Fiscal Committee Meeting

MINUTES Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Fiscal Committee 5:35 PM Carnegie Town Hall 235 West 10th Street Members Present: Christine M. Erickson, Rex Rolfing, Michelle Erpenbach, Pat Starr Staff Present: Tom Greco, City Clerk; Dave Bixler, Budget Analyst; Jim David, Legislative/Operations Manager 1. Call To Order Committee Chair Michelle Erpenbach called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. 2. Approval of Minutes A. Meeting held on July 12, 2016 A motion was made by Pat Starr and seconded by Rex Rolfing to approve the minutes of the meeting held on July 12, 2016. Committee Chair Erpenbach called for a voice vote. All members voted yes. Motion Passed. 3. Reports and Updates A. Prairie View Prevention Contract with Sioux Falls School District by Darcy Jensen, Director of Prairie View Prevention Services, Inc. Dave Bixler, Budget Analyst, provided the committee with background information about city funding to the Sioux Falls School District for Prairie View Prevention Services, Inc. Darcy Jensen, Executive Director of Prairie View Prevention Services, Inc., explained how prevention and intervention services are provided as well as the relationship between Prairie View and the city. Jamie Nold, Sioux Falls School District Assistant Superintendent, explained how Prairie View is used and the District's relationship with them. Jensen was asked how Prairie View was used in the schools and relationships with other schools. Jensen explained that counselors often work with students at the schools in the district, but also noted that a large number of meetings are conducted outside of school buildings and/or the school day. She also stated  that presently in Sioux Falls there are contracts only with the Sioux Falls School District and Sioux Falls Catholic Schools. Students outside these two entities can receive their services, but those services are not provided by in-school counselors. Funding for services both through the contracts and non-contracted entities is typically through state funding or other means, which were briefly described. Assistant Superintendent Nold explained that the importance of the services provided by Prairie View is based on the District's commitment to student learning and noted that in-school counselors provide the most surety that students will receive the help they need. The committee asked Jensen about rates of recidivism. After discussion, it was determined by Jensen that she did not have the information requested; she stated that she would furnish the information to the committee. Nold was asked about his views of the contract and whether it should be amongst different parties, for example between the City and the School or the City and Prairie View; Nold explained that in any case the district would need to be an integral part of any contract discussions. He was also asked if the district captures their own costs for the program. Nold stated there is a cost to the district generally in staff time but does not have exact figures. Chief of Police Matt Burns discussed the potential value to the department of these services and explained that such value would only be realized from a law enforcement standpoint with sharing of information about referrals, recidivism, and other factors. Jensen noted that some information may not be available due to privacy laws. The committee also explored which department would best be equipped to provide oversight of the city-funded program; it was determined that additional discussions with other departments are necessary. The committee discussed next steps. Bixler was directed to provide additional information about the manner in which Prairie View services are provided. There was a consensus that the committee's understanding of how best to direct funds to student prevention and intervention efforts must include other city departments, regional partners, and other agencies in the future. It was also agreed that the committee will meet in working sessions starting after the new year to further explore these topics. 4. Open Discussion: There was none. 5. Adjournment Committee Chair Erpenbach adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thomas M. Greco City Clerk