Called to Order

 The meeting was called to order at 10:28 p.m.

Changes to Agenda

 There were no changes to the agenda.

Presentation - Hunger and Food Insecurity in Tompkins County

 Ms. Horn, Project Manager for COMPASS II, provided a Powerpoint presentation outlining the results of a survey related to hunger and food insecurity in Tompkins County.  Nearly ten percent of COMPASS II respondents indicated that not having enough money for food was a critical problem in the past year for their own families.  To follow up this result in COMPASS II, 260 low-income Tompkins County residents at various sites throughout the County (food pantries and congregate meal sites) were surveyed. The results indicated that, within that population, 77 percent of respondents live in food-insecure households and 39.9 percent are dealing with hunger. 91.8 percent of the respondents live in households with incomes below 200 percent of the poverty level.

[Mr. Proto arrived at this time.]

 In response to a Committee member's question why is was that Tompkins County would be different from the rest of the nation Mr. Brown, United Way Director, said he was surprised at the COMPASS II result of 10 percent not having enough money for food; although it is a nationwide norm, he did not expect to see it here in Tompkins County.  Ms. Stein said she was surprised at the number of elderly having to deal with hunger issues and her office is thinking of ways to assist with the problem.

 Ms. Horn spoke of the survey process, noting some areas of difficulty in obtaining information due to a variety of factors such as use of volunteers, or inability to complete the survey without assistance.
 In the presentation the following items were highlighted:

· Children were the largest risk group, which is a special concern due to the emotional and physical impact hunger has on children.
· The number of elderly will be significantly increasing over the course of the next twenty-five years, with more of them anticipated to be in the low-income categories.
· Individuals have different perceptions of programs designed to assist in eliminating hunger issues; some would only consider food pantry use and not food stamps, others would only consider food stamps and not food pantry use.  Rural respondents were much less likely than city residents to be willing to use food stamps.
· For the elderly who reside in their own homes the cost of housing repairs will affect their food security.

Mr. Proto inquired whether information relating to gender and reason for use of programs was asked; he thought it would be useful since many males who have lost a spouse may not have the ability to prepare meals.  Ms. Horn said there was not a specific breakdown by gender but that approximately 70 percent of those utilizing the programs where the survey took place were women.  Mr. Proto felt that men who do not cook would rely on Meals on Wheels and that it would be good to obtain specific information on why they are not eating.

Additional information related to program use was as follows:

· Transportation to/from to the food pantries or congregate meal sites is a huge issue that keeps many people from accessing food support.
· Lack of knowledge of soup kitchens; many food stamp users aren’t aware of meal sites.
· Inability to transport food received at food pantries (too heavy for some elderly clients, and without a car it can be hard for anyone to transport bags of groceries).
· It was noted that some meal sites have the ability to provide food stamp applications.
· Some pantry locations do deliver to clientele.

Ms. Horn spoke of the difficulty in reaching the homeless population to survey.  She told of one homeless individual who was able to find housing and a job and wanted to help another person to be successful; she said that to do so would jeopardize her benefits if it were discovered the friend was residing with her.  She also said that it is difficult for disabled and mentally impaired individuals to appropriately budget their resources between housing and food and they often make poor choices.  Ms. Horn reported that since the EBT food stamp card came out some of the stigma and difficulty in using it has decreased.

The Committee then heard of the possible loss of Federal food stamp funds due to the low participation rates and the amount of funding that is not used.  Ms. Carey said that the inability to reach a sufficient number of residents in need of food stamps is a statewide problem.  Mr. Proto asked if it might be beneficial to provide funding to Cooperative Extension to provide a nutritionist and increase the outreach programs related to food stamps and making good food choices.  Ms. Carey said there have been outreach programs at the Department of Social Services and that efforts have been made to have people come to the department for training.  Mr. Winch said there is a wide range of nutrition and consumer education programs with outreach going to family sites around the county.  Ms. Carey said Social Services contracts with Cooperative Extension for the position, which is funded by the state.  She spoke of shortening the application process to make applying for food stamps easier.  Ms. Horn spoke of Oregon's choice to reduce the eligibility to 185 percent of the low-income figure.  Ms. Carey spoke of the difficulty in doing so as New York has a variety of formulas to determine eligibility for programs.  Mr. Proto asked if agencies/departments could assist in taking applications; Ms. Stein replied this is already happening, with caseworkers going to homes review all information to determine eligibility and assist with the process.  Ms. Dill said Head Start and Tompkins Community Actions do this as well.

