HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-21-2020MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
September 21, 2020
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THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MET ON MONDAY: September 21, 2020 virtually.
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS PRESENT: Tamara Dempsey-Tanner, Pat Garavaglia, Ann
Wilkerson and Jamezetta Bedford.
GUEST: None.
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS ABSENT: Susie Enoch.
STAFF PRESENT: Nancy Coston, Director; Brittany Mann, Child Welfare Program Manager; Annette Atwater,
Child Welfare Supervisor; and Lindsey Shewmaker, Human Services Manager.
I. Call to Order and Introductions
DSS Chair, Tamara Dempsey-Tanner, called the meeting to order at 4:08 pm.
II. Board Comments
Tamara Dempsey-Tanner acknowledged the passing of Patrice Carrington and asked that the Board
keep her family in their thoughts and prayers. She asked that the Board keep the DSS family in their
thoughts and prayers. She also acknowledged the retirement of Annette Atwater and thanked her for
her 34 years of service.
Tamara Dempsey-Tanner thanked Ann Wilkerson for her service to the Board and played a short video
as a thank you. Ann Wilkerson thanked the Board and expressed appreciation for her fellow board
members and staff.
III. Public Comments
None.
IV. Agenda Changes
None.
V. Action Items
On a motion by Pat Garavaglia, the Board approved the minutes of August 2020. Ann Wilkerson
seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent.
VI. Items for Discussion and/or Decision
1. Skills Development Center
Nancy Coston presented the floor plan for Skills Development Center at the Carrboro site. The
plans are posted and public comments have started on the plan. The build-out is scheduled to start
next Fall. There are some issues with the temporary move to Europa and that is now scheduled for
December.
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
September 21, 2020
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Tamara Dempsey-Tanner asked about the current opening plan for Orange Works. Ms. Coston
responded that staff are working on a soft open and appointments can be made for use of services.
Because Hillsborough Commons is an early voting site it will be difficult to fully open it to the public
for employment services.
2. CIP Plan
Lindsey Shewmaker presented the Energy Outreach Plan. The plan is slightly different this year
given that the State is automatically submitting applications for the target population groups. The
normal process of sending applications to that group will not need to take place.
Pat Garavaglia moved that the Board approve the Energy Programs Outreach Plan. Ann Wilkerson
seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent.
3. Holiday Planning
Nancy Coston explained the plan for the 2020 holiday program will look a little different. Staff are
proposing a shift to a curbside pickup model with prepacked toys. Staff hope to include a gift card,
food, and books as a part of the gift if possible.
4. NC InCK
Nancy Coston asked that this be delayed until a future meeting. A one-page document with
information about the program will be sent to the Board.
5. Director’s Report
The agency will continue with food distributions through December.
There was a Request for Information for a project to increase wages through the Urban Institute
and the County submitted information.
VII. Announcements
Tamara Dempsey-Tanner reminded the Board that vote for a Chair and Vice-Chair should happen at the next
meeting.
Tamara Dempsey-Tanner moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:14 pm. Ann Wilkerson seconded the motion. The
motion was carried without dissent.
Submitted by:
Nancy Coston, DSS Director
Tamara Dempsey-Tanner, Chair