MANSFIELD DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
I. Present: Becky Lehmann, Chair, Marla Hauslaib, Ed. Passmore, Jim Peters, Judith Heald, Staff: Matt Hart, Kevin Grunwald, Sheila Thompson
II. Communications:
A. Matt Hart, Assistant Town Manager, was in attendance to introduce Kevin Grunwald, MSW, the new Department Director. It was Kevin’s first day on duty, and therefore the members introduced themselves to him and he also provided information about himself to the members. Members expressed their desires to work closely with him, allow him to acclimate himself to his new position, and provide any assistance needed to facilitate that process.
B. Discussion focused on review of Department activity and reports provided in the meeting packet. Sheila informed the Committee that with the State closure of the DSS regional office in Willimantic, services to Mansfield residents would be impacted and probably increase the demand for local social services – particularly for those residents who lack transportation to Norwich. She noted that the CLASS (CT Local Administrators of Social Services) have sponsored a bill to request a per:capita amount of funding for municipalities which provide social services to residents.
Sheila also announced that funding for the Graustein Discovery Grant for 2003/2004 had been cut to $10,000, and that a letter of explanation would be forthcoming from the Graustein Foundation, followed by a meeting of Graustein representatives and SSD staff to discuss the cut.
There was a brief discussion of possible reasons for meal service participation at the Senior Center, and the need for a survey to generate suggestions as to how this could be expanded in usage.
Becky questioned Matt regarding the budget preparation schedule, and he indicated that he would be meeting with Kevin soon to discuss the process.
C. Sheila Thompson indicated that the Holiday Giving program currently listed 32 households and 18 donor groups. The Lions Club bell-ringing on December 7 brought in $756.34, out of which the Mansfield Salvation Army Service Unit will net $680.71. Notices in the Mansfield Record and Willimantic Chronicle requesting donations for the Special Needs fund has begun to generate contributions.
III. Minutes from Nov. 7, 2002: Motion to accept the minutes was made by Ed Passmore and seconded by Marla Hauslaib. Minutes were accepted by unanimous vote.
IV. Old Business:
A. Curt Vincente, director of the Mansfield Recreation Dept. reported that the Community Center fee waiver discussions with the SSAC sub-committee are continuing, and that no definitive decisions are yet made, pending one or more meetings. The fee schedule has not yet been adopted by the Town Council; therefore a recommendation for a fee waiver policy cannot be adopted. Marla and Becky will continue with this collaboration.
B. The Legislative Meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, December 12, from 3:00-5:00PM at the Senior Center. Rep. Denise Merrill will attend, and a list of this year’s issues, generated by survey of local groups and agencies, was distributed to the committee. Sheila noted that participation in this year’s meeting was lower than last, possibly due to other, more regional legislative meetings, which are scheduled in local communities.
C. No funding requests have been received by agencies which are to be reviewed by the SSAC. Jim Peters agreed to review the funding request by the Women’s Center, when it is received.
V. New Business:
A. Budget questions were previously addressed under Communications.
Plans for next meeting: Review of Legislative meeting; agency funding requests, update on Community Center fee waivers, orientation of new Director, update on Holiday Giving.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila J. Thompson