HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-24 Government Operations Committee Minutes
Government Operations Committee
April 24, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.
Minutes
Councilors: Hawes, Blanchette, Longo,
Staff: Farrar, Yardley, Goodwin
Others: Tom Grogan, CPPC Coordinator
Consent Agenda
1. Resolve, Authorizing the City Manager to accept and appropriate a
grant in the amount of $37,250 from the Maine Center for Disease
Control Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund to support lead poisoning
prevention activities in the Penquis Public Health District.
This is a one year renewal of a $27,250 grant to support lead poisoning
prevention activities in the Penquis Public Health District for the period July 1,
2012 to June 30, 2012.
Hawes opened the meeting to Shawn Yardley, Director of Health and Community
Services who explained that this is basically a CDC grant. It is a renewal of an
existing grant targeting lead education and abatement. Since Bangor is the
primary site for much of the lead issues, a lot of the work is completed locally.
Yardley said that they partner with Penquis Lead Program and it is a continuation
of the work. There is no match for the grant, it is entirely state funds allotted to
us to complete this work.
Councilor Longo moved Staff Recommendation; the motion was seconded and
approved.
Regular Agenda
2. Introduction and Presentation – Community Partnerships for
Protecting Children (CPPC). (CPPC of Bangor is a local collaboration of
stakeholders committed to the responsibility of keeping children and families
safe, supported and healthy within their families, neighborhoods and
communities.)
Hawes introduced Tom Grogan, CPPC Coordinator to present a presentation
about the organization. Grogan described the CPPC as a model that exists in
approximately thirteen states and is often referred to as a reform for child
protection. The program is currently in Portland and the Department of Health
and Human Services (DHHS) would like to see the model replicated in other
parts of the state. Grogan further explained that the measurable goal of the
partnership is to reduce the number of children going into care with the state
and the number of referrals for child abuse and neglect. The philosophy of the
CPPC is that healthy children live in healthy and safe families, safe
neighborhoods and safe communities. They work as a “neighborhood by
neighborhood model”. For example, they are currently operating in Capehart,
and if all goes well, they move into other neighborhoods. The CPPC requests
that folks who are involved in their neighborhoods such as organizations,
churches, communities groups, etc…. come together and look at possible
methods and/or solutions to problems.
A Governance Council oversees the project and there are currently committees in
place. There is a Practice Committee responsible for assisting various
organizations in connecting with the CPPC. A Neighborhood Committee
examines their own neighborhoods to seek out those in need of support. There is
also a Resident Committee made up of residents of certain neighborhoods willing
to get involved and assist in helping the cause.
A reform process for child protection has been developed by the office of Child
and Family Services in Bangor. They have identified two protection workers to
work solely in the Cape Hart neighborhood. One is a permanency worker and the
other is a prevention worker. DHHS has stated that support is needed before
intervention comes into play. The model also includes a parent partner who is
someone that has had an open case with the DHHS that has now been closed,
so they serve as a mentor for those currently in need.
After complimenting the efforts of the CPPC, Blanchette asked Mr. Grogan what
he needed from City Council. Grogan replied by stating that his organization
would be honored to have the City of Bangor sign the CPPC Partnership
Agreement to work together in supporting this mission.
Farrar said that the Bangor Police Department and the Department of Health and
Community Services are currently partners with the CPPC organization. He
added that in speaking with City Manager Conlow, she is willing to sign the
document as long as the Government Operations Committee endorses the
concept and allows Mr. Grogan to explain this program as he did today.
Blanchette suggested that our Legal Department review the process before an
agreement is signed. Farrar agreed to coordinate with the City Solicitor before
the City Manager signs the agreement.
Hawes described that the next two items on the agenda as updates rather than
voteable items which our City Clerk Lisa Goodwin will discuss.
3. Appointment of Election Clerks
Goodwin explained that each even number year, Democrats and Republicans
caucus and select individuals to serve as Election Clerks. These clerks will work
for the City Clerk during the elections performing various tasks needed during
that time. The list of selected individuals is then submitted to City Clerk, and
forwarded to City Council for confirmation. These people will be added to the
current group of Election Clerks that the City has previously had. Goodwin will
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bring this list before Council at the May 14 Council meeting.
4. Voter Registration Appeals Board
Goodwin described that the Voter Registration Appeals Board is required by law
as well as a City Charter requirement. The Democrats and Republicans nominate
two people, one as a serving board member, and the other as the alternate. The
City Clerk then chooses the Chair for that Board and these names (1 Democrat, 1
Republican and 1 Chair) will be submitted to City Council for confirmation at the
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May 14 Council meeting.
Adjourned at 5:35 pm.