HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1986Minutes of the
EMIAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
January 13, 1986
6:30 P.H.
N mbers !resent: Aldo. Davis, Larson, Morton, Ream, Rudy, Vold
Officials and C. Louise Brown, Sharon Harris, Robert DuCharms,
Staff Present: Oren '!bones, Carol Henan, Jeanne Fox, Libby Hill,
iduarda Schoua, Leslie Griffith, John Worrood,
Jena Ana Shute, Mary Gibb, Melissa ?oats
!residing: Ald. Vold
The ■iaatsm of the 5 o SOXVIaea Committee meeting of December 16, 1983 *ere
approved as submitted.
Communications:
- Minutes of the Nichols Lighted School Ad Hoc Committee, dated 12/2/65.
- Memorandum from Arnold Winfield to township Supervisor Summers, dated
12/26/85.
- Credentials of Recreation Board Consulting Team.
- Emergency Assistance Services Monthly Report - December, 1985.
The ConoUttee set the next meeting for Tuesday, January 21, 1996 at 8:00 P.M.
The Committee vill discuss the Board and Commission budgets.
Chair Mold introduced Mary Gibb, Director of Commission on Aging, and Melissa
Matz, Management Intern, who Will staff the Human Services Committee during
Helen McCarthy's absence. Ms. McCarthy had a baby boy on Saturday, January
llth - Emmett Hilken McCarthy.
Resolution 2-R-86 - Bishop Freeman Parking Lot Lease
This resolution authorizes the City Manager to sign a lease with Bishop Freeman
Corporation for certain parking spaces for use during events at Fleetwood/Jour-
dain Community Center. The cost is $1/year. Ald. Morton moved to approve this
resolution; Ald. Rudy seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Chair Wold thanked
Bishop Freeman Corporation for their generosity.
Resolution 7-R-86 - Fair Housing Coordination and Marketing Program
This resolution authorizes the City Manager to fund and administer the Fair
Housing Coordination and Marketing Program with the help of the Chicago Area
Fair Housing Alliance. The funding comes from a HUD grant of $197,270. Omen
Thomas, Director of Human Relations Commission, pointed out that the amount of
funding for Fair Housing Marketing Program is $65,170, not $65,100 as stated
in the memorandum. Ald. Rudy moved approval; Ald. Morton seconded. Motion
carried unanimously.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 1/13/86 ... 2
Staff Presentation of Human Services Plan Process
Jeanne Fox, Director of Mental Health Board, presented staff ideas about the
Human Services Plan and a process for completing the plan. A Plan -rill help
the Human Services Department gain a leadership role in human services planning.
The Health and Human Services staff is committed to the `wellness model" of
community planning. This model looks toward the future, involves many people
and aims to turn conflict into solutions. A Human Services Plan is necessary
for several reasons: to solicit consumer opinions of current services; pro-
vide guidelines for Council decisions; allocate declining resources more
efficiently and bring together many resources in a timely manner.
Staff recommends the Negotiated Investment Strategy (NIS) method to develop
the Human Services Plan. This process will bring together three teams -
funders. providers, and consumers - to negotiate the Plan. A mediator will
facilitate the decision -caking. After the Plan is written, the public will
review it and a monitoring process will be implemented. The steps in the NIS
process are: (1) preliminary planning by the Planning Committee; (2) nego-
tiating the Plan; (3) reviewing the Plan; and (4) implementing it for use
by the Unified Budgeting Panel and City Council. Ms. Fox warned that this
process is very time consuming, but the result is a community -arced set of
priorities and guidelines.
Ald. Morton asked how the new federal budget balancing bill will affect the
process. Ald. cold answered that the need for a plan becomes greater as re-
sources decline.
Ms. Fox asked the Committee to discuss the four actions stated on her memorandum
of January 9, 1986: (1) accept the NIS planning process and abide by the de-
cisions reached; (2) set a timetable; (3) choose two representatives for the
Planning Committee; and (4) draft a Council resolution.
#1 - Process
Alds. Morton, Ream and Larson expressed their concern about accepting
the process and abiding by the decisions made. They were concerned
about the mediator, committing themselves to this process too early,
and the lack of clarity about items to be negotiated. Ms. Fox replied
that many of these decisions will be made by the Planning Committee.
The Committee agreed to accept the planning process and directed staff
to provide them with more information about the mediator and how other
communities have used this process. With this information, the Com-
mittee can make better decisions about the NIS process. Ald. Davis
noted that the full Council must make the decision to negotiate. Staff
was directed to provide Council With summary materials to keep them
informed and aware prior to decision -making.
#2 - Timetable
Ms. Fox stated that given current staffing, it would be very difficult
to meet the suggested timetable, but her goal is to provide next year's
Unified Budgeting Panel With at least preliminary funding guidelines.
There was some discussion about the relationship between the NIS and
the Unified Budgeting Panel. The concern was: Is Unified Budgeting
the same as the NIS and if so, should we begin the process concurrent
with Unified Budgeting? Ms. Fox replied that United Way will not be
included in the NIS because the process will produce the City's plan.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 1/13/86 ... 3
The plan should produce guidelines to help Unified Budgeting but
will not allocate specific funds.
Ald. Davis pointed out the need to proceed with a process divorced
from Unified Budgeting's funding cycle. Libby [sill, from the Plan
CosRission, commented that the Comprehensive Plan calls for a human
services plan. This plan should not deal with specific funding
issues but give a broad, comprehensive view of the human service
needs in Evanston.
The Committee agreed to begin with the suggested timetable for the
planning stage and modify it as necessary.
g3-Representatives
Chair Wold asked the Committee to think about the time co - -bent
involved. She will telephone the ambers individually to determine
who has the requisite time. Ms. Fox remarked that a Planning Com-
mittee representative would not necessarily participate on the
negotiating team.
/4 - Resolution
The Committee agreed that a resolution would not be prepared for
January 27, 1986. Instead, staff will prepare a packet to educate
the Council about the need for a Human Services Plan and to explain
the Negotiated Investment Strategy.
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 P.H.
e Melissa Metz
Management Intern
cc: Joel Asprooth
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
January 21, 1986
8:00 P.M.
Members Present: Alds. Davis, Larson, Ream, Rudy, Wold
Member Absent: Ald. Morton
Officials and Bruce Zimmerman, Jean Ann Shulse, Henry Krasnow,
Staff Present: David Williams, Jeanne Fox, Carol Henes, Lee Leggett*,
John Buckley, Joe Anna Sullivan, Ken Wenzel, Owen Thomas,
William Geuss, Joe Zendell, Lorelei McClure, Don Wright,
Patricia Bennett, Dorothy Ver Steeg, Beth Wright,
Richard Lanyon, Glennis Lundberg, Jane Baker, Jay Carow,
B.J. Jahnke, Mary Gibb, Melissa Metz
Presidin&: Aid. Wold
Minutes:
Ald. Davis requested that the minutes of the Human Services Committee meeting
of January 13, 1986 be amended as follows:
Page 2, last paragraph, add the sentence: "In fact, because the NIS
process is one for determining needs and priorities and not for making
funding decisions, it is important that the teams strive to complete
a good portion of the NIS outside and preferably in advance of the
Unified Budgeting Panel's general budgeting process."
With this addition, the minutes of the human Services Committee meeting of Jan-
uary 13, 1986 were approved.
Communications:
- Detailed information about the Negotiated Investment Strategy from Jeanne
Fox.
Discussion of City Manager's Proposed Board and Commission Budgets
Recreation Board
Henry Krasnow, Recreation Board member, told the Committee that City support
of recreation decreased $34,000 from FY 185 to FY'86. Since the City support
of the Recreation Board budget for 1986/87 is far below the zero percent growth
limit, he asked that the Committee restore weekend and holiday supervision at
the ice rinks. This will increase safety and allow all children equal time on
the ice. Mr. Krasnow also told the Committee that the new brochure and the
middle management position will enhance the Department's quality and bring in
new revenue.
David Williams, President of the Recreation Board, commented on the gradual
erosion of recreation services. He felt the $3,800 needed for ice rink super-
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 1/21/86 ... 2
vision would have little effect on the City budget,
Bruce Zimmerman, Assistant City Manager, explained that the regular salary ad-
justments reflect a refinement in salaries, not programmatic changes. The de-
crease in electricity reflects an 82 rate increase from 1985 to 1986, instead
of the briginal estimate of 15%.
Ald. Davis moved to maintain the Committee's original recommendation of weekend
and holiday supervision of the ice rinks. Ald. Ream seconded; motion passed
4-1 (Chair Wold voting "no"). Chair Wold reminded the Committee that any recom-
mendations made tonight would be reported to Council for final approval. The
Committee voiced no other opposition to the Manager's proposed Recreation budget.
Mental Health Board
Carol Henes, Mental Health Board President, asked the Committee to restore the
Assistant Director of Mental Health position and to allocate additional money
for purchased services, if possible.
The issue of changing the division of responsibilities and sharing tasks between
a Mental Health staff person and Commission on Aging staff was raised by Ald.
Davis. Some changes will be made in the Commission on Aging's budget due to
the resignation of the Director, Mary Gibb, in March, 1986. Ald. Wold suggested
that Joel Asprooth, City Manager, would be preparing some options regarding the
Mental Health and Commission on Aging vacancies. The Committee requested a
budget mess. on this subject. old. Ream moved to stand on the Committee's ori-
ginal recommendation to restore the position of Assistant Director of the Mental
Health Board until given more information about the "split professional" roles.
Ald. Rudy seconded; the motion carried 4-1 (Ald. Wold dissenting). The Com-
mittee made no other opposition to the Manager's proposed Mental Health Board
budget.
Ladd Arboretum Committee
Ald. Ream moved to accept the City Manager's proposed Ecology Center budget.
Ald. Rudy seconded; motion passed unanimously.
Human Relations Commission
William Geuss, Vice Chair, Human Relations Commission, told the Committee that
the Mayor's Special Committee on Housing Opportunities will report to City Coun-
cil soon. He asked the Committee to restore funds to support fair housing en-
forcement. This addition will fund: (1) audits of realtors; and (2) legal fees
for recovery of damages for violations of local, state, or federal fair housing
laws. He predicted an increasing need for fair housing enforcement.
Ald. Ream asked for a breakdown in contractual services. Owen Thomas, Director
of Human Relations Commission, responded that approximately $10,000 was for
legal fees, $18,000 for the audits, and $5,500 for fair housing education.
Ald. Davis asked whether the Law Department can supply the needed legal services.
Mr. Thomas replied that the Law Department is willing to process cases but the
Commission believes the Legal staff will. not have the time or expertise in fair
housing law to perform this task. Ald. Davis disagreed with this contention.
Ald. Wold said that she would like to see the Mayor's Special Committee report
before commiting to this funding. Ald. Ream agreed and commented that legal
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 1121/86 . 3
services should be provided inhouse. Ald. Ream moved to accept the City Manager's
proposed Human Relations Commission budget pending the Mayor's Special Committee
report. Ald. Davis seconded; motion passed unanimously.
Commission on ABeing
Ald. Ream moved to accept the City Manager's proposed Commission on Aging budget.
Ald. Rudy seconded; motion passed unanimously.
Farmers' Market
Ald. Ream moved to accept the City Manager's proposed Farmers' Market budget.
Ald. Rudy seconded; motion passed unanimously.
Environmental Control Board
Ald. Ream moved to accept the City Manager's proposed Recycling Center budget.
Ald. Rudy seconded; motion passed unanimously.
Arts Council
Lorelei McClure, Chair of Arts Council, reported that the City Manager's proposed
Arts Council budget reflects no real programmatic changes. However, the Arts
Council would like an additional $440 to buy five folding tables and chairs. Ms.
McClure told the Committee that the Arts Council's budget remains at a very low
level and many sacrifices have been made to reach a zero growth budget. This
level will not be adequate for the future. Ald. Davis commented that the Com-
mittee has not forgotten the Arts Council's excellent budget history. Ald. Ream
moved to approve the City Manager's proposed Arts Council budget. Ald. Larson
seconded; motion carried unanimously.
Bruce Zimmerman noted that this budget does not reflect the new grant for Arts
Council promotion.
Library Board
Dorothy Ver Steeg, President of the Library Board, advocated for the elimination
of the Bookmobile and restoration of several higher priority items. Ms. Ver Steeg
commented that maintenance costs of the Bookmobile have increased while its use
has decreased. The unit cost per item in 1985 was $2.20 compared to $1.51 in
1984. Because the Main Library is the highest priority of the Library Board,
Ms. Ver Steeg asked that part of the savings from the elimination of the Book-
mobile be used for the book collection ($11,975), reclassification of a part-
time Librarian in the Arts and Music Department ($3,400), and the restoration
of summer, Sunday hours ($8,000). Ald. Davis expressed support for the Book-
mobile as a service important to many people but noted the need to lower costs.
Ald. Wold pointed out that the Library Friends are willing to deliver books by
appointment to the home -bound. Don Wright, Library Director, agreed but said
that the response has been low so far. If the Bookmobile is eliminated, the
Library Friends will probably experience a higher demand.
Ald. Larson expressed support for a one -person operation, i.e., librarian/driver.
Mr. Wright and several Board members replied that current staff were either not
willing or not able to drive the Bookmobile. Ald. Wald asked if the Library can
continue service to retirement homes without the Bookmobile. Mr. Wright responded
that "deposit collections" (a collection of books loaned to an institution for a
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 1/21/86 ... 4
period of time) have been used before and it is possible to serve retirement
homes in this fashion.
The Board reported that the Bookmobile operates 26� hours per week, six days
a week. The Bookmobile Would be sold if possible.
Ald. Rudy expressed his support to eliminate the Bookmobile and enhance the
Main Library, as recommended by the Library Board. Chair Wold conducted the
vote separately on each item with the following results:
- The Bookmobile was eliminated by unanimous vote.
- Ald. Davis suggested a reduction in hours of operation of the Bookmobile.
This was defeated by a vote of 2-3 (Alds. Ream, Rudy, and Wold voting
"no").
- The auger, Sunday hours at the Main Library were restored unanimously
($8,000).
- The reclassification of Librarian I to Librarian II in the Art and
Music Department was endorsed 3-2 (Alds. Davis and Wold dissenting).
- The $11,975 addition to the book collection was defeated by a 2-3
vote (Alds. Davis, Larson, and Wold voting "no").
The Committee accepted all other portions of the City Manager's proposed Library
budget. Chair Wold asked that the Library Board investigate ways to continue
service to retirement homes.
General Discussion
Ald. Rudy asked about the philosophy of cutting funds from existing services
and funding new programs. He questioned, on this basis, the Mental Health Board's
funding decisions, particularly the significant cuts in Family Counseling Service
and Invictus Program. Ald. Ream, a Mental Health Board member, responded that
the Mental Health Board felt the new agencies were a high priority and looked
for appropriate agencies to reduce, Family Counseling Service was reduced since
it duplicates services provided at the two hospitals and serves fewer lour income
persons. Invictus is serving a lower percentage of Evanston clients and Will
receive a substantial state grant from the Department of Alcoholism and Sub-
stance Abuse. Chair Wold recommended that Ald. Rudy take this matter up with
the Mental Health Board. Ald. Davis pointed out the need to deal with new
issues as needs change.
The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
Melissa Metz
Administrative Intern
cc: Joel Asprooth
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
January 27, 1986
7:30 P.M.
Members Present: Alds. Davis, Larson, Morton, Ream, Rudy, Wold
Officials and Jeanne Fox, Mary Sears, Edna Su era, Anna Willis,
Staff Present: Julian Coleman, Ivan Lippitz, Mary Gibb, Melissa Metz
Presiding: Ald. Morton
Minutes:
Ms. Gibb noted that Omen Thomas, Director of the Human Relations Commission,
requested a correction to the minutes of the Human Services Committee meeting
of January 21, 1986, as follows:
Page 3, first paragraph, next to the last sentence be clarified to
read: "Ald. Ream moved to accept the City Manager's proposed Human
Relations Commission budget with the understanding that additional
funding mould be considered only after the Mayor's Special Committee
on Housing Opportunities report was received".
Ald. Davis requested that the results of the Library Board Bookmobile vote
be clarified as follows:
Page 4, third paragraph:
- "Retention of the Bookmobile at the full budgeted amount of $72,080
was defeated by unanimous vote."
- "Ald. Davis moved to retain the Bookmobile at a reduced cost. Ald.
Larson seconded: motion failed 2-3 (Aids. Ream, Rudy, and Wold
dissenting)."
Ald. Davis requested that on page 4, final paragraph, last sentence be
corrected to read:
"Ald. Davis pointed out the need to figure out methods for dealing Frith
new services as needs change."
With these corrections, the minutes of the Human Services Committee meeting
of January 21, 1986 Were approved.
Communications:
- Human Services Committee memorandum, dated January 23, 1986, to City Council
regarding FY 1986-87 Board and Commission Budget Recommendations.
Staff was directed to clarify this memo regarding the Human Services
Committee's vote on the Library Board budget, as described above in
the corrections to the minutes.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 1/27/86 ... 2
- January 21, 1986 Statement to the Human Services Committee from the Library
Board.
- Memorandum from Mary Sears, Chair of the Commission on Aging, regarding
replacement of the Director, dated January 27, 1986.
Chairman's Priorities
Chair Morton presented her priorities. An update from the Regional Housing
Planning Committee for the Mentally Ill and Developmentally Disabled was
scheduled for February 24. Updates on the Human Services Plan and the Homeless
Committee were tentatively scheduled for March.
Announcement of Planning Committee Renresentatives
Ald. Wold announced that Aldo. Morton and Rudy agreed to participate on the
Planning Committee of the Human Services Plan development process. Ald. Larson
will be the alternate. These Aldermen will not necessarily be a part of the
negotiation team when the Negotiated Investment Strategy begins. The Committee
accepted these representatives.
Commission on Aging and Mental Health Board Vacancies
The Commission on Aging and the Mental Health Board will each have a professional
staff vacancy in FY 1986. Given budget constraints, the issue is whether the two
boards should share a staff person. Mary Sears, Chair of Commission on Aging,
cemented that her Commission needs a full-time staff person. This person should
have expertise in gerontology and ions term care. Sr. Sears believes that a part-
time professional cannot serve the needs of the elderly.
Jeanne Fox, speaking for Carol Henes, President of Mental Health Board, remarked
that the Mental Health Board wishes to discuss the matter with the Commission
on Aging and the City Manager before the Committee takes action.
Joel Asprooth, City Manager, apologized for the confusion on this issue. He
will meet with the two boards and staff and report to the Committee regarding
their discussion. The Committee agreed to meet at 8:30 p.m., February 3, 1986
to discuss this topic.
Township Issues:
Monthly Caseload, December, 1985
Township Supervisor Edna Summers reported that the General Assistance caseload
and expenditures have been down for the last three months. This is shown on
page 4 of the December, 1985 Monthly Caseload Analysis. From page 2, she noted
that seven people obtained employment.
Julian Coleman, Township Accountant, expects the next payment of the property
tax about February 20, 1986. The Township will not need to borrow money before
this date.
Bills List, November/December. 1985
Information Packet, January 27, 1986
Supervisor Summers distributed packets containing the following: Chicago
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 1/27/86 ... 3
Tribune article about the urban poor; announcement of spring training seminars
for Township Officials; summary report from Arnold Winfield regarding consul-
tant services, dated December 26, 1985; Township timetable; and a summary of
meetings attended. Ms. Anna Willis, Director of General Assistance, will attend
a three day conference about the Massachusetts Welfare Plan.
Chair Morton expressed her interest in the Massachusetts Welfare Plan. Ms.
Willis responded that the Township would be happy to share the information with
the Committee after the conference.
Chair Morton asked if the General Assistance clients, age 18-25, were referred
to the Job Center. Ms. Willis said that these young adults were referred, how-
ever, they have a low job placement rate. She explained that these individuals
often have family problems or a criminal record which inhibits them from getting
a job.
Chair Morton thanked the Township representatives for their reports.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
lk4Z-a�
Melissa Metz
Management Intern
cc: Joel Asprooth
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
February 3, 1986
8:30 P.M.
Present: Aldo. Davis, Larson, Morton, Ream, Rudy, Wald
Officials and Jeanne Fox, Carol Henes, Mary Gibb, Mary Kennedy,
Staff Present: Russel Darts, Joel Asprooth, Bruce Zimmerman, Melissa Metz
PresidirAt Aid. Morton
Minutes
The minutes of the January 27, 1986 Human Services Committee meeting were
approved as submitted.
Comunications:
- Items of information from Jeanne Fox, Executive Director, Mental Health
Board, dated January 30, 1986.
- Memorandum from Human Services Committee to City Council regarding
clarification of Library Board budget recommendations, dated January 30,
1986.
Discussion of Commission on Aging and Mental Health Board Staff Vacancies:
Memorandums from Joel Asprooth, City Manager, regarding staff support to
Commission on Aging and Mental Health Board
Joel Asprooth, City Manager, explained his recommendation as stated in the
memorandum. He proposed filling the anticipated vacancy of Executive Director,
Commission on Aging, at a salary level of S27,000, plus $2,864 in benefits. In
addition, he proposed hiring an Assistant Director, Mental Health Board, at a
salary and benefit level of $25,000 and $6,100 respectively. 'These salary
levels reflect a reclassification to a lower level of pay. Mr. Asprooth be-
lieves that these lower salaries will prove adequate because employment
opportunities of this kind are scarce and compensation for in-service tenure
is unnecessary for new employees. The new positions will require a net addi-
tion to the Proposed Budget of $17,448. The change in pay classifications
will not affect the responsibilities of either position.
Ald. Wold asked about the job qualifications of the positions. Carol Henes.
Chairman of the Mental Health Board, and Jeanne Fox, Executive Director,
responded that a Master's in Public Health or Administration and two years
of experience would be the ideal combination. Based on over 90 applications
previously received, Ms. Fox expects no difficulty in filling the position.
Russel Barta, member of the Commission on Aging, explained that a suitable
candidate should have experience or a degree in Gerontology, or related field,
knowledge of nursing home care, supervisory, advocacy and interpersonal skills.
In response to Ald. Ream's question, Mr. Asprooth explained the difference in
the Commission on Aging Director's Benefits ($2,864) and the Mental Health
Board Assistant Director's benefits ($6,100). Since the Mental Health Board
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 2/3/86 ... 2
position is not included in the proposed budget, an allocation must be made
to the IMRF, the employees' pension fund. The Commission on Aging position
is already budgeted and does not need an additional pension allocation. This
accounts for the large difference in benefits.
Chair Morton asked about the salary levels for the next budget year. Mr.
Asprooth explained that all new employees are eligible for a merit increase
of 2-4% based on performance after six months. Thereafter, merit reviews
are conducted annually. The new employees would also receive any across-
the-board increases made at the beginning of each budget year. Chair Morton
was concerned that very soon these positions would be back at their current
pay levels and subject to budget cuts. Mr. Asprooth responded that his re-
commendation was a "quick fix" for this year and the Council may have to re-
evaluate its decision in a few years. Chair Morton asked if these salaries
were high or low. Ms. Fox responded that these were about right for admini-
strative positions. Mr. Asprooth stated that these salaries are reasonable
and he will adjust them, if necessary, during the recruitment.
At this point, Ald. Wold moved to accept the City Manager's recommendation
to fill the Commission on Aging and Mental Health Board vacancies at the
reclassified salaries. Ald. Rudy seconded. Discussion continued.
Ald. Larson asked haw the Manager arrived at these salary levels and what
would happen if the City spent less than budgeted. Mr. Asprooth responded
that the salary range seemed reasonable, given other internal salaries and
what other cities or agencies pay. The City will not know the exact salary
until it is negotiated. If the City spends less than the budgeted amounts,
these underexpenditures will go toward overexpenditures in other accounts,
and may be reappropriated to next year's General Fund as surplus.
Ald. Ream asked if the Manager's recommendation was acceptable to the two
Boards. Mr. Barta replied that this proposal was acceptable to the Com-
mission on Aging. Mr. Barta complimented Ms. Gibb on her excellent service
to the Board and stated that she will be difficult to replace. Ms. Henes,
speaking for the Mental Health Board, also found the Manager's proposal
acceptable.
Ald. Wold asked if the City pays for new employees' moving expenses. Mr.
Asprooth replied that this is a negotiable item, however, he does not expect
to hire from outside the area.
Mr. Asprooth reiterated that these salaries are reasonable and asked the
Committee to vote tonight and take their recommendation to the City Council.
This would enable him to begin recruiting. The Committee voted unanimously
to accept both positions at the reclassified levels.
Ald. Wald thanked the two Boards, staff, and the City Manager for bringing
a workable and mutually acceptable solution to the Committee.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
e' Melissa Het.
Management Intern
cc: Joel Asprooth
•
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
February 10, 1986
7:30 P.M.
Present: Alds. Larson, Morton, Ream, Rudy, Wold
Absent: Ald. Davis
Officials and Ald. Raden, C. Louise Brown, Sharon Harris, Judy Jager,
Staff Present: .Leanne Fox, Mary Gibb, Melissa Metz
Others Present: Richard Calica, Reginald Cibbons, Delores Holmes,
Lee Kraeder, Alberta Porges, Cornelia Spelman, Teri Talon,
Peggy Tarr, Kathy Trusdell, Bernice Weissbourd
Presiding: Ald. Morton
Minutes
The minutes of the Human Services Committee meeting of February 3, 1986 were
approved as submitted.
Communications:
- Nichols Lighted School Community Center Ad Hoc Committee minutes of 1/6/86
Ald. Ream asked when the Nichols Ad Hoc Committee should report to Human
Services Committee. Staff was directed to check on this.
- Letter from E. Lewis, 1032A Dodge Avenue, regarding proposal on poverty,
dated February 10, 1986
- "Evanston heeds to Regulate Day Care" - Cornelia Spelman
- Memorandum from C. Louise Brown, Public Health Director, re local day care
home licensing
Ordinance 17-0-86 - Changes to the Long Term Care Ordinance
These changes to the Long Term Care Ordinance reflect a State Law change and
incorporate sections that were inadvertently left out when previous amendments
were made. Mary Gibb, Director of Commission on Aging, explained that the
Council needs to vote on this ordinance tonight due to a hearing in the near
future With one of the nursing homes. Ald. Wold moved to accept these changes
and to suspend the Council rules so that the Council can take action tonight.
Ald. Rudy seconded; motion passed unanimously.
Ordinance 18-0-86 - Renewal of Fair Housing Ordinance
This ordinance renews the Fair Housing Ordinance, Sections 5-5-1 through 5-5-14
of the City Code, until March 1, 1987. Ald. Wold moved approval of Ordinance
18-0-86 and recommended introduction at Council. Ald. Ream seconded; motion
passed unanimously.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 2/10/86 ... 2
Consideration of Ald. Raden's Reference Regarding Licensing Day Care Centers
for Children
Chair Morton called on Cornelia Spelman to express her concern to the Committee.
Ms. Spelman said that she hoped this meeting would be the beginning of a dia-
logue on the subject of regulating day care centers. She defined "regulation"
as inspection, investigation and licensere. Her purpose is to prevent child
abuse. She stated that other parents here tonight may have differing views.
She commented that the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) does
not provide adequate service in investigating child abuse problems. Ald. Raden
also commented that DCFS does not do its job. She stated that preventing child
abuse should be a high priority in Evanston.
Chair Morton recognized Alberta Porges, Director of Community Coordinated Child
Care (4C's). Ms. Porges read from the Illinois Statutes, Title 23, Section
2057.3, that DCFS is the sole agency responsible for investigating reports of
child abuse or neglect made under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act
except for Police Departments and other agencies designated before 1979. Ms.
Porges believes that DCFS does a good job of licensing and responding to com-
plaints, especially since the licensing standard revision in 1983. She showed
several pamphlets that parents receive when they enroll their child at a day
care center. In addition, the 4C's monitors and evaluates 23 of the 37 DCFS
licensed day care centers in Evanston. Ald. Wold commented that 4C's does not
monitor day care homes.
Lee Kraeder, Director of Day Care Action Council, reported that the City of
Chicago enforces certain physical requirements for day care centers but does
not impose any programmatic regulations. By June, 1987, DCFS will conduct
background checks on aay care personnel in all regions of Illinois by finger-
printing. The Department is phasing -in fingerprint checks on a region by region
basis.
Bernice Weissbourd, citizen, commented that DCFS does a very good job of licens-
ing. However, she pointed to the need for parental education so that parents
will know "what quality day care looks like". Policing of centers is not the
answer to child abuse - education is. She added that the 4C's gives Evanston
an advantage in combatting this problem.
Richard Calica, Executive Director of Juvenile Protective Association, and
member of DCFS Advisory Board, also sees a need for parental education. He
believes that parents and children are not receiving the service from DCFS
that is mandated by law. Teri Talon, an attorney, commented that DCFS has
difficulty handling cases where no physical signs of abuse are present. When
a day care center is suspected of abuse, the Department refers the case to
licensers rather than investigators.
There was some discussion among the Committee and those present about whether
to pursue the licensing issue or whether to broaden the topic to the problem
of child abuse in Evanston day care centers. C. Louise Brown, Director of Public
Health, explained that her memo was intended to give the Committee background
information on the current status of day care regulation in Evanston and the
cost to the City of enforcing additional regulations. She said the Committee
did not have any background on the subject of child abuse but she would be glad
to investigate this matter.
w
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 2/10/86 ... 3
Ald. Raden was called back into the room for clarification of her reference.
She made the reference when several citizens pointed out that DCFS was not
adequately investigating child abuse in day care centers. She stated that
City licensing may be a solution, however, there might be other alternatives
that the Committee should explore.
One parent expressed his frustration: "What do we as parents do? What steps
should we take?" Ms. Porges noted that Evanston has the Four Agency Coalition
on Child Abuse. The Coalition offers seminars and counseling on child abuse.
Ms. Spelman recognized that many resources are probably underutilized and raised
the issue of how to put all our resources together. One citizen added: "We
want to let child abusers know not to come to Evanston because we are watching."
Chair Morton sees a need for parent education, answers from DCFS, pulling to-
gether resources and clearly defining Evanston's situation. Ald. Wold asked
for a legal opinion on who can investigate child abuse in day care centers.
She also wanted to know the extent of Evanston police involvement in child abuse
cases. Chair Morton ended the discussion due to the time and asked that the
Cr mmmittee continue to explore this topic. Staff was directed to put together
background information for the February 24, 1986 meeting.
Me. Spelman distributed a pamphlet entitled "Talking About Child Sexual Abuse"
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
cc: Joel Asprooth
Melissa Metz
Management Intern
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
February 24, 1986
6:45 P.M.
Present: Alds. Davis, Larson, Morton, Ream, Rudy, Wold
Officials and Edna Summers, Anna Willis, C. Louise Brown, Sharon Harris,
Staff Present,: Jeanne Fox, Mary Gibb, Melissa Metz
Others: Tana Paul, Maureen Thomure, Alberta Porges, Cornelia Spelman
John Buckley, Jane Berlin, John Goad, Charles Johnson,
Kathy Trusdell, Diane Goodson, Andrea Aland, Connie Lytle
PresidinK: Ald. Morton
Minutes
The minutes of the February 10, 1986 Human Services Committee meeting were
approved as submitted.
Communications:
- Emergency Assistance Services Monthly Report - January 1986
- Letter from Jeanne Fox to Earl Lewis, 1032A Dodge Avenue, dated
February 17, 1986
- Memorandum from Ald. Wold and Jeanne Fox re Regional Housing Plan
Committee
Ald. Wold explained that the Regional Housing Flan Committee was authorized
by City Council to develop a plan for regional housing for special target
groups. The Committee held a meeting on February 19, 1986 with representa-
tives from Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Northfield, Skokie, Wilmette,
and Winnetka. The purpose was to encourage these municipalities to join
with Evanston to improve housing options for community members with special
needs. Ald. Wold reported that most of these communities were not in-
terested in this joint effort for mentally ill and developmentally disabled.
