MAINE WELFARE DIRECTORS’ ASSOCIATION

MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES

FEBRUARY 10, 2006

AUGUSTA CITY HALL

 

 

Call to Order: President Stacey Parra called Meeting to order at 11:45 am.  Stacey introduced the Executive Board and welcomed all to this membership training.

Approval of Minutes:  Minutes from the October 6, 2005  Membership Meeting were presented and reviewed. 

Motion by Cathy Johnson, seconded by Brenda Harrington to approve the October 6, 2005 Membership Meeting minutes as presented.  Unanimously approved.

Treasurer’s Reports:  Treasurer Linda Fossa was unable to attend this meeting so Stacey Parra presented and reviewed the September - November financial statements. 

Motion by Diane Mende, seconded by Sue Charron to approve the September 2005 Treasurer’s Report as presented.  Unanimously approved.

Motion by Sue Charron, seconded by Dot Meagher to approve the October 2005 Treasurer’s Report as presented.  Unanimously approved.

Motion by Brenda Harrington, seconded by Dot Meagher to approve the November 2005 Treasurer’s Report as presented.  Unanimously approved.

Committee Reports:

            Legislative Update:  Funeral Bill - President Stacey Parra  stated that the Funeral Director’s had wanted to change the number of days that GA Administrators have to make their decision from 10 days to 2 days.  The Funeral Directors have compromised and now are willing to allow 8 days for that decision.

                        The funeral homes now have 3 days (rather than 24 hours) to notify GA Administrator of a death that may require General Assistance.

            LD 1846 – Public Telephones – This bill has been sent to committee as a resolution.  Looking at a pilot program for the first year to install 50 phones in the State of Maine.  Items that have not been decided include:  Where phones will be located; Will phones be coin operated or free; Who will have access to the phones; etc.  Some ideas for location include:  courthouses; hospitals; airports; bus stations; unemployment offices; shelters; food pantries; prison lobbies; etc.  Mary Frances Bartlett requested communities send a letter to their representatives supporting the phone bill. 

Motion by Jodi Hansen, seconded by Brenda Harrington to have MWDA support the Phone Bill for local calling.  Unanimously approved.

Professional Development:  Darryl McKenney reported that there are many  MWDA trainings available in the upcoming months and they are listed on the MWDA website:  http://mainewelfaredirectors.net/ .  There is a GA Basics class in March; GA Ordinance/GA Law in April; Spring Seminar is May 22-23 at Atlantic Oakes in Bar Harbor; and General Training in June (still looking for possible locations and speakers for this session).

            Other Business:  Vicky Edgerly commented on the Homeless meeting she attended and stated that with her today was Nancy Fritz who is the Chair of the Homeless Council through the Governor’s office.  Nancy is willing to answer any questions from the GA Administrator’s who are present.

            Jodi Hansen questioned status of the MWDA budget.  Stacey informed us that Treasurer Linda Fossa is working on it with the Finance Committee.

Meeting was adjourned at 12:10 pm