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I I .1 Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 1986 Council Business, continued Dave Wilmes, Executive Director of the Youth Service Bureau, dis- tributed materials to the council, and gave a progress report on the activities of the Bureau. Benke advised Wilmes that earlier this Fall a representative from a chemical dependency program in St. Anthony spoke to this council, and asked Wilmes to explain the difference between the two organizations with regard to alcohol or chemical dependency programs, noting that the Bureau works with intervention whereas the St. Anthony-based organization works more with prevention. Wilmes stated that, since that time, he has had extensive conver- sations with Brandt and has pursued that organization, noting they have vastly changed their programming since the beginning of summer when they shifted from being a school advisory group to a non-profit organization. Regarding duplication, the St. Anthony group has clearly defined their mission as being community educa- tion in the area of chemical abuse and chemical dependency, etc. The YSB's mission statement is to be an early-intervention diver- sion counseling program for youth and seniors; however, the YSB does a lot of prevention and education so there is some overlap- ping. One thing the YSB has offered to them is the resources of YSB for speakers and the potential to work together on some acti- vities. Some of their community education activities they plan to do should be enlarged to more than just a small geographical area. Benke indicated pleasure in the possibilities of the two organi- zations working together and believes the city should take advan- tage of the commitment, enthusiasm, and dedication. Wilmes indi- cated he does plan to get with St. Anthony on a monthly basis. Schmidt stated earlier this year, at budget time, having liaison officers in the schools was discussed and, ;n terms of the referral work the YSB does with law enforcement as well as with the schools, asked if that was a function the Bureau was already performing or if it going to be served better by someone that is trained in enforcement work and, if the latter, how would it be coordinated with the same number of cities in school districts that are involved with the YSB. Wilmes stated he has talked with John Kelley, New Brighton's Police Chief, and worked in a program in Bloomington; the role of the police is that they are there for apprehension and, hopefully, will refer the youth to diversion programs. Kelley feels the school is a growing vital community and that having police in the schools is a positive thing, which is very different than a counselling presence. Wilmes feels diversion counselling is viewed differ- ently by students and school staff and has a different type of function. The YSB has seen police referrals increase significantly, not only in New Brighton but in the whole service area, and contin- ues to enjoy that utilization; feels having the police presence is very different than having a YSB counselor in the school. Page Eleven