pages: SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2005-12-08.pdf, 1
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SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard | 2005-12-08 | 1 | Social Service Human Relations Board Minutes of the Regular Meeting, Thursday, December 8, 2005 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: President Bonta called the meeting to order at 7:42 pm. Present were President Bonta and Members Hollinger Jackson, Hanna, Chen, Franz. Vice President Wasko was absent. Staff: Beaver, Brown, Harris. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the October 27th meeting were approved with changes as noted. M/S (Hollinger Jackson/ Bonta), to approve 4/0 with Member Franz abstaining. Member Franz recused himself from Items 3-A., and 3-B., and stepped down from the dias. COMMENTS REGARDING NEEDS RELATED TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PUBLIC SERVICES FUNDING, AND FORMULATION OF NEEDS STATEMENT TO THE CITY COUNCIL: Secretary Beaver reviewed a handout (CDBG 101) describing the CDBG process and the SSHRB role and timeline. President Bonta welcomed the audience and invited speakers to address the Board regarding community public service needs. Speakers: Meredith Owens, Alameda Power and Telecom, Energy Manager Supervisor: AP&T works together with the American Red Cross to provide low-income residents assistance with utilities through their Energy Assistance Program and the Energy Ease Program. Fifty percent of the people in these programs are seniors or disabled. There is an expected increase in natural gas prices, which is to be substantial this season. Up to 85% of households heat with gas, and the impact may be 83% to 123% increase in heating costs. They are in the process of developing a resource packet for others that will be loaded with tips and information, with a lot of outreach opportunities. Packets will be available at Alameda Housing Authority and ARC will distribute them. She further stated that being proactive with increased gas bills coming, she is here to give this group a heads up on what is ahead. George Phillips, Alameda Boys & Girls Club and West Alameda Teen Club, Director: Thanks to DSD and the CDBG staff for all the help they provide. He was delighted to see the priorities on the slideshow and stated their programs handle much of those priorities. He explained the programs at Esperanza and Chipman Middle school, including a Career Exploration program that has placed 4 young people in jobs. They are relocating the Club facility to the back half of the Woodstock School site. The project will cost an estimated $7million. He stated that within a bike ride of Esperanza there are roughly 3,800 kids needing after school services. Forty to sixty kids are currently being served at Esperanza and forty to eighty kids at Chipman. Jim Franz, American Red Cross, Director: Mr. Franz stated that even though this community has been generous with donations in the times of need, there are a lot of community services still needing support. The Spectrum Program for energy assistance is already out of funds. There is a tremendous impact with rising energy costs, for example seniors who are in all electric apartments find that their utilities can be as much as their rent. He further explained the impact of national disasters on local fundraising. He stated they are still getting checks for Katrina relief, yet the Food Basket program is down about $3,000 right now compared to other years. Toys for Tots usually has about 3-4,000 toys, currently has only about 400. Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service | SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2005-12-08.pdf |