The communities may be interested in housing options for the elderly. The
Committee will sponsor a Regional Housing Conference this May.
Township Issues:
Township Supervisor Edna Summers distributed packets containing the 1984 -8g
Revenue Sharing Audit and the January 1986 Monthly Caseload. She reported
that the Township had been "walking a financial tightrope" until the tax money
was received. She said the Township should be fiscally sound for the rest of
the budget year. She mentioned that insurance will be a major problem in next
year's budget. She announced that the Township now offers a choice of three
HMO options to employees.
The Township is applying for two training grants. One is through the Job
Training Partnership Act. The other is a Donor's Crant from the State of
Human Service,. :;ommittee
Minutes of 2124186 ... 2
Illinois for training equipment. Ald. Wold moved that Chair Morton sign the
Donor's Grant application form on behalf of the Committee. Motion seconded
and carried.
Discussion of Day Care and Child Abuse Issues
Several guests joined the Committee: John Goad, Department of Children and
Family Services (DCFS) Assistant Administrator of the Division of Child
Protection; Charles Johnson, DCFS Cook County Licensing Administration; John
Buckley, Executive Director, Family Counseling Service of Evanston and Skokie
Valley; Diane Goodson, Ph.D., Director, Early Childhood Development Center:
Alberta Porges, Director. Community Coordinated Child Care (4C's): Maureen
Thomure, 4C's, Social Worker.
Communications:
-- Memorandum from Hary Gibb and Melissa Metz re Clty's Responsibilities in
Day Care and Child Abuse
Memorandum from C. Louise Brown re Reported Child Abuse and Neglect Cases
in Evanston
- Legal opinion, dated February 13, 1986 re Child Abuse Investigatory Authority
This memorandum explains that the Evanston Police Department has authority
to investigate child abuse.
- Annual Report FY 84/85 - Evanston Four --Agency Coalition on Child Abuse
This report shows that the Coalition provided services to 108 Evanston
families with child abuse problems in FY 85. Twenty-six of these had been
referred to the agency by DCFS. The report explains the demographic charac-
teristics of these families and the results of counseling.
Chair Morton led a round table discussion. Melissa Metz summarized the staff
memo regarding City responsibility in day care and child abuse issues. She
reported that the Citv is responsible for issuing pernits to day care homes
after the appropriate inspections have been conducted. The Police Department
investigates 2--3 child abuse cases per month, by referral from DCFS or hospitals.
John Goad from DCFS explained that DCFS automatically notifies the Evanston
Police Department when certain "allegations" of child abuse are made. The
Department has a list of allegations that vary in seriousness; for example,
death of child, spanking, etc. Mr. Load said he would like to invt}Ive the
Police in more DCFS reported cases.
C. Louise Brown, Public Health Director, stated that in 1984 and 1985, three
cases of abuse suspected in Evanston day care facilities were reported to DCFS,
The two in day care centers Were unfounded, while the case in a day care home
is under investigation. Charles Johnson from DCFS commented that the number
of abuse incidents was very low for the number of day care facilities in Evanston.
In response to Ald. Ream's question, Mr. Johnson said that Evanston is a highly
educated community and thus has a lower incident of child abuse. Pedophiles
may not come to Evanston because of parental awareness and monitoring by several
organizations. ".r. Cozd added that higher income communities also tend to have
a lower number of child abuse incidents.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 2/24/86 ... 3
Ald. Wold asked about the legal procedures when a case is reported in a day
care facility. Mr. Goad replied that DCFS works with law enforcement agencies
to acquire a conviction. When legal evidence is lacking, the case is referred
to the licensing division which may impose penalties or revoke the license.
In response to Ald. Wold's question, Mr. Johnson told how DCFS monitors day
care centers. The licenser observes the interactions between personnel and
children, evaluates resources, examines medical records and qualifications
of personnel, observes mealtime and how discharges are handled. The day care
facility notifies DCFS of any new staff. When a licensing violation occurs,
DCFS first holds an informal meeting with the day care staff to give the staff
a chance to respond to the charges.
Chair Morton asked about the process of child abuse investigation. Mr. Goad
replied that DCFS must respond to a reported case within 24 hours. The child
affected, any other children at the scene, and day care staff are interviewed.
The Police and State Attorney's Office are notified. DCFS meets with Police
and State Attorney's Office to develop a strategy. The quspected perpetrator
is also interviewed; sometimes a polygraph test is given. Mr. Goad noted a
problem in this process - the perpetrator often has time to destroy evidence.
In addition, the Licensing Division will look at programmatic issues which may
have led up to the incident.
Chair Morton asked John Buckley of Family Counseling Service to explain the
services of the Four Agency Coalition on Child Abuse. Family Counseling is
the lead agency of the Coalition which also includes St. Francis Hospital
Adult and Child Guidance Center. Evanston Hospital Outpatient Psychiatric
Center, and the Earlv Childhood Development Center of Children's Home and Aid
Society of Illinois. Mr. Buckley explained that DCFS will refer a family with
child abuse problems to his agency for counseling. A therapist from one of
the four agencies works with the child and/or parents and reports the vrouress
to DCFS. Mr. Goad commented that DCFS normally refers its Evanston cases to
the Coalition but this is not mandated by law. The Coalition also works with
"high risk" cases. High risk families are referred by other community sgencies
when the risk of child abuse is present. Most of the Coalition's cases deal
with abuse by a family member.
Chair Morton asked Alberta Porges of Community Coordinated Child Care (4C's) to
explain her agency's services. Ms. Porges replied that once a year 4C's eval-
uates the day care centers that they fund. The center must meet DCFS require-
ments. 4C's also imposes standards which are sometimes more strins;ent than
those of DCFS. pis. Porges introduced Maureen Thomure, who is a social worker
at 4C's. When day care staff notify 4C's about children with problems, his.
Thomure makes a home visit and refers "high risk" families for counselino. In
F'Y 84-85, 35 families were referred for counseling and 30 acLuallv attended.
Ms. Thomure stated that day care facilities help prevent abuse because they
relieve pressures in the family. Ms. Porges commented that there are vc ry few
day care facilities operating without a permit or license. She reports non -
licensed facilities to the City. She said that 4C's has brochures for parents
about how to find a day care center. She also distributes brochures from DCFS
but does not have enough of them. Chair Morton suggested that DCFS send out
more materials to 4C's and other interested groups.
In response to Ald. Larson's question, Ms. Thomure said that social workers,
teachers and others tell 4C's about high risk children. The agency does not
do outreach.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 2/24/86 ... 4
Chair Morton called on Dr. Diane Goodson of the Early Childhood Development
Center. Dr. Goodson said that in 1985 the Center received about 16 Evanston
referrals from agencies or persons other than the Four Agency Coalition.
About 13 of these were high risk child abuse cases.
Ald. Wold asked how DCFS can prevent a person with a past history of abuse
from working in day care. Mr. Goad and Mr. Johnson explained that State law
prohibits convicted child abusers from working in day care. Just recently.
DCFS was granted the authority to do background checks on day care personnel.
DCFS is implementing a new background checking system using a computer and
fingerprinting. The system is not fully operational at this time.
Ald. Larson was concerned about how to determine when abuse occurs. Mr. Goad
responded that this is very difficult in many cases. The DCFS system defines
each allegation but the investigator must use his own Professional judgment
in each case. Some allegations are determined to be a licensing; violation
and some are abuse. Mr. Goad said "it's a tough _job".
Ald. Davis asked if the Police keep records on abuse cases. Mr. Goad replied
"yes" but DCFS may not use records of unfounded cases in background checks.
Dr. Goodson commented that she has not seen any cases of abuse by day care
personnel.
Cornelia Spelman, parent, recognized the Food intentions and information from
the group. She said that the fact remains that some children have been abused
in day care facilities. She urged the Committee to form a subcommittee "to
fill in the cracks". Another parent agreed with 'Ms. Spelman and asked what
recourse parents have.
Because of the time, Chair Morton ended the discussion. The Committee will
continue at the next meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
t
Management Intern
cc: Joel Asprooth
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Officials and
Staff Present:
Others Present:
Presiding:
Minutes
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES CO%^.IITTEE
March 10, 1986
7:30 P.H.
Aldo. Davis, Larson, Morton, Ream, Rudy
Ald. Wold
Ald. Korshak. Anna Willis, Edna Summers, C. Louise Brown,
Jeanne Fox, Melissa Metz
John Buckley, Reginald Gibbons, Janet Kittlaus,
Carmen Marcy, Peter Noznick, Linda Packard,
Cornelia Spelman, Maureen Thomure, Joseph Vaccarello
Ald. Morton
The minutes of the February 24, 1986 Human Services Committee meeting were
approved as submitted.
Communications:
- Vacancy on the Budget Policy Committee
The Committee nominated Ald. Davis to fill the vacancy on the Budget Policy
Committee. Ald. Davis stated that she would protect and advocate for human
services in the budget process.
- Memorandum re Purchased Services and Insurance
Jeanne Fox, Executive Director of the Mental Health Board, explained that
purchased service agencies need to obtain general liability insurance. This
provision was added this year due to the City's self-insurance program. In
response to Aid. Larson's concern, John Buckley from Family Counseling Ser-
vice said that this did not impose more costs on his agency.
- Memorandum from Jeanne Fox re Homeless Services
Ald. Morton asked for a list of members of the Blue Ribbon Committee on the
Homeless.
- Memorandum from Ald. Wold re Regionalized Housing Plan Committee
Report from Nichols Lighted School Community Center
Carmen Marcy, Principal of Nichols School; Peter Noznick, Program Coordinator;
and Linda Packard. Nichols Neighbors, were present for the report. Dr. Marcy
distributed a summary sheet of activities and programs. The figures show the
average participation per night. Dr. Marcy explained that the Center has grown
to thirteen agencies which provide programs for youth and adults. Some
agencies have left and others have taken their place over its three year life.
She noted the quality of the programs and an improvement in the safety of the
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 3/10/86 ... 2
neighborhood. The Center receives excellent police cooperation, especially
from the foot patrol officer. She has not found the need to hire off -duty
police officers. The full-time Coordinator has also contributed to the suc-
cess of the Center.
Aldo. Ream and Davis were concerned that COE-POPS is no longer involved at
Nichols. Dr. Marcy replied that EYES and YOU have developed programs for
Thursday and Friday nights that fill the gap caused by COE-POPS. She said
that COE-POPS is still interested in doing some programs at Nichols in the
future.
Dr. Marcy had several concerns: (1) the Center does not have enough tutors
for its tutoring program; (2) she needs the purchased service contract soon;
and (3) the Recreation Department has reduced the Nichol's Middle School Pro-
gram budget for after school activities. She stressed that the Community
Center and Middle School are separate programs. Ald. Korshak stated that he
would also like to know why the Middle School program Was cut. Ald. Korshak
stated that the Lighted School Community Center was reactivated to help the
troubled Nichols neighborhood. He commented that the Community Center has
been successful. He is very pleased with the progress of the program in re-
ducing anti -social behavior in youth. He complimented the Nichols staff on
a fine job. He also stated that Nichols works with a small budget and minimum
bureaucracy.
Ald. Rudy requested that staff inquire about the after school program. Chair
Morton thanked Dr. ?tarty for her report.
Township Budget Messa &e
Township Supervisor Edna Summers presented a budget message to the Committee.
She said that Evanston Township is a leader in township government and the City
should be proud of its highly qualified staff. Beginning this year, she is
requiring more from contractors including audits of medical reports and pharma-
ceuticals. Every client is given a literacy test and beginning assessment, and
is made aware that General Assistance is only temporary. For this budget year,
the Township expects to reduce indebtedness, develop a reserve fund, program the
computer, begin to microfilm records, and install new flooring. The grant level
will remain at $297 per month. Supervisor Summers will present the budget at
the next meeting.
Ald. Davis asked about the process of contract approval. Supervisor Summers
replied that the contracts were in the Legal Department and would be sent to
the Human Services Committee for its approval.
Resolution 26-R-86
This resolution provides liability protection to Township officials and employ-
ees for actions arising out of their employment. Supervisor Summers explained
that the Township is working with the Insurance Department to purchase insurance.
This resolution is necessary in the interim before insurance is obtained, or if
the Township cannot afford to buy directors and officers coverage. Ald. Ream
moved approval of Resolution 26-R-86; Ald. Rudy seconded; motion carried.
Other Township Issues
Township has requested a legal opinion regarding Township voting in the Unified
Budgeting Process. Supervisor Summers distributed a packet of materials that
' Human Services Committee
Minutes of 2/24/86 ... 3
included communications regarding insurance, and newspaper articles about poverty.
Ald. Davis requested that Township information be included in the Committee
packets, if possible.
Discussion of Day Care Child Abuse Issues
Chair Morton asked the Committee what action it would like to take on this issue.
Ald. Davis remarked that more bureaucracy through day care licensing would prob-
ably not be necessary. However, some action is needed. She recommended that
staff pursue the issue with those concerned. She indicated that Helen McCarthy,
Director of Health and Human Services, was willing to take the lead on this issue.
Ald. Ream agreed with Ald. Davis. He was impressed by the agencies' good reports
from the last meeting, but still concerned about those parents for whom the sys-
tem did not work.
Cornelia Spelman, parent, commented on the need to prevent abuse from happening
to other children. She thanked the Committee for its time and offered her help.
Reginald Gibbons, parent, hoped that the City can help the local day care system
to operate properly.
Ald. Davis said it was appropriate to refer the matter to staff so they can
determine where the coordination breaks down and where gaps exist in the system.
The Committee directed staff to continue with this matter and come back with re-
commendations. Ald. Larson asked Ms. Spelman to provide a list of parents who
would be int:resterd in this issue.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
,• _� tJ ►LG
Management Intern
cc; Joel Asprooth
r
Members Present:
Officials and
Staff Present:
Presiding:
Minutes
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
March 24, 1986
7:30 P.M.
Aldo. Davis, Larson, Morton, Ream, Rudy, gold
Edna Sun mars, Caroline McGruder, Julian Coleman,
Don Wright, Dorothy Ver Steeg, Don Wirth, David
Williams, Jean Ann Shulse, Joe Hill
Ald. Morton
The minutes of the March 10, 1986 Human Services Committee meeting ware approved
as submitted.
Commounica tions :
- List of members of the Blue Ribbon Committee on the Homeless
- Memorandum to Committee on Committees re Budget Policy Committee vacancy
- Memorandum from Don Wirth re Sailboard Rack Proposal
Ald. Wold moved that the Recreation Board proceed with the Sailboard Rack
proposal and submit the details to the Committee in the near future. Ald.
Ream seconded; motion carried unanimously.
Memorandum from Don Wirth re Middle School Program inquiry
Aid. Larson asked if the funding and operation of the program had ended.
r
Mr. Joe Hill, President of the Evanston NAACP, spoke to the Committee. He
said that Evanston offers excellent recreation programs. The Recreation
Department recently reorganized and hired two middle management positions.
The NAACP was concerned about the lack of minority applicants for these
positions. Mr. Hill believes that a special effort should have been made
to solicit minority applicants. He was concerned about the selection pro-
cess, noting that the final three candidates were internal staff. He stated
that the Recreation staff should be representative of the community and serve
as role models to our young people. Mr. Hill also inquired about the pay
levels of the facility directors, specifically the Flee twood-Jourdain and
Levy Centers.
The Committee directed staff to inquire about the middle management selection
process and salary levels of community center employees.
Township Issues:
Township Supervisor Edna Summers stated that Evanston Township has a reputation
as a leader in township government. The Township gives orientations to its
clients. These statements were to clarify the minutes of March 10, 1986. She
said that the Township received the Donor's Grant and staff will travel to
Springfield to select the equipment.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 3/24/86 ... 2
- Bills List
Supervisor Summers pointed out several items on the Bills List: funeral
expenses for two clients who died; expenditures for the revenue sharing
audit; and the numerous medical and drug expenses Which will be subject
to an audit.
Ald. Larson asked why the expense for Federal Withholding Tax Was less
than the Illinois Withholding Tax. Julian Coleman, Township Accountant,
responded that the State Tax is paid in lump -sum quarterly amounts, while
the Federal Tax is paid several times per quarter.
Ald. Ream asked about the employees attending the Conference at Harvard.
Supervisor Summers explained that Anna Willis and Andrew Love, Director of
the Work Opportunity Program, will attend workshops about the Massachusetts
Welfare Plan.
Ald. Larson asked about the $1,768 expense for checks. This money is for
10,000 computerized 3-part checks.
The Township pays $173/quarter for bottled water because there are no rater
hookups in their offices. Ald. Wold moved that the Supervisor inquire about
obtaining running water in the Township Offices. Ald. Larson seconded;
motion carried.
Ald. Morton asked about duplicating expenses. Supervisor Summers explained
that the Township's copy machine does not have the capacity for large jobs.
The City's machine is used for copying Committee packets and other large
items. The Township pays a quarterly maintenance fee on their machine.
- Monthly Caseload
Supervisor Summers reported that six people obtained employment. She said
staff is negotiating with the Salvation Army and the Substance Abuse Center
In Chicago to place Township clients in their de-tox programs.
Chair Morton noted that the emergency food line item was over budget. Super-
visor Summers replied that the contingency account also applies toward emer-
gency food. Chair Wold stated that the 1985-86 budget, overall, would not
go over budget. Ald. Ream noted that the Township Assessor had only spent
half of his budget.
- Preliminary Budget
Supervisor Summers presented her FY 1986-87 estimates for the General Assis-
tance and Town Funds. The Revenue Sharing Fund is budgeted at $173,670. Mr.
Coleman expects to receive most of this amount despite the federal cuts. He
noted that the $500,000 budgeted reserve in the Town Fund may be used if
revenue sharing is eliminated. Ald. Wold suggested that the Township prepare
a contingency budget assuming a more conservative revenue sharing projection.
In the General Assistance fund, the Committee wanted fuller explanations of
the increases in:
- Printing
- Seminars and conferences, and employee education
- Unemployment and Workers' Compensation Insurance
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 3/24/86 ... 3
Ald. Davis said she would like an additional column on the budget pages
that shows the percentage decrease or increase from the previous budget.
Because of the time, the Committee ended the discussion and asked that
at least one meeting be spent on the Township budget.
Resolution 26-R-86 - Township Liability
The Committee anticipated more amendments on the Council floor, so took no
action on this resolution.
Library Action Plan
Dorothy Ver Steeg, President of the Library Board, announced that the Library
had accomplished every activity in the 1985-86 Action Plan. The telephone sur-
vey provides interesting information about the citizens' view of the Library.
The collection survey revealed some "troubling issues in the collection". Me.
Ver Steeg invited the Committee to come to the Library for a tour and to dis-
cuss some concerns with the Board. She hoped that the Committee could help the
Board set some priorities. The Committee accepted her invitation. Chair Morton
apologised that time had run out before the Library Board's presentation.
Unified Budget Panel Recommendation for Reallocation of $12.000
Suburban United Way gave a grant of $12,000 to St. Francis Hospital to support
the Homeless Case Management Program. Because the City had originally budgeted
the Program at $18,300, the Unified Budget Panel (UBP) met to reallocate the
$12.000 savings to other UBP agencies. The Panel recommended the following
additions:
North Suburban Housing Center $4,350
YOU 2,000
Family Counseling Service 2.000
Earn and Learn 1.650
Comprehensive Drug Treatment Program 2,000
$12,000
Ald. Wald moved approval of UBP's recommendation. Ald. Larson seconded; motion
passed unanimously.
Chair Morton complimented the Committee for "sticking with" the Township report.
She commented that the Township budget is complex and the Committee should try
to understand it better.
Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Management Intern
cc: Joel Asprooth
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Officials and
Staff Present:
Presiding:
Minutes
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
April 14, 1986
7:30 P.M.
Alds. Davis, Morton, Ream, Rudy, cold
.dd. Larson
Henry Krasnow, Judith De5tefano, Jean Ann Shulse,
Gary Silkaitis, Edna Summers, Anna Willis, Judith
DeStefano, Melissa Metz, Helen McCarthy
Ald. Morton
The minutes of the March 24, 1986 Human Services Committee meeting Were amended
as follows:
Page 2, under Township Preliminary Budget, paragraph 1, line 4 should
read: "He noted that the $500,000 budgeted reserve in the Town Fund
may be used if revenue sharing is eliminated, although this would lower
the cash reserve available to the Township and therefore could affect
the Township's future borrowing situation."
With this amendment, the minutes were approved as submitted.
Communications:
- Memorandum from Ald. Morton regarding Township budget consideration
The Committee agreed to schedule the Township budget for the meeting of
April 28, 1986. The Committee asked staff to forward prior memoranda
regarding the Township budget, prepared by the Township Budget Sub-
committee, and to review the Human Services Committee minutes of 1985,
and to summarize concerns raised by the Committee regarding the Town-
ship budget.
- Memorandum from the Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry regard-
ing board sailing permits
- Memorandum from the Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry reEa� rdd-
ing final recommendation for sail board racks
In response to a question, Recreation Superintendent Jean Ann Shulse
confirmed that there will be a two year fee for use of the racks, and it
is anticipated that fees collected will cover the costs associated
with installation.
- Memorandum from Superintendent of Recreation and Personnel Director
in response to NAACP inquire
Ms. McCarthy reported that a copy of the memorandum had been sent to
Dr. Hill on April llth. Ald. Morton said that after Dr. Hill has a
chance to review the memorandum, he may wish to address the Committee
on the issues.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 4/14/86 ... 2
- Memorandum from Superintendent of Recreation regarding Nichols School
program budget reduction, dated April 8, 1986
The Committee received two additional communications regarding the
Nichols Lighted School: a memorandum from Superintendent of Recrea-
tion, dated April 14, 1986, regarding the Nichols Lighted School
Community Center budget for 1985/86; and a letter from Recreation
Board member, Henry Krasnow, to the President of Nichols School PTA.
In response to a question from Ald. Rudy, Ms. Shulse, the Superin-
tendent of Recreation, explained that the budget for the middle school
program at Nichols School was separate from the Nichols Lighted School
Community Center budget in 1985186. The current Nichols Lighted School
program, no longer funded through the Recreation Board, has a budget
similar to the previous Recreation Board budget. Mr. Krasnow, a Recrea-
tion Board aember, stated that when the Recreation Board decided to
reduce the middle school program at Nichols, it did so with the under-
standing that the program at the Nichols Lighted School Community: Center
would include some services for Nichols students. He stated that the
Recreation Board will continue to consider the needs of students at
Nichols as well as the students at the other middle schools. He asked
if the Human Services Committee sees the Nichols Lighted School program
as being a community center only, or as a program which includes ser-
vices for Nichols students. Ald. Wold said that her recollection is
that Nichols Lighted School provides activities geared toward school age
children, as well as activities for others in the community. It is up to
the Human Services Committee to communicate to District 65 and the Ad
Hoc Committee for Nichols Lighted School Community Center what the
expectations of the Committee are. The Committee agreed that no action
was warranted in relation to the Recreation Board budget reduction for
the middle school programs at Nichols School.
Mr. Krasnow stated that the Recreation Board would like an opportunity
to address concerns or questions of citizens about Recreation Board
decisions before these concerns are brought to the Human Services Com-
mittee. Ald. Morton clarified that the concerns related to the middle
school program reduction at Nichols School was brought to the Committee
by Dr. Marcy, Principal of Nichols School, when she made a presentation
to the Human Services Committee about the N3:hols Lighted School program.
- Memorandum from Director of Health and Human Services regarding the
Human Services Plan
The Committee reviewed the staff memorandum and endorsed the new time
schedule. In response to a question, 'is. McCarthy indicated that the
resource document summarizing data related to human services needs will
be completed in late May of 1986. Ald. Davis asked whether the Community
Development Block Grant Committee (CDBG) had decided on whether to join
with the Unified Budget Panel in making decisions about public service
funding. Ms. McCarthy stated that this is on the agenda for the CDBG
Committee on April 15. Ald. Wold moved that a communication be forwarded
to the CDBG Committee requesting that the Committee agree to participate
in the Unified Budgeting Process for the public service projects. She
asked that the Committee not reject the proposal because it appears un-
wieldy. and that the Committee seriously consider the benefits to be
gained by consolidation of the processes. It is recognized that modifi-
cations would have to be made to the Unified Budgeting Process as well as
the Community Development process in order to implement this change. The
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 4/14/86 ... 3
Human Services Committee could work with the CDBG Committee to bring about
the necessary changes. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
- Memorandum from the Human Relations Commission regarding recommendations of
the Special Committee on Housing Opportunities
The Committee reviewed the April 9, 1986 memorandum from the Chairman and
Executive Director of the Human Relations Commission. Ald. Davis asked if
the Human Relations Commission would monitor the education provided to
providers of housing, financing and related services (recommendation #3),
and education of property managers and owners (recommendation #8). Ald.
Wold emphasized the importance of educating landlords of small apartment
buildings about the Fair Housing laws. The Committee discussed the possi-
bility of the Human Relations Commission developing a pamphlet about the
Fair Housing Ordinance to be circulated to owners of small apartment build-
ings as well as the general public. The Committee requested staff to ask
the Human Relations Commission the following questions: (1) Will the Human
Relations Commission monitor the training efforts cited in recommendations
03 and 08? Specifically, will the Human Relations Commission be able to
monitor what training takes place, how often, for whom, and how soon a new
employee receives training? (2) Is the Commission planning any training
or education for owners of small apartment buildings? (3) Has the Commis-
sion considered any broad information distribution on the Fair Housing
Ordinance. The Committee agreed that it would like to receive a report
from the Human Relations Commission twice a year, preferably in February
and August.
Resolution 37-R--80; - Hands Across America
The Committee discussed the Hands Across America event scheduled for May 25,
1986, designed to raise funds nationwide to help hungry and the homeless. Ald.
Wold called the Committee's attention to additional information on the program,
and a recent League of Cities publication. Ald. Ream was interested in who is
sponsoring the event and who will be responsible for distributing the funds
raised. A variety of organizations, nationwide, are sponsoring the event, and
the USA for Africa Foundation will be distributing the funds. The Committee
agreed that the City Clerk should be asked to have information available to the
public, Council and City staff about how to participate in the event. Ald. Wold
moved that the Committee approve Resolution 37-R-86. The motion was seconded
and passed unanimously.
Resolution 26-R-86 - Township Liability
Ald. Wold moved approval of Resolution 26-R-86. The motion was seconded and
passed unanimously.
Consideration of Township Staffing Increase for 1986-87 Budd
Township Supervisor Edna Summers, General Assistance Director Anna Willis, and
Carolyn McGruder joined the Committee. Supervisor Summers summarized the need
for an additional full-time case worker. The Township is interested in providing
more service to Township recipients to help them become employable and leave
general assistance. She stated that many Township clients have deep-seated
problems which require more in-depth case work. Currently the caseload is handled
by one case worker and a supervisor. The additional case worker would provide more
case work service and free up the supervisor to be more involved with the Work
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 4/14/86 ... 4
Opportunity Program. Anna Willis stated that the additional case work time
would provide for a more thorough history and assessment of each client, and
more appropriate referrals to treatment programs in the community. Ms. Summers
stated that after interviewing a number of qualified candidates, a person has
been selected but not offered the position. In response to a question, Ms.
Summers stated that the salary for the position Would be $17,500 and the benefits
would be $4,080. In the preliminary budget forwarded to the Human Services
Committee on March 26, the salary was noted at $16,100. The benefits associated
with the position were included in the preliminary budget. Ald. Wold stated
that she supported the direction of the Township Supervisor in providing more
in-depth services to clients, particularly vocational services, however, she
could not approve this position without looking at the entire Township budget.
The Committee agreed that they could not support this increase at this time,
and decided to postpone consideration of this item until the Township budget is
reviewed and discussed at the next Comittee meeting.
The Committee adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
l
Helen McCarthy
cc: Joel Asprooth
Members Present:
Officials and
Staff Present:
Presiding:
Minutes
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
April 28, 1986
7:30 P.M.
Alds. Davis, Larson, Morton, Ream, Rudy, Wald
Edna Summers, Stephen Engelman, Anna Willis, Julian
Coleman, Carolyn MacGruder, Andrew Love, Rosalie
Brown, Robert Shonk, Helen McCarthy
Ald. Larson
The minutes of the April 14, 1986 Human Services Committee meeting were approved
as submitted.
Communications:
- Memorandum dated 4/23/86 from Director of Health and Human Services regarding
Human Relations Commission
- Memorandum dated 4/24/86 from Director of Health and Human Services regarding
award of FEMA funds
Ald. Wold noted that she was pleased that the City had applied for and
received FE14A funding.
Township issues:
Township Superivsor Edna Summers, Township Office Director Anna Willis, Township
Accountant Julian Coleman, and Casework Supervisor Carolyn MacGruder joined the
committee. Supervisor Summers distributed a memorandum dated 4/28/86 regarding
efforts made by the Township to obtain funding for training and an article
titled "Slacks and Welfare: Sorting out the Facts."
- Monthly Report :March, 1986
In response to a question regarding caseload increases for Social Security
Income SSI Recipients during May,1984 and August, 1985 (page 3) Ms Willis
explained that these increases were due to changes in Federal regulations in
the SSI program, causing persons to be ineligible for SSI. In response to a
question about where mentally ill clients could be identified in service
statistics (page 2) Ms Willis explained they could fall into "medical" or
"discharge from institution" categories.
- Township Audit
The letter dated 4/17/86 from Hill, Taylor, and Company regarding the 1985-86
audit was reviewed. Ms Willis stated that fee for audit had not changed since
last year and that the services were excellent from this company. Ald. Wold
moved approval of Hill, Taylor and Company for the 1985-86 audit. It was
seconded by Ald. Ream and approved unanimously.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 4/28/86 ... 2
- Proposed Township Budget and Appropriation Ordinance 48-0-86
Supervisor Summers introduced the budget with an overview regarding the goal of
Township General Assistance program to improve the employability of Township
clients, through the provision of education and job training programs. Funding
to support increased training is being sought from other sources.
Julian Coleman reviewed pages 1 - 4 of the Budget Ordinance, aummarizing the
Township revenues. The budget includes the maximum tax levy for the Town Fund
and the Ceneral Assistance Fund, unchanged since last budget. Revenue sharing
funding of $173,670 includes funding only through Sept., 1986, when the federal
revenue sharing is scheduled to end. The budget includes a reserve of $500,000
to meet cash flow needs and to make it possible for Township to eliminate
short-term borrowing. This budget includes retiring $127,500 of remaining debt
in Sept, 1986, leaving $127,500 to be retired in Sept, 1987.
(Ald. Ream was excused from the meeting).
Ald. Wold stated that in May, 1984, the City Council approved a policy of
building up a cash reserve of $400,000 to meet cash flow needs. The agreement
to tax at maximum level in the Town Fund and General Assistance fund had been
based on the need to build cash reserve to this level. Although she would not
recommend a different tax levy for this budget, a review will need to be made
at the end of 1986-87 fiscal year to determine amount of cash reserve needed
and whether tax levy can be reduced. Aid. Davis stated that the $400,000 cash
reserve amount was not necessarily viewed as adequate, but merely the amount
viewed as reasonable, considering the revenues anticipated at the time policy
was approved. She questioned whether $500,000 is actually necessary to cover
cash flow needs. Mr. Coleman stated that he recommends this amount to cover
cash flow needs and to allow Township to eliminate short term borrowing.
Ald. Davis requested that the Township staff prepare a monthly report for Committee
summarizing the activity in this account, so that the amount of cash reserve
necessary can be determined. Mr. Coleman agreed to prepare such reports.
Aid. Davis stated that the Committee, after reviewing these reports for six
months, may decide that part of the cash reserve should be used to retire the
entire debt.
Ald. Morton asked whether the caseload estimate of 353 is too high, considering
the recent caseload experience. Mrs. Summers stated that with the Township's
new emphasis on training, some clients will remain on General Assistance
longer while they receive training, thereby increasing the caseload. Ms Willis
estimated that persons receiving training at a given time might increase from
30 to 50. Ms Summers explained that if clients can receive necessary training,
they may become employable and leave the Township rolls permanently. Ald.
Larson pointed out that actual projected case increase is larger than 20
additional cases. Mr. Coleman stated that the anticipated 353 cases is
multiplied by an experience factor of .96. Therefore the projected caseload
is 338. Aid. Davis asked about the line item for "unbudgeted cases", which
is for 15 additional cases. Aid. Weld said that this compared with 10
unbudgeted cases for 1985-86. Ms Summers stated that although caseload has
decreased in the last year, it can increase just as easily. Township needs to
plan for this possibility. If funds are not needed during the year, they can
be used to pay off the debt earlier. Ald. Davis asked that activity in the
"unbudgeted case" contingency account be monitored and reported to Committee on a
monthly basis. Mr. Coleman agreed to prepare such a report.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 4/28/86 ... 3
Ald. Davis stated that she supports the training emphasis of the Township,
however, she is concerned about whether there are jobs available for persons
after they are trained. Ald. Morton expressed concern about increasing the
caseload and services to clients at a time when the Township is recovering
from its indebtedness. This might be a better time to "retrench", rather than
increase the budget. Ald. Larson requested that the Township prepare a
memorandum summarizing the effect on the Township cash reserve of three possible
caseload situations: the caseload continuing its downward trend (down to 250
by year end), maintaining at approximately 300 cases, and increasing to 350
cases.
Ald. Morton asked about the position of computer operator. Ms Willis explained
that this position was called technician/receptionist in prior budgets. She
enters all data on the computer, issues checks to clients and vendors. This
has been a full-time position for some time; another position called technician/
receptionist U being increased frets part-time to full-time. Ald. Weld asked
the Township Staff to prepare a memorandum listing all positions in 1985-86
and 1986-87 budgets, specifying the per cent of time for each position. This
will allow for a comparison of the total "full-time equivalent" positions in
the two budget years. Staff agreed to prepare this comparison for next meeting.
Ald. Wold recommended that the Committee review each line item, using the
budget detail prepared by the Township staff. She expressed concern about the
large total increase in "Administrative" services in the General Assistance
fund. Ms Summers explained that the increase is largely due to insurance and
benefit increases and increases in office equipment. Due to shortage of time,
the Committee agreed to conduct a line item review at the meeting of 5/5/86.
The Committee asked that the following changes be made to the budget by the
next meeting: (1) add 1985-86 appropriation, 1985-86 actual, and percentage
of increase /decrease columns to page 5 of the budget; (2) check consistency of
terms used throughout the budget, for instance "budgeted surplus" and "budgeted
reserve:" (3) make distinction between "administrative' accounts;
(4) add a date to the front of each draft of budget.
Ald. Larson asked Township Assessor Stephen Engelman to join the Committee.
Ald. Larson explained that he had invited Mr. Engelman due to comments he had
made at the Town `fleeting ir. April about possible improvements in the Assessor's
Office: improving communication with tax payers about their legal rights
regarding property assessments and improving the data base on Evanston
properties. Mr. Engelman stated that there are improvements which need to be
made in the Assessor's Office. However, he needs additional time to decide
on how these would affect the Assessor's budget. These recommendations could
be made for the 1987-88 budget. He stated there are some small increases
which are needed in "secretarial and clerical" and "travel" accounts. He
agreed to contact Ms Willis with these additions so they can be included in
the budget by the next committee meeting.
The Committee agreed that at the end of Township budget process. the Committee
should discuss changes in budget format and process for next year and forward
a memorandum to the Township Supervisor summarizing these requests.
The Committee adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Helen McCarthy
cc. Joel Asprooth
r
Minutes of the
Members Prevent:
Officials and
Staff Present:
Presiding:
Minutes
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
May 5, 1986
7:30 P.M.
Aldo. Davis, Larson, Morton, Ream, Wold
Edna Summers, Anna Willis, Julian Coleman, Carolyn
McGruder, Ida Fitzgerald, Marilyn Price, Melissa Meta
Ald. Larson
The minutes of the April 28, 1986 Human Services Committee meeting were approved
as submitted.
Communications:
- Memorandum from Committee on Committees regarding Environmental Control Board
Ald. Ream volunteered to be the aldermanic liaison to the Environmental Control
Board, due to his interest in environmental issues. The Committee unanimously
nominated Ald. Ream to be the liaison.
- Minutes of the Nichols Ad Hoc Committee meeting of April 7, 1986
Ald. Davis asked if the other aldermen received invitations to the next Ad
Hoc Committee meeting. The aldermen replied that they had not.
Resolution 39-R-86 - Ethnic Arts Festival
Ald. Morton moved approval of this resolution to endorse the Ethnic Arts Festival
on July 19, 1986. Ald. Rudy seconded. Discussion: Marilyn Price, Chair of the
Arts Council, stated that the Arts Council received a good response from ethnic
organizations. Many booths have been rented and entertainment scheduled. Ald.
Davis asked if this event would overlap with any other large lakefront event. MB,
Price responded that the schedule is clear. Ald. Davis, though supportive of the
festival, stated her concern about overloading the lakefront parks, causing damage
to this resource and inconveniencing the neighbors. She suggested that the City
monitor the lakefront activities carefully. Chair Larson asked how groups were
solicited for the event. Ms. Price responded that the Arts Council sent flyers
to some organizations and sent press releases to several newspapers. The festival
will primarily showcase Evanston ethnic groups but a few are coming from outside.
Groups selling food will attend a workshop on health regulations. Ald. Morton
asked if groups will sell items other than food. Ms. Price originally answered
""no" to this question, but after the meeting, Joe Zendell, Director of the Arts
Council, said that artists will sell their works as they do at any other Evanston
art event. The Committee unanimously approved the resolution.
Consideration of Township Budget - 1986/87
- Memorandum regarding Administrative salaries
- Chart from Julian Coleman regarding effect on Township cash reserve of caseload
situations
Human Services Cor"Itt_c
Minutes of 5/5/86 ... 2
Ald. cold pointed out that the Township offices were closed all day to replace
the floor. Supervisor Summers stated that it was a paid day -off for the employees.
The company could not do the job on a Saturday, therefore, it was necessary to
clear the office on a weekday. The Township considered this carefully before
making the decision for the paid day -off.
Supervisor Summers said that the cost of placing a water line and fountain in
the Township offices was prohibitive. This is a permanent building improvement
and not appropriate for the Township budget. Ald. Morton questioned the price
of the fountain.
Ald. Davis noted that page 5 of the proposed budget did not show the "1985-86
Actual" column. This addition was requested at the last meeting. A-ld. Davis
asked that the Township add this column before the budget reaches the Council.
Ald. Larson distributed speadsheet summaries of the General Assistance Fund that
he prepared on a microcomputer.
The Committee reviewed the chart titled "Factors Effecting the 1986-87 Township
Budgets". This chart shows and describes the changes in each line item of the
General Assistance Fund. Under "Administrative Overhead", the following discus-
sion was recorded:
1. IMRF and Social Security - These are uncontrollable items.
2. Insurance - The Township now pays for the employees' full health
benefits.
3. Liability Insurance - This item is budgeted at $10,000. Supervisor
Summers explained that employees using their vehicles for work will
add additional coverage to their present insurance to cover any auto
accidents while on the job. The Township will pay for this additional
coverage. She explained that caseworkers make home visits, and MSs.
Willis makes bank drops and uses her vehicle for other Township busi-
ness. The Committee thought that $10,000 was very high to cover the
six employees. Chair Larson asked that Supervisor Summers ask Sal
Bianchi, Risk Manager, to help the Township with a more realistic
estimate.
4. Office Equipment - This account is budgeted at $25,000 for several
items. Ald. Wold stated that although the items listed were worth-
while, this was a very large increase. She was concerned that the
increase was too large given the fact that the Township just recently
came out of a financial crisis. The Township also has some outstanding
debt. Ald. cold thought that the Township should repay its debt before
incurring major new expenses. Ald. Davis asked if the Township considered
lease -purchasing any of the items. Ms. Willis responded that she in-
vestigated a lease -purchase for the postage machine but found the arrange-
ment unsatisfactory. The Committee asked about the costs of the indivi-
dual items:
Stamp Machine
$4,500
Computer Printer
2,000
Word Processor
1,100
Microfiche Conversion
8,600
New Floor
900
Computer Terminal
2,200
Check Signing Machine
1,100
$20,300
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 5/5/86 ... 3
The Committee tentatively reduced the amount of this line item from
$25,00o to $20,000. Chair Larson asked what kind of computer equip-
ment was proposed. Ms. Willis responded that she would bring the
information from the computer companies to the Committee.
Chair Larson noted that removing staples from paper materials is a
major cost of converting to microfiche. Julian Coleman replied that
most of the items are checks and accounting journals; few require
staple removing. In response to another question from Chair Larson,
Supervisor Summers explained that the microfiche would save storage
space but not labor. Ms. Willis added that these records were "dead"
but the State required the Township to keep them. Chair Larson won-
dered if renting storage space would prove cheaper than the conversion.
The Committee asked how !rail was stamped. Hs. Willis responded that
they buy rolls of stamps and apply them by hand. Chair Larson sug-
gested that the Work Opportunity clients do this work. Hs. Willis
said that the Township aims to give clients usable skills; also much
of the mailing is checks.
Aid. Morton was concerned about these increased costs, especially after the finan-
cial crisis. She asked if it would save time if the Township reviewed its budget,
made changes and brought it back to the Committee. Ald. Wold said that two years
ago she and Ald. Collens had recommended that the Council look at the budget as a
Committee of the Whole. She would like to do this on May 19, 1986. Ald. Davis
explained to the Township staff that this session would be similar to the Council's
budget work sessions on the City budget. Aid. Morton stated that the Township
should look at its priorities and revise the budget because the Council would prob-
ably not approve it in its present form.
Supervisor Summers asked if the Committee's priority is the proposed training
program. She asked if training is the right direction for the Township, if not,
the budget would need revision. Aid. Morton asked what the training program would
consist of. Supervisor Summers replied that clients would receive clerical train-
ing with an introduction to computers. The Township will rent space at Family
Focus for this purpose. The following line items include some expenditures due to
the training program:
IMRF and Social Security
Insurance
Liability Insurance
Unemployment Compensation Insurance
Workman's Compensation Insurance
Staff Mileage
Caseworker (new position)
Clerical Trainer (new position)
The Committee asked the Township to prepare a summary of the total cost of the
training program. Chair Larson would like the total cost to also show the in-
direct costs due to a client's increased time on general assistance. He also re-
quested a comparison of the cost of providing the training through a commercial
business school versus providing it "inhouse ". Ald. Davis commented that the train-
ing program is the direction she would like the Township to pursue. She stated
that she needed to know the dollar commitment of the new program in relation to
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 5/5/86 ... 4
the total budget. Unfortunately, the Township may not be able to budget for
both the new training program and some of the other increases this year. The
other Committee members agreed and endorsed the concept of training. Ald. hold
moved that the Council review the Township budget as a Committee of the Whole
on May 19, 1986. Ald. Ream seconded; motion carried unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Melissa !Metz
Management Intern
cc: Joel Asprooth
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
May 19, 1986
7:30 P.M.
Members Present: Aldo. Davis, Larson, Morton, Ream, Rudy, Wold
Officials and Ald. Raden, Ald. Juliar, Joel Asprooth, Chief Logan,
Staff Present: Edna Summers, Anna Willis, Julian Coleman, Carolyn McGruder,
Ida Fitzgerald, Rosalie Brown, Jeanne Fox, Harvey Saver,
Helen McCarthy
Presiding: Ald. Larson
Minutes
The minutes of the May 5, 1986 Human Services Committee meeting were approved
as submitted.
Ald. Ream announced that since the May 5 meeting, he had received an invitation
to join the Nichols Lighted School Ad Hoc Committee.
Communications:
- Letter dated 4/29/86 from Shel Newber pr to Henry Krasnow re Nichols School
program budget reduction
Ald. Rudy asked if there Would be a response from the Recreation Board. No
Recreation Board member was in attendance to reply. Ald. Morton reminded the
Committee of prior Recreation Board communications on this subject; an addi-
tional one is unnecessary. Ald. Rudy responded that the Recreation Board may
wish to modify its earlier decision, in light of issues raised by Mr. Newberger.
Ald. Wold said it is important that the human Services Committee not interject
itself into the process between Nichols Lighted School Ad Hoc Committee (and
Nichols PTA) and Recreation Board. Ald. Larson stated that the Committee had
become involved in this issue due to comments made by Carmen Marcy, Nichols
School Principal, at a previous meeting.
Consideration of Township Budget for 1986-87
The following documents were received from the Township Supervisor regarding the
budget:
revised Ordinance 48-0-86, dated 5/19/86
worksheet entitled "Factors Affecting the Township Budget", dated 5/19/86
memorandum, dated 5/15/86 from Carolyn McGruder regarding clerical training
program
memorandum, dated 5/15/86 from Anna Willis, Director of General Assistance
regarding administrative salaries
memorandum regarding costs of purchase of postage meter
memorandum from Township Supervisor Summers, dated 5/15/86, providing
historical background on Township financial situation
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 5/19/86 ... 2
- statement of function of Township, dated 1/19/84
- memorandum to former Township Supervisor Winfield from former Director
of Health and Human Services, Gary Cyphers, dated 3/29/82 regarding
responsibilities of Supervisor
- memorandum from former Township Supervisor Winfield to Human Services
Committee, dated 1/20/84
Supervisor Edna Summers, General Assistance Director Anna Willis, Carolyn McGruder,
and Julian Coleman joined the Committee. Supervisor Summers distributed a revised
page 4 for the Township budget draft, dated 5/19/86. Ald. Wold asked for explana-
tion of changes on page 5 of 5/19/86 draft, compared to an earlier draft. Super-
visor Summers explained that major reductions included eliminating appropriation
for "undbudgeted general assistance cases", reducing caseload estimate to 340
cases/month, and reducing capital expenditures within the administrative overhead
category.
The Committee reviewed page 7 of the budget and page 1 of the explanatory work -
sheet, "Factors Affecting the Budget".
- IbW and Social Security - increase from 1985-86 due to higher rates
and new personnel
- Insurance (Health, Fire, Life) - increase from 1985-86 due to higher
rates and new personnel
- Liability Insurance - reduced from prior budget draft because employees
do not wish to take part in Township insurance program for use of pri-
vate vehicles for Township business. Ald. cold asked that a legal
opinion regarding this be made available prior to a final vote on the
budget ordinance.
- Office Equipment - reduced from prior budget draft due to elimination
of microfilming activity. Expenditures include postage machine, computer
and printer.
Question was raised regarding expenditures made last year, which exceeded
the budget by $1,000. Ms. Willis said this included a number of small
items; no major equipment was purchased last year.
- Printing - increase from 1985 due to experience in this account last
year. In response to question as to whether new computer printer could
reduce this account, Ms. Willis stated most of this expense is due to
printing of checks. Also, Supervisor's printing is now shown in this
account.
- Employee Education - increase from 1985-86 due to budgeting for additional
employees to participate in tuition reimbursement program. Currently
three employees take part, with 50% of course tuition paid; nine employees
are eligible for the program. Committee agreed that if additional employ-
ees requested reimbursement (which would exceed budget), they would have
to be denied.
- Unemployment Compensation Insurance
- Workman's Compensation Insurance
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 5/19/86 ... 3
- Computer consulting and Supplies - includes consulting services which
will not be included as part of computer equipment contract. Ald. Wold
questioned whether consulting services could be part of equipment bid
specifications and asked that this be pursued by Township staff.
- Seminars and Conferences - new line item due to need for employees to
update knowledge and skills. Previously staff's limited participation
was included in another line item (employee education). Now it is shown
In budget as separate line item.
- Telephone Service - decreased from 1985-86 budget
- Office Equipment Maintenance - increase from 1985-86 due to increased
maintenance needs of equipment. Does not include maintenance of new
equipment.
- Staff mileage
- Office Supplies
- Postage
- Dues and Subscriptions
- Research
- Contingency
Ald. Wold announced that she had an interesting article regarding "in home"
alcohol detoxification programs. She asked that it be distributed to the Com-
mittee and the Township Supervisor.
Ald. Davis joined the Committee.
The Committee reviewed the worksheet entitled "Factors Affecting the Township
Budget" page 6, regarding the Work Opportunity Program (including the proposed
clerical training program). Ald. Larson questioned the high costs of rental
of cash registers, typewriters and calculators. He questioned whether purchase
might be less expensive; also whether typewriters and calculators might be
shared by students, thereby reducing the costs. Supervisor Summers replied
that staff had researched rental costs because of the temporary nature of the
program. She had researched use of surplus equipment in Springfield, but due
to variations in types and condition of equipment, she did not pursue this.
Committee asked Supervisor Summers to consult with City Purchasing Agent, to
compare cost of equipment purchase rather than rental, and to look for ways to
decrease costs of equipment for clerical training program.
Ald. Davis asked about what remedial education would be available for clients
participating in the clerical training program. Supervisor Summers stated that
all participants would be screened and only those with high school diplomas or
G.E.D.'s would be eligible. Remedial education would be available through GRASP.
Ald. Morton commented that she was pleased with the explanation of cost savings
of the training program included in Carolyn McGruder's memorandum, dated May 15,
1986.
The Committee decided not to introduce the budget ordinance to City Council on
that evening, but to wait until after the full Council had reviewed and discussed
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 5/19/86 ... 4
the proposed ordinance. The ordinance will be introduced on June 9, 1986.
Consideration of Alcohol Use Prohibition in Public Parks
Due to the large number of citizens in attendance, the Committee moved into the
Council Chambers for discussion. Alds. Raden and Juliar joined the Comm ittee.
Ald. Larson explained that on the agenda this evening was a discussion of re-
ferences from Ald. Juliar and Ald. Raden regarding alcohol in public parks. In
addition, Ald. Raden had requested consideration this evening of Ordinance 64-0-86
which would ban alcohol in McDaniel Park. He recognized Betty Payne to address
the Committee.
Ms. Payne stated that she represented the Canal Park Neighborhood Association
and that the Association is strongly in favor of banning alcohol in McDaniel
Park. She said that the neighbors in the area suffer from many problems associated
with persons who use the park to drink, including loud music, garbage, use of pro-
fanity, and double parking. She said these persons take advantage of the resi-
dents of the area who would like a peaceful neighborhood environment.
Ald. Larson asked the City Manager for his comments. Mr. Asprooth stated that
the proposed ordinance deletes McDaniel Park from the parks listed as parks where
liquor is allowed. He said McDaniel Park is similar to other neighborhood parks
where liquor is already banned.
Ald. Raden said that she had requested that the Human Services Committee review
alcohol use in all public parks. However, due to special problems associated
with alcohol use in McDaniel Park, she was asking the Human Services Committee
to approve Ordinance 64-0-86, which would ban alcohol in McDaniel Park immediately.
Evanston is the only nearby community which allows alcohol in public parks. This
is sanctioning anti -social behavior.
Ald. Juliar said that residents near lakefront parks experience the same problems
as those near McDaniel Park. Problems from one neighborhood should not be in-
flicted on another. Since 1979, Evanston has attempted to allow alcohol in cer-
tain parks and has regulated this use in order to reduce the problems caused to
neighbors. These regulations have failed. The majority of citizens are now
suffering due to abuse of a few. Also tax dollars are being spent on police and
garbage pick-up due to nuisances created by alcohol use. Therefore, alcohol
should be banned in all parks.
Ald. Wold moved that the Human Services Committee recommend to City Council that
alcohol be banned in all parks. Ald. Larson asked the City Manager for wording
in Ordinance 64--0-86 to accomplish this. The City Manager said that the last
three lines of the first paragraph and the entire second paragraph of Section
9-5-10(c) could be striken. Ald. Wold said her intent was not to introduce
specific wording but to communicate the intent of the Committee to the City
Council. Ald. Davis said time should be allowed for the public to provide input
on this decision. Ald. Larson said the proposed wording change would allow in-
troduction of the Ordinance. Discussion of wording changes could take place
at the next meeting, prior to the final vote.
Ald. Larson asked the City Manager about potential impact of alcohol ban on
police enforcement activities. Mr. Asprooth said he would provide a response
for the next meeting. Ald. Larson asked Police Chief Logan for his comments.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 5/19/86 ... 5
Chief Logan stated that he had not made a recommendation that alcohol be banned
in any park. He could provide information on impact of alcohol use in McDaniel
Park as a Police Chief and as a nearby resident. He has observed many anti-
social behaviors at McDaniel Park, including loud talking and profanity, urinat-
ing in neighbors yards, crowding in streets, motorcycle racing, excess garbage
and persons passing out due to alcohol use. Impact on neighborhood is very great
due to smallness of the park and its close proximity to private properties. Police
enforcement efforts would not be lessened due to alcohol ban.
Ald. hold's motion passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
(14-
Dir r of I�ealth 6 Euman S fces
cc: Joel Asprooth
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Officals and
Staff Present:
Presiding:
Minutes
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
June 9, 1986
6:30 P.M.
Alds. Davis, Larson, Ream, Rudy
Wold (arrived at end of meeting)
Ald. Morton
Joel Asprooth, Ald. Raden, Edna Summers, Anna Willis,
Julian Coleman, Rosalie Brown, Andrew Love, Don Wirth,
Dave Williams, Judith DeStefano, Helen McCarthy
Ald. Larson
The minutes of the May 19, 1986 Human Services Committee meeting were amended
as follows:
Page 4, paragraph 7, line 7 should read: "Ald. Davis stated that sus-
endin the rules to allow introduction of the ordinance toni!�ht would
still allow the public time to provide input in this decision."
With this correction, the minutes were approved.
Communications:
- Nichols Lighted School Ad Hoc Committee minutes of May, 1986
- Memorandum from the Recreation Board, dated May 22, 1986, re arg ding adoption
of revisions to recreation regulations
Mr. Wirth, Director of Parks. Recreation and Forestry, explained the procedure
for amending the City Code to include new recreation regulations. The pro-
posed regulations would prohibit hitting golf balls in public park areas,
would prohibit boat launching off the Church Street ramp when posted "officially
closed", and would prohibit roller skating on tennis and basketball courts.
Currently City code empowers the Recreation Board to adopt regulations pertain-
ing to safety and welfare on property under jurisdiction of the Board after
such regulations have been transmitted to the City Council and there is no
action on the part of City Council to reject or amend such regulations within
21 days. These regulations w:,uld become effective 31 days from this evening.
In response to a question regarding alternative areas for skaters or skate
board users, Mr. Wirth stated that there are no other official places for
skaters or skate board users, and that the Recreation Board has no specific
plans to develop such areas. The Committee raised no objections or amend-
ments to the proposed rules.
- Ald. Davis expressed her concern regarding the Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) Committee's decision not to join the Unified Budgeting Process
for the coming budget cycle. She asked if there was anything else the Human
Services Committee should do to encourage the CDBG Committee to participate.
She hoped that the CDBG Committee would participate in the development of a
human services plan. Aid. Larson said that one item among his priorities is
Human Services Committee {
Minutes of 6/9/86 ... 2
a discussion of the human services plan, at which time the role of the CDBG
Committee could be explored.
Consideration of the 1986-87 Township Budget
Township Supervisor Summers, General Assistance Director Anna Willis, Julian
Coleman, and Rosalie Brown joined the Committee.
- Monthly Report -- April, 1986: Mr. Coleman distributed a schedule of cash
savings or cash loss related to budgeted general assistance cases. This
shored information regarding the savings incurred during the month of April,
1986 due to the Township having 308 G.A. cases as opposed to the budgeted
monthly caseload of 326. The savings is $1,636. Ald. Davis questioned the
amount of savings, indicating that with 18 fewer cases at $297 per month per
case, the savings should exceed $1.636. Mr. Coleman stated that the differ-
ence relates to the total number of days that the cases received general
assistance benefits during the month. Therefore, expenditures do not neces-
sarily relate to total number of cases. Ald. Davis suggested that in the
future, for budgeting purposes, other indicators such as case days should be
utilized to project expenditures rather than the number of cases. The Town-
ship staff agreed to review the "schedule" distributed that evening and to
consider the suggestions for next year's budget.
- Township Bills List - April, 1986: Ald. Ream asked if former Township
Supervisor Arnold Winfield would be continuing as a consultant for the
Township. Supervisor Summers said that Mr. Winfield would continue to
assist in advocating for Senate Bill 2022, and any other mechanisms to
receive State funding for the General Assistance program; however, the
Township has not entered into a contract with Mr. Winfield for the 1986-87
fiscal year.
- Consideration of Ordinance 48-0-86: The Committee reviewed the Township
Budget draft dated May 28, 1986, and the memorandum from Carolyn McGruder,
dated May 29, 1986 (with attachments) regarding the clerical training program.
The Committee compared the cost of rental versus purchase for typewriters,
calculators and cash registers. In response to a question as to whether there
might be an advantage of renting certain equipment, particularly the cash
registers in that this equipment might become obsolete in a short period of
time, Ms. Willis responded that for the purpose of instructing beginning
students this would not be a concern. Ald. Davis moved, and Ald. Rudy
seconded a motion to reduce the line items for equipment as follows: the
amount to purchase ten typewriters would be reduced from $5,500 to $4,000;
for purchase of ten calculators from $2,300 to $500; and for the purchase
of ten cash registers from $12,000 to $5,500. These reductions are based on
the reduced cost of purchasing these items as compared to rental. The Town-
ship staff reviewed the price quotations on the equipment and agreed that
these allocations would be sufficient. Ald. Larson asked about the need for
electronic equipment at the cost of $500. Mrs. Brown explained that this
tape recorder would be used to provide oral directions and repetitive drills
for the students as they learn to type. This method assists beginning
students to use both their sight and hearing in the learning process. The
$500 figure includes training tapes and a tape recorder. The motion was
approved unanimously. These reductions which total $9,800 will be deducted
from the Work Opportunity Program budget on page 7 of the Ordinance, and a
clean copy of Ordinance 48-0-86 will be available for the June 23, 1986 City
Council meeting.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 6/9/86 ... 3
Ald. Davis recommended that the Township consider utilizing the City Purchas-
ing Department for its purchases due to the advantages of bulk purchasing and
the City's knowledge of vendors. She said that Ald. Wald also strongly urged
the Township to begin this on a regular basis. Ms. Willis said that the Town-
ship office does utilize the City Purchasing Department; however, often cost
quotes from the City are higher than quotes which the Township may receive
from other vendors.
Ald. Davis asked whether a legal opinion had been obtained regarding the Town-
ship's liability for employees' use of personal cars for Township work, in
light of employees preferring not to receive insurance for this. Supervisor
Suslmers distributed a memorandum from Sal Bianchi, Safety/Risk Management
Director for the City, regarding the Township auto insurance. This memo-
randum states that a "hold harmless" agreement between the employees and the
Township regarding the Township liability would be meaningless; therefore,
the Township should require employees to obtain the necessary insurance. Ms.
Willis said that she would get information about thecost of this insurance
and make any necessary adjustments in the budget prior to the June 23, 1986
meeting.
Ald. Davis commented on the discussion at the prior meeting regarding obtain-
ing consultation services as part of a contract with a computer vendor at the
time of purchase. She remarked that sometimes the advice of the equipment
supplier may be biased, therefore an independent consultant may be preferable.
Ald. Rudy moved to introduce Ordinance 48-0-86, as amended. Motion seconded
by Ald. Ream and passed unanimously. (Ald. Wold not present)
Consideration of Ordinance 64-0-86 to Prohibit Alcohol in Public Parks
Ald. Davis moved that the Committee recommend adoption of Ordinance 64-0--86 to
City Council. "lotion seconded by Ald. Ream. Ald. Rudy moved to amend the or-
dinance by adding the following language as paragraph 2, Section 9-5-10 (c):
".... have on his or her person, or in or about personal property, containers
of alcoholic beverages in public buildings, parks, and/or beaches"; and to add
Section (d) which states: "Any person found violating any of the provisions of
this Section shall be fined not less than $50. nor more that $500 for each offense."
Ald. Rudy explained that the intent of the addition of paragraph (c)2, is to make
police enforcement of the ordinance easier. All containers of alcoholic beverages
would be prohibited from public buildings, parks, and/or beaches, therefore, per-
sons wishing to avoid arrest cannot "play games" with police officers as to
whether the container is open or closed. Ald. Raden said that she concurred
with this amendment. The phrase "public buildings" was clarified to refer to
buildings owned by the City.
Ald. Larson recognized citizens in the audience. Rev. John Norwood urged the
Committee to, in very simple language, prohibit all alcoholic beverages in parks
and beaches. Bettv Payne urged the Committee to ban all alcoholic beverages in
McDaniel Park. There are 227 homes in the nine block area adjacent to McDaniel
Park and these persons deserve a quiet neighborhood. For the ordinance to work,
there must be strong police enforcement. David Williams urged the Committee to
very simply ban alcohol in all parks. David Reynolds endorsed Ald. Rudy's amend-
ment. He expressed concern about too much discretion on the part of the police
officers in enforcement. The ordinance should be enforced ecually and thoroughly
in regard to all offenses. Additional police personnel may L:: necessary. He
supports a 30 day grace period, however, strong enforcement should begin by mid
July. Judith DeStetano, President of the Recreation Board, commented that in the
recent needs assessment survey conducted in the community, 60% of the persons
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 6/9/86 ... 4
surveyed wanted no alcohol in the parks. Rosemary Pabst questioned whether the
language "to have on his or her person, or in or about personal property" would
include situation in which a person would place a bottle or can on a picnic table
and walk away from it when a police approached. She asked the Committee to look
carefully at the language of the ordinance to assure that persons could not avoid
enforcement in this way. John Malcolmson urged that the Police Department con-
fiscate all illegal alcoholic beverages; confiscation is an important tool of
enforcement. Allen Smith stated that many of the problems in McDaniel Park are
not caused by neighborhood residents who consume alcohol in the park, but are
caused by others coming to Evanston. Frank Posey stated that banning liquor in
the parks would not solve the problem and would punish everyone in the neighbor-
hood, not just the people causing the problem. Joel Asprooth, City Manager,
responded to the language "to have on his or her person, or in or about personal
property". There is a need to associate the liquor with a person. Ability to
cite a person will be based on what a police officer sees. He will get clarifi-
cation on this language from the legal counsel prior to the City Council meeting.
Ald. Ream proposed that the language "within his or her control, or in close
proximity" be inserted after the word "beverages" in paragraph c(2).
Mr. Asprooth stated that some amount of discretion in enforcement of the ordinance
is necessary. After a thirty day grace period, police officers will arrest viola-
tors; however, police officers are trained to make judgments as to when an arrest
is necessary to bring about compliance with the law. Rev. Norwood commented that
the Skokie Police Department has a very strict enforcement strategy. All people
found violating the Alcohol in the Parks Ordinance are taken immediately to the
Police Station for arrest. The Evanston ordinance should be enforced the same way.
The motion to amend Ordinance 64-0-86, as moved by Ald. Rudy, was passed unanimously.
The motion to recommend adoption of Ordinance 64-0-86 was passed unanimously. (Ald.
Wold not present)
Chairman's Priorities
The Committee agreed to discuss the Chairman's priorities at the next meeting.
Consideration of Township Receiving State Aid for the General Assistance Program
Supervisor Summers explained the Senate Bill 2022. Legislators Woods Bowman
and John Madigan, as well as Senator Berman, have been strongly supporting the
bill. If passed, the bill would allow Evanston to receive approximately $300,000
in State aid. This reimbursement could take place without any limitations on the
program operations. It would go into effect July, 1987. Seven townships poten-
tually benefit from the bill. The Department of Public Aid has not been in favor
of the bill. The bill has passed in the Senate and will be acted on in the House
by the end of this legislative session, June 30, 1986. (Ald. Wald arrived at the
meeting)
Supervisor Summers was asked about the communications from Arthur Newman and Tom
Johnson regarding the Township pursuing State aid if Senate Bill 2022 is not passed.
