Minutes 02/14/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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February 14. 2006 7. Sheriff Bill Watson, 701 Crawford Street, brought to the attention of Council the need for an increase in pay for deputies and gave an update on the changes being made in the Sheriff's Department. 8. Clarence Mason, 940 Jefferson Street, voiced his frustrations with what he feels is the Council's insensitivity to the needs of the citizens. 9. Raleigh Harsley, 2124 Peach Street, voiced his frustrations with regards to children playing in the street. - City Manager's Report - 06-79 Adoption of an ordinance to appropriate $162,969.66 from a Virginia Department of Social Services Grant to the Portsmouth Department of Social Services for a federally mandated Child and Family Services Program Improvement Plan. There is a 20 percent local match required. Vision Principles: Neighborhood and Community Transformation and Pride of Past, Promise of Future. Background: . The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) has established a set of system-wide initiatives to address areas of child and family services needing improvement. To assist in attaining the benchmarks associated with each initiative, VDSS has provided one-time funding to localities-with a required local match. Localities meeting these goals within specified timelines will continue to receive these funds annually. Discussion: . Portsmouth Department of Social Services is currently achieving and will continue to aggressively pursue the Federal and State benchmark goals required to retain this funding on an annual basis. . The program improvements to child and family services driven by this funding will significantly improve the quality of life for Portsmouth citizens, and the Safety, Permanency, and Well-Being of our children. . Financial Impact: There is a required local match of 20 percent or $32,593.94. The Department proposes to meet the local match provisions by dedicating one of the two senior social worker positions (and associated funding) already provided in the City's FY 2005 budget; thereby requiring no additional local funding. Staff Recommends: Adoption of an Ordinance to appropriate $162,969.66 from a Virginia Department of Social Services Grant to the Portsmouth Department of Social Services for a federally mandated Child and Family Services Program Improvement Plan. There is a 20 percent local match required. Vision Principles: Neighborhood and Community Transformation and Pride of Past, Promise of Future. Next Steps Following Council Action: . Authorize a new account on the City Finance Expenditure Ledger for Program Improvement Plan, to appear in the City cost center 56019 - Social Services, Services Administration. . The initial budget should reflect the State funding of $162,969.66 in category 300 and Senior Social Worker position number 2289 in the payroll and benefits categories. The total for payroll and benefits for this position is budgeted at $47,314 for 12 months. Motion by Mr. Whitehurst, and seconded by Mr. Moody, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: