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YFS 3/02/2010 Minutes
YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES COMMISSION - Draft
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 2, 2010

Members present:  
R. Allen, S. Barnes, S. Cummins, K. Hanratty, B. Ruth, D. Shearer, Z. Towne, P. Viggiano, J. Welsh
Also present:
Recording Secretary Linda McCall and one member of the Public

I.
Call to Order:  Chairman Barnes called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m.  
II.
Pledge of Allegiance: Chairman Barnes led the Pledge of Allegiance.
III.
Comments from the Public: A member of the public introduced herself; she is a social worker and interested in learning more about the Commission and the Agency.
IV.
Review of Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 2, 2010 and Special Meeting of February 9, 2010.  Reviewed the minutes of the meetings of February 2 and February 9.  Viggiano made motion to approve the minutes as typed.  Allen seconded the motion.  No discussion; vote taken and the motion was unanimously approved.
V.
Chairman’s Comments:
1. Chairman commented that he has been working with Exec. Asst. Laine getting estimates to replace the antiquated phone system at the Agency.  (A T-1 line is already in place).  
2. Chairman reported he has asked Laine to look into updating Youth and Family Services computers.
3. Chairman reported that all Agency staff have been working to keep programs going and have been covering the vacant positions to do so.
4. Chairman reported that several employees have accumulated “comp” time.  He will bring specific information on the number of hours involved for discussion at next month’s meeting.
VI.
Local Prevention Council Business:
1. Update Re: Proposal for Drug Free Communities (DFC) Grant Carryover Request – Administrative Assistant reported the submitted request is pending and that she had received and responded to DFC officer’s request for clarification on some costs.
2. Update Re: Drug-Free Communities Grant Continuation Application for Year 10 –
Administrative Assistant reported she submitted the application and anticipates notification of the award in July or August.  Discussion followed regarding several items in the submitted work plan, designed to address environmental change, physical design and sustainability.
3. Update on Student Survey - Confidential report on survey was reviewed.  Following discussion, Commission referred report to HCHY Advisory Board for further discussion and planning presentation of data to the community.  
4. National Town Hall Initiative – Administrative Assistant reported we are enrolled to participate in the national initiative for which we will receive a $500 stipend to offset materials cost, etc.  She reported the goal is to involve many different stakeholders in a discussion of community action to stop underage drinking, and although it was preferred that local events take place the week of March 22nd, they are not required to take place at that time.  She reported we can schedule it for later in the spring as an opportunity to present the student survey data.  She also reported a number of resources and templates are provided online to help with planning.  A kickoff event hosted by the Connecticut Prevention Network is March 19th.
5. Update on Healthy Communities Healthy Youth – Administrative Assistant reported the Advisory Board will be meeting this Friday and asked about the Coordinator position which is still vacant.  She reported in the interim Youth Coordinator and Volunteers Coordinator have planned a Youth Asset Team training on March 14.  Mini-Grants however are on hold.  HCHY is also beginning the process of applying for recognition as a 100 Best Communities award again.  Welsh made motion to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that the HCHY Coordinator position be posted as a 24-hour/week position as soon as practical.   Following discussion, Ruth seconded the motion.  Vote was taken and the motion was unanimously approved.
VII.
Old Business:
1. 2010-2011 Budget – Chairman reported that the proposal approved by the Commission has gone forward to the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance.  No known cuts.
VIII.
New Business:
1. Executive Session (Interview and Discussions Concerning Our Candidate for Position of Social Services Coordinator):  
Chairman Barnes made motion to go into Executive Session; Shearer seconded.  Vote taken and the motion was unanimously approved.  Chairman asked that the minutes reflect that the Commission invited Candidate Susan Consoli and Administrative Assistant Linda McCall to remain for the Executive Session.  Entered into Executive Session at 5:55 p.m.
Commission exited Executive Session at 6:23 p.m.
2. Discuss and act on the search committee’s recommendation regarding the appointment of the new Social Services Coordinator:
Viggiano made motion to act on the Search Committee’s recommendation to approve the hiring of Susan Consoli as the new Social Services Coordinator of Youth and Family Services.  Welsh seconded the motion.  Vote taken and the motion was unanimously approved.  Chairman thanked Viggiano for her work on the Search Committee.  He also announced there would be a reception to meet Director Heather McNeil and Social Services Coordinator Susan Consoli on March 11th at 10:00 a.m. in the first floor conference room at Town Hall.  Department Heads and School Administrators will be invited.

IX.
Other Business:
1. Vice Chairman read letter drafted on behalf of the Youth and Family Services Commission to the Police Commission in accordance with last month’s motion.
VIII.
Adjournment:
There being no further business to discuss Allen made motion to adjourn; Welsh seconded and the meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Linda B. McCall
Administrative Assistant