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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996 09-30 CCM Question/Answer Session Pertaining to Applications for Contractual Services Requests for Funding 1997 MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA QUESTION /ANSWER SESSION PERTAINING TO APPLICATIONS FOR CONTRACTUAL SERVICES REQUESTS FOR FUNDING 1997 SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 CITY HALL, CONFERENCE ROOM B CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in special work session and was called to order by Mayor Myrna Kragness at 5:35 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Debra Hilstrom, Kathleen Carmody, and Charles F. Nichols, Sr. Also present were City Manager Michael J. McCauley and Council Secretary Connie Beckman. Councilmember Kristen Mann was absent. QUESTION /ANSWER FORMAT Five programs were asked to appear before Council tonight regarding requested monies. Fifteen minutes were allotted to each program for a question/answer session based on description overviews already submitted by each program. PROJECT P.E.A.C.E. Michelle Cleveland was present, representing Project P.E.A.C.E. Councilmember Hilstrom inquired the reasoning for different contributing amounts to Project P.E.A.C.E. by each city. Ms. Cleveland responded there are two criteria/parts which contribute to an overall formula which determine how much each city contributes to Project P.E.A.C.E. "Part A" relates to Community Advocacy which is the population served based on figures given by the Metropolitan Council. "Part B" relates to Domestic Violence Intervention which is the responses to domestic violence police reports and arrests which are based on Project P.E.A.C.E. data from January 1996 to June 15, 1996. City Manager McCauley questioned Maple Grove's lower per month arrest rate. Apparently, certain wording of Maple Grove's mandatory arrest ordinance is different from that of Brooklyn Center and Robbinsdale ( "may" versus "shall "). The difference in wording contributes a lower arrest rate in that 09/30/96 -1- law enforcement officers are not necessarily required to make an arrest when "may" is used; more mediation and separation are used. Follow up is still done in Maple Grove by orienting victims of their options and available resources. Clarification regarding probable cause and how State law applies in such a situation was offered by Mr. McCauley. In response the Councilmember Nichols, if shelter space is a necessity, a person is referred to an existing shelter (i.e. Tubman) since Project P.E.A.C.E. does not offer direct shelter services. All other advocacy services are available, however, through Project P.E.A.C.E. In response to Mayor Kragness, there is a 24 -hour crisis telephone line which is primarily staffed by volunteers. These volunteers work three to four, twelve -hour shifts per month. In response to Councilmember Nichols, Ms Cleveland indicated each city in Hennepin County contracts with a domestic violence intervention project provider (criminal court advocacy and restraining orders), but this does not include shelter space services. In response to Councilmember Nichols, Ms. Cleveland stated that Project P.E.A.C.E. would be unable to continue service delivery if it was Council's decision to discontinue funding of the program. Currently, there is a domestic abuse center in downtown Minneapolis whose service consists of only writing restraining orders but no follow -up advocacy. However, Project P.E.A.C.E. encompasses a much greater service provision as follows: transportation to /from court hearings; child care; criminal court advocacy which includes actual appearances in court and follow -up on corresponding paperwork. Councilmember Nichols inquired about follow -up on restraining orders. Ms. Cleveland responded a woman obtaining a restraining order is educated as much as possible which includes finding shelter/housing, and providing access to as many options as possible. She added a woman is seven times more likely to be hurt after leaving an abusive relationship. In response to Councilmember Nichols, there are currently no Federal funds available for use by Project P.E.A.C.E. now or in 1997. However, there are potential Federal funds which may be available in 1998. If Federal funds are available this could result in a lesser amount requested from the City. In response to Councilmember Hilstrom, there are no immediate plans to add any communities to those being served already by Project P.E.A.C.E. Mayor Kragness inquired about repeat offenders. Ms. Cleveland responded she has been with the organization for three years and has seen some repeats, but not a lot. She added the same victims are not the only repetition observed, but offenders--just in different relationships - -as well. Ms. Cleveland noted Project P.E.A.C.E.'s request has decreased by nine percent which is due in part to the increase in service use by Maple Grove. 09/30/96 -2- In response to Councilmember Carmody, Ms. Cleveland noted Project P.E.A.C.E. staff work police educating them on situation judgment/evaluation. A good rapport with law enforcement has been strived for and obtained through education provision. Councilmember Hilstrom inquired about the organization's Board of Directors. Currently, there are three Board members: Maple Grove Chief of Police; Captain Joel Downer from Brooklyn Center; and Robbinsdale Chief of Police. Given the joint powers agreement, these members were originally selected in or around 1992. Any addition to the Board's membership is decided by the Board, itself. Councilmember Nichols expressed surprise that no consumer of the organization is a Board member. The City Manager suggested formation of an Advisory Board where membership consists of a consumer would be more appropriate. In response to Mayor Kragness, there is no availability of obtaining outside funding from organizations /foundations given that Project P.E.A.C.E. does not possess non - profit status. Ms. Cleveland added the organization was originally designed to eventually obtain non -profit status, however, the Board is not in favor of such a designation. In closing Ms. Cleveland reiterated although Brooklyn Center's usage of Project P.E.A.C.E.'s service has increased 64 percent, monies being requested from the City have been decreased by nine percent. CEAP Tia Henry - Johnson was present, representing CEAP. Currently, CEAP is looking for a new facility in which to be housed as they have sold their current building. It is the desire to remain in Brooklyn Center. They have up to 18 months to relocate per their current lease. The property was sold for $325,000, but it is very unlikely this would be enough to build a facility given high property costs. CEAP needs at least 18,000 square feet of office space compared to the current footage of 6,000 square feet. In response to Councilmember Hilstrom, CEAP desires to be at a location which is on the bus route as this is and has been a need. Councilmember Carmody inquired about past contributions made by the City in the amount of $100,000 and/or land. Ms. Henry- Johnson responded there was no land given to CEAP, however, $100,000 was given with an accompanying lien against CEAP 's property to ensure consistency in location and service delivery. Ms. Henry- Johnson explained CEAP is specifically requesting funds to address unexpected cuts in senior services. Notification of these cuts has come from the MN Agency on Aging resulting in decreases as follows: 30 percent for Meals on Wheels (financed directly from Title 3 Federal monies); 50 percent for Handiworks Program known as the Chore Service Program. Other cuts were anticipated on the Federal level, but not ones which would affect these programs. These programs 09/30/96 -3- I are thought to be the most "runable" programs by CEAP officials. In the past seven weeks a waiting list of 22 senior citizens has been created for Meals on Wheels. This is the first time such a list has occurred in CEAP's history. CEAP is afraid to take on waiting list seniors prior to assurance of funds for fixture operating needs. Ensured funding would deliver continued service to those seniors for more than just the remaining four months of the budget year. Councilmember Carmody inquired about the Chore Service Program. Currently, 269 seniors are served who live in Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, and Champlin. Of those served, 67 percent live in Brooklyn Center. The majority of seniors served are on the low end income level. The Chore Service Program provides in -home help (i.e. cooking, cleaning) and external services (i.e. grass cutting, snow shoveling, very light repairs); the majority of services are in -home. Also, a small percentage of the population are not seniors, but people who are severely handicapped. Services are delivered on a sliding fee scale since most incomes of those served are rated below the poverty level. Generally, charges to service recipients are $1 /hour with the average wage of $6.75- $7.25/hour being paid to workers. In response to Councilmember Carmody, there is certain criteria for participation in the program services. In -home visits are conducted once /month and contact with a family member from outside the home is done. If there are health/medication complications (i.e. dizzy /faint) related to the person being served, contact from medical personnel (i.e. doctor) is usually received. Participants in the program are served on a month -to -month basis. Councilmember Hilstrom requested a copy of information explaining the Meals on Wheels and Chore Services programs. Information will be forwarded accordingly. In response to Councilmember Carmody, 80 percent of operating monies are from Title 3 (Federal) funds which is distributed through the M Triple A (MN Council on Aging). CEAP is one of 26 vendors, but the only agency that serves northwest Hennepin County, which is also one of the largest areas served (approximately a 15 -mile radius). There are attempts being made to raise the anticipated shortage of money through local fundraisers and foundations /corporate sponsors (i.e. rotary, etc.). Mayor Kragness inquired about the response received from outside donors. Currently, there are outstanding proposals. In the past, mostly driving services (i.e. Meals on Wheels) donations have been received. In the last year approximately $6,000 -7,000 has been raised. Foundations have viewed donations as contributions to address operating costs and, therefore, have no desire to get into direct service provision on a long -term basis. Churches have participated with the food shelf thus making it a difficult situation to request any monies. In response to Councilmember Nichols, the McKnight Foundation and General Mills are currently being accessed for operating monies. Twenty -six percent of CEAP's overall budget comes from United Way. There has been appeal made to United Way for further funding. As a result there is 09/30/96 -4- an option of applying for Phase Two funding, but there are other programs who are in the same situation with regard to Federal funding cuts. Ms. Henry - Johnson reiterated focus cannot be placed on any one specific funding source and all options must be explored. NORTHWEST HENNEPIN HUMAN SERVICES COUNCIL Patty Wilder was present, representing Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. Councilmember Carmody commented the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council appears to be adding more policies to be agreed upon between city governments. Ms. Wilder responded the agency will be 25 years old next year and is currently serving a 15 -city region. Policies /services the agency offers are based on topics which primarily focus on housing (inner -city need) and transportation (outer -city need). In response to Mayor Kragness, there are 13 full -time equivalent employees and "a great number of volunteers" who come in on a day -to -day basis assisting in various projects. Councilmember Nichols inquired about evaluations conducted of the agency's programs. Each program has an evaluation measure of goals /objectives and accompanying statistics. As an umbrella agency, work with other non - profit agencies is done to ensure non- duplication of services. Home Station is an agency under Northwest's umbrella. This agency serves youths ages 10 -17 years who are runaways and/or referred to as "throw away youth." The ultimate goal of Home Station is to promote family unification while providing stable housing. Mayor Kragness inquired about foster care provision. by Northwest. Ms. Wilder responded Northwest licenses volunteers who offer host homes where youth are placed for a period of three to five days. In response to Mayor Kragness, Ms. Wilder talked about indirect services provided to those people who are homeless and without financial resources. Indirect services provided include legislative education and funding resources support. As well, there are efforts made to connect Brooklyn Center residents with resources who may be without transportation to /from the hospital. Mayor Kragness inquired about alternative funding resources available to Northwest. Ms. Wilder responded that due to joint powers funding, central funding has been from city governments. There have been monies received from foundations such as the McKnight and General Mills. Sixty percent of monies received go directly to operations and 40 percent are returned indirectly to the respective cities which provide funding to the program. The majority of monies received from foundations and grants is used for research, planning, and coordination. Councilmember Nichols inquired about settlement housing. Northwest has worked only indirectly with this type of housing. 09/30/96 -5- BROOKLYN PEACEMAKER Don Egnell was present, representing Brooklyn Peacemaker. Mayor Kragness shared a letter from the director of Brooklyn Peacemaker with those present. The director sent her regrets for not being able to attend tonight's meeting given her presence in China for pending adoption of a child. Previously, funds for operation were insufficient. However, fundraising efforts were very successful and pulled the program through. In response to Councilmember Nichols, applications submitted to foundations for monetary support have been turned down. Reasons for being turned down were not specific. Application for monies have been submitted to the State for additional funding under the Crime fund. However, any monies received would need to be earmarked for a specific project which would require hiring of an additional staff person. Councilmember Carmody referred to the anticipated $15,000 increase in funding needs, inquiring whether Hennepin County has been approached for some of the needed monies. Mr. Egnell stated that Hennepin County has been contacted, however, no response has been received at this time. Funding from Hennepin County has been received for the last three years at $15,000 /year. Last year (1996) was the first year Brooklyn Peacemaker was funded through the County Attorney's office. In response to Mayor Kragness, inquiries have been made to Brookdale vendors (i.e. J.C. Penney, Sears) about possible funding. However, they have been told to contact each respective corporate office. Mr. Egnell noted some of these vendors did contribute to a past fundraiser through sponsorship and small donations (i.e. money or merchandise). Councilmember Hilstrom inquired about SCOPE at Brookdale. The response was good in that approximately $1,200 was generated as well as recruitment, of a few new volunteers. Councilmember Nichols inquired what would happen if no monies were received from the City. Mr. Egnell responded their organization would operate as best as it could. Fundraising efforts would need to be increased over and above what is already being done. Worst case scenario would be facing folding of the Brooklyn Peacemaker. Currently, program counselors receive $35 /session or $70 /three hours of work as compared to $100 +/hour. These program counselors are trained professionals and it is the desire of Peacemaker officials to compensate them accordingly, and the caseload is increasing. In response to Mayor Kragness, referrals are being generated from the Brooklyn Center Police Department and Hennepin County's De Novo program. Mr. Egnell talked about recidivism results from January 1, 1995 to June 30, 1995. Of 68 percent surveyed, 87 percent (or 59 youth) did not re- offend. And, of the 68 percent surveyed, 97 percent of the referrals made by Brooklyn Center did not re- offend. It is believed the increase in percentage success between Brooklyn Center and Hennepin County is due in part to the difference in paperwork 09/30/96 -6- turn around time and associated contact time with offenders' families; five days for Brooklyn Center and four weeks for De Novo. In response to Councilmember Hilstrom, there are two possible areas of expansion in the near future: 1) hiring someone new under State funding; and 2) the County Attorney might assign responsibility for the northwest quadrant in which referrals would be made directly to Peacemaker versus De Novo. Currently, no referrals are being received regarding runaway youths as this would require a completely different type of program and accompanying services. There have been a couple of dealing with run away youth situations, however. It is possible there may be a program already in place through Hennepin County which addressed this issue. Councilmember Hilstrom inquired about funding received from Robbinsdale. Robbinsdale compensates Peacemaker on a per case basis at $50 /referral. Mr. Egnell added as of January 1, 1997, there will no longer be a per case fee if and only if adequate funding can be obtained. This is because the majority of cases referred are underwritten by Peacemaker due to the clients inability to pay the $50 fee. Approximately $6,000 has been used this year for service to those families who cannot afford the $50 fee; $10,000 is usually budgeted for the operating year. BROOKLYN CENTER YOUTH HOCKEY Pete Hespen was present, representing Brooklyn Center Youth Hockey. In response to Mayor Kragness, there have been girls who have participated in the hockey program. So far this year, one girl is registered. Equipment provided for the players includes jerseys, breezers (short-type pants), and goalie attire. Breezers last about five to six years and cost approximately $120 /pair to replace. New breezers were purchased by the program in 1995. Items families are required to provide are as follows: shoulder pads; helmet; hockey stick; and skates. Parents are encouraged to buy and/or exchange used equipment. Registration fees entail $250 for a traveling team and $90 for registration/try outs. Fundraising is conducted to help offset costs to parents. If no fundraising was conducted, the average cost per skater would be $704. The hockey program does not have a savings account. In response to Councilmember Nichols, investigation of fundraising via a pull tab operation has been explored. However, there is not really a location available at this time. In response to the City Manager, the program runs on a fiscal year and will have an approximated $5,700 to carry over to next season. This fiscal carry over is due in part to a reduction in ice time resulting in less money spent on ice time rental (less than 200 hours). Councilmember Nichols inquired about revenue generated from hockey games; there is none. 09/30/96 -7- Participation of Brooklyn Center residents in the program are as follows: 1992- 93 =81; 1994 =103; 1995 =108; 1996 = 110 -115. All players in the program are Brooklyn Center residents, except for two or three players who are picked up from the Osseo traveling team if there is a shortage of players. Parents are responsible for player costs associated with out -of -town tournaments /games. There is limited ability for intervention by a hockey team official if a child is encouraged by his/her parent to play despite that child's protest. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Kragness declared the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. City Clerk Mayo Recorded and transcribed by: Connie Beckman Timesaver Off Site Secretarial 09/30/96 -8-