Staff: S. Whicher, Administration; I. Stein, Director, Office for the Aging; P. Carey, Social Services
Commissioner; R. DeLuca, Commissioner of Mental Health; A. Cole, Public Health Director; J.
Mangor, Health Department; K. Fuller, Deputy Clerk

Called to Order

 The meeting was called to order at 10:30 a.m. by Chair Robertson.

Committee Goals - With Department Heads

 Ms. Robertson thanked the Committee for the information provided on goals and said she would like to have the discussion open to department heads as well.  She would like to know what are the issues or identifiable goals that can be accomplished with the assistance of the Committee in 2005.  These could be issues that cut across all departments, topics within individual departments, or that involve collaboration among departments. Ms. Stein, Office for the Aging Director, said she believes it is necessary for legislators to become more aware of demographic trends when making decisions.  She spoke of her department's use of demographic information to anticipate future needs of our society of aging individuals.  She feels doing so could assist in the legislature’s strategic planning process.

 Mr. Proto and Ms. Kiefer arrived (10:35 a.m.).

 Ms. Stein said that sometimes a goal is identified and subsequently the demographic data come into play; she believes the demographics should be reviewed prior to setting a goal.

 Mr. Winch said he had thought he was well-informed concerning care-giving of the elderly, yet when confronted with family needs he had to rely heavily on the expertise of staff in a variety of departments.  He feels there is a need to prepare the populace to be informed with regard to the aging population, especially since over the course of the next twenty-five years it is expected that 27 percent of the residents will be more than 80 years old.  He believes we need to develop a plan for the short term of ten years and a long-range plan for 25 years.

 Ms. Robertson said that not only will our current population age, but many residents bring their aging parents here for care.

 Mr. Proto recommended that we consider how residents can be educated in much the same manner as schools help parents with information on college and financial aid for their children.  He believed that tools such as e-mail, web sites, and correspondence would assist families to prepare for the needs of family members who cannot easily prepare on their own.  Mr. Proto spoke of the difficulties that occur when there is not enough housing in the elderly care facilities.

 Ms. Stein said that in recent years, a lot of state funding has gone to help family members stay in their own homes and this has relieved the nursing home waiting lists.  Mr. Proto pointed out that this means we need a bigger pool of home health aides.

 Ms. Stein announced that the Community Foundation will be having a roundtable discussion on Aging and Long-Term Care on February 17th.

 Ms. Blanchard said it is important to look at taxes and how they affect the aging population.  She thanked Ms. Stein for her energy and effort and said we may need to concentrate on just a couple of things in 2005.  Ms. Blanchard said she is near the point where she will not be able to reside in the community because of the tax burden and believes there are many others like her.  Ms. Robertson said the goal is to focus attention, not spend more money. We need to determine where to leverage and bring in other resources; an example is the Unity House expansion.
 Ms. Stein said at the present time COFA does significant outreach and that will need to continue.  She said it’s a problem when demographic trends show an increase but funding is flat; it is necessary to look at how much would it take to meet the demographic changes over the next five years. She believes planning cannot be divorced from funding issues.

 Ms. Carey said we should look closely at client populations and types of service where there is growth.  How are you dealing with the growth?  Adding layers of staff or just doing more of the same may not give us the best bang for the buck. Ms. Carey said she would prefer to restructure systems to improve cost-effectiveness.

 Ms. Robertson said the Committee could see what is needed and how to proceed.  She said since there are only ten additional meetings this year she will bring a set of questions to the cabinet that can be discussed and brought back to Committee.  Mr. Winch suggested, and Ms. Robertson agreed, to ask the members of the cabinet to bring back a plan to address issues of aging.

 Ms. Blanchard said she would like to see the cabinet have the ability to state they prefer to handle particular subject matters on their own without Legislative assistance.

 Ms. Kiefer asked if the departments had work plans for 2005 available to share with the Committee.  Ms. Cole said the majority of her programs are driven by State mandates.  Ms. Kiefer responded she is interested in things beyond mandates. Mr. DeLuca said each department has their own plans and goals, some are State-driven, some are local-driven.  He believes there are areas where services could be "meshed" and perhaps the Committee could assist in this process.

 Ms. Stein said the work plans were submitted to the Strategic Planning group.  Ms. Robertson asked that work plans be shared with the Committee.

Department of Social Services

Space Plan

 Ms. Carey, Commissioner, spoke of a meeting last week with herself, Nancy Zahler, Crystal Buck of the Planning Department, Arel LeMaro, and an architect. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and review the feasibility of moving the Community Justice Center into the second floor of the Human Services Building.  Ms. Carey said she was surprised at the “plan,” having no prior knowledge of the possible move.  The architect told her his charge was to figure out space needs for the Justice Center and see if they fit it into the second floor of the building; the impact on DSS had not been determined.  Ms. Carey was also informed that this seems to be the only alternative for the Justice Center.  Ms. Carey expressed her concern that this proposal would have a significant impact on her department, as it would affect more than 100 employees..  Ms. Carey also said a second architect has visited the area to measure areas and update the floor plan.

 Ms. Robertson said she felt that there had been a gap in communication and asked Mr. Proto to address the matter.

 Mr. Proto, Chair of the Space Needs and Location Committee, told Ms. Carey that at this time there are no set plans and no decisions have been made yet; the architects are looking at all County spaces to determine where efficiencies might occur.  He said the Probation Department expressed an interest  in having all associated programs in one location (which includes Drug Court and Alternatives to Incarceration).  Mr. Proto said the only other County location where the Drug Court could relocate, due to State law, would be the Mental Health building. Mr. Proto explained if the Human Services Building were utilized the Probation Department and associated programs would be physically separated with access to them through the use of outside elevators and separate entrances.  A new building for the Health Department is also being considered.  He said final determinations of how to proceed would be done by the full Legislature.  The Space, Needs and Location Committee is working with architects from LaBella Associates.

 Ms. Kiefer said she is troubled if county employees got the impression that this was something other than a study.  She spoke of the state standards for office space and that it appears some space is wasted while others are crowded.  The idea was to figure out the possibility of relocating, sharing spaces,  to optimize the use of county space overall.  She explained that her interest in touring the buildings is double-duty to see and then react to comments at the Space Needs and Location Committee.

 Mr. De Luca said he is startled to hear that moving the drug courts to the Mental Health Building is being considered.

 Ms. Carey recommended that the members of the Committee tour the second floor of the Human Services Building to see that this area is the most utilized space for her Department.  She said while there are places that appear to have a lot of space within the building the second floor is not one of them.  Ms. Carey said Ms. Buck and the architect had already spoken to staff at the Criminal Justice Center Ms. Carey said that there are active rumors and people are asking her what is happening.  Ms. Carey said this has put her in a difficult position.

Mr. Winch said he understands Ms. Carey’s position and that he had specifically requested at the first Space Needs and Location Committee meeting, that the department heads be informed of what is happening, and that all staff know ahead of time.  He expressed embarrassment and said the situation needs correction.  Mr. Proto said he would resolve this problem by talking with Mr. Marx.  Mr. Whicher said he spoke to Ms. Buck about the situation, and she said the interim report of the Space Committee was e-mailed to department heads. interpretation was that this was sufficient communication.  Ms. Robertson said she believes a meeting should be held among the Space Needs and Location Committee and department heads. She said that in any final resolution, there will be costs and benefits that must be balanced for the best overall plan .  Mr. Whicher has this item on the next Department Head meeting agenda.

RESOLUTION NO.  - ACCEPTANCE OF FOOD STAMP NUTRITION EDUCATION GRANT WITH ASSOCIATED ADJUSTMENTS TO CONTRACT TERMS AND COUNTY BUDGET – DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

 It as MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted, to present the following to the full Legislature for approval.  MOTION APPROVED.

 WHEREAS, the 2005 budget presently anticipates that the Department of Social Services will pass through to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County $277,136 of 100 percent Federal funds to support the operation of its Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program, and
 WHEREAS, the Department has received notice that the United States Department of Agriculture has agreed to fund a $57,472 expansion to the aforementioned program, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee, That the Department of Social Services is authorized to accept and pass through to Cooperative Extension the additional Federal funds through its Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program contract,
 RESOLVED, further, That, in order to reflect the increased value of the grant and contract, the Director of Finance shall make the following budget adjustment on his books:

REVENUE   A6010.44611  Fed: Food Stamp Admin $57,472

APPROPRIATION  A6010.54442  Professional Services  $57,472

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

Explanation:  The State and Federal government agencies that oversee allocation and utilization of FSNEP funds have been very pleased with the program run by our county’s Cooperative Extension, and in recent years have increased funding for it annually.

As the agency responsible for administration of the Food Stamp program, the Department of Social Services is the conduit through which these FSNEP funds flow.  Except for the minor administrative burden associated with contract administration and processing of payments and reimbursement claims, there is no local cost associated with this role – and neither of those burdens will grow larger as a consequence of the increase in grant and contract amounts.