Supervisor Summers indicated that Mr. Johnson and Mr. Newman are interested in the
Township pursuing a case against the State to receive State aid, and that they are
interested in representing the Township in such an action. The Committee agreed
to postpone consideration of this issue until after the legislature has acted on
this bill.
The
Committee adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
'
�, L11
1
cc:
Joel Asprooth
n'r. Health
& Human Se es
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Officials and
Staff Present:
Presiding:
Minutes
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
June 23, 1986
7:00 P.M.
Alds. Davis, Larson, Morton, Ream, Rudy
Ald. Wold
Edna Summers, Anna Willis, Julian Coleman, Carolyn McGruder,
Rosalie Brown, Karen Hillman, William Gauss, Andrew Love,
Ida Fitzgerald, Oven Thomas. Judy Jager, Helen McCarthy
Ald. Larson
The minutes of the June 9, 1986 human Services Committee meeting were amended
as follows:
Page 3, paragraph 3, line 3 should read: "Ald. Rudy remarked that sometimes
the advice of the equipment supplier may be biased, therefore an independent
consultant may be preferable."
With this correction, the minutes were approved.
Communications:
- Nichols Lighted School Ad Hoc Co= ittee minutes of June, 1986
The Committee asked staff to insert Nichols Lighted School Ad Hoc Committee
minutes into the packets, but to discontinue including the item on the agenda
so that these minutes would be handled like the minutes from other Boards and
Commissions which do not appear on the agenda. The Committee also asked staff
to request that the Ad Hoc Committee discontinue sending minutes to aldermen's
homes.
Chairman's Priorities
The Committee reviewed the Chairman's priorities, dated May 29, 1986. In regard
to review of the City's role and responsibilities in local day care, Ms. McCarthy
indicated that staff have met, as requested by the Committee, and have several
recommendations for the Committee's review. Ald. Morton announced that the Four
Agency Coalition on Child Abuse is planning a community conference on child abuse.
This conference may address some of the concerns raised by parents regarding pre-
vention of child abuse in day care programs. In response to a question as to
whether the Recreation Board has decided to fund a middle school activity program
at Nichols School, Ms. McCarthy responded that the Board has decided to reallocate
funds from the other middle schools to include supporting a program at Nichols.
Ald. Rudy asked for a memorandum from the Recreation Board to that effect.
Ald. Davis asked where the issue related to notice requirements for food and
beverage vendors had originated. Ald. Larson responded that he is concerned
about the use of certain food items which may be damaging to health, and believes
that the City may want to require food operators to inform the public of the use
of these ingredients. Ald. Davis questioned whether this should be addressed by
the Administration and Public Works Committee since this Committee has considered
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 6/23/86 ... 2
the alcohol notification requirements. Ald. Larson said he believes that this
is a public health issue rather than a licensing issue, and therefore is in the
purview of the Human Services Committee. He said that the discussion of this
item is scheduled for later in the meeting.
Township Issues;
Supervisor Summers, Director Anna Willis, Julian Coleman, and Carolyn McGruder
joined the Committee. Julian Coleman distributed a Schedule of Cash Savings
or Cash Loss related to budgeted General Assistance cases for the month of May.
The savings associated with the Township having 303 cases, as opposed to the
budgeted 326 cases, equaled $6,750. In response to a question about why the
May savings is substantially higher that the April savings, Ms. Willis explained
that in April a higher number of cases received more than $297 during the month,
due to retroactive payments for assistance time in the prior month, and to a
small number of cases having two persons supported with a grant.
- Township 1986-87 Budg2t
The Committee reviewed Ordinance 48-0-86, dated June 17, 1986. Supervisor
Summers explained that this budget includes an amount of $2,500 to cover the
cost of liability insurance so the Township can reimburse employees for extra
cost of private insurance for use of personal cars in their work. In re-
sponse to a question, Supervisor Summers said that the Township would be
named as an "insured" in the individual employee's policy. She also ex-
plained that this budget includes equipment reduction of'$9,800 approved at
the last meeting.
Ald. Morton moved to recommend adoption of the Township 1986-87 budget.
Seconded by Ald. Rudy and approved unanimously.
- Monthly Report - Mav, 1986
In response to a question about page 2a, entitled Work Opportunity Program
Case Count, Ms. `ScGruder explained the statistics. "work site" participants
refer to persons holding a part-time job arranged through the Township; "job
club" and "full job search" refers to persons who are employable and receiv-
ing vocational counseling; "skills training program" refers to persons parti-
cipating in an organized training program, such as at Oakton or Kendall
Colleges, or Evanston Hospital; "medical hold" refers to people with a short-
term medical problem preventing them from working; "special counseling" refers
to persons suffering from a personal problem which prevents them from working;
and "unassigned" and "new" refers to people who have yet to be assessed and
placed in one of the other categories.
- The Supervisor distributed a memorandum from Anna Willis to the Legal Depart-
ment regarding the role of the Township Supervisor in the Unified Budgeting
Process.
Human Relations Commission - Implementation of Committee on Housing Opportuni-
ties Report
Karen Millman, Chairman of Human Relations Commission; Hill Geuss, Vice Chairman;
Oaten Thomas, Executive Director; and Judy Jager, Fair Housing Educator, joined
the Committee. The Committee asked the Commission to respond to the questions
listed on the April 16, 1986 memorandum from the Committee. Ms. Hillman de-
scribed the fair housing training to be conducted by the North Shore Board of
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 6/23/86 ... 3
Realtors for its members, The Board has developed a film and questionnaire to
be utilized in training. A program for 400 members is scheduled soon, and the
Board plans to reach a total of 1,600 members with the program. The Commission
has reviewed the film and training materials and finds them acceptable. Mr.
Geuss said that he is planning to attend the next training program. In response
to a question, Ms. Jager stated that the Board will not require members to attend,
but "expects" them to do so. In response to a question about any planned evalua-
tion of the program by the Board, Ms. Jager said that, as far as she knows, the
Board is not planning a specific evaluation. Ms. Hillman stated that the Com-
mission will be monitoring the Board's training program. She pointed out that
this training does not address the training needs of providers of housing financ-
ing services. Due to lack of resources, the Commission is not able to address
the training needs of this group. Ald. Davis suggested that the Board might
invite the financial institutions to attend a training program for the realtors
as a way to begin exposing this group to fair housing issues. Ms. Hillman said
she thought the training program might not be relevant for financial institutions
since it is oriented towards persons selling real estate. Mr. Thomas stated
that there might be other resources that the Commission can obtain which would
focus on training of this group.
In response to a question about whether the Commission could assist individual
realty offices in fair housing training, Ms. Jager responded that the Ca ission
could not donate fair housing materials to the realty offices; however, the
Commission can offer suggestions, and request reports from them about the com-
pleted training.
In response to a question about fair housing complaints lodged recently, Mr.
Thomas said that six complaints had been filed; three cases were closed, and
three were still active. Of the three closed cases, two were found as "no prob-
able cause", and one was ruled "probable cause"; however, the complainant has
withdrawn the complaint with the Commission and has filed in federal court. Ald.
Morton asked if these complaints are similar in nature to complaints filed prior
to the Leadership Council's study of the Evanston real estate industry. Ms,
Jager stated that all of these complaints deal with rental housing, and not with
single family dwelling units which were primarily the subject of the Leadership
Council's study.
There was discussion about the difficulty in providing education to the owners
of small buildings (two or three flats) because of the problem of gaining access
to the landlords of these buildings. The Commission is distributing a flyer re-
garding the Fair Housing Ordinance which will go to all property owners, both
single family and small buildings. Ald. Larson suggested that a more official
legal notice be issued to landlords of rental properties; such a notice might
attract more attention than an educational. flyer. Ald. Davis suggested that
there may be a list of Evanston small apartment buildings within the Department
of Housing and Property Services which the Commission could utilize, Ms. Jager
explained a program in Oak Park in which all landlords must register with the
City with information including name and address of the landlord, and the racial
composition of the building tenants. The registration program is administered
by the Community Relations Division of the City. Ald. Morton said she strongly
favored such a program because it would enable the City to make regular contact
with the building owners. She advocated that the Committee review the Oak Park
ordinance and propose a similar program to City Council. The Committee discussed
whether this issue should be considered by the Human Services Committee, Housing
Commission, or Planning and Development Committee. Tiie Committee decided to
consider this issue at its next meerini,, and reque ited Lhe Human Relations Com-
mission to provide a copy of the Oak Park ordinance and description of the pro-
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 6/23/86 ... 4
gram administration, and Commission estimate of the cost of operating a similar pro-
gram in Evanston.
There was discussion about ways to reach the general public with fair housing informa-
tion. In addition to distribution of the fair housing flyer to all property owners,
the Commission is planning to place fair housing advertisements in the real estate
section of newspapers, and is considering other ways of notifying people looking for
home in Evanston about the fair housing ordinance such as placing notices in real
estate offices. A suggestion was made to place a fair housing ordinance notice in the
multiple listings book used by realtors.
Mr. Thomas said that the Commission would provide the Committee with quarterly reports
on fair housing activities. Ald. Rudy asked if the Commission will be requeating ad-
ditional staff in next year's budget in order to carry out other recommendations in
the !Mayor's Special Committee on Housing Opportunities report. No. Hillman stated
that the Commission will need more funds to complete these additional activities. Mr.
Thomas stated that the Commission is looking for other sources of funds, in addition
to City funding to carry out the fair housing program.
Unified Budget Panel Process for 1986
The Committee reviewed the results of the individual ranking of human services funding
priorities completed by each member. The combined scores of the members, plus Ald.
Rainey'a (UBP amber) scores, indicted the following priorities. First priority ser-
vices were: counseling services for Youth; case management services; emergency hous-
ing services; substance abuse prevention and treatment services for youth; and educa-
tion and treatment for abuse. Second highest priority services were: outpatient psy-
chiatric care; legal services; residential servicea; vocational training and job
placement; drug and alcohol counseling for adults; and day care programming activi-
ties. The third priority services were: day care for Title XX families; counseling
services for the elderly, counseling services for adults; and drop -in community center
services. The Committee discussed the high agreement regarding counseling for youth,
case management, emergency housing and substance abuse education and treatment for
youth. The Committee also identified the disparity in rankings for day care for Title
XX families. legal services, job training and placement services, and abuse services.
Ald. Davis said she had attempted to complete the ranking without regard to specific
agencies providing services, but rather with the overall needs of Evanston in mind.
Ald. Morton said that when the Human Services Committee considers allocations to
agencies, the Committee must keep in mind what will happen to an agency if services
are truly needed but not adequately funded by the City.
Supervisor Summers described her wish to serve as a member of the Unified Budget Panel
in order to represent the needs of the Township clienta. Mo. McCarthy explained that
currently four aldermen represent the City and the Township on the Panel, and United
Way and Rental Health Board are each represented by four persons. If Supervisor Sum-
mers were appointed to the Panel, one alderman night need to step down in order to
provide equal representation (four members) for each funding source. It may be poss-
ible for the Township Supervisor to participate in addition to the aldermen. Ald.
Rudy moved that the Committee request the Mayor to appoint the Township Supervisor to
the Unified Budget Panel. Motion seconded by Ald. Ream and approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 P.R.
f 9
VIAL. _c h4 (t £�fr'
Director, Health & Hum Services
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Officials and
Staff Present:
Presiding:
Minu tea
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
July 14, 1986
7:00 P.M.
Alds. Davis, Larson, Morton, Rudy, Wold
Ald. Ream
Edna Summers, Anna Willis, Julian Coleman, C. Louise Brown,
Jeanne Fox, Harvey Saver, Herbert Sill, Oven Thomas,
Helen McCarthy
Ald. Larson
The minutes of the June 23, 1986 Human Services Committee meeting were approved
as submitted.
Communications:
-- Memorandum from Recreation Board, dated July 2, re meeting with recreation
service organizations.
Ald. Wold stated that she was pleased that the Recreation Board had held
the meeting with other organizations providing similar services, and that
it seemed worthwhile.
- Memorandum from Superintendent of Recreation, dated July 9, re Middle School
program at Nichols.
Ald. Rudy stated that he was glad that the Middle School recreation program
at Nichols would be reinstated. Ald. Larson said he questioned whether other
schools should have funding reduced in order to restore the Nichols program.
Perhaps the program could be funded in some other way.
Letter from Youth Job Center, dated July 10, requesting emergency funding.
Ms. McCarthy distributed a letter from Ann Jennett, Executive Director of
Youth Job Center, which had not been provided in time for Committee packets.
Ald. Wold recommended that since the Committee did not have an opportunity
to review the letter in advL-ce, this should be considered at the next meeting.
The Committee agreed. Aid. Davis asked to see a copy of the agency's current
budget to see how revenue shortfall affected entire budget. Ald. Wold asked
staff to check procedure to be utilized for City making loan to an agency.
Committee also asked staff to check on whether Community Development Block
Grant funds could be advanced to the agency.
- Township Tax Levy Ordinance - 74-0-86
Township Supervisor Summers explained that the ordinance includes tax levy in
accordance with budget ordinance and provides for taxing at the legally allow-
able limit. Ald. Morton moved Committee approval of the tax levy ordinance
and introduction to the City Council. Seconded by Ald. Wold; motion approved
unanimously.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 7/14/86 ... 2
Human Services Funding Guidelines
Ms. McCarthy explained the purpose of proposed guidelines is to serve as guide-
lines for Unified Budget Panel and Human Services Committee in the review of
applications for City funding of human service programs in the community. The
Committee discussed changes in the proposed guidelines. Ald. Wold said she wanted
to change the emphasis on the 2nd guideline - "programs which serve low income
persons" - because many persons other than those who qualify as iow income may
need and utilize services funded by the City. These persons help to subsidize
those who cannot afford to pay, Ald. Morton agreed, stating that many persons
need services on a sliding scale who may not qualify as low income but may not
be able to pay full fees for services. Services should be available to all; not
just to low income. Ald. Davis agreed and suggested that language from October,
1985 guidelines (#3) be incorporated into the guidelines to read: "services in
which lack of City funding would adversely affect the clients, the service net-
work and the community, especially clients who are low income." The Commaittee
agreed with this change.
Ald. Morton questioned guideline 04, and asked why cost effectiveness of one pro-
gram should be compared with another. Couldn't cost effectiveness of a program
be determined independently? Ms. McCarthy responded that in cases in which
programs are similar, it would be most valuable to compare costs (personnel,
space, overhead) as long as care is given in judging comparability. Ald. Morton
emphasized, for example, that one agency may have more qualified staff and there-
fore costs would be higher. Ms. McCarthy agreed that such differences must be
taken into consideration.
The Committee agreed on the importance of guideline fib, regarding a program meet-
ing its objectives, and #9, regarding a program's willingness to work with other
agencies to creatively solve problems. The Committee agreed that guideline #10
be changed to add "needed" to refer to service which no other agency provides.
Ald. Larson emphasized importance of #5, regarding program effectiveness. Pro-
grams should provide follow-up on clients to determine impact of program after a
period of time. Ald. Morton questioned V , which emphasizes an agency receiving
outside funding. Agencies who get outside funding should not be penalized for
doing so.
The Committee discussed revisions to the priority ranking of services, which had
been completed by the Committee at the June 23rd meeting. The priorities would
change now that ranking is to relate to funding through City General Fund, not
Mental Health Board or Township. Ald. Wold said that she believes day care should
be a high priority because it "keeps taxpayers working" and eliminates need of
families to participate in other welfare services. Committee discussed the ratio-
nale for lowering ranking of other services such as psychiatric care because it
should be funded through the Mental Health Board, not City. Ald. Rudy moved that
Day Care be changed to "highest priority"; Abuse: Prevention and Treatment be
changed to "medium priority"; and Outpatient Psychiatric Care be changed to "lessor
priortiy" for City funding. The motion was seconded by Ald. Wold,and approved
unanimously.
Ald. Davis expressed concern that listing of services did not provide a rationale
or explanation for why certain services were judged to be important. She recom-
mended that explanatory language in guidelines from October, 1985, be incorporated
into the new guidelines. The Committee asked staff to do so. Ms. McCarthy said
she would forward a copy of the revisions in the next packet.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 7/14/86 ... 3
Ald. Morton asked whether staff had considered the possibility of funding agen-
cies on a two or three year cycle, which would allow agencies to plan their
programs. Ms. McCarthy said staff had not explored this due to the fact that
the City could not crake a financial commitment to an agency beyond one year.
Ald. Rudy said long term funding could reducs the City's ability to respond to
changing needs. Ald. Davis suggested that maybe a total review could take place
once every two or three years, and a less comprehensive review on the off years.
During the "off" years the burden of proof would change so that the agency would
not have to prove its program; it would receive funding unless some problem
indicated otherwise. Ald. Mold moved that reference be made to the Budget Policy
Committee to study how the City could fund agencies on a two or three year cycle.
Ald. Morton seconded the motion; motion approved unanimously.
Consideration of City Registration of Rental Properties
Oven Thomas, Executive Director of human Relations Commission, joined the Commit-
tee and reviewed his memorandum of July 10, 1986, re licensing of multiple family
dwellings in the Village of Oak Park. Ald. Davis commented that the Oak Park
program to license multi -family dwellings is part of the Village's comprehensive
integration maintenance program, while the concept of registration of multi -family
units in Evanston has a much more limited purpose at this time. The proposal for
Evanston originated as a mechanism to identify and communicate with all landlords
in Evanston about Fair Housing issues.
The Committee discussed what information should be requested from owners at the
time of registration. Mr. Thomas said Oak Park requires owners to annually pro-
vide information on racial composition of the building. This information is
shared only with the Community Relations Division and the Village Board. In re-
sponse to a question, Mr. Thomas said such information Would be helpful to the
Human Relations Commission in investigating discrimination complaints because it
would help to identify a pattern of practice of owner. Ald. Larson said it might
also be helpful to know sex of tenants and whether children reside in building.
Ald. Morton recommended that in order to obtain support of City Council and to
gain cooperation of building owners in a registration program, information on
racial composition of building should not be included at this time. Perhaps lan-
guage could be added to ordinance which would require owner to reveal racial com-
postion, if building is being investigated by the Human Relations Commission.
Ald. Larson suggested that it might be valuable for the Committee to have in-depth
discussion with the Human Relations Commission related to fair housing. Mr. Thomas
said he had suggested to Ald. Larson that it may be a way to look at national and
local fair housing trends, and to begin some long range planning. The Committee
agreed it had discussed the fair housing program in some depth with Human Relations
Commission at a prior meeting. If the Commission has unresolved issues to bring
to the Committee, it is encouraged to do so. Also when the Commissiva submits its
six month report on Fair Housing, background information on national and local
trends could also be included.
Aid. Wold moved, seconded by Ald. Morton, that City staff draft an ordinance to
require annual registration, through the City Clerk's office, of All buildings of
three or more rental units, to include location of building, name and address of
owner, and name and address of building manager, if applicable. The Committee
agreed that no fee, or only a fee to cover costs of registration processing, should
be included. A penalty provision should be included for those who do not comply
with registration. The motion passed unanimously.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 7/14/86 ... 4
Nuclear Free Zone Ordinance
Ald. Larson explained that the ordinance had been prepared utilizing the Chicago
ordinance as a model. He had added language in Section 9-13-2(B) to clearly state
that unclassified basic research would not be prohibited.
Ald. Horton asked what had precipitated the development of this ordinance. Ald.
Larson stated that Ald. Raden had made a reference to the Committee to consider
the Chicago ordinance. In the course of the discussion about whether research of
the federal government would be prohibited, it was determined that language in
the Chicago ordinance to exclude "direct activities of the federal government"
from the nuclear research prohibition had been omitted inadvertently. Therefore,
this exclusion should be included as Section 9-13-2(F).
Ald. Larson recognized Sydney Orlov of the Evanston Nuclear Free Zone Campaign.
Mr. Orlov urged the Committea to approve this ordinance. He reported on a survey
of concerned scientists, the majority of whoa believed that there is no need for
additional nuclear weapons research. Ald. Larson recognized Irvin Levinson, also
of the Evanston Nuclear Free Zone Campaign, who urged support of the ordinance
because an ordinance lets people know that the community is serious about banning
nuclear weapons development and that violators will be punished. Nuclear weapons
should not exist where people live, no matter what the protections.
Committee members raised questions regarding the content of the "Whereas" clauses,
how enforcement would be accomplished, and whether research conducted by North-
western University would be covered by the ordinance. Due to lack of time, no
decision was reached as to any action to be taken.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
�.Lt.
Director of health and
Human Services
cc: Joel Asprooth
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
July 28, 1986
7:00 P.M.
Present: Aldo. Davis, Larson, Morton, Ream, Rudy
Absent: Ald. Mold
Officials and Edna Summers, Ald. Radon, Ald. Korshak, Jeanne Fox,
Staff Present: Harvey Saver, Kevin Pair, Ida Fitzgerald, Glennis Lundberg,
Jane Baker, Doris Wolin, Walter Clements, Mary Anne Cappo,
B.J. Jahnke, Helen McCarthy
Presidinp,: Ald. Rudy
Minutes
The minutes of the July 14, 1986 Human Services Cosmittee meeting were approved
as submitted.
Communications:
- Roosevelt Center for American Policy Studies pamphlet entitled "Wildfire:
Stopping the Spread of Nuclear Weapons"
Ald. Rudy stated that a constituent had forwarded this pamphlet for distri-
bution to the Committee and has requested that the City appoint representa-
tives to participate in Wildfire Peace Day on October 18, 1986, in associa-
tion with Peace Awareness Month. Ald. Rudy said that this would be considered
at a future meeting.
Chairman's Priorities
The Committee reviewed the Chairman's priorities. dated July 24, 1986. In re-
sponse to a question about the origination of item 08. pertaining to a City
Consumer Fraud Division, Ald. Rudy stated that a reference had been made from
Ald. Radon to the Committee. In response to a question, Ms. PtCarthy stated
that she understood the original interest in this issue came about as a result
of problems with a locksmith company operating in Evanston. The Committee
accepted the Chairman's priorities.
Update on Library Board Plans and Activities
Library Board President Glennis Lundberg, and Board members Jane Baker, Walter
Clements, Doris Wolin, nary Anne Cappo, and Assistant Library Director B.J. Jahnke
joined the Committee. Ms. Baker provided an update on the Library Action Plan,
and the activities completed during the past year. She explained that the Action
Plan contains five goals, with sub -goals and objectives. The goals pertain to
library resources, physical resources, public information, financial resources,
and Board organization. In regard to library resources, the Library staff had
conducted a survey of the current adult non --fiction collection. In regard to
physical resources, the Board President and Library Director had met with a number
of potential private fenders and had determined that private funding for expansion
of the library's physical plant is unlikely. In regard to public information, the
Board had conducted a community telephone survey. In regard to financial resources,
the staff had developed a list of potential private funding sources for libraries.
...I :1+ 1 ..U4 11.1 wU, ._L .: ail!
Minutes of 7/28/86 ... 2 »
In regard to Board organization, the Board had developed an ordinance to allow
for the appointment of associate members to the Board.
Ms. Cappo explained the results of the inventory of adult non-fiction collection.
Staff had determined that there was a particular shortage of materials in the
technical, educational, science, and economic and finance areas. Also the survey
indicated that many books were in poor condition, and new materials needed to be
purchased in proportion to their use.
Ms. Lundberg reported on materials developed to increase public knowledge of
Library services and to increase the financial resources of the Library such as
the distribution of the Library Annual Report, the 4th Annual Holiday Book Fund,
and a new fund raising program explained in a brochure entitled "Gifts to Enjoy
Again and Again". B.J. Jahnke, Assistant Director of the Library, distributed
a packet of information regarding the increased utilization of the library during
the last several years, and information comparing Evanston Library services with
those of other communities. Although library use has increased dramatically since
1980, particularly in periodical circulation and general reference, Library staff
has decreased slightly. A study conducted by the Illinois State Library shows
that Evanston compares poorly with five nearby communities in relation to collec-
tion volume and circulation per capita, as well as other issues.
Ms. Lundberg reported on the activities related to increasing physical facilities
for the Library. She summarized the letter to the City Council from the Library
Board, dated June 17, 1986, in which the Board requests that the need for new
library space be placed as a high priority for City Council in the current year.
In response to a question about whether the Board is reconsidering the expansion
of the current Library facilities as opposed to building a new Library, Ms. Lund-
berg stated that the Board is currently looking at library expansion possibilities.
New technology may make the use of the basement a possibility, and expansion into
the current parking lot may still be possible. There is no possibility of adding
floors to the Library at the present time. The Board plans to bring recommenda-
tions back to the Committee in the fall. In response to a question about whether
general public use of the Northwestern Library facilities would have an impact on
the use of the Evanston Public Library, Ms. Jahnke stated that such use would have
very little impact on the space needs of the current Library. Mere is very little
overlap between the Northwestern collection and the Public Library collection.
Ald. Ream asked whether staff would need to be increased if the facilities are
increased. Ms. Jahnke commented that she did not anticipate a major increase in
staff, but rather additional space would provide less crowding for the collection
and users of the Library.
Ald. Davis commended the Board for its responsible consideration of alternatives
for expanding the Library facilities. She said it was time for the Committee and
City Council to become more involved in solving the space problem. She proposed
the possibility of a task force of Aldermen, Library Board members, and the City
Manager to work on a more concrete proposal and funding options for Library ex-
pansion. The Committee decided not to create a task force at this time, but to
ask staff to prepare a report to the Committee summarizing the steps to be taken
to channel expansion of the Library facilities into the Capital Improvement Plan.
In addition, the Library Board will complete its report about spare options for
the Committee to consider.
Youth Job Center Emergency Funding Request
Ann Jennett, Director of the Youth Job Center, joined the Committee. She summarized
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 7/28/86 ... 3
the need of the agency for an advance or loan of $15,000 to help the agency with
cash flow prior to its receipt of a $10,000 grant from Baxter Travenol expected
on December 1, 1986. She distributed a budget to the Committee which provided
1986 actual and 1987 budgeted figures for expenditures and revenues for the agency.
The need for the funding request is due to a 20% increase in the rent, the delay
in receipt of the Baxter Travenol grant, a cut in Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) funding, and a cut in Private Industry Council (PIC) funding. Staff
was asked about an advance of CDBG funds to the agency. Ms. McCarthy responded
that Chris Yonker, Director of the CDBG program, had indicated that an advance
could be made to the agency, probably utilizing City funds to be later reimbursed
with CDBG funds at the end of the advance period. In response to a question, Kevin
Fair, CDBG Planner, stated that the agency is not currently meeting its contract
requirement to serve 95Z clients within the CDBG target area. Staff is working
with the agency to develop alternative ways to document benefits to low and moder-
ate income persons. No funds have been withheld from the agency to date. In
response to a question, Ms. Jennett stated chat she has been aware of the contract
problem regarding client residence within the target area. The agency has been
working with the CDBG staff and Committee to resolve the problem. In response to
a question about the PIC funding, Ms. Jennett explained that the contract with
PIC is for $70.400; however, the contract is a performance contract and funding
is received only after four benchmarks have been completed. The agency estimates
that 85% of this funding, or $59,000, will actually be received.
Ald. Davis moved that a mechanism be developed by staff to advance $15,000 to the
Youth Job Center until December 1, 1986, out of the agency's CDBG grant. If staff
determines that CDBG funds can not be advanced, then City funds should be utilized
and later reimbursed. Ald. Rudy recognized a citizen, Julia Dozier, who urged
support of the motion. Her son had been greatly helped by the program. The motion
passed unanimously.
Hecky Powell, Finance Committee Chairman for Youth Job Center, asked whether the
Human Services Committee rather than the CDBG Committee is the appropriate place
to bring such a request. The Committee responded that emergency funding requests
for human service agencies should come to the Human Services Committee. The Ccm-
mittee agreed that the $15,000 advance to the Youth Job Center would not need
City Council action since no new funds are being appropriated.
Nichols Lighted School Ad Hoc Committee - Request to be Exempted from UBP
Dr. Carmen Marcy, Principal of Nichols School, Dr. Eugene 'Mulcahy, Superintendent
of School District 65, Ald. Korshak and Ald. Raden joined the Committee. The
Committee welcomed Dr. Mulcahy to his new position as Superintendent of District 65.
Dr. Marcy explained that the Ad Hoc Committee for Nichols Lighted School is re-
questing that the Human Services Committee reconsider its earlier decision that the
Nichols Lighted School program participate in the Unified Budgeting Process for the
1987-88 year. The services provided through the Nichols School program are differ-
ent from those provided by social service agencies. This program is a collection
of different organizations who provide services in the Nichols School building to
create a safe, stable environment in the neighborhood. Dr. Marcy reviewed the
history of the Lighted School Program including its origination within the Recrea-
tion Department, and its current funding under contract through the Department of
Health and Human Services. Ald. Raden supported the Ad Hoc Committee's request,
stating that the Nichols program does not have an Executive Director to prepare
the Unified Budgeting grant application as other agencies do. She also stated that
Ald. Rainey, a Unified Budget Panel member, who attended a recent Ad Hoc Committee
meeting, stated that is would be difficult to compare the Nichols program with the
services of other programs heard through the Unified Budgeting Process. Ald.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 7/28/86 ... 4
Korshak explained that representatives from the various organizations who partici-
pate in the Lighted School program and several, aldermen meet monthly to review
the progress of the program. Funds for the program are for the direct building
supervision and for provision of direct services. No funding is available for
administrative time to prepare a proposal. This program is not only recreation,
or education, or human service; this program is unique. For these reasons. the
Nichols program should not be required to participate in the Unified Budgeting
Process but should report directly to the Human Services Committee. Dr. Mulcahy
stated that he is very impressed with the program and the degree of cooperation
among all levels of government and cowunity groups. Ald. Morton said she be-
lieves that the Unified Budgeting Process is a good way for all human service
programs funded by the City to be evaluated. She asked Dr. Mulcahy if time of a
District 65 staff person could be contributed to develop the proposal. Dr. Mulcahy
said that he could volunteer such time. Aid. Davis stated that the Committee has
strongly supported this program and will continue to do so. Participation in the
Unified Budgeting Process is "not a penalty" but rather is a mechanism which this
Committee uses to make decisions about funding levels. The Human Services Commit-
tee always has to balance the recommend&tiona of the Unified Budgeting Panel
against the needs of Boards and Commiess.ons and City departments for funding.
The UBP provides a formal vehicle for considering this program. In response to
a question from Ald. Larson about approximately how much time is anticipated for
preparation of an application. Dr. Marcy responded that the Director of YOU spends
several weeks preparing that agency's proposal. Ms. McCarthy indicated that the
YOU proposal may not be analogous due to the large number of YOU programs funded
through Unified Budgeting. Aid. Larson moved that the Committee recognize the
Nichols program as a unique program and exempt this program from the Unified Budget-
ing Process. There was no second to the motion. The Committee agreed to reaffirm
its earlier action to ask the Nichols Lighted School program to participate in the
Unified Budgeting Process and asked staff to provide technical assistance to the
School District in preparation of the application.
Township Issues
Due to lack of time, the Committee could not consider the Township agenda items.
Ald. Rudy stated that the issue pertaining to the Township becoming a State receiv-
ing Township for the purposes of general assistance would be discussed at the next
Committee meeting. Supervisor Summers distributed an excerpt from the Public Wel-
fare Coalition's Handbook of Illinois Public Aid Policy regarding general assis-
tance.
Ald. Rudy announced that he would not be in attendance at the August 11, 1986 meet-
ing and Ald. Larson Will chair that meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
4c" __L �Ajtu
Director of Health and human ices
cc: Joel Asprooth
Present:
Absent:
Officials and
Staff Present:
PresIdinq:
Minutes
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
August 11, 1986
7 30 P.M.
