Newtown Youth and Family Services
Minutes of Board of Directors Meeting
November 28, 2011 – 6:30 PM
C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, Newtown
Members Present: Maureen Birden, Sheilah Krasnickas, Rick Child, Don Ramsey, Leonard Penna (Newtown PD), David Moseman, Tom Murtha, Steve Meeker, Paul Mangiafico, Rosalie Newman, Ashley Mele, Layne Lescault, Elise Trock
Members Not Present: Diane Savinelli, Susan Improta, Karen White, Jim Solomon, Leslie Polseno,
Staff Members Present: Candice Foster
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Tom Murtha.
a) Roll Call- The roll of the Board of Directors was taken by signing in and a quorum was established.
b) Approval of October Minutes - Motion made by Rick Child to approve minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Sheilah Krasnickas and passed unanimously.
2. Chairman’s Report
a) We’ve learned that at least one area youth service bureau has discontinued its job bank program due to concerns about the safety of the youths at job locations. While we have never experienced any problems and feel that job bank provides a worthwhile service to youth and to the community, we are aware that we must address the safety issue. A number of board members made suggestions. Tom Murtha and Steve Meeker will work on a proposed action plan for review by the Board in January.
b) Our new lease has been signed and we will receive keys to the premises December 15, so we can store the contents of the storage pod and eliminate that cost.
c) Vice-Chair Susan Improta has tendered her resignation from the Board, effectively immediately, for personal reasons.
3. Executive Director’s Report
a) Jessi Zeigler is leaving the agency December 15 to move to Florida. Her job responsibilities will be apportioned to existing personnel at least temporarily. We have received applications from several people for her position but so far no one has the knowledge of grants and experience with high school community that the job requires.
b) We will hear the second week of December if we will receive a grant from Fairfield County Community Foundation, in the amount of $14,000, would be used to help with sliding scale adjustments. Additionally, we are also awaiting word from the Savings Bank of Danbury about the $10,000 grant that would be split equally between Safety Town classes for pre-K children and the Homework Club, if awarded. The CCFSA has informed us of a $10,000 enrichment grant for which we are eligible. We are preparing the paperwork now. We also have filed a letter of intent for a $71,000. grant from the Connecticut Health & Education Facility. This grant would cover the cost of a Case Manager to assist our behavioral health clients in meeting goals. We will be notified if we are
eligible and complete the necessary paperwork at that time.
c) We currently have no one on the wait list! This is due in part to our hiring of another per diem therapist who will work Tuesday-Thursday from 2:00 to 8:00.
d) The insurance check has been received and deposited in a separate account.
e) Clinical numbers are up year to year.
4. Finance and Treasurer’s Report
a) David, Eileen, and Tom met with Brian White (auditor) on November 15. Copies of the audit are available to interested parties. Brian has approved the control changes that we instituted.
b) We currently have a cash balance of $47,000, exclusive of insurance proceeds. The line of credit has zero balance.
5. Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee has reviewed and updated the job descriptions with the HR Manager and the Executive Director. The next project is updating the employee handbook.
6. Fund Raising Committee
a) The 26th Annual Holiday Festival will be held December 4. Final assignments were discussed.
b) Future fundraisers include a Family Fun Day in March, a Just 4 Kids Tag sale in early May and a Comedy Show in late January, early February.
6. Old Business
None.
8. New Business
A motion was made by Steve Meeker, seconded by Elise Trock, to accept the resignation of Susan
Improta. The motion passed unanimously.
9. Adjournment
A motion was made David Moseman, seconded by Rick Child, to adjourn the meeting at 7:20. The motion passed unanimously.
The next meeting will be held at the Newtown Youth and Family Services, 17 Church Hill Road, on January 23, 2012.
Respectfully submitted by,
Layne Lescault
Secretary
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