RESOLUTION NO.  - AUTHORIZATION TO UTILIZE REMAINING COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION GRANT FUNDS AND ASSOCIATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENT – DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

 It as MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted, to present the following to the full Legislature for approval.  MOTION APPROVED.

 Mr. Proto inquired how many are served by this and why taxis are used.  Ms. Carey explained that some funds are utilized to subsidize the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit job passes.  She said these funds deal with a broader program need and include occasional taxi use for those who may require transportation to work due to vehicle break-down or to specific appointments related to work.

 WHEREAS $134,365 of the 100 percent Federal Community Solutions for Transportation funds granted to the Department of Social Services in 2004 to address the transportation needs of certain qualifying residents of the County remained unspent at year-end, and
 WHEREAS, the Department has a plan to use these funds to subsidize car loans and repairs, auto insurance, tires, AAA memberships, children’s car seats, fuel cards, and taxi fare for eligible persons to assist them to secure or retain employment, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee, That the Department of Social Services is authorized to accept and utilize this funding,
 RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance shall make the following budget adjustment on his books:
REVENUE   A6010.44610  Federal: DSS Admin  $134,365
APPROPRIATION  A6010.54404  Pass Through Expense  $134,365
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

Explanation:  With the Legislature’s approval, the Department of Social Services’ accepted $210,199 worth of “Community Solutions for Transportation” funding in 2004 to address the transportation problems of certain qualifying county residents who might otherwise have been unable to either get or keep a job.

A little more than $134K of this 100% Federal money remained unspent at year-end.  This amendment to the 2005 budget is needed to enable the Department to access the unspent 100% Federal funds before the end-of-1st-Quarter deadline.

Position Request

 It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Ms. Blanchard to approve the two positions of Account Clerk/Typist at the Department of Social Services.  Mr. Winch inquired if the affirmative action review taking place within the Highway Division applied to this position as well.  Ms. Robertson said the Highway Division concerns dealt with specific issues occurring within the past year and that as a whole the County is developing a plan.  She also said that there was a meeting last week with Ms. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, and Mr. Whicher to discuss diversity in the workplace.  She said there are many interpretations and that they are being worked through.  Ms. Carey said her department has in place a working plan for creating  diversity in the workplace; if a qualified applicant is not on the civil service list she works with Personnel to determine what can be done, such as hiring pending passing the exams.  She offered to share the DSS plan and policy with the Committee.
 Mr. Proto inquired if the positions under consideration would require additional funding.  Ms. Carey said they do not; they are in the 2005 budget.  Mr. Proto asked if the Affirmative Action plan that existed within the County could be utilized.  Mr. Whicher said there used to be a plan but there is a difference between Affirmative Action and diversity.

 A voice vote resulted to unanimously approve the two positions of Account Clerk/Typist.  POSITIONS APPROVED.

Youth Services - Progress Report on Juvenile Justice Issues, Drug Task Force Grant, and Recreation Partnership

 Ms. Zahler, Director, congratulated Mr. De Luca on his appointment as Mental Health Commissioner and said his experience working with youth has assisted other departments a great deal when working to find various early interventions that will prevent placements of juveniles.  Ms. Zahler provided a written progress report to the Committee.  In response to a question, she said that MST, or Multi-Systemic Therapy, works especially with parents and has had very good results; other programs primarily work with the children.  She also reported on the Governor’s budget proposal as it affects youth services.  Mr. DeLuca said there is an interesting piece of demographic data that is indicating a shift in classification of disturbed youth; the emotionally disturbed classification has increased drastically over other classifications.

Bus Passes

 Ms. Kiefer asked who determined how the free bus passes for youth would be distributed.  Ms. Zahler said when the program began there were no restrictions, those who asked were provided.  As the program's popularity increased criteria was put into place to determine need, or a recommendation from school/counseling staff is made.

Governor's Budget Item - Funding for Detention Services

 Ms. Carey said the proposed governor's budget specifies a series of necessary steps to be taken prior to receiving funding for detention services.  She said Tompkins County should not be affected by these requirements as they are in the forefront when attempting to avoid detentions and most of the requirements are already in place.

