HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.10.2000 (2)COUNCIL WORK SESSION
April 10, 2000
4:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Anders, Jordan, Krizek, Murphy, Gronen, Getty, Berry.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Murphy that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
The request of Pathways Behavioral Services for allocation of funds was reviewed.
Councilperson Getty stated that he and Councilperson Berry met with representatives from
Pathways knowing that there is a drug problem, and this is an agency that works with youth.
Councilperson Getty stated that Pathways has two locations, one on Falls Avenue and one on
Franklin Street. Councilperson Getty stated that they learned about the different programs
offered by Pathways.
Chris Hoffman, Executive Director of Pathways, stated that the council received a letter listing all
the programs offered by Pathways and asked if the council had questions regarding the programs.
A representative from Pathways reviewed the referral process. Clients are referred by themselves,
through hospitals, Department of Correctional Services, Department of Human Services, Police
Department, family members and employers. Then Pathways performs a screening, an assessment
and contact the referral source and gathers information. If the client has a substance abuse
problem, then a determination is made as to the level of care required. Clients can be helped
either as an outpatient or residential care, and then proceed to the Halfway House.
Mayor Rooff asked how Pathways is funded. Mr. Hoffman stated that all substance abuse funds
comes from federal block grant funds. Cities collect tax money from sale of alcohol and
cigarettes and gambling revenues. Other funding is received from other cities, decatorization, and
United Way. Clients are referred to Pathways by Covenant after detox if there is no insurance
coverage. Only about 5 percent are covered by insurance.
Mr. Hoffman stated that of the funding provided by the city, $29,000.00 is used for operating
expense for the Franklin Street offices. The funding provided by the city is used to supplement
the prevention department budget and made possible an additional 309.5 hours of direct service
beyond the contracted hours with the Division of Substance Abuse. Mr. Hoffman stated that
about 50 percent of Pathways' budget is spent outside of Black Hawk County.
Bruce Meisinger, Finance Manager, stated that the city has been funding Pathways for about 20
years. The funding request was increased from $29,000.00 per year to $47,000.00 per year about
four years ago.
Councilperson Anders stated that in FY 2000, the city receive revenues in the amount of
$295,000.00 from licenses and grants. Councilperson Anders asked if this money is not going for
prevention how does the city spend the revenues. Mr. Meisinger stated that most of the funds are
used to fund the Tri-County Drug Task Force. Mayor Rooff stated that the Police Department
performs sting operations and questioned if some of the funds should be used for treatment and
prevention.
Mr. Ho man noted that Black Hawk County provides $7,000.00 per year and Cedar Falls
provides $5,000.00 per year in funding. Councilperson Murphy commented that if Pathways
bases its cost as seventy-five cents per person, then Cedar Falls should fund $22,000.00 based on
its population. Councilperson Murphy stated that it seems to him the City of Waterloo is paying
more than its share.
Mayor Rooff stated that he would like to look at the revenues and grants received and the number
of citizens that use Pathways. Mayor Rooff commented that perhaps we should stop looking at
Pathways as a social agency.
Council Work Session
April 10, 2000
Page 2
Moved by Getty, seconded by Berry to refer Pathways' request for funding to the Finance
Committee for review of figures and to make a recommendation to the council on the amount of
funding to provide to Pathways.
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Mayor Rooff stated that we need to look at what the city is using the funds for and if the hospitals
are picking up any of the funding. Mayor Rooff stated that we need to talk to the state, hospitals
and review the Tri-County Drug Task Force program.
Councilperson Murphy commented that Pathways is a good program, but he wants to make sure
the citizens are getting a good deal.
Councilperson Anders stated that if we receive $57,000.00 in revenues from the Iowa Beer &
Liquor, maybe the city could use $44,000.00 for Pathways.
Mr. Meisinger stated that those funds have already been allocated for other programs, and if we
give the funds to Pathways, we will have to come up with funds for the other programs.
Following discussion a vote was taken on the above motion with the following result. Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Jordan that the
meeting be adjourned at 4:55 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk
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