Aids. Larson, Morton, Ream, cold
Aids. Davis, Rudy
Edna Summers, Julian Coleman, Joel Asprooth, Chief Logan,
Jeanne Fox, Harvey Saver, Helen McCarthy
Aid. Larson
The minutes of the July 28, 1986 Human Services Committee meeting were approved
as submitted.
Communications
- Memorandum from Planninq Director regardinq Capital Improvement Plan Update
The Committee asked staff to make sure that the Library Board received a
copy of this memorandum and asked staff to request the Planning Director
to work with the Library Board on incorporating library space expansion
plans into the Capital Improvement program.
Township Issues
Township Supervisor Summers, and Julian Coleman, Accountant, joined the Committee.
- Monthly Report for June, 1986
Ms. Summers remarked on the caseload decrease to 290 per month as compared to
June, 1985 caseload of 327.
- Township Loan of 55O,000
The Committee reviewed the August 7, 1986 memorandum from the Supervisor re-
garding the possible need of the Township to borrow up to $50,000 due to the
anticipated delay in tax collections by the County Treasurer. Mr. Coleman
stated that these funds would be drawn againt the Township's available line
of credit with the 1st Illinois Bank. In response to a question from Aid.
Ream regarding a reference to the Seaway Bank in the memorandum, Ms. Summers
stated that the Seaway Bank, located in Chicago, is the second largest minority
bank in the cogntry. The Township has decided to place some of its funds In
this bank.
- Computer Consultation Proposals
Ms. Summers introduced Mr. Sheldon Greenberg, President of Computer Software
Systems, Inc., and Mr. Gregory Boone of GBN Associates. The Township is re-
viewing proposals from each company. Mr. Greenberg and Mr. Boone described
their experience in the computer business. in response to a question from
Aid. Larson regarding how a decision is made about software to meet a particu-
lar client's needs, Mr. Greenberg stated that he allows the client to decide
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 8/11/86 ... 2
on the software which is preferred. He usually recommends "Word Star" for
needs such as the Township's. Aid. Larson questioned the use of this soft-
ware for first time users, and Mr. Greenberg and Mr. Boone responded that
"Word Star 2000" is a readily usable system for an unfamiliar client. In
response to a question about whether the Township had received any consulta-
tion from City staff regarding their computer needs, Ms. Summers responded
that Jeanne Kornatz, Information Systems Manager, and Max Rubin of City staff
had provided suggestions and input regarding a system for the Township.
Since there is a Township budget item for computer consultation, the Commit-
tee did not need to approve a particular computer system. The Committee did
urge the Supervisor to receive as much expert consultation as possible in
making a decision about a particular vendor.
- Consideration of Township Becoming a State Receiving Township for General
Assistance
Mr. Arthur Newman, Attorney, joined the Committee. Aid. Larson explained
the background regarding this issue. He stated that Mr. Newman of the
Uptown People's Law Counsel, and Thomas Johnson of the City of Chicago Legal
Assistance Foundation, had prepared a proposal for Evanston to consider which
would allow the Township to receive some State funding for general assistance
purposes 4ithout reducing the grant amount to an individual client. Mr. New-
man explained the proposal: When a Township become-, a "receiving Township"
for the purposes of the State General Assistance Program, the Township must
adhere to the Illinois Department of Public Aid's General Assistance Manual,
including the State general assistance grant level which is S154 per month
for a single individual. It is ironic that Evanston Township is penalized
by the State because it recognizes that it costs more than S154 to live in
a community such as Evanston. Therefore, this proposal would allow the Town-
ship to pay a grant amount of S154 per month, while instituting an "inkind
housing assistance" program whereby direct housing payments could be made to
landlords on behalf of General Assistance clients. He stated that there is
nothing in the Illinois Statutes to prohibit Evanston's eligibility for State
assistance when operating such an "inkind" program. He stated that the alder-
men have an obligation to taxpayers to reduce the amount of local fundinq for
the General Assistance program. Evanston can no longer afford the luxury of
not having to abide by the State rules. He commented on two points en the
Township Supervisor's memorandum of May 29, 1986 regarding this issue: on
page 2, regarding the grant level to Evanston clients, he said the grant level
would not be reduced because the "inkind" housing payments would be exempt as
income; regarding Supervisor Summers' concerns about individualized service
to clients, Mr. Newman stated that nothing in the State rules prohibits in-
dividual social services or job training services to clients. Finally, he
stated that the Illinois Department of Public Aid will fight Evanston's
attempt to become a State receiving Township and to provide "inkind" housing
assistance, but if the Township appeals or fights this decision, Mr. Newman
believes the Township will prevail.
Aid. Ream asked the Township Supervisor whether, in her opinion, this proposal
should be explored. She said the proposal should be explored, however, the
ramifications of this proposal should not be taken lightly. All issues, par-
ticularly t-e impact on clients, should be carefully assessed. She ex-
pressed concern about how the medical needs of clients would be met, and said
if clients are required to be treated at Cook County Hospital, that would not
be in the best interest of the clients. She also expressed concern about
the State's definition of "residence". She read an excerpt from the Illinois
Human Services Committee
• Minutes of 8/11/86 ... 3
Welfare Coalition's Handbook of Illinois Public Aid Policy regarding resi-
dency: "You must live in Illinois but need not have lived here any specific
length of time; you must intend to keep living here unless you come with a
specific job commitment or to seek employment; you must furnish an address
where mail can be sent but need not live there. If you are unable to use any
other address, you may use the address of a local Public Aid office." Such
a definition might mean that Evanston would have many additional clients
coming here from other jurisdictions. Ms. Summers said that she will be meet-
ing soon with representatives from the Illinois Department of Public Aid to
discuss the impact of State rules on Township operations.
Aid. Wold said that this issue should be looked at very carefully. She recom-
mended that it be studied in the context of one of the recommendations of the
Blue Ribbon Committee's plan for the homeless, which is scheduled for Council
adoption that evening. She stated that Aid. Brady, Chair of the Blue Ribbon
Committee on the Homeless, has ideas about how changes in the funding of the
general assistance program might assist in providing housing for the homeless.
Aid. Larson stated that he would like the decision to be made on this issue
in enough time so that any changes could be incorporated in the 1987-88 Town-
ship budget beginning on April 1, 1987. The Committee agreed to study this
issue as part of the Committee's consideration of references from the Blue
Ribbon Committee's report.
Aid. Ream, and the rest of the Committee, thanked Mr. Newman for bringing
this issue to them, and for his time and effort in exploring how the Evanston
tax burden might be reduced.
Consideration of Youth Streetworker Proqram
Aid. Larson explained that the Mayor had asked staff to explore the development
of a proposal for a gang streetworker program to be operated by BUILD, Incorpo-
rated in Chicago. Aid. Larson recognized a citizen, Bettye Palmer, who wished
to address the Committee. Ms. Palmer asked why BUILD, Incorporated is being
considered now. She said that three years ago, when the need for a streetworker
program was discussed by the Human Services Committee, and later by the Gang Task
Force, a decision had been made not to go outside of Evanston for operation of
a program. She stated that what is needed is a substantial, continuous, consis-
tent street work program and not a "quick fix". She asked if the City is willing
to fund such a program. Ms. Palmer said that she had developed a proposal pre-
viously to operate a street work program which would be comprehensive and effec-
tive for Evanston; no program was ever funded by the City. (pld. Morton arrived
at the meeting.)
City Manager Asprooth provided a history of the City's consideration of a youth
streetworker program, indicating that in 1984 the Youth Gang Task Force had
recommended that the City fund a program to be operated by Youth Organizations
Umbrella (YOU), and revenue sharing funds had been budgeted in 1985 for this
purpose. Due to lack of community support for YOU operating the program, YOU
withdrew from a contract with the City to operate the program. When the Youth
Gang Task Force disbanded in the summer of 1985, there had been no unanimity about
where a streetworker should be housed. Recently, Mayor Barr and Alderman Drummer
requested that staff investigate the possibility of BUILD operating a program;
therefore, staff prepared this memorandum for the Committee. In response to a
question from Aid. Morton, Mr. Asprooth stated that the program could be considered
for either the current budget year or for the next budget year.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 8/11/86 ... 4
Beverly Brimm, citizen, stated that any agency outside the community would be
inappropriate to operate a streetworker program. Aid. Morton said she was not
enamoured with funding a streetworker program because she believes such programs
are not effective in changing gang activities. Something needs to be done about
older persons, not youths, who are active members of the current problem in
Evanston. She expressed concern that a proposal for a BUILD program was coming
to the Committee at this time without Committee consideration of this issue first.
She described networking between schools in District 65 about possible gang
activities of students.
Police Chief Logan was asked for his comments. He stated that the number of gangs
had decreased by more then one-half, and the total number of gang members had also
decreased by more than one-half. Violence of gangs had increased because of gang
fragmentation, influence from Chicago gangs, and the recent release of Evanston
gang members from prison. The Police Department has made 700 arrests of gang
members in the last two years. He said a gang intervention program is needed in
the community, particularly to work with foot soldiers, without whom the gang
leaders cannot be effective.
Aid. Wold moved, and Aid. Ream seconded, that staff pursue the BUILD concept.
Ms. McCarthy said that the BUILD representatives and staff believe that a BUILD
proposal should be developed only if a Committee of concerned persons -ere in-
volved, not just staff. She recommended that no further discussions be held with
BUILD, Incorporated until the Committee has decided on how to proceed with a gang
program. The Committee agreed that, due to lack of time, no decision could be
reached at this meeting, and that staff should not pursue a program with BUILD
until the Committee has discussed this further.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Me�— �-
Director of Health b Human Services
cc: Joel Asprooth
Present:
Absent:
Officials and
Staff Present:
Presiding:
Minu tea
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
August 25, 1986
7:30 P.M.
Aldo. Larson, Morton, Ream, Rudy, Wold
Ald. Davia
Edna Summers, Anna Willis, Carol Hanes, David Williams,
Harvey Saver, Helen McCarthy
Ald. Rudy
The minutes of the August 11, 1986 human Services Committee meeting were approved
as submitted.
Communications:
- Memorandum from the Executive Director of the Mental Health Board regarding
community service priorities and funding criteria of the Evanston rental
Health Board for the 1987-88 fiscal year.
Ald. Rudy asked Ms. Henes, Chairman of the Evanston Mental Health Board. and
Harvey Saver, Assistant Director, to join the Committee to answer any questions
about the memorandum. Ald. Morton asked whether there will be a numerical "cut-
off" to be used by the Mental Health Board in implementing the new funding
criteria. Ms. Henes explained that the Board does not anticipate a specific
"cut-off" score for an agency to receive funding; rather the Board Will use
this system as a tool to evaluate programs.
In response to a question regarding State funding cuts for mental health ser-
vices, Mr. Saver explained that it is anticipated that mental health funding
will be reduced by 32 for community mental health agencies. This will not
impact directly on the Mental Health Board but will impact on those community
agencies which receive State funding.
Township Issues:
Township Supervisor Summers, and Anna Willis, Director of 'Township General Assis-
tance Office, joined the Committee.
- Monthly Report - July, 1986
Ms. Summers commented that the caseload rose slightly in July, 1986 to 301
cases, although this is substantially less than the July, 1985 level of 355
cases. She said that the Township has seen an increase in the number of
young adults applying for general assistance. To receive general assistance,
a person must be 21 years old or be an emancipated minor. Referring to page 4
of the monthly report, Ms. Summers explained that the Caseworker position has
been filled, but that the new Job Developer position has not been filled. A
person with the appropriate background and experience has not been found to
date. Ald. Ream noted that the Workmen's Compensation Insurance budget has
Human Services Corm ittee
Minutes of 8/25/86 ... 2
91
nearly been spent in the first third of the fiscal year. Ms. Summers com-
mented that the Emergency Assistance Services account has been running high
to date this year. In response to a question from Ald. Morton about the
success of the detoxification program, Ms. Willis explained that there is a
75-80% recidivism rate for patients in the hospital detoxification program.
She estimated that there are 25-30 chronic alcoholics on the Township rolls.
She explained that the Township is considering a program whereby Township
clients could reside in an alcoholic halfway house in Chicago after partici-
pating in a hospital detoxification program. This would enable clients to
receive additional rehabilitation outside of their normal living environment.
She pointed out that some clients who are alcoholic are able to participate
in work and/or training programs; other clients are unable to participate
in such programs and will probably be maintained on Township rolls for a long
period of time.
- Bills List - July, 1986
Ms. McCarthy pointed out that the Township Bills List, although shown on the
Human Services Committee agenda, will be located with the Administration and
Public Works Committee materials since the Hills List undergoes review and
approval by that Committee.
- Community Contracts
Ms. Willis distributed three Purchase of Service Agreements for Family Focus,
Incorporated, Medical World Pharmacy, Incorporated, and Ridge Health Care
Center. She said that each serves as an example of various Township contracts.
In response to a question about the contract with Ridge Health Care Center, Ms.
Willis explained that there is a ceiling of $60,000 in the amount to be received
by Dr. McClure regardless of the number of patients whom he might see. The
amount paid to Dr. McClure is reduced by the amount that the Township pays
another medical provider for services rendered to General Assistance clients.
No other physicians have been contacted to provide this service. Ald. Morton
commented that Dr. McClure is providing a real service to the Township through
this purchase of service agreement.
- Township Representation on Unified BudgetingS Panel
Ms. Summers asked whether a final decision had been reached as to who would
represent the Township on the Unified Budgeting Panel. She said that the
Mayor had contacted her following the Human Services Committee in which the
Committee had recommended to the Mayor that the Township Supervisor serve on
the Panel. She said that the Mayor had told her that she thought it would not
be proper for the Mayor to make an appointment of another elected official of
equal stature. Staff was asked by the Committee to follow up with the Mayor
about representation of the Township on the Unified Budgeting Panel.
Resolution 63-R-86 Regarding Levy Senior Center
Ald. Rudy recognized Mr. Gail Inlow, Chairman of the Levy Center Advisory Commit-
tee. Mr. Inlow said that the Levy Center Advisory Committee supports Resolution
63-R-86 with several changes. He recommended that the Advisory Committee be
represented directly in decisions about the relocation of the Levy Center. The
Advisory Committee is best able to represent the needs of the Levy Center users.
Also, the City Council should "personalize itself" to the Advisory Committee so
that the Committee has a chance to share its concerns with individual aldermen.
The people who use the Levy Center want to be sure that things that they consider
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 8/25/86 ... 3
important will be part of any new senior center. This would include having any
new center accessible to the downtown area and public transportation. Ald. Wold
moved that on page 1, in the 4th "Whereas" clause, that the words "and in equally
accessible location" be inserted after the word "facilities"; and on page 2,
item 2, that the words "and the Levy Center Advisory Committee" be inserted after
the words "Evanston Recreation Board". Motion was seconded by Aid. Morton. Aid.
Wold explained that this would mandate the City Manager to consult with the Levy
Center Advisory Committee and the Evanston Recreation Board about possible re-
location alternatives. Aid. Ream questioned whether this would enable the Ad-
visory Committee to communicate directly with the Human Services Committee and
City Council about their views. Aid. Wold said that this resolution merely begins
the process of looking for alternative locations and insures the involvement of
the Advisory Committee in this first step.
David Williams, Recreation Board member and Chairman of the Facilities Committee,
expressed support of the Levy Center Advisory Committee's involvement in research-
ing alternative locations. He recommended that the resolution be amended to
replace the word "comparable" with "superior" to indicate that a new center loca-
tion should be superior to the present one and not comparable. He explained that
since the Levy Center was originally designed for youth programs, it is not an
ideal center for senior citizen activities. When developing a new center, the
specific needs of senior citizens should be considered. Ald. Wold questioned
whether City Council could commit at this time to "superior" facilities and sug-
gested wording such as "at least comparable". The Committee agreed that the word
"comparable" should be changed to "suitable" to indicate that the facility would
be suitable for senior citizen activities. Ald. Wold amended her motion to include
change from "comparable" to "suitable" on page 1, in the 4th and 7th "Whereas"
clauses, and on page 2, first line. Ald. Ream suggested that on page 1, the lst
"Whereas" clause, the word "Senior" be stricken since the original Levy Center
created in 1966 did not serve seniors. Ald. cold accepted this amendment. The
motion, as amended, was approved unanimously. (Aid. Larson not present)
Review of References from Blue Ribbon Committee on the Homeless to HSC
The Committee reviewed the memorandum, dated August 21, 1986, from the Mayor
regarding the references to the Human Services Committee. To accomplish the
first reference, the Committee requested staff to prepare a quarterly report to
the Committee reviewing homeless issues. In regard to the final reference, Aid.
Wold recommended that a committee consisting of Supervisor Summers, Aid. Brady,
Chairperson of Blue Ribbon Committee on the Homeless, and Arthur Newman be created
to propose alternative uses of the Township levy which could benefit homeless
individuals and report back to the Human Services Committee in October or November,
1986. Aid. Morton expressed concern about the protocol of this recommendation.
The Township Supervisor should not be asked to sit on a Committee to look at the
functioning of the Township Office; rather, the Human Services Committee should
request the Township Supervisor to review this reference from the Homeless Commit-
tee and report back to the Human Services Committee with ideas or suggestions
regarding the alternate use of Township funds. Ms. Summers said that the staff
is reviewing, with the Law Department and representatives of the Department of
Public Aid, the potential pros and cons of becoming a State Receiving Township,
thereby receiving State funding. She would be ready to discuss this further with
the Committee at the end of September. Ald. Wold pointed out that there may be
other options and creative solutions other than the one proposed by Mr. Newman.
She strongly recommends that the Supervisor meet with Ald. Brady and discuss her
thoughts and recommendations as Chair of the Homeless Committee. Ald. Wold with-
a
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 8/25/86 ... 4
drew her recommendation for the appointment of a special committee. The Committee
agreed to wait and hear from the Township regarding their recommendations on this
issue prior to taking any further action.
Consideration of a Youth Streetworker Program
Ald. Rudy opened the discussion with a recommendation that the Committee decide
if the Committee wished to support a gang intervention program, and if so, to
decide who should be asked to develop a proposal. Ald. Wold said that she is in
favor of considering concrete proposals from BUILD and any local agencies regard-
ing a program. (Ald. Larson joined the Committee)
Ald. Rudy recognized Beverly Brimm, citizen, who said that a gang intervention
program is necessary and that the program should be operated within the community
and not by an outside group. She and Bettye Palmer had met with the City Manager
to discuss their proposal for a streetworker program. She stated that Hecky Powell,
Executive Director of Evanston Neighbors At Mork, had agreed to submit a proposal
in conjunction with Brimm/Palmer to support a gang intervention program. She
stated that the City Manager supported a program operated within the community,
as opposed to one operated by BUILD or another outside organization. Ms. McCarthy
stated that she understood the City Manager's position to be that for a program
to be successful, it had to be developed and supported by the local community.
Ms. Brines and Ms. Palmer had also met with Dr. Eugene Mulcahy, Superinten-
dent of District 65, to discuss their proposal.
Ald. Wold recommended that staff work with BUILD and any other interested organi-
zation to develop specific proposals for the Committee to consider. Ald. Morton
stated that she was opposed to asking BUILD to come in to the community to develop
a proposal. Any program to be developed should be a local program. She could not
support any funding for BUILD to develop or operate a program in Evanston. Ms.
McCarthy suggested that BUILD should only be asked to develop a proposal if there
is broad support for BUILD operating a program. Ald. Larson moved that the Com-
mittee encourage the development of a proposal by a local agency to operate a
program. There was not adequate time to discuss this motion, and the Committee
agreed to continue this discussion at the next meeting.
The Committee adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
%LL 'L
Helen McCarthy
Director of Health &
Human Services
cc: Joel Asprooth
Present:
Absent:
Officials and
Staff Present:
Presidin&:
Minutes
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
September 8, 1986
7:30 P.M.
Aldo. Larson, Morton, Ream, Rudy, Wold
Ald. Davis
Joel Asprooth, Bruce Zimmerman, Karen Hillman, Oren Thomas,
Jeanne Fox, Harvey Saver, Helen McCarthy
Ald. Rudy
The minutes of the August 25, 1986 Human Services Committee meeting were approved
as submitted.
Communications:
- Staff memorandum, dated September 4, 1986, regarding Board/Commission budget
hearigLss .
The Committee reviewed the proposed schedule for Human Services Committee
budget hearings with Boards and Commissions. The Committee asked staff to
schedule the hearings proposed for October 27 on a regularly scheduled Human
Services Committee meeting, specifically, November 10, 1986. Ms. McCarthy
said she would attempt to arrange the schedule.
- Staff memorandum, dated September 4, 1986, regarding community purchased
services funding level.
In response to questions from the Committee, Ms. McCarthy stated that the
proposed funding level of $375,272 for community purchased services includes
funding for services previously funded through revenue sharing money. In
the current year, $140,000* comes from federal revenue sharing funds. The
amount of $33,721 for Nichols Lighted School is also included in the total
proposed appropriation, however, this does not obligate a final Unified
Budgeting funding level of $33,721 for the Nichols program. The Committee
accepted the tentative funding level proposed by staff with the understanding
that this level may be changed when the Committee reviews the Unified Budget
Panel recommendations.
Consideration of Funding for Center for Public Ministry for Operation of the
Homeless Shelter
The Committee reviewed the funding request of Robert Thompson, Chairman of the
Center for Public Ministry, for $10,000 to cover the increased utilities and
liability insurance costs associated with the homeless shelter operations during
1986. Ald. Morton stated that she supports assisting the shelter in this deficit
situation. The church has experienced the increases in utilities and insurance
* Correct revenue sharing amount is $135,000
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 9/8186 ... 2
because of their desire to help people with no shelter. The church should be
helped to absorb the increased costs. Ald. Wold expressed concern that the
Center for Public Ministry had not participated in the Unified Budgeting Pro-
cess last year. She stated that although she supports the shelter's program,
she feels that this request should be judged along with the requests from other
agencies providing needed services. A special funding for this program outside
of the Unified Budgeting Process opens a precedent for other special funding
requests.
Ald. Rudy asked Rev. Thompson to join the Committee. Rev. Thompson explained
that the First Baptist Church donates space to the Center for Public Ministry
for operation of the shelter. Last year the Amarican Baptist Churches donated
$5,000 to help defray the increased costs to the church for the shelter opera-
tions. This funding is not available for 1986. Attempts have been made to get
funding from the Illinois Department of Public Aid and from several private
foundations to support these costs. In contact with Woods Bowman, State Repre-
sentative, Mr. Thompson reported that funding to support increased utility
costs may be available from the Illinois Department of Public Aid for the next
fiscal year. The funds are needed for this year so that the First Baptist Church
congregation can be persuaded to continue operation of the shelter. Mr. Thompson
stated his commitment that any future City funding request would be taken to the
Unified Budget Panel and not directly to the Human Services Committee.
Rev. Thompson distributed copies of the Center for Public Ministry's operating
budget for fiscal year 1985-86, and for the first month of fiscal year 1907 (July
1986). Ile also distributed Treasurer's reports for the First Baptist Church for
1983 and 1985. He pointed out that the utility costs for the First Baptist Church
for 1983 was $21,913; and for 1985 it was $29,318. 'Tire church estimates that
$6,000 of this increase can be attributed to the operation of the shelter. In
response to a question about what personnel are included in the Center for Public
Ministry's fiscal year 1985--86 budget, Rev. Thompson explained that it includes
the Executive Director, the Shelter Supervisor, a Cook and a Bookkeeper. The
Executive Director position has been vacant since .Tune 1, when Bob Lynn resigned.
In addition, the Bookkeeper position is also vacant. In response to a question
about the duties of the shelter supervisor, Rev. 'Thompson explained that the
shelter supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the shelter
including the recruitment and supervision of shelter staff and volunteers. The
position is currently held by Hilda Carper. In addition, each night the shelter
is supervised by a person paid on a contractual basis, $50 per night. In response
to a question about support from other churches of the shelter, Rev. Thompson
stated that eight to ten individual congregations provide financial support; a
total of 25 churches provide volunteers, food, clothes, or financial support for
the shelter. In response to a question about how the Center plans to obtain
sufficient funds for next year's operations, Rev. Thompson stated that applica-
tions are being prepared for three foundations for general support, and planning
and development activities, and that the Center is hopeful that it will receive
additional funding from the Illinois Department of Public Aid. The Center has
not decided whether to request funds through Unified Budgeting for 1987.
Ald. Morton moved that the Committee approve a one-time funding of $10,000 to the
Center for Public Ministry for utility and insurance costa for 1986. The motion
was seconded by Ald. Larson. City Manager Asprooth was asked to comment on
whether such funds Would be available in the current City budget. Mr. Asprooth
stated that should the City Council decide to fund this program, funds from the
General Contingency Account could be made available for this purpose. Ald. Wold
moved a substitute motion that the City fund the shelter in the amount of $5,000
R Human Services Committee
Minutes of 9/8/86 ... 3
with the remaining $5,000 being collected from the general community by the
church. There was no second to this motion. Ald. Ream stated that he would
support the main motion only if it is a one time expenditure, and with the
understanding that all future funding request from the Center would go before
the Unified Budget Panel. Ald. Morton stated that this grant would not set a
precedent. The City has an obligation to assure homeless individuals that there
is a warm, safe place where shelter can be provided. The motion passed un-
animously.
The Committee decided that the budget attachments distributed by Rev. Thompson
should be forwarded to the full City Council, and that this would be taken to
the City Council for action on September 22, 1986.
Consideration of Township Representation on the Unified Budget Panel
The Committee reviewed the staff memorandum which suggested a mechanism whereby
the Committee could implement the Committee's prior recommendation that the
Township Supervisor represent the Township on the Unified Budget Panel. Ald.
Wold moved that the Committee ask the Township Board of Trustees to appoint the
Township Supervisor as a voting member to the Unified Budget Panel. The motion
was seconded by Ald. Ream and was approved unanimously.
Consideration of the Youth Streetworker Program
Ald. Rudy stated that he believes the Committee must define what an intervention
program should address. A "streetworker" program is not necessarily the answer:
perhaps an "intervention" program would be a better title. An intervention pro-
gram is needed to address current street violence. Discussion ensued regarding
the definition of "intervention"; as to whether it refers to "working" with
current gang members or whether it refers to discouraging gang membership by
preventing youth from joining. Ald. Ream stated that it is the Police Depart-
ment's job to work with gang members. Ald. Morton stated that the program should
serve more thar. gang members, and should address all youth involved in crime.
Ald. Ream concurred. Ald. Larson questioned the definition of "gangs". There
are adult gangs, not youth gangs. He proposed that the target group should in-
clude any youth who gets involved in illegal activities of adult gang members.
Ald. nucy asked the Committee to identify goals of a program; what do we want
the program to do? After discussion, the Committee identified the following
goals: (1) to reduce street violence associated with gangs; (2) work with
youth who are at risk for gang membership. The Committee discussed age limits
of the program. The Committee agreed that youth in middle schools (and even
younger) who are "at risk" should be included. Ald. Morton said the upper age
limit should be up to age 21-22, if the youth is still enrolled in the Special
Education program at the High School.
Ald. Morton questioned what "working" with at risk youth includes. She stated
that after the youth "at risk" are identified, the program should be required
to involve parents, and should be required to network with all agencies who
work with kids.
Ald. Rudy stated that we need to document what we have in place to serve "at
risk" youth and then we need to "fill in gaps" with the program. The Committee
needs to identify what are current problems and how they should be addressed by
the program. The Committee also needs to decide on a process to allow for
community input. He stated that he had met with Hecky Powell, Executive Director
of Evanston Neighbors At Work (ENAW), to discuss the possible role of ENAW in
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 9/8/86 ... 4
sponsoring a program. He said that ENAW Board will consider sponsoring a pro-
gram and applying for City funding.
Ald. Rudy recognized citizens from the audience, Bettye Palmer stated that the
proposal which she and Beverly Brimm have Written for ENAW is geared toward
students enrolled in Special Ed"cation programs. This is the group which is
a frequent target for gang recruitment. She said this program should not include
intervention with actual street gangs; this should be left to the police.
Delores Holmes, Director of Family Focus, stated her support of the Committee's
attempt to define the problems which the program should address. This process
should be continued. A1d. Rudy invited her to submit her "list" of problems so
that they might be considered by the Committee.
Ald. Ream asked Bettye Palmer if she had a program proposal which the Committee
could review. Ms. Palmer distributed copies of a proposal entitled "CHOICE"
(Challenging and Helping Others in Choosing Excellence) to be sponsored by ENAW,
Ald. Rudy clarified that it was his understanding that this proposal had not yet
been approved by ENAW Board, and that this is the proposal being submitted to
ENAW. Ms. Palmer agreed that this is a draft proposal. The Committee agreed to
continue this discussion at the next meeting.
The Committee adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Helen McCarthy
Director of Health 6 H Services
cc: Joel Asprooth
Present:
Officials and
Staff Present:
Presidinit:
Minu tes
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
September 22, 1986
7:30 P.M.
Alds. Davis, Larson, Morton, Ream, Rudy, Wold
Ald. Drummer, Edna Summers, Ida Fitzgerald, Jeanne Fox,
Joel Asprooth, Helen McCarthy
Ald. Rudy
The minutes of the September 8, 1986 Human Services Committee meeting Were
approved as submitted.
Ald. Davis, who was absent at that meeting, asked for clarification regarding
the tentative funding level for community purchased services. She asked if the
Committee had considered whether funding for the streetworker program would come
out of the anticipated funding level of $375,272. The Committee agreed that
they had not specifically discussed funding for a streetworker program. Ald.
Wold stated that she would be reluctant to indicate, at this time, that funding
for the streetworker program would come out of the total funding available
through Unified Budgeting for ecnrmmunity purchased services.
Communications:
- Memorandum from Human Services Committee to Citv Council retarding Center
for Public Ministry funding request.
Ald. Morton raised a question about where the liability insurance expenses
are included in the budget of the Center for Public Ministry or the First
Baptist Church. She also asked when the increase in liability insurance
Went into effect. Ald. Davis raised questions about how the actual costs
for the Center compared to the original budget for the Center. She asked
staff whether other agencies had experienced liability insurance increases
in the last year. Ms. McCarthy said many agencies have experienced in-
creases, but not to the extent of the Center for Public Ministry's increase.
This specific information is now being requested of all agencies partici-
pating in the Unified Budget Panel process. Ald. Wold said she had addi-
tional questions about the specific breakdown of personnel costs, including
the salaries for each position. Rev. Thompson, from the Center for Public
Ministry, was not present at the meeting to respond to these questions.
Ald. Rudy suggested that he might arrive later in the meeting and could
respond at that time. Ald. Morton said that these answers should be pro-
vided in writing so the rest of the City Council would have access to this
information before a City Council vote. Ald. Wold moved that this item be
held over until the next Committee meeting when this information would be
available for the Committee and full City Council. The motion was seconded
by Ald. Rudy and was approved unanimously. Staff was asked to obtain infor-
mation from. the Center about where the liability insurance and utility coats
are included, the Center budget for 1985-86 and 1986-87, a breakdown of
personnel costs for the Center, and information about when the liability
insurance increase went into effect.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 9/22/86 ... 2
- Letter, dated September 3, 1986. from Cook County Legal Assistance Founda-
tion regarding human service funding priorities.
Ald. Wold asked whether the agency had received copies of the material
pertaining to Human Services Committee funding priorities, prior to the
Committee's consideration. Ms. McCarthy responded that the information
was sent to the agencies after the Human Services Committee's decision.
- Memorandum from Community Devleopment Block Grant {CDBG} Committee regard -
AU CDBG funding applications.
Ald. Rudy said that he would speak with Committee members about a repre-
sentative to attend CDBG Committee meetings. He asked staff to prepare
a rating form for the members to evaluate the proposals at a future
meeting.
- Memorandum from Mental Health Board regarding Blue Ribbon Committee on the
Homeless references.
- Letter, dated September 18, 1986, from Mental Health Association regarding
homeless activities.
Ald. Mold asked Jeanne Fox, Executive Director of the Mental Health Board,
what the Mental Health Board funds the Mental Health Association to do. Ms.