Health Department: Private Water Well Program

 Ms. Mangor provided written material on the private water well program presently undertaken by the Environmental Health division of the Health Department.  She gave a brief overview of the private well regulations at the State level; New York is the fourth in the nation for the number of water wells, with 45 percent of the population dependent on these wells and 37 percent are private wells.  Ms. Mangor said although we are fourth in the nation for the number of wells, we are forty-ninth for regulatory legislation relating to private wells.  Over the last several years steps have been taken to improve this, the Environmental Conservation Law of 1999 requires individual water well business owners to be registered with the Department of Conservation as well as providing notice to the DEC prior to the drilling work.  Additionally, upon completion a report must be placed on file with the DEC that provides depth, strata, and yield of the wells.

Ms. Mangor said legislation has been presented for several years at the state level; however, no action has been taken.  She reported fourteen counties have extensively collected data on water wells and five counties have some information.  Ms. Mangor said Tompkins County received drinking water enhancement funds in 2001 and since then has been collecting data, providing technical information, increased sampling, outreach and education.  She said the 2005 Water Week will take place the second week of May; this event's participation level has increased significantly since its inception. Ms. Mangor spoke of local regulations of other counties is being reviewed; it is hoped that the State Appendix 5B is passed to allow the county to determine what regulatory requirements should be implemented.

Mr. Winch was pleased with the accumulation of water well data and asked it is available to the US Geological Survey and other agencies and was informed that it was.  Additionally, Ms. Mangor said a well-log database provides information on water and sewer information on tax maps as well as the DEC database.  This information includes depth, construction, strata, yield, grouted casing information, latitude and longitude.  Ms. Mangor noted there is not an accumulated database for neighborhood use information at this time; the logs are only from 2000 on.  Ms. Kiefer asked if local well drillers would readily share past information for this database and was informed it is unlikely they would be willing to do so.  Ms. Mangor said there is not an inventory of wells within Tompkins County.

Mr. Proto said many drillers feel their information is proprietary.  While Ms. Kiefer's interest is relevant as it relates to aquifers and such it may be possible to get the well driller's together to discuss this.  Mr. Proto inquired about private well regulations as it applies to the water safety.  Ms. Mangor said it is the property owner's responsibility to test and regulate the water; the water well laws do not address this.

Mr. Winch spoke of his concern regarding abandoned well information as it applies to aquifers.  Ms. Mangor said they stress the importance of how to deal with abandoned wells in workshops provided to the public.

Ms. Mangor reported the drinking water enhance funds have been received since 2000 and are anticipated to remain at the same level.  These funds pay the cost of two positions, sampling costs, and provide workshops, assist with aquifer studies for Dryden and Caroline.

Planning Department:  Background on Open Burning Law

 Ms. Filiberto, Environmental Management Council (EMC) Coordinator, spoke to the Committee about the extensive review that has occurred by EMC over several years.  She spoke of the hazard of modern-day materials being burned, noting packaging compounds in household waste have changed tremendously and that the inks and materials produce numerous toxins that are hazardous to everyone's health.  Ms. Filiberto read the following:

Presentation to Health and Human Services Committee
By Heather Filiberto, Coordinator, Tompkins County EMC

"Burning of today’s trash, commonly in a backyard burn barrel, is banned in many places because it is dangerous to our health.

"Today’s trash (I am referring to household waste) is not the same as it was when your parents or grandparents burned their trash. Today, it contains plastics, heavy metals and a variety of synthetic materials. When these are burned, many chemical reactions take place and poisons are released into the air. Which poison and how much toxin is released depends on: the contents of the trash being burned, the temperature of the fire and the supply of oxygen.

Temperature and supply of oxygen:

"When trash is burned in a burn barrel or woodstove, the fire is not hot enough to destroy toxic substances. Nor does it receive enough oxygen to burn efficiently. There are no safeguards to capture toxins in the smoke and the leftover ashes are rarely disposed of properly to avoid land and water contamination. The toxic smoke and ash is also released right at ground level. It can directly contaminate the spaces where we live and where our children play. It can enter the food supply in our gardens, through neighboring farm crops or livestock. And it can contaminate local streams that eventually flow into municipal water supplies or feed residential aquifers. Household burning of today’s trash produces far more pollution per pound of trash than high-tech municipal incineration.

"Municipal incinerators burn at very high temperatures and add enough oxygen for more complete combustion. These very hot fires destroy many of the dangerous chemicals. Most of the remaining toxins are captured in the smokestack. What is left over is discharged high into the atmosphere where it has some chance of being diluted before it is breathed and enters our lungs.

Contents and Health Effects

"A study by the EPA, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) and DEC measured the types and amounts of many chemicals in the smoke from burn barrels. The study showed that smoke from burning trash in a barrel might contain particulate matter, carbon monoxide, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen cyanide, benzene, styrene, formaldehyde, arsenic, lead, dioxins, furans, and PCBs.

"Exposure to these toxins may have immediate and long-term health effects, including coughing, nausea, headaches, dizziness, asthma attacks, increased risk of cancer, and aggravation of respiratory symptoms, especially in people with heart or lung disease.

"According to the EPA, open burning of household waste in barrels is potentially one of the largest sources of airborne dioxin and furan emissions in the United States. Dioxins are highly toxic. They are dangerous even at extremely low levels and studies have shown that exposure to dioxins at high enough doses may cause a number of adverse health effects, including skin rashes, mild liver damage, developmental disorders, and certain types of cancers.

"There are clearly health effects of open burning. The U.S. UPA, the NYS DEC, the NYS DOH and Attorney General Elliot Spitzer are all advocating education to reduce burning and banning it where necessary or appropriate.

DEC resolution

"In August, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty joined the environmental commissioners of seven other northeast states in signing a resolution calling for regional action to reduce air pollution from open, uncontrolled burning of household trash. Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont joined New York in supporting this measure, which also was signed by New England’s regional administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the EPA’s regional administrator for New York and New Jersey.

Alternatives

"We have a very comprehensive curbside garbage and recycling program in Tompkins County. There is no reason that anyone should still be burning their trash in their backyards. Some of the biggest reasons that they probably still do are habit, convenience, and lack of knowledge about the dangers to themselves and their neighbors.

What the EMC would like to see banned

"In Tompkins County, open burning is prohibited within incorporated villages, cities, and towns with populations above 20,000 people.  The Tompkins County EMC is suggesting that the County take measures to protect the health of our residents by banning open burning of household waste countywide. (not yard and garden debris, tree trimmings, and waste generated from agricultural operations). The EMC passed a resolution to this effect last October.

Options
1. County can pass a local law
2. Board of Health can amend the sanitary code"

Discussion

 Following the report, Ms. Kiefer said that she would assume that if a ban were put into effect the Health Department may be responsible for enforcement.  Ms. Filiberto said there are several options; it could be the Health Department if the ban was done as an amendment to the Sanitary Code, it could be the Sheriff's responsibility if it were a Local Law, or there may be possible options in cooperation with the Solid Waste.  Ms. Filiberto said a local law could specify the enforcement mechanism as part of the text.  She stated that the largest task upon enactment of a ban would be the education of the public.  Ms. Cole indicated she did not believe responsibility for enforcement of the ban would have a major impact on the Health Department.

 Mr. Proto said he believed it was good to open dialogues regarding this topic and requested the written information reported by Ms. Filiberto.  Additionally, he requested any regulations that may relate to the topic and anything that may presently address the topic to assist in clarifying what is needed.  Ms. Filiberto will provide the requested information.

 Mr. Winch said he would prefer having a statewide ban on open burning; however, although the State Assembly has passed legislation the state Senate is not planning to bring anything to the floor.  As a result of the lack of action at the state he said we have to do this at the county level.  He indicated his preference for enforcement to be undertaken by a combination of the Health Department with Solid Waste Division as the regulatory agency.

 Mr. Proto inquired what percentage of people in Tompkins County open burn, saying it would be helpful to know if it is a problem.  He also asked that the potential of changing from open burning to open dumping, particularly on State lands, be taken into account.

 Mr. Andersson, Environmental Health Department, said there are approximately twenty complaints to be investigated annually which is approximately one-week's work for staff.  He said that many individuals are not aware of what may be burned and what may not and that it is difficult to prove a particular individual was burning a specific item.  Often they say they were not aware it was mixed in with other things, or that it was already there.  Additionally, Mr. Andersson said it is hard to restrict the burning as there are particular things permitted in areas of the County.

 Ms. Cole, Health Department Director, said the Board of Health is seeking direction from the Planning, Development and Environmental Quality Committee on how to proceed.  She said that while the Board had received the information from the Environmental Management Council, they have not had an official request.

 Ms. Carey, Commissioner of Social Services, noted that some of the residents who utilize open burning are Department of Social Services clients, that it is difficult for them to purchase the necessary trash tags or take things to the Solid Waste Facility.  She suggested that a review of this topic include possible solutions to assist low-income residents.

 It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, to request the Board of Health provide a recommendation concerning the open burning of household waste in Tompkins County as it pertains to the health issue.  Mr. Proto said he believed this request should be postponed pending further information coming to the Committee as requested.

It was MOVED by Mr. Proto to postpone the above motion.  The motion died for lack of a second.

A voice vote on the motion to request the Board of Health provide a recommendation concerning the open burning of household waste in Tompkins County as it pertains to the health issue resulted as follows:  Ayes - 4; Noes - 1 (Legislator Proto).  MOTION CARRIED.

County Administrator's Report

 Mr. Whicher reported while attending the New York State Association of Counties conference held in Albany the past week he was able to hear Mr. Crennel's report on the Governor's proposed budget.  He said at this time it did not appear the County would be significantly affected.  It does appear that pension reforms will take place.  He said while not expected to pass the Assembly, it does appear there will be Medicaid reform.  He also said the Governor spoke of the aging population as well.  He said an area of concern are grants that previously were specified and are now going to be presented as a block grant.

 Mr. Proto inquired about the Empire Zone.  Ms. Blanchard said she believed the reduction was for the administration portion of funds received from the State.  Mr. Winch said that this program is no longer what it had originally been intended for.

 Mr. Whicher said the Governor is suggesting a program entitle COSTAR that will provide a rebate for County taxes.  This program would initially cover senior citizens and farmers, however it will only apply if the total levy does not increase more than 3 - 3.5 percent.

 Ms. Robertson briefly described the Governor's proposal for capping Medicaid, indicating that there is a cap on the amount counties pay, however, it is a "soft-cap" and has a growth rate built into it.  Additionally, she said the proposal is contingent on acceptance of the entire proposal.  Mr. Whicher said the department heads have detailed information relating to the proposals that will assist in determining how the proposed budget will affect them.  Ms. Robertson explained that the method to pay the county portion of Medicaid must be a choice of the County paying up front or to relinquish sales tax payments.  This choice is being reviewed by Mr. Squires to determine what would be most beneficial to the County.  Mr. Proto asked what the Governor's position was regarding the retirement funds and was informed by Mr. Whicher that the Governor does not agree with Comptroller Hevesi's approach to the actuarial tables, however, the Governor has no ability to modify the proposal.

 Mr. Whicher said that overall it does not appear that the County will be suffering from the proposal and that the next few months more detailed information will be made available.  Ms. Carey spoke of Mr. Herden's attendance at the Social Services Association conference and said it was portrayed as very "up-in-the-air" as the Medicaid recommendations rely on other items acceptance.  She also spoke of a new block grant called Flexible Family Funding; the amount of the grant is known but the mandates associated with it are not.

 Mr. Whicher spoke of the need to amend the Charter process for hiring of a Mental Health Commissioner.  He said that while the County was able to do so it became clear that it needs revision.  He said it was very inclusive and that the Committee did a great job.  Mr. Winch said a major effort was made to include all interested parties.  He noted that some complaints of lack of inclusion was from groups with representation on the hiring committee.

 Mr. Whicher spoke of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant that provides funding for the Green Street residence was approved.  He explained the County's role in this is that a local share was required.  The developer of Unity house took out a mortgage and the County provides funding up to the amount of the mortgage, approximately $100,000, to insure that the SRO's will be available.  He said the benefits will outweigh the costs and this project will benefit the County.

 Ms. Robertson provided a copy of the emergency shelter housing information.  She said the Homeless and Housing Task Force meets 9:30 a.m. every-other Health and Human Services meeting day for those interested in attending.  Ms. Robertson reported the bed nights have reduced some and that there appears to be a decrease in rental rates in the area that may account in part.  She said no apparent pattern for homeless nights.  Mr. Winch thought providing an average monthly chart would be more helpful in viewing trends.

Liaison Assignments

 Ms. Robertson called attention to the amendments and asked individuals to volunteer for the second position on the Recreation Partnership by volunteering for specific dates.  Ms. Robertson is the liaison; Ms. Kiefer offered to be the other, but cannot attend all; the question of possible proxy will be reviewed.

Calendar

 Ms. Robertson asked that recommendations for future meetings be placed on the calendar.  Ms. Robertson spoke of the City's plans for housing at Southwest Park and asked if there was interest in having a report.  It was thought it may be good.  Mr. Winch suggested a written report be provided for review to determine the need for an individual report.  Ms. Kiefer would like a report/recommendation from the Board of Health relating to Open Burning.

Minutes

 It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present, to adopt the minutes of January 6 and 13 as offered.  MINUTES APPROVED

Adjournment

 On motion the meeting adjourned at 12:45 a.m.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk