Staff: A. Cole, B. Grinnell-Crosby, T. Schiele, S. Connors, M. Gatch, Health Department; M. Lynch, Public Information Officer; N. Zahler, Youth Services; L. Holmes, Office for the Aging; R. DeLuca, Mental Health; S. Martel Moore, Deputy County Administrator; S. Whicher, County Administrator; K. Schlather, Cooperative Extension; K. Schlather, Human Service Coaltion; B. Falcao, Health Planning Council; K. Fuller, Deputy Clerk
Guests: S. Wampler, WHCU; D. Lama, M. Quach, J. Morgan, G. Bowersax, G. Townsend, M. Berry, V. Hershey, Reality Check; M. Collins, American Lung Association; M. King, Ithaca Journal; B. Neugent, American Cancer Society
Call to Order
Chair Shinagawa called the meeting to order at 3:08 p.m.
Addition to Agenda
Chair Shinagawa added Appointment to the Board of Health to the agenda.
Chair’s Report
Meeting Schedule
Mr. Shinagawa addressed the possibility of having two meetings per month, perhaps until budget preparation, in order to adequately conduct regular business as well as having the ability to receive special reports and presentations. A brief discussion was held regarding the topic, with various suggestions, including scheduling a special meeting when needed, rather than having a set second meeting; that a second meeting would allow departments to submit their resolutions and perform other work in an expeditious manner. It was determined to utilize the first and third Wednesdays of the month if possible, with the first meeting for business only and the second for presentations and special work required. A tentative meeting date was set for February 21, 2007, at 3:00 p.m. [following the meeting the date was changed to February 20, 2007]. Mr. Shinagawa said at the second meeting the 2007 Goals would be discussed in more detail.
Liaison Assignments
The Committee reviewed the present liaison assignments and modified them as needed to accommodate interest and schedules.
Committee Goals
Mr. Shinagawa briefly explained the process he had taken to provide the goals within the agenda packet. He explained what was presented to the Committee is a rough draft to indicate how he would like them to be presented. The goals as presented should have an overarching goal, with detailed information of how to obtain the goal and/or refine it. Mr. Shinagawa plans to discuss with members of the Committee and department heads how to develop a performance framework around the goals. He hopes to develop a test pilot program to assist in creation of a reporting mechanism that can be utilized by all. He asked that members review his goals and come forward at the next meeting with goals of interest to them. Mr. Shinagawa will contact the department heads with goal information to solicit input.
Approval of Minutes of December 6, 2006
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members, to approve the minutes of December 6, 2006, as presented.
Reality Check – Increase Age to Purchase Tobacco Products
Mr. Townsend, Reality Check Program Coordinator, introduced the young student members of Reality Check, a countywide teen-led, anti-tobacco movement, whose goal is exposing the truth about the tobacco industry’s deceptive marketing practices. He reported that the increase in age has been approved in Alaska, Utah, Alabama, as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties in New York; Onondaga County has taken the recommendation into consideration as well. Mr. Shinagawa requested introductions of all members, staff, and guests. One student spoke of Tompkins County’s reputation for being progressive and requested support of the increase in age for tobacco sales. The students spoke of the statistical information that indicated successful decline of tobacco use in states that have passed legislation to increase the age, statistics related to when young individuals take up tobacco use, and requested assistance to increase the age of purchase of tobacco products.
Mr. Neugent of the American Cancer Society spoke of how movements of this type of often of a “bubble-up, trickle down” nature. He said to approve legislation to increase the age of purchase of tobacco products would clearly indicate that Tompkins County has taken a stand. Mr. Neugent said it takes charismatic leaders to get individuals to make a change in public health and lifestyles and he would like to see this.
Ms. Collins of the American Lung Association spoke of the cost of health care for tobacco-related illnesses, noting $96.7 billion is spent annually for this purpose. She reported on the tobacco industry messages and sales methods that are intended to entice young individuals to smoke. Ms. Collins said to increase the age of purchase of tobacco products is an important component of a comprehensive tobacco control program.