Fox explained that the Mental Health Board funding is to train volunteers who
are placed within community agencies. The Board does not fund the "companion"
program of the Mental Health Association. Ald. Wold suggested that the
Chairman forward a letter to the Mental Health Association thanking the
agency for its willingness to work with the homeless and suggest that the
agency consider participating in the Unified Budgeting Process during 1987.
Consideration of Youth/Gang Interventip Program
Aid. Morton commented that she had read the proposal from Beverly Brimm and
Bettye Palmer, submitted to Evanston Neighbors at Work, which called the pro-
posed program a "streetworker program". She suggested that the title was mis-
leading and should be changed. Bettye Palmer, a citizen in the audience, stated
that the program name would be changed to "Youth Intervention Program".
Ald. Rudy recognized Ald. Drummer who addressed the Committee. Ald. Drummer
introduced MacCarther Diggs and Don Colleton, representatives of COE-POPS.
Ald. Drummer stated that he is concerned that there has been no official City
response to the youth/gang crimes which have occurred this summer. In the past,
agencies, including the Police Department, Recreation Board, and COE-POPS have
developed programs and activities to respond to the youth crime issues, how-
ever, additional intervention programs including a streetworker component is
necessary. Ald. Davis asked for his thoughts regarding what program model
would be most useful at this time. Ald. Drummer said that what is needed is
one or two individuals to work 'one on one" with kids to make sure that exist-
ing service agencies are providing services which they are suppose to provide,
especially to youths who are in gangs or on the fringe of gangs. A street -
worker is needed to redirect gang members to other activities. Also a street -
worker is necessary to prevent high risk kids from joining gangs. The impor-
tant component is to get to know youth and to work closely with them to steer
them to more meaningful activities. Programs such as the COE-POPS "Adopt a
Child" program, whereby a youth is assigned to an adult who serves as a role
model, is a possible component of the program. Ald. Larson asked how COE-POPS
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 9/22/86 ... 3
defines "high risk" youth. Ald. Drummer stated that COE-POPS has worked with
about 365 youth and is very knowledgeable about which youth are at the highest
risk for gang involvement. COE-POPS knows the kids and knows which ones parti-
cipate in the gang ritual signs, habits and tattoos.
MacCarther Diggs, President of the Council of Elders, COE-POPS/COE-MUMS, Inc.,
addressed the Committee. He stated that through COE-POPS'work with youth, they
have gained an understanding of the "psychological profile" of high risk youth.
These youths usually come from families with many problems and the youths have
often participated in special education programs within the school system, and
lack self-esteem. It is necessary to coordinate the agencies that work With
these youths. A streetworker program is necessary to work with gang members
and to head -off violence before it escalates. Ald. Drummer stated that because
youth are very susceptible to older gang members, it is necessary to intervene
as early as possible. A streetworker will, by necessity, work with youth
at risk for gang membership, fringe gang members, and the core group of gang
members. Mr. Diggs stated that there now are several generations of gang members
in Evanston, and any approach the City would undertake must recognize that it is
a long term commitment to eliminate gangs - not a one or two year project.
Ald, study thanked Ald. Drummer and the representatives of COE-POPS for sharing
their views. He then asked the Committee to consider his memorandum, dated
September 18, which suggested a process for the Committee's consideration of
a youth/gang intervention program. Aid. Morton stated that she was concerned
that Ald. Rudy's process would repeat much of the consideration given to this
issue in the last several years by the Human Services Committee, Human Relations
Commission, and the G-tng Task Force. She shared with the Committee copies of
past materials, including the report of the Human Services Committee regarding
gangs and youth problems in Evanston, a summary of the Northwestern University
gang study entitled "Gangs and Youth Problems in Evanston: Research Findings and
Policy Options", 1983 minutes of joint meetings of the Human Services Cc=ittee
and the Human Relations Commission dealing with this topic, and several other
items related to gang programs. Ald. Morton suggested that with review of these
materials, the Committee could quickly agree as to problems to be addressed and
could complete the process outlined by Ald. Rudy much more quickly. Aid. Rudy
agreed that these materials are helpful in the Committee's process, however, it
is necessary for the Co=ittee to define what current problems need to be addressed
by a program. Ald. Rudy said that the prior program which was considered in 1984
and approved for 1985 was not successful because there was no communitywide agree-
ment on the problems to be addressed by a program and how the program should be
implemented. Ald. cold disagreed, stating that there was not a disagreement
about the problems to be addressed but that the program did not go forward be-
cause of "turf issues". There was no agreement on who should operate the program.
A considerable amount of time and effort was already spent on what a streetworker
should do. She expressed concern that the Committee might produce another "mini
gang study" which would not be productive. Ald. Rudy said he was concerned that
without a thorough process, we would end up fighting about the operation of the
program and conceivably end up with no program.
Ald. Davis emphasized the importance of beginning a program. We need to start a
program so that it has a chance to evolve into a program which best suits Evanston.
She shared a discussion with representatives of the Philadelphia intervention
program who visited in Evanston in 1984. Those representatives stated that the
program that began in Philadelphia changed each year in order to become the pro-
gram that it is today. It is not possible to think through all the details of a
program before it is begun. She suggested that the Committee's time should not
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 9/22/86 ... 4
be spent in redoing much of the Committee's past work. She suggested that staff
be asked to distill information from prior Committee reports about gang interven-
tion programs for information on steps 1, 2, and 3 of Ald. Rudy's memorandum
and submit a report. The Committee can then review the staff work and come to
a decision about the next steps to be taken. The Committee agreed to this pro-
cess.
Ald. Morton commented that the City has had many successes in relation to youth
programs and programs affecting gang involvement. Specifically the Police Depart-
ment, COE-POPS, Family Focus, and many community members such as Beverly Brimm
and Bettye Palmer have worked hard on programs to affect gang involvement. Aid.
Rudy agreed than there have been many successes. The issue of an intervention
program still needs to be resolved. Aid. Larson expressed concern over the con-
tinued vagueness around the term "bangs". He would like clarification of the
characteristics of the gangs which the Committee is planning to target with an
intervention program. Aid. Wold stated that she would like to review a final
proposal from Evanston Neighbors At Work when such a program is available. She
would also like an opportunity to review a proposal from BUILD. City Manager
Asprooth suggested that the Committee complete its work regarding the definition
of problems to be addressed prior to contacting BUILD for development of a pro-
posal.
(See page 4, last paragraph, for reference to a communication on this subject)
Township Issues
Supervisor Edna Summers joined the Committee.
- Monthly Report for August, 1986
Supervisor Summers commented that the caseload is still decreasing and that
to date the City has saved $30,518 as a result of having fewer cases than
budgeted. Aid. Davis raised a question on pages 3 and 4 of the report. On
page 3, if the total general assistance cases is 291, and the total client
days is 4,990, why on page 4 is the savings only $6,556 when in prior months
When the cases and client days were considerably higher, the savings was
similar" `Ss. Suers said she would get an answer for the Comsmictee.
Ms. Summers stated that the training program has begun. The Township decided
to purchase only part of the equipment in order to phase into the program.
Six students are currently in the clerical training program and are present
everyday, on time, and very enthusiastic learners.
- Bills List for August, 1986
- Approval of Township Contract Format
Supervisor Summers explained that she would like Committee approval of the
format for the Township contracts, examples of which were forwarded to the
Committee for a community purchase service (Family Focus, Inc.), for a
pharmacy (Osco Drugs), and for a health care provider (Ridge Health Care
Center). Ald. Wold moved approval of the contract format. The motion was
seconded by Ald. Ream and was approved unanimously.
- Meeting with Illinois Department of Public Aid
Supervisor Summers announced that she and representatives from the Township
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 9/22/86 ... 5
staff Will be going to Springfield on September 24, 1986, to meet with
representatives of the Illinois Department of Public Aid regarding the
impact on the Township of becoming a State receiving Township. She will
report on this tweeting at the Oc-.ober Committee meeting. In response to
a question, she stated that the Reta Reingruber case pertaining to Township
assistance to a homeless shelter client is still pending.
Ald. Rudy read aloud to the Committee a letter which he had received at the
start of the meeting. The letter from Hecky Powell, Executive Director of
Evanston Neighbors At Work, stated that the Evanston Neighbors At Work Advisory
Hoard would be meeting on October 1, 1986 to further ccnsider the Hrimm/Palmer
proposal for a gang intervention program.
The Cie ittee adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
*�jw �" 4-A'
Helen McCarthy
Director of Health an
Human Services
cc: Joel Asprooth
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
October 6, 1986
6:30 P.M.
Present: Alds. Davis, Larson, Morton, Ream, Rudy
Absent: Ald. Wold
Officials and Karen Hillman, Sara Busch, Thomas Fuechtmann, Nancy Brothers,
Staff Present: 'Mary Kennedy, Mary Ann McCudden, Adina Romain, Jan Molinaro,
Jeanne Fox, Owen Thomas, Jane Volberding, Judy Aiello, Bruce
Zimmerman, Helen McCarthy
Presiding: Ald. Rudy
Minu tes
The minutes of the Human Services Committee meeting of September 22, 1986, were
corrected as follows:
Page 4, paragraph 3 in parenthesis: (See page 4, last paragraph ....)
should read (See page 5, last paragraph ....)
With this correction, the minutes of the September 22. 1986 Human Services
Committee meeting were approved as submitted.
Communications:
- Report from Human Relations Commission on Fair housing Activities
Ald. Rudy asked that questions regarding this report be raised during the
Human Relations Commission budget discussion.
- Letter dated October 2., 1986 from the Center for Public Ministry with
additional information regarding funding request
Ald. Rudy re^-�rted on a conversation ::itii Ald. Brady in which she expressed
concern about the fact that this request had bypassed the Unified Budgeting
Process. Only a true emergency should be allowed to circumvent this process.
Since the utility and insurance costs had already been paid, this was not a
true emergency. She also had raised the possibility of asking the Unified
Budget Panel for input on this request. Ald. Rudy also reported that Ald.
wold, who could not attend this meeting due to a death in the family. had
expressed similar concerns. Ald. Ream told the Committee that the Center
for Public Ministry had come before the Unified Budget Panel for 1987-88
funding and had complied with the Unified Budgeting Process for next year.
Rev. Bob 'Thompson, Chair of the Center for Public Ministry, addressed the
Committee. He stated that the Blue Ribbon Committee's final report was not
accepted by City Council until August, 1986. The Center for Public Ministry
has complied with the Committee's direction to apply for Unified Budgeting
funds for the next fiscal year, however, the funding crisis is in the current
year and therefore the Center directed this request to the Human Services
Committee. The utility and insurance payments have already been made by the
First Baptist Church and the church is in desperate need for reimhursemc nt
of these costs by the end of the 1986 calendar rear. The Center has attempted
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 10/6/86 ... 2
to meet needs of an unpredictable and unorthodox population. This request
to Human Services Committee is the "last resort" for the Center. Also,
members of the Center Board have loaned money to the Center for operating
costs. The Center is having cash flow difficulties which this funding could
help. He asked the Committee to proceed with this funding and not delay the
request until the Unified Budget Panel could review it.
In response to a question from Ald. Morton regarding the understanding between
the Center and the First Baptist Church regarding shelter costs, Rev. Thompson
stated the agreement has been that the church would be reimbursed for extra
costs. If not reimbursed, the congregation will begin to ask "How can we
continue to support the shelter?" In response to a question from Ald. Davis
Rev. Thompson stated that the date by which these funds must be received by
the church would be December 31, 1986.
Aid. Davis expressed concern about how other agencies, who also may be faced
with cash flow problems will react to a grant which is totally outside the
Unified Budgeting process. She suggested the possibility of the City funding
the Center one-half of the request now and making a second payment in an amount
still to be determined after the Unified Budget Panel has completed its de-
cision process. A discussion ensued about how the Unified Budget Panel de-
cision could relate to the current funding request. In response to a question,
Ms. McCarthy stated that the Human Services Committee could request that the
Unified Budget Panel review the 1985-86 funding request as a special item for
consideration in addition to the 1986-87 request. Ald. Morton stated that she
did not want to circumvent the Unified Budgeting Process and that perhaps a
two-step funding process might be a compromise to assure that the Center re-
ceived some funding. Ald. Rudy stated that the Unified Budget Panel would
have little to add to the Committ:e's information about this funding request.
The Unified Budget Panel would probd51y arrive at the same conclusion that
these funds are needed by the Center for the current year. Therefore, he
recommends that the Committee stick t- :ts original notion to fund the Center
in the amount of $10,000. If the City Council does not approve the S10,000
request, then an alternative motion could be made to recommend $5,000 funding
now with additional funding after the Unified Budget Panel has made its fund-
ing decisions. Ald. Larson moved and Ald. Morton seconded a motion that the
Committee recommend funding in the amount of $10,000 with the alternative fund-
ing arrangement to be proposed if necessary. The motion passed; 4 ayes, 1 nay
(Ald. Davis voting "nay")
- The following communications were distributed at the meeting:
s A letter from Hecky Powell, Director CEDA, Neighbors At Work, dated October
6, 1986, regarding the administration of CHOICE proposal.
• A letter from Ivan Lippitz, dated October 6, 1986, with recommendations re-
garding gangs and crimes.
• Two flyers from the Evanston Youth Encounter Services (EYES)
- Ald. Rudy also announced receipt of a letter from the Evanston Ecumenical
Action Council, dated September 29, 1986, and asked that staff distribute
copies of this letter to the Committee for the next meeting.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 10/6/86 ... 3
Youth/Gang Intervention Program
The Committee reviewed the staff memorandum, dated October 2, 1986, which out-
lined the problems that could be addressed by an intervention program, and the
current services in the community addressing these problems. Ald. Morton stated
that there is still a lack of data to verify the problem. We do not have suf-
ficient information about who we should be working with - adult gang members,
teenagers, high school students, middle school students or younger kids. She
read the letter which had been received by Hecky Powell, Executive Director of
Evanston Neighbors At Bork, regarding the CHOICE proposal submitted by Beverly
$Timm and Bettye Palmer. The letter stated that Neighbors At Work had decided
not to administer the CHOICE program. The CHOICE proposal identifies the special
education students as the target population for the program. We need additional
information from the Police Department and others about the gang population.
Ald. Larson stated that the staff report was a good start in identifying the
"holes" where services are not provided. He suggested that a sixth problem should
be added to the list, to read: "Children who grow up with little or no parental
support or supervision." He stated that this problem differs from problem 5,
where parents want assistance in dealing with their teenagers; rather there are
other parents who do not have these concerns but should. He also suggested that
a subset of problem 3 and/or 4 should relate to youth who are susceptible to gang
influence who have relatives, particularly brothers, who are gang members, as
opposed to those youth with nofamilial involvement with gangs. He also suggested
that it would be helpful to make a distinction between adult gangs and youth
gangs.
Ald. Davis discussed the two gaps identified in the staff memorandum, specifically,
that there is no streetworker program designed to reduce gang violence and crimi-
nal activity, and second, that there is no one agency identified as responsible
for coordinating services to gang members and youth at risk for gang membership.
We know these gaps exist from all of the material which was collected in the past,
and from parents and others. Ald. Study stated that there is also no one indivi-
dual assigned to oversee the total community effort to reduce gang activity.
Ald. Horton proposed that we get detailed information from the Police Department
regarding gang activity and gang members, including total numbers involved and
ages of these persons. Also, the Police Department should be asked to provide
information to the Committee about youth crises, whether or not they are gang
related. Youth who commit crimes may not be involved in gangs, therefore, we
need information about deviant behavior of youth even if it is not gang related.
Ald. Ream agreed that the focus should be on youth crime and not necessarily gang
related crime. Ms. McCarthy stated that she would request this information from
the Police Department.
Ald. Ream thanked Ivan Lippitz for the material which he submitted to the Com-
mittee. He also indicated that the EYES program should be added to the list of
services prepared by staff. Ald. Rudy recognized several people from the audience.
Delores Holmes, Director of Family Focus Our Place, distributed a memo to the
Committee and commended the Committee for its process in identifying the problems
to be addressed by a program. The Mayor's Gang Task Force had identified the need
for an intervention program to reduce gang violence, however longer term solu-
tions are also necessary. In particular, there is no one coordinating services
for youth in the community. This is a void which needs to be addressed. James
Massie from the EYES program described the activities provided hV it FS. lie
pointed out that the community can't "write off" gang members and additional
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 10/6/86 ... 4
effort needs to he made to get tb Rm into nther activities. Youth between the
ages of 14 to 20, with a target group of 14 to 18, sh-:�uld be addressed. The EYES
program should be considered as a potential resource for operating an interven-
tion program. Kay Muller stated that she was part of an effort in Arlington
Heights twelve years ago to deal with youth crime. They started a "counselor in
the park" program which has been very effective. Evanston needs to address the
youth crime problem. Ald. Rudy stated that Evanston has many services which work
with high risk youth, and now is considering a more intensive intervention pro-
gram.
Ald. Rudy stated that the next step in the process which he had outlined is to
get input from others, including the Police Department, agencies and the general
public about the problems to be addressed and the gaps in services.
Human Relations Commission Bud&et
Commission Chair Karen Hillman, Sara Busch, and Tom Fuechtmann. and staff members
Owen Thomas, Judy Jager, Brenda Huff, and Bob Ducharme joined the Committee. Ms.
Hillman introduced the budget which had been transmitted to the Committee explain-
ing that the budget is a "hold the line" budget with only a 1.5% increase. The
Commission has been working on revisions to the Fair Housing Ordinance which will
be presented to the Committee. Tots Fuechtmann stated his concern regarding pat-
terns of complaints to the Human Relations Commission. He commented on the sig-
nificant racial change in the Oakton School area. He also remarked an the number
of homes for sale in this area. It is important to watch closely these issues.
In response to a question about fair housing education, Mr. Thomas explained that
the Human Relations Commission is focusing on brokers as the target population.
The North Shore Board of Realtors has its own program and the Human Relations
Commission is trying to reach those not connected with the North Shore Board.
The Commission invites realtors who have offices outside of town to the educa-
tional programs. In response to a question about what the Commission would do
if the CDBG Committee does not recommend full funding for the Fair Housing pro-
gram, Ms. Hillman stated that the Commission would come to the City for full fund-
ing of the program. In response to a question about the level of block club
activities, Mr. Thomas stated that through a student intern a newsletter goes
to block clubs to share ideas and information about activities, and the Commission
staff, particularly `is. Huff, assists new buck clubs to form. in response to
a question about the notion of registration of small rental buildings. Mr. Thomas
indicated that this is being worked on with City staff. It may be necessary to
do more than a registration program. Ald. Larson said that it would be very use-
ful to have a good data base regarding the racial composition and family composi-
tion of apartment buildings. He recommended that this could be done; that a
survey of this information could possibly be done by student interns and could
be conducted by phone. He agreed to work with the Commission on developing such
information. Mr. Thomas advised the Committee that the Commission is short two
members and is in need of more minority representation. The Committee agreed
to make its suggestions to the Mayor for new members.
The Committee thanked the Commission for its budget presentation.
Commission On Aging, Budget Review
Commission Chairperson Nancy Brothers, Mary Ann McCudden, Mary Kennedy, Adina
Remain, B.J. Thomas, and staff members, Jane Volberding and Carolyn Wanner joined
the Committee. its. Brothers summarized the plans of the Commission for the coming
year. She also reported on last year's activities including many changes in
Commissioners and a change in Executive Director. 14s. Volberding's legal and
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 10/6/86 ... 5
institutional background will be a great asset to the Commission. The major
program, priorities for the coming year are long term care, housing and inter -
generational activities. Dee Rnmain reported on the Intergenerational Program
in which the Commission is working to include intergenerational activities into
the District 65 curriculum, and to identify resources available to teachers to
bring senior adults into the schools. Mary Ann McCudden reported that the Long
Term Care Committee monitors Health Department evaluations of facilities and
looks at ways of improving effectiveness of staff at nursing homes; has or-
ganized a clothing drive for nursing home residents; has worked on the develop-
ment of family councils; and has worked on a position paper regarding living
wills. In response to a question from Ald. Morton regarding living wills, Ms.
McCudden explained that a living will is to limit the care provided to a resident
in the last stages of life. It is a complicated issue because it is a fine line
between taking necessary care of a patient without prolonging care.
Ald. Davis commended the Commission for its Committee structure. She asked for
information regarding the Commission's plans for congregate housing. B.J. Thomas
explained the the Housing Committee has been newly reorganized and is research-
ing various housing models. Ms. Volberding explained that the Committee will
prepare guidelines for a congregate model which could make it easier for poten-
tial developers to implement a project. Ms. Thomas stated that the Commission
objective related to a congregate housing site being developed by early 1981 is
realistic. In response to a question regarding contractual services, Ms. Volber-
ding explained that this account includes training, printing, auto allowance,
and similar expenses. 'Other Charges" refers to fringe benefit costs such as
medical, life insurance and pension. In response to a question regarding input
from the Commission on Aging to the Recreation Board concerning Levy Center
activities, the Commission and Ms. McCarthy responded that there is no formal
mechanism for Commission on Aging involvment. In response to a question about
the emergency respite care program, Ms. Kennedy explained that the Commission
is planning to train volunteers who can relieve primary care givers from the
care of someone in their own homes.
The Committee thanked the Commission for a clear budget presentation and for a
budget with such a modest increase.
Farmers' Market Commission Budget Review
Jan Molinaro, Chairman, and Judy Aiello, staff, joined the Committee. Ms.
Molinaro summarized the budget for the Committee. In response to a question
about the future location of the Farmers' Market, Ms. Molinaro explained the
the Commission believes that the market should be maintained in the downtown
area; if not in the Benson/Maple area, possibly on Oak Street adjacent to Shand
Morahan if parking could be made available. Access to public transporation is
very important. Ms. Aiello stated that there are several graduate students in
Business Administration who are researching alternate marketing strategies
for the Farmers' Market. In response to a question from Ald. Davis regarding,
actual revenue for 1986-87, Ms. Aiello stated that the actual revenue is running
lower than anticipated. The Commission would consider short term stall space
for farmers who want to participate on two or three Saturdays. In response to
a question about entertainment at the market, Ms. Molinaro stated that the
Commission encourages music students and others to provide entertainment.
The Committee thanked the Commission for its budget presentation.
The Committee adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Helen McCarthy, Director of�J
cc: Joel Asprooth
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
October 20, 1986
6:30 P.M.
Present: Aldo. Davis, Larson, Morton, Ream. Rudy, Wold
Officials and Edna Summers, Anna Willis, Glennis Lundberg, Walter Clements,
Staff Present: Richard Lanyon, Mary Anne Cappo, Don Wright, Marilyn Price,
Charles Harrison, Richard Lassar, Joe Zendell, Donna Hriljac,
Susan Fous, Charles Klosterman, Cheryl Wollin, Dennis Ceplecha,
Jeanne Fox, Bruce Zimmerman, Helen McCarthy, B.J. Jahnke
Presiding: A.M. Rudy
Minutes
The minutes of the Human Services Committee meeting of October 6, 1986 were
approved as submitted.
Communications:
- Letter dated September 29, 1986 from Evanston Ecumenical Action Council
re Homeless
Aid. Wold moved, seconded by Ald. steam, chat the Committee invite the
Evanston Ecumenical Action Council to meet with the Committee to discuss
how the job placement program of the Hospitality Center for the Homeless
will relate to other job related agencies. The Committee agreed to invite
EEAC as soon as the budget hearings of the Committee are completed. The
motion passed unanimously.
- Staff report re City Emergency Assistance FEMA Program
In response to a question from Ald. Davis about the low number of nights in
which shelter was Provided through the program, Ms. McCarthy explained that
the emergency shelter needs of individuals are being met through the homeless
shelter at the First Baptist Church. The 13 nights of temporary shelter
provided through the FE211A program represent overnight shelter for families.
This continues to be a need in the community. In response to a question
from Ald. Wold about the families identified as "previously assisted". Ms.
McCarthy explained that these referred to families who have been assisted
during the year for food or utility assistance.
- Memorandum from Director of Evanston Mental Health Board regarding Regional
Housing Plan and Other Items
Ordinance 117-0-86 regarding Extension of Licensing Provisions for Temporary.
Shelters for the Homeless
Ald. Davis moved, seconded by Ald. Wold, to introduce Ordinance 117-0-86 to City
Council. Motion passed unanimously.
Review of CDBG Public Service Funding Requests
Ald. Rudy announced his willingness to attend the Community Development Block
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 10/20/86 ... 2
Grant (CDBG) Committee meeting on October 28, 1986, and to represent the Human
Services Committee regarding the public service funding requests to the CDBG
Committee. Ald. Wold moved that Ald. Rudy represent the Committee. Seconded by
Ald. Ream, the motion passed unanimously.
The Committee members turned in ranking forms for the public service projects for
staff to compile and submit to the CDBG Committee. In response to questizns about
the Emergency Assistance request of $117.000, Ms. McCarthy explained that this
request included all of the funding covered by the General Fund in the current
year, as well as restoring the staff positions which had been eliminated from
the budget in this year. In response to a question from Ald. Larson about what
the request from each agency had been for the current year's allocation, Ms.
McCarthy stated that she did not have this information at this time. She re-
called that the Emergency Assistance request was $109,000*. In response to a
question from Ald. Morton regarding the request from the Earn and Learn program,
Ms. McCarthy explained that this is funding for the summer employment program
and is similar to the current program funded through the CDBG. The Committee
discussed the possibility of the ALERT Newsletter being funded by the Police
Department and suggested that the CDBG Committee may want to consider this.
Township Issues:
Supervisor Summers and General Assistance Director Anna Millis joined the Com-
mittee. Ms. Summers distributed three additional communications: a memorandum
from .Julian Coleman, Township Accountant. dated October 20, 1986, explaining
G.A. client days; a memorandum from the Supervisor to the ASPW Committee regard-
ing travel for the Township staff; and a report to the community prepared by
the Township Supervisor.
- Monthly Report for September, 1986
The Committee reviewed page 12, regarding cash savings in relation to the
memorandum from the Township accountant. Ms. Willis explained that several
years ago, a procedure had been developed to count case days as well as cases,
due to the fact that many cases are assisted for less than 30 days in a month.
This information is currently collected manually by the caseworkers. This
procedure is being reviewed to order to arrive at a more accurate count of
days in which clients are assisted. Ald. Davis encouraged the Township to
develop an improved system so that the savings incurred as a result of fewer
case days in a month could be accurately recorded. She stated that at the
next meeting with the Township, she would like information as to whether the
balance of the outstanding loan of $127,500 could be paid off early as a result
of savings in expenditures to date. Ms. Summers stated that $127,500 of the
loan as been paid of:, and an additional $127,500 remains.
- Township Bills for September, 1986
The Committee requested that the reference to Township Bills be deleted from
future agendas.
- Supervisor's Report
Supervisor Summers reported that she and staff had visited Springfield to dis-
the ramifications of becoming a State receiving township. Very shortly, she
* Actual appropriation for 85-86 was $109,000. Request for 86-87 was $121,000.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 10/20/86 ... 3
will submit a spreadsheet to the Committee which will compare the program
of "receiving" and "non -receiving" townships. She also reported that the
Township had held a meeting with general assistance clients. Aid. Rudy had
participated as Chair of the Human Services Committee. Mtis was an opportu-
nity to explain Township programs and policies to all the clients. She felt
it was a worthwhile meeting that may be repeated in the future. In response
to a question from Aid. Ream on how the Township might publicize its accom-
plishments, Supervisor Summers explained that that was the purpose of the
"letter to the community" which she sent to a number of agencies and organi-
zations. The Committee suggested that the Township consider an item in the
new City newsletter going to all the residents of the community.
Library Board Recommendation for Architectural Design Competition for Expansion
of the Main Library
Glennis Lundberg, Library Board President, and Board members Richard Lanyon,
Jay Caron, Walter Clements, Mary Anne Cappo, and Don Wright, Director joined
the Committee.
Glennis Lundberg announced that the new Bookmobile will start service next week.
She then summarized the memorandum regarding the recommendation for an architec-
tural competition. In response to questions, Board members explained that the
Library Board is recommending that a totally new Library facility be created in
two phases. The first phase would construct a new building to the east of the
current site and linked to the existing building. In the second phase, the
existing building would be replaced with a new facility. It would be possible,
but not desirable, to complete only the first phase and not actually replace the
existing building. It is anticipated that the new building would be built in the
small parking lot east of the Library and may extend into the alley, the space
currently occupied by the small house west of the Women's Club, and part of the
larger City parking lot. Mr. Lanyon explained that several options are being
reviewed related to the use of the alley, including leaving the alley intact,
diverting the alley, or building a cul-de-sac at the end of the alley. These
options are being reviewed by City staff. In response to questions regarding
the commitment being made by the City in embarking on competition, Mr. Lannon
explained that the City could always decide not to build any one of the designs
submitted. Usually the prize in such competitions is the construction of the
winner's design. If it was determined that no design was appropriate, than
another prize could be awarded. This is unlikely to happen because usually such
competitions elicit a wide variety of excellent designs. In response to questions
regarding costs of the competition, Mr. Wright stated that a professional advisor
would be hired to conduct the contest. Typically, the cost of such a competition
is equal to the cost of having design drawings completed by architect. It is
hoped that the results of the competition, due to the variety of designs sub-
mitted, Would be better than merely contracting with one architect. Ms. Lundberg
stated that the Board anticipates that the competition can be paid for through
separate donations to the Library and not not through the regular Library budget.
If the cost exceeds the contributions, the Board may return to the Committee to
request additional funding.
Aid. Morton questioned whether a City Council resolution was necessary and asked
whether the Board could proceed with the competition without City Council action.
Ms. Lundberg stated that she believes that City Council support at this point
was essential to proceeding. Ald. Davis stated that the competition could pro-
vide the necessary information, both design and financial, that would enable the
City Council to make a decision about the future of the Library. Ald. Wold moved
that a resolution be submitted to the City Council on November 10, 1986, endorsing
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 10/20/86 ... 4
the recommendation of the Library Board for an architectural competition. The
motion was seconded by Ald. Ream and passed unanimously. The Committee 'asked
staff to prepare a cover memorandum to accompany the resolution which would
respond to many of the questions raised by the Committee: explanation of the
two phase process for the Library expansion, an explanation of the cost of the
competition and of the fact that the competition does not commit the City Council
to proceed with the construction of a Library.
Review of Library Board Budget
Hs. Lundberg summarized two major needs of the Library at this time. First. she
explained that there is a dire need to improve the collection based on studies
of the book collection made in the last year. The study revealed that the adult
non-fiction collection had serious gaps and that the classics are seriously Worn
out and seed to be replaced. Study of the children's section will be made in the
Coming year. The Board took many steps to preserve the collection, including
grant applications, continuation of the Holiday Book Fund, and the establishment
of an Endowment Fund for the purchase of books. The Board is recommending a book
collection budget items of $30,073. This will restore the funds lost last year
and will provide for inflation. The second major need of the Library is to
stengthen user services by increasing the Library staff by two part-time employ-
ees. A Library Clerk at the circulation desk and a Library Technical Assistant
for the AV periodicals desk. 'These staff needs are based on the enormous in-
crease in circulation and in services to users without any increase in staff.
Therefore, the Board is recommending that these two positions be added to the
Library Board budget at a cost of $13,510.
In response to a question, the Board explained that the increase in the book col-
lection was included in the budget submitted to the Committee. The additional
staff are not included in the budget submitted and would be a cost above the total
request of $1,851,650. Ald. Wold stated that in light of the budget problems of
the City, she has a hard time supporting the Board's projected increase of 3.4h
and would find it even harder to approve the additional funding for the staff
positions. She asked whether trained volunteers could carry on these functions.
Mr. Wright explained that volunteers are now used in the book sale and in the
North Branch of the Library. A total of 75 volunteers currently work at the
Library. It would not be possible to use volunteers at the circulation desk due
to the multiplicity of tasks and the public relations functions that are carried
on there; it might be possible to use volunteers at the AV periodicals desk.
