Staff:  K. Fuller, Deputy Clerk of the Legislature; R. DeLuca, Mental Health Commissioner; S. Whicher, County Administrator; P. Carey, N. Raza, Department of Social Services; I. Stein, Office for the Aging; W. Skinner, Public Information; A. Cole, B. Grinnell-Crosby, F. Croteau, Health Department; N. Zahler, Youth Services; N. Burston, Human Services Coalition; K. Schlather, Human Services Coalition

Called to Order

 The meeting was called to order at 10:31 a.m.

Mental Health

 Ms. Robertson reviewed the requests that were approved in the County Administrator's recommended budget, noting they are recommended at the requested level.

Ms. Kiefer arrived at this time.

Mr. DeLuca stated the security requests were a result of recommendations made by two different law enforcement agencies following a walk-through of the Mental Health facility.  Regarding a separate request, Ms. Blanchard inquired about the purpose and placement of the shelter.  Mr. DeLuca informed the Committee the shelter would be used by smokers to eliminate their proximity to the building's entrance and would be placed on the far side of the building.  Ms. Blanchard feels this is an unnecessary expense; individuals can walk by smokers on occasion without distress.  Ms. Kiefer pointed out some individuals are very sensitive to smoke.  Ms. Robertson also spoke in opposition to the shelter.  Mr. Winch said bricks and mortar absorb the smoke odor, and believes smoking should be disallowed on the grounds.

Mr. Proto arrived at this time.

Ms. Blanchard believes Legislators would have varied opinions.  Ms. Robertson stated there are smoking benches at the Human Services Building, at some distance from the entrance.  Mr. Winch believes it is a matter of administration of the issue rather than a facility issue.

Office for the Aging

Request for Position - Aging Services Specialist

 Following a brief explanation by Ms. Stein, it was MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve the request for an Aging Services Specialist for 1.5 days per week, at an hourly rate of $20.6192, with no local funding.  POSITION APPROVED.

Point of Entry - Long-Term Care System

 Ms. Stein reported the State Department of Health and Office for the Aging have been working on an initiative to develop a single point of entry for long-term care services.  This was recommended several years ago and required the county to provide a single point of entry for all subsidized clients seeking long-term care services.  In addition, private-pay individuals were encouraged to use the service, although it was not a requirement.  At that time some counties, including Tompkins County, established an access unit for long-term care.  The county's is the Long Term Care unit located at the Department of Social Services, serving clients of Medicaid, participants in the EISEP program, as well as some private pay and individuals in protective services for adults.  There also exists a contract with the Fingerlakes Independence Center for consumer-directed in-home care.

Ms. Stein explained the county could be the first point of contact for the funds for single point of entry if they desire.  She has encouraged Mr. Whicher to do so; if the county does not agree then the lead agency will be determined through a Request for Proposal process done at the State level.  If the County does accept this role a decision on which department would be lead is necessary.  Conversations between the County Office for the Aging and Department of Health, and Department of Social Services have taken place to discuss the matter.  It was determined the Department of Health would not be the appropriate lead agency as it is a provider agency and there could be a conflict.

Discussions continue as to the best department to handle this; there are plusses and minuses for either Office for the Aging or Department of Social Services.  The funding will be totally Federal funding and is designed to lessen confusion for clients, the majority of whom are subsidized.  Ms. Stein would like to see more outreach and publicity regarding the single point of entry and include provider agencies, communities, minority groups, gay and lesbian groups, churches, etc.  All clients would be provided with unbiased, objective, and consistent information about what is available in the county.  All clients would be screened and referrals made based upon client choices.  She indicated that not all clients are older individuals; many have disabilities, are brain injured, etc.

Mr. Proto inquired about outreach to the rural areas of the county and was informed by Ms. Carey that five nurses are set up in various areas of the county.  However more outreach is needed.  Mr. Proto suggested that bus routes be reviewed to determine whether they coincide with meetings discussing this topic.  He also suggested the possibility of transportation funding to assist in this area.  Ms. Carey said she met with Dwight Mengel of TCAT yesterday about this topic.

Ms. Stein said to have a private agency act as lead may result in a biased viewpoint of recommendations and that a government-based lead agency would be better received.  In addition, it would enhance what is already in place.  Ms. Kiefer inquired if the State would accept the Health and Human Services Cabinet as lead agency.  Ms. Carey was not sure how it would have to be designated.  Ms. Stein said the State Office for the Aging is encouraging the local Office for the Aging to be lead.  Ms. Blanchard suggested outreach information be provided to hospitals and physicians as well.  Ms. Carey said the majority of clients are SSI and some are children.  Mr. Proto suggested surrounding hospitals just outside of Tompkins County be included as well.

Administrator Budget

 A review of the over-target requests as recommended by the County Administrator showed that, for Foodnet, Mr. Whicher approved half as target and half as one-time funding.  Ms. Kiefer inquired why only one time and was informed by Mr. Whicher that there is a possible alternative solution for the second route, as well as the need to provide a zero percent increase budget.  Ms. Stein said they are looking into the frozen food option as suggested.  The State has been called to provide contacts of other counties utilizing frozen-food, however she has not heard encouraging information.  Some clients are not able to heat the food; others will not eat if the hot meal is not provided.  If it is determined this option may work for the county a cost study will be required.  Ms. Robertson noted some individuals may initially have the ability to use frozen meals but as their health deteriorates they may lose the ability to do so.  Ms. Stein stated two new routes are needed, one at the present time and one within the coming year.  She said the second route could be done as one-time funding with the hope of being awarded grants that would free up county funds which would allow shifting funding to Foodnet.  At the present time grants for the Long Term Care and EISEP programs will increase staff and add hours for clients.  By moving funding it may be possible to get the $60,000 into Foodnet by 2007.  Mr. Proto inquired if the redirection of food to the Gulf States has affected the Foodnet program.  Ms. Stein said it has not done so; the food sent there is from a different provider than the one used by Foodnet.

 Ms. Blanchard inquired if a professional evaluation has been done of the Foodnet program as well as a survey of the type of clients receiving meals.  She asked if meals are provided due to need, or are some delivered for convenience.  Ms. Stein said she does not know of any professional evaluators of this type of program, but she will check.  However at one point the Foodnet board did do an in-depth look at how their services are provided as well as a review of other providers.  Ms. Stein said the per-meal-cost for Foodnet is the lowest in the State. All potential consumers are screened for need and recommendations made accordingly.  Individuals being released from the hospital may receive the service for the length of time necessary to recuperate.  Individuals with the ability to be mobile, for example widowers who are healthy, are directed to congregate meals rather than in-home service.

RESOLUTION NO.     - ACCEPTANCE OF LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES GRANT FOR PERSONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEMS (PERS) MACHINES - TOMPKINS COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING (COFA)

 Ms. Stein indicated this is member item from Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton.

 It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously approved by voice vote by members present, to recommend the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.  RESOLUTION APPROVED.

 WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Office for the Aging administers a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) to help seniors and disabled County residents remain safely in independent living, and
 WHEREAS, many of Tompkins County Office for the Aging PERS machines are very old and irreparable, and
 WHEREAS, a number of individuals needing and seeking such machines continues to rise, and
 WHEREAS, Tompkins County Office for the Aging has been awarded a Legislative Initiatives Grant in the amount of $10,000 to purchase approximately fifty-two (52) machines, now therefore be it
  RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee, That the County hereby accepts this grant of $10,000,
 RESOLVED, further, that the Finance Director is authorized to make the following adjustments to his books:
 REVENUE:  A6787.43803 State Revenue $10,000
 APPROPRIATION: A6721.52219 PERS Units $10,000
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

Administrator Budget Discussion

 It was noted that the request for staffing of team leader positions was denied by the County Administrator.   Ms. Kiefer asked why the positions were not recommended and was informed that Mr. Whicher did not approve any new positions due to his charge of presenting a zero percent increase budget.  He noted if there were funds available it would require further discussion prior to any approval.  Ms. Kiefer said it would be important to have the discussions if the Legislature were to consider approving any of the positions at the expanded budget meetings.  Mr. Proto asked Ms. Cole what the impact of not receiving funding for the positions would be.  She expressed concern for the Children with Special Care Needs (CSCN) Team Leader position, noting there is no backup staff for this position.  This individual does the quality assurance function as well.  The other request for Community Health Services Division has two staff in the positions; they could use another staff person to reduce caseload, however it is not as imperative as the CSCN position.  Ms. Cole will provide additional information on the positions for the expanded budget meeting.

Update on Crypto Outbreak

 Ms. Cole reported that 3,933 individuals have been affected with this disease statewide.  There are 663 confirmed cases, of which 67 are in Tompkins County.  There are new regulations at the State level that should be in effect by November 2005.  She said although this disease could be fatal there have been no deaths reported.  However, there is no medication or treatment other than re-hydration while it runs it course.  In response to a question she said the regulations would not apply to the sprinklers at Stewart Park.  She noted the water at the park where the outbreak occurred was re-circulated through their system; Stewart Park does not re-circulate the water.  She spoke of the large expense to follow these cases and the paperwork involved.

Building Conditions

 Ms. Cole stated she will be providing monthly updates on the condition of the Biggs B building.  She reported that as of August 25, 2005, three incident reports have been filed regarding air-quality concerns, with one employee going home ill.  On August 11 a list was received from Mr. LeMaro indicating 24 items requiring attention, including repair of a portion of the roof, which has gone out to bid.  In response to the reports the Facilities plan calls for six dehumidifiers, which are in place; a storage trailer adjacent to the building to hold materials removed from the basement, some of which are to be shredded; Sunstream is abating pipes in the basement (50-60 sets to abate); HVAC replacement in the WIC area of the building; and re-insulating of pipes by Sunstream when abatement is complete. She noted removal of items from the basement is being assisted by the Probation Department's Service Work Alternative Program (SWAP) that is supervised by work project supervisors from the Probation Department.

Mr. Croteau said while work is being done for abatement, air-quality testing, including Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) air-quality samplings, has been conducted.  The TEM test is specifically designed to indicate asbestos particles found; to date there have not been any detected.  Ms. Robertson inquired what department the funds for air-quality testing come from and was informed it is out of the Facilities Division's emergency fund.  Ms. Kiefer questioned having the funds for testing come out of the Facilities budget rather than Health Department's where Mr. Croteau is.  Ms. Cole said due to the nature of the Health Department budget it is not possible to have this within their department.  Ms. Grinnell-Crosby said Article 6 of State regulations does not allow funds of this type because of State aid considerations.  Mr. LeMaro will have the funds budgeted in the Facilities Division and Mr. Croteau authorizes each use for air-quality testing.  Ms. Kiefer asked who determines the amount of money budgeted for this type of testing.  Mr. Whicher said $5,000 was determined by Mr. LeMaro to be an adequate figure.  In the event testing requirements exceed this amount a request may be made from the contingent fund.  It was noted this amount is only for the testing, not abatements.

RESOLUTION NO. – APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND – TERMINAL PAY – HEALTH DEPARTMENT

 It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present, to recommend the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.  MOTION APPROVED.

 WHEREAS, the Health Department had an Administrative Coordinator, Community Health Nurse and Public Health Sanitarian resignations effective May 12, 2005, June 10, 2005, and June 30, 2005, respectively, and
 WHEREAS, the Fiscal Policy of Tompkins County allows for terminal pay from the Contingent Fund, 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 appropriation:
 FROM:  A1990.54440  Contingent Fund  $ 23,173
 TO:  A4010.51000674 Administrative Coordinator $ 11,805
   A4016.58800  Fringes    $   4,604
A4016.51000580 Community Health Nurse $   2,841
   A4016.58800  Fringes    $   1,108
   A4090.51000595 Public Health Sanitarian  $   2,025
   A4016.58800  Fringes    $      790
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

 It was noted that the funds enabling the purchase of an indoor air-quality monitor were from the Quality-of-Life fund through the Tompkins Community Foundation.

Social Services Department

Consolidated Services Plan

 Members received an update of the Consolidated Services Plan that will be sent to the State for approval.

Administrator Budget Discussion

 There was discussion of the over-target request for a Functional Family Therapy contract, which was denied by the County Administrator.  Ms. Carey said it is needed due to changes in the Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) law; for example the department will now be required to appear in court every six months for each case, versus once a year.  The State will look to see that counties demonstrate they are providing clients with all possible treatments prior to a PINS filing with the courts.  This means there must be adequate staffing to provide this additional therapy.  Ms. Carey has been seeking other funding for this, including a potential grant for $40,000 with matching funds; the County has been fortunate in receiving this grant in the past and she hopes to hear by the end of the October that it will be successful.  Mr. Whicher explained that the decisions related to the denial of the position become somewhat complicated.  In order to introduce this program it would require reducing the County Attorney budget as this type of work has previously been completed from that office.  He believes it requires review prior to any determination.

Request for Position - Caseworker

 It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, to approve the request to fill a Full Time Caseworker position in the Social Services Department, at the working rate of $40,908, with 28% local funding.  Ms. Carey explained the request and said there are more cases of substance abuse, mental health issues, and larger families with children spread over a large age span.  She said the State monitors the number of cases each worker handles.  She spoke of a recent tragedy in Nassau County where two children were scalded to death; the caseworker's load was higher than the recommended number.  Ms. Carey stressed the importance of looking out for the children involved in these cases to avoid a similar situation.  Ms. Carey explained the term "caseworker" is broad and it is important to understand the duties.  Mr. Proto asked if it is difficult to find an individual who has all the job requirements.  Ms. Carey explained the difficulties with retaining employees in this title.  She commented that new employees are provided mandatory training in Albany for their position, which includes knowledge of the law, reporting systems, and the State software.  Ms. Robertson noted the overall population of the county has increased three percent while the number of caseworkers has not.  Mr. Winch asked if an analysis is done to determine why individuals vacate positions. He was informed there are exit interviews, and burnout is a big issue.

A voice vote on the motion resulted as follows:  Ayes - 5; Noes - 0.  POSITION APPROVED.

Report on Homelessness and Shelter Bednights

 Members of the Committee were provided with graphs that indicated shelter occupants by residence and age, employment status, and the causes/reasons for homelessness.  Ms. Carey reported she had been able to fund a project assistant to input the data received.  Ms. Schlather said the information graphed is for the past ten months.  This preliminary report did not include the number of families, number of children, or how long particular individuals/families had required shelter, but that will be included in future reports.  She said the largest age group requiring shelter was 36-50 years old.  Mr. Whicher asked to have a breakout of non-residents by age and asked whether the County is liable to provide support for non-residents.  Ms. Carey said if an open case in another county exists the County receives funds as a charge back to the original county.  If there is no open case an individual is considered to be a Tompkins County resident. For unemployed individuals a referral is made to a labor referral employee in Social Services to determine if employment is an option.

During the discussion that followed a question was raised as to how many were evicted for non-payment versus other causes, and how many are coming from jail versus prison.  A discussion of how to clarify information and assist in avoiding evictions occurred.  It was noted the City of Ithaca in the past had an employee who assisted individuals residing within the City who were facing possible evictions, which had been helpful.  Ms. Carey stressed the importance of developing a method for individuals to easily contact Social Services for assistance prior to an actual eviction.  She spoke of discussions with Information Technology Services to determine if it is possible to obtain a dedicated telephone line for this type of assistance that would not cost county residents extra.

 It was noted that the Department of Social Services has obtained a good deal of the information regarding homeless and housing needs, and if individual names are not used they have the right to use the information in the database.

 Ms. Carey informed the Committee that the person previously with her at the meeting was Mr. Raza, an Ithaca College intern who will be assisting with the statistical analysis of the information being received.

 Ms. Blanchard inquired what the male/female split is and was informed that overall there were 239 males and 139 females.

Additional Requests from Committee

 Mr. Proto requested a report on the automobile ownership program, including how the vehicles are purchased and from whom.  He has heard there may be potential abuses by over-inflated amounts when purchases were from family members.

 Mr. Proto spoke about a legal notice regarding a judgment for a lien on a property in Newfield that named Ms. Carey as the Social Services Commissioner.  He asked how many houses/properties the Department of Social Services has liens on.  Ms. Carey did not know the exact figure and said when individuals who own property are provided services, a lien is placed on the property.   Ms. Carey said a signature is required authorizing the lien.  If the person is younger than age 55 and the house is sold, there are different criteria than for individuals over 65 selling their homes.

 Ms. Blanchard said she would like to see a meeting with the Landlords Association regarding evictions.  Mr. Proto said perhaps it might be good to meet with City landlords and rural landlords separately.  It was thought it could provide insight as to the causes for evictions.

 Mr. Whicher spoke highly of the Homelessness and Shelter Bednight information that was provided.  He said this is what he means when he talks about data-driven decision-making.  It allows the Committee to be well informed when making decisions.

Human Services Coalition

 Mr. Whicher said he took the suggested recommendations for service agencies very seriously, as  he feels a great deal of in-depth work takes place at the Human Services Coalition to make appropriate recommendations.  He said it appears as though a great deal of funding was provided to agencies, however, their figures include salary increases that are not shown in County departmental budgets.

 Ms. Robertson spoke of the Better Housing of Tompkins County request, questioning if it should be in the Planning Department budget as it is part of the County's Comprehensive Plan.  Mr. Whicher said the question was asked and it was noted it should be in Better Housing's budget.  Ms. Robertson then asked whether the Multicultural Center's request should be included in Personnel's budget as it supported the diversity initiative the county is undertaking; she was informed it funds a work-study student to assist in this effort, working at the center.

Youth Services

Administrator Budget Discussion

 Ms. Robertson noted the over-target request for funding of the Recreation Partnership was approved as one-time funding in the amount of $14,500.  Mr. Whicher reported he had not initially approved any funding for the Recreation Partnership but due to some flexibility in the one-time funds he was able to include it.  Ms. Blanchard asked if any of the municipalities have requested to withdraw from the Recreation Partnership and was informed by Ms. Zahler that while no formal written notice has occurred, the Town of Ulysses is expected to withdraw in 2007; however, the town has not notified its residents of the action.  She feels it may be reconsidered in the future when people are made aware of the town’s action.  She reported that other towns are considering the Recreation Partnership Board’s recommendation to increase funding over the next year.   Ms. Zahler reported the Town of Ulysses felt that in the absence of information about participation, specifically the addresses of participants, they would not continue to participate.  Mr. Proto asked if the rural areas have local programs available and was informed by Ms. Zahler the partnership is looking into expanding to provide rural programming in addition to programs within the City.  She said sports teams practice locally and come together at Cass Park for actual games.

 Ms. Robertson noted that the county’s allocation was initially $52,000, later reduced to $38,110.  It was noted at that time that the county's in-kind contribution of staff time made up the difference between the cash contribution and the amount required to be a full partner.  The additional cash funding in the OTR brings it up to full partner level.  Ms. Zahler said this would restore the original arrangement, with the county paying 1/4, the City paying 1/4, the Town of Ithaca 1/4, with the other municipalities sharing the cost of the other 1/4.  It was noted that Mr. Whicher approved funding to restore the half-time planner position within the department.  The request for additional funding for salaries of program managers was provided on a one-time basis.

2004-2006 Comprehensive Youth Services Plan

 Ms. Blanchard questioned a statement contained within the Executive Summary Goal 2 regarding youth avoiding incarceration in jail through the Learning Web's Youth Outreach Program.  She did not understand how this could occur since incarceration is at the discretion of judges.  Ms. Zahler said the Learning Web is active with older independent and homeless youth and also involved with some younger youth in drug courts.

 It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously approved by voice vote to accept the Tompkins County Youth Services Annual Plan Update, County Comprehensive Plan - Strategic Component and Administrative Component for the period of September 1, 2005 - December 31, 2006.

Chair's Report

 Ms. Robertson reported on the meeting held to discuss the county’s response to Hurricane Katrina.  In response to Mr. Proto's question, she explained the meeting came about as a result of numerous calls from various agencies and departments in an attempt to determine what could be done locally to support relief efforts.  The meeting will bring together various agencies and individuals to discuss whether the County could support refugees as well as other ways to support the victims.  She noted at this time Cornell University is opening their classes to Tulane students.  Ms. Robertson said that while Tompkins County may be able to support employment it would be difficult to find housing.  However, there is a floor at Lakeside Nursing Home that might be able to be utilized.  She said there is a need to be careful not to take on more than the county could deal with.  Ms. Blanchard said it will be important not to promise more than we are capable of doing.

 Mr. Whicher spoke of a law passed in 1991 that requires an employer to pay employees who are Red Cross trained volunteers and who leave work to serve during an emergency situation.

 Mr. Winch said he is familiar with Lakeside's unused space and asked if they were contacted.  Ms. Robertson said the union for those employees will be meeting to discuss the matter.

Liaison Reports

Tompkins Community Action - It was noted the Annual Report provided information on their activities.

Approval of Minutes of August 3 and 16, 2005

 It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members to accept the minutes of August 3, 2005, as submitted.

 The minutes of August 16, 2005 were deferred.

Adjournment:  On motion, the Committee adjourned at 1:06 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk