MINUTES BOARD MEETING OF NEW TRIER TOWNSHIP State of Illinois County of Cook Township of New Trier The Board of New Trier met at the Township Hall on January 11, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. Present: Patricia B. Cantor, Supervisor Jerome Hoynes, Clerk Joe Fell, Collector Paddie Brennen, Trustee Alan Goldberg, Trustee Gerri Kahnweiler, Trustee Stefan Mozer, Trustee Diane Tye, Director of Administration and Finance Sandra Forrester, Deputy Clerk Also Present: Barry Hoobler, NTT Oversight Committee Angelo Scozia, NTT Special Projects Committee Brian Leverenz, Community Services Administrator Sanford Cantor, Citizen Supervisor Patricia Cantor, acting as Chair, and Jerome Hoynes, acting as Clerk, transacted the following business: CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor Cantor called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m. Following a roll call of the Board, Clerk Hoynes declared a quorum to be present. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Supervisor Cantor led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no public comments. APPROVAL- DECEMBER 14, 2010 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES: Trustee Goldberg moved and Trustee Mozer seconded the motion to approve Minutes of the December 14, 2010 Board meeting. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. PRESENTATION OF AGENCY ALLOCATION RECOMMENDATIONS: Special Projects Committee: A. Angelo Scozia reported the Special Projects Committee reviewed applications for funding in October 2010 and held live agency presentations to the committee in November and December. In early January, the committee met to make allocation recommendations for the agencies, which were requesting funding for 11 programs. Three returning agencies seeking funding included Erika s Lighthouse, for its depression awareness and suicide prevention program, Career Resource Center (CRC) for its employment program, and Interfaith Housing for its foreclosure counseling program.
Minutes of the New Trier Township Board of Trustees Meeting, January 25, 2011, page 2 a. CRC uses mentors and volunteers to assist persons seeking employment. Mr. Scozia remarked that although last year s funding of CRC s program was $8,000, CRC s cost of servicing approximately 56 New Trier Township residents last year was $15,000. The committee recommended an increase of $500 over the previous year s funding, for a total amount of $8,500 to CRC. b. Noting increased community awareness of the value of the Erika s Lighthouse program, which received $10,000 last year, the committee recommended funding an increase to $10,600. c. The Interfaith Housing foreclosure program successfully assisted seven Township families in the past year. The committee s funding recommendation was maintained at $4,000 with a commitment to searching for additional support for more residents facing this problem. B. New agencies submitting applications were Response Center, Rebuilding Together, Cancer Wellness Center, Samaritan Counseling Center and Arts for Life. a. Response Center requested funding of three separate programs related to teen sex education, clinic and counseling. The committee viewed the services of this agency, which serves a minimum of New Trier Township residents, as very similar to those of the LINKS program, which the committee believes has already met the Township s full need for services for some time. At this time, the committee decided not to fund Response Center. b. Rebuilding Together is a national organization of dedicated volunteers who enjoy working on home maintenance projects for low-income residents, nonprofit organizations and wounded military veterans needing home rehabilitation. Professionals occasionally volunteer their expertise at no cost as well. Mr. Scozia noted that in 2010 the local chapter of this agency renovated the Pantry for the Township at no cost. Projects range in cost from $500 to over $10,000 per project. In 2010, 52 projects were completed in New Trier Township. The committee recommended funding of $8,000, to be directed specifically to projects in the Township. c. Cancer Wellness Center offers a highly professional dedicated staff which provides counseling and support to cancer victims and their families at no cost. In 2010, this center served 37 Township residents. The committee recommended funding Cancer Wellness Center $10,000. d. Samaritan Counseling Center, offers counseling services for recovering and healing. Their fee schedule is much less generous than the Family Service agencies, especially at the lower levels, and its fees rise much quicker at the higher levels than those currently funded at the Township s three Family Service agencies. In light of the fee schedule issues, and the fact that three Family Service agencies already have a strong presence in the Township, the committee recommended not funding Samaritan Counseling Center. e. Arts for Life provides persons with disability the opportunity to engage in art as a form of therapeutic self expression. Funding requests were submitted for two separate programs: a. Artists Support provides a much needed day program with services including staff support and studio space for persons with disability to be artists in residence designed to only a minimum number of clients at a very high staffing (approximately 7-1 staff-client ratios). The request for this program was $28,000. Since the Township already provides funding for Open Studio, a similar program serving more clients at much less cost, the committee recommended funding Artists Support $5,000.
