Council Meeting Minutes

May 17, 2019

Present: Emily Krider, Jodi Hammers, Melissa Gillin, Lori Pellegrine, Nicole Germaux, Autumn
Wagner, Randy Wilson, Autumn Wagner, Tracy Kelley, Don Belsey, Lisa Hann, Donna Gority, Sylvia
Rickabaugh, Robin Walters, Dee Martin Spallone, Earl Getty, Dorcey Cuzzolina, Amber Smith, Heather
Kennedy, Anne Krill

I. Call to Order-Nicole Germaux called the meeting to order, welcomed everyone and
introductions were made. Nicole presented checks to the grant recipients: BCCAA
Mountain Lion Backpack Program and Family Services Victim Services. Pictures were
taken by Tracy Kelley for the newspaper.

II. Consent Vote-Nicole reviewed the Consent Reports. Dee Martin Spallone made a
correction to the Treasurer’s Report membership deposits from $1400 to $140.00. Emily
Krider made a motion to accept the Consent Reports with the correction and Donna
Gority seconded the motion. All were in favor and the report was accepted. Corrections
to the minutes from March 22, 2019 include Melanie Shildt’s name was spelled wrong
and the top of the second page should be the old Butterick building. Lisa Hann made a
motion to accept the Minutes from March 22, 2019 with the corrections and Don Belsey
seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion was carried.

III. Discussion Items:

a. 2019-2020 budget-Nicole reviewed the proposed budget. Tracy Kelley made a motion to accept
the budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year and Donna Gority seconded the motion. All were in
favor and the budget was approved.

b. Election of officers -Emily Krider contacted dozens of members and made the following
nominations:

Randy Wilson, Altoona Housing Authority, for President; Donna Gority, Independent/Wise
Women of Blair County, for Vice President; Melissa Gillin, Blair County Social Services, for
Treasurer Elect; and Heather Kennedy, Americore IU8, for Secretary. Discussed Heather
traveling often and having trouble getting an email out in a timely fashion. Lisa Hann indicated
she preferred having emails from the Council come on a set day weekly. Dee Martin Spallone
volunteered to send out email blasts. Emily Krider made a motion to accept the nominations as
listed and Dee Martin Spallone seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous and the officers
elected for the positions stated.

IV. Updates
a. Blair County Department of Social Services-Melissa Gillin reported the Human Services
Block Grant guidelines have not been released to date.
 b. County Assistance Office-Earl Getty stated they are also waiting for government guidelines that
may be changing the work requirements for people with disabilities and parents with children
under age six.

c. United Way-Melanie Shildt was not present; however, email blasts have been sent for Trash to
Treasure Saturday, 6/1/19 in the Adler Gum. Donations are being accepted, volunteers are
needed, and vendors can have a table for $25. Day of Caring is Wednesday, 6/19/19. They will
need volunteers, sponsors and projects. Also, the United Way grants are being reviewed.

d. Blair County Health & Welfare Updates:

-Dee Martin Spallone- manages the Council’s website and reported the annual fee was
paid for the domain as her donation. She will update the new officers.
-Anne Krill reminded the Council that the membership fee is due starting September for
the 2019-2020 fiscal year. She reported that the one person designated to vote on the
membership form per agency should be the one attending meetings. If two per agency attend,
only one is designated to be a voting member, unless both pay the membership fee.
-Donna Gority listed the meetings for the 2019-20120 fiscal year.

V. Community Updates

Dee Martin Spallone- indicated the AASD is looking for tutors to volunteer for three hours
weekly. They have a Classroom Aid position open. She shared some success stories of students
who obtained their GED. Dee also reported on Angel Feet Ministry who has provided over 5100
pairs of shoes in the past six years. JUMC provides one pair of sneakers, socks and a book every
six months. They added 7th through 9th grade because of the need. They have served over 2100
children.

Arts Altoona-Donna Gority reported their website has been updated and can be found at
ArtsAltoona.org. There is a calendar of events, newsletter, Facebook page, Blogs, U Tube
videos and Arts Talks. She added the Railroaders Museum will have a WWII exhibit from
Pittsburgh.

PA Careerlink-Donna added the Careerlink will be moving to the upper floor of the Altoona
Library and has a new site manager, Gwen Fisher.

Contact Altoona-Nicole Germaux reported on 211 and how one can search for a service, open a
record and report updates.

Family Services-Lisa Hann reported Ashley was unable to be here to accept the grant because
she gave birth to a baby girl. On 6/2/19 they will have a fundraiser race at Penn State. They are
in need of volunteers to be road marshals, people to hand water to the runners. There is still time
to register.

VI. Adjournment- Nicole Germaux made the motion to adjourn and Anne Krill seconded it. All
were in favor and the meeting was closed.
Council Meetings-Location ARC 8:30 am
Friday-
9/27/19
11/22/19-last date for membership fee to be paid
1/24/20
3/27/20
5/22/20

Respectfully Submitted By,

Anne Krill
Secretary