PRESENT: F. Proto, Chairman;C. Evans; D. Kiefer; S. Davis (arrived at 11:47 a.m.)

EXCUSED: N. Schuler

STAFF: B. Slocum, Office for the Aging; W. Skinner, Public Information Coordinator; K. West, Interim County Administrator; M. Dill, Human Services Coalition; A. Cole, T. Lyzco, R. Fontana, Public Health Department; B. DeLuca, Mental Health Department; J. Andersson, Environmental Health; P. Bonaparte-Krogh, Anne Gifford, Cooperative Extension; N. Zahler, Youth Bureau

 GUESTS: Bernice Hopkins , Chair Foodnet Board of Directors and Charter Member, Terri Horner, Foodnet Board Member Non-Retired Representative, Bill Houghton, Co-Vice-Chair of Foodnet Board of Directors; Steve Griffen, Executive Director of Foodnet

  Mr. Proto called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m.

 Office for the Aging

  Budget Adjustment

  It was Moved by Mr. Evans, seconded by Ms. Kiefer and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present.

  REVENUE: A6781.44772 Federal Revenue $2,500

 APPROPRIATION: A6781.54491 Subcontractor $2,500

 Explanation: Revenue increases for Grandparent Initiative Program.

  Ms. Kiefer requested that departments use the new budget adjustment form approved by the Governmental Operations Committee. Ms. West was directed to send out a memo to departments.

  Update on Foodnet Space Search

  Mr. Griffen explained that Foodnet began the process of looking for alternative space four years ago because it was uncertain what the disposition of the Biggs building would be once the new Human Services Building was constructed. He stated that the agency participated in the space-planning operations conducted by the County working with the architects doing a space study, etc. At that time it was decided that there would not be a facility in county buildings for Foodnet. The possibility of having one facility housing the County Office for the Aging, the Senior Citizens Center, and Foodnet was suggested, but this request was not approved since the Senior Citizens Center has its own location and there was no immediate need for the County Office for the Aging to relocate. Foodnet was the only agency that needed alternative space. Thirty-five locations were considered over two years as well as considering the operation of the program in a different way including contracted food service. Contracted food service is no longer being considered due to the high costs associated with this type of program along with quality and control. Two possible options still exist. One option is to extensively renovate the current space at the Biggs building and lease that property, or leasing a property on North Triphammer Road in Lansing and doing minor renovations.

 He stated that the Lansing property has office space that will not need renovating, a loading dock, and a service area that can be economically renovated. He stated that the costs of the Lansing property were compared to those given to Foodnet by Conifer Realty for the Biggs building and there are some concerns about staying at Biggs. One is the availability of the building if the option with Conifer Realty does not go through and the other is the cost of the renovations. A quote of $355,000 was received for finished space. This would allow for a small amount of additional space, would be a good rental amount, but the layout would not be a very big improvement to what currently exists.

  Ms. Davis arrived at 11:47 a.m.

  Mr. Griffen stated that the cost of renovations and rent for the Triphammer location over a 15-year period would save $378,000 because of the cost of the renovations. The cost to renovate at the Biggs building are similar to constructing a new building. The Foodnet Board of Directors voted on May 6^th to pursue a lease at the Triphammer location. The resolution being considered will be an extension of the contracts previously approved by the Board of Representatives and this will provide leverage during negotiations with better interest rates, etc. It was the consensus of the Committee to act on the resolution and have Foodnet attend the June meeting with answers to the following questions:

 RESOLUTION NO. - AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION 22 OF 1998 - TO EXECUTE FOUR TEN-YEAR CONTRACTS WITH FOODNET, INC., TO PROVIDE HOME DELIVERED MEALS, CONGREGATE MEALS, AND NUTRITION EDUCATION AND COUNSELING TO COUNTY RESIDENTS 60 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER

It was Moved by Mr. Evans, seconded by Ms. Kiefer and unanimously adopted by voice vote of members present.

WHEREAS, the Office for Aging wishes to renew its contracts with Foodnet, Inc., and

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 22 of 1998 approved four five-year contracts with Foodnet, Inc., and this resolution will extend those contracts for an additional five years, and

WHEREAS, the ability of Foodnet, Inc., to negotiate new space would be enhanced by four ten-year contracts, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health, Human Services and Education Committee, That the Board of Representatives approve contracts for:

SNAP 6774.54491 January 1, 1998 - December 31, 2007

 III-C1 & III-C2 6776.54491 January 1, 1998 - December 31, 2007

 Foodnet Select 6776.54491 January 1, 1998 - December 31, 2007

 Cash-in-Lieu 6784.54491 January 1, 1998 - December 31, 2007

  RESOLVED, further, That this extension is contingent upon successful negotiations of a lease or purchase of the North Triphammer Road property,

RESOLVED, further, That these contracts are contingent on availability of Federal, State, and County funding.