Minutes of the New Trier Township Board of Trustees Meeting, January 25, 2011, page 3 b. Arts for Life, Application for Life (a New Trier Township start-up) is a program attempts to find employment for a select number of clients served by the agency in its arts program. Since the program does not have experienced employment counselors, and it is not open to the general public, and the Township already funds Glenkirk, Shore, Lambs Farm and others already serving this population, the committee viewed this program as more appropriate for the Money Follows the Person Committee and recommended not to fund Arts for Life, Application for Life. Supervisor Cantor thanked Mr. Scozia for his comprehensive committee report, and Mr. Scozia left the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Agency Oversight Committee: C. Barry Hoobler reported the Agency Oversight Committee designated $678,700 for 21 agencies that had requested funding for a total of 29 programs that serve Township residents. Overall, this year, the committee authorized an increase of 5% over its 2010 allocations, with no allocation reductions to any of the requesting agencies. a. Youth drop-in centers: The Glencoe Youth Services has had very stable attendance, and its allocation was maintained at $30,000. The Winnetka Youth Organization (WYO), having experienced two directors over the year, has cut hours and, with no request for additional funding, was maintained at $43,000. Noting that the Warming House Youth Center attendance has increased, allocation was increased from $37,000 to $42,000. Mr. Hoobler remarked that, generally, open mike and musical concert events attract the highest youth attendance. Funding for both the Glencoe and Winnetka middle school services (after-school no-fee programs) was maintained at 2010 levels, and the committee believed that local parent organizations may be able to provide additional support. The Young Adult Program, after shifts to other agency supervisions, is now based back in its original Glencoe location. b. Support of North Shore Senior Center programs includes Adult Daycare, Community Education, Domestic Services, and Counseling. Mr. Hoobler noted that most programs operate at capacity, and current concerns include limited (volunteer/shared rides) transportation services and limited parking space at the center. Allocation for the Meals-at- Home program was increased from $4,500 to $5,000. Services for Adults Staying In Their Homes (SASI) is undergoing a major transition from operating as a referral agency to being an employer of caregivers, with the attendant responsibilities of providing wages, taxes, etc. for its employees. c. Individual and Family Counseling/Emotional Well-Being: There has been an increase in clients at each of the Township s three Family Service centers. The committee maintained the allocation to Glencoe Family Service at the 2010 level of $33,000 since the agency is well funded and does not pay rent for its facility. Winnetka Family Service was granted an increase from $30,000 to $31,000. With the Wilmette Family Service agency in the midst of a campaign to support moving to a new location, the committee s recommendation is to grant the agency s request of $51,500.
Minutes of the New Trier Township Board of Trustees Meeting, January 25, 2011, page 4 d. Crisis Intervention/Prevention Services: The Children s Advocacy Center requested $4,000, as well as a separate request of $500 for a Family Support program. The committee decided not to fund these two programs separately but designated a total of $4,000 for both programs. $18,000 was allocated to the YWCA Shelter and Legal Advocacy. The committee granted Haven $35,000 for its Family Intervention program and $64,500 for its Outreach program. Funding for Harbour was maintained at $12,000. Allocation to LINKS Clinic/Counseling and Outreach programs was maintained at a total of $62,000. The Open Studio Project, a no-fee art program serving a considerable number of youth and persons with disabilities, was granted $5,000. Allocation to the Volunteer Center was maintained at $7,000. Collector Fell commented that in the future, it may be appropriate for the Money Follows the Person committee to accommodate large numbers of residents involved in various agency programs currently beyond its focus. Trustees Mozer and Kahnweiler discussed the township spending $160,000 on youth services wondering whether it would be appropriate to consider changing how these services are funded. Collectively, youth services are the largest segment of the entire funding process and the programs always seem to be in transition, suggesting it may be an opportune time to once again attempt to consolidate youth services across the township. Supervisor Cantor remarked that the Board has often attempted to engage/convince the Township s three youth services to either consolidate or work under one umbrella to save administration costs, and the Board should seriously revisit the issue this year. Supervisor Cantor thanked Mr. Hoobler for the Agency Oversight committee report and Mr. Hoobler left the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Money Follows the Person (MFP) Committee D. Community Services Administrator Brian Leverenz reported the MFP Committee reviewed 10 agencies requesting funding for a total of 14 programs for persons with disabilities or mental illness: a. Beyond the committee s funding of programs and services, during the past year, the committee recommended a new grant program which now awaits Board action. The committee also recommended increasing the funding level for the Community Support Grants. b. Of the $448,700 available to the MFP committee, all but $6,285 was allocated. Most agencies received their requests. Glenkirk s Residential and Vocational programs serve more developmentally disabled New Trier residents than any other similar programs, and both programs were granted their full requests. After much discussion noting Glenkirk s difficulty in finding workers for its Respite program to serve many New Trier clients, as well as the high administrative costs for that program, the committee decided to maintain Respite program funding at last year s level with no increase in allocation. c. Allocations were decreased for two SHORE programs, Training Center and Early Intervention, because the programs have served a minimal number of New Trier residents over the past year. In discussion, Supervisor Cantor posed the question of how to follow MFP principles best while decreasing agency funding in order to increase dollars for special project grants to individuals. Possibly, specific MFP grants could change the way youth groups are funded. MPF grants may offer a greater opportunity to target lower income residents.
Minutes of the New Trier Township Board of Trustees Meeting, January 25, 2011, page 5 Supervisor Cantor thanked Mr. Leverenz for the MFP committee report, and Administrator Leverenz left the meeting at 9:20 p.m. DISCUSSION OF AGENCY ALLOCATION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FY 2011-2012: Further discussion of committees agency allocations was tabled until the next Board meeting. FINANCIAL REPORT DECEMBER 31, 2010 YTD: Administrator Tye presented a revenue and expense activity summary report including both the Town Fund and General Assistance Fund for the December 31, 2010 YTD period. She noted this report represented ten months of FY 2011 activity. Director Tye highlighted the Harris Bank interest rate currently at 0.255% and the Edens Bank interest rate at 0.295%. The North Shore Community Bank renewed a 3-month flexible CD, due 3/13/2011, at a continued rate of 0.75%. The 12/31/2010 YTD Town Fund Assets Balance was $2,219,755, and the 12/31/2010 YTD General Assistance Fund Assets Balance was $516,756. Discussion ensued highlighting numerous line items in the FY 2011 Budget vs.12/31/2010 YTD Actual report. Trustee Mozer moved and Trustee Kahnweiler seconded the motion to accept the December 31, 2010 YTD financial report. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. FY 2012 BUDGET TIMELINE DISCUSSION: Further Board discussion of agency funding was deferred to the January 25, 2011 Committee of the Whole meeting. ANNUAL TOWN MEETING DISCUSSION: Clerk Hoynes provided an update of plans for the April 12, 2011 Annual Town Meeting. The meeting will be held at the North Shore Senior Center. Guest speaker, Geoffrey Baer, of WTTW-Channel 11, will contribute to the meeting s theme of Looking Back & Looking Forward by presenting an historical review of New Trier Township. Mr. Hoynes also reviewed other features of this year s ATM including: - Creation of a time capsule - Cooperation with village historical societies websites to promote good attendance - Paddie Brennen will give the Trustees Report - Senior Stompers will once again be invited to perform, entertaining attendees at their home base - Progress on revision of the Township History Book for distribution at the meeting Clerk Hoynes informed the Board that he responded to a FOIA request from the Better Government Association (BGA) regarding salaries of elected officials and township staff. This accurate information has been posted to the BGA website thereby replacing previous erroneous information that had been listed on their website. COMMUNICATIONS REPORT: A New Trier Township Marketing Action Plan was distributed for Trustee review. Communications Director Karen Spillers will detail this report at the Feb. 22 nd Board meeting. Collector Fell left the meeting at 9:39 p.m. TRUSTEE LIAISON REPORT: Disabilities Committee: Trustee Mozer reported that without a quorum for the December meeting of the Disabilities Committee, voting was not possible. He noted committee members attendance generally has lacked consistency. A joint meeting with the Special Projects Committee is planned in two weeks, and discussion continues as to information for-and-about persons with disabilities to be added to the Township website.
Minutes of the New Trier Township Board of Trustees Meeting, January 25, 2011, page 6 CONSENT AGENDA STAFF REPORTS: A. Community Services Administrator Brian Leverenz B. Social Services Administrator Jeanne Rosser C. Township Social Worker Art Sontag Trustee Goldberg moved and Trustee Brennen seconded the motion to accept the Consent Agenda. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. SUPERVISOR S REPORT: Supervisor Cantor called attention to the following: A. This month s report by Social Services Administrator, Jeanne Rosser, offers updated information on Food Pantry activity and Holiday gifting to residents in need. B. To-date, 72 Community Grants program applications have been received; 50 applicants have qualified for grants. C. The April 2011 Board of Trustees meeting will be rescheduled to accommodate and coordinate with Trustees schedules. The new date will be set at the January 25, 2011 Committee of the Whole meeting. D. The Committee of the Whole will meet January 25, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. E. In response to a Federal mandate, a notice affirming our compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act will be posted on the Township s website. F. Township Officials of Cook County (TOCC) Trustees Division will meet January 20, 2011 in Arlington Heights. This meeting s topic is The Future of Small Group Health Insurance under Health Care Reform. G. The Township s website will announce Lifeline screening available in March 2011. H. April 30, 2011, is National Rebuilding Day, sponsored by Rebuilding Together, a national program offering volunteered construction assistance for low income individuals and for person s with disabilities who need housing rehabilitation. Township residents who qualify can sign up for needed construction projects. Supervisor Cantor remarked that Rebuilding Together renovated the Township s Pantry and its storage space last year at no cost. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS: Trustee Goldberg moved and Trustee Mozer seconded the motion to approve Town Fund Payroll checks dated from December 15, 2010 to December 31, 2010, numbered #5199 through #5221, for a total disbursement of $24,116.83. The motion passed on a roll call vote: 5 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstain Trustee Goldberg moved and Trustee Mozer seconded the motion to approve Town Fund checks dated December 20, 2010 to January 11, 2011, numbered # 17573 through # 17612, for a total disbursement of $30,735.07. The motion passed on a roll call vote: 5 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstain OTHER BUSINESS: None. NEW BUSINESS: None. MOTION TO ADJOURN: Trustee Mozer moved and Trustee Brennen seconded the motion to adjourn, and Supervisor Cantor adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jerome Hoynes, Township Clerk