1986-10-28 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I , . j Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 1986 Page Twelve Council Business, continued In response to Benke's inquiry and Gunderman's concern regarding vandalism, Wilmes stated they have a Shop-Lifter Program whereby there is not the typical positive reinforcement, but rather a consequence for the action. Wilmes stated further he has been working with his staff to modify the program for vandals. Brandt stated that, at the time staff and council were going through the budget and the questions of the allocation for the YSB arose, she had asked what the organization does, and specifically what it does for New Brighton. Since that time she has talked with Wilmes and reviewed some of the Bureau's information and now believes this city gets its money's worth from the organiza- tion; believes it offers services we can get anywhere else that helps us with our most valuable resource; and appreciates the fact that Wilmes specifically addressed what the Bureau does for New Brighton. Schmidt, regarding counselling that may be triggered through the schools, asked if they are referring them to the Bureau where the problems are then being addressed; Wilmes stated there is a tension taking place because the schools are finding they have fewer resources to handle the bulk of the problems that have been shifted back to the community. Wilmes added that since 1980, out- of-home placements have been reduced to twenty-five percent which have significant ramifactions for the schools. Although the schools are doing their job, they are going through a process of defining just what their job is. Schmidt stated that, because of the shrinking dollars, the schools do not have the personnel and councilmembers, as community leaders, need to know that this element is in fact being served and where it is being served. Wilmes stated we need to know who is going to pick up the slack; the development of the Bureau's mental health program, not only allows long-term counselling but it also allows their clients to utilize third party reimbursement (insurance). Wilmes continued that the Bureau is in the process of some restructuring and feels frustration because there should be more State money coming in and believes the pot is being redivided. In response to William's inquiry, Wilmes explained that the number of kids previously placed in group homes, foster homes, and institutions have been cut by one-quarter since 1980; those same kids are now in the community living with us and we are dealing with some of those ramifications. Wilmes further stated agencies like YSB are caught in a limbo. Benke thanked Wilmes for his report and for the services of the Youth Service Bureau.