The students spoke facts relating to their personal experiences of attending school with many students who have taken to using chewing tobacco during school hours, resulting in an unsightly practice of spitting the juice in various containers, including beakers used for the science labs. The students reported that at any given time ten to fifteen students are seen at the school property lines smoking. Student surveys have indicated that many of the students who smoke started at the age of seven to eight, with the cigarettes provided by an older individual who at times makes a profit by doing so.
Mr. Shinagawa inquired whether a local law could be enacted to increase the age. Mr. Whicher explained it could be done; he then said at the New York State Association of Counties conference discussions took place regarding a request from other downstate counties to increase the tax on cigarettes by $2.50 per pack. Although it does not appear the request will go forward it was a topic of discussion.
It was noted that the fastest growing group of smokers is 18 to 24 year-old females. Also, students spoke of youth denying addiction and not recognizing that their continued use, regardless of how few cigarettes may be smoked, is in reality a form of addiction to tobacco products.
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Ms. Robertson,
to request that the County Attorney prepare a local law and associated
public hearing documents, amending the age to purchase tobacco products
from 18 to 19 for the Committee to review at its March 7th meeting.
Mr. Proto said there are at present active programs designed
to eliminating sales to underage individuals through the use of investigation
of method of sales (checking identification), and fine imposition to those
who do not follow regulations. He suggested that the youth contact
the Health Department to report known infractions. He also noted
that New York State legislation provided a mechanism to remove cigarettes
and other tobacco products from the front of counters; that in some instances
are required to be kept under lock and key. Ms. Collins acknowledged
that while it is true that products are not as easily obtained, the increased
age to purchase is another step in the comprehensive program to reduce
availability of tobacco products to high school age youth.
Mr. Townsend recognized the program that targets places that sell. He believes that at this time the point of purchase marketing does have an influence on young people. He would like to see perhaps that for every two advertisements in favor of smoking, there be a requirement of one advertisement recognizing the negative aspects of tobacco use.
Mr. Sigler stated he dislikes smoking as he has personally seen the devastating results of it. Although he does not approve of it, he feels that when an individual is 18 they are considered an adult with the ability to vote, drive, enter a contract, join the military, etc. He appreciates the efforts of Reality Check, however he believes if a change was to be made it would be more effective to move the age to 21. Mr. Sigler stated that to change the age to 19 would have an effect on college freshman as well.
Mr. Neugent indicated that most cigarette purchases for underage smoking are outside of the County and therefore the County does not get the tax revenue to offset the Medicaid costs. Mr. Whicher said this was the argument presented at NYSAC, that sales of tobacco would be made in areas without the additional tax. Mr. Neugent said it takes a full community to resolve an issue such as this and looks to the County’s leadership for assistance.
Ms. Robertson called the question.
A voice vote on the motion resulted as follows: Ayes – 4 (Legislators Koplinka-Loehr, Robertson, Shinagawa, and Sigler); Noes – 1 (Legislator Proto). MOTION APPROVED.
Health Department
Update - Cost Report Accountant Selection
Ms. Grinnell-Crosby reported that three responses to the County’s Request for Proposals were received. Of these three, two were chosen to conduct telephone interviews with. Following the interview and subsequent discussions, it was decided to continue with the present firm of McCarthy and Conlon, LLP, particularly as their proposal was for a lesser fee than when initially contracted with three years ago. The annual fee that will be charged is $17,000.
Recognition of the Tompkins County Health Department Certified Home Health Agency – Tompkins County Home Health Care
RESOLUTION NO. - IN RECOGNITION OF THE TOMPKINS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT CERTIFIED HOME HEALTH AGENCY – TOMPKINS COUNTY HOME HEALTH CARE
Ms. Connors stated the resolution is to acknowledge the extraordinary
work of the Tompkins County Home Health Care agency that continues to offer
excellent service to members of the community. She noted the previous
survey was conducted three years ago and the continued level of service
is a remarkable achievement. She introduced Melissa Gatch who is
the team leader for this agency.
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and
unanimously adopted by voice vote of members, to recommend approval of
the following resolution to the full Legislature. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Health Department Certified Home
Health Agency (Tompkins County Home Health Care) has recently completed
the recertification process with the New York State Department of Health,
and
WHEREAS, the recertification process involved five days of onsite
work, 15 intensive chart reviews, five home visits with staff, ten personnel
chart reviews and policy and contract reviews, and
WHEREAS, the agency has earned the state’s highest level of approval
on their recertification survey for the second consecutive time and has
been found to be in substantial compliance with all State and Federal Statutes,
Rules and Regulations that govern the agency, and
WHEREAS, in a recent Medicare quality outcomes survey by IPRO,
the agency received the highest rating of good in the acute care hospitalization
initiative, and
WHEREAS, the agency had a 94% satisfaction rate based on satisfaction
surveys of clients in 2006, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services
Committee, That the Tompkins County Legislature commends the Tompkins County
Health Department Certified Home Health Agency for their tremendous efforts
in providing quality home care to the residents of Tompkins County.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
Authorizing Changes in Charge Structure – Tompkins County Home Health Care
RESOLUTION NO. - AUTHORIZING CHANGES IN CHARGE STRUCTURE - TOMPKINS COUNTY HOME HEALTH CARE - HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Ms. Grinnell-Crosby stated the resolution is normally completed prior to the end of the calendar year, however due to the RFP process noted previously, the resolution recommending amendment to the charge structure is coming forward at this time.
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote of members, to recommend approval of the following resolution to the full Legislature. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County’s accounting consultant, Michael McCarthy,
CPA, of McCarthy & Conlon, LLP has recommended changes in the Certified
Home Health Agency fee structure to maximize Medicaid and Medicare revenues,
and
WHEREAS, New York State currently promulgates rates on the day
the County Legislature approves them and it is therefore, desirable for
Tompkins County to adopt the 2007 rates in February 2007 for implementation
on March 1, 2007, and
WHEREAS, all changes proposed were made to align charges with
actual costs per unit of service as determined during Mr. McCarthy’s most
recent review of our financial and statistical data, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services
and Budget and Capital Committee, That the Tompkins County Health Department
implements the charge structure below, as recommended by Michael McCarthy,
CPA, in order to maximize Medicaid, Medicare and other third party revenues.
2007 Tompkins County Home Health Care Fee Schedule
2003 2004/2005 2006 2007
Skilled Nursing $126.00 $140.00 $150.00 $165.00
High Tech Nursing $135.00 $165.00 $185.00 $190.00
Physical Therapy $105.00 $105.00 $110.00 $112.00
Speech Therapy $105.00 105.00 $105.00 $105.00
Occupational Therapy $105.00 $105.00 $105.00 $105.00
Medical Social Work $105.00 $105.00 $105.00 $105.00
Home Health Aide $ 41.00/hour $ 45.00/hour $ 45.00/hour
$ 45.00/hour $ 75.00/visit $
90.00/visit $ 90.00/visit $ 90.00/visit
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II - 20
Note: The fees are established to maximize dollars from Medicaid, Medicare and other third party payers. The department maintains the use of a sliding fee scale for those patients paying for services out of pocket. In addition we have negotiated agreements with a number of insurance providers and accept payment in full from them. The department continues to maintain the ability to waive a fee in special circumstances.
The following are allowable costs used to determine our average cost
per visit:
Administration Costs: Salary and Fringe Benefits for administrators,
directors, supervisors and others, Contractual services including Care
at Home, Software Support/Maintenance, Cost Reporting Services, etc.),
Supplies, telephone, etc., Depreciation, POM (Plant, Operations, and Maintenance),
and Transportation.
Direct Services Costs: Salary and Fringe Benefits, Contractual Arrangements,
Drugs, Depreciation, POM (Plant, Operations, and Maintenance) and Transportation.
Budget Adjustments
The Committee reviewed budget adjustments from the Health Department and acted on the following budget adjustment:
It was MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote the following budget adjustment:
Health Department
Revenue Acct
Title
Amt Approp Acct Title(s) ___
4010.44959 Federal Aid $7,927
4010.54442 Professional Services Fee
Explanation: The Dental Grant was extended until 3/31/07 after
the budget process. Funds contracted to Department of Social Services.
Appointment to Board of Health
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote of members, to reaffirm the recommendation of the following appointment:
Board of Health
James C. McMillen, Physician representative – term to expire December
31, 2012
Youth Services
Budget Adjustment
Ms. Zahler stated this resolution is funding for the BRIDGES program.
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote the following budget adjustment:
Youth Services
Revenue Acct
Title
Amt Approp Acct Title(s) ___
7022.43820 Programs for Youth
$6,601 7022.54400 Program Expenses
Explanation: The County Youth Services Department will receive
some increased RHY state aid for 2007. Notification was received
after the county budget process. This increase will be passed onto
a currently funded program.
Budget Transfer
The Committee was provided information relating to a budget transfer made as a result of the 2007 increased minimum wage. No action was required.
2007 Work Plan
Ms. Zahler briefly reviewed the department’s 2007 Work Plan, noting that this year represents the 30th anniversary for the department. A group of individuals will be meeting to discuss special events or activities to acknowledge the contributions that Youth Services has provided over the years. She noted that the budget planning for her department is different that others inasmuch as the Youth Services Board is responsible to review and recommend to the Legislature how funds should be utilized. Ms. Zahler explained how the Youth Services Board makes allocation recommendations based on a three-year basis, with the realization that the budget is funded annually. By the end of March her department will be identifying priorities, to be shared in April to agencies, thus enabling proposals to be presented in May, with the Youth Services Board then bringing the recommendations forward to the Administration and Legislature.
Mr. Proto was excused at this time (4:20).
A brief discussion occurred regarding Legislature input for the direction of the department’s programs. It was noted that the method of bringing forth recommendations could be difficult if the Legislature desired amendments due to the meeting dates. It was noted there have been discussions relating to integration and focus in other areas such as criminal justice. Ms. Zahler said perhaps it would be good to allow other standing committees the opportunity to review and comment on the youth services programs. Mr. Whicher said he has heard this type of suggestion several times and recommended Ms. Zahler make a pro-active contact Ms. Cook in the County Attorney’s office to discuss the matter.
Ms. Zahler spoke of the need to conduct the five-year review Recreation Partnership, and she is not certain what direction the Partnership will take; some members are satisfied with the present operation and others believe there is a need to make several changes. She reported they are asking the State office of Family and Children’s Services to liaison and facilitate a planning retreat with the members of the Recreation Partnership Board to identify areas to be addressed in order to make recommendations to the individual municipalities and the Legislature in a timely manner. Ms. Zahler commented on the difficulty of having all eleven elected officials and their attorneys coming to a mutual agreement.
In response to Ms. Robertson, Ms. Zahler noted she believes the August presentation from Youth Violence Protection Task Force will allow sufficient time to bring forward proposals to the Legislature. If the information is available prior to August she will bring it forward.
Ms. Zahler announced Sarah Hess, was hired due to a grant from the Substance Abuse Coalition. She announced there will be a Community Conference on March 16th featuring Michael Nerney, nationally known in the field of substance abuse, regarding Current Trends In Youth Substance Abuse; she asked members of the Committee to assist in distribution of the flyers advertising this meeting. The evening prior to the Community Conference a 1.5-hour session will be available to parents and those not able to afford the cost or time of the Community Conference to hear from Mr. Nerney.
Office for the Aging
RESOLUTION NO. - AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT DONATION AND ESTABLISH MARILYNN EFROYMSON GAZEVITZ TRUST ACCOUNT
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Ms. Robertson. Ms. Holmes informed the Committee the principle of the donated funds, made by John and Jane Efroymson in memory of their mother, will be utilized within the “Last Resort” funds, to assist senior citizens to remain in their homes.
A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes – 4; Noes – 0; Excused – 1. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Office for the Aging has been awarded
a donation of $10,000 in memory of Marilynn Efroymson Gazevitz to assist
frail elders and their caregivers with services needed to help the elder
remain living independently and which they could not otherwise afford now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health & Human Services
Committee, That the County accept the donation of $10,000 to be used for
the aforementioned purpose,
RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance is authorized
to establish a Trust & Agency Account in the name of Marilynn Efroymson
Gazevitz to hold the donated funds,
RESOLVED, further, That from time to time funds will be appropriated
into the Office for the Aging’s budget in order to fund needed services
for qualifying individuals.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
Update on Lakeside Nursing and Rehabilitation Home
Ms. Holmes indicated that effective January 1, 2007, the Berger Commission directive to close facilities became effective. Newly appointed Commissioner of Health, Richard Daines, now has until July 2008 to enact the directives. At this time, there is a strong level of support at the State level to follow through with the Berger Commission, as well as having Governor Spitzer’s support. The working group, consists of Nathan Shinagawa, Legislature; Alice Cole, Health Department; Lisa Holmes, Office for the Aging; Patricia Carey, Department of Social Services; Betty Falcao, Health Planning Council; Liz Norris, Department of Social Services, and Pat Deptula, of Peregrine. On January 25th the group met with Senator George Winner and Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton, who extended their support at the Legislature level; copies of the legislation they will present were provided to the Committee. Although it is not anticipated that it will reverse the Berger Commission recommendations, it will indicate the concerns expressed by the community.
Mr. Sigler expressed concern that the State could require the
closure of a private entity. It was explained that the State could
revoke the licensing and therefore force the closure. Mr. Shinagawa
indicated that presently eleven lawsuits are being undertaken using the
private ownership versus government ownership argument.
Ms. Holmes reported that a review of the proposed closures indicates
that one-half of the nursing home beds to be eliminated are located within
Tompkins County; this provides the argument that the County has an unfair
proportion of beds to be eliminated in comparison to other locations.
The Committee was informed that the working group met on February 6th and received information from Mr. Shinagawa that was obtained at the New York State Association of Counties conference. At the conference, the General Counsel of the Berger Commission said the enabling legislation stated that the Commissioner of Health must enact the closures in a reasonable and cost-efficient manner, which may provide an opportunity for Tompkins County to come up with a positive solution. Many localities are going to be reviewing this information to determine if it is an area that would provide a counter-argument. Locally, the information will be reviewed and will see if there are ways to determine whether the cost efficiency of the closure would prove to be cost effective. In the interim the group is conducting a survey of facilities within a fifty-mile radius to capacity, Medicaid reimbursement rates, etc. to determine on whether there is any noted savings. Mr. Shinagawa spoke of his conversation with Mr. Wood, County Attorney, who reviewed the enabling legislation and indicated it is not if done in a reasonable and cost-efficient manner, but rather needs to be completed in a reasonable and cost-efficient manner.
Mr. Shinagawa read the portion of the Berger report relating to Lakeside, which was followed by a brief discussion of the manner that the closure and distribution of residents would need to occur. Suggestions were made regarding the feasibility of starting the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, however, a letter that is required to be sent to Lakeside from the State has not yet been received. Mr. Shinagawa suggested that a suggestion be made to see if there is a way to maintain the present facility structure and meet the requirements of the Berger Commission. In addition, it was noted that the County was able to have some local control with regard to the RFP process for the Mental Health Single Room Occupancy facility, however, the State Department of Health has different procedures and regulations than the State Office of Mental Health. Mr. Shinagawa said Mr. Deptula will be preparing documents to indicate what the plans were for Lakeside and the cost efficiencies associated with it, with the hope that it would provide a valid argument against closure.
Mr. Whicher noted the new State Commissioner of Health’s first directive is to carry out the Berger Commission’s recommendations. In addition, the argument regarding the financial situation at Lakeside is valid at this time as well.
Ms. Holmes spoke of her upcoming telephone meeting with the new State Office for the Aging Director, Michael Burgess, who is a strong advocate for senior citizens. She has e-mailed him to notify him what has been undertaken at the County level and he responded that he is interested in discussing the matter, and that Governor Spitzer strongly supports the Commission’s recommendations. Mr. Burgess said if he is shown compelling information he would bring the matter before the Spitzer team.
Appointment
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously approved by members present, to recommend approval of the following appointment:
Office for the Aging Advisory Board
Catherine K. Paddock – At Large representative – Term to expire December
31, 2009.
Mental Health
RESOLUTION NO. - AUTHORIZING CHANGES IN FEE STRUCTURE - TOMPKINS COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr. Sigler, and
unanimously approved by voice vote by members present, to recommend approval
of the following resolution to the full Legislature. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Community Mental Health Services
Board at its January 22, 2007, meeting has, after careful review, approved
the change of fee structure for the Tompkins County Mental Health Clinic
as indicated herein, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Mental Health Clinic has not changed
its fees and sliding scale since June of 1997, and
WHEREAS, the fee for Full Individual Clinic Visits, Full Medication
Management visits, and Collateral Visits (all a minimum of thirty minutes)
have been $90.00 since 1997 and all other services as listed below have
been $45.00 since that time, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Community Mental Health Services
Board has approved a resolution on January 22, 2007, that the Clinic Fee
structure and sliding scale be reviewed no less than every three years,
and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County ensures that all County residents have access
to mental health services, without regard to ability to pay, through the
use of sliding scales based on income and fee adjustments based on income
combined with household expenses, and
WHEREAS, an analysis of all 1,279 current patients of the Tompkins
County Mental Health Clinic indicates that only two individual’s sliding
scale fee would increase as a result of this change, and that these two
individuals could be offered fee adjustments of their rates to current
levels based upon their overall financial circumstances, now therefore
be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services
and the Budget and Capital Committees, That the Tompkins County Mental
Health Department implements the fee structure below for Clinic Services,
in order to maximize Third Party Insurance revenues:
Service Type Current Fee Fee
Full Individual Clinic Visit $90.00 $120.00
Full Medication Management Visit $90.00 $120.00
Brief Individual Clinic Visit $45.00 $60.00
Brief Medication Management Visit $45.00 $60.00
Group Therapy Visit $45.00 $60.00
Collateral Visit $90.00 $120.00
2007 Tompkins County Mental Health Clinic Fee Schedule
RESOLVED, further, That the accompanying sliding scale rate sheet will
be implemented immediately upon approval by the full Legislature of this
resolution.
SEQR ACTON: TYPE II-20
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously approved by voice vote by members present, to recommend approval of the following appointments to the full Legislature:
Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities Subcommittee
Janette Lynch – Community Member – term to expire December 31, 2010
Community Mental Health Services Board
Michael J. Lakin, Ph.D – Term to expire December 31, 2010
Mr. DeLuca spoke of the State Office of Mental Health Child Health Plus program initiative to provide additional screening. He has met with representatives of the Groton School District to assist in the screening process. More information will be made available in the future.
Human Rights Commission
Mr. Shinagawa reported that Ms. Herrera is the liaison appointed to the Human Rights Commission, and she would like to remain. Consensus was that Ms. Herrera may continue to be the Legislative liaison.
Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously approved by voice vote by members present, to recommend approval of the following appointments to the full Legislature:
Human Rights Commission
Josephine Carcich, At Large Representative – term to expire December
31, 2009
Antonia F. Murdough, At Large Representative – term to expire December
31, 2009
Update
Ms. Martel-Moore spoke of a wonderful follow-up to Martin Luther
King art and poetry competition, noting the Ithaca Journal provided front-page
coverage as well as two editorial pages. This year all parents and
grandparents of student participants were invited to attend the event held
at Cornell University. There were 170 family participants, with a
total of 500 students participating in the artwork, poetry, etc. displayed.
In addition to district school students, there were participants from the
Lehman Alternative Community School (LACS), the Learning Web, and George
Junior Republic.
Ms. Martel-Moore reported there will be upcoming events, such as the Human Rights Annual Dinner, taking place in April 2007 – featuring James Stow, head of the International Association for Human Rights; the BREATH social justice hip-hop program at LACS in April 2007 in the Borg Warner Room of the library; the Know Your Rights Program, also at LACS, which teaches various amendments from the Bill of Rights, going to various schools as a peer to peer presentation; and a Moot Court Competition will take place as well.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk
Tompkins
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