2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 MINUTES
SHELTER MONITORING COMMITTEE
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
25 Van Ness Ave., 8th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
Members Present: Members Excused:
Vice Chair Damian Ochoa Chair Diana Valentine
Secretary Quintin Mecke
Committee Member Henry Belton
Committee Member Kim Clark
Committee Member Diana Greer
Committee Member Judi Iranyi
Committee Member James Leonard
Committee Member David Nakanishi
Committee Member Liz Olsen
Committee Member Maxine Pauson
Committee Member Cindy Ward
Committee Member Hank Wilson
PUBLIC COMMENTS WILL BE TAKEN FOR EACH AGENDA ITEM REQUIRING COMMITTEE ACTION OR AS INDICATED.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL/AGENDA ADJUSTMENTS
Vice Chair Damian Ochoa called the meeting to order at 10:05 AM. Vice Chair Ochoa noted that item IV, A, Review of Tasks and Follow Up will be tabled due to the absence of Chair Valentine. Also, noted Agenda is missing the item of voting of officers, so this item is also tabled until February, since the public has not been given adequate notice. Additionally, it was noted and adjusted that there will be public comment taken at the end of the meeting, this item was accidentally removed.
I. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. J (name didacted for confidentiality) reports being a resident staying at MSC South since November 15th 2007, expressed concern about the follow up from an apparent neglected repair that resulted in an "oil spill" of approx. 5 gallons near the dumpster in the alley next to the shelter. He reports SFFD responded, but is concerned that the clean up may not be adequate. He also expressed concern about safety, related to the dumpsters and anyone "dumpster diving" is putting themselves at risk, since it's so accessible, and often overfilled. He reports that due to the bed numbers being faded, residents are often awoken at night, by staff using flashlights to identify specific bed numbers. He reports that an electrical outlet in the drop in area does not have a cover and is a safety concern, and that the upstairs bathrooms most of the latches are missing or broken. He further reports that grievances/complaints have been filed but he feels that the director Lessy is to blame for the lack of follow up.
Mr. M (name didacted for confidentiality) attempted to present a complaint requesting Spanish language translation. Committee Member Iranyi declined to serve in this capacity due to "conflict of interest". Further determination indicated that the client's complaints were being addressed, Committee Member Iranyi, Committee staff and others agreed to follow up individually with the client to insure his needs/request was addressed appropriately.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
m/s/c (David/Kim/Unanimous)
Action: Approved December 12th, 2007 Committee Meeting Minutes with one change made on page 6 of 8, removal of the "?" item VI.-B. "Committee Member Leonard was nominated for Vice Chair ?"
Public comment: Clarification was given again for why the committee was not voting on the officers today (due to the item missing on the current agenda).
III. Reports
A. Human Services Agency (Committee Member Ward reporting)
-Committee Member Ward reports HSA has been asked by the Mayor's office to identify approximately 9.5 million dollars, or 13% from HSA's total discretionary General Fund Budget of $75.5 Million, in funding cuts for the next fiscal years budget (FY'08-09) due to the city budget deficits. For more details you may check the HSA's web site and/or attend the upcoming two HSA Commission meetings that will include budget discussions and will allow for public comments to be made. These meeting are Thursday, January 24th, and Thursday, February 13th, both starting at 9:30am, at the Born Auditorium, 170 Otis Street.
-Committee Member Ward reports that there were two deaths since the last meeting, one in December a resident of MSC South, who actually died after being transported to the hospital, and a resident of Sanctuary, who died in January. Both were responded to per protocol that included HSA response and coordination with DPH.
- Regarding the Standard of Care, HS A did respond to requests from Supervisor Mirkarimi, and from the budget analysts office and provided their input.
Committee member Mecke expressed concern that the Committee has not been regularly been receiving reports about the shelter deaths, and requested that the communication be clarified and corrected to insure the Committee is receiving this information.
A request was made for the Committee to receive copies of all the reports of deaths from HSA.
A question was posed regarding what is the protocol for addressing deaths in shelters, and can that be presented to the Committee. Committee Member Wilson felt it would be very helpful to understand the full process, including who and what follow ups occur in these situations.
Committee Member Leonard expressed concern regarding the protocols that shelters follow for checking on residents welfare during the night, and to get more details regarding the deaths when they occur.
Committee Member Belton agreed, but feels the Committee should focus on deaths that are the result of violence, drugs or other circumstances, not natural deaths that will occur from time to time.
Committee Member Greer wanted to insure that the Committee was aware of the specifics to insure that the procedures and follow ups were all appropriate.
Vice Chair Ochoa requested that the Committee Staff request a copy of the protocol for dealing with these incidences to both HSA and DPH.
Vice Chair Ochoa requested that the Committee Staff make a request to all the shelters to provide a copy of their protocols for monitoring safety and health during the night.
Vice Chair Ochoa requested that the Committee Staff request HSA present a vacancy report at each Committee meeting, in response to Committee Member Wilsons request. Committee Member Ward stated she would comply, and wanted reinforced that the Committee give her feedback to insure the information provided is what the Committee needs.
There was a clarification that the budget cuts are reflective of the entire HSA budget, not just the Housing and Homeless Services division.
B. Department of Public Health (Committee Member Nakanishi reporting)
-Committee Member Nakanishi reported that the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the 24hour drop in services was published on December 31st. The time line includes proposals due by January 30th, with the expectation that a contract would be awarded and services would begin in April, 2008.
-Committee member Nakanishi revised the previous report that there is currently no expectation that there will be a break in 24 hour, emergency drop in services. There is a possibility that the emergency drop in service will be placed on the list of DPH services facing funding cuts. Additional questions specific to the RFP were addressed. Additional updates will be presented at the next Committee meeting.
C. Standard of Care (Committee Member Mecke reporting)
The current legislation continues to be reviewed following the Budget Analysts Office issuing their 35 page report. The presentation before the Budget and Finance Committee of the Board of Supervisors, has been postponed until January 30th (it was scheduled for 1pm today). The final report apparently listed the budget impact of approx. $6 million. Currently work is being done, including follow up with the City Attorneys office, addressing the amount listed and the 14 points that appear to have been removed from the original draft submitted by Supervisor Ammiano, to insure consistency with what was originally proposed by the Standard of Care Workgroup.
-The next meeting of the Standard of Care Workgroup is scheduled for Wednesday, January 16th, from 4-6pm, at 101 Grove, Room 302.
The Committee agreed to have Vice Chair Ochoa and the Committee Staff write a letter of support, since the work group was sanctioned by the Committee and fully supported by the Committee.
Committee Member Mecke commented that he believe due to the intense budget situation this year, that since the Standard of Care legislation involves funding that it maybe a difficult process and there will most likely be a need for strong advocacy and support.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
A. REVIEW OF TASKS AND FOLLOW-UP
TABLED FOR FEBRUARY MEETING UPON PRESENCE OF CHAIR VALENTINE
V. COMMITTEE MEMBERS QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
Committee Member Ward expressed a request that the Committee work to clarify for shelters and agencies what are the expectations for follow up when the Committee responds to complaints/reports?
Committee Staff reported that the expectation is for shelters/resource centers to respond to any complaint report within 30 days.
Discussion included acknowledging that some reports due to their nature, or past tense (incident already occurred) response may be simply that the complaint/incident is noted.
There was agreement/discussion that the Committee can work to improve on providing guidance to the recipient of the complaint report (including not just shelters/resource centers but other agencies/bodies such as the Mayor's office on Disability) to better clarify what type of response maybe warranted.
Committee Member Greer noted that she is looking for software to better track, report and provide a means for all complaints to be reviewed and accessed by all.
It was noted that the Committee website does post all completed shelter inspection reports for anyone to review.
Committee Member Greer suggested that this process be placed on the agenda for further review.
Vice Chair Ochoa encouraged all members to especially track complaints presented at the Committee meetings, so they can be followed up with at the next site visit as appropriate.
Committee Member Pauson presented the issue of vacant units in public housing and her feeling that there is a relationship between that and the shelter system. It was noted that this issue was outside the scope of the Committee, however, the Local Homeless Coordinating Board (LHCB) has taken on the issue of Public Housing, and has begun to address specific issues in their meetings. The LHCB next meeting include the Policy and Legislation Committee which meets on January 25th, 10-12n, at 1440 Harrison St, and the next full Board meeting is scheduled February 4, 3-6pm, at 170 Otis, Born Auditorium. Additional questions can be directed to Ali Schlageter, Staff to the Local Homeless Coordinating Board, 558-1825.
Committee Member Mecke noted that the problems/issues related to the Housing Authority and public housing is a big focus for the SF administration this year, and there are a number of places issues such as the vacancies are being addressed.
Committee Member Iranyi suggested that the Committee consider inviting and/or meeting with Dariush Kayhan the Mayor's offices new Homeless Czar to share information, and develop a collaborative relationship with him. Committee members Greer and Clark agreed.
Committee Member Leonard reported concerns and personal experience with problems with line management with the interfaith shelters, and specific concerns regarding one of the supervising staff. He has submitted a complaint already. The Committee Officers and Staff will continue following up with this issue.
Committee Member Wilson questioned the Committee's procedure for unannounced visits. Vice Chair Ochoa clarified that the Committee can chose to do as many as is warranted, based on the situation.
Committee Member Ward noted the importance of Committee noticed being posted, especially at the interfaith sites (since they are temporary sites).
Committee Member Nakanishi reinforced the importance to encourage everyone to file complaints to insure the Committee is aware of issues/incidents/problems. This includes Committee members when they become aware of an issue.
There was a discussion clarifying the Committee's process and role, and that each shelter has their own process for following up with complaints, with their ability to conduct investigations and make changes (something the Committee does not do) with Committee members Clark, Ochoa and Belton.