Aid. cold moved that the Library Board and staff meet to arrive at a new budget
which is within the 1.5% budget guidelines. In response to a question. Ms. Lund-
berg stated that the proposed budget with the staff increases included is approxi-
mately a 5: increase. She explained that between 1980 and 1985, there has been
an increase in workload of 120% with no personnel increase. Mary Anne Cappo
urged the Committee to consider exceeding the budget guideline for the Library.
She stated that the Library is an essential rather than a desirable activity.
After visiting other libraries in adjacent communities, she is very concerned
about how far behind the Evanston Library is. It is a credit to the staff that
they have been able to perform so much work with no staff increases. Ald. Wold
stated that unfortunately City staff have been decreased in many departments,
and that we are in a position to have to find ways to do with what we have rather
than funding increases. It is important for the Library to look again at the
budget and to see if any alternatives exist. Ald. Morton said that although she
agrees with the budget guidelines, she is very concerned about the Library col-
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 10/20/86 ... 5
lection, this is one place where the City has an obligation to maintain services.
The motion passed unanimously.
Review of Arts Council Budget
Marilyn Price, Chairman of the Arts Council, Charles Harrison, Richard I.assar,
and Arts Council Director Joe Zendell joined the Committee.
In response to a question regarding the total budget increase, Mr. Zimmerman,
Assistant City Manager, explained that although the total budget increased 4.3%.
the City support is within the guideline of 1.5%. This is due to the outside
revenue collected by the Arts Council. In response to a question from Ald. Davis
regarding a decrease in community service performed by the tenants, Ma. Price
explained that although the amount of City support in the Noyes budget decreases,
and thereby the amount of tenant community service required decreases, in actuality
the tenants provide more community service than is required. The estimate of the
value of community services listed as $77,409 in 85-85 is an actual figure, while
the projected figure for 87-88 is $11,700, however, due to past experience it
is expected that the tenant community service will greatly exceed this amount.
In response to questions about the Arts and Recreation magazine, Ms. Price ex-
plained that the grant from American Hospital Supply is for a five year period,
that there has been a great cooperation between the Recreation Department and
Arts Council staff, and that the advertisement sales for the magazine has exceeded
projection. Much of the magazine's success is related to its high quality.
Residents read the magazine because of its quality. In response to a question
about the Performing Arts Center, Ms. Price explained that the Arts Council is
not taking a leadership role in relation to the Performing Arts Center but is
lending support for a downtown theater. Joe Zendell explained that the data re-
garding the economic impact of the arts on business is being analyzed and a
report will be submitted to the Human Services Committee shortly. Ald. Wold
moved and Ald. Ream seconded a motion to tentatively accept the Arts Council
budget. The motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Price asked the Committee to look carefully at the Arts Council budget options
which were submitted by the City Manager to the City Council. She explained that
budget cuts totalling $33,000 included the Affirmative Action program and the
Evanston Arts Leek. This ::eu?d mean the elimination of the Ethnic Arts =estival
which was extremely successful this summer, and would eliminate an assistant
to the Director, whose salary is substantially funded through the Illinois Arts
Council and private foundations. The elimination of the Evanston Arts Week
would mean the loss of the main opportunity for the Arts Council to showcase the
Evanston arts scene and would be devastating to the Council programs.
Environmental Control Board Budget Review
Board Chairman Donna Hriljac, Board members Susan Fous, Charles Klosterman,
Cheryl Wollin, and staff Dennis Ceplecha joined the Committee. Ms. Hriljac
summarized the proposed budget indicating that both the total appropriation
and the total City support for the Ecology Center is reduced in the proposed
budget. She also stated that the Environmental Control Board has agreed to
support the Research Park Environmental Oversight Committee report. In response
to a question, she described the "depressed market" for paper. She indicated
that the price fur recycled paper has been reduced from $25 per ton to $5 per
ton. She explained that the Chicago Tribune and the Pioneer Press do not use
recycled paper; the Sun --Times uses 40% recycled paper. Due to improved tech-
nology, the look of recycled paper has been greatly improved. The Board has
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 10/20/86 ... 6
approached the Pioneer Press to request that they use recycled paper, and to
run ads for the Recycling Center. She indicated that an additional benefit of
recycled paper is the lower cost of transporting the paper to the landfill.
In response to a question about Keep America Beautiful campaign, Ms. Hriljac
explained that this program is not included as part of the Environmental Control
Board budget, however, the Board works closely with this program. They have
worked joi:.tly on experimenting with curbside recycling and will shortly dis-
tribute car litter bags in the next Earn and Learn distribution. They are also
working with the Dempster/Dodge Developers to develop ways to manage litter
arising from the increase in fast food establishments. Ald. Wold moved, seconded
by Ald. Larson, to tentatively approve the Environmental Control Board budget.
The motion was passed unanimously. Ald. Rears stated that in his role as alder -
manic liaison to the Board. he is very impressed with the dedicated Work of the
Environmental Control Board members.
Schedule of Meeting to Discuss Gang Intervention Pro ram
The Committee decided to meet on Thursday, November 6. 1986 at 8:00 p.m. to hear
the Police Department's report on gangs and to discuss a possible intervention
program.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
^tL�
Helen McCarthy, Director off
Health and Human Services
cc: Joel Asprooth
Present:
Absent:
Officials and
Staff Present:
Presiding:
Minu tes
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTER
November 6, 1986
8:00 P.M.
Alds. Larson, Ream, Rudy, Wold
Alds. Davis, Morton
Ald. Collens, Police Chief Logan, Sgt. Michael Gresham,
Jeanne Fox, Oven Thomas, Sara Busch, Helen McCarthy
Ald. Rudy, Chair
The minutes of the Human Services Committee meeting of October 20, 1986 were
approved as submitted.
Communications:
- C.H.O.I.C.E. Proposal submitted by Brimm/Palmer
- Staff letter to Community Agencies
Consideration of Youth/Cant; Intervention Program
Chairman Rudy invited Police Chief Logan and Sgt. Michael Gresham of the Gang -
Crime unit to join the Committee. Chief Logan summarized the report submitted
to the Committee entitled "An Assessment of Evanston Gangs: September 1986"
Chief Logan stated that in submitting this report, he is living up to a prior
commitment to update the Committee on the gang situation in Evanston. This
report compares the level of gang activity in March, 1984 to the level of gang
activity in September, 1986. This is the Police Department's assessment of
gang activity and does not necessarily reflect the public's assessment cf that
activity. Tile nature and extent of gang activity has changed dramatically since
1984. Specifically, the number of gangs has dropped from eight to four, and the
number of gang members has decreased from 440 gang members to 125 members. The
age range of gang members in 1984 was 16 to 36, while the age range in 1986 is
17 to 21. This means that the older gang leaders have been replaced by younger
less experienced persons. Gang members are divided between three groups: hard
core, marginal, and mythical. Marginal and mythical membership decreased more
than hard core membership. Hard core members are now 82: of all Kann; members,
as compared to 1984 when 56Z were hard core members. Of the 125 gang members,
23% are currently in ,jail. Of the members remaining in the community, 351 have
cases pending, 10% are on probation or parole, And 32% are not in the criminal
justice system. The reduction in gang membership is largely due to successful
prosecution of gang members, and gang members leaving the Evanston community.
In addition, many programs and services in the community have had an impact on
turning marginal and mythical gang members away from gangs into other activities.
Chief Logan indicated that gangs are still a significant threat to the Evanston
community. First, the current gang members are involved in much more violent
criminal activity than in the past. Second, there is a real potential for gams
to regain their numbers and strength if police and community pressures ease up.
Now is a good time to focus on development of an intervention program to prevent
Human Services Committee
November b, 1986 . 2
gang membership. Such an intervention program should address young and periph-
eral gang members, should deal with a broad range of other juvenile delinquent
behaviors and problems, should provide a support system to families, and should
coordinate efforts of youth serving agencies. He emphasized the importance of
dealing with the total problem of youth crime and delinquency, and not just gang
activity. In 1985, there were 1200 juvenile arrests. which is 39% of all the
arrests in Evanston. This includes arrests for robberies, burglaries, thefts,
weapons charges, narcotics, and disorderly conduct.
Chief Logan responded to a number of questions from the Committee.
Question: Has there been a decline in drug problems along with a decline
in gang membership?
Answer: No. There is an increase in drug Problems.
Question: How has youth crime (not specifically gang related) changed in
the last two or three years?
Answer: There was a slight increase in youth crime in 1983, and a slight
decrease in 1984 and 1985. Overall youth crime has remained
relatively static.
Question: Does it matter if youth crime is gang related or not?
Answer: Crime is crime, although I am encouraged if youth crime is not
gang related.
Question: Since gang crime is reduced, is there any possibility that the
Gang Crime Unit could be diverted to work with general delinquency?
Answer: No. It is important for the Gang Crime Unit to be focused ex-
clusively on gangs.
Question: Since the majority of gang members now are hard core, and assuming
that it is the Police Department's job to work with this group,
is it reasonable that a youth intervention program now should be
involved with preventing youth delinquency?
Answer: Younger people and young people other than gang members should be
the emphasis of an intervention program.
Question: Do gang members who are on parole or probation comply with their
probation requirements?
Answer: Some do, many don't.
Question: How is the Police Department's communication with the State
Attorney's Office and the Parole Office?
Answer: Communication is excellent.
Question: Is there a correlation between the smaller size of the gangs and
the increased violence? Could it be that the gangs are threatened
and therefore more violent?
Answer: Yes, there is a correlation.
Human Services Committee
November 6, 1986 ... 3
Question: Are there juveniles who commit crimes in groups but who are not part
of adult gangs?
Answer: Probably yes. Whether or not you call this a gang is a question.
Question: Of the current gang members who are not involved in the criminal
justice system, could they be targeted by a youth intervention
program?
Answer: Yes.
Question: What position should we take in relation to a streetworker becoming
knowledgeable about an impending crime? Should that person report
this to the police?
Answer: This is similar to the situation with Police Outreach workers. We
do not expect them to come to us with this kind of information un-
less there is a serious crime being contemplated. If another agency
is providing an intervention program, we could not expect them to
come to the police With this information.
Question: How do you characterize the relationship between younger people at
risk who are "gang admirers" and hard core gang members?
Answer: A large number are brothers, cousins, nephews of gang members.
Question: How do you know who are hard core gang members?
Answer: They attend gang meetings, they preach gang philosophy, they wear
gang tattoos or colors, they admit to being a gang member, their
friends or informants identify them as gang members or other gang
members identify them.
Question: How does the Gang Crime Unit relate to these gang members?
Answer: We keep pressure on them to get out of the gang or move out of town.
Increasingly, gang members are coming to the police to file a com-
plaint against a member of another gang.
Question: Do hard core gang members often abuse drugs?
Answer: Most use some drug - marijuana, alcohol or cocaine.
Question: Do they have families in Evanston?
Answer: Most have family in the community.
Question: Will it be possible to involve family members of gang members or
potential gang members in a program?
Answer: We must try. A program will only be successful if we work with
families. Many of these families are not able to cope.
Ms. McCarthy was asked how we could deal with the issue of sharing information
about youth between agencies. Ms. McCarthy indicated that it is important for
agencies to communicate about youth and families as to youth behaviors and
progress being made. Confidentiality is a significant question that will need
to be Worked out among the schools and the agencies involved.
Chairman Rudy recognized citizens in the audience.
Human Services Committee
November 6, 1986 ... 4
Ivan Lippitz questioned whether youth involved in criminal activity, such as
pushing drugs, can make more money than in gainful employment. Chief Logan
responded "yes". Mr. Lippitz also asked if current agencies are doing what
they should be. Chief Logan indicated that he did not have information to
answer that question.
Beverly Brimm responded to the question raised about confidentiality. She stated
that the need is for being a resource to families who are so caught up in their
own situation that they don't know the resources available. The need is for
networking between agencies. It is not necessary to share confidential informa-
tion in order to help a family. An advocate for parents is needed.
Mary Dolphin said that we may all be abusing children. We need to help children
and families as early as possible. The Police Department is not the only insti-
tution responsible for crime.
The Committee discussed the next steps in designing a youth intervention program.
Ald. Rudy suggested the possibility of a subcommittee to make a recommendation
regarding an intervention program and report back to the Committee. Aid. Rudy
stated that although Ald. Davis, the next Committee Chairman, was not able to
attend this meeting, he had discussed with her a suggestion thst a subcommittee
be formed to make a recommendation for a youth intervention program back to the
Committee. Ald. Nold suggested that Aid. Morton be contacted to be on the Com-
mittee. Aids. Larson and Ream expressed interest in serving on the subcommittee.
Owen Thomas, Director of the Human Relations Commission, asked the Committee if
it had concluded that there is a need for a youth intervention program. It is
important to make that commitment prior to a subcommittee designing a program.
The Committee agreed that such a commitment should only be made when the full
Committee is present.
Aid. Rudy recognized a citizen, Peggy Tarr. Ms. Tarr recommended that a sub-
committee include youth who could provide input into what program would be effec-
tive. Youth are experiencing many problems and a lot of parents need support in
dealing with these problems. 'ts. Dophin also recommended that youth have input
into the subcommittee. Betty Palmer announced that a Youth Reaction Committee
of youth 14 to 19 years old would be held at the Fleetwood/Jourdain Community
Center on Saturday, November 8th. This will be an opportunity for youth to have
input into the program of the Parents Action Council. Owen Thomas stated that
he would forward copies of the minutes of a community meeting held in 1982 regard-
ing a need for a youth intervention program. This input could be valuable to
the Committee.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Helen4�u '
McCarthy, Director cf
Health and Human Services
cc: Joel Asprooth
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
November 10, 1986
7:00 P.H.
Present: Aldo. Davis, Larson, Morton, Ream, Rudy, Wold
Officials and Judith DeStefano, Julie Harris, Henry Krasnow, Janet Webb,
Staff Present: David Williams, Jay Carow, Don Wirth, Jean Ann Shulse,
Don Wright, Bruce Zimmerman, Jeanne Fox, Heal Laatsch,
John Ball, Alberta Lauterbach, Ken Wenzel, Helen McCarthy
Presiding.: Ald. Davis, Chair
Communications:
- Letter to Evanston Ecumenical Action Council regardinR Employment Needs
of Homeless
- Letter from Levv Senior Center Advisory_ Commirtee regarding Recreation
Board Bud&,!�t
The Committee decided to defer discussion of this until the review of the
Recreation Board budget.
- Memorandum from human Relations Commission regarding Kellogg Graduate
School of Management Student Publication, Pro Forma
- Memorandum from Human Relations Commission Staff regarding Fair Housinv%
Program Entrance/Exit Interview Forms
Ald. Davis suggested that the cover letter accompanying the questionnaire
might be more slecific as to how the information is being used.
Consideration of Resolution 92-R-86 endorsing an Architectural Competition for
the Expansion of the Main Library
Ald. Morton coved, seconded by Aid. Rudy, to adopt Resolution 92-R-86. Ald. Davis
recognized David Williams, Recreation Board member. Mr. Williams asked the Com-
mittee to consider requesting the Library to explore combining a new library with
a new senior citizens building. The Committee agreed that it did not concur with
this recommendation at this time, but encouraged the Recreation Board and the
Library Board to discuss this possibility. Ald. Wold pointed out that this resolu-
tion merely authorizes an architectural competition and does not authorize spe-
cific library expansion. Aid. Davis stated that no commitment of City funds is
being made, and that the Library is seeking grant funds to support the architec-
tural competition. The motion passed unanimously.
Recreation Board Budget Review
Recreation Board Chairman Judith DeStefano, and members Henry Krasnow, Julie
Harris, Janet Webb, David Williams, and Recreation Superintendent Jean Ann Shulse
joined the Committee. Mr. Krasnow presented an overview of the Recreation
Board budget and presented a chart indicating the relationship between City support
and fees within the Recreation budget over the last several years. Specifically,
due to the limited availability of City funds, City support of Recreation Depart-
ment programs has steadily decreased as a percentage of the entire budget, and,
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 11/10/86 ... 2
fees have steadily increased as a percentage of the entire budget. Ald. Morton
asked how much of the City support is over and above what would be received as
part of the Recreation tax levy. Mr. Krasnow stated that he did not know the
exact amount but reminded the Committee that the Recreation budget is now part
of the General Fund and a tax is not levied separately for recreation services.
Ald. Morton stated that when the City Council agreed to provide additional City
support (over the tax levy requirement), it was to offer more free programs.
Mr. Krasnow pointed out that in many of the program elements, personnel show as
an increase in full-time equivalents. These are not an actual increase in person-
nel but rather a change in how these positions are categorized from temporary
seasonal positions to permanent part-time positions. 14.4 FTE's were recate-
gorized in this fashion.
David Williams reviewed the Board's decision to eliminate the James hill winter
programs from the Recreation budget. Mr. Williams indicated that the James Hill
program was closed down in the winter of 1982-83. It was reinstituted in 1984
on a reduced schedule. The attendance has been down since the program was re-
instituted, and the Board decided it was a lower priority than other activities.
Judith DeStefano summarized changes in the services for seniors including a $3
membership for satellite clubs; a $1 increase in Levy Center membership fees; a
requirement that Levy Center must "break even" on refreshments or eliminate them;
and the elimination of the $1,200 payment to Hemenway Church for being a site
for the South Club. Julie Harris summarized the recreation services to high risk
youth. She explained that the Program Committee had found these services adequate.
The high risk programs include the Drum and Bugle Corps, the services provided
in conjunction with COE-POPS, and the staffing and equipment for the FAMA basket-
ball league. Some of the playground programs also serve high risk youth as well
as the programs at Mason Park. In response to a question about whether the Recrea-
tion Board has taken any special actions in relation to high risk youth, Mr.
Krasnow responded that some programs cost considerably more per participant and
this is because they are serving the need of high risk youth who require more
intensive services. Ms. Webb indicated that the Board has been concerned about
providing sufficient services to high risk youth while maintaining youth programs
in general.
Janet Webb reviewed the special recreation programs of the Department. She in-
dicated that these programs are very popular, and the staff ratio is very high.
She also described the funding for the Arts and Events magazine, including
$48,000 from the Recreation Board budget.
Ald. Davis distributed a sheet which she had requested, summarizing the revenues
of the Recreation Department.
The Board and staff responded to questions from the Committee. In response to a
question about the cover memorandum which referred to the "bad press coverage
about the Robert Crown Center", Ms. Shulse explained that she was referring to
a controversy regarding several citizens and the Crown Center staff which occurred
about 1� years ago. In response to a question about how the Fleetwood/Jourdain
Fitness Center has progressed, Ms. DeStefano explained that the facility is now
well equipped. Participation has been low but will increase due to word of
mouth advertising. The construction was delayed until this summer and this
impacted on participation. Well qualified staff have been in place since the
center reopened. In response to a question about coordination of services pro-
vided by the schools, it was explained that coordinating with individual school
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 11/10/86 ... 3
principals about services can be very difficult and painstaking. Each middle
school is different and has different needs which must be addressed. Aid. Morton
stated that the Recreation Department staff have tried diligently to have a
program in each middle school. In response to questions about the senior citizens'
fees, Ms. DeStefano announced that there has been a donation from the Levy family
to equal the proposed $1 increase in membership fees. Therefore, members will not
have to pay this increase. She also indicated that the Board is negotiating with
Hemenway Church as to whether the South Club can continue to meet there. Thirty-
five seniors participate and meet once a creek. The Committee suggested that the
Board consider the South Branch Library as a possible location for the club. Mr.
Krasnow explained the problems associated with a substantial increase in non-
resident fees. If fees are increased too much, non-resident participation declines
and these fees are not then collected to support activities for residents. In
response to a question about general Recreation Department increases, the staff
summarized major increases including an insurance increase of 29%, and a person-
nel increase of 3.8Z. In response to a question about whether the revenue pro-
jection for 1986-87 would be met, Ms. Shulse explained that the Board will not
be able to collect the entire increase in revenue projected, which was $163.000.
However, due to expenditure reductions, the Recreation Board will have a balanced
budget in the current year.
Ald. Davis stated her view that the elimination of the winter program at James
Hill should be submitted to the City Council as a budget reduction option. Since
City Council is being asked to review a number of other potential program reduc-
tions, it seems only fair that the Council should have a chance to review this
program elimination. Mr. hrasnow pointed out that the Board had decided to elim-
inate this program from its 1.5. continuation budget. If this program is restored,
other program cuts would have to be made in order to meet the 1.511. budget guide-
lines. Ald. Wold stated that she supports the elimination of the program in this
budget. If a member of the City Council wants to add this program back into the
budget during the budget deliberations, then this can be voted on by the full
Council. In light of the cuts made in the social service programs through Uni-
fied Budgeting, she would support this program cut. Ald. Davis moved, seconded
by Ald. Ream, to refer the elimination of the James Hill program to the City
Council for review as a budget reduction option. The motion passed 5 ayes, 1 nay
(Ald. Wold voting "no").
Ald. Davis recognized Gail Inlow, Chairman of the Levy Center Advisory Committee.
Mr. Inlow stated that in spite of the contribution by the Levv family, the Advisory
Committee is very concerned about the increase in membership fees, specifically,
what will happen after next year. He also explained the Levy Center participants
have paid for many services and additions at Levy Center, including; a new door
and new storage cabinets at $5,000 each. He asked the Committee not to institute
this fee increase. In the past five or six years there has been a 100" increase
in fees. Membership has gone from 950 people to under 700 during this period of
time. This is largely due to the fee increase. He also asked the Committee not to
approve the elimination of the payment to the Hemenway Church for the South Club
site. I
The Committee agreed that the membership dues for the satellite clubs should not
be instituted and also agreed that the Board should report back to the Committee
about their progress in finding a suitable location for the South and Senior
Citizen clubs. Ald. Rudy asked for a summary of the significant increases or
decreases in Recreation Department programs contained in this budget. With this
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 11/10/86 ... 4
information, the Committee can better understand the shift in priorities taking
place. The Committee agreed not to take action on this budget but to make a
final consideration of the budget as part of the budget deliberation process
in January, 1987.
Ecology Center Budget Review
Neal Laatsch, President of Ladd Arboretum Committee, John Sall, Alberta Lauterbach,
and Ken Wenzel. Director of the Ecology Center joined the Committee. Mr. Laatsch
summarized the activities of the Ladd Arboretum Committee during the last year.
The Committee dedicated the Dr. M. Carlson Greenhouse at Lighthouse Landing Park,
expanded summer programs for children, and had generous additions to the Endowment
Fund. He explained the impact of the budget reduction options being evaluated
by City Council. The elimination of the Energy Education program and the Arbor
Day activities. If these options are accepted, they would represent a 132 reduc-
tion in the City's support of the Ecology Center activities, 76Z of the partici-
pants at the Ecology Center are Evanston residents and 70% of all school tours
are for Evanston school children. The reduction in services proposed might mean
a reduction in private funding for the Ecology Center because the funders expect
services to be provided at a reasonable level. John Ball explained that over the
past ten years the focus has been on major capital improvements, particularly at
the Lighthouse and the Energy complex. Now the Committee can shift its budget
priorities to services to the public so that the facilities may be utilized to
their fullest.
Ald. Wold commended the Committee for its work and for the uncomplicated nature
of its budget request. She expressed thanks to the Committee for its excellent
programs. The Human Services Committee agreed to accept this budget.
Review of the Illinois Job Service Budget Request
Ald. Wold moved that the Committee terminate funding of the Illinois Job Service
based on the increased cost and the probable City support of the Youth Job Center.
There was no second to the motion. Mr. Robert Gammie, Director of the Evanston
office, Illinois Department of Employment Security, stated that I5% of the clients
in the office are Evanston residents. 40,000 applicants are processed each year.
Due to lack of time, the Committee decided to consider this item at their Novem-
ber 17, 1986 meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
cc: Joel Asprooth
.• r
Present:
Officials and
Staff Present:
Presiding:
Mlnu tea
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
November 17, 1986
7:30 P.M.
Aida. Davis, Larson, Morton, Ream, Rudy, Wold
Carol Henes, Ann Graff, Marcia Nelson, Jeanne Fox,
Harvey Saver, Bruce Zimmerman, Helen McCarthy
Aid. Davis, Chair
The minutes of the Human Services Committee meeting of November 6, 1986 were
approved as submitted.
The minutes of the Human Services Committee meeting of November 10, 1986 were
approved as submitted.
Ald. Davis requested that charts presented by Henry Krasnow of the Recreation
Board, summarizing the Recreation Board budget be attached to the November 10,
1986 minutes.
Communications:
- Staff memorandum to agencies regarding Appeal of Unified Budget recommenda-
tions
In response to a question, Ms. McCarthy noted that according to the descrip-
tion of the appeal process forwarded to agencies, Mental Health Board deci-
sions may be appealed to the Human Services Committee. The Committee agreed
to discuss this With the Mental Health Board during their budget presentation.
Staff memorandum summarizing Yuuth Service Agency meeting on November 12, 1986
Helen McCarthy distributed :meeting notes from a meeting she had convened of
various youth service agencies in the community. The purpose of the meeting
was to gain input from these agencies for the Human Services Committee regard-
ing a youth intervention program. In response to a question from Ald. Morton,
Ms. McCarthy indicated that she had not received a Written response from
agencies regarding a gang intervention program but that there had been a good
participation by the agencies in this meeting. This group will meet again on
November 19, and intends to have a statement available for the Committee at
the December 8, 1986 meeting.
- Memorandum from the Executive Director of the Mental Health Board regarding
Appeal by Three Agencies heard by the Mental Health Board on November 13, 1986
Budget Request from Illinois Job Service
Bob Gammie, Director of Illinois Department of Employment Security, Evanston
Office, joined the Committee. He summarized his request for $2700 to employ
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 11/17/86 ... 2
three Work/Study students from Northwestern University. He stated that the com-
munity gets a "super bargain" by utilizing students, rather than regular employees
earning $9 to $12 an hour. to carry out various clerical functions. In response
to questions, Mr. Gammie stated that if the Work/Study students are not employed,
the office will not reduce services to Evanston residents; over one-third of the
clients in the office are minority, 952 of this group are Evanston residents; the
cost of Work/Study students has increased as a result of changes in the federal
program; no other local community provides funding to this office. Mr. Gammie
stated that no other employment service office in the State utilizes work/study
students. Ald. Morton said that perhaps the State should provide additional staff-
ing to carry out these clerical functions. Ald. Rudy moved to accept the staff
recommendation to terminate funding for this program. Seconded by Ald. Larson.
Ald. Morton pointed out that due to the low level of funding required in the past,
this request has not been reviewed by the Unified Budget Panel. If the funding
required in the future is increased, Illinois Job Service may Irish to participate
in the Unified Budgeting Process. The motion passed unanimously.
The Committee thanked Mr. Gammie for the service which he and the staff provide
to the Evanston community.
Review of Mental Health Board Budget
Board Chairman Carol Henes and Board members Marcia Nelson, Ann Graff; Executive
Director Jeanne Fox and Assistant Director Harvey Saver joined the Committee. Ms.
Henes reviewed the activities of the Board over the past year, characterizing the
year as one of assessment and innovation. The Board reviewed ics mandate, goals,
and organization. The Board revised its goals to include planning, coor-'ination
of network, community education and prevention, ensuring delivery of service,
ensuring accountability of public funds, and advocacy. She described the process
undertaken by the Board to revise its funding guidelines used to allocate purchase
of service dollars. Board member Jack Lynch developed a computerized method for
rating each program proposal based on the criteria developed by the Board. This
revised funding process has been a tremendous learning opportunity for the Board.
The process will be evaluated in depth shortly.
Ald. Wold commended the Board for its effort to make the funding process more
objective. She also commended and thanked Jeanne Fox for her many accomplishments
during the year, including her work with the Homeless Committee and the Regional
Housing Committee while covering for the Director of Health and Human Services,
and the Assistant Director of Mental Health Board position.
The Board responded to a number of questions regarding the funding process. Ms.
Henes explained that the Board had considered the views of the agencies regarding
funding reductions, specifically considering the "cost of disrupting program
continuity in the community" referred to on page 3 of the cover memorandum. The
subjective evaluation by Board members included such items as qualification and
training of staff, responsiveness of agency to the community, amount of service,
ability to obtain outside funding, cooperation with other agencies, etc. The
ability to obtain outside funding referred to whether an agency had a realistic
potential for other fund raising. Currently the Mental Health Board budget is
supported by a tax levy equivalent to .098, where as the maximum is .10. The
maximum tax levy would yield $10,000 in additional funds. The Funding Committee
of the Mental Health Board has not recommended taxing at the maximum because the
Committee viewed itself as mental health advocates and as taxpayers. The Board
and Pis. Fox agreed that an important staff function is fundfn?; re!;earch and grants-
manship. The Board has directed staff to assist the Comprehensive Drug Treatment
Human Services Committee
Milrrutes of 11/17/86 ... 3
Program to raise outside funds. Staff will continue to provide technical assis-
tance to agencies and help put them in touch with grant resources, however, staff
time is limited for these functions. Ms. Fox explained the changes in contracts
implemented as a result of the Law Department review, specifically insurance
changes, the right of the City to review agency records, and the rights of clients.
In regard to the Early Childhood Development Center, Ms. Fox explained that there
are five full-time staff, including two Master's level social workers. The Direc-
tor has a Ph.D. in Psychology.
The Committee discussed the appeal process currently in place in which an agency
may appeal a Unified Budget Panel decision, both to the Mental Health Board and
to the Human Services Committee. Ald. Wold recommended that there be no appeal
to the Human Services Committee since the Mental Health Board completes such a
thorough review of each agency. In addition, it does not seem fair for some agen-
cies (those applying to Mental Health Board) to have two opportunities for appeal
while others would only have one. Ald. Davis agreed, stating that it is difficult
for the Committee to have adequate knowledge of the agencies and the comparisons
being made between the services provided. Ald. Rudy disagreed, stating that it is
appropriate for the Human Services Committee to review Mental Health Board decisions
because the Mental Health Board budget is considered by the Human Services Com-
mittee before it goes to City Council. The Committee should be knowledgeable
about the agencies funded through the Mental Health Board. Marcia Nelson pointed
out the potential problem of a change in the allocation occurring at the Commit-
tee level, specifically that other funding might then need to be changed. Ald.
Wold moved that the Mental Health Board conduct an appeal hearing and that the
decision of the Mental Health Board should be incorporated into the Mental Health
Board budget submitted to the Human Services Committee. At the request of the
Committee, Ald. Wold agreed to consider this question at a later time after the
Committee has had a chance to hear the appeals coming before the Committee next
week. Ald. Morton moved, seconded by Ald. Wold, to tentatively accept the Mental
Health Board budget. The motion was approved unanimously. Ald. Ream stated that
as a Mental Health Board member, he has been very impressed by the hard work and
dedication of the other Board members and staff. He commended the Board Chairman
and stated that the Board at present is as strong as ever. Ald. Davis stated her
appreciation of the thoroughness of. the Board and their continuous search for better
ways of doing things and their willingness to take on new challenges.
Review of Unified Budget Panel Recommendations
The Committee reviewed the summary of the Panel recommendations agency by agency.
Comments were made about the following agencies:
North Suburban Housing Center - Ald. Wald pointed out that the City would continue
to make available office space and secretarial time.
Community Defender - Ald. Wold stated that the Township Supervisor recommended
that in future years this agency might be funded by the City rather than the
Township, freeing up Township funds for other agencies.
Evanston Comprehensive Drug Treatment Program - Ald. Morton asked what services
are provided through this program. Joe Anna Sullivan, Executive Director of the
Drug Treatment Program, was in the audience and responded that the agency pro-
vides three programs - prevention, early intervention, and adult treatment. The
adult treatment program is for heroin, cocaine and alcohol abuse. Treatment in-
cludes both methadone maintenance and "drug free" treatment. Ald. Morton stated
her concern about chronic substance abusers who are not easily treated. Jeanne
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 11/17/86 ... 4
Fox stated that one of the Mental Health Board objectives is to assess treatment
needs of those not amenable to outpatient treatment for substance abuse.
Community Coordinated Child Care (4C's) - Ald. Wold stated that the City and
Mental Health Board funds are to maintain the local match requirement for 300
day care slots. At the end of the fiscal year, when more exact figures are avail-
able, it may be necessary for 4C's to request additional funds to maintain the
local match requirement.
Center for Public Ministry - Ald. Larson stated that the community is "getting a
bargain" because of the tremendous support of the homeless shelter demonstrated
by the church.
Family Focus - Ald. Wold pointed out that the decrease in City funds is compensated
by the increase in Township funds. This "trade off" also occurred in the case of
GRASP and Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation.
Niles Township Sheltered Workshop - Ald. Wold stated that the Panel asked the
Commission on Aging to assist this agency in obtaining outside funding for the
transporation of Evanston persons to the day care program.
YOU - Ald. Wold explained that $4,760 of the total amount allocated is actually
a tranfer from the Nichols Lighted School budget. Ald. Morton said that she was
glad that YOU had developed a substance abuse component with the Evanston Compre-
hensive Drug Treatment Program, and that this agency should be utilized more by
the schools.
Nichols Lighted School - Ald. Ream pointed out that $4,760 had been transferred
from the Nichols budget to YOU, therefore the total grant to Nichols is approx-
imately $28,000. Ald. Larson stated his concern for the sharp cut to this agency.
Ald. Rudy shared this concern and asked if the Panel was attempting to have
District 65 pick up more of the cost. Ald. Wold stated that this was not her
impression. Ald. Wold moved that the Nichols allocation be increased by S743
for a total of $23,848. This is equal to the funds deleted from the Illinois
Job Service. The motion was seconded by Ald. Ream and was approved unanimously.
Ms. McCarthy said that she had received notice that Nichols Lighted Scheel would
appeal the Unified Budget Panel decision before the Human Services Committee.
The Committee agreed to continue any discussion of Nichols Lighted School at that
meeting.
Ald. Davis proposed that any agency requesting an appeal address how the Unified
Budgeting Process may have been unfair to that agency vis-a-vis other agencies.
It is not enough for an agency to need additional funds; rather it must indicate
how the Panel made an incorrect decision. The Committee agreed that each agency
to be heard should give a brief presentation of agency services, should explain
the impact of the funding level set by the Unified Budget Panel on the services
of the agency, and should address the Unified Budget Panel process issue raised
by Ald. Davis. The Committee asked that the Unified Budgeting proposals be pro-
vided to those Committee members not on the Panel and staff to distribute the
Human Service Committee priorities.
Ald. Wold moved and Ald. Ream seconded a motion to tentatively accept the recom-
mendations of the Unified Budget Panel in relation to City and Township funding.
Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Helen McCarthy, Dir. H&HS
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
November 24, 1986
7:00 P.M.
Present: Alds. Davis, Larson, Morton, Ream, Wold
Absent: Ald. Rudy
Officials and Ald. Korshak, Edna Summers, Anna Willis, Carol Henes,
Staff Present: Murcia Nelson, Ann Graff, Nancy Brothers, B.J. lbomae,
Cheryl Wollin, Joel Asprooth, Jeanne Fox, .lane Volberding,
Helen McCarthy
PresidinK: Ald. Davis, Chair
Minutes
The minutes of the Human Services Committee meeting of November 17, 1986 were
approved as submitted.
Communications:
- Staff memorandum to Township Supervisor regarding Emergency Assistance food
expenditures
- Memorandum from Recreation Board regarding 1987-88 budget
- Memorandum from Library Board re arg ding 19871-88 budget
The Committee was pleased that the Library Board had revised its budget to
meet the 1.5X increase. Aid. Davis stated that the Library Board is asking
for two additional personnel for a cost of $13,000 over this proposed budget.
This increase will be considered during the January City Council budget delib-
erations.
- Letter regarding public input at Human Services Committee meeting on November
10, 1986
Ald. Davis stated that she would prepare a response to this letter. The Com-
mittee agreed that it is important to educate the public on the process for
public input at the Committee and City Council level. Aid. Wold stated that
the Committee on Committees is working on ways to better inform the public
on this process. The Committee agreed that when persons join the Committee
for discussion, they should be seated so that the audience can hear their
comments.
Township Issues
Township Supervisor Edna Summers, and General Assistance Director Anna Willis
joined the Committee.
- October Monthly Report
Anna Willis made two corrections on page one of the report: Cases for the
Previous !!onth should read 318 instead of 467, and Persons should be 320
instead of 669; Cases for this Xonth Last Year should be 295 instead of 415,
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 11/24/86 ... 2
and Persons should be 297 instead of 540. Ms. Willis apologized for these
mistakes which had been made during her illness and absence from the office.
Ms. Willis explained that a notice had been received that the Township had
been overcharged for Workman's Compensation. This error will be corrected
and will reduce the overexpenditure on this line item.
- Ms. Summers distributed three memorandum: the first pertaining to an explana-
tion of client days; the second from Julian Coleman regarding the outstanding
Township loan; and the third regarding the Emergency Assistance Services food
request.
Memorandum regarding client days The Committee discussed Ms. Willis' recom-
mendation that a monthly "savings" resulting from a lower than anticipated
caseload be calculated by taking the approved budgeted amount, minus the actual
monthly expenditures. This will eliminate the reference to "client days" which
is an unreliable measure. The Committee agreed with this process as long as
the Committee would be given accurate :nfornation regarding the average length
of time a client is assisted each year so that a comparison can be made an a
year to year basis. This information will also be necessary to accurately
project budget requirements for General Assistance grants.
Memorandum regarding the outstanding Township loan - Mrs. Summers reported that
the remaining Township debt of $127,500 will be paid off by the end of the
fiscal year. Therefore, as of April 1, 1987, the Township will no longer be
in debt.
Memorandum regarding Emergency food program - The Committee Asked the director
of Health and human Services to respond to the questions raised by the Town-
ship regarding the emergency food assistance program.
Resolution 97-R-86 - Keep Evanston Beautiful Program
Cheryl Wollin, Chair of the Environmental Control Board, joined the Committee.
She reviewed the resolution which authorizes City staff to apply to the Illinois
Department of Commerce and Community Affairs for a $15,000 grant to support the
"Keep Evanston Beautiful" program. The S5,000 in matching funds has been included
in the Environmental Control Board budget previously reviewed by the Committee.
In response to a question regarding the "Keep Evanston Beautiful" program and cooper-
ation with community groups and neighborhood organizations who are interested in
similar issues, Ms. Wollin explained that they hope to work closely with these
groups. She anticipates joint projects with such groups. Ms. McCarthy recom-
mended an amendment to the resolution on page 2, section 4, line y, to replace
the words "in the amount" with the words "for a total" so that it will read:
"...,. for a 'otal amount of $15,000 to implement the Illinois Clean and Beauti-
ful Program." This will clarify that $5,000 of City funds is part of the $15,000
and not in addition to it. Ald. Wold moved approval of Resolution 97-R-86 with
this amendment. Seconded by Aid. Ream and approved unanimously. Ald. Ream stated
that as liaison to the Environmental Control Board, he has been very impressed by
the Board's work and the work of the "Keep Evanston Beautiful" program.
Unified Budget Panel/Mental Health Board Budget Appeals
Ald. Davis stated that she will ask each agency for basic presentation on the
issues agreed to at the November 17, 1986 meeting, specifically, that each agency
may give a brief presentation of services, should explain the impact Of reduced
funding level, and should address how the Unified Budget Panel may have been
unfair to the agency. GIs. McCarthy stated that each agency has been informed
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 11/24/86 ... 3
of this procedure. She also distributed a memorandum which summarized the
requests of the four agencies.
Mental Health Association - Mary Anne Diehl, President of the Board of Mental
Health Association, and Marge Sondler, Executive Director, joined the Committee.
Ms. Sondler described the program provided by the agency including Public Educa-
tion and Advocary, Community Companions, and Volunteer Corps. In the Volunteer
Corps program, approximately 60 volunteers are trained each year to be placed
in Evanston social service agencies. Last year 50 were trained due to a funding
reduction by the Mental Health Board last year. Ms. Diehl expressed her concern
about the Mental Health Board budget process. She stated that the Volunteer
Corps had been ranked #2 in the Mental Health Board process, however, agencies
ranked at a lower level received a higher percentage of their requested funding.
She described the Mental Health Association's attempts to respond to the Mental
Health Board's directives pertaining to seeking outside funding and funding from
volunteers. Volunteers are now required to be Mental Health Association members,
however, It is not reasonable for volunteers to pay for their training in light
of the contribution they make to the community. Agencies utilizing the volunteers
cannot pay for these services due to their tight financial situation. The Mental
Health Board's decision is short-sighted in light of the large contribution made
by the volunteers to many Evanston agencies. This funding reduction, added on
to the Mental Health Board reduction of last year, equals $9,000 out of a total
budget of $50,000. This Will mean a further reduction in staff hours which will
curtail recruitment, training, screening and placement of volunteers. In response
to a question, Ms. Sondler explained that the vast majority of personnel time
associated with the Volunteer Corps is her time and the time of her assistant,
which is spent on screening the volunteers and working with the agencies and
placement of volunteers. Ms. Sondler explained that the grant obtained from the
Chicago Community Trust for the Community Companion Program had only partially
offset the funding reduction from the Mental Health Board last year. In response
to a question, Ms. Fox, Director of the Mental Health Board, stated that she does
not anticipate new funds which would support the Volunteer Corps program. Aid.
Morton asked the Mental Health Board if any additional funds could be made avail-
able through the Mental Health Board. Carol Henes, Chairman of Mental Health
Board, responded that only if there is a tax levy increase. This would increase
the Mental Health Board budget to more than a 1.5Z increase over last year. The
Committee expressed their desire to provide additional help for this agency but
also expressed concern for the City's budget situation. Ald. Davis moved that
the Committee sustain the final Mental Health Board allocation of $13,500 to the
Mental Health Association. This was seconded by A1d. Wold and approved unanimously.
Aid. Wold asked Ms. Fox to work with Mental Health Association regarding any other
funding possibilities.
ACORN - Shirley Dare, President, and E. Vaughn Gordy, Treasurer, ACORN Board of
Directors joined the Committee. Ms. Dare reviewed the services provided by ACORN
to clients with a history of psychiatric care, including concrete and emotional
support services. ACORN drop -in center is open seven days a week. 52 hours per
week, and is open on all Saturdays. Sundays and holidays. ACORN has been allo-
cated $8,000 less than the amount requested. This will represent a need to reduce
drop -in center hours by eight hours a week. In a time where there has been a
significant increase in request for services from ACORN, this will cause an im-
portant problem for the Evanston community. Mr. Gordy addressed the Unified
Budgeting Process. ACORN is frustrated by the appeal process to the Mental Health
Board. The Board requested new information from agencies for a reversal of the
original Unified Budget Panel decision. This seems unreasonable. ACORN is con-
cerned that there is no parallel planning process being undertaken by the Unified
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 11/24/86 ... 4
Budget Panel. 'There needs to be a process whereby needs can be identified for
the community and prioritized. There was a 6-6 tie -on the Unified Budget Panel
in relation to a motion to transfer $2,000 from Evanston Hospital to ACORN. 'this
indicates a division of opinion about priorities in the community.
Ald. Wold pointed out that all four funders in Unified Budgeting have identified
priorities for funding. These priorities may differ and the Panel has not attempt-
ed to develop communitywide priorities. Ald. Davis stated that there has been a
recognition for an improved human services planning process. The City is working
on the development of a Human Services Plan which should provide additional direc-
tion by next year's budget cycle.
In response to a question about current hours, Ms. Dare stated that ACORN hours.
on weekdays are 1:00 to 9:00 p.m.; on weekends from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.; and on
holidays from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Different time periods address needs of differ-
ent patrons. Approximately 10 to 30 clients are at the drop -in renter it a given
time. In response to a question about involvement with the homeless. Ms. Dare
explained that ACORN staff work with the Homeless Case Manager from St. Francis
Hospital. Ms. McCarthy stated that she is not aware of duplication between ACORN
services and St. Francis Hospital services. Rather, these agencies participate
in the Case Management Staffing group which identifies roles of each agency in
relation to a particular case. In response to a question regarding United Way
funding, Ms. Dare explained that ACORN will appeal the United way decision and
hopes for an increase Which will be determined next spring,. The Committee ex-
pressed appreciation for the services of ACORN but indicated that, at this time,
it is not possible to increase the allocation. Ald. Ream moved, seconded by Aid.
Wold, to make no change in the Unified Budget Panel recommendation for Mental
Health Board funding of $16,609. Motion was approved unanimously.
North Suburban Housing Center
Marianne Rosen, Executive Director, and Susan Lieber, Program Coordinator, North
Suburban Housing Center joined the Committee. Ms. Rosen reviewed the services
provided by the agency including the Home Share program whereby elderly persons
are matched with others to live together. In the last year, the agency has suc-
cessfully matched 7 individuals and saved approximately $100.000 to the government
or to these individuals. Since the Commission on Airing has no staff to provide
direct services, the Commission frequently refers clients for housing assistance.
The Housing Department refers clients including persons to be displaced by Research
Park to the agency for assistance. Without City funding, the agency cannot serve
as a referral source in these ways.
Ms. Rosen questioned the Unified Budgeting Process in that the Human Services
Committee ranked counseling to elderly as a lesser priority; however, the agen-
cies did not have an opportunity to respond to this ranking. Elderly people in
the community are being neglected by this ranking. In addition, there may have
been a misunderstanding regarding the recent merger of North Suburban Housing
Center with its parent organization. This has not brought in new dollars for
the agency's programs.
In response to a question about whether the agency would continue its fair housing
activities, Ms. Rosen responded that the agency will continue its fair housing
activities in Evanston. This is a separate program from that being funded through
Unified Budgeting. Ald. Larson pointed out that the $100,000 in savings referred
to is not a savings to the local government but largely a savings tc, the state
and federal government. The Committee expressed their appreciation for the ser-
vices of the agency to the Evanston community but stated that difficult decisions
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 11/24/86 ... 5
had to be made regarding priorities for funding. Ald. Wold moved, seconded by
Ald. Ream, not to change the Unified Budget Panel recommendation to discontinue
funding for North Suburban Housing Center. The motion passed unanimously.
Nichols Lighted School
Shel Newberger, President of the Ad Hoc Committee, and Carmen Marcy, Principal
of Nichols School, joined the Committee. Mr. Newberger reviewed the history of
Nichols Lighted School in relation to City funding. The Nichols Ad Hoc Committee
was reluctant to go before the Unified Budget Panel but did so at the direction
of the Human Services Committee. The decision to reduce the Nichols allocation
by $5,000 in order to fund other services is not reasonable. These other agencies
are very deserving, however, Nichols needs its full allocation to continue to
operate a program which has proved worthwhile. Dr. Marcy explained that the entire
budget is for personnel and a S5,000 reduction will seriously affect the program.
The program cannot do without security personnel and a reduction in the coordina-
tor's hours or salary will mean a turnover in persons in that position. Ald.
Davis moved, seconded by Ald. Ream, that the allocation recommended by the Uni-
fied Budget Panel be increased by $2,800. This is a split between the amount
recommended and the amount requested by Nichols. Ald. Davis explained that she
believes this funding is necessary for the continuation of the program, yet she
cannot identify another agency which can withstand a funding reduction by this
amount. Therefore she is recommending that the budget policy be exceeded in this
case. This addition of $2,800 will bring the total increase in community pur-
chased services to 2.25Z rather than 1.5%. Aid. Morton stated that she would not
comment or vote on this motion because of a letter she had received from the
District 65 School Superintendent regarding this program.
Ald. Korshak stated his belief that the Human Services Committee should become an
advocate for increased funding for human Services. There is a need for more fund-
ing for services which serve people in need and the Committee should recognize
that. This program needs to to funded at its requested level. Ald. Davis recog-
nized a citizen, Amy Schubert, who stated that she has volunteered with the Nichols
program and stated its necessity in the neighborhood. Peggy Tarr, a representative
of Nichols Neighbors, stated her appreciation of the motion on the floor and recog-
nized the significance of a recommendation to abridge the budget policy. Motion
was approved 3-1; Ald. Wold voting "nay"; Ald. Morton abstaining.
The Committee adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
f.
Director of Health an5�
Human Services rJ
cc: Joel Asprooth
Present:
Officials and
Staff Present:
PresidinK:
Minu tea
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES CM44ITTEE
December 8, 1986
7:30 P.M.
Aldo. Davis, Larson, Morton, steam, Rudy, mold
Jeanne Fox, Owen 'Thomas, Commander Kip MacMillan,
Debbie Sundblad, Helen McCarthy
Aid. Davis, Chair
The minutes of the Human Services Committee meeting of November 24, 1986 were
approved as submitted.
Ald. study, who had not been present at the November 24th meeting, commented on
the presentation from ACORN regarding the absence of a planning process associated
with the Unified Budgeting Process. He questioned whether the City is providing
adequate funding to the agencies providing services. Perhaps more attention
should be paid to finding new funding for agencies. The Committee agreed to
discuss this at the end of the meeting if time permits.
Communications:
Helen McCarthy reported that representatives of the Evanston Ecumenical Action
Council had contacted her to say that EEAC is withdrawing its request for a
resolution regarding the employment needs of the homeless. EEAC has proceeded
with the opening of the hospitality center for the homeless at St. Mark's Church
and has implemented employment programs; a resolution is not needed at this time.
Chairman's Priorities
Ald. Davis distributed a list of her priorities for her chairmanship. They are
not listed in order of priority. There were no changes recommended and the
priorities were accepted by the Committee.
Consideration of Youth Intervention Program
Ald. Davis asked Ms. McCarthy to provide an overview of the meetings which she
had held with representatives of the School Districts and various youth serving
agencies.. Ms. McCarthy introduced the persons who have worked on this committee
who were present: Manuel Isquierdo, Associate Principal for Student Services at
ETHS; Bob Roy, Executive Director, Community Defender Office; Delores Holmes,
Executive Director of Family Focus; Rick Weiland, Executive Director of Earn and
Learn; Don Baker, Executive Director of YOU; Myrtle Horne, YOU;
Commander Kip MacMillan, Youth and Victim Services Division, Evanston Police
Department; Debbie Sundblad, Supervisor, Victim-Witness/Youth Outreach, Evanston
Police Department; Jeanne Fox, Executive Director, Mental Health Board; Owen
Thomas, Executive Director, Human Relations Commission; Christine Fang and Eric
Carpenter, student interns.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 12/8/86 ... 2
Ms. McCarthy explained that both school districts and the recognised youth ser-
vice agencies in the community were convened to provide Information on the need
for services for "at risk" youth and to provide input to the Human Services
Committee on a youth intervention program. The written statement provided to
the Committee represents the consensus of the persons involved in these meetings.
13%e process of the group was reviewed, including the sharing of background
information on gangs and delinquent activities, hearing presentations from
representatives of both school districts regarding procedures for identifying
"at risk" youth and for referring then for assistance, reviewing the new ini-
tiatives from ETHS to deal with truancy, and identifying target populations
to be served by an intervention, program.
Five target populations have been identified. These target groups describe
youth in relation to age, risk factors, and how access to these youth may be
obtained (such as through District 65, District 202, or in the community). Ms.
McCarthy highlighted the importance of early identification of these youth, con-
munication and service networking between the school districts and community
agencies, and planned intervention strategies.
No. McCarthy stressed the importance, as viewed by all persons involved in this
group, of improving case coordination between the two school districts and the
agencies. This must be done while maintaining the confidentiality rights of the
youth and the families. She closed her presentation by identifying the tasks
yet to be completed. including determining the size of the five target popula-
tions, prioritizing the populations, and designing a program.
The Committee raised a number of questions. Ald. Rudy asked if additional
staffing is required now. Ms. McCarthy stated that current City staff can
provide staffing for this group. The group is not ready with any long term
staffing recommendations at this time. Ald. cold commended the group on their
joint effort. The group process should not be hurried in order to take immedi-
ate actions. Ald. Ream asked if there had been any disputes so far during the
process. !pis. McCarthy stated that so far there has been agreement in the group
on all the issues in the written statement. As conclusions become more specific,
there may be disagreement. Ald. Davis commended the group's effort, noting that
this statement has addressed different problems and issues iron those which have
been part of the discussion about a gang intervention program in the past. The
issues related to case and service coordination would relate to issues other than
youth crime, such as coordination of youth employment programs. Ald. Morton
asked if the group is aware of all that is currently done by the school districts
and the agencies to divert youth from delinquent and criminal activities. Ms.
McCarthy stated that the group has tried to inform themselves about the formal
programs of the school districts, however, this has not been exhaustive and there
are certainly activities about which the group may not be informed. Ald. Morton
stated that there are many instances where schools are already coordinating very
well with community agencies. Ald. Davie pointed ou' the need, as identified
by the group, to systematize procedures for identifying and intervening with
troubled youth. Ald. Morton emphasized the importance of collecting information
regarding the size of the five target populations and determining the extent to
which these populations are currently being served.
Ald. Larson described a problem related to early intervention. Children may be
identified as potential delinquents, by virtue of being part of a target popula-
tion, however, many of these youth may never have any actual problems or be
delinquent. Care must be taken not to set them up for failure or for future
delinquency. For example, although some students in special education programs
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 12/8/86 ... 3
may be potential delinquents, all students in this group should not be labelled
as such. Manuel Isquierdo stated that the group is aware of the problems of
labelling; the intention is to describe commonly agreed behavioral indicators
which may lead to future problems so that children who show these behaviors
may be helped early. Ald. Davis commented on a Wisconsin law which mandates
services to students with certain problems. Hopefully, information can be
obtained about hoer other states and communities are dealing with this problem.
Ald. Ream asked if this group had reviewed any specific program proposals. Ms.
McCarthy responded "no", they had not.
Ald. Davis recognized members of the group for comment:
Delores Holmes stated that this effort shows a genuine attempt to look for a cure
rather than putting a "band aid" on the problem. This comprehensive approach is
needed and the group process, thus far, has been very positive.
Rick Weiland stated that there is a need for a high policy level commitment from
the School Districts to share information regarding "at risk" target populations
with this group. There needs to be a commitment from the City to fund youth ser-
vices. Many youth services have been cut in the past and this group needs to be
assured that the Committee is comitted to funding necessary services. Ald. Davis
stated that the Human Services Committee and City Council have been committed to
funding a youth intervention program. She noted the City Council's commitment
of funds to an earlier proposal for an intervention program; this commitment con-
tinues. Ald. Morton noted that the Police/School Liaison Program had been cut
in the past. Will the group recommend its reinstatement? Ms. McCarthy indicated
that although the Police/School Liaison Program has been discussed, no consensus
has been reached in this group.
Manuel Isquierdo said the City should be commended for leadership in past and
present for coordinating programs for troubled youth. Dr. Goldman, Superinten-
dent of District 202 is committed to addressing troubled youth within the high
school. This is first and foremost the responsibility of the school. ETHS is
working on the development of a systematic approach for identifying high risk
youth, and is committed to keeping lines of communication open with the City and
the community agencies. This is a good opportunity, with two new school superin-
tendents, to make changes in the current system.
The Committee agreed with the next steps outlined in the written statement. Aid.
Wold stated that a specific time table should not be set, but that the group should
develop its recommendations at its own pace. Ald. Morton questioned whether it
is realistic for a group of agencies to agree on recommendations regarding new
or revised programs. Each agency will want funding restored or new funding for
that agency. Delores Holmes stated that the group may be able to agree ou pro-
grams which will benefit youth and will help all agencies to help youth. She
stated her belief that a position should be created to coordinate the services
of all agencies. Hopefully the group can get beyond the vested interest of each
agency and look to the benefit of the whole community. Debbie Sundblad stated
that the group may be able to recommend an intervention program and design this
program without giving direction as to which agency should implement this.
Helen McCarthy stated that it is important for the group to have direction from
the Human Services Committee as to whether the group should proceed with recom-
mendations for the Committee. This group is committed to improving the service
network and will work on this regardless of any Committee action; however, the
group needs to know if it should develop specific recommendations regarding a
youth intervention program. old. Rudy moved that the Committee endorse the
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 12/8/86 ... G
efforts of this group and request the group to proceed with the steps outlined
in the written statement. The motion was seconded by Ald. Wold and was approved
unanimously.
Aid. Larson asked if the proposed multi -family unit inspection program could
address the concerns of the Human Relations Commission regarding registration
of rental unite. Ms. McCarthy responded that staff of the Department of Hous-
ing and Property Services has not with the staff of the Human Relations Com-
mission to discuss coordinating these efforts.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Helen McCarthy, Staff
cc: Joel Asprooth
Minutes of the
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
December 22, 1986
8:00 P.M.
Present: Alds. Davis, Larson. Ream, Rudy, Wold
Absent: Ald. Morton
Officials and Edna Summers, Anna Willis, Julian Coleman, Deal Laatsch,
Staff Present: John gall, Lynn Needham, Ken Wenzel, Philip Peters,
Helen McCarthy
Presiding: Ald. Davis. Chair
Minutes
The minutes of the Human Services Committee meeting of December 8, 1986 were
approved as submitted.
Communications:
- Staff memorandum, dated December 15. 1986, regarding South Evanston Senior
Citizen Club
In response to a question, Ms. McCarthy stated that staff are still dis-
cussing with representatives of the Hemenway Church the possibility that
the Senior Citizen Club may remain there.
Township Issues:
Township Supervisor Edna Summers; Anna Willis, Director of Evanston General
Assistance Office; and Julian Coleman. Township Accountant, joined the Com-
mittee.
Auditor's Report
Supervisor Summers introduced Jeffrey Andrea of Hill, Taylor and Company
who had conducted the Township audit for 1985-86. Mr. Andrea reviewed the
audit, stating that the financial statements of the Township are in con-
formity with generally accepted accounting principles. He reviewed page 2,
the combined balance sheet, and page 3, the statement of revenues, expendi-
tures. and changes in fund balance. In response to a question, he indicated
that the Town Fund balance at the end of the 85-86 fiscal year was $363,102
as compared to a deficit of $75,297 at the end of the prior fiscal year,
leaving the Township in a substantially improved financial condition.
Mr. Andrea summarized a recommendation from his Management Statement, that
the Township should begin to maintain a fixed asset fund to list all equip-
ment as a separate column in the financial statement. In response to a
question, he indicated that the equipment would not have to be depreciated
each year, rather the price to be listed would be the purchase price of the
equipment. This is recommended because the Township is now purchasing more
equipment than in the past, such as computer equipment, typewriters, etc.
Ms. Summers stated that she would distribute copies of the auditor's Manage-
ment Statement for the Committee to review.
r
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 12/22/86 ... 2
The Committee requested that the audit statement next year ■how compara-
tive figures for the prior year along with the budgeted and actual figures
for the current year. In response to a question about the lateness of this
report, Mr. Andrea stated that there had been a delay in receiving actual
figures regarding assessed valuation from the County Assessor's Office. In
response to a question about why the entire loan has not been paid off, Mr.
Coleman explained that the remainder of the debt, Which is $127,000, will
be paid by the lot of April, 1997, after the first installment of the tax
monies have been received by the Township.
Monthly Report - November. 1986
Ms. Summers conwnted on the 29 new and reopened cases for the month. She
stated that thus far in December. the Township has also had 32 now case
applications which is higher than usual. In response to a question about
applications to the Township from persons staying at the homeless shelter,
Ms. Summers described the problem of certain landlords accepting rent from
the Township even though the clients are no longer residing in the units
and are instead staying at the shelter. There have been five such cases in
the last month. The Township will take legal action against these landlords
if it continues. The shelter is very cooperative about notifying the Town-
ship of Township clients staying there. She also described an instance of
a client receiving Township rental payment of $130, when in fact the client
is on Section 8 subsidized housing program and is paying no rent. The Cook
County Housing Authority will work with the Township to cross-check client
lists. Ms. Willis stated that a shelter occupant inquires about Township
assistance about once a month. The Reta Reingruber case is still an open
case and has not been heard in Circuit Court.
Ald. Davis stated that although she understands the difficulty With the re-
porting of "client days", she would like a way to look at current trends in
length of assistance as compared to the past. Ms. Willis stated that page 2
of the monthly report has very valuable information as to why clients begin
or leave Township rolls. Also, it is most important to look at the length
of time on assistance on an annual rather than monthly basis. The Committee
asked Ms. Willis to give an oral "nut shell analysis" of the monthly report
each month.
Staff memorandum, dated December 18, 1986, about Emergency Assistance Food
Expenditures
Ald. Mold stated that based on Ms. McCarthy's memorandum, it does not appear
that an audit of the program is needed. In response to a question, Mr. Cole-
man stated that a compliance audit provides documentation as to why the in-
crease in food assistance has taken place. The Committee discussed what
would be yielded from a compliance audit. Generally such an audit would
reveal whether procedures are being followed and whether adequate documenta-
tion of eligibility is being provided. Ms. Willis stated that a compliance
audit would also provide information on why people are coming for assistance.
This information should be obtained before unbudgeted funds from the Township
are transferred to the Emergency Assistance program for the increased food
expenditures. The Committee asked that this discussion be completed at the
next Committee meeting regarding the Township, and requested that the Township
Supervisor provide a written recommendation concerning the transfer of funds
to the Emergency Assistance program.
Memorandum from :cwnship Accountant Julian Coleman reQardinst Compliance Audit
of Emergencv Food Progjam.
Human Services Committee
Minutes of 12/22/86 ... 3
Supervisor's Report
Ms. Summers distributed a summary of the number of Township Work Opportunity
Program clients involved in training during the year, and reported on the
graduation ceremony for the first group of clerical trainees.
In response to a question about Township travel policy, Ms. Summers stated
that the Township does utilize a per diem travel rate and has written travel
policies which will be distributed to the Human Services Committee.
Consideration of Budget Reduction Ovtion - Energy Education Program at the
Ec21W Center
Heal Lastsch, Chairman; John Ball and Lynn Needham, members of the Ladd Arboretum
Board; and Ken kenaml, Director of the Ecology Center, joined the Committee. Mr.
Lastsch asked the Committee to recommend against the budget reduction option to
eliminate the Energy Education Program at the Ecology Center. He reviewed the
twelve year history of the energy program and described the program provided to
approximately 1.700 people annually. The Ecology Center served as the major
focus for energy programs in Evanston for the last ten years. The City provides
less than 50% of the operating costs of the Ecology Center. He highlighted the
past non -City support of the Ecology Center, particularly for the major capital
expenses. Now that these capital resources are available, they should be used
through the educational programs and tours provided by the program. Should the
City eliminate this program, this will hamper the long range ability of the
Ecology Center to generate outside funding for any of its programs. Private
funders will be reluctant to continue support if the City does not maintain its
programs.
Mr. Philip Peters of the Evanston Plan Commission addressed the Committee. He
asked the Committee to support the maintenance of Energy Education Program. He
pointed out that the Ecology Center is the last source of community education on
energy conservation which is available in Evanston. The Plan Commission has
strongly supported in the past and continues to support these programs. The
Comprehensive General Plan addresses goals and objectives for energy conserva-
tion, however, little by little the City has trimmed its energy programs. This
one needs to be maintained.
Ald. Davis stated that this is the last energy program in the community, and that
it is ill-advised to remove the program. In response to a question, Mr. Laatsch
said that it is the stated goal of the Ecology Center to be self-supporting. Ald.
Wold moved that the Committee recommend that this budget reduction option not be
accepted at this time. The motion was seconded by Ald. Rudy and passed unanimous-
ly. Aid. mold recommended that the Board make an effort to inform the other
aldermen of the investment which has gone into the Ecology Center and the need
for continuation of the program.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
�n,
Helen McCarthy, Staff
cc. Joel Asprooth