HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-28-2023 Human Relation and Community Services Boarrd Minutes 112823
Attendance: Ron Embry, Sean Gehle, Jody Washington, Versey Williams, and Thomas Woods
Staff: Kimberly A. Coleman, Renee Morgan Freeman, and Willard Walker
Excused Absence: Paul Dripchak, Melissa Horste, and Frank Lee
Others: Matt Staples, OCA
The meeting was called to order at 5:46 p.m. by Chair Ron Embry.
R. Freeman conducted a roll call. A quorum was established.
J. Washington moved for approval of the agenda. Seconded by T. Woods. Motion carried.
S. Gehle moved that the September 26, 2023 meeting summary be accepted, seconded by J. Washington.
Motion carried.
There was no public comment.
Director Coleman provided an update on the Warming Center with plans to implement its opening and the
circumstances that transpired thereafter. Primary focus was the information received by the Fire Department
(mats for children) and Building Safety (Fire Suppression). This information prompted Director Coleman to
pivot and take another course of action, which led to opening the center for seniors, the medically fragile and
disabled persons and not moving forward with families since children would have to sleep upright in chairs to
avoid a violated code. Questions were posed regarding the $800,000 and if the funds could have been used
for fire suppression. What happens to the children now. Could the Lansing School District (LSD) be used for
emergency shelter. Director Coleman stated that the funds could not be used to install a fire suppression
system. LSD has not offered any schools but have reported that children are displaced. An alternative is to
put families into hotels. Most families require two to three hotel rooms due to the large size of the family.
Director Coleman explained the process for the selection of DRMM, stating that two agencies responded to
the RFP and DRMM was acceptable – the other agency was too costly. Lansing area agencies were too
overwhelmed to take on the responsibility of the Warming Center. The Office of the City Attorney (OCA)
will conduct some research on an exception for the Code re: children sleeping. T. Woods will seek a meeting
with the State Legislator regarding the code as well. There were detailed discussions regarding the probability
of various scenarios for the Warming Center. Director Coleman has a list of goals and objectives for the
upcoming year, which Toni Young has submitted to M. Horste. There was a list of eight that will be
narrowed down to four or five for a discussion with HRCS staff in December. R. Freeman reported that
Community Connect assisted 292 individuals and eighteen area agencies were on-hand. The coat drive
yielded a total of 113 coats for men, boys, women, and girls. Outer wear inventory included 167 women
coats, 169 men coats, 33 girls coats and 45 boys coats. Once again, all the men coats were distributed.
Thanks was extended to HRCS Advisory Board Members Sean, Melissa & Frank for their assistance.
City of Lansing HRCS Advisory Board Meeting Summary
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Foster Community Center
200 N. Foster, Room 211, Lansing, MI
Page | 2
There were no communications to report.
There were no formal Committee Reports. The Budget Committee selected a proposed date of December 6th
at 10:00 a.m. to meet. V. Williams transferred from the Policy Committee to serve on the Program
Committee. J. Washington will transfer to the Policy Committee. Director Coleman suggested that the
Program Committee review opioids.
There was no old business. The HRCS 2024 meeting scheduled was approved, which will remain for the 4th
Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m.
T. Woods moved that the meeting be adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
1/17/24/Final/KAC