APPROVED MINUTES
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 12, 2002       9:00 A.M.
SCOTT HEYMAN CONFERENCE ROOM


Present:   D. Winch, Chair;  N. Schuler, D. Booth, M. Robertson, F Proto (9:07 a.m. arrival)

Staff:  D. Stoyle, Office of Aging; A. Cole, Health Department; M. Dolan, Social Services Commissioner; B.DeLuca,
          Mental Health Commissioner; N. Zahler, Youth Bureau; J. Voorheis, Social Service; S. Chace, Social Services;
          A. Fitzpatrick, Personnel Commissioner, S. Kerr, Health Department, M. Dill, Human Services Coalition
          Director; K. Fuller, Recorder

Called to Order

 Chair Winch called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Approval of Minutes

 It was MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Ms. Robertson and unanimously approved to accept the minutes of January 15, 2002 as amended.

 A brief discussion took place regarding the use of staff time in minute taking.  It was suggested that the matter be brought to the attention of the Government Operations Committee.

Office for the Aging

Approval of Vacancy

It was MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Booth to approve filling the vacancy of Outreach Worker as requested by the Office for the Aging.

A brief discussion took place regarding the scope of this position.  It was noted that this position is valuable to the department.  Following discussion it was unanimously approved by members.  MOTION CARRIED.

2002 Plan

Mr. Stoyle presented the 2002 Plan to Committee members.  Members appreciated the way the report was presented to the Committee.  Mr. Stoyle responded to Committee questions regarding particular areas of the report and indicated that he would have Ms. Stein provide answers to the question of contributions to the department.  Also suggested was that the plan be revised to reflect the actual budget rather than tentative.
Mr. Proto inquired about a possible Senior Citizen Projects in Danby and where it fits in the work plan.  Mr. Stoyle informed him that at the present time Rural Development (formerly Farmer’s Home) does not see the need in the Danby area at this time.  Mr. Stoyle felt that it could be reviewed within the scope of the work plan.
 Mr. Booth suggested that in future reports comparison data be given to assist in more comprehensive understanding of the report.

Summary and Evaluation of Meals Program

 This report was given for review prior to the March meeting.  Committee members were advised to contact Ms. Stein prior to the meeting to answer any questions they may have.
Budget Adjustments
 It was moved by Ms. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Proto and unanimously approved by members to approve the budget adjustments submitted.

Office for the Aging (#2)
Revenue Acct  Title   Amt  Approp Acct Title(s) __________
6771  43803  State Revenue  $77  6771 54330 Printing
6771  43803  State Revenue  $41  6771 54412 Travel & Training
Explanation:  Reappropriation of unused State monies to be used in 2002 from State Ombudsman Program.

Office for the Aging (#3)
Revenue Acct  Title   Amt  Approp Acct Title(s) __________
6775  44772  Federal Revenue $6,661  6775 51000060 Salary
6775  44772  Federal Revenue $   279  6775 54330 Printing
6775  44772  Federal Revenue $   879  6775 58800 Fringes
6775  44772  Federal Revenue $    72  6775 54400 Program  Expense

Explanation:  Reappropriation of unused Federal monies to be used in 2002 for Title V Program (Senior Community Employment).

Office for the Aging (#4)
Revenue Acct  Title   Amt  Approp Acct Title(s) __________
6777  43803    State Revenue  $  370  6777  54472 Telephone
6777  43803  State Revenue  $  689  6777  54491 Subcontract

Explanation:  Reappropriation of unused State monies in 2002 from CSE (Community Services for the Elderly) Program.

Office for the Aging (#5)
Revenue Acct  Title   Amt  Approp Acct Title(s) __________
6780  43803  State Revenue  $   159  6780  51000673  Salary
6780  43803  State Revenue  $   458  6780  51000513  Salary
6780  43803  State Revenue  $   282  6780  54330        Printing
6780  43803  State Revenue  $   231  6780  54472        Telephone
6780  43803  State Revenue  $   156  6780  58800        Fringes
6780  43803  State Revenue  $4,202   6780  54491        Subcontract

Explanation:  Reappropriation of unused State monies to be used in 2002 from EISEP (Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly) Program.

Office for the Aging (#6)
Revenue Acct  Title   Amt  Approp Acct Title(s) __________
6781  44772  Federal Revenue $ 1,627  6781  51000559  Salary
6781  44772  Federal Revenue $   129  6781  54414        Local Mileage
6781  44772  Federal Revenue $   455  6781  58800        Fringes

Explanation:  Reappropriation of unused Federal monies to be used in 2002 for Title III-E (Caregiver’s Support Program).

Office for the Aging (#7)
Revenue Acct  Title   Amt  Approp Acct Title(s) __________
6782  43803  State Revenue  $4,242  6782  51000559 Salary
6782  43803  State Revenue  $     43  6782  54303 Supplies
6782  43803  State Revenue  $   249  6782  54332 Books
6782  43803  State Revenue  $     75  6782  54412 Travel & Training
6782  43803  State Revenue  $     25  6782  54416 Membership Dues
6782  43803  State Revenue  $   306  6782  54472 Telephone
6782 43803  State Revenue  $1,041  6782  58800 Fringes

Explanation:  Reappropriation of unused State monies to be used in 2002 from CRC (Caregiver’s Resource Center) Program.

Office for the Aging (#8)
Revenue Acct  Title   Amt  Approp Acct Title(s) __________
6795  44772  Federal Revenue $1,401  6795  51000559 Salary
6795  44772  Federal Revenue $     34  6795  54330 Printing
6795  44772  Federal Revenue $   350  6795  58800 Fringes

Explanation:  Reappropriation of unused Federal monies to be used in 2002, for Account III-D (Alzheimer’s Support Program).

Office for the Aging (#9)
Revenue Acct  Title   Amt  Approp Acct Title(s) __________
6798  44772  Federal Revenue $    771  6798  51000559 Salary
6798  44772  Federal Revenue $      21  6798  54330 Printing
6798  44772  Federal Revenue $    265  6798  54412 Travel & Training
6798  44772  Federal Revenue $      18  6798  58800 Fringes

Explanation:  Reappropriation of unused Federal monies to be used in 2002, for account Title VII, the Federal Ombudsman Program.

Office for the Aging (#12)
Revenue Acct  Title   Amt  Approp Acct Title(s) __________
6796  44772  Federal Revenue $1,518       6796  51000517 Salary
6796  44772  Federal Revenue $2,265      6796  55440    Program
   Expense
6796  44772  Federal Revenue $   281      6796  54414    Local  Mileage
6796  44772  Federal Revenue $1,129       6796  58800    Fringes

Explanation:  Reappropriation of unused Federal monies to be used in 2002 from the WRAP (Weatherization) Program.  This account runs from August 1, 2001 – July 31, 2002.

 Questions were asked regarding Title IIIE.  Following the explanation of these adjustments the motion was unanimously approved.  MOTION CARRIED.

Report from County Administrator
 Mr. Whicher shared a letter received from Medicaid regarding supporting information for submissions to Medicaid.

Mental Health Department

 It was MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Ms. Robertson and unanimously approved to submit the recommendations of the Mental Health Commissioner to the full Board for consideration.  MOTION CARRIED.

Mental Health Subcommittee
John Beau Saul – At-Large Representative – term to expire December 31, 2004
Mary Hutchens – Mental Health Services Board Representative – term to expire December 31, 2005
Larry Roberts - Mental Health Services Board Representative – term to expire December 31, 2003
Flora Gross Sagan - Mental Health Services Board Representative – term to expire December 31, 2002

Mental Health – Mental Retardation/Developmental Disability Subcommittee
Carol Booth - Mental Health Services Board Representative – term to expire December 31, 2003
Melissa Brous - Mental Health Services Board Representative – term to expire December 31, 2005
Joanie Groome - Mental Health Services Board Representative – term to expire December 31, 2003

Mental Health - Substance Abuse Subcommittee
David B. Spano - Mental Health Services Board Representative – term to expire December 31, 2002
Annjeanette Kircher - Mental Health Services Board Representative – term to expire December 31, 2002
Mary Chapman - Mental Health Services Board Representative – term to expire December 31, 2003

Department of Social Services
Foster and Adoptive Parent Recruitment, Training and Support Presentation
 Ms. Dolan introduced Judy Voorhees and Shella Chace to the Committee.  Ms. Voorhees and Ms. Chace provided the Committee with written and oral information regarding the program.  Topics included a description of services provided and the process involved in obtaining homes to place children in foster and adoptive care as well as follow-up services.  It was reported that a need exists for homes that can take in larger families (four or more children).  Information was also provided regarding foster care for special need children.
 Ms. Chace reported that their unit has received donations from the Reading Partnership for books to be given to children in foster/adoptive care and Friends of the Library provided a monetary donation to establish a lending library literature for foster/adoptive parents.
 Questions regarding residency requirements of individuals, legal requirements, and financial obligations of the County were answered by Ms. Voorhees and Ms. Chace.  It was noted that the greatest need of the program is in the recruitment and training of an adequate number of individuals and to provide appropriate communication between all parties involved.
 Ms. Chace invited members to the Foster Care Recognition Dinner to be held on May 17, 2002.  Written material will follow.

Request to Fill Vacancies

 It was MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Ms. Robertson to approve the request to fill three vacancies; Social Welfare Examiner, Senior Caseworker and Senior Typist within the department.
 Questions were asked by the Committee regarding caseloads, how many individuals would be served, and the reasons for the vacancies.  Ms. Dolan said that the vacancies are due to the continuing process of shifts within the department and filling positions left vacant due to disabilities.
 Following discussion it was unanimously approved to fill the vacancies as requested.  MOTION CARRIED.

Budget Adjustment
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mrs. Schuler and unanimously approved by members to approve the budget adjustments submitted.

Social Services (#11)
Revenue Acct  Title   Amt  Approp Acct Title(s) __________
6010  42770  Other Misc. Revenue $1,000  6010  54332 Books

Explanation:  The Friends of the Library has awarded $1,000 to the Department of Social Services to fund the purchase of books which will make up a lending library for prospective and current foster and adoptive parents in Tompkins County.

Health Department

 It was MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Proto.

 A brief discussion took place about this resolution’s purpose.  It was reported by Ms. Cole that the original request was made during 2001 and had not been used during that period due to required information not being received.  It was Ms. Cole’s understanding that this required information is now received and is making the request in order to allow Aids Work to continue with this service.  Committee members indicated they were not in agreement with the wording of the resolution and requested that it be reworked.  Members agreed to review the revised resolution prior to it being presented to the full Board.  MOTION FAILED.

RESOLUTION  - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND – AIDSWORK – COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES

    WHEREAS, AIDS Work, Inc., of Tompkins County has applied to the New York State Department of Health and has received approval to operate a syringe exchange program, and
     WHEREAS, this program is consistent with the harm reduction activities as set forth in AIDS Work’s agreement with the Health Department, and
     WHEREAS, $10,000 was set aside in the Contingent Fund to assist with the implementation of the program, now therefore be it
     RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services and Budget and Capital Committees, That the Director of Finance is hereby authorized and directed to make the following budget adjustment and appropriation:
BUDGET APPROPRIATION:

 FROM:  A1990.54440  Contingent Fund  $6,500
 TO:  A4016.54442  Professional Services Fees $6,500

BUDGET ADJUSTMENT:

 APPROPRIATION A4016.54442 Professional Services Fees $3,500
 REVENUE  A4095.43401 Public Health State Aid  $3,500
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

* * * * * * * * * *

Appointment to Board of Health

 This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

Home Health Aide Survey Information

 Information previously requested was provided to the Committee to enable them to review salary and benefits provided by the various agencies in Tompkins County.  This request was made as a result of questions raised of the difference between what the County pays for services and what the actual home health aide receives.  Members will review the information received and discuss particular items with appropriate personnel.

Approval to fill Senior Account Clerk Typist (SACT) Vacancy

 It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Robertson and unanimously approved by voice vote to approve the request to fill the Senior Account Clerk Typist position.

Profile of Tompkins County 1999

Ms. Cole provided Committee members with data received from the State.  She noted that it is unfortunate there is such a lag time in receiving this information.  Questions regarding infant birth/death rates were provided and Ms. Cole called attention to the fact that figures can be substantially changed as a result of Tompkins County having less than 1,000 births per year.

Ms. Cole notified the Committee that it does not appear that the County is going to eligible for any emergency funding from the biohazard fund set up by the State.  Mr. Proto felt that the County should be reimbursed for various costs not budget for related to the biohazard incidents within the County.  Various requests on behalf of the County are being made, however in her experience, Ms. Cole does not believe that it will filter down to the County level.

Human Services Coalition

 Ms. Dill, Director of the Human Services Coalition provided the Committee with the work plan for the Human Services Coalition for their review.  She told the Committee that the annual meeting would be held on Thursday, February 14, 2002.  A brief oral report was given highlighting the work done by staff and included information .  Ms. Dill said that there are 5.6 employees covering three services – Information and Referral, Health Planning Council, and the Human Services Coalition.  She said that one project to be worked on this spring is the web site for the agencies.  It was requested that subsequent years work plans include information on detailed revenue and spending.

 Mrs. Schuler was excused at 11:00 a.m.

 Youth Bureau

Appointments

 It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Robertson and unanimously approved by members present to submit the recommendations of the Youth Bureau Director to the full Board for consideration.

Tompkins County Youth Board
Jan Gorovitz – Probation Department Representative – term to expire December 31, 2004
Todd Jusko – City of Ithaca Representative – term to expire December 31, 2003

Budget Adjustment
 The budget adjustment was withdrawn from the agenda.
Update on Inter-municipal Recreation Facilities Study

 Ms. Zahler briefly reviewed the history of the Inter-municipal Recreation Facilities Study.  She said that it appears the consultant is not providing an interim report, but rather, go directly to making final recommendations.  It is anticipated that this information will be received during this month.  Ms. Zahler felt that since the recommendations will be including ownership, maintenance, and management of Cass Park, Stewart, the golf course; as well as the possibility of a recommendation of a County Parks and Recreation Department she would like to see as many people from the County as are necessary to accurately convey the appropriate responses to the report.  Ms. Zahler proposed several dates for a meeting of various individuals to review the progress of this study in order to have clear vision of its scope and impact.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 11:30 p.m.

Return to Tompkins County Homepage.

Questions or Comments