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 Youth Bureau

  Ms. Zahler stated that there has been concern expressed over the One-to-One program and noted that the program is making changes. There are still long waiting lists and the Program won't be able to serve as many youth in 1998 as hoped, but ideas are being pursued so more kids can be served than in the past. The Program has been asked to increase their services in the Town of Lansing, an area that is currently underserved. The Program has also been asked to seek more full-time residents as volunteers and less time with college students who are not here full-time. Ms. Davis stated that the Program was asked to increase the number of children it served from 165 to 265, and the current count is only 172. Ms. Zahler stated that the program had less staff in 1998 and methods are being explored on how to more efficiently run the program. Mr. Proto stated the Program should be aware of the Committee’s concern regarding the number of youth served prior to the 1999 budget process.

  Ms. Zahler stated that the Youth Employment Service (YES) is headed in a good direction. The County Youth Bureau has asked YES to do county-wide job recruitment for teens ages 16-18 and do casual labor job development for ages 14-16 in the Ithaca School District and also continue the Transition to Work subsidized jobs for hard-to-place youth from rural communities.

  Ms. Zahler stated that the Transition Task Force recommended $54,500 in supplemental services for rural communities to balance service to youth in the Ithaca City School District and $25,000 was approved in the 1997 County budget. She stated $15,500 will be used to fund a Community Options Vouchers pilot program. The Youth Board selected two communities based on their needs and offered to purchase $7,500 in services to meet needs that local programs and schools cannot address. The two schools participating are Groton and Newfield.

  Ms. Zahler reported that the possibility of consolidating the City and County Youth Bureaus is being explored. She noted that the state representative from the Office of Children and Family Services saw no duplication of services between the agencies. Ms. Zahler stated that recreation may be an area where services can be consolidated, and this is being explored.

  Ms. Kiefer asked what funding the City is contributing to the Mechanical All-Stars. Ms. Zahler stated that the City contributes 50 percent towards the cost of the program and some school districts are purchasing slots for one or more children to participate.

 Mental Health

 RESOLUTION NO. - PROGRAM RECONFIGURATION - MENTAL HEALTH

  MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Kiefer and unanimously adopted by voice vote of members present.

  RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health, Human Services and Education and Budget and Personnel Committees, That the Mental Health Department programs be re-configured from 24 programs to nine (9) programs as follows:

  RESOLVED, further, That the Fiscal Target remain as one departmental target.

It was Moved by Mr. Evans, seconded by Ms. Davis. Ms. Kiefer asked how the increased cost will be covered. Mr. DeLuca explained that there is a vacant position in the department that will be used to cover the additional costs. It was the consensus of the Committee to have Mr. DeLuca submit a revised resolution to the Board for approval that includes a second Resolved that no additional county funding is needed. It was also requested that an explanation accompany the resolution to the Board.

WHEREAS, the duties of two Clinic Supervisor positions have been increased to include more interagency collaboration and training, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health, Human Services and Education Committee, That two (2) positions of Clinic Supervisor (18/653), labor grade R(18), competitive class be increased from 35.0 hours per week to 40.0 hours per week, effective June 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998,

RESOLVED, further, That no additional County funding is required for this change.

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  It was Moved by Mr. Evans, seconded by Ms. Kiefer and unanimously adopted by voice vote of members present.

  WHEREAS, a Case Aide in the Mental Health Department had been absent from work for longer than two months, and

WHEREAS, County Fiscal Policy allows the appropriation of contingency funds for the cost of replacing this employee, and

WHEREAS, the cost of unbudgeted replacement pay in the amount of $8,969 has been incurred by the Mental Health Department, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health, Human Services and Education and Budget and Personnel Committees, That the following budget appropriation be made:

  FROM: A1990.54400 Contingency Fund $8,969

TO: A4313.51000 Regular Pay $7,233

A4313.58800 Fringes 1,736

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It was Moved by Mr. Evans, seconded by Ms. Davis and unanimously adopted by voice vote of members present to approve the following appointments:

Shobhna Gardner with a term expiring December 31, 2000.

