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MINUTES --- YOUTH SERVICES COUNCIL November 1, 2006 Present: Lauren McSweeney, Becky Kosterman, Sheila Butts, Helen Cohen, Norman Cohen, Chantal Hersey, Bill Blout, Ellen McDonald, Betsey Weiss, Alessandro Alessandrini, Bill Kennedy, Mary Sullivan Kelly, Julie Fenn, Arny Berger Becky announced that Dana Walsh, the Youth Minister at the Hancock Church, will be the new representative from the clergy, beginning next meeting. Becky also announced that the Youth Services Planning task Force would be coming to this meeting at 3:30 to present their update. The Center for Parents and Youth (CPY) is applying for another CHNA grant to extend their parenting workshops. Kate Cremens-Basbas may also apply for the grant for stress management programs. There is the possibility and hope that the 2 groups will collaborate and apply for the grant jointly, which would increase the likelihood of Lexington getting the grant. Lauren reported that the Town is unlikely to be fiscal agent for CPY again this year. There was an established understanding that CPY would apply for non-profit status for future grant funding. Council members didn’t feel comfortable supporting CPY’s grant, if it would undermine additional funding for LPS and not include a coordinated effort. There was some discussion about the interface of the YSC and CPY. Becky asked that committee members give feedback about the rubrics created around which to evaluate groups related to youth services. Becky asked that group members send any feedback via e-mail; otherwise, the Council will proceed with rubrics as it stands. There will certainly be room to make changes as we get going. Presentation and update from YSP Task Force by 4 members of their group. The group pointed out that surrounding towns seem to be making more progress than Lexington in expanding the availability of youth services. The group intends to go to the Special Town Meeting with their initial proposal, including financial data. The emphasis of their proposal is on a comprehensive program, emphasizing prevention and early intervention. Lauren spoke about the process of getting items on the budget for Town Meeting, emphasizing that there are many competing interests, social services and others. She recommended a lot of advocacy before this comes to Town Meeting and also pointed out that the initial budget for the next Town Meeting is due this week. Therefore, there is a great deal of time pressure and it may be too late for this cycle. There was a great deal of discussion on the climate in Town Meeting regarding services for youth. Lauren and YSP Task Force members will work together over the next few days to discuss practical aspects of proposals for youth services budget and programming.