Guests: M. Myers, E. dePuse, B. Livesay, League of Women Voters; D. Dennis, Ithaca Times
Called to Order
The meeting was called to order at 3:06 p.m. by Mr. Proto, Chairman.
Additions/Changes to the Agenda
Mr. Proto added an update of Bolton Point’s litigation to the agenda; this would be addressed immediately.
Mr. Shinagawa requested information relating to proposed capital projects; specifically what will occur with the County Office for the Aging and its relationship to Lifelong.
Bolton Point Litigation Update
Mr. Proto reported Bolton Point had requested an additional sixty days prior to having their appearance in court; the County did not object to the request. At this time the tentative court date is July 7th. Mr. Proto said at this time he would like to request Committee approval to ask the Health Department to continue with its review as requested at the March 1, 2006, meeting. No member was opposed. Mr. Proto will draft a memo to the appropriate personnel with this request.
Capital Project – Office for the Aging
Mr. Shinagawa has been approached by Mr. Hawley, Director of Lifelong, with a request to receive an update of how the 20 Year Capital Plan priorities will affect the County Office for the Aging. A discussion occurred during which it was reported former Legislators Nancy Schuler and Dan Winch had met with Lifelong regarding the possibility of close proximity and sharing of staff if the Center of Government building were located at the Old Library site. In addition, it was noted that the Office for the Aging needs to be centrally located and afford easy access for senior citizens. The Committee heard from Mr. Whicher the anticipated procedure that would occur, specifically, that once the Capital plan is presented to the Legislature a determination of how to proceed will occur. Once this happens there are specific areas that will require “backfill”, including the needs of the Office for the Aging. It is anticipated that over the next six to twelve months more definitive information will be available.
Advisory Board Appointment
It was noted that one individual seeking appointment to the County Mental Health Services Board was not a County resident; this appointment was withdrawn.
It was MOVED by Mr. Stevenson, seconded by Mr. Hattery, and unanimously approved by voice vote, to recommend to the full Legislature that Harmony Ayers-Friedlander be appointed to the Mental Health Board, with a term to expire December 31, 2006. MOTION APPROVED.
It was noted that Lee C. Lee, newly appointed member of the Mental Health Board, passed away this past Sunday; the Committee wished to express their sympathy to those close to her.
The Committee discussed the form used and asked that the newer form be utilized to clearly establish residency. In addition, a question was raised regarding use of post office box addresses. Ms. Robertson felt it was appropriate to use a post office box if the applicant so chose; the issue of residency was clarified by the other question on the form. Mr. Proto said he can understand her viewpoint.
County Office for the Aging
Medicaid Mega-Waiver
Ms. Holmes, Acting Director, reported on a regional meeting held in Syracuse to discuss the upcoming Mega-Waiver for Medicaid. She explained that presently there are many waiver programs within the state, each with specific guidelines to be followed. The new 1115 waiver will allow more flexibility, be more comprehensive, with the possibility of some non-Medicaid services to be pulled into the waiver. If the proposals occur it will mean more leniency for individuals who are just above standard guidelines. The meeting unfortunately did not provide a great deal of detail about this new waiver, however, it was being utilized to allow input from staff associated with the programs that would utilize the new program. In June 2006 the state will be requesting additional input on the new program and will begin drafting the guidelines in January 2007.
Ms. Holmes spoke of the second issue that will be occurring in the near future, the Point of Entry designation discussed previously by Ms. Stein. She said that although it is separate, Point of Entry is expected to dovetail with the new waiver process. It was noted that Tompkins County has had a long-standing, functional Point of Entry program that operates between the Office for the Aging and the Department of Social Services. Within the next several weeks the County will receive a request from the State to complete a form if the County desires to become the designated Point of Entry. Although the RFA is not in hand it is hoped that it will provide funds for the existing Point of Entry program. It was explained it dovetails with the Mega Waiver program by reviewing available services at the time a Point of Entry review takes place.
Ms. Carey explained that the program will allow more flexibility for individuals who may need more care or prescription coverage but the present income level disallows assistance. She provided examples of eligible individuals, including children with catastrophic illness/needs.
Budget Transfer
It was MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Hattery, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present, to recommend approval of the following budget transfer to the full Legislature:
Account No. Title Amount Account Title
6772.51000529 Salary $1,400 6777.54491 Subcontract
6772-51000559 Salary $4,156 6777.54491 Subcontract
Explanation: Restoration of funding for Foodnet to correct error
made in budget.
Mr. Proto inquired how the transition in the Department was going; Ms. Holmes reported no difficulties, thanks to the previous efforts of Ms. Stein.
Medicaid Presentation
Mr. Proto reminded members of the Committee there will be a presentation regarding Medicaid Coverage on May 16th; this will provide valuable information during the budget process.
Health Department
Children With Special Care Needs
Sylvia Allinger of the Health Department presented the Committee with statistical information relating to the Early Intervention and Pre-School Education Programs over the last ten years for the purpose of explaining cost overruns in those programs.
Of the four programs within her division, the two largest programs are the Early Intervention Program (for children birth through three years old) and the Pre-School Special Education Program (for children three to five years old) and provide evaluation and services to those who are determined to have a need. As these are Class A mandates they are costly to the County. It appeared early this year that the Pre-School program deficit was approximately $473,000, partly due to the difference in the reimbursement calendar that runs on a school calendar, September to August. The department had estimated it would receive $363,402 of this amount in reimbursement. A claim has been submitted for the summer and school year period of September through February for related services and one-on-one program for $493,746; although the figures would not show within the County’s budget year, it appears the department will come out ahead. This figure does not include the other services that are reimbursable. Work is being undertaken to better coordinate the reimbursement/budget to compensate for the different budgeting schedules.
Ms. Allinger said in the Pre-School Program the County receives approximately 50% reimbursement rate from State Education and a portion from Medicaid. In terms of funding, the Department believes the greatest increase in cost is due to the intensity of programming for the children. The Pre-School Education program operates on a school calendar; therefore, billing and funding begin July 1st. She said she believes the increase is the result of the intensity in programming they have experienced with children over the last five years and that they are seeing this in both the Early Intervention and Pre-School Special Education programs.
In Pre-School Special Education there are children who attend Special Ed integrated programs which means the children who have more severe cognitive and development problems attend a classroom pre-school setting. When a child is accepted by the Committee on Pre-School Special Education and a determination has been made that the child qualifies for Special Education integrated programming, the child is accepted into a program at the Franziska Racker Center or at the Ithaca City School District. There are a small number of children that do attend special programming in Binghamton and at OCM B.O.C.E.S. When a child is accepted into a program the County is committed to pay the entire tuition rate for the full year and it is not dependent on the number of days per week the child attends. In addition, transportation costs are $71.43 per child.
Ms. Allinger said this is a very big issue for NYSAC right now because tuition reimbursement rates are typically two to three years behind. The Department just recently received notice on the reconciliation for the tuition rates for school year 2003-2004. Currently, the tuition rates for the Ithaca City School District for 2003-2004 are $16,621; six-week summer programming costs $2,710; the rate for the Franziska Racker Center for 2003-2004 is $26,228; the summer program is $4,371. This amounts to $160 per child per day. The Department has not received the reconciliation rates for years beyond 2003-2004; therefore, the Department is paying at the 2003-2004 rate. When a notice of reconciliation is received for 2004-2005, they will have to make a determination of where money is owed. Typically the County will owe them money because rates usually increase rather than go down. After a review of the 2003-2004 rates that were received in January, the Franziska Racker Center estimates it is owed $70,000 by the County. In addition, the County owes $61,500 for the 2005-2006 year based on the 2003-2004 rates.
In 2003-2004, there were 44 children attending the three different integrated programs, and in the Fall there were 46 children who attended. In the 2004-2005 school year there were 53 children who attended the summer programs and 62 children attending this school year. She noted in 2002-2003 the Franziska Racker Center charged $115 per day and they are now charging $160 per day.
Ms. Allinger explained two years ago the Franziska Racker Center opened a program entitled the Partnership Program which is for children who are on the autism spectrum, and said there are many in Tompkins County. She stated this is a tremendous integrated program and a national model and at this time there are no other integrated programs available. When this program was opened and they applied for their tuition rates, the State based their rates on the Partnership Program, but when they charged all of the Counties (Tompkins, Cortland, Tioga, and Seneca counties), they raised the tuition rates across-the-board for every one of their Preschool Special Education programs even though they were not specialized in autism. The State Education Department said they could not discriminate on the programming. Ms. Allinger said she has spoken to other counties about this because she feels this really needs to be addressed. She noted that out of 331 children last year, only 53 attended an integrated classroom setting; the majority of the services are provided in the home.
County Administrator was directed to review the Racker Center, and any other associated, charges, and report their validity to the Committee.
Pandemic Flu Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. – SUPPORT OF PANDEMIC FLU PLANNING EFFORTS – HEALTH DEPARTMENT
It was MOVED by Mr. Shinagawa, seconded by Mr. Stevenson, to recommend approval of the following resolution to the full Legislature. It was noted this resolution will also be presented to the Public Safety Committee. A discussion followed during which Ms. Grinnell-Crosby indicated the resolution was crafted by Ms. Cole, Public Health Director and Mr. Joseph, Chair of the Legislature. Although Pandemic and Avian flu are different strains, either will require assistance outside of County staff due to the enormous support that would be involved. Ms. Robertson said she is not sure she can support the resolution as it implies the topic should become a Legislative priority, which could also imply other items are less of a priority. Ms. Grinnell-Crosby said it is her understanding it is to bring about an awareness of the need for support by the entire community as everyone would be affected. Ms. Robertson said she cannot support the resolution as it may send a message that is not understood. Mr. Hattery inquired whether any budgeting purpose is associated with the resolution. Ms. Grinnell-Crosby indicated as the individual who prepares the budget for the department she has not been approached with requests at this time associated to the resolution. Mr. Proto indicated that he believed the resolution should be moved forward and if there is further discussion as to its purpose it could be addressed by the full Legislature.
A voice vote on the motion resulted as follows: Ayes – 4 (Legislators Hattery, Proto, Shinagawa, and Stevenson); Noes – 1 (Legislator Robertson). RESOLUTION APPROVED.
WHEREAS, Pandemic Influenza could cause serious illness and result
in disruption of social and business activity in Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, the effects of a pandemic could be less severe if appropriate
preparations are in place prior to a pandemic, and
WHEREAS, other agencies and the general public will be asked
to participate in planning, coordinating, and implementing resources, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Health and Human Services Committee, the Public
Safety Committee, and the Tompkins County Legislature consider preparedness
for pandemic flu and other health emergencies to be a high priority and
pledge support of the efforts of the Tompkins County Health Department
in coordinating the planning for Pandemic Influenza for the protection
of the residents of Tompkins County.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
Explanation: This resolution was crafted as a result of a meeting with Anita Fitzpatrick, Tim Joseph and Steve Whicher. Surrounding counties have passed a similar resolution and County Executives/ Legislature Chairs have made public statements to demonstrate to the public that the County is planning and preparing for a pandemic.
All department heads have been briefed by the Public Health Director on this issue and are aware of this resolution.
This resolution does not require any additional funds at this time.
* * * * * * * * * *
Youth Services
Update – Underage Drinking Town Hall Meeting
Ms. Zahler expressed regret that the Legislative Retreat conflicted with the Town Meeting sponsored by the Community Coalition for Health Youth, STOP-DWI, Area Congregations Together, Campus Community Coalition, Tompkins County Sheriff’s Department, TST-BOCES, and U.S. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, to discuss underage drinking. She reported there was good attendance, with approximately 90 individuals that included 24 from various school districts, representatives from various agencies throughout the county such as public safety members and treatment programs. Ms. Zahler explained that reports indicate that more problems exist for children who begin to drink at an early age. The forum included information on how to speak to children as well as ways to develop a coordinated effort of family, schools, and community. She noted the support provided by her department is one of the functions they provide.
Workforce Development Grant Update
Ms. Zahler reported that a decision was made not to submit an application for the grant due to the improbability of receiving the grant combined with time factors and potential sanctions relating to the implementation of the grant.
Recreation Partnership
Ms. Zahler introduced Janet Johnson who works with the Recreation Partnership. She reported the five-year agreement between eleven municipalities is expiring and a review is required to determine what direction should occur. Ms. Zahler noted the review is included within the 2006 goals provided previously.
Ms. Johnson called attention to the handout that provided information on participation and also noted that the Recreation Partnership is interested in diversifying funding and to form a creative finance group for grants, sponsorships, etc. Due to municipal law, the Recreation Partnership has not been able to do this. A review is taking place to determine the best approach to take that will permit the Recreation Partnership to do so.
Mr. Proto said he has attended the meetings, exciting things are taking place with the Recreation Partnership. He believes that the visibility of the group needs to be raised.
Transportation Survey
The Committee was informed that the Transportation Study undertaken by Youth Services is now in seven different schools. In response to a question, it was noted that each school is provided a draft survey to personalize it to their particular needs. As an incentive to complete the survey, bus passes, movie tickets, and other tokens are provided to students who complete it. Mr. Proto suggested contacting Evan Axelbank at News 10 for assistance in publicizing the survey program.
Social Services
RESOLUTION NO. AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION FOR 2006 FEDERAL JOB ACCESS AND REVERSE COMMUTE GRANT (JARC) – TOMPKINS CONSOLIDATED AREA TRANSIT AND TOMPKINS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
It was MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Shinagawa, to recommend approval of the following resolution to the full Legislature. The Committee was informed by Mr. Mengel the grant will have a three-year countdown once the funding starts.
A discussion took place during which it was noted that flexibility is the key in the application; there will be the ability for Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) to provide some specific items such as service expansion to allow underserved employment centers, and a guaranteed ride program (as an example the Cornell ride service was described: riders have the ability to call a specified number to be provided transportation should a situation occur that requires them to leave work immediately); the second portion will have multiple means of transportation included in the funding through the Department of Social Services. It was noted that lack of adequate transportation has consistently been a concern for low-income individuals and families; providing consistent transportation will assist in maintaining employment and ultimately save the County funding. Mr. Mengel indicated that his staff has been concentrating on evaluating fares and multi-zone systems in an attempt to determine how to best serve residents. At this time approximately 76% of ridership consists of Cornell University passengers, with the additional 24% users of the fare system. TCAT would like to simplify the fares to provide more balance. It was noted that additional/modified routes could be a possibility following a review of needs and ridership, particularly in rural areas.
It was requested that the County Administrator be authorized to sign as it is a non-recurring grant. In addition, in response to a question relating to signing of third-party contracts related to the grant, language was requested to provide periodic reviews.
A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes – 5; Noes – 0. RESOLUTION APPROVED.
WHEREAS, the Federal Transit Administration Section 5316, Job Access
and Reverse Commute Program (JARC) has two goals: to provide transportation
services to low and moderate income individuals to access employment opportunities,
and to encourage coordinated transportation planning and service delivery
between transportation agencies, human service and social service agencies,
metropolitan planning agencies, states, employers and affected communities
and individuals, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County was appropriated $544,963 in JARC funds by
Congress in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity
Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) of 2005 (CFR Vol. 70, No. 229, November
30, 2005), and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County proposes to use these JARC funds as follows:
For Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit - $297,201 for public transit service expansion targeted to underserved employment centers, a guaranteed ride program for TCAT pass users and marketing for the JARC Program, during the period of July 2006 to June 2009,
For the County Department of Social Services - $247,762 for a travel broker, night taxi service, subscription van, flexible services, car-share and public information, during the period of July 2006 to June 2009,
WHEREAS, these uses of JARC funds implements service priorities identified
in JARC Program Plans of 2000 and 2002 (County Resolution No 129 of 2002),
as revised in 2006, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee,
the Tompkins County Legislature authorizes the application of $544,963
in Job Access and Reverse Commute funds to the Federal Transit Administration,
RESOLVED, further, the Tompkins County Administrator or his designee
is authorized to sign the application for the County and:
1. Any and all Agreements between Tompkins County, the Federal Transit
Administration and Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit for the above named
project;
2. Any and all agreements between Tompkins County and any third party
contractor necessary to complete the project, if applicable,
RESOLVED, further, That upon receipt of the grant, the appropriate
Committee of the Legislature will receive regular updates over the grant’s
three-year period.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
The federal Job Access & Reverse Commute (JARC) is a County sponsored program under the Federal Transit Administration. This is an application for $544,963 in federal JARC funds to provide new transportation and other support services targeted to benefit working parents earning up to 200% of the federal poverty income. JARC is also used to provide transportation services to help move TANF recipients into the work force. This JARC grant would be used by TCAT and the County Department of Social Services to provide new services over a three year period. JARC funds must be matched 100% by other federal, state or local funds which will be identified prior to implementing new services. Periodic reports will be made to the Health & Human Services and Planning, Development and Environmental Quality Committees on developing JARC programs.
Participation Rate Discussion
A brief discussion on how work participation rates will affect the State and County occurred. Ms. Carey and Mr. Whicher spoke of how the JARC grant will assist in maintaining employment among individuals who may be receiving public assistance. As a result of new Federal regulations relating to TANF funding, fifty percent of individuals receiving funding must meet the employment activity guidelines or the County would face financial sanctions. At the present time the County participation rate is between 38% - 39%. It was reported individuals who are not meeting employment criteria are the most difficult ones to employ. The same difficulties appear to be consistent throughout the State with the exception of one County with historically minimal participation in TANF programs. Mr. Proto asked that information be provided indicating what a possible impact these regulations could have on the budget.
Chair’s Report
Mr. Proto reminded individuals of the May 16th Medicaid informational meeting to take place at 3:00 p.m.
Minutes of March 1, April 5, and April 18, 2006
Action was postponed until June 7th due to time constraints.
Adjournment: On motion, the Committee adjourned at 5:10
p.m.
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