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02-07-1995 - Human Services Commission - Summary of Minutes - 01/10/95f City of West Covina Memorandum TO: City Council and City Manager AGENDA FROM: Human Services Department ITEM NO. c-2a �7 ` ��+ DATE 2���95 SUBJECT: 11 V1�1A SERVICES COMMISSION ® PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER SUMMARY OF MINUTES 1110195 I. Commissioners Present: Sotelo, McBride, Brown (arrived 7:08 p.m.) Cano, Guadiz, Jones, Moreno, Sheety, Singleton Commissioners Absent: None Staff Present: Salazar, Jones, Parker, Cook, Perea Others Present: Kean Flixson, Dr. Jerry Pearson, Joe Koval, Gayle Claiborne, Ann Roberts, Kay Rich, Ronald Wolff, Jennie Jacobson -Huse, Father Ray Smith, Karl J. Moris, Debbie Dalton, Carolyn Arndt H. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Motion by Sheety and seconded by McBride to approve the December 13, 1994 minutes. Carried (8-0-1-1) Brown arrived 7:08 p.m. Jones abstained. M. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Kean Elixon complained of the mistreatment of his son Mathew by the West Covina Bruins Football team coach. He questioned where the money collected by this League was going. As this was a sports issue, Commissioner Sotelo invited Mr. F.lixson to bring his complaint before the Youth Sports Council at their next meeting on December 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. The Athletic Agreement with the Leagues will be reviewed and the item placed on the next Human Services -Commission agenda. V. WESTPARK DIALrA-RIDE The van inspection was rescheduled. Knora Jackson was unable to attend. VI. PUBLIC INPUT 1. Del Norte Park Plan - Baseball Field Lighting - Joe Koval, who has lived at the corner of Hollow and Rowland Avenues for 36, years, is not for or against the lights. He did not see the letter from his neighbor listed under Written Communications on the agenda. He is in favor of Little League activities for 12 year olds and under but not for anyone else. Motion. by Sheety and seconded by Cano to recommend to the Planning Commission the approval of the Del Norte Park Plan lighting of the baseball field for 12 year olds or under. Carried (9-0) 2. Consolidated Plan Ralph Castenda went over the draft report "Guidelines for Setting Priorities." The report contains information the Commission can use in determining community need priorities (to be established for a full year). Commissioner' Brown questioned what assurance there was in receiving the funds. Human Services Director Salazar explained that the CDBG funds come in one year increments. These are the requirements in making application for this year's money, however, there are no guarantees as to what funds we will receive from HUD. Presentations - The following Service Providers were present to describe their program needs: St. Martha's Senior Care Center Father Ray Smith, Director, told of the growing concerns of the community's senior citizens health needs: 1. the active seniors, 2. the impaired seniors who are home bound (unable to live independently) and are being taken care of by their families. The Center is" licensed for 32 seniors, and is caring for 26 at this time. The fee is $25 per day (7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) paid out of the pockets of the senior's family. The health systems are changing dramatically. Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) have a major, flaw in their system. If the health impaired senior. needs more than the system will pay, it is an automatic cutoff. The Queen of the Valley Hospital has come in as a partner and is willing to bring in staff and equipment. One organization. cannot do it all, however, we, as a community can bring all of the • services together to work. The West Covina Unified School District is being asked for an additional 8,000 sq. ft. for the Care Center at Willowood School. The City is being asked for $50,000 in CDBG funding for remodeling.. The remodeled facility will be able to accommodate .150-200 seniors and provide them with honest help. Lutheran Social Services - Kay Rich, East San Gabriel Office, described the services offered by her organization. They have a family shelter in Baldwin Park. Out of 115 assisted, 35 were West Covina residents. They provide a Cold Weather Shelter from November 15 through March 31, a Food Pantry on Francisquito, an. Advocacy Program at no .charge (205 West Covina residents helped), 154 West Covina residents were helped with clothing. YWCA - WINGS - Debbie Dalton, Director, stressed their need was for an emergency service shelter. Their community outreach services assist women in getting Temporary Restraining Orders (demand has gone up 15096), support group counseling, follow-up counseling. There is a need for legal assistance and court accompaniment. A homeless shelter and affordable housing is also needed in West Covina. UNITED WAY - Ron Wolff, discussed the information in their 71992 Comprehensive Needs Assessment". The unemployment and economic issues (highly correlated to social service needs) were. the top of everyone's list. Public transportation for West Covina residents was also an issue. Wolff recommended that the Commission look at small groups who need transitional help before they drop into a big hole, particularly in terms of the homeless. CAMP FIRE BOYS & GIRLS, Mt. San Antonio Council, Inc. - Gayle Claiborne. The Council covers 26 cities. There is a need for "affordable" summer camp and day care. Their Crime Buster's Program designed for children 4-1/2 to 12 fees are $55 per child per week and $20. per week at Galster Park for the Summer Day Camp (300 kids in the past).- These programs are not offered by the City of West Covina. PUENTE HOUSE SOBER LIVING CENTERS - Karl J. Moris, owner/administrator, offers a program that provides a much needed structured living environment for men and women who need to have strong guidelines for a disciplined life in order to regain and maintain 2. sobriety. 30 % are West Covina court referrals and 70 %. recovery. They have 35 beds but could fill 135 beds right now. The charge for living at Puente House is very affordable at $400 per month, however, the program is being run on a shoe string and they are seeking. funding assistance. Commissioner Moreno would like to see some success stories of their clients. Mr. Moris will provide "Gold Letters" and their Quarterly Reports when they submit their application for CDBG funding. AMERICAN RED CROSS - Jennie Jacobsen -Huse. This agency targets: disaster relief, gives referrals to all the agencies represented here tonight, in the process of reinstating the Red Cross Youth Clubs, provides Meals - on -Wheels to the homebound. The Red Cross pays the hospitals that prepare and package the meals more than the $3.75 per meal charged. Volunteer drivers not only deliver the meals but often spend some time visiting with the clients. Additional funding is needed to continue with these programs. WEST COVINA FOOD BANK - Carolyn Arndt, Director. The Food Bank is run by volunteers from ten churches, each church is represented by a board member. Recently, service groups have 'been invited to participate. The bank uses a computer to keep track of those. who have received help (5 times limit). 17% of those assisted are West Covina residents. Special packages are prepared for the homeless that contains pull top cans and ready to eat items. LOVE, INC. - Ann Roberts. Volunteers from local churches assist those in their own community who are in. need. Over 2,000 a month have received assistance with food, clothing, utilities, transportation, housecleaning. Human Services Director informed the Commission that the service providers who had applied for CDBG funds would. make formal proposals at the February meeting. CDBG LOANS TO FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS - Discussion was held regarding the Redevelopment Agency's Loans to First Time Home Buyer's Program. The Commission would like armed services veterans to receive preferential treatment. Motion was made by Moreno, and seconded by Cano, to recommend to the City Council that one of the criteria for the fast time home buyers program be that armed services veterans be given preference, all things being equal. Report back to Human Services Commission from the Redevelopment Agency staff with the criteria listed. Carried. (8-1) Jones. V1. STAFF REPORTS 1. Fourth of July Event - Update - Greg Jones reported on the status. The pyrotechny firm has been contacted and will they will be checking out Tyberg Field. The contract is going to the attorney and School District for approval. Entertainment contacts are being made. 2. Human Services Volunteer of the Year - Nominee Mary J. Herbener. Motion by Sheety, and seconded by McBride, that Mary J. Herbener has been selected as the recipient of the Human Services Volunteer of the Year Award for 1994. Carried. (9-0) 3. 4, Recreation Services Volunteer of the Year - Nominee Dr. Fred Gonzalez Motion by Cano, and seconded by Jones, that Dr. Fred Gonzalez, has been selected as the recipient of the Recreation Services Volunteer of the Year Award for 1994. Carried. (9-0) 3. Emergency Directories - Discussion was held to determine what is needed by way of emergency directories. Motion by Cano,� seconded by Sheety that staff be requested to investigate emergency directories and report back to the Commission with their findings. Carried. (9-0) 5. Statistical Reports m November 1994 - Staff is to check into Senior Center Meals Program figures and report back at next meeting. VII. COMIVIISSIONER. REPORTS h�gM - Commissioners are encouraged to attend the City of West Covina's 72nd Birthday Celebration and Human Services and Recreation Services Volunteer of the Year 1994 Awards Dinner on February 2, 1995 at West Covina Lanes. Moreno - The Youth Sports Council needs to establish "Good Neighbor" meetings with the presidents of the JLittle Leagues to find out what some of the concerns are and work out some (solutions to these problems. Commissioner Cano, Commission liaison to the Youth Sports Council, will bring this matter up at the next YSC meeting. k VIII. ITEMS TO BE AGENDIZED - i 1. DAVE Transportation. Services, Inc. f 2. Review of. Youth Sports Council Agreement with Little. Leagues 3. July 4th Event Ix: ADJOURNMENT - At 10:58 p.m. Chairman Sotello adjourned to the next Regular Meeting of the Human Services Commission on Tuesday, February 14, 1995 at 7 p.m. in the MRC Room 314, City Hall. r I Gus Salazar j Human Services Director HSCmin95.1/GS:ic 4.