Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
12 noon @ YSB Conf. Rm. B
Attendees: Ethel Mantzaris, Eileen Griffin, Frank Perrotti, Jerry Marchon, Mike Collins
Staff: Kevin Grunwald, Pat Michalak, Kathy McNamara, Karen Taylor
Regrets: Candace Morell
Call to Order
Ethel Mantzaris, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:07
Presentation: Sandy Baxter, School Readiness Coordinator gave a presentation on the functions of the School Readiness Program, the Mansfield Advocates for Children committee, provided information on the two grants she coordinates. The state School Readiness Grant funds the SR program at four Mansfield Early Care Centers. The Graustein Memorial Foundation Grant, is to support local policy changes around early care and education. Sandy also handed out the MAC brochure.
I. Approval of Minutes – MOTION by Frank Perrotti seconded by Eileen Griffin. vote: Unanimous in favor of approving minutes as submitted.
Pat Michalak, Youth Service Coordinator
A. Pat shared with the Board Members that staff member Kathy McNamara had just completed her 90 day probation with excellent marks.
B. Pat thanked the Board Members for their participation and dedication to the YSB Advisory.
C. Pat shared the activities for the month of May.
Kevin Grunwald, Director
A. Kevin advised the Board that the Town had hired a consultant to do Strategic Planning and form a committee to define specific goals for the departments within the Town.
A discussion ensued regarding who was contacted by the Town Manager to participate as members of this committee. Ethel requested that Kevin provide her with information on the Steering Committee and inquired if any of our members had been contacted, members advised that none had received the letter. Members feel that individuals from various advisory boards should be on the committee to ensure sufficient input and representation. The Board requested Kevin invite Matt Hart, Town Manager to a meeting. Also, the Board would like to set up a special meeting to address specific goals. Eileen Griffin also requested that the letter asking for Strategic Planning Committee participants be sent to the President of CT Youth Service entities.
I. Old Business: None
II. New Business: None
IV. Other:
Mike Collins, Social Service Advisory Board liaison gave a brief update on the last meeting. The SSA is in the process of defining their role in serving the various functions of Social Services.
Frank Perrotti gave an update to the Board Members on the Grandparents Group. He advised the board that legislation had been passed that now provides grandparents caring for children with an additional stipend, paying for up to two children in their care. A discussion ensued between members.
Pat and Kathy shared with the board that they are working closely with a single Mother to provide her and her children the assistance they desperately need. Jerry Marchon advised the Board that there are vehicles slated for auction that may be of help. A discussion ensued and board members shared their suggestions for supporting her needs.
The board members clarified that there are no meetings over the summer and the next meeting would be in September.
Ethel requested the meeting date of September 11, 2007 be changed for this meeting only to the 25th of September. MOTION to move September 11 meeting to the 25th; SECONDED, vote unanimous.
Meeting adjourned at 12:56 PM by Frank Perrotti, Vice Chair.
Respectfully submitted by:
Karen L. Taylor
Secretary