The Committee indicated the need to expand the outreach for the food stamp program. The county should also rethink its funding of the food pantries to provide more consistent ongoing funding.

Mental Health Department

State and Federal Budget Impacts

 Mr. DeLuca provided members of the Committee with the following summary of the impact of the Governor's proposed budget in the Mental Hygiene area:

· Implement $4.5 million in “local efficiencies” cuts to local chemical dependency treatment and prevention providers whose performance does not meet established standards through annual performance reviews; efficiencies will also be achieved through programs deemed “less critical” and “ less cost effective” including provider administration costs that are higher than system wide and regional averages.  (Could effect local providers depending upon how they do this)
· Continue efforts to initiate the intensive case management initiative through an additional $7.2 million; a plan supplement which will include last year’s $1.8 million appropriation with a three-year phase-in of the program will be released by OASAS by the end of this month (Added funding is anticipated through this $7.2 million proposal. Tompkins could be interested in this.).
· Full funding of the State’s 13 alcohol treatment centers.
· An additional $1 million for the State’s Compulsive Gambling Education and Treatment Program.

· No local share as a result of any initiative converting 100% state aid programs including, but not limited to Family Support Services, workshop and supported employment programs; this will include conversion of programs which will yield a full annualized state savings of $2.1 million.
· Full funding for New York State Creating Alternatives in Residential Environments II (NYSCARES II) – $ 32 million.
· Supports NYS Option for People Through Services (NYS OPTS) at $80 million (carry over from 2004-05 State Budget).
· $35 million in new funding to offset increased healthcare costs for employees of not for profit providers; funding to providers for this multi-year effort will be subject to an application process through OMRDD and funds will be available retroactive to 2004-05.
· Funds a 3.3% trend factor to direct support professionals in ICF-MR, HCBS Waiver, Medicaid Service Coordination, supported employment and Family Care programs; additional funding for the trend is included in NYSCARES and NYSCARES II programs.

Mental Health - Request to Fill Position

 It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, to approve filling the position of Administrative Assistant - Medical Records in the Mental Health Department.  Mr. De Luca explained that the individual in the position is responsible for overseeing 1,400 client records and supervision of others in proper handling of medical records.  He said the funding for this position is partially from the state with the balance paid for through fees.  Mr. Winch said other departments have had positions held up pending Affirmative Action outcomes; there is no information related to Affirmative Action regarding the position and he feels as such he could not support it until reports were available for all position requests.  Mr. Whicher said the County is undergoing a transitional period at this time relating to Affirmative Action and appropriate procedures for recruiting and hiring of employees.  He explained the difference between competitive labor class positions and those that are exempt, noting civil service has requirements that are specific.  He explained that at this time civil service positions are not being placed on hold pending Affirmative Action plan outcomes.  Mr. Winch stated he feels the same rules regarding Affirmative Action should apply to the entire county workforce.  Mr. DeLuca responded to Ms. Robertson's inquiry about the type of position by stating it is a civil service position.  Mr. Winch asked if it would be possible to have the same requirements for civil service positions.  Mr. Whicher said the process is the same throughout: if the position is civil service filling the position should be determined by need and funding.  If it is an exempt position or a non-civil service position the Committee should ask what outreach steps are being taken in the recruiting process.  He said it would be difficult to change this process quickly from the present practices.  The Committee discussed the duties of this particular position as well as the others in the department.  The question was asked if the approval could be delayed pending the outcome of the Affirmative Action report.  Mr. DeLuca spoke of the need to proceed in order to train the new hire.  He explained an internal candidate or others eligible from the lists could fill the position.  Ms. Kiefer said it would be helpful to all legislators to have Affirmative Action plan information provided on the form as well.  Mr. Proto felt the position should move forward to the Budget and Capital Committee.  Ms. Kiefer felt the position approval could be delayed a month but was willing to proceed.

 A voice vote on the motion resulted as follows:  Ayes - 3 (Legislators Kiefer, Proto, and Robertson); Noes - 1 (Legislator Winch); Excused - 1 (Legislator Blanchard).  POSITION APPROVED.

Update on SRO

 Mr. DeLuca reported they received three responses to the request for proposals, which are now being reviewed and scored.  In addition, there will be a site visit undertaken.  He anticipates a recommendation will come forward from the five-member committee on March 21.  Ms. Dill inquired if it would include additional spaces.  Mr. DeLuca said it would and he would discuss the matter further with her.

Social Services

Federal and State Impacts

 Ms. Carey reported that at this time she did not have sufficient information relating to the Governor's proposal to make an informed report on budgetary impacts.  She anticipates that Mr. Herden will have reviewed the matter sufficiently and will provide the information at a later meeting.

 Ms. Carey reported that the 2005-2006 Executive Budget has a proposal for a new Flexible Fund for Family Services that in essence is a block grant, which is a radical change.  Although it appears on the surface to provide the same funding it will not be known until Albany has forwarded information that will provide a clearer picture. At this time it is not known which programs would be funded under the block grant and of those which are mandated.  Ms. Carey said it is difficult to determine budget impacts as the State is informing the counties administrators and executives rather than the departments directly.

 Mr. Whicher said the County is concerned about the impact; he feels there will be a cap on spending and what we are paying. However, it appears that the block grant will include the fastest growing programs, but funded at last year’s funding level.

Request to Fill Positions

 Ms. Carey said the Caseworker and Social Welfare Examiner Positions were civil service positions; the attorney position was not.  She explained that the attorney position has a rating system based on time and experience; determinations are made in this manner.  Ms. Carey said that for the attorney positions (two are presently open) advertising has been taken out in six newspapers, listed with the diversity community list, eight law schools within the state, the American Bar Association, an attorney list serve, the Professional Welfare Association, and New York State Association of Counties.  These position openings have been advertised for a two-week period and at this time six responses have been received.  Mr. Proto inquired of the possibility of increasing the position to forty hours per week and was informed it had been reduced to thirty-five to reduce the budget.  He then inquired what experience was necessary for the positions.  Ms. Carey explained that if she were able to get one person with Department of Social Services experience, the other individual could be someone who needed training in this area; Ms. Carey could be somewhat flexible.  It was noted the first attorney opening was approved via phone poll of Committee members.  Mr. Winch expressed his desire to discuss such items in meetings rather than take phone polls, in order to obtain all information.  Ms. Carey was asked what she would do if the hiring did not take place at this time; she replied that it would be necessary to contract an attorney on a temporary basis, to staff ongoing court proceedings.  Ms. Kiefer said she believes there should be a relationship between the County Attorney and Department of Social Services attorneys and believes the County Attorney should be involved in the hiring process.  Ms. Carey explained previous practice has been that the County Attorney will review the application forms and participate in the interview process.
 It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present, to fill the position of Social Services Attorney.

 It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Kiefer to fill the positions of caseworker and social welfare examiner in the Department of Social Services.  Mr. Winch noted there are sixteen caseworkers and twenty-six social welfare examiners; he believes it is possible to delay filling the positions and will not support them at this time.  Ms. Carey explained the caseworkers deal with approximately twenty-five families and she would have to spread the workload out to an already stretched staff.  She then explained the Social Welfare Examiner is responsible for client intake and due to budget constraints and increased demand, current staff are already at full capacity.  Ms. Carey said asked what timeline she may be looking at if they are delayed and expressed her willingness to provide whatever information and/or task requested to fill the positions as quickly as possible.  Ms. Robertson noted the already overburdened staff is assisting those in need.  Mr. Proto asked what type of individuals applies for the positions.  Ms. Carey said at times individuals move into the caseworker position from within the staff; they are individuals with knowledge and skills of the department and are interested in assisting others.  The examiner position is more of an entry level.  Ms. Carey explained she has worked with Personnel to bring individuals into the department as a project assistant to familiarize them with the regulations and other skills to enable them to meet requirements.  Mr. Proto stated his concern was for individuals who may test high but are not able to deal well with the public.