Committee Member Olsen reported a similar complaint received about the interfaith shelters. She also wanted clarification about witnessing a problem, when visiting a shelter in another capacity, what to do. Vice Chair Ochoa reinforced that a complaint can be submitted as a "private citizen" observing a problem.
Committee Member Greer recommended having some note on the site inspection forms reminding members to encourage residents to still file a complaint to the committee.
The Committee was reminded that the December Shelter and Resource Center directors meeting it was distributed and requested that Committee flyers be posted in all shelters and resource centers. Also all team captains have been given and can obtain Committee flyers and hand outs.
Committee Member Belton stated that he's clear about what the Committee's role and limitations are, and to "don't make promises we cannot keep".
Committee Member Mecke seconded this statement, reminding the Committee of our scope and focus. He recommended that we focus on what we do, and insure we do it well. The Committee has "pushed the envelope" to influence policy, but we are not a policy body. He recommended focusing on three main issues of safety, clean and that residents are treated well. He gave kudo's to the Staff (Yete McMahon) and that the Committee has done some great work including it's part of getting the Standard of Care legislation moving.
Vice Chair Ochoa proposed that the Committee officers and up to 3 committee members meet with the incoming Scott Walton (HSA). Committee Members Clark, Greer, Wilson and Leonard all expressed interest.
Committee Staff to set up meeting with Mr. Walton, Committee Officers to determine who will attend the meeting for the Committee.
Vice Chair Ochoa requested all Committee Members review the Committee Goals document, and be prepared to discuss and identify who is willing to serve as a point person for each item. This will be reviewed in the next meeting.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Review Letter Regarding Closure of Buster's.
After discussion it was decided to table this issue for the next meeting, for the Committee to await more information regarding the status of the before mentioned Emergency Drop in RFP and status update of Buster's Place.
Item tabled for February 6, 2008 meeting.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENT DISCUSSION 3 min per
A comment was made regarding the lack of the Committee submitting a quarterly report for some time. The point was made that the Quarterly report is the main platform for the Committee to report on the conditions in the Shelters, and can be extremely helpful to bodies such as the Board of Supervisors in making decisions such as the upcoming Standard of Care legislation.
A comment was made expressing concern that the staff in shelters seem to have no respect for the Committee and it's members. Frustration was expressed that the Committee does not have more power/ability to create direct change in the system or specific shelters.
ADJOURNMENT
12: 19PM
To obtain copies of the agenda, minutes, or any explanatory documents, please contact the Shelter Monitoring Committee at 415.255.3642 or shelter.monitoring@sfgov.org 72 hours before the meeting.
To obtain a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services to participate in the meeting, please contact the Shelter Monitoring Committee at 415.255.3642 or shelter.monitoring@sfgov.org at least two business days before the meeting.
25 Van Ness Avenue is accessible to persons using wheelchairs and others with disabilities. Assistive listening devices are available and meetings are open-captioned. Agendas are available in large print. Materials in alternative formats, American Sign Language interpreters, and other format accommodations will be made available upon request. Please make your request for alternative forma or other accommodations to the Shelter Monitoring Committee at 415.255.3642. Providing at least 72 hours notice prior to the meeting will help ensure availability.
The nearest BART station is Civic Center Plaza at the intersection of Market, Grove, and Hyde Streets. The MUNI Metro lines are the F, J, K, L, M, and N (Civic Center Station or Van Ness Avenue Station). MUNI bus lines serving the area are the 47 Van Ness, 9 San Bruno, and the 6, 7, 71 Haight/Noreiga. Accessible curbside parking is available on Oak and Hickory Streets.
The ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers, and similar sound producing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting. Please be advised that the Chair may order the removal from the meeting room of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager or other similar sound-producing electronic devices.
In order to assist the City's efforts to accommodate persons with severe allergies, environmental illness, multiple chemical sensitivity or related disabilities, attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees maybe sensitive to various chemical based scented projects. Please help the City to accommodate these individuals.
Know Your Rights under the Sunshine Ordinance(Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code)
Government's duty is to serve the public, reaching its decision in full view of the public. Commissions, boards, councils and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct the people's business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people's review. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE SUNSHINE ORDINANCE, OR TO REPORT A VIOLATION OF THE ORDINANCE, CONTACT THE SUNSHINE ORDINANCE TASK FORCE THROUGH:
Frank Darby, Administrator
Sunshine Ordinance Task Force
City Hall, Room 244
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102-4689
Phone 415.554.7724
Fax 415.554.7854
E-mail sotf@sfgov.org
Copies of the Sunshine Ordinance can be obtained from the Clerk of the Sunshine Task Force, the San Francisco Public Library, and on the City's website at www.sfgov.org.
Lobbyist Registration and Reporting Requirements
Individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local legislative or administrative action may be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance [SF Campaign & Governmental Conduct Code § 2.100] to register and report lobbying activity. For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the San Francisco Ethics Commission at 30 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 3900, San Francisco, CA 94102; telephone (415) 581-2300; fax (415) 581-2317; web site: sfgov.org/ethics.
