing. She
felt that if parents were open to the first step, it enhanced your chances of
being successful. She said that it is a dilemma because you worry about
every child but sometimes it is not possible to serve every child. Mr.
Strong indicated that in his experience it was very rare for parents to not
welcome the help. Alderman Moran however noted, that in a number of case
studies, there were a number of appointments broken, a lack of attention from
the family. He noted there was significant lack of parental involvement with
some of these clients; wanted to know if that wasn't a missing link in the
chain for service, and how is this dealt with. Mr. Strong said in certain
cases that might constitute neglect however, he felt that the outreach
mechanism of the program was the most important way of having an impact on
that. _
Jay Terry indicated that this was an issue the management of the YAP program
had as well. Marketing the program to the family had involved a significant
amount of time much greater than originally anticipated and, it is a Judgment
call that you have to make on a case -by -case basis as to how much do you try
to promote yourself to the family and try to persuade them to let you in and
work with them. It is hard to know some times when a "no" is not a no. _
Alderman Moran indicated that he understood about dealing with negative
responses from the family. His question was how do you dealing with a total
lack of response of yes or no from the family.
Alderman Feldman said it is a question of where does the program put its
energies. Do you focus on those with the greater need however, with the
least chance of success, or those you are most likely to have some impact
on. He said unfortunately, it appears that there is a type of triage
assessment going on by many workers in the field.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 7/22/91 . . . 7
There is more work to be done than resources available so he would understand
the tendency to work with parents who are eager. It is both a Judgment call
and a terrible dilemma.
Alderman Drummer thanked Mr. Strong for coming before the Committee and
looked forward to receiving further reports on the bureau's progress.
Alderman Feldman asked if they could expect regular reports from the
program. Chief Jacobi indicated that there would be at least quarterly
reports from the Youth Services Bureau to the Human Services Committee.
DISCUSSION WITH CITY MA«AGFR FINDING LFVFt FOR PURCHASED SERVICES
Alderman Drummer suggested that since the City Manager was available, that
the next agenda item be the discussion with him about the funding level for
Community Purchased Services.
Mr. Anderson said the philosophy of the internal review that City department
heads and his budget team are going through, is that the managers themselves
come up with proposals for savings dollars. He said that philosophy and that
plan of action works well except for areas like Community Purchased Services
where a flat dollar figure is necessary to provide a guideline and a goal for
people to work towards. He believed that it was vitally important for the
morale of everyone participating in the process and as a contribution to the
magnitude of effort necessary to meet the budget goal of keeping the property
tax levy constant, that the Community Purchased Service agencies must go
along with being a part of this. He would suggest that they perhaps could
take a look at their management structure, their service delivery system. He
is aware that many of them have not had significant increases in City funds
in the immediately preceding years. However, he felt that the only way to
have the agencies be a part of this process to hold taxes in line is to have
a small cut. He would suggest that there be a cut in the purchased service
level between $20,000. - $25,000. He felt a cut of that nature would be
sending a signal without sending a knockout punch to the agency.
Alderman Feldman said what percentage of the total budget would that be. Mr.
Anderson indicated that it was less than five percent of the total City
funding for purchased services. Alderman Drummer asked whether this was
City, Mental Health Board, and Township. Mr. Anderson said at the present
time, he was only speaking for the City however, he was hoping that the other
funding public bodies would go along as well.
Alderman Davis said that the Human Services Committee is always concerned
about their inability to deal with new needs in the community. That last
year they identified a priority of serving the age group of zero to three yet
there is always an inability to put any significant new dollars in to
priorities. He felt that a reduction ties the hands of the Unified Budget
Panel, eliminates their ability to respond to new initiatives and new needs.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 7/22/91 . . . ti
In her opinion, funding agencies at the same level was consistent with the
policy of keeping the tax level the same. She noted that even if they are
kept at the same funding level, they will be forced to make some reductions.
Mr. Anderson said the only problem with that is it limits the City's ability
to meet its goal of trying to eliminate one time revenues. The City is still
in a position to make reductions in order to keep the tax levy constant, that
there is a need to cut out over two million dollars from the current budget
in order to stay the same. He noted that if reductions do not occur in the
purchase service area, there will be reductions elsewhere in the City budget.
Alderman Feldman commented that the five percent, if it were taken out by the
City, would not be equal to five percent of any one agency budget. He did
not feel that this would he an agency "buster". He felt there was a need to
be consistent with the City Budget Policy. He personally had been concerned
that the recommended reduction in purchase services would in fact be larger.
He noted that the Mental Health Board had just completed a retreat, that it
is beginning the process to reexamine the way it has traditionally funded
agencies and its relationship to the Unified Budget Process. They have not
reached any decisions but they are going to have a very close examination of
their relationship, that there will be a strong effort to redefine that
relationship. He noted that the Board has gone along for some time
maintaining a status quo; there have been attempts to direct priorities but
there hasn't been sufficient efforts to put dollars where the articulated
priorities lie. Mr. Anderson indicated he would applaud movement in that
direction. He is of the belief that if people understand the overall goals
and objectives, that they will react well.
Alderman Feldman said that one of the issues being examined was whether or
not the Mental Health Board should be issuing RFPs for specific services. He
noted that there is nothing set up now, that once you get into the system,
renewal funding seems to be automatic.
Alderman Drummer said he understood the City Manager's position about the
need to eliminate one time revenues and he knows that citizens are looking
for reduction in taxes. He also cautioned that members of the Unified Budget
Panel should be careful not to turn to the Township as a source of revenue
and source of funding, cautioned that this is also the same citizen's tax
dollars. Mr. Anderson noted regarding the one time revenues that if it is
not done now, the situation will get appreciably worse in four to five years.
Alderman Davis indicated that she was still concerned that human service
agencies not bear the brunt of any budget reduction process. She asked the
City Manager if he would characterize the recommended reduction as less of a —
cut than in other areas of the City budget. She noted that there are many -=
misconceptions in the community, that many residents say Evanston does more
than any other community, that she often has to point out at what a small
percentage of the City budget Human Services make up.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 7/22/91 . . . 9
She believed that this small of a reduction will have a meaningful impact an
an agency and she was hoping that purchase services would take less than a
hit than other parts of the City budget. Mr. Anderson said that he had no
specific numbers for comparison. His personal sense was that this cut was at
or below the percentage of most departments will be reducing their budgets.
However, he noted that it will vary some will be greater than others. He
cannot, at this time, represent that it will be less of a hit than all other
budgets, but he did believe that it would be at the lower end of the spectrum.
Alderman Feldman said that members of the Council had to be careful that
those who are cut do not suffer more than their fair share. He suggested to
the City Manager that as figures are developed, if it was possible for
Community Purchased Service to withstand a smaller cut, that the City Manager
get back to the Human Services Committee, that a five percent cut or a cut of
$25,000. not be etched in stone. These funds deal with the health and
welfare of citizens and that any cut is a hit right in the eye.
Mr. Anderson noted that there will be significant cuts in capital
improvements and that many cuts will occur as a result of reductions of
positions. He noted that a $25,000. cut would be part of a $4.2 million
reduction and he is hopeful that this can be accomplished without any service
reductions at all. He said if it would be possible to reduce the cut to
Community Purchase Services they will.
Alderman Feldman noted that the policy called for no program cuts, asked if
this was not a program cut, he said that even given some efficiencies could
be achieved, isn't this a service cut? Mr. Anderson said that he did not
believe it should be thought as a service cut, that certainly a cut of this
nature was not a destroyer of agencies. He felt that the Unified Budget
Panel must be careful to articulate the overall budget goal and that
agencies, he was hopeful, would take it upon themselves to try and reduce
expenditures.
Jay Terry noted that one of the frustrations of the Unified Budget Process is
that it is never directly clear as to what exact services City dollars are
paying for, that quite often there is no direct link because City dollars are
a grant to the agency to help their overall mission as opposed to
specifically paying for a particular service.
Alderman Feldman asked how do we establish a better link. Mr. Terry
indicated that one way of doing it was with a unit cost for a specific
activity. They can be difficult, depending upon the agency involved and the
percentage City dollars are of the agency's overall budget. Alderman Feldman
said this reinforced the burden on the members of the Unified Budget Panel
and the Hunan Services Committee to scrutinize as much as possible the
proposals that come in from agencies. Mr. Anderson reminded the Committee
that the burden is also on the agency to submit cost effective proposals.
Alderman Drummer noted there is always a need for agencies to try to reduce
their administrative cost.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 7/22/91 . . .10
Alderman Feldman felt there needed to be a value in the Unified Budget
Process, that it has not been present in recent years to scrutinize the
administrative costs within agencies. He questioned how we get that message
across to the Unified Budget Panel this year.
Alderman Moran said that the message of an approximate five percent cut will
be heard loud and clear, that this is a message that needs to be carried back
to both the Unified Budget Panel and the agencies involved. He also
expressed a concern that agencies would push up their absolute dollar
requests. fie felt that Unified Budget needed to extend itself to try and be
as helpful to agencies as possible.
Alderman Davis offered as a suggestion, from having served on the Panel, that
it is often very difficult to get beyond a flat percentage cut applied across
the board and while it is an attempt to spread the burden evenly, she felt
that close examination may reveal that there may be one or two agencies who
should bear the brunt of this type of reduction.
Alderman Drummer indicated that an exact figure for Community Purchased
Services would be calculated by the Human Services Committee later in the
year.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
Alderman Drummer noted that there was not time to adequately discuss this
issue and felt that it should be held over to the next meeting on August 12,
1991. Alderman Davis indicated that she was unlikely to be able to attend
the meeting; that her feelings about the issue were that the Executive
Committee concept of the Intergovernmental Agreement should be eliminated
totally, that there needs to be an open ended agreement that anyone can sign
on to. She agreed with staff that the value in the agreement is that the
School District is committed to coordinating services. She felt that any
language about participation in the Agreement being a condition of funding be
removed and that there simply be language promoting sharing of information.
Alderman Drummer indicated he agreed with the elimination of the Executive
Committee, he felt there needed to be a clarification of terms as to what was
meant by sharing of information that perhaps, it was possible to list out
what particular information has to be shared. Jay Terry indicated that there
would be some difficulty in developing that kind of list and enforcing that
type of requirement. Alderman Drummer indicated that given the number of
questions, that the entire matter would be carried over until the meeting of
the August 12, 1991.
The Committee unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:05 P.M.
W�
--Mir
Jay W. Terry
I
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
August 12, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
PRESENT: Alderman Fiske, Feldman, Drummer, Moran, Washington (arrived
late)
ABSENT: Alderman Davis
OTHERS Eric Anderson, Ernest Jacobi, Patrick Casey, Harvey Saver,
PRESENT: Kathy Elg, Jeanne Fox, Jay Terry, Michael DeVaul, Donald
Wirth, Paula Crismond, C. Louise Brown, Margery Fisher,
Cristin Gallup
PRESIDING: Alderman Drummer, Chairman
2U TO ORDE
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
MINUTES
The Committee considered the minutes of the meeting of July 28, 1991.
Alderman Moran made the following correction... page six paragraph four, the
last sentence should read..."his question was how do you know You are..."
With that correction, the Committee approved the minutes of July 22, 1991
unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS
Evanston Hospital Electromagnetic Radiation
Alderman Drummer indicated he interpreted this communication to mean that
Evanston Hospital does not believe they have a problem with electromagnetic
radiation right now and the Environmental Control Board no longer feels that
they need to contract for an outside study. Alderman Feldman reported that
he and Alderman Moran met with the Environmental Control Board and discussed
a range of issues regarding electromagnetic radiation. It was the Board's
opinion that there was no current evidence which warranted further action by
them however, they will continue to monitor further developments.
Evanston Coalition Far Youth and Their Families Grant Proposal Status Report
The Committee accepted this without comment.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 8/12/91 . . . 2
CONSIDERATION OF A REOUEST FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL. CONTROL BOARD..Q AUTHORIZE
PJ.ANNING OF AN INTFRGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Cristin Gallup indicated that she was present from the Environmental Control
Board and was happy to answer any questions which the Committee might have.
Alderman Feldman asked Ms. Gallup what exactly an Intergrated Pest. Management
Program would entail. Ms. Gallup responded that an Intergrated flan was an
opportunity to reduce pesticide, herbicide and other toxic chemical use. It
is a way to look at non -toxic control methods and explore alternative methods
of controlling weeds, insects, and other pests. It is a plan that is
necessary because of the perceived problem of using too many toxic chemicals
for pest elimination. Alderman Feldman said that it appeared to him that
there were two elements of a plan for reducing toxic chemicals in pest
elimination; one would be all of the governments involved in reducing their
usage, and second, that in which the average person or household could cut
down on their usage. He asked how an Intergrated Pest Management Program
could impact on the average citizen. Ms. Gallup said that the intention was
to start by targeting larger users, felt that if the Intergrated Plan was
successful for those larger users, there could be wider application.
Alderman Feldman asked if there is an opportunity to involve larger users
such as the Mosquito Abatement District. Ms. Gallup said that she would like
to see the involvement of the Mosquito Abatement District. She would also
like to see involvement of other larger users such as the two hospitals.
Alderman Fiske asked Ms. Gallup what was the process the Board envisioned for
this to happen. Ms. Gallup said the intention would be to invite the major
users to come to meet and discuss and determine their interest in an
Intergrated Plan. Hopefully this would lead to a peer review situation in
which the major users would comment on each others toxic chemical usage.
Alderman Fiske said if this was an opportunity to have the major users get
together, shouldn't there be a distribution of information. Ms. Gallup said,
yes, a lack of information and a lack of awareness was a significant part of
the problem, that an Integrated Plan would require some knowledge of
entomology. Margery Fisher from the League of Women Voters indicated that
citizens groups have already gone to District 55 and District 202 who have
indicated that they are interested, that an Integrated Plan would call for
getting together once a year and everyone reviewing each participants plan
for pest control.
Alderman Moran noted that the memorandum to the Human Services Committee
indicated that this Integrated Plan would be advisory however, there was
language in the memo that said, "after a formal plan" and "to support
recommendations". He asked what was meant by a formal plan. Ms. Fisher said
she hoped a plan ultimately could be developed, noted that some steps had
been taken in that direction, and she praised Mr. '.firth of the Parks
Recreation and Forestry Department for helping facilitate that effort.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 8/12/91 . . .
Alderman Feldman asked if the. Board currently had an entomologist in an
advisory capacity. Ms. Gallup said the Ecology Center has experts in that
area. Alderman Feldman cautioned that a plan might require more than just an
annual meeting. Alderman Drummer asked if the Board had identified any cost
associated with this project. Ms. Gallup said only the staff time and any
costs associated with any meetings.
Mr. Wirth noted that if the Integrated Plan progressed, and was very
successful, theoretically costs would go down as each entity would decrease
their use of toxic chemicals.
Alderman Drummer noted that it was the consensus of the Committee that the
Environmental Control Board pursue an Intergrated Pest Management Plan.
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 66-R-91 AUTHORIZING A GRANT PROPOSAL FOR ILLINOIS
CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL ACT FUNDS TO SUPPORT KEEP EVANSTON BEAUTIFUL
Alderman Feldman made a motion to approve this Resolution and it passed
unanimously.
Alderman Drummer announced that the next agenda item, the reference
concerning City Policy regarding rollerblades would be moved to the end of
the meeting to accommodate Alderman Newman who wished to participate in the
discussion.
REPORT FROM PARTICIPANTS IN THE GANG/DRUG POLICY PROGRAM IN CHAMPAIGN.
ILLINOIS
Chief Jacobi reported that himself and Jay Terry were just two of ten
individuals who attended the conference. As a law enforcement person he
wanted to note that the conference underscored the importance of human
services in attempting to fight the gang problem. He noted the delegations
from the various cities of Skokie, Waukegan, Champaign, and Joliet who
attended. The intention was for these delegations to go back to their
respective communities and help develop a comprehensive plan, that he was
pleased by the representation of the school districts and their commitment to
developing that plan. He was hopeful that both superintendents would commit
themselves to implementing the procedures necessary for information sharing.
He noted that a training meeting had been scheduled for September 5, 1991 in
which the participants would give a training session to their respective
staffs. Jay Terry reported that as he had indicated in the staff memo, the
training was an intense one and much of the information that was provided was
overwhelming in terms of its description of the national problem. It was
clear that some new efforts were necessary. Noted that different communities
had in the make-up of their delegations had decided to send different
perspectives; Joliet had representatives of the press and their economic
development officer as part of the delegation. The message was clear that a
strategy to deal with the gang problem was only possible through a
comprehensive effort, that there was a underlying philosophy that the schools
and the police department needed to cooperate more fully and our delegation
was hopeful that we could move to implement that.
HUKAU SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 8/12/91 . . . 4
Alderman Feldman indicated that following his reading of the training and the
report from those who attended, he had some areas of concern. He was struck
that this problem appears to be an absolutely immense problem, that Evanston
is not at all free from a gang problem. He is of theopinion that much of
what we do is not successful. He does not know of anyone in the community
that feels comfortable, or that the problem is being addressed adequately.
He is very appreciative of the people who did attend the conference however,
he is not convinced that they learned any particular new insights or learned
anything which many people in the community did not already know. He cannot
imagine that the group came up with the definitive answer to the gang
problem. He felt that the Committee had an obligation to communicate to the
community the limitations of the various City funded programs in this
regard. He did not want to create an illusion that this group has developed
a full proof plan to deal with the problem. He felt that the worst service
that could be provided by the City is to give some small sense of comfort to
the citizens that this problem was being adequately addressed. (Alderman
Washington entered the meeting at this point.)
Alderman Drummer noted that he had attended a similar training program four
to five years ago in Washington. He felt that the City was now devoting a
lot more attention to the problem, that the law enforcement end of the City
government had more sophistication, better demographic data. The greater
concern was the number of weapons that are now in the community. He felt
that Evanston had not fully experienced the type of neighborhood terrorism
that had occurred in Chicago. He felt that the shootings which had occurred
in Evanston thus far, were limited to gang members shooting at each other.
However, he is still concerned that services are not coordinated as well as
they should be. He felt that everyone needed to develop a better way to
involve the community, did not believe that the police and City Hall were the
sole answer to the problem. He noted that there is always a wave of emotion
that comes behind an incident such as the recent shooting in Evanston; felt
that now is the time to involve the citizens as much as possible. He is
going to a number of neighborhood and community meetings to do what he can to
address the problem, that a number of people come up to him and say, "let me
help, let me volunteer", and he is struggling with ways to get the public
involved in this problem. He felt that the community needed to identify all
at -risk kids and target those kids for intensive services. He noted that he
was saddened by the fact that since his service on the Human Services
Committee he has witnessed five youths being killed.
Alderman Washington asked, who has the plan, who has the answer, what is
necessary to get the parents directly involved? Alderman Drummer said the
problem is that you do not see effort sustained. After a while people who
have volunteered and commitment themselves are no longer there. Alderman
Washington acknowledged that citizens do tend to back off, that someone other
than the citizens are needed to lead this fight. She felt that the City has
continued to fund agencies that are not effective. Ed Moran said he wanted
to thank all those who had attended the conference. He acknowledged the
presence of Michael DeVaul in the audience and wanted to thank him for his
participation.
a
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 8/12/91 . . . 5
He felt whether or not the Evanston Coalition For Youth And Their Families
grant was funded, there was a need to .achieve the grant objectives. He
agreed with Alderman Feldman that it was a terrible struggle. He believed
that Evanston as a community needed to address this issue head on and to
develop a comprehensive plan, that this was something that was trying to be
addressed in the grant application. There was a need to try to eliminate
Jurisdictional disputes but he believed that the City could produce a plan.
He felt that there were two things which must be addressed; one was
intervention with the youth, the second was police protection. There was a
need to head off the problem, a need to protect those who are at -risk, he
believed that some things could be coordinated.
Alderman Washington noted that she was also hopeful for the grant, however
she said just because the murder happened in a neighborhood near the Fifth
Ward, doesn't mean other aldermen who are not in that ward should not come
out and attend community meetings. She was concerned that attendees at this
training program had been at the administrator level and that more direct
service community level individuals such as Reverend McCallister of Second
Baptist Church or Jimmy Burton at Family Focus were perhaps more appropriate
attendees. She wanted the program to go to people who can make a
difference. She expressed her strong concern over the number and
availability of weaponry in the community, believed that there had been a
drive by shooting with Uzis in her neighborhood and she asked Chief Jacobi
where are these weapons corning from?
Chief Jacobi indicated that guns are far too accessible to anyone in this
country; that guns can be purchased in the mail, the components can be
purchased and guns can then be assembled, that firearms can be purchased in
many of the suburbs near Evanston and brought into Evanston. Efforts to
control the flow of weapons must deal with that type of volume.
Alderman Feldman indicated he wished he could share the confidence of
Alderman Moran. He was not sure that the capacity or the will existed to
produce a comprehensive plan which would produce results. He was not certain
that we had achieved significant difference as a result of our efforts to
date, that we needed to be very careful in terms of the expectations we set.
He felt that it might not be realistic to aspire to eliminate the gang
problem however, there should be an aspiration to have all citizens be as
safe as possible. Suggests that in memos and plans that are developed, that
there be some limit set. He felt that the community will only get involved
when someone believes and understands that it is a constant problem; not a
single problem that can be solved. He felt the group should make a beginning
and make a plan. There was a need for a constant and perpetual commitment in
which an attempt is made to address the problem one child at a time. He felt
Alderman Washington's point was well taken that parents and members of the
community need to have a plan presented to them. Alderman Drummer indicated
that these thoughts are the same things that have been said over the last
eight or nine years, that there is a need to stay on the course and not give
up.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 8/12/91 . . . 6
He noted that last year there were emphasis an prevention and intervention,
felt that the community was still short in the intervention department. He
felt that there is a perception in some areas that we are losing the battle,
that there are successes when community groups have taken over the battle,
when the plan does not flow from City Hall.
Alderman Fiske concurred strongly with Alderman Feldman's remarks. He felt
there was a need to go forward; he felt that there was a very strong need to
retain the consciousness that we don't know the answers. He shared the sense
of discouragement upon reading the news from the seminar, that it appeared to
be gloomy information that the staff received, that there was a need to get
the community involved but give them some guidelines as what is necessary.
He felt the committee was moving in a very good direction. He said, while
there is a tendency to get discouraged over the information that had been
reported, that one should try to imagine how much worse things could be if
these programs would not be in place. He encouraged staff to try and
identify professional information which is available in terms of addressing
this issue.
Jay Terry stated that we have had a number of attempts at trying to
coordinate services and have a meaningful impact. One of the things learned
at the training was there needed to be a community commitment and in order
for a community commitment, there were certain Evanston values about which
some decisions needed to be made. If staff and all agencies in the community
were to pursue Alderman Drurrxner's suggestion about targeting certain youth
for intensive efforts, that was sure to raise the issue of labeling and the
targeting versus labeling debate had made effective coordinated efforts
difficult. It was not clear yet that the community held a value that the
police department and the school system should have full and complete sharing
of information about individual youth, that there certainly are those in the
community who felt that those were separate institutions who should maintain
separate information bases. Until questions of this nature could be
resolved, it was difficult for line staff to proceed on the development of a
detailed plan.
Alderman Feldman felt that the Committee should ask staff to come up with
more specific suggestions to come up with a plan to provide direction for the
community to start. He is no longer accepting the throwing of
generalizations at these problems. There is a need to describe a management
handle so we are affecting this problem.
Alderman Drummer indicated that Jay Terry and Chief Jacobi need to continue
to work together and come back to the Committee with further information.
Alderman Drummer noted that Reverend McCallister was in the audience and
asked if he had anything he wished to say. Reverend McCal l i ster stated that
he had just found out about the Human Services meeting earlier that afternoon
and he was really not prepared to make a statement.
1
a
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 8/12/91 . . . 7
Alderman Washington wanted to thank the City Manager for attending the Fifth
Ward Community meeting at the Fleetwood-Jourdian Center the previous Friday
night.
COMMUNITY PURCHASED SERVICE FUNDING LEVEL
Alderman Drummer noted the staff memorandum and recommendation. Last year
the funding level was 5497,767. and the recommendation was for a reduction to
$477,767. Mr. Anderson indicated that at the last meeting a proposal had
been made to reduce purchase services by $25,000.; that members of the Human
Services Committee had asked that the budget team review that
recommendation. Consequently, it was now believed that a $20,000. figure was
more appropriate and that the staff recommendation is for a 520,000.
reduction.
Alderman Feldman asked the question how can we reduce the Community Purchased
Service level and still be consistent with our policy not to reduce
services. Mr. Anderson indicated that there was a need for the purchase
service agencies to undergo the same effort as the various City departments
were going through; a need to look at administrative expenses, various
service delivery methods; that there was a need to ask of them the same
commitment to hold the line on taxes. Alderman Feldman indicated that this
was a reasonable request, that there was a need to direct to the Unified
Budget representatives that this was the amount and they need to ask
agencies, are they able to do that, and if not, why not?
Alderman Drummer indicated that he was hopeful that the agencies would find
room to make certain adjustments. A motion to approve a Community Purchased
Service funding level of $477,767. was approved unanimously.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
Alderman Drummer asked if any progress had been !Wade on this issue. Mr.
Terry indicated no there hadn't. Alderman Feldman noted that he agreed with
many of the concerns articulated by Alderman Davis at the previous meeting,
that he wanted to get involved in the process of drafting a new version of
the agreement acceptable to the City. He would like to see a copy of a
proposed agreement for the next meeting. Alderman Drummer indicated that
there should be a one person Sub -Committee consisting of Alderman Feldman to
work with Jay Terry on developing the proposed language for that agreement.
Alderman Moran indicated that he understood the concerns of Alderman Davis to
have the Executive Committee be taken out of the agreement. He said that he
was not wedded to the notion of an Executive Committee however, if the
agreement was completely open ended, in which anyone could join up at any one
time, there was a need for direction and coordination; there was a need for a
governing Committee of some sort. Alderman Drummer felt there was an
intention to have a Committee however, the Executive Committee as identified
in the Intergovernmental Agreement had some powers appropriately allocated to
it. Alderman Feldman said he would appreciate input from all the members of
the Committee on a proposed agreement.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 8/12/91 . . . 8
RFEERENCE CONCERNING CITY POLICY ON ROLLERBLADES
Alderman Newman was present at the meeting at this point. Alderman Newman
indicated that he made the reference in response to complaints he had
received from members of his Ward. He noted that Alderman Paden had made a
similar aldermanic request in response to complaints she had received. He is
very concerned about a Recreation Board Policy which allows for rental of
rollerblades. He noted that the Mather and North Shore senior citizens homes
are only one and a half blocks from the lake front, that complaints had been
registered by the residents of those homes, that the City is not enforcing
restrictions against bicycling on sidewalks. RoIIerblades were also
identified as an issue. lie did not believe that the City should take any
action banning rollerblades however, he felt that the City was adding fuel to
the problem by being involved with the rental of rollerblades. In addition
to senior citizens, he is also concerned about children walking in the park.
He wondered what was the thinking behind implementing this policy, was there
a need for revenue. He felt the policy was inappropriate. He indicated that
he had spoken to staff of the Commission on Aging encouraging them to look
into the problem as to the extent that rollerblades are a concern to senior
citizens. He is very concerned that a program was started up without any
thought to the implications.
Alderman Feldman indicated that he did not believe rollerblades should be
outlawed but he also questioned whether the City should encourage their use.
He felt that it was a policy that could possibly increase the risk to
citizens, increase potential injury or potential inconvenience to the
elderly. He wished some further information on this issue, he wanted a report
which described the process in which this contract was initiated. He knew
the contract had never come to the Human Services Committee, wanted to know
if it had been reviewed by anyone in Council, and he wanted to know what the
rationale was for the development of this contract. He was also interested
in knowing how many rentals per day were taking place, he was curious to know
what was the number of rollerblades on the street at any given time.
Determining the total number being utilized at one time could have some
impact in determining how serious a problem there was.
Alderman Drummer noted that information had been distributed by staff in the
packet, that the contract was only a six month contract ending in December,
that thus far fifty-one pair of skates had been rented out. In the history
of programs at the lake front, that there have been issues regarding the
safety of bicyclists on the lake front versus walkers, that even an alderman
had once been injured in the park. A policy decision had been made in the
past to separate two paths so bicycles and skaters could use the paved path
and joggers and strollers could use the cinder block path.
Alderman Newman reiterated that he is not looking for a City ban on
rollerblades, just an end to the City's sponsorship through .its rental
agreement. He .noted that it is now banned on City streets. He reminded the
Committee that for senior citizens a fall could be potentially fatal. He
said that this park is so close to high numbers of senior citizens that the
City is adding to the problem.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 8/12/91 . . . 9
Alderman Drummer indicated that he might not be in agreement with Alderman
Newman's recommendations and it was his preference that the Human Services
Committee wait until it had received answers to Alderman Feldman's questions
and a staff review following the summer season. Alderman Washington
clarified that Alderman Newman's position was simply an opposition to the
rental of the rollerblades. Alderman Newman indicated yes, he did not want
the rental agreement in place.
Alderman Moran indicated that he was concerned with Alderman Feldman's
wanting to know the rationale behind the contract being put in place. He
indicated that he had faith in the staff of the Recreation Department. He
would not want to review the rationale and judgment of every decision that
staff made. He noted that citizens can rent rollerblades from shops closer
to the Georgian and Mather than the lake front pavilion. He noted that the
City does receive revenue from this rental and that there are a number of
protections and warnings in place so that the City perhaps has more control
over these rollerblade rentals than others that occur in the community.
Alderman Drummer indicated that the Committee would wait for the answers to
Alderman Feldman's questions. The contract would be up soon and that would
an opportunity to review this policy. He indicated the issue would be held
In Committee pending the answer to Alderman Feldman's questions and staff
evaluation.
The Committee voted to adjourn at 9:00 P.M.
Jay W. Terry
DRAFT - NOT APPROVED
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
August 26, 1991
8:00 P.M.
Room 2402
PRESENT: Alderman Fiske, Davis, Feldman, Drummer, Moran
ABSENT: Alderman Washington
STAFF Harvey Saver, Marc Bermann, Owen Thomas, C. Louise Brown,
PRESENT: Catherine Powers, Kathleen Brenniman, Jay Terry
OTHERS Stephanie Williams, Lighthouse
PRESENT:
PRESIDING: Alderman Drummer, Chairman
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 8:10 p.m.
MINUTES
The Committee considered the minutes of the meeting of August 12, 1991.
Alderman Fiske pointed out spelling corrections. With those corrections, the
minutes of August 12, 1991 were approved unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS
Mental Health Board Fundinq Guidelines
Accepted without comment.
Chanqe Of Ownership Lona Term Care Facility
Accepted without comment.
REFERENCE REGARDING POTENTIAL DISCRIMINATION IN CITY HOUSING CODE ENFORCEMENT.
Alderman Feldman suggested there was an implication in Alderman Paden's
reference that certain individual City staff were not performing their duties
in an appropriate manner and he suggested that the Committee needed to go
into an Executive Session on the basis of personnel to review this issue. On
a roll call vote, the Committee voted unanimously to go into an Executive
Session at 8:15 P.M.
The Committee reconvened into open session at 8:43 P.M.
LONG TERM CARE ANNUAL REPORT
Alderman Feldman indicated that as he was reading the report, as he noted each
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 8/26/91 . . .
violation and the punishment, he became angrier because when B and C
violations are seen in human terms, it is astonishing that there is still
this level of violation going on. He wanted to know what the appropriate
response was to this because it was frustrating that these violations were
still occurring. He asked Public Health Director Brown to give some
perspective on the issue. Director Brown indicated that her staff are in the
nursing homes in Evanston quite often, that they make unannounced visits.
She felt that the violations cited were not of the magnitude of previous
years; noted that the Evanston regulations are very stringent. She would be
very surprised to go into any facility and find that everything is running
correctly. She felt that better paid staff were a key to good quality care
in any facility.
Alderman Feldman indicated that for all of the B violations which had
occurred, he had two areas of concern, one was B violations which reflected
actions of individuals and B violations that reflected the policy of the
institution. He felt that those violations which reflected a conscious
policy decision by the administration ❑f the facility were unconscionable and
wanted to know what remedial action the community could take.
Mr. Terry noted that of the thirty-four page report of violations, eight of
those pages were devoted to a single facility which had been the facility
which had recently been sold. Mr. Terry also noted that in previous years,
violations could be tied to low paid staff, related to a low reimbursement
rate from the State of Illinois. One of the problem areas in the past year
however, had been at a facility that was 100% private pay, where you would
expect both a higher level of care, and much higher expectation of care by
family members.
Director Brown noted for certain B violations that were cited regarding level
of care, facilities quite often have a difficult time when a long term
resident or patient's health deteriorates as they are aging in place, that
the level of care provided often does not catch up with that process.
Alderman Feldman noted the number of agenda items the Committee had and the
need to move on the agenda but felt that the Long Term Care Annual Report
warranted more attention. He wanted to see more dialogue on this issue.
Alderman Davis suggested that the Mental Health Board and the Commission on
Aging be directed to review the Long Term Care Annual Report and offer any
commentary that they may have.
The Committee concurred with this suggestion.
REFERENCE FROM ALDERMAN PADEN
Alderman Drummer noted that the Committee needed to confirm publicly the
consensus reached in the Executive Session.
Ald. Feldman made a motion that the Human Services Committee communicate with
Alderman Paden that there was no substantive basis to reconsider or recommend
any action to the Human Relations Commission relative to her reference.
Seconded by Alderman Moran. The motion passed 5 - 0.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 8/26/91 . . . 3
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE UNIFIED
BUDGET PROCESS
Alderman Davis inquired about the 501(C)3 status for the Lighthouse. Mr.
Terry noted that a representative from the Lighthouse was in the audience.
Ms. Stephanie Williams appeared on behalf of the Lighthouse and she indicated
that any tax exempt status would be handled through the First Church of God.
Alderman Davis asked how long the Lighthouse had been operating. Ms.
Williams said over a year. Alderman Feldman asked what role the Lighthouse
has been playing and particularly what services have been provided that are
not currently provided by other agencies. Ms. Williams said that the
Lighthouse currently provides a "help line", a meeting place for chemical
dependency concerns for young people. She said in the future the Lighthouse
hoped to establish a more structured chemical dependency program for teens
and an adult therapy program.
Alderman Feldman again raised a concern about what was different about this
service than that provided by another agencies. Ms. Williams felt that the
Lighthouse was the only center which provided a drop -in location for teens
regarding the substance abuse issue.
Alderman Feldman asked Harvey Saver of the Mental Health Board if he recalled
the debate in the past about the efficacy of adolescent outpatient treatment
and wanted to know if there is any new research in that area. Mr. Saver
indicated that recent literature indicates there is a need for both, that
there is still some difference of opinion between professionals as to the
value of inpatient versus outpatient adolescent treatment. Alderman Feldman
said it was his concern that the Human Services Committee not appear to be
inviting duplication of service. He also felt that a request to participate
in Unified Budgeting should be more informative than a single page letter
which the Committee had received. He would be looking for a narrative
description of the program, the Board of Directors composition, and what is
unique about the service being provided.
Alderman Davis felt that the tax status was still a legitimate question that
an agency had been turned down last year because they did not have their own
501(C)3 status and that was still an issue of concern to her.
Alderman Moran made a motion that the Lighthouse be allowed to participate in
the Unified Budgeting Process. Alderman Drummer seconded that motion.
Alderman Feldman questioned Alderman Moran's reasoning for the motion.
Alderman Moran felt that the Lighthouse should be allowed to participate;
that it was only an application to participate; that more services are needed
in the area they serve; that the detailed information about the agency and
the service will come later; that a decision to fund comes down the road and
that the Committee should not block an application at this point.
Alderman Davis said she had to disagree with Alderman Moran because an
application to participate in Unified Budgeting must be more than a pass
through. She felt if that were not the case, what was the point of coming to
the Human Services Committee in the first place; that there were many good
agencies in the City providing excellent service that do not go through the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 8/26/91 . . .
Unified Budget Process. Many agencies historically have been asked a whole
set of threshold questions by the Human Services Committee; that to approve
the Lighthouse on this limited information would set a standard that was
unfair to others and she felt the Committee needed to know more information.
Alderman Drummer felt that the Committee did need to know about the
incorporation of the Lighthouse, who was on the Board of Directors, however
he agreed with Alderman Moran that the location of the service mandated that
they be allowed to participate in Unified Budgeting. He could see an
approval to participate with the First Church of God acting as their fiscal
agent. Alderman Feldman concurred that the biggest plus to the service was
the location but he did not feel that location was enough to warrant
automatic approval to participate in UBP.
Alderman Drummer felt that BE -HIV, when it first started and first received
funding, was not much more organized than this. He noted that the Unified
Budget Process panel is being asked to make these decisions. Alderman
Feldman said he had no hesitancy about passing this on to the Unified Budget
Process if the agency merited consideration. He was still concerned there be
some assurance that it is a service that is not being provided by another
agency. Alderman Davis asked about the urgency of whether or not the
Committee needed to approve it that night.
Mr. Terry responded that it could be held over, that it was his understanding
that staff of the Lighthouse was already beginning work on a Unified Budget
Proposal, that if a decision was made at the September 16, 1991 meeting by
Human Services there would still be time to put Lighthouse into the process.
Alderman Feldman felt that the issue should be held over to the 16th, and he
was looking forward to receiving staff's input on this program. Mr. Terry
noted that the Lighthouse was a collaborative project; that PEER Services had
been actively involved in cooperating with the Lighthouse and PEER Services
was a City funded agency. Mr. Terry noted the dilemma in endorsing
collaborative efforts and wanting agencies to work together but then being
faced with concerns about whether we are duplicating services and who is
actually delivering the service and incurring costs.
The consensus of the Committee was that questions about the Lighthouse have
not been resolved and that the matter should be held over to the meeting of
September 16, 1991.
THE BOARD AND COMMISSION BUDGET REVIEW SCHEDULE
Alderman Feldman moved approval of this Review Schedule. Committee voted
unanimously to approve this schedule.
Committee voted to adjourn at 9:10 P.M.
Jay W. Terry
DRAFT - NOT APPROVED
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
September 16, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
PRESENT: Aldermen Fiske, Davis, Feldman, Drummer, Moran, Washington
STAFF Jeanne Fox, Jane Volberding, Carolyn Wanner, Linda Lutz,
PRESENT: Pat Casey, Eric Anderson, Kathy Egg, Vincent Adamus, Jay
Terry
OTHERS Rev. Curry, First Church of God; Barry Isaacson, Donald
PRESENT: Berry, Judith Herbert, Helen Leister, Grace Halperin, Adina
Romain, Jane Punwani, Catherine Spriegel, members of
Commission on Aging; Sheila Davis, David Ransford
PRESIDING: Alderman Feldman, Chairman
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
MINUTES
The minutes of August 26, 1991 were considered and the following corrections
were made: �--- -
Alderman Davis suggested that on page 3, paragraph 4, the 3rd sentence be
extended to read .. ....still an issue of concern to her because of
consistency of treatment of agencies." —
With that addition, the minutes were approved unanimously 6-0.
Alderman Davis noted that any members of the Committee who had concerns with --
the minutes of the Executive Session of the Human Services Committee meeting
of August 26 should note those corrections to staff for Committee review.
COMMUNICATIONS
c
Reba Place Elderly Outreach Program
Alderman Feldman expressed his gratitude that Reba Place had applied for =
and received the grant. Alderman Drummer said it was his hope that the
new activities related to the elderly at Reba Place would be done in
conjunction with the Commission on Aging.—=
Earn and Learn Uodate F 1. -2-0, !
Accepted without comment.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 'r
Minutes of 9/16/91 . . . Page 2
Recreation Denartment Monthly Narrative
Alderman Drummer noted the report in the Monthly Narrative about the
Fleetwood-Jourdain staff assisting in the new Mason Park basketball
program. He indicated this new basketball league was a direct response
of the recent incident at Mason Park; that Mason Park Neighbors have
organized a Neighborhood Watch Club; there is a great deal of direct
involvement by the neighborhood; that the draft for the League had just
been held this evening, and that there would be two leagues with six
teams with up to 120 participants. Alderman Feldman clarified this new
league would be held under the auspices of the Recreation Dept. Alderman
Drummer responded yes, but there would be heavy community involvement.
FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
UNIFIED BUDGET PROCESS (UBP)
Rev. Curry spoke on behalf of the Lighthouse. He indicated that the
application for a 501(C)(3) tax exempt status was on file; that the attorney
for the Lighthouse had processed this request. He noted that the Lighthouse
has already received Evanston Conmunity Foundation (ECF) funds; that those
funds for the Lighthouse had gone through with the First Church of God as the
fiscal agent. Alderman Drummer asked if First Church of God is the fiscal
agent, is the requirement for UBP net. Mr. Terry responded it would be
possible to fund the program through the First Church of God but if an
application was on file, and the UBP was reviewing funding to begin March 1,
1992, it was quite possible that the Lighthouse would have their tax exempt,
status by then. Alderman Drummer asked Mr. Terry if there was any reason
Lighthouse could not participate in the UBP this year, and Mr. Terry
responded there was no technical reason why not.
Alderman Davis inquired where Rev. Curry got his expectation that his tax
exempt status would be granted in 60 days. She noted a concern that when the
Committee had reviewed BE -HIV a year ago, they said tax exempt status was
imminent but it took them over a year to get the application filed. Rev.
Curry responded that the Lighthouse's attorney feels that because of the
First Church of God's long term presence in the community, there should be no
problem in getting the tax exempt status.
Alderman Davis asked about the portions of the Lighthouse budget devoted to
Mortgage and Repair. She asked what were the source of those funds. Rev.
Curry indicated the First Church of God bought the building in which the
Lighthouse was located for $150,000, and that the church has allocated
S28,000 to renovate the building; that the budget which had been submitted
with the Human Services Committee packet was the original proposed budget
submitted to the Evanston Community Foundation. Alderman Davis clarified
that all of those funds were coming out of the church budget. Rev. Curry
responded yes.
Alderman Davis asked if the programs that were to be designed for teens and
unwed mothers, whether there was a plan to coordinate with other teen
programs such as those affiliated with the Teen Baby Nursery. Rev. Curry
indicated he believed in networking and drawing upon community resources;
C
i HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 9/16/91 . . . Page 3
noted that the Lighthouse has already worked with staff of Family Focus, PEER
Services and District 65 in the development of family programs and prevention
programs.
Alderman Drummer asked for clarification of the statement in the narrative
where 70% of all adolescents are at risk of alcohol and drug dependency.
Rev. Curry indicated that was based on the number of professional studies on
adolescent substance abuse. Fie noted that the term at risk is for alcohol
and substance abuse; those persons who could possibly fall into a trap; the
term at risk can be interpreted very broadly to include a number of risks
including gangs, academic failure, and inappropriate sexuality.
Alderman Drummer noted there is a long list in the proposal for a number of
future programs, and wanted to know what reaction Rev. Curry had received
from the community. Rev. Curry indicated that different programs were being
tested on different parts of the community; that there has been a workshop on
rock music, a Friday session workshop for teens and adults, and that various
programs were being tested. Alderman Drummer said he could attest to the
need and wanted to know how successful the church had been in securing
volunteers. Rev. Curry responded they have had success with volunteers and
noted that all of the services to be provided at the Lighthouse are to be
1004/10 without charge; that the Lighthouse did not have a sliding scale.
Alderman Drummer asked if given the fact that the close location of
Fleetwood-Jourdain, if there had been close communication with the Director
of that center. Rev. Curry responded in the affirmative. Alderman Drummer
asked Alderman Washington if there was a connection with her efforts with the
West Side Community Organization and Alderman Washington responded not at
present.
Rev. Curry indicated that the street the Lighthouse was on was "Cocaine
Alley"; that he himself had seen drug sales at the baseball park across the
street; there were a large number of young persons subject to these threats;
there needed to be instilled in these young people not only to say no -but why
to say no; to provide alternative and viable programming; to let youth know
that we are there.
Alderman Davis felt that Rev. Curry had filled gaps in information that the
Human Services Committee had been requesting; felt that the threshhold level
for participation in UBP had been met. She noted that for everyone though,
it is a terrible year for UBP; that agencies that are currently funded are
likely to get less money; there is a lot of good work being done by these
agencies out in the community. She wished Rev. Curry well, but felt that
participation in UBP presented a bigger hurdle than just appearing before the
Human Services Committee.
Alderman Davis made a motion to approve the application of the Lighthouse to
participate in UBP, and Alderman Drummer seconded.
Alderman Moran asked questions about the part-time administrator, the budget
request, and the job description. Rev. Curry indicated that proposal
reflected a request to the Evanston Community Foundation; that the proposal
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 9/16/91 . . . Page 4
that would be part of a UBP package was for a new position; there needed to
be a professionally certified therapist providing direct services to persons
who are recovering from substance abuse. He noted that all volunteers at the
Lighthouse regularly meet on Friday; all volunteers must go through
professional training. He said the proposal which went out in the Human
Services Committee packet was sent so the Committee would have some
information to provide a basis of understanding; that copies of the UBP
proposal for the Lighthouse were available and he would be leaving them
tonight with the Committee. He said as someone who receives City funds
through F.A.C.E „ he is well aware of the budget crunch the City faces. He
said that when they come to seek funds they understand the competition. He
noted that if the Lighthouse does not receive funds, the program will still
go on.
Alderman Feldman asked for further clarification of the new position. Rev.
Curry said the new position would in effect be a program director, a
full-time position; noted a need for a certified program director; thought
there was the potential for expanding into residential treatment in that
there are two apartments in the building which houses the Lighthouse; it
could accommodate some individuals who have been released from halfway
houses. Alderman Feldman asked how much funding was being asked from UBP and
Rev. Curry said approximately $35,000.
Alderman Washington expressed concern about the transitional housing
component; felt that she would have some strong concerns about that; felt the
Fifth.ward was doing more than its share of providing transitional housing
environments, and wanted to learn a lot more about that program before she
could approve it. Rev. Curry said it was merely a proposal for a potential
future program; it is not etched in stone; the plan all along was to do some
outpatient therapy, and that they will need a certified person to do that.
He felt that any residential component was not official by any means and that
they will be checking with the elected officials of the ward before they
would go forward with a program like that.
The Committee voted unanimously to approve Alderman Davis' motion.
Alderman Feldman expressed concern that Alderman Davis was referring to a
threshhoid level that agencies had to meet to be approved for U8P; that it
wasn't clear what that threshhold level was; that it was not codified. He
directed staff to begin work on establishing guidelines for future agencies
and felt that was something the Committee should do. The Committee concurred
that would be appropriate. Alderman Feldman felt this question had forced
the Committee to try to remember certain things and rely on their r-emory for
certain procedures. He felt that was not fair to the Committee and not fair
to the agencies.
f
Mr. Terry asked Rev. Curry given that UBP was for those agencies appealing to
multiple funding sources, how many funding sources would Lighthouse be -
applying to. Rev. Curry indicated that he would be asking the Township and =
private sector to supplement his program. Alderman Davis felt that was a
question that would relate to who participates in UBP and asked if certain
+ HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 9/16/91 . . . Page 5
agencies with single funding sources hadn't already pulled out. Mr. Terry
responded yes, but there is still not consistency across the line and that
there are certain agencies with single funding sources that still participate
in UBP.
Alderman Washington indicated that it would perhaps be appropriate to fund
Lighthouse but noted it would mean pulling funding from existing agencies.
She advocated there were certain existing agencies that perhaps services were
not being provided adequately that would justify funding being removed.
Alderman Feldman indicated it was always the difficult question of setting
priorities and once again the UBP panel would have to deal with that issue.
BUDGET REVIEW - COMMISSION ON AGING
Mr. Barry Isaacson of the Commission on Aging introduced all of the members
of the Commission that were present. He noted that the Commission, in the
consideration of its budget, dealt with two issues. One was the proposed
increases of 5965 in discretionary funding. The second was whether or not to
request an ombudsman surcharge. He stated they had looked at the budget
policy; they were aware of the budget policy established by the City Manager
and the Council; that the Commission has tried to be consistent with that
policy; they believed they had accomplished that goal. He noted that last
year's budget for the Commission on Aging included $13,000 in revenue for an
ombudsman program. During the year the revenue was increased to $14,600 but
the Commission has been notified by the Area Agency on Aging that it will be
$14,000 next year. Mr. Isaacson said he believed that with the increase of
revenue that there is a possibility of putting back some of the items that
were cut in last year's budget.
Alderman Drummer questioned why the Taxi Cab Subsidy was not part of the
Commission on Aging budget. Mr. Casey responded that it is currently part of
the Mass Transportation program element. Alderman Drummer asked how the Taxi
Cab Subsidy program was going. Mr. Isaacson responded that it was going very
well; that the response had been excellent. He noted that the program had
been opened up to all cab companies, and that the Commission on Aging is
assisting in providing training for all cab drivers.
Alderman Davis noted that the staff camrkents on the budget request indicated
that perhaps there was not compliance with the budget policy; noted that Mr.
Isaacson felt the Commission was in compliance; the Commission was expanding
expenditures but were offsetting it with revenue. She questioned what the
role of staff to the boards and corn, -missions were; the instructions they
receive in terms of the development of board and commission budgets. She was
concerned that all boards and commissions would try to find revenue increases
that would offset expenditure increases. Mr. Anderson responded that where
revenue increases would be recommended by a board or commission, he would
like to see that divorced from the budget process; that the emphasis before
the City Council and the Budget Policy Committee has been on controlling
expenditures. He recognized that some costs are fixed, but some are
discretionary; that often things such as travel and subscriptions can be
discretionary items. He recognized that certain budgets will not be lower
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 9/16/91 . . . Page 6
because of the increases in fixed costs, but he would like to see lowered
budgets in those discretionary items. Alderman Davis then clarified that
the Manager felt the Commission on Aging's position was an aberration with
the budget policy. Mr. Anderson confirmed that and indicated that as he
submits his budget to the City Council he will be making adjustments to the
Commission budget to have it conform with budget policy as he understands
it.
Alderman Feldman said he was concerned about the ombudsman surcharge; that
the Commission on Aging, the Mental Health Board and the Department of Health
all worked together to upgrade the Long Term Care Ordinance; that there were
many obligations put on the long term care facilities in Evanston; hopefully
resulting in better health for the residents and better procedures; that the
City always knew it would cost dollars but hoped it would be worth it in the
long run. He was concerned about the surcharge, and would want to know that
it is a cost on the long term care facility; that it was not a cost that
would revert back to the residents. He expressed some concern that the
Commission on Aging saw themselves as having some proprietary interest on the
surcharge; was not sure that the imposition of a surcharge automatically
meant the dollars would go back to the Commission on Aging; that the Council
should retain the right to determine if money could be better spent in other
ways than the discretionary accounts of the Commission on Aging. He did not
feel that the case the Commission on Aging was making was clear or
compelling; that he could not endorse the surcharge at this time, and he
needed more information. Mr. Isaacson asked the Committee to clarify what
further information they were seeking on the ombudsman surcharge.
Alderman Drummer indicated that he concurred with many of Alderman Feldman's
remarks. He also had some uneasiness about the surcharge; was not prepared
to endorse it at this time; however, he did want to acknowledge staff's
effort at some innovative thinking and that the surcharge was an example of
staff trying to be creative to help resolve the budget situation. Mr. Terry
indicated to the Committee that given the federal regulations tied to the
federal grant which helps support the ombudsman program, any revenue
generated by the ombudsman program must go back to the ombudsman program;
that we would need to show a direct link between an ombudsman surcharge and
the budget of the ombudsman program.
Alderman Washington stated she felt the surcharge was a good idea and was
grateful that staff had come up with this idea. She stated she receives a
number of service requests from senior citizens that she is not able to fill
and she wants to see greater effort towards helping the seniors.
Alderman Davis told the Commission members that as a result of being the
first board or commission reviewed by the Human Services Committee, they were
witnessing an unedited version of the beginning of the struggle of how to
maintain the budget policy. She noted that even if everyone were able to
hold their expenditures to what they were in the current budget there would
still be a need for a cut in order to make sure that the tax levy is not
increased. The question of raising revenue is something that the Council
will be dealing with through the budget process and then, once you've raised
a
it
HUMAN! SERVICES C014MITTEE
Minutes of 9/16/91 . . . Page 7
it how do you apply it. She said this will cause great difficulty in the
coming months, and told the Commission that if they were feeling uncertainty
among the Human Services Committee members that it was a result of the
struggle they were going through to resolve the budget situation. She noted
that the City Councils' discomfort will be everyone's discomfort; hoping
that the Commission understood the extent of the problem that the members of
the City Council are grappling with.
Alderman Feldman felt the Human Services Committee has demonstrated long term
support for the Commission on Aging. He indicated support for moving for an
adult day care ordinance, support of expanded services at the Levy Center.
Fie stated that the problem in reviewing the Commission's budget was that the
discretionary items that were in dispute, it was not demonstrated there was a
direct impact on services to clients. If the funds were not allocated, he
understood that things might become inconvenient but he did not believe that
they would be crucial. He urged the members of the Commission on Aging to
reconsider their proposals and refigure their budget or the City Manager and
the members of the City Council may have to make adjustments.
Alderman Moran congratulated the Commission on Aging on their advocacy role;
knew that the City had a commitment to the Commission an Aging; that the
Commission did a tremendous amount of work and wanted to thank them for their
interest in senior citizen issues.
Grace Halperin commented that the work of the ombudsman program has been
unusual in terms of the number of volunteers it has been able to identify;
that the ombudsman program has been successful in making nursing homes
tolerable, and in some cases, desirable. She said a high level of education
and training is provided to the staff of nursing homes; that the program has
resulted in state and national recognition and was hopeful that if a time
ever came in which budgets were more flexible, that the ombudsman program
could be recognized.
Alderman Fiske asked if the surcharge were enacted but the budget of the
Commission on Aging was not increased accordingly, would that cause any
problems with the federal grant. Mr. Terry responded no because currently
the City General Fund supports 60 - 65% of the ombudsman program, and even if
the surcharge were enacted the surcharge and the federal dollars alone would
not be enough to keep the program at its current level. -
Alderman Feldman commented that it was a sign of the times that a S3,000 =_=
surcharge and a $950 budget increase could cause such concern and
consternation. tie again noted the volunteer efforts of the Commission on
Aging and wanted the Commission members to understand how much the Human -
Services Committee appreciated their work. Mr. Isaacson said he agreed and _
understood the Human Services Committee's position. He noted there would be
an increase in the Commission on Aging budget in any event because of the
fixed cost. He urged the Committee and the City Manager to look at the _=
mileage reimbursement line item in particular because the increased number of
home visits that the Director of the Commission is making in response to
service requests.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 9/16/9I . . . Page S
Alderman Feldman thanked the Commission members for coming. He indicated
that part of the review process is that the Human Services Committee takes no
action on the budget at this time.
BUDGET REVIEW - ECOLOGY C_F,HTER
Sheila Davis, Chairman of the Ladd Arboretum Committee, noted that last year
the Ecology Center had two major goals. One was expansion of services to the
west side of Evanston; that a pilot program had been initiated at the
Fleetwood-Jourdain Center; that a $5,000 grant from the Rotary had allowed
this pilot program and other efforts on th west side. The second major goal
was increased public awareness of the Ladd Arboretum, the Ecology Center and
the Environmental Association. She felt that there was progress made towards
meeting that goal as well. She noted the new adjustment to the Ecology
Center would be the taking over responsibility for the Potowatamie Day Camp;
that they are very excited about this; it will be an opportunity to work with
additional young people, expand the base of people utilizing the Ecology
Center; there are intentions to work with the W. E. D. G. E. force and focus on
at -risk youth, and also solicit support of the business community. She said
the Ecology Center was a wonderful asset to the community; there was the
potential to utilize the arboretum in a much more expanded way; they are
going to be holding a brainstorming session to see what can be done and do
some long range planning; that the budget presented called for reduced City
support of $5,000. She said this would be accomplished through increased
program revenues and contributions from the Evanston Environmental
Association.
Alderman Davis commended the idea of taking over the Potowatamie Camp; felt
there was a natural blend there; questioned the relationship between the
current Ecology Camp and the Potowatamie Camp, whether they would be merged
or maintained as separate camps. Linda Lutz responded that they saw the
camps as being .eery different; that the current Ecology Camps would continue;
that the Ecology Center recognizes that Potowatamie Camp's first mission is
recreation and that they will preserve that mission. They also intend on
having a home base for the camp so that the children are not constantly going
from one place to another.
Alderman Drummer noted the budget allocation for the Potowatamie Camp; wanted
to know the difference between the proposed budget for the Potowatamie Camp
this year and last. Ms. Lutz said there would be a slight increase; that the
current proposed budget level is $36,576; that last year's budget level was
approximately 535,000; noted that the camp is primarily self-sufficient; the
upcoming year would be a transition year; that there would be a need to rely
on Recreation staff to help support the program, and that some of those fees
would be returned to the Recreation Department during the transition year.
Alderman Moran asked about the FTE staffing level of 3.79, that it appears to
be an increase from 1.59. Ms. Lutz noted that last year there were two
program elements, 741 and 743 and this year those two have been combined and
that there has been no staffing increase. Alderman Moran asked what program
element 743 was and Ms. Lutz responded it was the Interpretive Services
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 9/16/91 . . . Page 9
program element which the Center thought best to combine with element 741.
Mr. Adamus noted that the combination of those two program elements occurred
in this year's budget; that the current staffing level is 3.79. Alderman
Moran felt that budget staff should highlight that fact and make it clearer
in whatever documents they are putting together for the proposed budget.
Alderman Feldman indicated that he spoke for the entire Committee in noting
that the Ecology Center was a very valuable community resource, and expressed
the appreciation of everyone for all the effort. He thanked the
representatives of the Ecology Center for coming in.
¢THER BUSINESS
Alderman Feldman noted that the subcommittee on the Intergovernmental
Interagency Agreement should have recommendations for the Human Services
Committee to consider at its next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The Committee voted to adjourn at 8:55 p.m.
4�Alll 1� -
Jay W. Terry
I
DRAFT - NOT APPROVED
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
September 30, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
PRESENT: Aldermen Fiske, Davis, Feldman, Washington
AUM: Aldermen Drummer, Moran
STAFF Donald Wright, Harvey Saver, Ernest Jacobi, Owen Thomas,
PRESENT: Brenda Huff, Willie Hurd, Richard Grodsky, Sally Lufkin,
Pat Casey, Kathy Elg, Charles Anderson, Paul Gottschalk,
Jay Terry
OTHERS Doris Wollin, Ann Kepler, Andrew Heindell and Matt Bracket
PRESENT: of the Library Board; Marc Bermann, Susan Johnson, Cindy
Levitt and Lloyd Shepard of the Human Relations
Commission; Carol Blackwell -Curry of District 65
PRESIDING: Alderman Feldman, Chairman
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
MINUTES
The minutes of the September loth meeting of the Human Services Committee
were approved unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS
Rollerblade Concession Update
Alderman Davis asked for clarification as to whether or not the City had
actually had a "program" involving rollerblades. Mr. Grodsky clarified
that there never was a program nor is one contemplated; that the memo was
merely stating that should the demand for rollerblades increase again the
Recreation Department still believes rental was an appropriate activity
at that location. The rental site closed because it simply had no
business. One other factor that he has since become aware is rental at
that location was $17 a day for a pair of rollerblades; that the price of
rollerblades has come down to the point where three rentals equals the
current approximate purchase price. It was a convenience service and not
a program. Alderman Davis asked if any future program was contemplated
and Mr. Grodsky said no.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 9/30/9I . . . Page 2
Alderman Feldman asked that in the future the Recreation Department
notify the Human Services Committee if they are considering any formal
program related to rollerblades. He asked on a related issue regarding
the soft path along the lake and the hard path, whether the soft path was
an impediment to use by the disabled in wheelchairs or persons pushing
strollers with children. Mr. Grodsky responded that the soft path is
usable by wheelchairs and strollers. Alderman Davis noted that the users
of those paths are cognizant of each other. She did express a concern
about an area where part of the the paths south of Greenwood Street come
together and form a single path. She noted that there have been plans to
have those paths separated, and would like a staff update as to what
those plans and timetables are. She has been receiving constituent
complaints about the issue. Mr. Grodsky indicated that Don Wirth was
best equipped to provide that information and he would relay that request
to him. Alderman Davis urged Recreation Department staff to address that
issue as soon as possible.
CONSIDERATION OF REOUEST FROM SCHOOL DISTRICT 65 FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF COSTS
RELATED TO THE EARN AND LEARN PROGRAM
Alderman Davis asked Mr. Terry to clarify the second paragraph in his memo.
He indicated it was his belief that the new program instituted by District 65
was of a sufficiently different nature from the Earn and Learn programs that
there was no implied commitment made by anyone to fund that program with City
dollars; in order for District 65 to request reimbursement for that second
half of the grant staff would feel more comfortable if the Human Services
Committee had approved it. Alderman Davis indicated that in that case she
would move Committee approval of the first SI,500 to be paid to District 65
to cover their Earn and Learn costs. Alderman Washington seconded that
motion and asked for clarification that there was no more Earn and Learn.
Mr. Terry responded there was no more Earn and Learn at District 65. Carol
Blackwell -Curry responded that there was an Earn and Learn program affiliated
with District 65 through the end of the summer; their new program is called
Project Success. Mr. Terry indicated that for this year District 202 had an
Earn and Learn related program that was a follow-up for those youth who had a
participated in the District 65 program; however, it was not clear how that
program was going to identify youth next year. He also indicated that
District 202 had responded that they would not be seeking any City funding or
going through the Unified Budget Process (UBP). Alderman Davis again
clarified that District 65 had no Earn and Learn program anymore. She did
ask the question whether there would be anyone else coming to the Human
Services Committee making claim on the budget allocation under the name of �_
Earn and Learn. She felt that District 65 needed to cone back to the Human --
Services Committee if and when they were requesting the second $1,500 of the
grant; that she was not ready to approve the second part of the request.
Alderman Davis' motion was approved 4-0.
Alderman Feldman asked Alderman Davis what data she felt the Committee should
have to satisfy the information requirement for the second request. Alderman
Davis said at the time the request is made, in addition to the documentation
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 9/30/91 . . . Page 3
from District 65, there needed to be a staff evaluation that this would be
the only entity coming to the Human Services Committee requesting the second
$1,500.
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION-1992/93 BUDGET REVIEW
Marc Bermann introduced the members of the Human Relations Commission. He
indicated that over the last 12 months the Human Relations Commission tried
to tackle more global issues; they engaged in more outreach activities and
took a more proactive stance; they tried to resolve complaints and conflicts
at the lowest possible level; that they have made an effort not to appear to
be reactive. He described it as having been a busy year for the Commission.
Alderman Fiske noted that the Commission has thus far this year handled Ill
cases for mediation. He asked if he could make the assumption then that the
Commission was not having a problem finding enough cases. Mr. Bermann
responded that in many areas the number of complaints is often a function of
the community being better educated about the problem, and the processes
available to rectify the complaint. He would interpret the number of
complaints to mean that people are more comfortable bringing issues to the
Human Relations Commission.
Alderman Fiske noted some minor language changes that should be made in the
program description, and also noted that the Commission anticipated receiving
45 complaints and again asked if they were assuming they would get that
number of complaints. Willie Hurd responded yes complaints are coming in as
people know more about the processes available to them through the
Commission. As more people know about them they use it.
Alderman Davis was curious to know why the objective on meetings with the
civic and community groups had dropped from 35 to 6. Mr. Hurd indicated that
thus far this year they have already met with IS groups. Alderman Davis said
the projection should be much higher if that is the case. Mr. Bermann
responded that there has been more consolidation among community groups; that
the Commission is addressing larger organizations within the community, and
engaging in what he sees as more global efforts.
Alderman Washington asked what revisions to the Fair Housing Ordinance were
being contemplated. Mr. Hurd responded that there would be additions of
language relative to the disabled; the definition of family and children;
language relative to matriculation and source of income. Alderman Feldman
asked for an example of discrimination related to source of income. Mr. Hurd
said he could give a couple of examples. One would be a person who is not
working because they are deriving sufficient income from a trust; or more
likely a person might be discriminated against because they are getting their
income from public assistance programs.
Alderman Feldman asked if the Commission had a full complement of members.
Mr. Bermann responded that the Commission has two vacancies; that the
Commission has made an active solicitation to the Mayor to secure two new
members. He was hopeful that the Commission would have a full roster of
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 9/30/91 . . . Page 4
members by January 1992. Alderman Feldman asked if having two less members
meant that the existing members worked harder, and Mr. Bermann said yes and
the Commission was re-examining its charter with the thought to having a
proposal to increase the number of Commissioners. Alderman Davis said the
Commission might want to consider adopting a model that the planning
Commission utilizes, that of associate members. She noted that it takes a
while to get the knowledge and expertise necessary to be a Human Relations
Commission member. Mr. Bermann indicated that the members of the Human
Relations Commission take on a large burden. Alderman Feldman asked about
burnout. He noted a rapid turnover among Commission members. Mr. Bermann
said the members of the Commission like to think of themselves as members of
an activist group; however, activists tend to spread themselves too thin.
There is a feeling that the Commission has gotten ahead of itself in terms of
tasks that it has taken on and that burnout is, in fact, an issue. Mr.
Thomas pointed out the number of fair housing hearings in the last two years,
both local and federal cases and the heavy workload associated with that.
Alderman Feldman offered his congratulations to the Human Relations
Commission; felt it had become much more effective and had done a lot of good
work in the community.
Mr. Thomas pointed out a seminar that had been held by the Commission in the
Council Chambers two weeks ago; that an executive summary would be presented
to the Council; wondered if the Human Services Committee members had a
preference on the type of format for presenting that executive summary. Mr.
Bermann indicated that seminar had dealt with issues such as affordable
housing, mobility, equality of education; was disappointed there weren't
enough City officials to hear it first hand because some of the issues
identified are legislative and policy in nature or could involve conflicts
between wards. It would be nice to bring a portion of the workshop to the
Council. Alderman Feldman indicated he would contact Mr. Bermann further
regarding distribution of that information, and asked if it was possible to
secure a video tape of that meeting. Alderman Davis said a presentation to
the Human Services Committee could be made, but that it was important that
the Human Relations Commission develop those list of policy questions that
needed addressing by an Alderman.
Alderman Feldman again thanked the Human Relations Commission for coming
before the Human Services Committee.
LIBRARY BOARD - 1992/93 BUDGET REVIEW
Doris Woilin introduced the members of the Library Board and indicated that _�
the Library has a long tradition of service to the community within budget
guidelines; that in the last few years the Board has had to struggle to
maintain the level of collections in the Library; that in developing this
budget they have held the line where they could, reorganized a number of
services, switched personnel and switched locations within the main library;
that through better technology related to security they were able to close
the second floor audio/visual desk and eliminate certain part-time =
positions. It is the position of the Library Board that in order to meet
. Y W
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 9/30/91 . . . Page 5
budget guidelines the Bookmobile should be eliminated next year; that they
did not believe the elimination of the Bookmobile was a service reduction;
they have recommended, after analyzing costs and service levels, eliminating
those things which are the least cost effective. In terms of costs,
elimination of the Bookmobile is the most cost effective thing they can do,
and in terms of service, the elimination of the Bookmobile would actually
result in extra staffing help at the main branch. Reduction of the part-time
staff in special services has hurt certain long term projects; that all of
these actions being taken will still not result in a lower budget than last
year.
Alderman Davis indicated her great appreciation for the long term efforts of
the members of the Library Board. She had been involved herself over the
years in a number of discussions about the Bookmobile; was involved in a plan
which was developed which downsized the vehicle; it was very difficult for
the Aldermen to consider parting with a service with such a long history in
the community. She asked if members of the Committee could see figures on
the circulation from the Bookmobile and any trends which have taken place
over the years. Ms. Wollin distributed a cost sheet which indicated costs
break out as follows:
Cost Per Item Cost Per Cost Per Cost Per
Circulated Person/Visit Stop Service Hour
Bookmobile $1.24 $3.21 S35.38 $53.07
South Branch $1.66 $1.63 - - - $57.29
North Branch $0.58 SO.64 - - - $29.29
Average Number of People/ Average Number of Items Checked
Visits Per Stop Out Per Stop
Bookmobile 11 28
She noted that usage has not increased significantly at all. Alderman Davis
noted that the circulation of the Bookmobile was perhaps not decreasing but
the demands at the two branches and the main Library were steadily growing.
Mr. Wright and Ms. Wollin both said that the Bookmobile is a low demand
service which can be contrasted with certain main Library services such as
Reference which increased 18%. Alderman Davis asked what would happen if the
Bookmobile were not eliminated. Mr. Wright indicated that the Library would
continue to struggle the way it has been. He noted that the consolidation of
the Art and Music desks was still an appropriate move to make; that the two
desks have been ill manned, and the efficiencies that were developed as a
result of that convinced the staff and Board to shift staff from an ill used
Bookmobile.
Alderman Davis asked if a survey had ever been done of Bookmobile users, as
to whether they would use the branches and asked if it was possible to -
characterize the typical Bookmobile user. Mr. Wright said it was not -
possible to do that characterization; that there were two programs that were
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 9/30/191 . . . Page 6
emerging which would minimize the impact of a reduction of the Bookmobile.
One was the Foster Reading Service providing service for day care providers
in town; that it was more effective to bring reading services to the day care
sites than having little children come out and go to the Bookmobile. He
noted there was also a program developing called Books on Wheels run by the
Friends of the Library which would actually provide delivery services for
books. Alderman Davis asked what the savings involved in eliminating the
Bookmobile would be; that there did not appear to be a budgetary impact. Mr.
Wright indicated the total savings would be $10,000 to $12,000. Ms. Wollin
responded that all the fixed cost increases in the Library system were eating
up the savings from the Bookmobile. Alderman Davis asked if the elimination
of the Bookmobile was the main savings in the proposal. Mr. Wright indicated
that elimination of $15,000 in Temporary Salaries was also a savings.
Alderman Davis asked if any comments had been received yet by the Friends of
the Library. Ann Kepler said there has been no discussion with them, Human
Services Committee is hearing this first; however, the Friends are aware that
this proposal has been made and are not happy. However, she reminded the
Committee that the Board could not cut the collections at the Library and did
not believe that the Bookmobile could justify itself.
Alderman Fiske asked regarding the increased use of Reference Services,
whether businesses were accessing it more or was it still the traditional
education uses. Mr. Wright said up to this point there was no way to measure
that. Alderman Fiske asked what was the total staffing of the Library
system. Mr. Wright indicated the full-time equivalence was around 58.
Alderman Washington asked if an even smaller Bookmobile was possible. Mr.
Wright indicated that the Bookmobile was, in fact, a smaller vehicle than the
past one; that it had a twice as large collection at one time. Alderman
Washington asked how the Library Board and staff could justify ending
part-time positions when they claim to be so short staffed. Mr. Wright
pointed out that had those part-time positions been left in the budget, the
budget would be much larger. He indicated that the Board and staff were
following the directions of the Budget Policy Committee, and felt that
through reorganization and new technology that they were able to achieve some
savings. Alderman Washington clarified that it would still not be an overall
reduction in their budget. Ms. Wollin indicated that the work of the other
librarians whose positions were being eliminated can be done by the full-time
librarian coming over from the Bookmobile. Ms. Wollin felt that the Library
Board has managed efficiently; that their mission has been to try and build
the collections.
Alderman Feldman indicated that the members of the Committee were very
appreciative of the efforts of the Library Board; that the Library Board has
always been faced with this dilemma. The members of the Human Services
Committee share the dilemma knowing the Board's aspirations for the Library
and the cost problem. He wondered how this concern about cost and the need
to hold the line on the budget; what did this portend for he new Library;
will there be dramatic increased costs and increased staff? Mr. Wright
indicated that yes there will be increased costs. He did not know if he
could classify it as dramatic but he said we could anticipate a dramatic
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 9/30/91 . . . Page 7
increase in usage. New libraries typically a 200 to 300% increase in usage
after they are opened; there will be increased costs but how much more the
staff or Board is not in a position to say at this time. He did say that the
current budget was not helping them to get ready for the new Libary but the
Budget Policy dictated going with the current budget; noted that the Art and
Music desk combination would have been done anyway since it made so much
service sense; that the increase of usage of computers funded by the per
capita grant was helping to get the staff ready for the new Library. Ann
Kepler indicated that for any purchase that is made the first question the
Library Board always asks is can it be used in the new Library; that the
Library Board is not enhancing their current building, but merely pursuing a
maintenance budget.
Alderman Davis commended the Library Board and felt that members of the Board
had balanced their role as advocates and as a responsible budget manager
very, very well. She suggested that if the Bookmobile was indeed cut that
there was a need to insure that the populations which have been served by the
Bookmobile continue to be served. She recommended the Library Board make
connections with the Commission on Aging and others who serve special
populations. Alderman Feldman noted that the responsible stewardship of the
Library Board will serve them well when the new Library's budget is presented
in the future.
CONSIDERATION OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
Alderman Feldman indicated that the document which had been distributed in
the packet was based on his perception of the inclination of the Committee's
thinking, as well as communications he had received from members of the
Committee regarding the drafting of the document. He felt that the
Committee's version of the Intergovernmental Interagency Agreement was an
affirmation and a statement of the Human Services Committee's support of the
values as presented in the High School's version of the intergovernmental
agreement. Alderman Davis felt the version of the agreement reflected the
value that members of the Human Services Committee had of strong support for
the purpose of the agreement, of the value of information sharing; that there
is a difference of opinion with the High School as to what is needed to
implement that information sharing; the agreement's purpose is to facilitate
sharing of information, that it doesn't seem to require a new body being in
place. She felt that the heads of the three bodies, the two superintendents
and the Director of Health & Human Services, were all that were necessary to
smooth over problems that might develop; that it was a forward looking
document that members of the Human Services Committee were looking for
further cooperative efforts with the high school. If the need for more
structure was documented in the future members would be open to considering
that sort of structure. She said that as the Evanston Coalition For Youth
and Their Families further define their goals, it may be necessary to
establish some sort of steering committee for this document. She saw sharing
of information as one small part of an overall effort to improve services.
She noted that members are not saying it is not needed, that the agreement
language which they have drafted is an interim measure. She did not believe
there were opposing sides in this discussion, but it was the Council's desire
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 9/30/91 . . . Page 9
to create a less unwieldy body to oversee any problems that might develop
with the agreement. She is looking forward to what other steps are developed
in the presentation. She noted that if the Coalition saw this as a major
stumbling block, it was something in which committee members are open to more
dialogue.
Mr. Terry made a presentation pointing out a.list which he placed on the wall
that there were, to some extent or another, elements of nine different
committees dealing with youth gang or drug issues; it was not clear yet that
the Intergovernmental Interagency Agreement was being proposed by the
Evanston Coalition For Youth and Their Families; that in fact, the agreement
called for the creation of an Evanston System for the Improvement of Social
Services which would have a executive committee of an uncertain number. Mr.
Terry indicated there was a great deal of confusion on the landscape right
now in terms of what committees there were and what their function was to
be. Mr. Terry noted that first there was the Evanston Coalition For Youth
and Their Families which was created in May of 1991 for the purposes of
applying for the federal planning grant, and that the Coalition had been
inactive since its creation. However, in the negotiations necessary for the
grant language to get approved the Coalition was established with a steering
committee of 12 to 13 members including a member of the Human Services
Committee, a member of the 202 Board, the 65 Board, Mental Health Board,
himself, staff from 202 and local agency heads, and at the time it was
believed the chair of that committee would be Superintendent Goldman. He
further stated that the Intergovernmental Interagency Agreement, on the other
hand, calls for the creation of the Evanston System for the Improvement of
Social Services; this is proposed in District 202's version of the
Intergovernmental Interagency Agreement; that language in that version of the
agreement calls for the creation of an executive committee with a number _
uncertain, but it would appear to be at least 7 people. He stated there was
a whole host of other committees; the Champaign delegation of 11 persons who
represented Evanston at the gang training continued to meet as a group; that
the co-chairs were himself and the Chief of Police. The WEDGE program had an
external advisory committee chaired by William Logan that review police _�
activities but discussion of social issues occur as well. There was to be a
citizens advisory committee to the Youth Services Bureau as mandated by the
Human Services Committee in 1991 but not yet appointed, dealing with at -risk
youth issues. There is the At -Risk Committee at Evanston Township High
School chaired by William Logan which is an ad hoc committee convened in
April of 1990 and has pretty much been inactive since April of 1991. There
is the Mayor's Special Task Force on Substance Abuse which is chaired by
Mayor Barr. The Youth Advocacy Program Advisory Committee, which ended in
January of this year, but Human Services Committee members are still having
conversations with the chairman, Don Colleton. Finally, there is the
Coalition of Youth Serving Agencies in which Mr. Terry used to chair, which =
was the committee which designed the Youth Advocacy Program, but after the
creation of YAP continued to meet to discuss youth issues. This committee -
disbanded in May of 1991 following the creation of the Evanston Coalition of
Youth and Their Families. It was Mr. Terry's opinion that all of these
committees had significantly overlapping memberships; that City staff are
spending a significant amount of time at these meetings which have very
" HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 9/30/91 . . . Page 9
similar missions; that in his opinion if, in fact, the Evanston Coalition For
Youth and Their Families was going to continue as a viable entity there did
not seem to be the need for both a steering committee of the Evanston
Coalition For Youth and Their Families and an executive committee of the
Evanston System for the Improvement of Social Services. It was not clear to
Mr. Terry that there was an intention to move on furthering the Evanston
Coalition For Youth and Their Families if the federal grant was not awarded.
It was his opinion that before Evanston could seriously address the issue of
coordinating its services, it needed to seriously address the issue of
coordinating its committees.
The members of the Human Services Committee expressed their frustration at
the confusing network of committees that had been established and expressed
some hope that it could be straightened out in the future.
Alderman Feldman noted the other issue related to changes in the
intergovernmental agreement was that he believed a two stage release of
information form might be appropriate; first having a release which just lets
agencies know that a family is working with an agency which would only
briefly describe the service provided without giving the details. He noted
he had been contacted by board members of certain private agencies in town
which have articulated that concern. Jeanne Fox indicated that there are
several laws governing confidentiality of services provided to minors; that
it is possible to have two different releases, one which says "was served"
and the second, which documents the type of treatment received. A different
type of release form than the one attached to the agreement was necessary.
Alderman Feldman asked what type of release form was, in fact, attached to
the agreement. Ms. Fox responded that while it was not a specific agreement,
in some areas it does go too far; that the Mental Health Board received a
legal consultation which indicated that it was not an acceptable type of
farm.
Alderman Davis indicated that all that was necessary for this evening's
meeting was agreeing on the basic concept as outlined in the agreement. She
was concerned that a perception existed that the City and schools were not
talking to each other and she wanted to address that. Alderman Feldman
indicated that all he was looking for was consensus; that the language in the
agreement was the type that the Committee could live with submitting as their
own version; this was not a final decision. He would like to see the
language approved by the people at the school boards who presented it to the
City. Alderman Fiske indicated this could be classified as a precursor of an
agreement to come. Alderman Feldman said the Human Services Committee will
always be responsive to needs which are demonstrated; that we don't know what
we are dealing with in terms of who will be present with this agreement six
months from now, if the grant is awarded or not. No one has come to the
Human Services Committee to present a case for aspirations for the document
beyond what has been presented; there was a need for the Human Services
Committee to hear those aspirations; there was no disagreement on the goals
and objectives, but merely disagreement on the process necessary to implement
it. Mr. Terry indicated that at the last meeting which was held at the high
school there was considerable confusion among the private agencies as to what
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 9/30/91 . . . Page 10
entities were being proposed and their roles. Communication with staff of
District 202 was ongoing, however, and there was a need to continue
discussions with the staff of District 202. Alderman Seidman and Alderman
Davis indicated that they were both willing to become personally involved
with the discussions with the school district and directed staff to try to
arrange that those discussions take place.
It was the Committee consensus that the language in the agreement was
acceptable to them.
The Committee unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:05 p.m.
Jay W. Terry
I
DRAFT - NOT APPROVED
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
October 14, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
PRESENT: Aldermen Fiske, Davis, Drummer, Feldman, Washington, Moran
STAFF Harvey Saver, Mamie Smith, Vincent Adamus, Jay Terry,
PRUENT': Pat Casey, Richard Grodsky, Don Wirth,
OTHERS Don Baker of Y.O.U.; Steve Bernstein, Shel Newberger,
ERESENT: Dennis Newton, Amy Shubart, Peggy Tarr, Michael Nance;
Muriel Chalem, Laurel Burrows, Jane Chapman & Theresa
Gimple of Evanston Arts Council, Manuel Isquierdo, Bo
Price, Mary Jane Chainski
PRESIDING: Alderman Feldman, Chairman
OU TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of September 30 were considered. Alderman Davis
suggested that some clarifications were in order:
Page 7, paragraph 3, line 4 should be amended to read Human Services
Committee........". Line 5 should also be amended to read Human Services
Committee........".
Page 9, paragraph 4, line 4 should be amended to read: Alderman Feldman
indicated that all he was looking for was consensus; that the language in
the agreement was the type that the Human Services Committee could live
with. (Strike the remainder of the original sentence)
Page 10, paragraph 2, line 1 should be amended to read: It was the
Committee consensus that the language in the Human Services Committee
version of the agreement was acceptable to them.
With those clarifications and corrections, the Committee unanimously approved
the minutes of September 30.
COMMUNICATIONS
Bookmobile Use Fioures
Alderman Davis said she appreciated receiving the information from the
Library staff. She noted that according to the figures there had been
years of falloff right before the decision was made to downsize the
HUMAN SERVICES•COMMITTEE
Minutes of 10/14/91 . . . Page 2
Bookmobile; however, the last three years have been constant. In fact,
it would appear that usage has been growing. Alderman Feldman indicated
he had a discussion with the staff of the Library; that he was most
concerned about the two significant constituencies of the Bookmobile, day
care centers and retirement homes. He noted that there is now in place a
delivery service to day care centers and that most retirement homes were
served by a program of Friends of the Library, in which residents order
books and there is delivery to the retirement homes. He also noted that
most retirement homes have vehicles which can take individuals to the
Library. Alderman Davis said if it comes to pass that the Bookmobile is
phased out she would like to see the involvement of the Commission on
Aging to insure that older persons in the community are still able to
access the Library resources.
Recreation Fees and Charges Policy
Mr. Grodsky reported that the Human Services Committee had, in the past,
asked the Recreation Board to review these policies; that a board
committee was set up which also met with staff and citizens; the last
review of this policy had occurred in 1985; there were three broad
categories of programming which were defined. The three program
categories are: 1) Free Programs and Services, which are considered core
programs; 2) Partially Subsidized Programs and Services; and 3)
Non -subsidized or full priced programs and services. The largest number
of City recreation programs fall in category number 2, though he noted
there has been a significant increase in the number of free programs. He
did not feel the policy set forth any new specific policies but rather
provided --a set of factors which allowed for a market analysis; that the
study had included a review of neighboring communities and their charges
for certain programs. Alderman Feldman asked if the new policy in any
way limited the programs to which scholarships apply. Mr. Grodsky said
no, all the policy does is clarify existing procedures; other changes
have been decentralizing registration, which he believed made scholarship
programs more accessible, and the Recreation Board has given the
authority to the Recreation Superintendent to waive the entire fee for a
program if the individual's circumstances warrant it. Alderman Feldman
asked if out -of -City residents were now being charged additional fees.
Mr. Grodsky said the City's policy on that has not changed; however,
there has been in the past an inconsistent application of that policy.
Alderman Davis described the new listing of procedures as a good
codification even if nothing new. She noted there had been a formula for
non -subsidized full price services for capturing indirect costs and
wanted to know if that same formula could be used in the other subsidized
services. Mr. Grodsky noted that for those full fee services, they are
individual program elements in the City budget. He didn't believe there
was any real formula for determining the costs in those subsidized
programs.
Alderman Drummer thanked the Recreation Department for taking the issue
of scholarships seriously. He did not believe it made sense for the
constant recertification for scholarship eligibility and congratulated
the Recreation Department for improving that process. He felt that the
-
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 10/14/91 . . . Page 3
decentralized registration was an excellent change; some new programming
had been going on at Mason Park which will help the City better
understand the true value of free programming.
Mental Health Board Policy on Fund Use
Mr. Terry suggested to ensure that the Committee had a better
understanding of the issue and it was clear on the City's policy towards
this use of funds for Medicaid match that the issue be held over for two
weeks, at which time a City Council resolution and a descriptive cover
memorandum would be available for the Committee's consideration, The
Committee approved holding this matter over.
Re-evaluation of Social Service Fundina
Alderman Drummer asked for clarification of the timing of the
recommendation, whether there would be any impact on this year's
allocation. Alderman Feldman responded no, but he felt it was a good
time for the City to begin to re-evaluate Unified Budgeting after this
year's process was over; that a number of discussions were going on that
related to re-evaluating committees, the downsizing that will have to
occur as a result of the Council reduction. He had a number of concerns
about the process and felt it was time to take another look. Alderman
Davis noted that the end of the Unified Budget Process is always a good
time to examine the process; that it was a time to get everyone's
thoughts on the process; noted that usually the panel convenes a UBP Task
Force which examines certain process related issues. She felt that it
was a City of Evanston model which created the UBP. She would urge
everyone --to be careful about modifying the process. She felt it was
appropriate for City staff to take the lead in examining potential
changes; that she is aware of consideration of issues such as a
multi -year process, the implementation of funding incentives for certain
agencies, or the development of stricter outcome reviews. She felt a
review of the process could help the City determine how to go about
implementing some of those things if they so choose.
Alderman Washington stated that last year certain similar sentiments were
made; she hoped there is follow through on them this year. She said it
is still her concern that there be a better information system on knowing
how many clients there were and what services they were accessing.
Alderman Feldman said he has served on the Panel; is concerned that the
Panel meets every year with little or no change in funding allocations.
Panel members see little value in re-examining funding decisions. He was
concerned that the UBP Task Force is not the appropriate body because he
did not believe they were given to rigorous self-examination. He said
the Mental Health Board is currently in the process of re-examining their
role in UBP; that it was his belief that there were concerns of one
degree or another from the other funders in the process; that the process
has some inherent weaknesses and problems, and directed Mr. Terry to take
the lead in looking at it. Alderman Drummer said it was his concern that
the City, after all this time, does not have a good enough understanding
of what the agencies do; did not believe the City Council should wait
until March of '93 to take a Zook at UBP, and wanted to see some better
evaluation tools developed. He noted in the Township Committee there had
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 10/14/91 . . . Page 4
been discussion about rearranging the mix of City and Township funding;
there could be better monitoring if there were primary funding by one
entity and therefore primary monitoring; that the UBP tends to become a
process of telling an agency "here's a grant, go out and do a good job."
He wanted to see more matching fund proposals developed. He felt there
was an opportunity to move City dollars around to have a greater impact.
Alderman Feldman indicated that staff should keep the Committee informed
as to the process they will follow to begin to take a look at UBP.
CONSIDERATION OF RLGOMMENDATIOHS REGARDING FLEETWOOD-JOURDAIN COMMUNITY
THEATRE
Alderman Drummer characterized the recommendations as being reasonable,
solid, and which had achieved agreement by all parties involved. He moved
acceptance of the recommendations. Alderman Moran seconded the motion.
Alderman Davis said the recommendations sound very good; noted that the
genesis for the Committee was during last year's budget review and great
concern over the size of the City's subsidy for the theatre. She felt a five
year plan and the self-examination was good idea; a small reduction of City
funds was a good first step; felt the recommendations were solid; would like
to have seen a little more of the analysis done of theatre utilization, and
asked if a document was being prepared. Mr. Grodsky indicated that a
detailed analysis was already available; however, he did not believe the
Human Services Committee wanted to get into that much detail; that an
executive summary could be developed and shared with the Committee. Alderman
Davis said she is interested in that part of the report that deals with an
analysis, particularly on how the theatre can move to a greater
self-sufficiency and any trend analysis that has been done on attendance.
Mr. Grodsky said he could provide the Human Services Committee with copies of
the minutes of the committee that met to analyze the theatre.
Alderman Davis asked for the hiring status of the full-time theatre _
coordinator. Mr. Grodsky indicated the recommendations had been transmitted
from the Recreation Department to the Personnel Department. —
Alderman Fiske asked what had happened to the Friends of the 'Theatre. Mr.
Grodsky indicated that they had disbanded for a variety of reasons;
originally they had help fundraise; there was a loss of interest along the
way. He believed there was a new interest and commitment to help fundraising__
in the theatre; it would be the job of the theatre coordinator to help
revitalize and reorganize the Friends of the Theatre. He noted that a member
of the Recreation Board will sit on the Friends of the Theatre to monitor
their progress. Alderman Fiske still sought information as to why they had
disbanded in the first place. Mr. Grodsky responded that a lack of interest
generally developed. As professional staff began to assume more and more
responsibilities, the Friends began to see themselves as not as valuable.
Alderman Davis noted the 51,200 for the season brochure, and the help from _
Northwestern university. She asked if it actually covered the production
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 10/14/91 . . . Page 5
costs. Mr. Grodsky indicated the season brochure was a very classy piece;
that there was help from Northwestern for this fiscal year only; that
Northwestern had provided all the printing, design, and paper; that
Northwestern thus far had only committed to one year, but they would like to
do it next year. However, in any event, Northwestern signed over the artwork
to the City so that logos can be reused. Alderman Davis asked if agreement
with Northwestern could be ,achieved in time to back it out of next year's
budget. Mr. Grodsky said he was not sure. Alderman Davis asked if they had
received help from Northwestern marketing experts. Mr.. Grodsky said a
Northwestern marketing expert had been involved and is putting together a
marketing analysis.
Alderman Moran said he wanted to thank everyone who was involved and who
worked on the Fleetwood-Jourdain Committee; that the recommendations are both
sensible and sensitive. He believed everyone on the Committee and in the
community hopes that the theatre will grow and prosper. He was a strong
believer of the work of the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre and felt the Committee
.should be commended for all their thought and effort.
CONSIDERATION OF I992-93 TEEN BABY NURSERY FUNDING REQUEST
Mary Jane Chainski introduced herself and Manuel Isquierdo as members of the
Teen Baby Nursery Advisory Committee. She distributed copies of the goals
and objectives for the Nursery; noted the Nursery was in its third year of
operation; that before the start of school this year 43 babies had been
enrolled in the Nursery during those three years; the. Nursery was very proud
of the graduation rate of the mothers. Mr. Isquierdo indicated they are
still struggling with measurable objectives beyond graduation; noted that
three years ago the high school did not even identify its teen parents
because there were no services to offer; that since then the high school has
begun counting its teen mothers who are students because there are services
to offer now. Currently there are 35 mothers enrolled at E.T.H.S. He
believed that the retention of the teen mothers into high school has been
dramatic; that the graduation rate is constant; it may take five years to
graduate but graduation does occur. The high school's participation in the
Nursery also deals with prevention issues; that the Advisory Committee is
working on prevention. He believed the Nursery was providing opportunities
for teens to graduate and go on to become productive citizens; that the
Nursery was committed to establishing some long term measurable objectives.
He described it as one of the most positive, collaborative projects he has
ever been involved with, which District 202 is still 100% behind.
Alderman Drummer extended his thanks to both Ms. Chainski and Mr. Isquierdo.
He believed that E.T.H.S. has been key to making the program work. He saw
two significant points. He strongly encouraged an evaluation process which
tracks the girls after high school; did not want to see high school as
putting people in a holding pattern; there was a need to get the maximum out
of this program, and the need to identify some post -high school activities.
He did not want to see a program where people then leave the high school and
are not productive. He felt the money is well spent and felt that the
dollars spent for the Nursery go for a long way. The second issue he wanted
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 10/14/91 . . . Page 6
to address was a concern raised in the staff memo about Township support. He
believed that the Township believed in the program concept; that the Township
Committee, however, is forced to identify where its dollars are going and
account for those dollars; there was no natural General Assistance fit with
the Nursery but that the Township would never abandon the Nursery. He noted
that the Nursery gets a large commitment of Teen Baby Nursery dollars and
encouraged efforts to identify other funding sources for the Nursery.
Alderman Davis classified the Nursery as one of the better collaborative
efforts she has seen. As a participant on the Advisory Committee she sees no
turf issues; felt it was a very self -examining program; it had no model to
follow. She noted the history from when the Nursery began; that in the
beginning the Committee considered other options; that if child care was the
only service it could have been provided by somebody else; but all the
supportive services were more likely lead to graduation; that the City
decided three years ago the higher price tag was worth it. As far as
Township funding was concerned, she saw the Township's investment as being an
investment in prevention; more and more research has revealed there is no
greater prevention than backing services all the way up to infancy. She felt
there was a very rational underpinning to the amount of Township dollars
allocated to the Nursery. She felt that the new federal dollars might be
able to relieve the Township of some of its burden, but noted that the
Township spent so many dollars on retooling, she felt it was better to spend
dollars at the prevention end. She noted there was a need for consistency
and equity for all agencies funded by the City to experience some sort of cut
in next year's funding; that in terms of equity with the other social
services in --the community a small reduction would be appropriate. However,
she noted that the problem with a 4% cut, as she expects other agencies may
have to withstand, is City funding for this project is matched dollar for
dollar by the high school and was fearful that a 4% cut would result in a
equal cut by the high school. Therefore, it was her recommendation that the
City funding next year for Teen Baby Nursery be cut by 2% so there would be a
funding level of $14,613. Ms. Chainski noted that a cut of that nature was
something the Nursery budget could probably absorb.
Alderman Feldman noted that it wasn't automatic that District 202 would cut
by an equal amount. He was hoping that District 202 might be encouraged to
add money to the program. Mr. Isquierdo noted that District 202 was
originally reluctant to get into the project because of financial concerns,
not philosophy. He noted that the high school provides 100% of all the
education to the teen parents as well as social work and counseling
services. He would need to discuss with the superintendent of District 202
any additional financial commitment to the Nursery, but felt that the high
school was providing and subsidizing a whole range of services connected with
the Nursery. He felt that District 202's commitment was there; that they
matched a previous City increase to the Nursery. He also wanted to note that
he was encouraged by the potential participation of District 65 in the Teen
Parent Network because he noted that the mothers who are parents in the Teen
Baby Nursery will become parents for District 65 in a short period of time;
there were still additional collaborative efforts to be explored.
EL
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 10/14/91 . . . Page 7
Alderman Drummer again stated it was a wonderful service and noted that the
Township Committee would never leave the Nursery high and dry; just felt the
Nursery needed to be as accountable as possible.
Alderman Moran said he wanted to congratulate a fine program. He felt the
Nursery was defining how it was making a difference; it was a quality
program, and he looked forward to attempts to measure long term impact.
Alderman Washington asked her fellow Committee members what would happen if
the Nursery did not have any cut at all. She felt the Teen Baby Nursery was
a well running project that should not have to have its funds cut. Alderman
Davis noted that if the Nursery were funded at its same level it would only
mean that another agency within the total of community purchased services
would face a larger percentage cut.
Alderman Davis made a motion to recommend a funding level of $14,613 for the
Nursery. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by the Committee.
CONSIDERATION OF 1992-93 FUNDING REQUEST - NICHOLS LIGHTED SCHOOL (NLS)
Shel Newberger presented a history of the NLS, both the concept and how the
NLS became established. He described it as a wonderful collaboration project
with a solid history of success; that the Nichols' neighbors had long cited a
need to stabilize the neighborhood and the NLS was a key element of that;
that the residents around the school could verify that NLS had been a
successful project. He felt that even within the current budget environment
the NLS was --worthy of City support and its allocation could be classified as
"peanuts"; that a very small increase was being requested to allow for NLS to
have a Saturday afternoon program.
Michael Nance indicated that NLS had an open gym program, a tutorial program
with Y.O.U. and PEER Services; that a game room was going to be instituted on
Fridays; the school had adult volleyball, adult basketball, Shand Morhan
basketball; that it was a colt'aborative effort with PEER and Y.O.U. to
develop the Evanston Community Examples; that it provides a preventative
mechanism for substance abuse and gang involvement; that a girl program has
now evolved that allows the girls to set their own agenda. They have
sponsored a dance and there will be new programs which are going to be
pursued; there will be drug prevention, field trips, various types of
programs. Alderman Drummer said he could attest to the fact that the NLS
neighborhood has changed; wondered if there was any contemplation of Shand
Morhan paying a fee for the space that they use. Mr. Newberger responded
that any community group could use the school without cost; the major point
of it was to show activity around NLS. Alderman Drummer asked if Y.O.U. was
going to continue to utilize the space at NLS. Mr. Newberger responded there
was a synergism between Y.O.U. and NLS. Mr. Baker indicated the Y.O.U.'s new
location would have less space than their current offices; that any large
group meetings that would be necessary would have to be held at NLS.
Alderman Moran asked if the NLS Advisory Council would consider having the
Recreation Superintendent serving as a participant. Mr. Newberger responded
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 10j14/91 . . . Page 8
absolutely, that they would love to have Superintendent Grodsky. Alderman
Drummer recommended that the Committee recommend the second option identified
in the staff memo which was a 4% cut in the NLS. He felt this was necessary
in trying to be equitable. This would result in a recommendation of a
1992-93 funding level for the NLS of $22,56O. Mr. Newberger stated to the
Committee that if they made that recommendation, they should have the
understanding that this would mean that there would be no Saturday program at
the school. Alderman Davis responded that when the January budget
deliberations begin there will be extended discussions with the rest of the
Council and the City Manager for a potential increase in human services
programs. Mr. Newberger indicated he hoped the Human Services Committee
would be a strong advocate. Alderman Moran indicated that it was not
automatic that the Saturday program was ended; that he was hopeful there was
a way to expand programs and have coordinated programs as the NLS works
closer with the Recreation Superintendent.
Alderman Drummer's motion was approved unanimously.
DETERMINATION OF CITY FUNDING LEVEL - UNIFIED BUDGET PROCESS (UBPI
After noting the allocations made to the Teen Baby Nursery and the Nichols
Lighted School, the Committee unanimously approved a 1992-93 UBP City
allocation of $440,594.
BUDGET REVIEW - EVANSTON ARTS COUNCIL
Muriel Chalem said that the Arts Council budget included a reduction of 17%
of City support; that this was coupled with the 5% reduction in City support
which was made last year; noted that the Arts & Recreation magazine was now
down to four issues; that there would be a reduction of the Mayor's Award in
terms of not having a piece of artwork as part of the award; that Noyes
Center rents would be going up 10%; Noyes Center rents are now approaching
commercial rates.
Laurel Burrows said that the budget includes an elimination of City support F
for the Ethnic Arts Festival and the Fountain Square program; that the Arts
Festival would be supported by artists' fees and corporate sponsorship, and
the Fountain Square programs will be completely funded by Evmark. She noted
that the Arts Council grant programs will continue; that Arts and Affirmative
Action will continue; they will still demand that arts organizations have
goals and strategies to involve a multi -cultural audience, and that they must
provide outreach to organizations; that the Arts Council continues to work on
the development of public art following the passage of the Public Art
Ordinance; that they are working on a public art plan for the new library. -
Jane Chapman said that the Arts Council is also working on development and
long range plans. She pledged that the Arts Council took the City's budget
situation very seriously.
1
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HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 10/14/91 . . . Page 9
Alderman Feldman indicated his appreciation for all the work that the Arts
Council does. Alderman Davis offered her congratulations for a good budget
being submitted by the Arts Council. She asked if there was still a waiting
list to get into the Noyes Center. Mr. Zendell responded yes. He was asked
if the rent increase would have any impact on the public service requirements
of Noyes' tenants and Mr. Zendell said no.
The Human Services Committee unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:05.p.m.
�)-
Jay W. Terry
PRESENT.:
STAFF
PRESENT:
OTHERS
PRESENT:
ERESIDING:
CALL TO ORDER
DRAFT - NOT APPROVED
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
October 28, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
Aldermen Fiske, Davis, Drummer, Feldman, Washington, Moran
Miriam Shaba, Paula Crismond, Richard Grodsky, Don Wirth,
Dennis Marino, Harvey Saver, Vince Adamus, Jay Terry
Iry Finston, Margaret Hallen, John Lesch, Janet Webb,
Dennis Newton (Recreation Board); Nicki Pearson, Art
Diers, (Mental Health Board)
Alderman Feldman, Chairman
The meeting was called to order at 7:36 p.m.
MINUTES
The minutes of the October 14, 1991 of the Human Services Committee were
considered. Alderman Davis offered the following corrections:
Page 1, last sentence should be amended to read "years of falloff when
the decision was made .............."
Page 6, paragraph 2, line 19, the following sentence should be added:
"The total allocation for community purchased services this vear was cut
by 9% from last year's total so that any agency which receives less than
a 4% cut means that some other agencies will receive more than a 4% cut.
COMMUNICATIONS
Recreation Department Monthly Narrative
Accepted without comment.
Comorehensive Housinq Affordability Strateqy (CHAS)
Alderman Feldman clarified that this item was on the yellow agenda and
that approval by the City was necessary far submission by October 31.
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 87-4-91 USE OF CITY AND MENTAL HEALTH BOARD
FUNDS AS A MEDICAID MATCH FOR EVANSTON SOCIAL SERVICES.
Alderman Drummer moved approval. He hoped that it would mean more services
for the community. Mr. Terry clarified that it would not necessarily result
in more services, but it was a technique whereby State departments were
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 10/28/91 . . . Page 2
requiring local agencies to put up cash; that our identifying local funds as
a match was likely to help agencies' cash flow; that it was of, in his
opinion, primary benefit to the State budget than any expansion of services.
Mr. Saver stated that to approve this would only indirectly be helping the
State of Illinois; however, it would be directly helping agencies; that the
Illinois Department of Mental Health, for example, has already identified a
tax on agencies it will be imposing. It has identified an assessment that
every agency must pay in order to be eligible for State funding; SHORE
Services has already received their bill from the State as to what their
assessment will be; that an opportunity to avoid writing a check from the
agency to the State is to be able to designate local dollars as a match for
Medicaid. There is a tremendous amount of bookkeeping that private agencies
will have to do to keep track of the Medicaid match. He felt that agencies
were being put between a rock and a hard place. He felt that the Committee
should focus on the fact that we were helping the agencies not having to pay
those bills.
Alderman Davis said her reading of the situation was, in fact, that the
agencies' cash flow was the driving force behind this proposal. She noted
that the staff memo referred to an ability to retract the certification if
either State funds are shifted away from the programs we are supporting, or
if there are unreasonable delays for Evanston clients. She wanted to know
what the staff ability was to track that type of thing, particularly the
State funding level. Mr. Saver responded that the most immediate assessment
and identification would involve the State Department of Alcoholism and
Substance Abuse; felt there was an ability to monitor through State advocacy
organizations; that the Mental Health Board was concerned about agencies'
priorities; that agencies, as a result of this, may feel some pressure to go
out and try to hustle Medicaid dollars. He said the Board staff is able to
monitor threshhold service levels at agencies; felt it was important to put
on record with the State that the Board and the City are willing to use local
money as a match, but not at local expense. Alderman Davis again tried to
determine if staff were confident that we have the ability to monitor these
types of things. Mr. Saver said that the Mental Health Board staff did know
a lot; were able to monitor. He again clarified that in his view, this was
not a relationship with the State of Illinois, but a relationship with local
agencies.
Alderman Feldman asked if the decertification could be agency specific. Mr.
Saver said yes, it's easy to decertify; that they are asking agencies to
present a request on agency letterhead that they would like the Board or the
City to certify that the local funds can be used as a match. Alderman
Feldman asked if the City had the same requirements and the same ability to
monitor as the Mental Health Board, and Mr. Terry responded yes.
Alderman Drummer asked for an explanation in the last sentence in the memo
relative to potential growth of human services and an opportunity to obtain
for the agencies a service rate in their State contracts, which more closely
approximates actual cost. Mr. Saver said the State of Illinois is trying to
capture more dollars for the State of Illinois; that the current
reimbursement rates for these services provided by these agencies does not
reflect the actual costs; that the State will be able to set rates after the
I
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 10/28/91 . . . Page 3
actual costs have been incurred. It is hopeful that the rates will more
approximate the actual service expenditure. Alderman Drummer asked if this
meant more dollars for services. Mr. Saver said the State is currently
redoing its Medicaid plan; that certain agencies have the projected rates
from mental health agencies; felt that the State could really get caught in a
problem if the federal government rejects those plans.
Alderman Washington noted that it states in the memo Illinois is a relatively
wealthy state and asked if that was still true. Mr. Saver said in relative
terms to other states yes, it's true; that Illinois still gets the lowest
reimbursement rate for Medicaid.
Alderman Drummer said he is always in favor of efforts like this to leverage
dollars. He felt it was a shrewd move by the State of Illinois; that the
City and Mental health Board should name as many eligible agencies as
possible; however he noted we cannot designate more than we currently spend.
He felt there was an ability to free up more dollars if the leverage was
higher and wanted it spread out among as many human services as possible.
Alderman Fiske asked if there were any potential negative to the City doing
this. Mr. Saver said he would be concerned that this could be used to
justify cuts in State funding; that would be the biggest item and they are
concerned about that. Alderman Fiske asked if we were confident that there
was an ability to monitor that. Mr. Saver again clarified that there were
not more State dollars available; that it is not something that has been made
optional for the agencies; the agencies have to pay no matter what the City
or the Mental Health Board does. Mr. Terry responded that he wanted to
clarify comments about our ability to monitor what the State does with its
Medicaid funds; that while we were able to monitor the Medicaid usage by
local agencies, and staff were members of a number of State advocacy groups
that could monitor in general what the State was doing with its Medicaid
dollars; that, in fact, on a state-wide basis Medicaid funding is a very
complex system and he would not want to claim to have the expertise or have
any human services staff being identified as having the expertise of tracking
all Medicaid dollars in the State of Illinois. It was his belief that on a
State budget wide basis, there were State funds being saved as more Medicaid
dollars were being identified. Alderman Fiske indicated that if it was true
that we were doing something to benefit the State of Illinois that we should
get some credit or increased influence with the State as a result of doing so.
The Committee voted unanimously to approve Alderman Drummer's motion to
approve Resolution 87-R-9I.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
Alderman Moran moved approval of the Intergovernmental Interagency Agreement
and Alderman Washington seconded. Alderman Drummer clarified that the
Township was, in fact, a signator to the agreement and wanted to make sure
that happened. He wanted to know why the Township had been left out on the
list of serving agencies. Alderman Davis noted in response that the four
signatory are the four entities that created the agreement and all the other
agencies which are listed are identified as participants to the agreement.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 10/28/91 . . . Page 4
Alderman Drummer sought clarification on the role of the three administrators
who would review the operation of the network. Alderman Feldman said he
hoped it was clear that the agreement was loosely joined and informal; that
it was a statement by the City in support of coordination and dealing with
these issues. Alderman Davis noted that the language in that section was the
same as had been previously reviewed by the Committee; that it reflected the
Human Services Committee discomfort with setting up another structure that
could become bureaucratic; however, noted that the coordinating committee
was, in fact, interim; that if other steps or other programs were necessary
this group would be empowered to set up a structure; did not want to load up
the Committee with a number of tasks to organizing responsibilities on the
front end. Alderman Drummer was glad that this then meant no new "super
committee" was being created.
The Committee voted unanimously to approve Alderman Moran's motion.
FARMER'S MARKET COMMISSION - 1992-93 BUDGET REVIEW
The Committee called upon Dennis Marino to make a presentation.
Mr. Marino stated the Farmer's Market had a good year and included 36
farmers; that there was a small increase in the budget to cover the cost of
posters; that there would be an increase of $25 in the annual fee; this broke
out to $9 per market day which compared favorably to Chicago which charged
$25 per market day. He noted that the Commission members are currently
checking with the farmers who sell at the market to see if there is any
particularly negative feedback to the fee increase.
Alderman Drummer said this is a successful program; however he questioned the
need to raise the fee if the current fee more than covers the existing
expenses; was concerned that the fee raised would be a deterrent to
participation and that he.was not in favor of that fee raise. Mr. Marino
said it was a rationale based on what others were charging; that Chicago and
Oak Park's fees are higher than Evanston's; that Skokie is the only suburb
nearby that has an appreciably lower fee. Alderman Drumi er said just once he
would like to see a program where Evanston has the cheapest rate for
participation. He said he could understand people feeling good about buying
from farmers who are growing their own crop, but he felt the bottom line was
competitiveness; wanted to know why it was an issue that everything had to be
proven to be home grown. Mr. Marino said that was a position that was
consistent with the history of the market; part of the attractiveness was the
interaction of the farmers and the citizens and their children. He noted
that the prices are already 25e higher than grocery stores. If the buyers
didn't have the confidence that they were dealing with home grown items he
wondered if it would be as attractive.
Alderman Davis questioned some numbers on the staff analysis as to why there
was no change reflected in the City support percentages when a decrease in
the City support figures were indicated. Mr. Marino said that document had
been prepared by the budgeting staff and not by him, and said that staff
would get the correct information to them.
I
WY W
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 10/28/91 Page 5
PECREATiON BOARD - 1992-93 BUDGET REVIEW
Mr. Dennis Newton, Recreation Board said that the Recreation Board budget
reflected the City's budget policy and noted that the Recreation Board
derived 63% of their revenue from fees. He said that the Recreation Board
always recognized the role that recreation plays in the quality of life for
its residents; that they always have seen that some free programming was
desirable and necessary. He noted that the Recreation Board last year
reduced City support by just over 4% and this year they have reduced City
support by just over 77 so that in the two years City support has been
reduced by over 11%, He noted that when the Parks department is ultimately
added back into the Recreation budget next year that will change. He felt
that the budget presented this evening had a minimal impact on services. He
wanted to note that the Recreation Board would be coming again to the
November 11th meeting of the Human Services Committee to discuss a new
program for at -risk youth; that there would be a budget increase which was
not reflected in the budget documents which the Committee was reviewing
tonight; that the at -risk youth program had started out with a Mason Park
basketball league that had been very successful and would be a tremendous
starting point. At the present time a leisure assessment was going on; that
those results would be available; that there needed to be new programs
recognizing that basketball is not an "end all - be all" for these youth.