 A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 3 (Legislators Kiefer, Proto, and Robertson); Noes - 1 (Legislator Winch); Excused - 1 (Legislator Blanchard).

Space, Needs and Location Update

 Mr. Proto said the concerns expressed by departments relating to possible modifications within the Human Services Building were addressed at the Space, Needs and Location Committee meeting.  He will be receiving written concerns from the parties involved.

Health Department

 Ms. Griep, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, reported on the 2003/04 grant year deliverables.  She said all papers were completed on time and funds released; the County is one of two counties that completed all tasks and requirements on time.  The 2004/05 year began on September 1, 2004, with a shift in the grant from the nursing aspect to environmental health aspects to include emergencies such as chemical, nuclear, and radiological events. This year's grant will involve John Andersson from Environmental Health in the planning.  Additionally, there is a shift from monthly reports to quarterly; Ms. Griep said this has created a situation where items to be completed vary drastically due to the new reporting system.  The 2004/05 grant was ten percent less than the previous year and she thinks this will be a trend; attempts are being made to get funding from other sources.  Ms. Griep said the County is refining plans and staffing according to the changes in the state requirements.  She reported the isolation and quarantine policy was approved by the state; there will be meetings within the next two months concerning individual civil liberties and the quarantine policy.

 Ms. Griep spoke of the County website project she has been developing with the assistance of Ms. Skinner, Public Information Officer, and Ms. Harrington of the Emergency Response group, and the Information Technology Department.  This website, www.tompkinsready.org, focuses on emergency preparedness information for county residents.  Ms. Griep described a set of preparedness workshops to take place this spring. Various individuals and agencies throughout the county, such as SPCA and speakers from Cornell University, will assist in the programs.  Ms. Griep said some sessions would be held at the Department of Social Services.  Mr. Winch spoke of Cornell University and others’ participation in the emergency response procedures and inquired about recognition on the website.  Ms. Griep said they are noted within the site.

 Ms. Griep reported that the state is requesting Memorandums of Understanding be made with appropriate agencies and she is working on these.  This April staff will be trained on what Public Health's role will be in the event of an emergency.  The purified air respirator training was recently completed; these respirators were bought with a grant received from the Metropolitan Medical Response System, which augments the emergency preparedness capabilities and equipment.  The grant provided equipment to use in the event of a biological emergency for three communicable disease nurses, one physician, and two sheriff’s deputies.  They are trying to obtain more funding for these suits.
 Ms. Griep spoke of the continual need to update the emergency plan and to continue working with a number of individuals throughout the county to provide necessary input.  She expressed concern that if the grant were not funded that the continual updating may not occur.  She stressed that it is important for agencies/individuals to know what their responsibility within the plan is.  Mr. Proto spoke of the possibility of obtaining additional funds if needed through the State Legislature.  He also spoke of the need to have the local utility companies and local fire companies involved in the process as well.  Ms. Cole said participation efforts for the utilities and fire companies would be under the direction of the Emergency Response department.

 Mr. Winch inquired whether drills are being done; Ms. Griep said drills are completed often due to mandates associated with funding.  Ms. Cole said Mr. Shurtleff, Emergency Response Coordinator, has been approached to assist in coordination of drills in order to complete this requirement.  Members of the Committee spoke of the possibility of a communicable disease of an unknown origin coming into the community and inquired whether plans were in place.  Ms. Griep said that while individuals may be overwhelmed with daily routines it is necessary to plan as though the events may occur; she noted results of the training are utilized on a regular daily basis.

 The Committee discussed staff concerns as they relate to the Emergency Management programs.  Mr. Whicher, County Administrator, will review the situation and report back to the Committee. He did not feel additional staff would be necessary to resolve the issue.

 Ms. Griep said she has received information from the State to assist in incorporating diversity in our messages, and in the emergency plans.

 Ms. Cole said the Health Department would meet next week; Dr. Snedeker indicated a desire to have a recommendation on the Open Burning of Household Waste issue completed at that time.

 Ms. Kiefer spoke of the NACCHO article on land use planning and health issues; she will be providing it to the Planning Advisory Board and asked for Ms. Cole to review it first.

