April 19, 2007, 2:30 p.m.
Community Development Committee
City Commission Chambers, City Hall
Agenda
1. Approval of March 8, 2007 minutes
2. Presentation from Waking the Sleeping Giant
The mission of Waking the Sleeping Giant is to influence local, state
and federal health and human service policy by strengthening community and uniting nonprofit organization in Cass and Clay counties
3. Update on the proposed emergency shelter & detox center
4. Other Business
5. Next meeting: May 17, 2007
Minutes
Present: Dan Fremling, Lynn Fundingsland, Tim Mahoney, John Paulsen, Steve Stoner
Absent: Pat Zavoral, Linda Klebe, Linda Coates
Also Present: Rocky Schneider, Dan Mahli, Dawn Mayo, Monica Graber
John Paulsen called the meeting to order.
Approval of March 8, 2007 Minutes
Mr. Dan Fremling moved to approve the minutes as presented. Second by Mr. Stoner. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Presentation from Waking the Sleeping Giant
Duke Schempp, People Escaping Poverty Project (PEPP) stated a committee called Waking the Sleeping Giant has been established for the purpose of helping non-profits work together. He stated on Tuesday, April 24th there will be a non-profit community meeting to discuss how the community could benefit from a Sustainable Community Stewardship Fund. He stated this is part of a long-term vision for the community and the Waking the Sleeping Giant group is sponsoring the dialogue to get input from area non-profits and the perspectives of the community.
Mr. Schempp stated the mission of Waking the Sleeping Giant is to influence local, state and federal health and human service policy by strengthening community and uniting nonprofit organization in Cass and Clay counties.
Mr. Chuck Stebbins stated the focus of Waking the Sleeping Giant is on constituents and consumers that non-profits serve. He stated they are trying to get more of that element involved in the discussion and ultimately involved in how the community stewardship fund can be set up. He stated often times funding is cut from the most vulnerable. Mr. Stebbins stated they want to improve the quality of life for those individuals.
Mr. Schempp stated there is a huge need not being served. He stated the City of Fargo just developed a new process with regard to applying for social service funds. He stated the meeting on April 24th is just a beginning to look at community needs.
Beth Hazeltine stated PEPP also met with Scott Crane from United Way to discuss this project.
Mr. Paulsen asked if the non-profit organizations will be at this meeting. Mr. Schempp stated normally 25 organizations are represented at the monthly meetings. Mr. Paulsen questioned if City staff will be attending the meeting and Mr. Mahli replied yes.
Mr. Paulsen asked if this is a major thrust to get more interactive cooperation between the nonprofits. Mr. Schempp replied yes, this is a good way for cooperation.
Mr. Paulsen asked Dan Mahli to report back to this Committee at the next meeting.
Update on the proposed emergency shelter & detox center
Dan Mahli stated on March 26th the proposed emergency shelter and detox center at 1519 1st Avenue South was discussed at the City Commission meeting. He stated a decision was delayed and a working group was established to look at all the potential sites. He expects the information will go to the City Commission at its May 7th meeting.
Dan Fremling stated he was approached with another potential site.
Mr. Scott Sorrels, 813 19th Street South, stated the working group consists of volunteers, Commissioner Linda Coates, and City staff. He stated at the working group meeting, the Jefferson neighborhood brought ideas to the table. He stated the City reviewed the sites that had been previously explored. Mr. Sorrels stated the neighborhood appreciates the time to look at the sites and to conduct an open discussion.
Mr. Sorrels stated unfortunately the time they are taking is having unintended consequences and it is impacting the Jefferson neighborhood. He stated people are putting their houses up for sale and leaving the neighborhood. He stated the Jefferson area isn’t a bright spot and they are moving to a neighborhood with a better chance and brighter future.
Mr. Sorrels stated while the City Commission continues to ignore the 900 protestors and hold on to this one site on 1st Avenue South, things will get continually worse. He urged the Community Development Committee to take the 1519 1st Avenue South site off the table.
Mr. Sorrels stated he was told by the Plains Art Museum Director that it might not be a bad idea to put the shelter in the Dakota Flooring building.
Commissioner Mahoney stated the City Commission backed off approving the site at 1519 1st Avenue South, but this Committee has already made its decision. He stated the Community Development Committee needs to let the process happen and respect it.
Commissioner Mahoney stated it is incumbent on the working committee to bring any site that works to the City Commission. He stated this item will not go back on the City Commission Agenda until May.
Dan Mahli assured everyone that the working committee is looking at all suggested sites with fresh eyes.
Mr. Fremling stated he heard the statement that Jefferson neighbors are selling their houses because of decisions that have been made. He stated they should allow the process to go forward first. He stated the School District has made a huge commitment in the neighborhood.
Other Business:
Family Health Care Center
Patricia Patron, Interim Executive Director, of the Family Health Care Center, gave a power point presentation on the Family HealthCare Center Services and Statistics.
Mr. Fremling questioned the 51% of users that are uninsured. He asked if they are referred to healthy steps and other programs. Ms. Patron replied yes, there are a growing number of uninsured kids in the community due to the barriers in the system, and they are referred to other programs.
Ms. Patron stated Family Health Center has a relationship with Merit Care, who did an assessment of the clinic last year. She stated the Family Health Center implemented all of the operation changes presented in the proposal. She stated a year ago the Family Health Care Clinic was close to closing the doors. Ms. Patron stated they have made a lot of improvements and are working toward becoming sustainable and viable.
Mr. Dan Mahli stated it has been a few years since the City assisted Family Health Care Center with Community Development or Social Service funds. He stated he will meet with Ms. Patron and come back later with a proposal or recommendation.
The next Regular Meeting of the Community Development Committee will be held on May 17, 2007.
Meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.
