SAN FRANCISCO HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION

M I N U T E S

March 27, 2003 Regular Meeting

The regular monthly meeting of the Human Services Commission was held on Thursday, March 27, 2003, in the Ronald H. Born Auditorium at 170 Otis Street San Francisco.
MEMBERS PRESENT	CLEMETINE CLARKE, President ANITA MARTINEZ JANE MORRISON GEORGE YAMASAKI, JR.
MEMBER ABSENT	BRIAN GAINES, Vice President (excused)
OTHERS PRESENT	Trent Rhorer, Executive Director, Department of Human Services Louise Rainey, Secretary - Human Services Commission James Buick, Deputy Director Sally Kipper, Deputy Director Jennifer Williams, Deputy City Attorney Other department staff and interested citizens
ROLL CALL	President Clarke called the meeting to order at 9:45 a.m., noting that all the Commission was present with the exception of Vice President Gaines who had been excused.
AGENDA	On motion by Commissioner Morrison, seconded and carried, the Commission adopted the agenda as posted.
MINUTES	On motion by Commissioner Yamasaki, seconded and carried, the Commission approved the minutes of the February 27, 2003 Regular Meeting as circulated.
MARCH 2003 EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH	President Clarke presented the March 2003 Employee of the Month award to Employment Services Childcare Coordinator WALTER MACIAK. Mr. Maciak was honored for the consistent excellence of his work on various child care efforts. His name has been engraved on the Employee of the Month plaque and he was presented an engraved desk clock. Walter graciously accepted with thanks to all.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT	Executive Director Trent Rhorer reported that dialog continues with the City and State budget offices. The department is working with the legislature for program realignment. A State audit of the Family and Children's Services License Unit found the department out of compliance in ten of fifteen areas. The Corrective Action Plan is due April l, 2003. The department is focusing on Family to Family Initiative foster care recruitment in the southeast portion of the city. The Food Stamp Program has initiated a pilot project for seniors and homeless. The project seeks to recruit restaurants willing to accept food stamps to assist those food stamp recipients without cooking facilities. 100 department employees are currently volunteering their time to assist San Franciscans earning less than $34,178 per year with their income tax form preparation. The effort has thus far assisted 382 individuals and resulted in tax refunds totaling $327,070. Mr. Rhorer explained the structure and membership of the Proposition N Care Not Cash Committees: The Service Providers Advisory Committee which has two subcommittees -- the Shelter Subcommittee and the Housing Subcommittee; and the Public Advisory Committee. The full Committee meets again Thursday, April 17, 2003 at 9:30 a.m. - City Hall Room 34. Care Not Cash will be heard by the Board of Supervisor's Rules Committee Wednesday, April 2nd at 9:30 a.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR	On motion by Commissioner Morrison, seconded and carried, the Commission ratified actions taken by the Executive Director since the February 27, 2003 meeting in accordance with Commission authorization of June 27, 2002: 1. Submission of requests to encumber funds in the amount of $3,555,758 for purchase of services or supplies; 2. Submission to temporary requisitions TE91003 through TE91107 for possible use in order to fill positions on a temporary basis; 3. Submission of report indicating there we no temporary appointments made during the period of February 11, 2003 through March 5, 2003.
MARCH 2003 SOCIAL WORK MONTH	On motion by Commissioner Martinez, seconded and carried, the Human Services Commission adopted following resolution proclaiming March 2003 as Social Work Month, as follows: Whereas, Social Workers work to empower those who are frequently unheard; and Whereas, Social Workers open the doors of access and opportunity for everyone, particularly those in greatest need; and Whereas, Social Workers use their education, professional training, and commitment to improve all communities; and Whereas, Social Workers shape numerous programs and policies that strengthen individual lives and society; and Whereas, Social Workers, whether in direct practice, administration, education and research, or policy development, make an impact in every community; and Whereas, Social Workers, each and every day help thousands of San Francisco residents take charge of their lives by helping them navigate complex social systems and connecting them to appropriate resources, and Whereas, Social Workers, including those who practice as psychiatric social workers and therapists, help people to identify, understand and use their strengths to overcome life's adversities; and Whereas, Social Workers shape programs and policies that contribute to healthy and successful communities; and Whereas, March 2003 has been designated nationally as Social Work Month; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the San Francisco Human Services Commission at its meeting held March 27, 2003, hereby proclaims the month of March 2003 as Social Work Month; and be it further Resolved that the Commission respectfully supports the San Francisco Board of Supervisors' proclamation proclaiming March 2003 as Social Work Month.
ZYGMUNT ARENDT ESTATE DISTRIBUTION COMMITTEE	On motion by Commissioner Martinez, seconded and carried, the Commission approved Mr. Alan S. Wong's appointment to the Zygmunt Arendt Estate Distribution Committee.
STATE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTS	Dan Kelly, Planning Manager, presented the request to apply for a grants from the State Department of Housing and Community Development. On motion by Commissioner Yamasaki, seconded and carried, the Commission granted authorization to apply for and expend a Grant from the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development for Emergency Housing and Assistance Program funds for necessary repairs at the Multi Service Center South Homeless Shelter; during the period of July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2010; in a total grant amount not to exceed $500,000; and adopt the resolution as presented.
