HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 29, 2003 12:00 P.M. SCOTT HEYMAN CONFERENCE ROOM
Present: M. Robertson, Chair; N. Schuler; P. Penniman
(arrived at 2:05 p.m.); M. Koplinka-Loehr
(arrived at 2:05 p.m.)
Excused: F. Proto
Staff: B. DeLuca, Mental Health
Commissioner; I. Stein, Office for the Aging Director; A. Cole,
Public Health Director; N. Zahler, Youth Bureau Director; B. Crosby, Public
Health Administrator; B. Falcao, Health Planning Council; M. Dolan, Social
Services Commissioner; S. Whicher, County Administrator; M. Dill, Human Services
Coalition; M. Agnew, Alcoholism Council
Called to Order
Ms. Robertson called the meeting to order at 2:03 p.m.
Committee Meeting Schedule
As there were conflicts with the Committee meeting on
the third Wednesday of the month, Ms. Robertson asked if the Committee wished
to change its schedule.
Mr. Penniman and Mr. Koplinka-Loehr arrived at this time.
Following a brief discussion, the Committee agreed to
meet the first Wednesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. and the third Thursday
of the month at 8:45 a.m.
Changes to Agenda
There were no changes to the agenda.
Approval of Minutes
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mrs. Schuler,
and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the
minutes of the December 10, 2002 and January 7, 2003 meetings as corrected.
MOTION CARRIED.
Charge to Committee
Structure
Ms. Robertson said there is agreement among Board members
and Administration that Committees need to start focussing on policy and
understanding bigger issues. The purpose of the second meeting of the
month will be to help the Committee understand the issues departments have
now and in the future.
She said she is proud to be chairing the Committee as
this is the best function of government. The departments reporting
to this Committee carry out the community's responsibility to help those
in need, and this is what government should be about. The agencies
and non-profits are also an integral part of this function. She said
she would like to see the Committee educate the larger community about the
very real and important needs of the clients that are served.
Expectations
Ms. Robertson outlined expectations and said she would
like to start meetings on time this year. Agenda items are due to Cathy
Covert one week prior to the meeting. The packet will be sent out ahead
of time to give Committee members an opportunity to read it and request additional
information, if necessary, prior to the meeting.
Mr. Whicher said Committee Chairs are being asked to visit
the departments that report to their committee. Ms. Robertson said
she would contact each department to set up a time.
2003 Goals
Ms. Robertson asked for suggestions for the Committee
to consider for its 2003 goals. She said she hopes at the next meeting
to look at departmental goals, work plans, and 2002 year-end reports.
One goal Ms. Robertson said she would like is for the
Committee to monitor the affects of the budget cuts made within departments.
Ms. Dolan feels it is important for the Committee to review
2002 agency and division goals as well as spend time reviewing overall programs
and services. She said the budget issue is another important area and
feels that decisions made that are having an operational impact, and tracking
expenditures and revenue projections as compared to the allocation, need
to be monitored.
Ms. Dill said her comments are similar to Ms. Dolan's
and that it is important to look at the budget impacts and educate the public
on services provided by agencies.
Ms. Robertson reviewed her list of goals:
Transition of Social Services Commissioner role
Support implementation of Neighbor Notification Law for Pesticide
use
Facilitate and help examine merger of two agencies
SPCA relationship
Relationship and facilities issues between City and County Youth Bureau
(Recreation Partnership)
Focus on how services can be provided to help change conditions so people
can better solve their problems within their own capacity (e.g., ATI programs)
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr thought the Committee should include terrorism and homeland
security issues. Mr. Whicher also commented that HIPPA and Medicaid
issues should also be considered.
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said that op-ed pieces might be useful
following some of the presentations to Committee.
Ms. Robertson said a draft list of the goals will be prepared
for the Committee to review and prioritize at the next meeting.
Liaison Assignments
The following is a draft list of liaison assignments Board
members agreed to do:
Board of Health - Martha Robertson
Health Planning Council - Frank Proto ?
Community Mental Health- Nancy Schuler
PERS Advisory Board - Nancy Schuler
GIAC Board (2 seats)
DSS Advisory Council - Daniel Winch
COFA Advisory Board - Thomas Todd
Human Services Coalition - Mike Koplinka-Loehr
Recreation Partnership - Martha Robertson
Mike Koplinka-Loehr (+ alternate – Dick Booth?)
Youth Board - Peter Penniman/Nancy Schuler
Alcoholism Council - Martha Robertson
RSVP Board- Peter Penniman
Senior Citizens Council
Homeless and Housing Task Force - Peter Penniman
Appointment - Mental Health
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr. Penniman,
to approve an appointment to the Mental Health Services Board Substance Abuse
Subcommittee. Following a brief discussion, it was MOVED by Mrs. Schuler,
seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present, to TABLE said appointment until the next meeting.
MOTION TO TABLE CARRIED.
Update on Small Pox Vaccinations
Ms. Cole provided an update on the status of the Small
Pox Vaccination and said there has been a delay in the process until March.
At that time, approximately 100 health providers (20 from the Health Department
and 80 from Cayuga Medical Center) will be vaccinated. Phase two will
follow and includes a broader group of health providers, law enforcement,
and first responders. The third phase will be implemented in 2004 and
will be available for the general public.