Coalition for a Safe & Drug-Free Newaygo County
4 W. Oak St. - Fremont, MI 49412
Ph. 231-924-1662 Fax 231-924-5663
Minutes of Coalition for a Safe and Drug-Free Newaygo County
December 14, 2007
In attendance:
Gale Beach, Coalition Coordinator Mary Sturtevant, Hesperia Schools
Ward Staffeld, Circuit/Juvenile Court Barb Sheren (community member)
Joel Hoepfner, MSSAC Roger Wiegers, Arbor Circle
Chris Tiernan, NC-3 Kathy Fletcher, Hesperia Schools
Lori Schultz, DHS Leslie Anderson, Fremont Middle School
Bob VanBelzen, NC Commissioner Pat Lewis, Coalition Secretary
Call to Order
A regular meeting of the Coalition for a Safe and Drug-Free Newaygo County was held in the PRIDE Training Center in Fremont on Friday, December 14, 2007. The meeting convened at 10:37 a.m., Vice-chair Mary Sturtevant presiding in Chairman Matt Hendrie’s absence, and Pat Lewis, secretary. Twelve members and guests were present. Mary welcomed everyone, and everyone introduced themselves.
Approval of Minutes
Motion was made by Barb to approve the minutes of the November 9 meeting as printed and distributed. Motion carried.
Updates/Reports
SPF – Joel cited data that identified Newaygo County as one of the three highest ranking Michigan counties reporting youth alcohol-related crashes and fatalities and tobacco-related death. MSSAC is still waiting for State budget approval to receive funding to target these issues, however the coalition should go forward with the interim implementation plan. Handouts included MSSAC Regional Community Epidemiology Workgroup meeting minutes from November 15, 2007, and a tool for data workgroups: Role of an SPF Data Workgroup. The assemblage was reminded that this data group includes Barb Sheren, Paul Campbell, Jackie Malsom.
TART – Gale gave a brief explanation of the program as it had been carried out in the past. There is not a functional Teen Alcohol Response Team at this time, but hopefully a group will be active by spring to monitor post-prom/graduation parties.
Sustainability Committee – Mary presented the draft of the sustainability plan for approval by the members. Discussion resulted in the identification of another resource required to sustain the strategies and outcomes. Barb moved to approve the plan with the addition of “training opportunities.” Motion carried.
DFC grant/information dissemination – Placemats displaying an ad created by the Coalition are in use by two local restaurants. The ad cites facts for teens, parents, and other adults regarding youth and alcohol. Copies were circulated. Additional ads are being considered for placement in school athletics programs.
Staff – Announcements of resignation of Pat Lewis, effective Dec 14, and Gale Beach, effective Dec 27. Gale stated her intention to remain involved in the Coalition as a community member.
Coalition transition – Gale circulated a letter from DHD#10 which was their indication of interest in assuming the coordination duties and fiduciary responsibilities for the Coalition. The process is still in the talking-stage, and Joel will provide a quote form that will be helpful in managing the process to choose a new fiduciary.
Unfinished Business
An evaluation tool, “Partner Organizations and Their Roles Within the Coalition” was distributed in the form of a Scantron questionnaire at the last meeting. Gale explained that it is necessary to make a good effort to complete these forms to establish a baseline. A second Scantron questionnaire regarding individual satisfaction was distributed with time for completion. Copies will be sent to members not present today.
Announcements
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 a.m.
Pat Lewis
_____________________ ______________
Secretary Date of Approval
Coalition for a Safe and Drug-Free Newaygo County