HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-11-28-HSC-min Town of Lexinqton Human Services Committee
Meeting Minutes - November 28, 2018
Attendees: Gail Fields, Co-Chair, Lea Gardner Elkin, Co-Chair, Doug Lucente, Board of
Selectmen, Martha Kurland, Bonnie Tenpas, Helen Walsh, Leslie Zales, Pam Joshi, Charlotte
Rodgers, Human Services Director (staff), Melissa Interess, Assistant Director of Senior
Services (staff), Anthony Serio, Assistant Director of Youth & Family Services (staff).
Gail called the meeting to order at 7:10pm and everyone introduced themselves. Minutes from
October 24, 2018 meeting were reviewed. Changes were made to the attendees list of the
October meeting. The meeting minutes were then approved.
The committee announced Charlotte Rogers' retirement and retirement party at the Depot on
Thursday (11/19/19). The transition plan for Human Services Department Director was
announced. Melissa Interess will serve as acting Director of Human Services as well as
Assistant Director of Senior Services. Human Services Department updates were provided by
Melissa and Tony.
Youth & Family Services and Senior Services updates:
- Increase in fuel assistance applications and Sand for Seniors program.
- Holiday Programs: Thanksgiving/Christmas Eve meals, Christmas trees through
Follen UU church, Youth Services Committee/Lions Club/Fund for Lexington gift
card programs for the holidays.
- QPR trainings (staff& community).
- Enhanced Customer Service trainings (town staff).
- "Teen Talk" programming at Cary Library.
Charlotte discussed the FY19 Human Services budget with regards to the "Mental Health
Services Placeholder". The committee discussed confusion that was brought forth during the
recent Town Meeting in November, which resulted in a pause on hiring for a new outreach
position and could cause changes to the FY2020 Human Services budget. This issue will be
addressed with the School Committee and Board of Selectmen to further clarify the
interpretation of the budget with regards to the outreach position. Doug mentioned that there will
be a closed "plus one" meeting between School Committee and Board of Selectmen in January
2019.
Melissa provided updates on the Community Intervention Team (CCIT), and Mental Health &
Wellness Task Force. The committee discussed CHNA 15 grant initiative and mental health
summit meetings between School Committee and Board of Selectmen resulting in best
practices in mental health across the lifespan. Melissa spoke to the four advisory groups
(Prevention, Intervention, Identification/Research, and Postvention).
Next meeting is scheduled for January 23, 2019 at 7pm at the Lexington Community Center
Room 217