 Mental Health Services Board Mental Health Subcommmittee

  Nanci Rose with a term expiring December 31, 1999

Nancy Suci with a term expiring December 31, 1999

Mr. DeLuca stated that the Medicaid audit results have not yet been received, but the program review has been positive. He noted that the Alcoholism Council may have difficulty generating $30,000 from the private sector on an annual basis, but they have been able to raise the funds for the next few years so it will allow time to find ways to raise the funds. He stated a more thorough update will be available in August after budgets have been submitted.

Mr. Evans stated that there have been concerns raised that are not included in the State review, noting that the review is based on record keeping.

Ms. Cole stated that the cabinet was asked to formulate questions for the county administrator candidates. The work plan for the Cabinet will be developed at their next meeting and she will bring this to the next Committee meeting. She stated that areas of improvement have been identified, but the group wanted a formal document.

Tobacco Legislation

Mr. Proto stated that there are questions regarding the tobacco legislation. He stated that there was discussion at the last Board meeting regarding bowling alleys and itemizing fines. He stated that a fine must be in a law whereas a fee can be attached to legislation and later amended. The County local law will be considered by the Board on June 2, 1998. Discussion at today’s meeting will be about other tobacco related topics or tobacco legislation the County can have influence on.

Mr. Evans asked if there are any areas where it is possible to extend what is in the law beyond what is currently in place. He stated that the Board of Health discussed the possibility of fining the person selling the item illegally as well as the business owner.

Ms. Fontana stated that the enforcement of the law deals with the license of the establishment not over the clerks. Retailers will take their own measures to make sure that their clerks are following through. Mr. Andersson stated that there are sanctions for the clerk in other areas and this is just another area for storeowners to have mechanisms to deal with the situation.

Mr. Andersson stated that it is illegal to sell tobacco to minors, but it is not illegal for minors to possess tobacco. Ms. Fontana stated that she has researched the subject of penalizing underage users and the research indicates that there should not be penalties against individuals who are able to purchase tobacco under the age of 18, but should penalize the establishment that is selling to minors. The Surgeon General has indicated that some states have laws prohibiting possession by children but noted that there is active marketing towards underage smoking and suggested changing this approach. She stated that children are addicted by the time they leave high school and suggested emphasizing ways to help underage smokers quit smoking. The goal is to get to teenagers before they are addicted and reducing underage smoking. She stated access is being addressed by the local law going before the Board on June 2 and noted the importance of getting the community to back the law and discourage smoking. One way to do this is by possibly posting signs in establishment to turn in people selling to minors and another suggestion was to publish the names of those selling to minors in the newspaper. A merchant education program will also be done when the law is implemented.

  Ms. Lyzco stated that information has been sent to retailers. She stated she believes retailers know what the law is and the law being considered will make access more difficult. She stated that it is necessary to have smoking become unacceptable in teenager’s eyes and when kids see that their friends don’t like it they will stop smoking.

  Mr. Evans asked if it is possible to revoke retailer’s licenses for selling to minors. Mr. Andersson stated a license isn’t needed to sell tobacco, a retailer only needs a certificate from the Department of Taxation and Finance.

Mr. Evans stated that Ms. Cole has reported that the advertising campaign at the state level is ineffective and asked if there is anything that the County can do to influence that campaign to make it effective. Ms. Cole stated that letters have been written and Assemblyman Luster is working on legislation.

Ms. Kiefer asked if it would be possible to get non-smoking ads in the theatre suggesting young teen idols that speak against smoking. Mr. Proto suggested that the County have a meeting with local media broadcasting to see if there are ways that they can help the campaign. Ms. Skinner will work to set this up.

Ms. Kiefer asked if smoke free zones around schools already exist. Ms. Lyzco stated that these zones are already in place. Ms. Kiefer stated that State restrictions do not prohibit the localities from restricting the law further and stated she is very interested in moving in this direction. She stated after the County's law has been in effect for a period of time she would like to see the law amended to restrict vending machines to taverns.

It was Moved by Ms. Davis, seconded by Mr. Evans and unanimously adopted by voice vote of members present.

WHEREAS, various departments have been certified by the Director of Finance to have unspent appropriations and excess revenues from 1997 resulting in a surplus on the County’s books as of December 31, 1997, and

WHEREAS, pursuant to County Fiscal Policy, surplus funds may be requested for use in the current or following year budget, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health, Human Services and Education, Economic and Workforce Development, Public Works, Public Safety, Governmental Operations, and Planning and Intermunicipal Cooperation, Budget and Personnel Committees, That the following transactions are approved:

BUDGET APPROPRIATION:

From: General Fund Balance $383,334

Youth Bureau -- Software 7020.52230 1,150

Youth Bureau -- Regular Pay 7020.51000 2,500

Youth Bureau -- Office Supplies 7020.54303 500

Youth Bureau -- Printing 7020.54330 2,000

Youth Bureau -- Books 7020.54332 200

Youth Bureau --Travel/Training 7020.54412 1,500

Youth Bureau --Interdepartmental Charge 7020.54618 400

Assigned Counsel -- Professional Services 1170.54442 1,511

Assigned Counsel -- Regular Pay 1170.51000 200

Probation (Intake/Investig) -- Fringes 3142.58800 4,146

Public Works Admin. --Travel/Training 1490.54412 1,400

Public Works Admin. --Prof. Svc. Fees 1490.54442 3,662

Assessment -- Postage 1355.54452 8,076

Fire Coordinator - Regular Pay 3411.51000 12,425

Fire Coordinator - Fringes 3411.58800 3,876

Fire Coordinator - Communicat. Eqmt. 3411.52222 15,000

 RESOLVED, further, That revenue leveraged by the use of surplus funds in the Probation Department is reflected in the following Budget Adjustment:

 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT

REVENUE: A3140.43310 Probation Services State Aid 817

A3141.43310 Probation Services ATI State Aid 4,239

A3142.43310 Probation Services Intake/Investig. State Aid 1,163

6,219

APPROPRIATION:

A3140.51000 Probation Salaries 817

A3141.52999 Probation ATI Equipment Reserve 337

A3141.52231 Probation ATI Vehicles 3,902

A3142.52999 Probation Intake/Investig. Equipment Reserve 1,163

6,219

RESOLVED, further, That the position of Records Officer (12/669), Labor Grade 12, Administration, be increased from 35.0 to 40.0 hours through December 31, 1998.

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Mr. Bonaparte-Krogh introduced Anne Gifford, Extension Educator Family Well-Being Program. Ms. Gifford stated that the School Lunch Program began when changes were made in the USDA school lunch dietary requirements. She stated materials are distributed to schools and Cooperative Extension has been asked to provide the educational component of the program and Tompkins County works with the Healthy Heart Program in the schools. Currently the program is run in the Lansing and Groton schools. She stated that the schools identify four locally produced products and a unit is developed on each of those products. She circulated the "Field-to-Table" materials they have developed. The kids work on the product in the classroom and then it is offered on the lunch menu and counts are kept to see if the study unit has made a difference in how much of the healthier food is chosen. Workshops are also being conducted for food service personnel consisting of new recipes and samples. A nutrition policy is being implemented and Ms. Lyzco works with teachers, administrators, and food service workers encouraging healthy choices at extracurricular activities. Ms. Lyzco stated that education becomes the daily way of doing things. Three school districts have participated and the interest in the school varies.

  Mr. Proto asked if the materials get distributed to students and if children from every socioeconomic group are participating. Ms. Gifford stated that there are materials that go to the teacher and the newsletter is distributed to the entire student body. All of the second and fourth grade students in the Lansing school are participating.

  Ms. Lyzco stated that the program only works if the teachers and food service personnel work together. She stated that she is willing to work with a group on school lunch programs, but noted this takes a tremendous amount of effort within the community.

  Ms. Kiefer asked how food allergies are handled. Ms. Lyzco stated that notification is sent to parents so the program can be made aware of food allergies.

 Approval of Minutes

  It was Moved by Mr. Evans, seconded by Ms. Davis and unanimously adopted by voice vote of members present to approve the minutes of April 23, 1998, with Ms. Kiefer’s additions. The minutes of March 26, 1998, were deferred to the June meeting to allow time for the Committee to review Ms. Kiefer’s suggestions in relation to the Committee’s goals for 1998.

There are 15 members on the Human Rights Commission, they have staggered terms, with 5 chosen each year, and vacancies are advertised on Channel 13. It was Moved by Mr. Evans, seconded by Ms. Davis to approve the appointments and unanimously adopted by voice vote of members present to approve the following appointments:

Nancy Brown with a term expiring December 31, 2000

Deirdre Silverman with a term expiring December 31, 2000

Joyce Muchan with a term expiring December 31, 2000

  Ms. Kiefer distributed a handout on the library. She stated that the auditor for the Library Board of Trustees found that an investment vehicle was being used that goes against against County Policy and this is being corrected. She stated the 20/20 Subcommittee will be distributing information on how the five public libraries work together.

 Adjournment

  The meeting adjourned at 2:03 p.m. The next meeting will be held June 25, 1998 at 11:30 a.m. in the Old Jail Conference Room.