Human Services Advisory Council

MINUTES Human Services Advisory Council City of Falls Church PURPOSE OF MEETING: To advise the City Council on human services delivery to Falls Church residents. DATE OF MEETING: January 25, 2024 PLACE OF MEETING: In Person (Dogwood Room) w/ Virtual Option MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY Debra Roth at 6:30 p.m. THOSE PRESENT: HSAC Members: Student Representatives: Alisa Macht Jack Ackerman Jeff Pearson -Virtual Carter Williams Nicole Newman Brian Bowden Planning Commission Liaison – Debra Roth Robert Puentes Staff: CSB Representative: Dana Jones - Virtual Commission on Aging Representatives: City Council Representative: Caroline Lian Guests: Marybeth Connelly Roberto Kattan – NHP/FCHC Nicole Morris Julie Knuck APPROVAL TO ADOPT THE AGENDA: The agenda for this meeting was adopted. The electronic participation for Jeff Persons was conducted and approved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes from the October 19, 2023 meeting were approved. NEW BUSINESS: HSAC New Council Member Liaison Introductions – Chair Roth introduced the new Council Liaison Caroline Lian and Planning Commission Liaison Roberto Puentes. The commission celebrated the service of Marybeth Connelly and acknowledged long-time member Alicia Macht upcoming departure. Annual Elections Chair & Vice Chair Positions – A request was made by staff to delay the election by one month until the upcoming new member would be able to participate. Chair Roth felt that the elections should continue. Liaison Connelly confirmed that virtual members participating electronically are able to vote. Debra Z Roth indicated her intention to run again as chair. There were no other candidates. A motion was made and seconded. Roth was voted as Chair. Brian Bowden was nominated to serve as Vice-Chair. A motion was made and seconded. Bowden was voted as Vice Chair. Community Services Fund Presentations – Staff Ripal Patel introduced the two presentations: NHP Foundation/FCHC/Winter Hill - Roberto Kattan – The project is for Window replacement for aging units that serve low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. They have applied for other grants and will pay for this out of operating funds if they do not get the grant. Woman Giving back – Nicole Morris – This organization provides clothing and other services for low income clients. They receive referrals from the City but will have to work on how to track by address. They are able to provide transportation for clients. Affordable Living Policy HSAC Representative – Commissioner Jeff Persons will serve as Co-chair of the Affordable Living Policy Workgroup along with Meredith Anderson from the Housing Commission. The group will meet for several months and develop affordable Housing recommendations to go through a public process in time for the City’s budget process. OLD BUSINESS: Human Services Update – Staff Dana Jones was set to present however the Commission decided to postpone until next week as time was getting short. Well Being and Seniors Accessibility Update – This discussion included a working session whereby Commission members developed guidelines to submit to Council for them to include when developing their Council workplan. The statement is below: People First Leadership • Develop all policies with the lens of making everything accessible for all residents at all ages, abilities, and across the socioeconomic spectrum. • Provide for accessibility, health, and wellness needs in all relevant areas of city planning to meet the diverse needs of city residents. • Address the needs of older adults, vulnerable populations, and individuals with disabilities (visible and not visible) in all investments. • Invest in creating more lower to middle income housing options using innovative, progressive strategies, and increase the quality of existing housing. OTHER – Staff Patel discussed the Community Services Fund application and timeline. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This document will be made available in an alternate format upon request. Call 703-248- 5005 (TTY 711).