	On motion by Commissioner Yamasaki, seconded and carried, the Commission granted authorization to apply for and expend a Grant from the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development for Emergency Housing and Assistance Program funds for the rehabilitation of the 150 Otis Street building so that its first floor can be used as an over-flow homeless shelter; during the period of July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2010; in a total grant amount not to exceed $500,000; and adopt the resolution as presented.
SAN FRANCISCO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT	Jeanne Zarka, Special Assistant to the Executive Director, presented the request to modify the contract with the San Francisco Community College District. On motion by Commissioner Yamasaki, seconded and carried, the Commission excused Commissioner Martinez from the votes on the San Francisco Community College District in order to avoid a conflict of interest. Commissioner Martinez is on staff at San Francisco City College. On motion by Commissioner Yamasaki, seconded and carried, the Commission granted authorization to modify the contract with SAN FRANCISCO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT in order to help CalWORKs and PAES participants acquire and improve their vocational English language skills for career success; during the period of August 1, 2001 through July 31, 2003, for the additional amount of $94,053 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $522,054. On motion by Commissioner Morrison, seconded and carried, the Commission granted authorization to renew the contract with SAN FRANCISCO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT in order to help CalWORKs and PAES participants acquire and improve their vocational English language skills for career success; during the period of August 1, 2003 through July 31, 2005; in a total contract amount not to exceed $761,204.
INTER CITY FAMILY RESOURCE AND SUPPORT NETWORK, INC.	Robin Love, Family Preservation Coordinator, presented the request to enter into a new contract with Inter City Family Resource and Support Network, Inc. On motion by Commissioner Martinez, seconded and carried, the Commission granted authorization to enter into a new contract with INTER CITY FAMILY RESOURCE AND SUPPORT NETWORK, INC. for provision of the Family Resource and Support Center in the Bayview/Hunter's Point Community; during the period of April 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004; in a total contract amount not to exceed $1,002,716.
URBAN SERVICES YMCA, INC.	Robin Love, Family Preservation Coordinator, presented the request to enter into a new contract with Urban Services YMCA, Inc. Angela James, an Ocean/Merced/Ingleside (OMI) resident and Southwest Neighborhood Improvement Group member, spoke in opposition to the award of contract to Urban Services YMCA and requested a review of the contract award process. Agnes Morton, a member of the OMI Community Action Organization and a retired Public Health Nurse, opposed awarding the contract to Urban Services YMCA and requested reconsideration of their proposal. Department staff and the contractor's representatives responded to the concerns expressed. On motion by Commissioner Yamasaki, seconded and carried, the Commission granted authorization to enter into a new contract with URBAN SERVICES YMCA, INC. for provision of the Family Resource Center in the Ocean/Merced/Ingleside neighborhood; during the period of April 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004; in a total contract amount not to exceed $469,462.
PUBLIC COMMENT	Laticia Erving, Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP) Emancipated Youth, spoke in opposition to the dismissal of Arline Hylton. Ms Erving urged the Commission to extend Ms. Hylton's employment through the end of June 2003 to protect the ILSP's continuity. Myishia Griece, ILSP Youth, noted that she has earned a degree in Political Science and is now in pursuing her MSW. Ms. Griece credits Arline Hylton's support and encouragement for her academic success. Ms. Griece urged the Commission to reconsider Ms. Hylton's dismissal and to avoid a disruption of services by continuing Ms. Hylton's employment through the end of the school year. Serenety Enriquez, ILSP Youth and a Cal State Hayward graduate, spoke in support of Ms. Hylton as a valued, loving and successful advocate for foster youth. Ms. Enriquez urged the Commission to continue Ms. Hylton's employment with the program. Tiffany Johnson, ILSP Youth, spoke in support of Ms. Hylton as a valued role model to the youth she serves. Sheila Mundine, ILSP Youth, testified to the stability Ms. Hylton provided to the foster youth and urged that she be retained. Tatiana M. Cardenas, ILSP Youth, spoke in support of Arline Hylton as a great motivator and source of love and stability for the foster youth she serves. Kamilah Sayyidi, ILSP Youth, spoke in support of Arline Hylton and urged the Commission to reconsider her dismissal.

RECESS	By general consent, the Commission recessed the public meeting at 11:44 a.m.
ADJOURNED INTO CLOSED SESSION	At 11:50 a.m., President Clarke adjourned the public meeting into closed session as permitted by Government Code Section 54957 to consider personnel matters.
RECONVENED PUBLIC MEETING	At 12:13 p.m., President Clarke reconvened the public meeting

VOTE	On motion by Commissioner Yamasaki, seconded and carried, the Commission elected to disclose none of the closed session discussion. Commissioner Martinez, speaking for the Commission, expressed appreciation for the quality and thoughtfulness evident in the presentations made by the Independent Living Skills Program Youth.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT	President Clarke's call for public comment did not yield a response.
ADJOURN	President Clarke adjourned the meeting at 12:16 p.m.

Louise Rainey, Commission Secretary

Human Services Commission