Sponsor: Social Services
Title
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Appointment to Committees of the Citizens Advisory Council
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Recommendation
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Appoint individuals to serve on the committee of the Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) for the Social Services Department beginning with the date of appointment and terminating on June 30, 2022.
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Background and Rationale
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The Ramsey County Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) was established almost 40 years ago to advise the County Board on human services related programs and services. The Council has six committees, including Chemical Health, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Adult Services, Children's Mental Health Advisory Council, Children's Services Review Panel, and Adult Mental Health Advisory Council. The latter three committees have additional responsibilities assigned in law. Each committee may have up to fifteen members.
Membership in the CAC committees has been dwindling. Many of the individuals awaiting approval have engaged meticulously in their respective committees. Part of their engagement has been on projects, community-county partnerships, and ensuring those receiving services are at the front of what we do.
Chemical Health
• Melanie Dombrovski
• Anne Emerson
• Gita Ghei
• Heather Heim
• Tanya Jones
• Ruth Kashmark
• Rachel McNeil
• Claude Oliver (John) Sykes III
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
• Katrina Jirik
• Katrina Simons
Adult Mental Health
• Mary McLeod
• Colleen Oftedahl
Adult Services Committee
• Suzi Stephenson
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The makeup of these committees is largely Caucasian. This is of great concern due to the disproportional make up of service recipients within Social Services programs. Yet, the many of the individuals on this list, though Caucasian, have communicated the need for a more diverse and equitable space; especially for the inclusion of service recipients.
Community Participation Level and Impact
The goal of these committees is to create a space where community can have a direct line to the Social Services Director as well as the Board of Commissioners. Furthermore, this space serves as a partnership between community and Social Services, the services it provides, and those being impacted by said services.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☒ Collaborate ☒ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Representatives on Ramsey County advisory boards and committees do not receive County compensation; they contribute their time and expertise to provide guidance and oversight to County policies and programs. Council members may be eligible for small stipends to cover parking and other expenses, based on financial need. The funds for these expenses are included in the departments' annual budgets.
County Manager Comments
County Board approval is required to appoint members to County advisory boards and committees. Input from residents participating in and/or affected by County social service programs is important to providing effective services. More information about the Citizen's Advisory Council can be found at <https://www.ramseycounty.us/your-government/leadership/advisory-boards-committees/citizens-advisory-council>.
Last Previous Action
On November 10, 2020, the Board of Commissioners approved new members for the Citizens Advisory Council (Item number 2020-287)
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