 Mr. Proto spoke of bringing forward a member resolution related to the sexually transmissible diseases that would include the recommendation of abstinence as a form of prevention.

Office for the Aging

 Ms. Stein reported the Federal funding is essentially flat. However, the Medicare prescription drug plan is coming up in 2006 and it is very complicated for seniors to use.  There has been an increase of approximately $4,000-$6,000 that will provide for education and outreach.  This will allow her department to increase one employee from a 30-hour work week to a 35-hour work week.   Lifelong will assist in the education of seniors.  She reported the State is providing an additional $37,500 for the EISIP program that provides non-medical in-home care for individuals, which will enable the department to cover their current waiting list.  Additionally, there is some funding in the Governor's budget for home repairs of the disabled and elderly.  Better Housing of Tompkins County and Finger Lakes Independence Center are assisting with this grant program.
Budget Adjustment

 Ms. Stein noted the figure should be a credit figure.

Youth Services

Governor's Budget Impacts

 Ms. Johnson provided a written handout outlining the impacts of the Governor's budget.  She said the 5.1% reduction in the Youth Development and Delinquency Prevention (YDDP) aid would mean a total loss of $7,385.  Approximately $2,222 of this figure will be allocated across municipalities with the balance cut from countywide youth programs that are targeted to the isolated, under-served youth at risk and those with disabilities.   Ms. Johnson said that the Governor's proposal also appears to have put an additional $1.45 million in the Workforce Investment Act which is anticipated to target low-income youth; most of that will go to the New York City area, so it is anticipated that the County will lose 5 percent of the YDDP funding overall.

Update on Youth Board's Transportation Initiative

 Ms. Johnson then reported the Youth Board has developed a Transportation Committee that includes representatives from the Youth Services Department, the IPEI, youth parents, youth workers, Ithaca Youth Bureau, Tompkins County Cooperative Extension, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT), and the ITCTC to discuss transportation issues dealing with youth in the County.  She spoke of the need for youth to have transportation, describing collaboration with Ithaca City and Cornell University planning departments to develop an online survey to more accurately address the transportation needs of youth.  It is hoped to provide accurate information on such items as cultural perception of public transportation, and understanding the needs better in order to provide appropriate schedules for public transportation.  Ms. Robertson spoke of hearing of safety concerns from parents with regard to public transportation; Mr. Winch spoke of the problem of transportation to a job, but no return transportation being available.  Ms. Johnson said an overlay of GIS mapping will be utilized as well as reviewing transportation schedules to see if they can coincide with school schedules as well as the geographical location of students' employment.

2005 Student Life and Culture Survey for Ithaca School District

 Ms. Bennett reported on the Student Life and Culture Survey that will be provided to students in grades six through twelve in the Ithaca Central School District.  This survey was piloted in 2000 and was provided to all students in 2003.  This survey will be the second survey of the full student body.  Questions on the survey have been modified for clarity as well as to cover the areas of concern expressed by the school's administrative staff.  Ms. Bennett said the survey is completed through use of an online format that will provide an almost instant analysis of the information.  She explained that some of the specific questions on the survey will provide required information related to drug use.

 Ms. Bennett explained how the survey will assist in eliminating perceptions the students have regarding behaviors such as peer drinking on the weekend.  She explained the survey is designed to dispel myths such as "because everyone is." Studies have shown this strategy can reduce the number of youth actually drinking on the weekends.  Other questions are based on the school climate, involvement in after school activities, interaction with staff and peers, and safety issues.  She shared posters that were developed utilizing data from the previous survey that are being used at DeWitt Middle School.  Once completed the information will be provided to the schools for use by their school-based teams.  Mr. Winch requested a copy of the 2003 survey results.  He then asked whether information was available for rural schools and was told it is a Federal grant that was specific to Ithaca.

County Administrator's Report

 There was no report.

Committee Goals

 This was deferred to a future meeting.  Ms. Robertson will be meeting with the cabinet.

Chair's Report

 There was no report.

Minutes of February 2, 2005

 It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Kiefer and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present, to accept the minutes of February 2, 2005, as amended.

Adjournment

 On motion the meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk