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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 HRCS Meeting Minutes CITY OF LANSING HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD February 28, 2012 Minutes CALL TO ORDER The February 2012 meeting of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board was called to order by Board Chair Chad Johnson at 5:40 pm in the Foster Center Conference Room #211, Lansing. Present: Katie John, Jonathon Solis, Edwina Marshall, Chad Johnson and Lamar Wilson Absent: Gail Fournier- excused Staff: Joan Jackson Johnson, Director HRCS, Judy Page, Assistant LPD Liaison: Captain Daryl Green APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Board member Katie John moved to approve agenda. Lamar Wilson second. Motion passed. PUBLIC COMMENT No Report COMMUNICATIONS - No Report i .. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Correction: On last page of January 24, 2012 minutes, date of next meeting needs to be changed to February 28, 2012. Board member Lamar Wilson motioned to approve minutes from January 24, 2012, supported by Board Member Katie John. Motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS Spring Break Feed the Children: Director Johnson continues working on the Spring Break Feed the Children project for many neighborhood sites. Last year we used Lansing Community College catering who made sandwiches and we added additional fruits, and snacks. Board Member Katie John asked who provides at Lansing School District. Director Johnson replied Aramark. Board Member Chad Johnson suggested Meijer for making sandwiches. Director Johnson said we are looking at working with Meijer. She stated we need 1,000 lunches a day for 5 days. Board Member Katie John volunteered to reach out to Walmart to see how they can help. Board Member Chad Johnson asked if there is a place that we could assemble lunches. Director Johnson said we are using the South Washington Office Complex for assembling lunches. Board Member Katie John said she would e-mail any information she gathers regarding the program. PETITIONS/COMPLAINTS None CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT Board Member Chad Johnson will give a report regarding the "Greater Lansing Alliance Against Hate Crimes" at the March Board Meeting. DIRECTOR' S REPORT Director Joan Jackson Johnson reports the date for our 5"' annual "Lansing Community Connect" is September 21, 2012 and we will be providing the Board with "Save the Date" cards. Once again the event will be held at the South Washington Office Complex on Washington Avenue. Director Johnson stated she has been working diligently on the 2012/13 budget. HRCS is the smallest department in the City, and she has to cut $191,000 from the department budget. She has reviewed administrative cost, agency contracts, and considered grants the department receives from HMIS, HUD, etc., and we are still short $60,000. The department may lose a position. Director Johnson met with Directors of the agencies we have contracts with to discuss needs of the agencies with regards to the upcoming 2012/13 budget. One of the agencies we help fund, Refugee Development Center had a significant cut in Federal funding leaving gaps in the city. One of the largest refugee housing neighborhoods is Summer Place Townhomes. There are health, food security, and language problems in these neighborhoods. Director Johnson feels we need to continue to work with grant opportunities and research others. The Weekend Backpack Program: For February arranged for MSU students to assist in our back pack program. The biggest concern is still nutrition. Director Johnson welcomes any ideas regarding funding the "Spring Break Feed the Children" program. Our next pantry date is March 17th and will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church on Grand River Avenue. LPD LIAISON'S REPORT LPD Liaison Capt. Daryl Green reported a month ago the Principal from Gardner Middle School called regarding refugee children being attacked by kids around Summer Place Townhomes. Captain Green spoke with kids on the buses, the kids are scared and there are challenges with languages. LPD is still working with getting the kids to call 911. They have not been able to hold any one person responsible. Capt. Green needed multiple translators just to speak to the kids. Capt. Green stated regarding the homeless, and panhandlers on street corners, there is nothing legally LPD can do, with exception of patrol officers offering to give them a ride to the VOA. Director Johnson related there are safety issues for panhandlers and the people who stop to help. There are jobs and housing assistance available. Also, there is help available for rental deposits and home furnishings. Director Johnson, Chief of Police and Judge DeLuca are working with getting the Community Mental Health to make changes regarding people referred for services. Capt. Green stated it is voluntary when they take someone to CMH for services, and cannot stop them from walking out. Director Johnson stated the Mayor would like a program for Mental Health that would not involve the Lansing Police Department. Flint and Jackson both have Mental Health programs with staff on same campus. Community Mental Health does not have the facility to lock people up. Board Member Edwina Marshall asked if Community Mental Health is not doing their job. Director Johnson replied money is an issue. Also, they work more with the developmentally disabled. Sparrow hospital is starting a Medical Service Center next to the VOA building. Capt. Green reports the problem with the Recovery Center is that it takes 20 minutes to process intakes at the Center. Director Johnson said one purpose of the Recovery Center was to reduce LPD officer's time; it is intended to be a drop off without officers waiting for processing. Capt. Green stated LPD is concerned that if they just drop off something could happen to the person and LPD would be held responsible. Capt. Green reports regarding the CATA bus terminal. There were not many arrests this month and officers are riding the buses now. He feels the public is more accepting of this as they are concerned about safety. CATA supplied a $40,000 grant to LPD for help. Capt. Green said Michigan State Police is hosting a five day "Youth Leadership Academy" for 14 to 16 year olds. Program runs August 19th to the 25th, Sunday thru Friday. Program is free, all uniforms and gear is provided. Twenty five kids from the Lansing area will be selected. OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS None NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for March 27, 2012 at 5:30 pm. Meeting at Foster Community Center, 2nd floor, Room #209, located on Foster Street, Lansing, Michigan. ADJOURNMENT Board member Jonathon Solis moved to adjourn meeting, seconded by Lamar Wilson. Motion passed. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. CITY OF LANSING HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD March 27, 2012 Minutes CALL TO ORDER The March 2012 meeting of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board was called to order by Board Chair Chad Johnson at 5:42 p.m. in the Foster Center Conference Room#209, Lansing. Present: Jonathon Solis, Edwina Marshall, Chad Johnson and Lamar Wilson and Gail Fournier Absent: Katie John - excused Staff: Joan Jackson Johnson, Director HRCS, Judy Page, Assistant LPD Liaison: Captain Daryl Green APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Board member Edwina Marshall moved to approve agenda. Gail Fournier second. Motion passed. PUBLIC COMMENT No Report COMMUNICATIONS No Report APPROVAL OF MINUTES Board member Edwina Marshall motioned to approve minutes from February 28, 2012, supported by Board Member Jonathon Solis. Motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS Director Joan Jackson Johnson reports the HRCS Department is applying for a grant from the Jackson National for event funding assistance for 2013. She invites any Board Members that are interested in being involved in Lansing Community Connect event in September this year to contact the department. PETITIONS/COMPLAINTS None CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT None DIRECTOR' S REPORT Director Joan Jackson Johnson reports for Spring Break Feed the Children program this year we are working with the Meijer store on Lake Lansing. They will be making the sandwiches, provide juice boxes and other items for the lunches. Meijer's quoted the best price for the quality and quantity of food. Volunteers from the City of Lansing, MSU students and citizens will help pack lunches and get them out to the distribution sites. Also during Spring Break, we will pack and distribute 500-600 food boxes for needy families that have been identified by various agencies. Director Johnson stated she attended meeting regarding the Occupy Lansing group. They are looking to re-occupy this year, however, the last time it cost the City to supply port-a- potty and to clean up the park. This year they will not be allowed to stay/sleep in City parks. HRCS is hosting the Caesar Chavez program on Thursday the 29th of April in City Council chambers and all Advisory Board Members are invited to attend. The HRCS Department is scheduled on April 30th with City Council for upcoming 2012/13 budget hearing. The next Mobile Food Pantry is April 215t at the Pennway Church of God on Cavanaugh. LPD LIAISON'S REPORT Capt. Green reports LPD is giving special attention to the Mt. Vernon Housing complex and attempting to address issues with youth before they escalate. Director Johnson stated HRCS department would like to partner with LPD and the Lansing Public Housing to come up with activities for the youth this summer. She would like to set up a meeting with Capt. Green, and Lansing Housing Director Pat Baines Lake, to discuss ideas to gear up for the summer months at the public housing sites. Capt. Green reports there have been issues recently on the South Side, specifically near the Kroger store on Holmes Road and LPD is monitoring those areas. Director Johnson reports that LPD is working with HRCS Spring Break Feed the Children program, by delivering to two of the distribution sites. OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS None NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for April 24, 2012 at 5:30 pm. Meet at Foster Community Center, 2"d floor, Room #211, located on Foster Street, Lansing, Michigan. ADJOURNMENT Board member Jonathon Solis moved to adjourn meeting, seconded by Gail Fournier. Motion passed. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. CITY OF LANSING HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD April 24,2012 Meeting Minutes CALL TO ORDER The May 2012 meeting of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board was called to order by Board Member Katie John at 5:40 p.m. in the Foster Center Board Room #211, Lansing. Present: Edwina Marshall, Chad Johnson, Katie John, Lamar Wilson and Jonathon Solis Absent: Gail Fournier and Chad Johnson - excused Staff: Joan Jackson Johnson,Director HRCS, Judy Page,Assistant LPD Liaison: Captain Daryl Green APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Board member Edwina Marshall moved to approve agenda. Lamar Wilson second. Motion passed. PUBLIC COMMENT r r No Report J COMMUNICATIONS No Report APPROVAL OF MINUTES Board member Jonathon Solis motioned to approve minutes from April 24, 2012, supported by Board member Edwina Marshall. Motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS Alice Brinkman, Director & Founder of Reach Studio Art Center was invited by the HRCS Advisory Board to give a presentation about the organization. The Board requested Reach Studio be considered for a grant from the Human Relations & Community Services Department. Reach has operated in Lansing for 8 %. years, and is an artistic outreach for children and teens. Creative Connections is a free after school program for children 7-12 years old. Reach is also partnering with the Lansing Parks & Recreation Department during the summer for one hour of art, one day a week at the Southside Community Center. PETITIONS/COMPLAINTS None CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT None DIRECTOR' S REPORT Director Joan Jackson Johnson reports HRCS has met with some City Council members, Capt. Yankowski, LPD, representatives/Managers from housing complexes in the Jolly/Waverly area, community agencies, a couple local churches, and concerned citizens regarding challenges and problems many of the refugee families and children are experiencing. Children are being harassed at the schools and on the properties by gangs from other areas. Because of language barriers they feel helpless, terrified and don't know how to call 911 and ask for help. Director Johnson stated one problem is area children and teens have nothing to do. We are planning an event on the south side of town inviting south side residents, along with LPD, Fire Department, Lansing Parks & Rec, and local agencies to bring diverse families/children together. The Burundi family we are placing in an OCOF home was recently on the front page of the LSJ. We are working on getting furniture and furnishing for the house and hope to move the family in soon. The OCOF program is in need of churches to mentor the families we are placing in homes. Board member Edwina Marshall asked if the mentoring program was made clear to the people. Director Johnson replied there are guidelines, expectations etc., that are available. Board member Katie John asked if there has been any feedback on this year's budget. Director Johnson stated there have been some programs eliminated; some that are not producing expected outcomes will be reduced. We have two new Board Members that will hopefully be sworn in and at our next meeting. Week LPD LIAISON'S REPORT Capt. Green reports homicide rates seem to increase with summer approaching. LPD are increasing their presence in troubled areas of the City. There were two arrests in the recent death of a 2 year old,which is considered a homicide. Regarding the recent assault on the River Trail there is a man in custody. They are two volunteers with golf carts who are monitoring/patrolling the River Trail. OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS None NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for June 26, 2012 at 5:30 pm. Meet at Foster Community Center, 2"d floor, Room #211, located on Foster Street, Lansing, Michigan. ADJOURNMENT Board member Katie John moved to adjourn meeting, seconded by Edwina Marshall. Motion passed. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m. CITY OF LANSING HUMAN RELATIONS & COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD Date of Meeting: Tuesday, April 24,2012 Time of Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Place of Meeting: Foster Community Center,200 Foster St. Board Room#211 (2"d Floor) . .. .._ ...:[+rR/A.'A.'�:A':AI�'S/6i"A,"N.tl/e', '. :.., ..:.,:: ... ,.r.:. ,.'.' ":',.'...... .:�.i9:'9:'B.9d;'Y/d/B/P/eYYA'/6/F':O•/O.'8/®'/CY.L. AGENDA I Call to Order 11. Attendance III. Approval of Agenda IV. Public Comment V. Communications VI. Approval of Minute's from March 2012 meeting VII. Committee Reports VIII. Petitions/Complaints IX. Chairperson's Report X. Director's Report XI. L.P.D. Liaison Report XII. Old Business �'J XIII. New Business N Next Meeting The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday May 22, 2012 at 5:30 p.m., Foster r- •.. Community Center, 200 N. Foster St. Board Room#211, Lansing, Michigan Cn XV. Adjournment CITY OF LANSING HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD March 27, 2012 Minutes CALL TO ORDER The March 2012 meeting of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board was called to order by Board Chair Chad Johnson at 5:42 p.m. in the Foster Center Conference Room #209, Lansing. Present: Jonathon Solis, Edwina Marshall, Chad Johnson and Lamar Wilson and Gail Fournier Absent: Katie John - excused Staff: Joan Jackson Johnson, Director HRCS,Judy Page, Assistant LPD Liaison: Captain Daryl Green APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Board member Edwina Marshall moved to approve agenda. Gail Fournier second. Motion passed. PUBLIC COMMENT f:; n No Report C-) COMMUNICATIONS No Report APPROVAL OF MINUTES Board member Edwina Marshall motioned to approve minutes from February 28, 2012, supported by Board Member Jonathon Solis. Motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS Director Joan Jackson Johnson reports the HRCS Department is applying for a grant from the Jackson National for event funding assistance for 2013. She invites any Board Members that are interested in being involved in Lansing Community Connect event in September this year to contact the department. PETITIONS/COMPLAINTS None CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT None DIRECTOR' S REPORT Director Joan Jackson Johnson reports for Spring Break Feed the Children program this year we are working with the Meijer store on Lake Lansing. They will be making the sandwiches, provide juice boxes and other items for the lunches. Meijer's quoted the best price for the quality and quantity of food. Volunteers from the City of Lansing, MSU students and citizens will help pack lunches and get them out to the distribution sites. Also during Spring Break, we will pack and distribute 500-600 food boxes for needy families that have been identified by various agencies. Director Johnson stated she attended meeting regarding the Occupy Lansing group. They are looking to re-occupy this year, however, the last time it cost the City to supply port-a- potty and to clean up the park. This year they will not be allowed to stay/sleep in City parks. HRCS is hosting the Caesar Chavez program on Thursday the 29th of April in City Council chambers and all Advisory Board Members are invited to attend. The HRCS Department is scheduled on April 30th with City Council for upcoming 2012/13 budget hearing. The next Mobile Food Pantry is April 21st at the Pennway Church of God on Cavanaugh. LPD LIAISON'S REPORT Capt. Green reports LPD is giving special attention to the Mt. Vernon Housing complex and attempting to address issues with youth before they escalate. Director Johnson stated HRCS department would like to partner with LPD and the Lansing Public Housing to come up with activities for the youth this summer. She would like to set up a meeting with Capt. Green, and Lansing Housing Director Pat Baines Lake, to discuss ideas to gear up for the summer months at the public housing sites. Capt. Green reports there have been issues recently on the South Side, specifically near the Kroger store on Holmes Road and LPD is monitoring those areas. Director Johnson reports that LPD is working with HRCS Spring Break Feed the Children program, by delivering to two of the distribution sites. OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS None NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for April 24, 2012 at 5:30 pm. Meet at Foster Community Center, 2nd floor, Room #211, located on Foster Street, Lansing, Michigan. ADJOURNMENT Board member Jonathon Solis moved to adjourn meeting, seconded by Gail Fournier. Motion passed. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. CITY OF LANSING HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD May 22,2012 Meeting Minutes CALL TO ORDER The May 2012 meeting of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board was called to order by Board Member Katie John at 5:40 p.m. in the Foster Center, Board Room #211, Lansing. Present: Edwina Marshall, Chad Johnson, Katie John, Lamar Wilson and Jonathon Solis Absent: Gail Fournier and Chad Johnson - excused Staff: Joan Jackson Johnson, Director HRCS,Judy Page,Assistant LPD Liaison: Captain Daryl Green APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Board member Edwina Marshall moved to approve agenda. Lamar Wilson second. Motion passed. I t•. PUBLIC COMMENT C:� No Report .: C COMMUNICATIONS No Report APPROVAL OF MINUTES Board member Jonathon Solis motioned to approve minutes from April 24, 2012, supported by Board member Edwina Marshall. Motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS Alice Brinkman, Director & Founder of Reach Studio Art Center was invited by the HRCS Advisory Board to give a presentation about the organization. The Board requested Reach Studio be considered for a grant from the Human Relations & Community Services Department. Ms. Brinkman shared the goals of the organization and a power point presentation conveying past successes and outcomes. Reach has operated in Lansing for 8 Vi years, and is an artistic outreach for children and teens. Creative Connections is a free after school program for children 7-12 years old. Reach is also partnering with the Lansing Parks & Recreation Department during the summer for one hour of art, one day a week at the Southside Community Center. PETITIONS/COMPLAINTS None CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT None DIRECTOR' S REPORT Director Joan Jackson Johnson reports that she and HRCS staff have met with two City Council members, Capt. Yankowski, LPD, representatives/Managers from housing complexes in the Jolly/Waverly area, community agencies, a couple local churches, and concerned citizens regarding challenges and problems many of the refugee families and children are experiencing. Children are being harassed at the schools and on the properties by gangs from neighboring areas. Because of language barriers, families and children feel helpless, terrified, and sometimes don't know how to call 911 and ask for help. Director Johnson stated one problem is area children and teens have nothing to do during the summer months. HRCS Department, along with LPD, Fire Department, Lansing Parks & Recreation Dept., and local agencies are planning an event on the south side of town inviting south side area residents, in an attempt to bring diverse families/children together. Local agencies and Lansing Parks & Recreation will be there with information regarding summer programs, events and services available for residents. Dr. Johnson extended an invitation for board members to attend/volunteer at the event planned for June 23rd. The Burundi family we are placing in an OCOF home was recently on the front page of the LSJ. We are working on getting furniture and furnishing for the house and hope to move the family in soon. The OCOF program is in need of churches to mentor the families we are placing in homes. Board member Edwina Marshall asked if the mentoring program was made clear to the people. Director Johnson replied there are guidelines, expectations, etc., that are available. Board member Katie John asked if there has been any feedback on this year's budget. Director Johnson stated some programs may be eliminated; agencies that are not producing expected outcomes will be reduced. We have two new Board Members that will hopefully be sworn in and at our next meeting. LPD LIAISON'S REPORT Capt. Green reports homicide rates seem to increase with summer approaching. LPD continues to increase their presence in troubled areas of the City. There were two arrests in the recent death of a 2 year old,which is considered a homicide. Regarding the recent assault on the River Trail there is a man in custody. They are two volunteers with golf carts who are monitoring/patrolling the River Trail. OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS None NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for June 26, 2012 at 5:30 pm. Meet at Foster Community Center, 2"d floor, Room #211, located on Foster Street, Lansing, Michigan. ADJOURNMENT Board member Katie John moved to adjourn meeting, seconded by Edwina Marshall. Motion passed. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.