Fresh Start program raises questions in Yeadon

Tag : fresh
Councilman Isaac Dotson received answers to questions heraised at the July 17 council meeting concerning Fresh Start SummerCamp, a popular new program serving 43 local teens under thedirection of founder Leslie Lewis-McGirth. While "no one disputes the necessity of Fresh Start ... we getcalls," said Dotson, indicating that constituents want moreinformation about the program's finances and operations.
 
Dotson specifically asked, "How many checks did the financedepartment issue on behalf of Fresh Start and how much money wasspent to date?" And "who authorized Fresh Start employees to beplaced on borough payroll?" Dotson also inquired about registrationfees, employees, salaries and whether they'd received backgroundchecks. He also wanted to know if Lewis-McGirth used the borough'stax-exempt number for grant applications, and "why the borough hasnot seen any funds, ... cash or check?"
Stepping up to the podium, Lewis-McGirth noted that councilapproved payroll expenses last month, when it unanimously agreed to"front" $43,270 to cover costs of the 13-week program.
 
Lewis-McGirth has committed to reimbursing the borough $24,270 fromgrant monies state Sen. Anthony Williams, D-8, of Philadelphia, haspledged. Lewis-McGirth later clarified that she has not and willnot receive the grant before this fall. The borough's netcontribution will be about $19,000, Interim Borough Manager PaulJanssen said.
 
Fresh Start's budget breakdown shows Lewis-McGirth serving asdirector, with support from an assistant director, four activitymentors who are college students, and an education-support staff,with total personnel costs of $34,710. Anticipated reimbursement of$11,440 from Welfare to Work will bring personnel costs to $23,270.