Other objectives for the coming year would be a full implementation of the
decentralization of all registrations; that a task force will be appointed to
review that process to be known as the "Service with a Smile" committee. The
Board would be initiating a new part-time salary survey involving businesses
and other municipalities; that there was an increasing need to identify
corporate support; that next year would also see the establishment of the
Fleetwood-Jourdain fitness center with cardiovascular work, new machines;
that the goal of the Levy Center was to try to increase membership by 5%;
special recreation was going to work with developing social programs for
individuals with mental impairment; that the Leisure Learning Center was
going to have a childrens' theatre group and that the Leisure Learning —_
administration was also going to create a 501(Q 3 organization. He said
programs with specialized pricing at the lakefront had been very successful
and that a Crown Summer Figure Skating Camp would be developed. He also
reminded the Committee that while a budget is always a discussion of dollars,
there was a need to focus on volunteers and was through volunteers that we
are able to multiply the impact of the budget. -
Alderman Feldman expressed his gratitude for all of the effort and self
examination that the Recreation Board went through in developing their budget.
Alderman Davis said she was interested in learning more about the
public/private relationships and the amount of corporate support the Board
has achieved. She wanted to know how the 5146,000 in non -City support which
had been identified in the budget compared with previous years. Mr. Grodsky -
responded that the amount was very high this year because of the UPAR grant
which the City had received. He felt that in terms of corporate support it E
is growing, but at this point minimal growth; that various cash contributions
are received throughout the year; that it would seem that each year something
comes in which takes the place of something else which has been eliminated.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 10/28/91 . . . Page 6
Alderman Davis emphasized that she hoped in the era of cutting costs that
this would be an area of increased attention. Mr. Grodsky said nationally
there are less public dollars going to parks and recreation; that it is
something that many park districts and recreation departments are examining.
fie felt it was somewhat difficult in a community the size of Evanston because
there was a need for the Recreation Department to be careful in its
aggressiveness because they were often going to the same corporate sources
that all other not -for -profit entities in town would be going to for
support.
Alderman Davis asked if there was any way for the Recreation Department to
capture some of the federal drug money that is available. Mr. Grodsky said
it was his impression that most of those dollars still went to law
enforcement. Mr. Terry responded that in addition to law enforcement, school
systems tended to be the next major recipient of federal drug prevention
dollars.
Alderman Washington sought clarification on the designation of the ages 19 to
30 as a youth group. Alderman Drummer clarified that the basketball league
at Mason Park was divided into two groups; high school and young adult, and
19 to 30 was classified as young adult. Ms. Webb reminded the Committee that
the Recreation Department also had a middle school program that was
successful so that there really was an age continuum of programing
available. Alderman Washington asked if the 30 year olds paid fees for their
programming. Mr. Grodsky said the Mason Park Basketball was one that was
grown up out of community concern; that given the special nature of that
program it was a free program; however, for most other programs the fees are
paid. He indicated there would be much more detailed information about that
program on November llth.
Alderman Washington asked if the Fleetwood Fitness Center would be charging
fees. Ms. Webb said yes, but there would be fee assistance available.
Alderman Washington asked about the future of the Arts and Recreation
magazine. Ms. Webb said they would be cutting back from five issues to four
and hoped to do more of the layout work in-house through desk top publishing.
Alderman Feldman noted the discussions that have occurred in previous years
about the type of paper used and the coloring of the Arts and Recreation
magazine. He wanted to know if there had ever been any discernable drop in
revenue from those changes being implemented. Mr. Grodsky said not that he
was aware of; that the only drops in revenue that they are anticipating are
proportionate drops from when the magazine goes from five issues to four. He
noted that the industry standard is that there are four issues a year of that
type of document. However, he noted that the Recreation Department
supplemented the magazine with innumerable amounts of flyers about programs;
noted that there had been increases in registrations this year; speculated
that because of the recession people were sticking close to home for leisure
activities.
Alderman Drummer noted the memo had mentioned a system to restore two soccer
fields per year and wanted to know if the relocation fields had been
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 10/28/91 . : . Page 7
identified. Mr. Grodsky noted that on September 28th two soccer Fields in
James Park had been resodded. This will allow an accelerated use of the
fields; that they have been able to secure use of the District 55 Lab School
fields. Alderman Drummer asked if there was any plans for the Mason Park
Soccer Field. Mr. Grodsky responded that AYSO would like to use; they are
going around the neighborhood with a petition to see if there is any concern
about that; noted it was a smaller than regulation soccer field and, hence,
It had limited utility.
Alderman Drummer asked about the decrease in the Drum and Bugle Corp. Ms.
Webb characterized it as slight. Mr. Grodsky said it was $2,800; it was a
difficult decision to make; however, he noted that the Drum and Bugle Corp
had a restricted account which had been able to maintain a balance of between
$3,500 and $4,000; that a cut of $2,800 would appear not to have a measurable
impact since that balance was available.
Alderman Drummer asked if any compilation had ever been done on the total
number of volunteers and the number of hours they had contributed. He Felt
that volunteers tend to come in during the winter months; that is when the
number of volunteers is highest; felt that the current basketball league for
19 to 30 had indicated that this is a population which the City had missed
serving in the past; that there were a substantial number of individuals who
needed service in that group. He wanted to know, even though it was on the
agenda for November llth, could staff give any kind of preview as to what the
at -risk program could look like. Mr. Grodsky indicated that staff were still
going through the evaluations of the leisure assessment; that obviously for
most high school students their first love is basketball; however, after that
there were interests in swimming, roller skating and ice skating. He said he
preferred to wait until a full report could be available on November 11th.
Alderman Drummer felt the Recreation Department was at a real turning point;
that there was an opportunity to capitalize on the interest of volunteers,
youth and adults, and get a number of things accomplished. He wanted to
acknowledge the role of Mamie Smith, the Director of Fleetwood-Jourdain, who
made the program possible; also, all the work of Mr. Grodsky, Paula Crismond,
_
Don Wirth and Charles Hayes. He felt the coaching staff had been great and
the coaches were doing a great deal of work to reach out beyond basketball.
He said there were lessons here that the City needed to be careful in how it
-
structured programs in the future.
Alderman Davis questioned while the Committee gets a line item summary of
expenditures, she wondered if it would be possible to get a line item list of
r-
revenue as well; felt that was very helpful in January when the Council
considers the budget. Alderman Davis also asked about summer playgrounds;
_
wanted to know why there was a decrease from 5103,000 to $60,000. Mr.
Grodsky said there were two reasons; one was that scholarships used to be
recorded as both a revenue and expense item; that this created a number of
bookkeeping problems and that scholarships would be reflected in a different
manner in the budget. He also believed that there had been an error made
last year resulting in some double entering. Ms. Webb noted that fee
assistance for summer playgrounds had amounted to $32,000. Alderman Davis
raised a concern regarding fee assistance and the accounting change; wanted__
dr
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 10/28/91 . . . Page 8
to know how Aldermen would then be able to keep track of the overall amount
being devoted to fee assistance, and how would they be able to keep track of
trends in this area. Mr. Grodsky said while budgeting for fee assistance
would be different, Monitoring would stay the same. He noted that
scholarchip numbers are still put in the computer as a transaction; that the
dollar amatrnt would be available in both summary and projections; noted that
his first year as Superintendent, scholarships were at $80,000; this year it
would be increased to $101,000. Alderman Davis asked if the $101,000 could
be isolated by program. Mr. Grodsky said yes the staff have the capability
of producing a separate report. Alderman Davis said this is important
because the Committee wants to know how scholarship use is growing and that
it needed to be pointed out on a budget basis. Mr. Grodsky noted that report
would be available; however, staff were a little behind right now given the
high number of youth that utilized the Nichols summer playground this year.
Mr. Adamus and Alderman Feldman clarified also that staff would make
available scholarship information as a percentage of gross fees received.
Alderman Washington asked if any of the money which would be identified for
the At -Risk program could be given to the Drum and Bugle Corps. Mr. Grodsky
said a plan would be presented and if the Council determined that was an
appropriate use of those funds, that was something the Recreation Board would
have to take into consideration. Alderman Washington asked if the Drum and
Bugle Corps was not important anymore. Ms. Webb said it was important to get
the children invested in the program, by fund raising for the Drum and Bugle
Corps; that the youth who participated in the program needed to contribute
more to the program, it then became more important to them. Alderman
Washington noted that the Drum and Bugle Corps which marched in the Fourth of
July parade appeared to be mostly small kids; didn't that reflect a need to
have more parents involved. She also asked if the Crown Ice Skating School
would offer scholarships and whether it was going to be year-round. Mr.
Grodsky and Mr. Doerneker responded yes to both questions.
Alderman Feldman said he is very much interested in learning more about the
use of volunteers; wondered if there were other ways to institutionalize this _-
volunteer use. He remembered a volunteer recognition night at the Lagoon;
felt it was a very important evening; want to recognize as many volunteers as
possible. Mr. Newton questioned who in the community wasn't inspired by the
efforts of Penny Park and Sodbusters; noted that the only way to have that
many volunteers on a project is that the project has to be something they
desire; that the reward for working on a project is the results that are
achieved. Ms. Webb noted that recently an entire issue of Arts and --
Recreation magazine was devoted to volunteers; noted that each facility has
their own volunteer recognition ceremony now. Mr. Grodsky said the Illinois � -
Parks and Recreation Association gives awards for outstanding volunteers and
this year the City of Evanston nominated eight individuals to receive those
awards. Alderman Drummer noted that there are different types of volunteers;
that there was a need to involve volunteers in the management and planning of
programs; noted also that there are life long volunteers versus event
volunteers. Ms. Webb noted in regards to life long volunteers that there
have been special honors recently for Bo Price for all the work he has done
at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Center. Alderman Moran noted that from his past
association with the Recreation Board and working with the Recreation
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 10/28/91 . . . Page 9
Department, the Recreation Department could be classified as one very large
- volunteer force; that even the staff put in hours beyond what are reasonable
and that they work very, very hard; noted that if an attempt was ever made to
truly quantify all the time and energy put in by volunteers the amount of
dollars in the actual budget would appear to be miniscule, He wanted to
thank the Recreation Board for their adherence to the City`s budget policy.
Alderman Feldman asked if there was any City-wide or significant program in
recent memory that had experienced a serious decline. Ms. Webb said the
classes are evaluated on an on -going basis and if a class is not popular it
is simply not offered the next time. Ms. Hallen said the answer is probably
no; that there has been no program; that all programs are functioning very
well now. Alderman Feldman asked if the Recreation Board had every
=� approached northwestern University for a contribution. Mr. Grodsky noted
that northwestern had helped with the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre brochure;
that they have cooperative efforts on lakefront safety, rescue, and beach
administration.
Alderman Davis noted that the budget narrative called for a plan for
public/private partnerships and wanted to know when that report would be
available. Mr. Grodsky said sometime in the next fiscal year.
The Committee voted to unanimously to adjourn at 9:00 p.m.
Jay W. Terry
DRAFT - NOT APPROVED
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
November 11, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
PRESENT: Aldermen Fiske, Davis, Drummer, Washington,
ABSENT: Aldermen Feldman, Moran
TfAFE Rich Grodsky, Willie Hurd, Marianne Moberly, Owen Thomas,
PRESENT: Jeanne Fox, Ernest Jacobi, Joe Zendell, Jay Terry
OTHERS Art Diers, Ann Graff (Mental Health Board); Dennis
PRESENT: Newton (Recreation Board); Marc Bermann, Cindy Levitt,
Sandra Donaldson, Lloyd Shepard (Human Relations
Commission); Harriet Gillette, Helen Leister (Commission
on Aging)
PRESIDING: Alderman Washington, Chairman
CALL TO ORD€R
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
MINUTES
The minutes of October 28, 1991 were considered. Alderman Davis noted that
the figure of 9% should be changed to 4% in the corrections of the October 14
minutes. With that correction, the minutes of October 28, 1991 were
unanimously approved.
COMMUNICATIONS
Commission on Aqinq and Mental Health Board Responses to Lonq Term Care
Annual Reoort
Alderman Drummer noted that these responses had been requested by
Alderman Feldman, and did not believe that any Committee action was
necessary at this time. Alderman Davis suggested that the Committee
receive the communications, and if a follow up was required then Alderman
Feldman could place them on the agenda of a future meeting.
Ann Graff of the Mental Health Board stated she appreciated the Human
Services Committee's consideration of their recommendations. She noted
that Alderman Feldman, as a member of the Mental Health Board, was
present when the recommendations were passed. Alderman Drummer noted
that the responses were follow up to concerns of Alderman Feldman and
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of II/I1/91 . . . Page 2
stated if Alderman Feldman was satisfied with the recommendations he
believed they were appropriate as well. Alderman Mavis noted the
recommendations had one possible follow up action for the Human Services
Committee; those areas of the recommendations that dealt with a need for
amendments to the Long Term Care Ordinance; felt that staff should review
those requests and make the appropriate recommendations to the Human
Services Committee.
Mr. Terry informed the Committee that he had been contacted by Alderman
Newman who expressed a concern that when the Human Services Committee
reviews Long Term Care Ordinance issues that the perspective of operators
of long term care facilities within the community be adequately heard or
considered, and Alderman Newman believed the Human Services Committee at
some point should schedule a session to listen to operators so that
viewpoint could be considered. Mr, Terry also stated that in terms of
preparing future amendments to the Long Term Care Ordinance, staff, as a
part of preparing those amendments, need to conduct an evaluation in
terms of how realistic enforcement of all of the Ordinance's requirements
would be given existing staff and resources; that the concerns raised by
the Commission on Aging and the Mental Health Board illustrated
difficulties within existing budget resources in sometimes meeting the
letter of the Ordinance in every case. Alderman Davis, in response to
Alderman Newman's concerns, indicated that operators had every
opportunity to provide input when the Human Services Committee was
considering the major Long Term Care Ordinance revisions in 1989; that
the Human Services Committee has taken the step in the past to review the
concerns of long term care operators. Alderman Drummer noted that the
City's ordinance is stricter than the State law and felt that some
operator unhappiness with City enforcement was understandable.
Reference from Alderman Kent concerning 2026 Brown
Alderman Drummer said he understood Alderman Kent's intention in making
this reference. However, he was familiar with the condition of the
building at 2026 Brown and felt it would require an enormous amount of
dollars to return that building to a functional state. He felt that if
Alderman Kent was concerned about the future use of that building, it was
incumbent upon him to identify potential funding sources for the
renovation of that building.
REPORT FROM HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION ON DIVERSITY SEMINAR =_
Marc Bermann, Chair of the Human Relations Commission, introduced the members of the Commission who were present. He reviewed the summary of the meeting
which was in the packet material. He noted that the Commission had devoted the morning of Saturday, September 14th to a discussion of a number of _
diversity strategies; that a broad discussion taking 3-1/2 to 4 hours _
resulted; that the last page of the summary which had been transmitted to the
Human Services Committee consisted of 10 action plans or recommendations
which had been the result of audience input on that day; an audience
brainstorming session had been held; that there were concerns about -- -
A9
l HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
y Minutes of 11/11/91 . . . Page 3
education, about equal and fair treatment within the community; however, he
believed the phrase which repeated itself over and over was "affordable
housing." Consensus of opinion was if there was not affordable housing, it
was very difficult to sustain diversity. If it is not available throughout
the entire community it affects the socio-economic status of the
neighborhoods within the community. There were, however, concerns raised
that if realtors are targeting Evanston as the community on the North Shore
which is to house special populations, that tended to relieve other
communities of their responsibility for fair and open housing. The Yuman
Relations Commission was coming to the Human Services Committee for some
direction; felt they were articulating the needs of under -represented people;
that these ten points were some of their basic concerns and were looking for
a response from the Human Services Committee.
Alderman Drummer indicated that while the Human Relations Commission was
looking to the Human Services Committee for some direction he was looking for
some suggested actions by the Human Relations Commission regarding these ten
recommendations. He asked if the Human Relations Commission was going to
tackle these issues, how would they go about doing it? What strategies did
they have in mind, for example, for involving businesses and affordable
housing? What implementation strategies did they have in mind? Mr. Bermann
noted that for their suggestions regarding the school district, there were a
lot of issues that were revisited; that concerns about equity, self esteem,
and tracking persists; felt that both school districts have done a lot to
address these issues; however, concerns remain. He noted that a number of
people come to Evanston with the expectation that their children will be able
to go to neighborhood schools and be able to walk to school; however, people
are becoming more and more concerned about the racial makeup of schools; that
there are perceptions among some people that the Oakton/Dawes/Chute corridor
are not achieving schools as perhaps some other schools in the community. He
noted that he was talking about perceptions and comfort levels; felt there
was a wide variety of perceptions which have not yet been addressed.
Alderman Drummer said he believed the most crucial issue facing schools in
the community was the learning gap issue. He felt that Evanston had a good
education system, but it was not reaching everyone; that when everyone can
compete on an equitable basis many of the other social problems tend to
resolve themselves. He felt there needed to be more focus on the learning
gap. Cindy Leavitt responded that members of the Human Relations Commission
have attended school board meetings; that the learning gap is an issue both
school boards constantly address; did not believe the Human Relations
Commission should focus on it; felt it would be duplicative of other efforts; ==
that the Human Relations Commission tends to focus on what it can do; felt
that at the higher levels of City government many issues are not being
addressed. She noted that Lloyd Shepard of the Human Relations Commission is `
a member of the Long Range Planning Committee of District 65. Alderman _
Drummer noted, however, that the Human Relations Commission can make
recommendations to other bodies. He still felt it was the single, most
important issue; felt that the affordable housing issue had been with the
community since long before he was on the City Council; that it is a
difficult issue to achieve much progress with, and still believed the �-
learning gap issue could be a focus of attention.
40
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 11/11/91 . . . Page 4
Alderman Davis noted she shared Alderman Drummer's concern about the need for
the Commission to identify some concrete next steps; believed that the issue
of affordable housing required the full resources of the federal government;
that the federal government has pulled out of that issue substantially,
leaving local governments in a breach. She asked if the Human Relations
Commission had met with the Housing Commission; that the Housing Commission
has been sensitive to affordable housing issues, but felt that the Housing
Commission would benefit from a discussion with the Human Relations
Commission. She suggested a dialog be set up and felt that both commissions
could benefit from that dialog. Similarly, in terms of involving businesses,
she felt that the City -Chamber Liaison Committee would be a good place to
start; felt it wouldn't hurt to sit down with business leaders in the
community to discuss the affordable housing issue. She noted that the
Commission on Aging had done some of that with regard to the reverse mortgage
issue; felt there was a need for the Human Relations Commission to move
beyond discussions in the City Council chambers to those persons in the
community with primary responsibility for implementing solutions.
Alderman Davis also had a question regarding the concerns noted by the real
estate people about the fair housing brochure; noted that the last time the
brochure was produced much work was done to address concerns about the
brochure; wanted to know how broad based the feeling of dissatisfaction was.
Mr. Bermann responded that realtors still minded using the brochures but they
appeared to mind it less. Alderman Davis suggested that perhaps the next
time around, the marketing professionals in the real estate industry might be
contacted to assist in the design of the brochure. She also had a suggestion
about a regional Human Relations Commission; wanted to know if the Commission
had discussed what the incentive would be to other communities to join us;
felt that if other communities did not feel the need to solve a problem the
way Evanston did, what was the incentive for those communities to get
involved. Mr. Bermann indicated that the Human Relations Commission hoped to
schedule a regional conference next spring, trying to get the issue off dead
center; noted that staff to the Commission, Owen Thomas, had discussions with
other communities on the North Shore; that quite often Evanston is perceived
as being different or unique. The Corm^tission is concerned about the extent
to which that image continues to be promoted. He felt regarding the
Commission's recommendations as a whole, that the Commission perceived that a
global overview of what Evanston wanted to be as a community is missing; that
there had been no meeting of the minds in the community, no common vision as
to where the community wanted to be in five years; that the Commission has
tried to establish dialogs, establish workshops, serve as a conduit to
communication, but is primarily concerned about what the City Council members
really want and what are they willing to commit to.
Alderman Drummer asked if any of the comments at the seminar dealt with race
relations. Mr. Bermann indicated the issue came up in several of the
discussions; noted that in the discussion of housing for the mentally ill in
the fifth ward, the issue of whether one group could establish progress at
the expense of another had been discussed; however, the overall concern was
that when changes and adaptations have to be made it is always the minority
community that had to make those allowances; that the Human Relations
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 11/11/91 . . . Page 5
Commission tends to hear about prejudice in a situational contact; that there
was a "glass ceiling" on housing and employment issues within Evanston. He
felt that it was important for institutions who own so much property in
Evanston, or who represent those who own property in Evanston to follow the
appropriate guidelines and do the right thing.
Alderman Davis indicated she still had a concern that the Commission was not
talking to those people who could make issues go forward, and asked again if
the Commission had spoken to the Housing Commission. She noted that any
housing initiatives which come to the City Council will emanate out of the
Housing Commission; that it would be a good opportunity for the Human
Relations Commission to get involved in the "nitty gritty" of affordable
housing by having a dialog with the Housing Commission. Mr. Sermann
indicated that the Housing Commission could look at specific projects, but
not the overall realtor efforts to deal with affordable housing; felt it was
the chicken or the egg proposition as to whether or not to go to the Housing
Commission; that the Human Relations Commission was still looking for a
more global effort to address these Evanston issues. Alderman Davis
indicated she was hearing the Human Relations Commission talking about both
traditional fair housing issues, but also affordable housing issues; noted
that the two were not automatically interchangeable; that you could have
affordable housing without fair housing and vice versa.
Alderman Washington also encouraged the Human Relations Commission to go to
the Housing Commission; that she served on the Housing Commission in the past
and the Housing Commission could consider ideas such as co-signing loans and
mortgages. Ms. Donaldson wanted to know what the Housing Commission response
to those issues were during Alderman Washington's tenure. Alderman
Washington noted that they did not have specific discussions on those types
of programs, but felt the Housing Commission was open to those types of ideas
and encouraged the commission to pursue them.
Mr. Thomas responded regarding Alderman Drummer's questions about race
relations; that it was not possible to separate human relations issues from
race issues. He described a number of efforts he has been involved with in
Highland Park and Deerfield, encouraging them to establish things such as
mediation and conflict resolution; that those two commmunities are becoming
much more aware and sensitive of their human relations needs. He believed
that it came down to the will of a community to deal with those issues and it
takes a person of some vision. He felt that more and more communities were
seeing human relations issues as something they needed to address,
particularly as they approach the year 2,000; that workforce diversity was
much more of a concern and that the year 2,000 was coming soon; that there
are issues such as increased school enrollment, Hispanic families living on
Sheridan Road in Highland Park; that those communities are learning there is
a much greater need to be proactive. He believed there was a need for a
North Shore regional approach.
Alderman Washington asked if the Human Relations Commission came to Mr.
Thomas for direction. Mr. Thomas indicated yes, he did direct the Commission
into more meaningful human relations activities; felt the activities of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 11/11/9I . . . Page 6
Commission last year had been overshadowed by fair housing concerns.
Alderman Washington said she, like Alderman Drummer, could not understand why
the Commission felt it should not get involved in the education gap issue and
encouraged work with District 65. Mr. Thomas indicated he always defers to
the Commissioners for the establishment of policy but felt that
administrators of the City and school would need to articulate in a
meaningful way their commitment to addressing that gap. He noted, by the
way, that he didn't favor consolidation of the two school districts.
Alderman Davis expressed some frustration in that the Human Relations
Commission came looking for direction and the members of the Human Services
Committee wanted to respond in a way that was helpful to them. She believed
their diversity workshop was a good focusing tool for the Commission;
however, she felt some hesitancy for the members of the Human Services
Committee to set the Human Relations Commission agenda; felt there was a
need for the Commission to grab a hold of these issues and come back to the
Human Services Committee with a specific agenda. Mr. Bermann said he was
hopeful that the seminar would spark some discussion among the full City
Council. He was hopeful that the Council would show some leadership; perhaps
establish a task force on these issues. He could envision a refining process
that could last forever in terms of prioritizing the 10 recommendations; felt
it was time to bridge those processes and that the Human Relations
Commission was looking for a mandate from the City Council. Alderman Davis
felt it was still a concern that the discussion was at too general a level;
that the Human Services Committee needed some specific proposals; needed to
know what the Commission saw as their next step. She believed that to do
otherwise would, ultimately, have the opposite effect to what the Human
Relations Commission intended; that there would be a tendency to kick the
issues around in public forums and debate them endlessly. She felt the
Human Relations Commission members were the ones who were experts in the
area, and to have an expectation that the City Council would refine human =
relations recommendations was an incorrect one; it simply would not happen.
She felt the Commission would be setting up a process whereby everyone
identifies problems forever; that specific recommendations had to come out of
the Human Relations Commission. Alderman Drummer concurred with Alderman
Davis` remarks and that the Human Relations Commission needed to sit down
with other organizations in the community and then come back. He suggested
that the matter be held over to the next Human Services Committee meeting, at
which point the Human Services Committee could give direction to the Human
Relations Commission as to which bodies they needed to meet with for each
recommendation.
The Committee concurred that the matter would be held over to the meeting of
November 25th.
CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED RECREATION DEPARTMENT PROGRAM FOR HIGH RISK YOUTH
Recreation Superintendent Grodsky introduced a video which had been made _
highlighting the activities of the Mason Park Basketball league at the
Fleetwood-Jourdain Center. Mr. Grodsky then went on to describe the
proposal. He indicated that the leagues which had resulted from community brr�-
fft�-
;y
1 HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 11/11/91 . . . Page 7
concern about the shooting at Mason Park this summer; the leagues resulted in
a tremendous number of people who had played; that there were large audiences
in the adult league in addition to the number of players. He noted this was
a good prevention program contrasting with the high societal cost of
corrections; that the staff in the Recreation department had conducted a
leisure assessment of all of those who participated in the league; of the 131
youth and adults in the program, I03 had completed the assessments. Upon
analyzing the data they contacted Dr. Lynn Morris of the University of
Illinois who verified the statistical reliability of the results of the
assessment; noted that most of the recommendations dealt with physical
activity.
Mr. Grodsky outlined the recommendations that were in the proposal for an
ongoing basketball program, for a flag football program, for a softball
program; noted that roller skating had been a very popular recommendation out
of the assessment; noted that historically there was, at one time, roller
skating programs at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Center; noted that with the new
materials they are using to make roller skates, they are mar resistant and
less likely to cause punishment to the Fleetwood-Jourdain floor. He noted
the next popular issue was the exercise and aerobics programs; noted that
Grambling University had recently produced a Health 2000 report which
indicated that all minority groups were citing obesity as a health problem
within their culture so consequently, aerobics and exercise programs would be
an appropriate activity. He felt that the Arts Council would be working very
cooperatively with the Recreation Board in terms of the development of trips,
special events, and cultural arts activities. He noted there were some other
no cost items such as free tickets to Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, court time
at Chandler Center for racquetball, ice skating at the Crown Center, and the
Fleetwood-Jourdain weight room. They could offer these free programs with no
impact on the current budget bottom line. These programs were targeted
because they showed up in the leisure assessment survey and they reflect some
general trends of programs that individuals are interested in. He felt it
was important to note that these programs should be available throughout the
community; certain programs could be available at Crown, or the YMCA, or
Evanston Community Television; that it was very important to diversify some
of these programs throughout the community so they not be seen at one site
specific. He said the Recreation Department staff was very pleased with the
survey results. He would ask that the Human Services Committee adopt the
plan as submitted, which would allow the Recreation Board to amend their
proposed FY 1992-93 budget for the increased amount; that they intended to
set up a separate program element so that costs and participation levels in
the program could be monitored closely. He cautioned that although this
program was designed to work with this population the Recreation Department
staff would continue to make adjustments as necessary in response to
participant levels and satisfaction.
Alderman Davis characterized this proposal as one of the most well thought
out, well justified, and comprehensive recreation proposals she had ever
viewed. She encouraged the staff to get started. She made a motion to
approve the recommendations as outlined in the staff memo.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 11/11/91 . . . Page 8
Alderman Drummer seconded the motion. He noted that this program grew out of
the community response to the shooting at Mason Park in August; that
originally Chief Jacobi and he had met with community groups there; that
there was concern about community groups working together; this initial
success has spurred the volunteers on to do other things. He said that Chief
Jacobi has had officers in the department working with the program. He
wanted to particularly salute Don Wirth for putting the program in place and
moving to implement it quickly; that the most impressive portion of the
program was the whole host of volunteers associated with the program; their
contributions could not be measured; that he could not get over the success
of the program; that both leagues had to end up turning away players. He
said the audiences have been so large there was a request for day care
services to deal with some of the children; that the program became something
to do; it was somewhere to come to for the youth. He believed it should be
noted that the fact the program was completely free had something to do with
its success. He said the youth participating in the program were surprised
by the level of organization to the league; statistics are kept; scores are
kept; the games were refereed. He was very proud of the high level of
involvement of all the coaches. He gave an example of a young man on
probation whose probation officer was hesitant about allowing him to
participate in the league; that representatives of the league met with his
Judge which has lead to a program of the young man participating in the
league, getting tutoring two nights a week, and also providing some community
service; that this had lead to other discussions with the Probation
Department about other Evanston youth; that agencies such as the YMCA, YOU,
Reverend McAllister of Second Baptist, other ministers of other churches are
all coming to Fleetwood-Jourdain to try to learn a lesson from this league,
noting how successful it is and trying to find out the keys to Mason Park's
leagues success. lie noted that while others were having meetings to talk
about how to respond to this problem, the volunteers at Mason Park and
Fleetwood-Jourdain rolled up their sleeves and produced a program.
Alderman Drummer felt the program's success demonstrated the need to put more
programs in place rather than just talk about them. He suggested that the
Committee pass Alderman Davis' motion at this meeting but felt that more
dialog on the concept behind the programs was necessary; that there was a
need to talk more about how the City attracts competent volunteers and how
the City rewards volunteers for the time that they put in, and also there was
a need to discuss how better the City would be linking participants in a
recreation program to other human service programs that they may need. He
felt the Recreation Department needed to monitor very closely the disbursal
as it placed programs throughout the community; did not want specific
recreation programs being identified with particular gang turf or particular
gang members. He felt there was still a need for all volunteers and
professional staff to try and develop alternative mechanisms for conflict
resolution so that further tragedies could be avoided.
Alderman Fiske noted that it was already past the time for adjournment; that
questions he had about the program had, in fact, been answered; felt that for
the dollars involved the proposal represented a very cost effective program;
noted the extent to which the dollars would motivate and mobilize a large
A
' HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 11/11/91 . . . Page 9
core of volunteers and felt the most critical factor was the extent to which
the program appeared to be reaching the at -risk population.
The Committee voted unanimously 4-0 to approve Alderman Davis' motion.
The Committee voted to adjourn at 9:05 p.m.
Jay W. Terry
OTHERS
PRESENT:
R G:
�AU TO ORDER
DRAFT - NOT APPROVED
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
November 25, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
Aldermen Davis, Feldman, Fiske, Moran, Washington
Aldermen Drummer
Jeanne Fox, Harvey Saver, Owen Thomas, Kathy Elg, Jay
Terry
Art Diers, Ann Graff, Carol Henes (Mental Health Board);
Alderman Washington, Chairman
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
MINUTES
The minutes of November 11, 1991 were considered. Alderman Davis had a
correction as follows:
Page 2, paragraph 2, line 17 should be amended to read ..in 1989; and
in fact, operators met with the Human Services Committee durino the
Committee consideration of those revisions.
With that addition, the Committee unanimously approved the minutes of
November llth.
COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Washington noted Committee members had received at home a
communication from the agency GRASP requesting an appeal of their Unified
Budget Process allocation for next year. It was the consensus of the
opinion of the Committee members that the decision to fund GRASP
exclusively with Township dollars was an appropriate one and,
accordingly, any consideration of an appeal by GRASP should be made by
the Township Committee with the Township Supervisor. The matter was,
therefore, referred to the Township Committee for consideration.
Recreation Department Monthlv Narrative
This communication was accepted without comment.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 11/25/91 . . . Page two
FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSIQN—QJVERSITY SEMINAR
Mr. Thomas indicated that the Human Relations Commission held a meeting the
previnus Wednesday night, and it was the Commission's decision not to meet
and discuss the seminar further with the Human Services Committee. There
were no Commission members present this evening, and it was his role to take
any Human Services Committee direction back to the Commission. Alderman
Washington expressed her opinion that the Human Services Committee had
provided a significant amount of reaction back to the Human Relations
Commission, and she had been hopeful that the Commission members would come
back with an action plan.
Alderman Feldman noted he had not been present at the meeting with the
discussion with the Human Relations Commission, however, he has read the
minutes of the Human Services Committee meeting of November 11th; that it
would appear that the Human Relations Commission is going through a period of
self-examination which could be characterized as an identity crisis. He
wanted to note that it is his opinion that the work of the Human Relations
Commission is vital to the community; that the Human Relations Commission
members should develop a plan or agenda as a result of their experience in
the community; felt that the record would show that the Human Services
Committee has worked very closely with the Human Relations Commission, and
has given support to the Commission when asked. In his opinion, the members
of the Human Relations Commission should come forward with some sort of
agenda for action.
CONSCONSID RATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS OF UNIFIED BUDGET PANEL
Alderman Feldman asked if Mr. Terry had any comments following the completion
of the Unified Budget Process (UBP), particularly in light of an earlier
decision by the Human Services Committee to re-examine their role in the
UBP. Mr. Terry stated he wanted to underscore some of the thoughts conveyed
in the cover memo to the UBP recommendations; that three of the four fenders
had to enter the process with significantly fewer dollars; that the United
Way Board, by not having to make cuts, questioned the cuts rude by the three
public funde.rs, and this perhaps created an atmosphere of tension that had
not been present in earlier years; that certain panel members felt cause to
question the "unified" aspect of the UBP; that everyone did agree that it was
a period of self-examination for the process. Alderman Feldman asked if Mr.
Terry had any subsequent conversations with members of the United Way Board
or their staff as to how they conducted business on the final UBP Saturday,
and Mr. Terry indicated that he had not.
Alderman Davis noted that the UBP Task Force had been re-established and
asked if there had been any discussion on what process the Task Force would
follow in terms of examining UBP; that she hopes that the Task Force will
determine a way to re-examine the process in a constructive way. She is very
concerned about a perceived rush to abandon the UBP; would not want to see
the City "throw the baby out with the bath water"; that the UBP is a way to
bridge chasms. She very much agrees it is a time to look at the process, but
urged some caution in implementing change before considering all the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 11/25/91 . . . Page three
options. Mr. Terry indicated that the decision to establish a task force
again had occurred late in the day at the Saturday session so there was not a
great deal of panel discussion; that a re-evaluation of the UBP would
probably be pursued on a dual track process. Each fonder would probably be
having their own internal review as to how the process best suits them and
their needs, while at the same time, participating in a community -wide
re-examination through the UBP Task Force; and each (under will come to their
own conclusion, but it is hopeful that those conclusions will be acceptable
to the other funders that make up the UBP.
Alderman Washington noted one change she would like to see is an opportunity
for the City to review the agencies it funds more than once a year.
Alderman Moran indicated that as a first time participant in UBP he found it
to be very educational. He agreed that the process needs fine tuning. He
noted that in his opinion, the splintering that was evident on the final UBP
Saturday does not perhaps argue against UBP, but is an example of the value
of UBP. He said if all the funders were of one mind on all issues, then the
UBP would be superfluous, but the process now allows for some healthy
disagreement. There is a value to think of the process as a healthy process,
though he acknowledged the amount of work involved by both staff and panel
members in making it work. He initial impression would be to retain the
process but to do some fine tuning.
Alderman Washington indicated she would agree with Alderman Moran's comments;
however, she is still concerned that the process leads to the same agencies
being funded at the same relative level year, after year, after year.
Alderman Feldman asked Mr. Terry if he knew how the evaluation process of UBP
would proceed. Mr. Terry indicated it was his intention to submit a report
to the Human Services Committee probably in the first meeting in January,
1992, which would outline how the UBP evaluation process would proceed.
Alderman Davis asked if we had received word from the United Way and RCs as
to whether they would be conducting a joint review of day care again in
January. Mr. Terry indicated he had not received any specific word from
either United Way or 4Cs, but that everyone's evaluation of the process last
January was very favorable and he would expect it to be repeated.
The Committee voted unanimously to accept the recommendations of the UBP.
EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD - BUDGET REVIEW
Alderman Feldman asked to introduce his fellow Mental Health Board members.
He introduced the Chair, Art Diers, and members Ann Graff and Carol Henes,
and noted that staff Jeanne Fox and Harvey Saver were present.
Chairman Diers noted that the Committee had received a statement from the
Mental Health Board; wanted to recognize the work being done by the Board
members; wanted to recognize Ann Graff for all her work on the Long Term Care
Ordinance, and Carol Henes for her tracking of the zoning process. He wanted
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 11/25/91 . . . Page four
to salute Alderman Feldman as a representative of the disadvantaged
populations of Evanston for years and wanted to note the excellent staff the
Board has. He said the Board is continually going through a struggle of how
to serve the less advantaged at a time of fewer resources; noted that in
times such as these the less advantaged tend to "take it on the chin"; that
the agencies the Board is working with have had setbacks in funding; that the
State of Illinois has had significantly fewer funds to allocate to agencies;
this may be a time that would require agencies and institutions to change
their structure. He characterized the Board as doing its best in a time of
deprivation; noted that staff and the Board are called upon to do more all
the time, and the Board looked forward to continuing their positive
relationship with the Human Services Committee.
Alderman Davis asked if Board members had any overall comments about the
Zoning Ordinance revision process. Ms. Henes responded that it appeared, on
the basis of the last meeting, that the Planning and Development Committee is
listening to the Mental Health Board suggestions on ordinance language.
Alderman Davis asked if the Board has had every opportunity for input. Ms.
Henes said yes, there had been many opportunities for input. Both Ms. Henes
and Mr. Diers stated that one of the benefits to the zoning review process
has been the opportunity for the Mental Health Board to work with other
groups and other members of the community who have similar interests in terms
of the ordinance.
Alderman Feldman said he wanted to call the Committee's attention to the
budget itself; that the Board had shared a sense of responsible "agony" to
make the necessary cuts; that a certain percentage of their cuts were taken
out of the Mental Health Center so that reductions were not all directed at
purchased services. He noted there was a chart on page 11 which described a
number of the systems changes going on in the mental health delivery system
and its environment; wanted to compliment the Board for having produced that
type of document. He said it has been his personal pleasure working with
such dedicated individuals; he has no problem accepting the Mental Health
Board budget.
Alderman Washington noted that the City Manager's office had not submitted
any suggested questions to be asked of the Board. Mr. Terry noted that the
budget submitted by the Mental Health Board was consistent with the budget
policy and staff questions were not submitted in reflection of the high
degree of analysis which the Mental Health Board had attached to their budget.
Alderman Moran commented ' on both the budget and some of the items listed on
the chart within the memo, noting a continual shift from institutional
services to community treatment and the matrix of services which is
envisioned. He wanted to know what the Board's opinion was as to whether or
not that was going to work and if so, how well. Ms. Graff said she wasn't
sure that the system would look appreciably different from the system that is
in place now; that there will be variations; there will always be unmet
needs. She believed the system was in place, but that the major question was
how well will these systems be funded or supported. She noted as an example
the Intergovernmental Agreement was something that lended itself to service
coordination.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 11/25/91 . . . Page five
Alderman Moran indicated that he still had some concerns about the Mental
Health Board's viewpoint that the AIDS crisis was not something which did not
have mental health ramifications. He asked if the Board if it ever intended
to re-examine its policy on not funding AIDS -related services. Ms. Graff
responded that the Board had never said that there were no mental health
ramifications. Alderman Horan noted, though, that the Board had said it
seemed to be outside the general charge of the dental Health Board. He said
that position was not one he fully understood and again asked if there was
any intention to reconsider. Mr. Diers responded that the Board continually
struggles with what the impact will be on its funding allocations; noted that
there are more homeless, more chronically mentally ill; that in economic
times such as these there are more battered women, more child abuse, and yet
the resources of the Board are fewer. He noted that the time per case spent
by professionals is less; that the Mental Health Board has limited resources;
that for every dollar BE-HJV would have received from the Mental Health Board
someone else would have received less; that it was the consensus of the Board
that they stay within the agencies that they were currently funding and
support them to the greatest extent possible. However, he noted that the
Board is in a constant process of re-examination of the agencies it funds,
and if BE -HIV wishes to apply during next year's funding cycle, of course the
Board will consider it.
Alderman Davis noted, reading from the budget document chart which had been
prepared, one of the changes from Treatment Services for Only Adults to
Treatment Services for Children, Youth and Elderly, and the need for a family
case management system, one stop treatment services; that this was related to
the coordinated case work idea; whether the staff or the Board felt that a
more coordinated case work approach was a way to move towards this model.
Ms. Fox said iitere have already been certain experiments within the
corrimunity; that it is being tried on a limited basis. Alderman Davis asked
if the Board had received any particular feedback from agencies regarding the
reductions in purchased services that had been made. Ms. Fox responded that
ACORN is disturbed at the reductions which they sustained; that she has met
with both the Chairman of the Board of the agency and the agency Director, _�
both of whom are concerned about the agency's image within the community.
Alderman Davis asked if staff had considered ways to help ACORN, to reorient
them and help them marshal resources. Ms. Fox responded that it is always
staff role to provide technical assistance; that a drop -in center for the
chronically mentally ill is never a very "sexy" program that is easy to sell
to funders. Ms. Henes noted that the Mental Health Board does use a
quantified effectiveness rating; that agencies are scored on their
effectiveness, and that ACORN's score was relatively low.
Alderman Washington noted that City representatives to UBP had expressed a
concern that ACORN's new building in Chicago would lead to Evanston clients
receiving less attention.
Alderman Feldman indicated that the series of social problems described by
the Board created a very haunting Spector; wondered if centralized case
management was clearly such a value which was accepted; what made it a goal
that was so unattainable. Ms. Fox responded that these type of systems have
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 11/25/91 . . . Page six
three major problems. One is the release of client information which
agencies have a difficult time agreeing on. 'The second is the creation of a
standardized database which is consistent across all agencies. Three is the
dollar amount involved in implementing such a system; there are many
different bureaucracies involved and it is very difficult to coordinate those
bureaucracies. Alderman Feldman asked if a perceived loss of autonomy was
one reason agencies might oppose it. Ms. Fox acknowledged that wa: the
perception, but said it could actually expand agency autonomy. Alderman
Feldman asked if there are communities that have this type of system and have
published descriptions of the models they have put in place. Ms. Graff
responded that there were very few private models; centralized models which
do exist are refer to publicly funded agencies as opposed to private
agencies. Alderman Washington asked if the new Intergovernmental Interagency
Agreement would be a step towards that. Mr. Terry indicated that the
Intergovernmental Interagency Agreement was a statement of values that we
were hopeful all the agencies would sign on to; there were many details left
to be worked out. In fact, some of the bureauracracies most in need of
streamlining were the public bureauracracies; that it was his hope that the
agreement would forge a closer working relationship between the social work
staffs of the two school districts and the City and the private agencies,
that a rigorous self-examination of the system currently in place was
certainly appropriate.
Alderman Davis noted that the private sector, in general, seems to be going
through a period of downsizing; that while it is a very painful process, it
is something that should perhaps be followed in the public sector. She noted
that quite often services are so fragmented because they have been created to
serve a narrow population, that when a special population has been identified
dollars then seem to flow to that population, then structures get put in
place to serve that population and lobbying efforts then get put in place to
serve those structures. She felt there was a strong need to find ways to get
away from these narrow populations, and serve families in a more holistic
manner; noted she had recently attended a session devoted to the issue of
caregiving, and that the session had been valuable because it focused on
caregiving as primarily a women`s issue; that whether you are talking about
caringfor children or caring for the elderly, or caring for other family
members in special need that it is often the woman in the family who needs to
provide that care. She felt that services and supports designed to support
women in a more holistic manner were appropriate; felt that the funders and
providers of social services were locked into models that were created years
ago when there were many more dollars to support that type of system, and
that serious re-examination was called for.
-
Alderman Feldman noted that the Commission on Aging is going through a period
-
of self-examination. He had met with someone who is doing an evaluation of
the Commission on Aging. He noted that in the Mental Health Board statement
_
on page 10, the Board had cited a growing need for mental health services for
the elderly; wanted to know if the Board had cooperated with the Commission
-
on Aging to get a joint perspective on that issue. He felt it was very
interesting that the Human Relations Commission, the Commission on Aging and
=
the Mental Health Board were, to varying degrees and from different
perspectives, all going through a period of self-examination right now, in
t
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 11/25/91 . . . Page seven
terms of where they are going with their programs and what the future of
their program is. He felt it was fascinating that this many boards were
going through this self -appraisal at the same time. Mr. Diers responded that
the Mental Health Board works in a cooperative manner whenever possible; that
many of the meetings that have been held +pith agencies have been with the
boards of those agencies; that the Mental Health Board is forever looking for
new ways to explore issues. He agreed with Alderman Davis` earlier comments
that the system needed to undergo change, but we should be careful not to
"throw the baby out with the bath water." Ms. Fox responded, regarding the
Commission on Aging that given the physical proximity of the two staffs there
is constant sharing of information with the Commission on Aging; that the
Director of the Commission on Aging had testified before a hearing of the
Suburban Area Agency on Aging on the mental health needs of the elderly
reflecting the point of view of the Evanston Mental Health Board, and also
noted that the Mental Health Board had worked in a collaborative fashion with
the Human Relations Commission regarding proposed changes to the zoning
ordinance.
Alderman Moran wanted to extend his compliments to the Mental Health Board.
He had a great deal of admiration for the work they did, and the amount of
detail and organization that they brought to their presentation before the
Human Services Committee.
The Human Services Committee voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:25 p.m.
Jay W. Terry
DRAFT - NOT APPROVED
MINUTES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
December 16, 1991
7:30 P.M.
Room 2402
PRESENT: Aldermen Davis, Drummer, Feldman, Fiske, Moran,
A05EMT: Aldermen Washington
STAFF C. Louise Brown, Don Wirth, Bruce Zimmerman, Bill Embry
PRESENT: Dan Moses, Ron Strong, Frank Kaminski, Helen Sutheramen,
Kay Khawprasert, Mickey Tate, Wes Calamese, Joe Zendell,
Cherie Lockett, Jay Terry
OTHERS Patricia Frank, Charles Klosterman; (Environmental Control
PRESENT: Board) _
PRESTOINQ: Alderman Feldman
CALL TO QRDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:38 p.m.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of November 25, 1991 were approved unanimously
without correction.
COMMUNICATLM
Arts Council Strategic Plan
Alderman Moran felt the Strategic Plan had been thought provoking and
education; however, he felt one part was absent. He saw few mentions of
the word 'education"; felt that the Arts Council has tended to focus on
the arts and the arts industry but he is concerned in terms of how we
educate the community at large. It is important for youth and adults to
understand how arts can make thdir lives more full. He perceived a -
important mission of the Arts Council as helping people understand what
the arts can do; felt that education was the key to what he perceived as
the Arts Councils mission. He noted his comments were not intended to
be critical; he felt the Arts Council did a great job. He did feel that
the Strategic Plan could have mentioned the words "education" more
often.
Mr. Zendell noted that the Arts Council decided to stop using the term
education a number of •years ago; that the term education as used by the r
Arts Council was often different than when used by educators, but felt
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 12/16/91 . . . Page 2
that the Arts Council did a significant amount of education, particularly
in two related areas. One was the promotion project which the Council is
involved in. The promotion project gets the message across that the arts
are fun and valuable; felt that if the Strategic Plan was read with the
term promotion used interchangably with education there would be a much
greater education focus seen in the plan. He felt the second program was
the Affirmative Action in Arts program, that no agency gets a grant from
the Arts Council unless they demonstrate they are servicing a new
audience. He felt it was the primary tool of the Arts Council to
encourage arts organizations to reach a new population.
Alderman Moran said he understood what Mr. Zendell was saying but he
still believed "education" as a term was important to use. He agreed the
Strategic Plan did discuss promotion to a great deal; however he felt
that promotion conotated promoting the careers of individual artists.. He
is still concerned about the Strategic Plan as a document which seems to
be saying is what the Arts Council is doing is promoting the careers of
artists through grants. He was concerned that would be seen as a
specific focus of the Arts Council. Mr. Zendell felt that the members of
the Arts Council, if they were to hear Alderman Moran's comments, would
agree with them. Alderman Feldman said he didn't believe there was a
difference between Alderman Moran's point of view and the Arts Council's
point of view; felt that any difference was one of articulation and not
performance; felt that the Arts Council had been doing an outstanding job
of raising the community's consciousness. He asked Alderman Moran if he
was looking for Art Appreciation courses or classes. Alderman Moran said
he wasn't necessarily looking for the Arts Council to sponsor courses but
felt the Arts Council should consider propagating art appreciation as one
of its core mission. He felt there was only one place in the plan where
community education was articulated and felt that concept was very
important.
Alderman Davis felt that the document did a good job in bringing in all
the segments of the community. She felt that a key area was the business
community and that the Arts Council needed to establish partnerships with
the business community; noted that the business community was involved in
the focus groups on public art; felt that the Arts Council had done a
very good job in the past of demonstrating the economic impact of the
arts. She asked Mr. Zendell whether he sensed a readiness of the
business community to get involved in the arts beyond the issue of public
art. Mr. Zendell responded that a number of focus group participants
expressed an interest in funding arts programs. He was hoping that the
Arts Council promotion plan would be the recipient of a subsidy from the
business community; that the Chamber and EVMARK have both expressed some
interest in doing that. Alderman Davis asked if this appreciation for
the arts was trickling down from the Chamber to individual businesses.
Mr. Zendell said yes the Council was beginning to see some of that.
Alderman Feldman asked about a statement in the plan that the political
support on the City Council for the Noyes Center had been mixed and
wondered how that conclusion had been arrived at. Mr. Zendell said it
T
t
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes.of 12/16/91 . . . Page 3
reflected the results of a survey of the City Council. Alderman Feldman
said he found that interesting, he wasn't aware that there were members
of the City Council not fully supporting of the Noyes Center. He wanted
to compliment the Arts Council. They are always demonstrating a sense of
community, a sense of direction and purpose. He felt that the Human
Services Committee was seeing an atmosphere with a number of boards and
commissions in which they are uncertain as to their future goals, and
felt the clear vision and sense of purpose of the Arts Council was very
welcome. He was hoping that other boards and commissions would soon
develop similar purposes.
Mr. Zendell noted that one item which was not in the plan was arts
programs for at -risk youth; there is nothing reflected in the plan but
the Arts Council had adopted a goal to develop programs to serve at -risk
youth. Mr. Wirth noted that the Arts Council program for at -risk youth
would be in the City Manager's budget and was hopeful the City Council
would approve it as part of the budget approval process.
1pteraovernmental Interaqency Sioninq Ceremony
Alderman Davis and Alderman Moran indicated they planned on attending the
ceremony.
DOCKET 317-12A-9I CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE HEALTH
JUSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE VILLAGE OF GLENCOE
Alderman Feldman noted this was only a one year agreement and asked if there
was a reason for that. Mr. Terry responded that there was a new village
manager in Glencoe who wished to re-evaluate all of the agreements and
services Glencoe had in place and had asked for this agreement to be for one
year.
Alderman Fiske expressed a concern that the agreement did not allow for an
unanticipated ballooning of the demand; wanted to know if there was a way for
the City to be compensated should that demand increase. Director Brown
Indicated she could not forsee why such a ballooning might occur; that the
level of complaints from the village of Glencoe has been consistent over time
for a number of years. Mr. Embry noted that the City has been averaging two
complaints per month, and that the budget and reimbursement level has always
been designed so that the City has a wide cushion for making sure it recovers
its costs. The fees received for a staff persons time from the village of
Glencoe more than cover the time that is actually spent in Glencoe.
The Committee unanimously approved the agreement with the village of Glencoe.
REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED WITH COMPLETION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION PLAN
Alderman Davis felt the proposal for the Environmental Protection Plan was
very clear; that it was well set out and provided a sense of direction. She
noted the memo said that the outline presented a scaled down version of plans
that had been submitted previously to Human Services; wanted to know what
tasks or outcomes had been scaled back; what was not going to be done now in
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 12/16/91 . . . Page 4
this version of the plan. Mr. Klosterman felt the results would be the same
as in previous plans but the process would be different; that the Committee
learned a lot as a result of the association and experience of working with
Barton-Aschman.
Alderman Drummer asked how much time would be necessary to complete the
plan. Mr. Klosterman said he anticipated it would take six months from the
time that the new consultant has been engaged and begins work on the
project. Ms. Frank indicated that the new members of the Environmental
Control Board are very anxious to get it done. Alderman Davis noted that
although there had been a very time consuming false start to the development
of this project, it was important for everyone to remember that the City is
in new territory here, charting a course in an area where there is little
precident; that everyone is very anxious to see that the City does the job
properly; the State and federal government put strong limits as to what a
municipality can do in this area. She asked Alderman Moran and Alderman
Feldman as subcommittee members on this project, if they were confident that
the Environmental Control Board was on the right track. Alderman Feldman
indicated he was convinced that the Environmental Control Board was on the
right track and commended Alderman Moran for his helping to focus the Board.
Alderman Drummer asked whether a motion to approve was appropriate at this
time; what the process would be for the Board to go forward. Alderman
Feldman noted that the staff memo called for City Council authorization, yet
there was no item on the yellow agenda. Mr. Terry indicated that the
proposed consultant contract from the Environmental Control Board for this
project would come back through the Human Services Committee. Mr. Zimmerman
concurred and indicated the full Council would have opportunity for review at
that time. Alderman Drummer asked how the Council would be informed of this
direction to the Environmental Control Board to go forward. Mr. Terry
indicated that the Rules Committee had recently asked that the Chairman of
the Human Services Committee give a report to the full Council on those
actions where there is not a yellow agenda item, yet the Human Services
Committee made a decision or provided direction to staff on specific issues.
Alderman Feldman indicated he would be making such a report to the full
Council. Alderman Drummer indicated that he would feel better that a
Committee vote was taken. He made a motion to approve the Environmental
Protection Plan outlined as submitted by the Environmental Control Board.
Alderman Drummer's motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Frank clarified that the Committee would be receiving the proposed
contultant contract on as expeditiously a nature as possible.
OUARTEREY STATUS REPORT - POLICE DEPARTMENT YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU iYSBi
Deputy Chief Kaminsky introduced the staff from the Bureau who were present.
He noted that a full report had been provided to the Committee. He wanted to
highlight the hiring of Ron Strong as the Director of the YSB, and also noted
that Cheryl Townsend has been hired as a worker in the program so the YSB is
at full staff. He noted that six objectives had - been set for the Bureau as
outlined in the memo and accomplishment reports an all those objectives have
I
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 12/16/91 . . . Page 5
been provided. He noted that the Committee had in the past asked about forms
and case studies and that those had also been provided for the Committee's
review.
Alderman Drummer felt that the YSB had done a lot of work and commended the
work that had been done. His major question was the status of the Citizen's
Advisory Committee to the Bureau which the Human Services Committee had
requested when the YSB was established. He had a concern that the YSE was
operating independently and not receiving outside advice in terms of some of
its methods. He felt he had a lot of confidence in the program; however,
some sort of oversight was vital. Deputy Chief Kaminsky said the YSB would
be a full participant in the Intergovernmental Interagency Agreement, and he
was hopeful that participation in that agreement would help to facilitate the
cooperation of a number of entities within the City. Mr. Terry indicated he
had discussed the matter with Chief Jacobi; that there had been a number of
discussions about this proposed committee; felt there were two unanswered
questions which have held up the appointment of the committee. One was that
given the number of youth related committees that already existed in the
community, where would a Citizens Advisory Committee to the YSB fit in that
universe; and what would its mission be related to services for youth. The
other was a concern which had been articulated about the amount of time
necessary to staff that type of advisory committee; that it had been the
experience in the YAP program that board development and board staffing
responsibilities did consume time and that it was time often directly taken
away from service delivery; that there was always a tradeoff involved in
having an advisory committee because it was time not spent in service
delivery; that those questions had not been fully resolved. Alderman Drummer
said he is still very strongly in favor of an advisory committee being
established. Alderman Feldman asked what the contribution of that advisory
committee would be. Alderman Drummer said it was very important to get input
from agencies; felt there was still community perceptions that because it was
based in the Police Department, the Police Department's traditional role had
been in corrections and that it was important to get other program
suggestions in terms of human services. Mr. Strong pointed out that the
Evanston Police Department has been providing social services to youth for 20
years; felt that Evanston had been very progressive in that way. Alderman
Drummer cautioned that his request for an advisory committee was in no way
criticism of the Department; felt that the YSB was doing a marvelous job;
felt that it was unfair for the community to ask the Police Department to
solve all social issues. He felt the YAP Advisory Committee was doing a good
Job. He had never heard before that it was a hinderance to have that
committee.
Alderman Moran indicated he remembered from his days on the Recreation Board
the days when the Police Department would identify youth that should be
targeted for the summer playgound program; that members of the Police
Department have always veen involved in assisting in a positive intervention;
felt that the YSB is another positive extension of the Police Department. He
is concerned about mixed signals about corrections versus social services and
felt that an advisory group could be appropriate. He felt there were a
number of functions the Police Department needed to fill; arrest and
IQ
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 12/16/91 . . . Page 6
prosecution being only one of them. He is pleased to see that the Police
Departmnnet is active in all capacities. He felt that the signing of the
Intergovernmental Interagency Agreement was proof that some good things are
going on. He wanted to express his appreciation for the case studies which
had been provided in the report; it is very educational to the members of the
Committee.
Alderman Davis felt the issue of the advisory committee presented a quandry
for the Human Services Committee members; felt the YAP Advisory Committee was
effective and hard working but it had a different purpose and was at a
different point in the development of the program; felt that at one point the
Advisory Committee had to take over more management issues regarding the
program. She did riot feel that was necessary now; did not believe we had
totally identified the need for the advisory committee and what role it would
play; however, she did sense a need for an additional "something". She felt
there needed to be development of the mission of the Advisory Committee; that
an advisory committee now would have a much more different role; felt that
staff need to help articulate what the need was for an advisory committee,
and then the Committee could decide that a committee needed to be appointed
and who should be on it.
Alderman Davis expressed concern in terms of the referral data. She was
concerned about the low percentage from 'other sources." She could
understand the high percentage of self referrals from the Police Department
and the referrals from the school district, but was concerned that other
agencies were not referring into the Bureau and was concerned that the Bureau
could have some of the same problems that YAP did. Mr. Strong reminded the
Committee that the programs were merged in March; that most of the referrals
since that time had come from the school district; the existing caseloads
from YAP were assumed. Alderman Davis said you will always get referrals
from the schools; that she was concerned about what the other agencies were
going to be doing in terms of referral. Mr. Moses felt that the high risk
caseload were referrals from the school system and the at -risk referrals were
from the Juvenile Bureau; felt that the at -risk population has been served by
the Police Department for quite some time. Alderman Davis again stated her
concerns about the referrals from. other agencies; that referral rate was very
low. Mr. Terry noted that during the development of YAP, police contacts
were always a measure of whether the program was successful or not. He felt
that what would often happen was that a referral would come in from a private
agency, the YAP staff would contact the Police Department to see if there was
contact with that youth; quite often there had been police contacts for that
youth, and what he suspected was happening now by the YSB being in the Police
Department in effect the middle man of YAP was being by-passed because many
of these clients were someone with whom the Police Department already had
contact.
Alderman Fiske wanted to reminded the Police Department staff that the
numbers are as important as a case study; felt that the forms which had been
developed were very valuable and that numbers are very important.
�• HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 12/16/92 . . . Page 7
Alderman Drummer again expressed his concern that he did not believe the
program should function without an advisory committee; felt that many of the
missions the YSB wanted to achieve an advisory committee could help
facilitate participation in the Camp Echo programs, liaisons with District
202, the identification of mentors, the establishment of a Mothers Against
Gangs program. He reminded that in the original YAP program model a
scholarship program had been established. He felt that there was a very
strong need to involve the community to sell the program. Dan Moses reminded
the Committee that 85% of the youth served in total by the YSB have more of
the old Youth Outreach function; asked whether the Committee felt an advisory
committee was necessary to serve that population. Alderman Drummer again
said fie felt there was a need for the YSB to make connections with the
community that were not there at present.
Alderman Feldman felt the Committee needed more information and needed it
soon; felt this issue had been dangling since the transfer had been made
March 1st. He asked Mr. Terry to try to make some sense of this whole
conflicting argument; that a position paper needed to be developed as to what
the role of an advisory committee would be and felt the Committee needed to
have that kind of. paper for consideration at its next meeting. Alderman
Drummer noted that it had been consistently the position of the Human
Services Committee when the program was transferred to the Police Department
that there be a citizens advisory group for that program. Alderman Davis
felt it would be helpful to look at an advisory group as a way to help
implement the program; look at it as a new kind of concept with the
development of community tasks; that it shouldn't be viewed in terms of
oversight. He felt that a Resource Development Committee, as identified by
the Arts Council, was perhaps the type of model the YSB could follow.
Alderman Feldman said it was still the Committee consensus that the Committee
be formed, however there was a question of staff time; felt there should be
some entity; however it was not certain how that entity would function to
enhance, not inhibit the YSB's mission. Alderman Moran noted that the staff
memo had contained identification of a 6 point program; felt that an advisory
committee could be very important in helping to implement those 6 points.
EVANSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT STATUS REPORT ON SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE
PREVENTION
Director Brown introduced her staff and said she welcomed the opportunity to
address the Human Services Committee; regretted there was not enough time in
order for her to make her full presentation. She said she would respond to
questions or issues as identified by the Committee.
Alderman Feldman noted that a number of serious issues had been raised in the
memo and asked if the Committee had questions.
Alderman Davis noted that one of the staff memos talked about adjustments in
the upcoming budget and asked if the Committee could get a sense of what
those budget adjustments would be. Director Brown felt the most significant
adjustment was the -elimination of 1.5 positions in the Long Term Care program
element. She felt that in terms of setting priorities, inspection and
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 12/16/91 . . , Page 8
enforcement would continue at an acceptable level, but there was a need to
make some staff transfers to address the STD issue. She felt that other
programs such as blood pressure and cholesterol screening and the Senior
Health Center would not be staffed at the same level as in previous years.
She felt the department could manage and still perform an acceptable level of
inspection; noted that one problem facility had been sold and 809: of it is
now closed and that now they are talking about downsizing. She did not feel
there would be as much monitoring activity as necessary. Alderman Feldman
clarified that there would still be long term care monitoring going on. Ms.
Brown said there would still be two full-time positions doing long term care
inspections. Mr. ferry noted that two other long term care facilities for
the mentally ill in Evanston were undergoing changes in their relationship
with the State of Illinois and that discussions would be initiated with the
members of the Mental Health Board and the City Manager to determine the
appropriate City monitoring role for those facilities.
Director Brown said that the incidences of sexually transmitted disease
focused her attention on a need to shift resources to a severe public health
problem. She wanted to emphasize that STD prevention was not just a clinic
based program; that the Health Department has a large epidemiology role for
all of Evanston; it involves community outreach, tracing and reporting back
to the State of Illinois. She felt that they are seeing all sorts of new
variations of STDs in new populations; that there is an increase in babies
with congenital syphilis; that there are now considered to be 14 different
sexually transmitted diseases, many of which are variations of diseases and
proving resistant to previous treatments; there is now a protein resistant
strain and a Tetracycline resistant strain of gonorrhea.
Alderman Davis noted she had just returned from the League of Cities
Conference and that one of the items she had learned at a workshop involved
the significant late diagnosis of women with HIV; that doctors don't appear
to be particularly educated about HIV; wondered if the Health Department
could serve a role in physician awareness. Director Brown noted that HIV is
not often looked for by doctors in examining heterosexuals if they are not
known to be IV drug users. She indicated that the Health Department works
with both hospitals in this area. Kay Khawprasert noted that in January
there would be a conference held in conjunction with Evanston Hospital
regarding case management issues for babies with congenital syphilis.
Director Brown noted that, of course, AIDS is not ,just a sexually transmitted
disease. She distributed mortality statistics nationwide which showed that
HIV -AIDS is now the Second leading cause of death for men 25 to 44 years of
age, second only to accidents.
Alderman Feldman said he regretted the Committee did not have the full time
to hear all of Director Brown's presentation. He felt she had presented a
persuasive case that a public health crisis was in place that she needed to
respond to; asked if that was a fair characterization of the point she wished
to make. She said yes, and the other point she wanted to emphasize above all
else was that the Health Department's role in dealing with this crisis was
much broader and greater than simply having a clinic and providing clinic
hours; that there was a very large community role that any public health
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of 12/16/91 . . . Page 9
department had to play in fighting STDs. Alderman Feldman directed staff to
have the Health Department come back to the Human Services Committee soon to
provide more information on this issue.
Alderman Davis asked what type of increase the Health Department had seen
following the HIV induced retirement of Magic Johnson from basketball.
Director Brown said there has been a dramatic increase in tests but there had
been no further increase in positive results. She said that would indicate
to her that persons most likely to test positive for HIV were still not
calling in to get tested; that there was a need for new targeted programs,
both with IV drug users and the African -American community and that the
Health Department would be working to develop those targeted programs.
Alderman Feldman asked that Director Brown keep the Human Services Committee
informed as to how it could assist the Health Department in responding to
this crisis.
t ►. ' L�I I ►i
The Committee unanimously moved to adjourn at 9:00 p.m.
Jay W. Terry