Called to Order
The meeting was called to order at 3:10 p.m. by Mr. Proto, Chairman.
Additions/Changes to the Agenda
Two budget transfers for the Office for the Aging were provided for information only.
Office for the Aging
Budget Adjustments
It was MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Shinagawa, and unanimously approved by voice vote by members present, to approve the following budget adjustments:
Office for the Aging
Revenue Acct
Title
Amt Approp Acct Title(s) ___________
6780.43803 State Revenue $56,477 6780.54491 Subcontractor
Explanation: Increase revenue in the EISEP program for subcontract.
6793.44772 Federal Revenue $7,000 6793.54491 Subcontractor
Explanation: Increase revenue in the HIICAP program for subcontract.
The Committee reviewed additional budget adjustments that did not require action.
Ms. Holmes announced there would be an annual Public Hearing and Senior Citizens’ Fair to be held on Monday, October 23rd at Titus Towers. This event provides a series of workshops as well as the opportunity for senior citizens to speak of issues affecting their lives.
Ms. Holmes reported the department has implemented the Point of Entry with the Department of Social Services and they are collaborating and sharing ideas on the topic.
Youth Services
Continuation of JobLINK subcontract with Office of Employment and Training
Ms. Zahler reported the last two years Youth Services has worked as a subcontractor, using Federal Workforce Investment funds, and it appears it will continue in the future. She asked Ms. Mattick to provide information regarding the work done by Youth Services.
Ms. Mattick said a large portion of their funding is for youth programs. For the current year Workforce Development has been informed they will receive $310,000 for youth employment programs. As part of the requirements, a Request for Proposals by the Youth Employment Council (YEC) was done in August, and due in September. Proposals received from the Office of Employment and Training and the Youth Services department were reviewed by YEC. As each has been performing these functions for several years the bids were awarded to each. The full Workforce Investment Board approved the award on September 26th. This program will serve 150 economically disadvantaged youth over the course of the next year. Ms. Mattick spoke of the collaboration required of County Youth Services, Department of Social Services, Probation, Cooperative Extension Rural Youth Services Program, etc. She spoke of the in-school and out-of-school components of the program and the need to connect with youth employment providers in the community and access the school districts. Ms. Mattick spoke of the income guidelines being extremely low, with a family of one being between $12,000 - $13,000 annual income.
Ms. Zahler spoke of the connections between the departments, noting that the connections existing in the youth community assist in providing a continuum of work. In addition, she noted the program is very targeted and structured, and a good example of how the three departments work together. It was noted the program was initially provided $80,000, with a subsequent grant last year of $370,000. For the State fiscal year July 2006 to June 2007, a grant of $310,000 was received.
In response to Mr. Proto’s question of outreach, he was informed that most occurs through public schools, and rural program members who are familiar with youth make recommendations to Ms. Coleman of Youth Services. The older youth outreach is completed by Ms. Zook, who deals with the runaway and homeless youth programs. In addition, the Department of Social Services assists in identifying youth who meet the eligibility guidelines. In addition, it was reported by Ms. Mattick the measurement of success is extensive: (1) job retention at three, six, and nine months, (2) earnings gained six months after joining the program; and for the in-school younger youth, (1) retention in school, (2) academic gain, (3) literacy/numeral gain. The goal is to have nationally recognized credentials (diploma, GED, Associate Degree, etc.) that can be utilized regardless of geographic area.
It was requested that the Committee receive a mid-year report; Ms. Bradac of Office of Employment and Training will do so.
Youth Service Updates
Ms. Zahler provided written updates of various programs within the department. She also reported that the Town of Ulysses has opted back into the Recreation Partnership for 2007 and will be forwarding an official copy of the resolution adopted by the Town to request continued County support of the Recreation Partnership. A brief update on the Youth Violence Prevention Task Force was provided, noting that the Task Force will work on determining what is youth violence, the nature and scope of what direction to take to prevent it, and develop a comprehensive strategy. The first meeting will take place later this month to begin this process. Ms. Zahler reported a project assistant has been hired to assist with the project.
Department of Social Services
The Committee received written monthly reports from the Department for review. Ms. Robertson asked for a report at a future meeting on juvenile delinquent services, as that mandated area has been consistently over-budget this year. Mr. Whicher noted that fees for State Training Schools are being raised 51%.
Health Department
Future Funding for Health and Safety Coordinator
Ms. Crosby noted the position was created in 1992-93, and Mr. Croteau has held the position since its creation. At the time the position was created it was suggested to place it within the Health Department to enable Article 6 State Aid eligibility status. This position has been funded through the Fringe pool and State Aid, however, this year the State indicated it is no longer eligible for the Article 6 State Aid, thus the Department needs to have this amount offset due to the loss of revenue.
A discussion took place regarding the services performed by Mr. Croteau, which include mandated services, safety training, air quality testing, audio exams, etc. Mr. Croteau provided a graph indicating the reduction of workers compensation claims since the inception of the position. He noted that his position has actually saved County dollars due to reductions in claims. In addition, he has developed a good relationship with the Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau (PESH). Mr. Croteau indicated that as a result of this program the County has not any violations in the past thirteen years.
It was noted that the amount of reduced revenue is $15,733, which would require funding from either the Contingent Fund or the Fringe pool. In 2007 a request to fund this amount from the Fringe Pool will be made. Ms. Crosby said the change is due to periodic review of programs and rules; a similar situation occurred within the EMS program as well. The Committee discussed the possibility of the cost of this position being shared in other ways such as an across-the-board departmental charge, charging units for actual time used, etc. Mr. Croteau also noted that the work he does may not readily show the benefits. Mr. Whicher noted that discussions regarding where to fund this shortfall have taken place and that there are many stakeholders. He recommended a resolution be brought forward with a Contingent Fund request for the loss of State funding for the remainder of 2006, with further discussions regarding the future of the position and its funding to occur in 2007. Mr. Whicher said at present the Legislature would not have the ability to thoroughly review the position to determine the best course of action; this should be a task for the appropriate Committee(s) during 2007. Mr. Hattery noted he believes this to be an Administrative/County-wide expense rather than a Health Department expense. Ms. Robertson would like to see several options considered, including one that spreads the cost over departments.
Power Outage
Mr. Whicher reported that due to an electrical storm, the Health Department is experiencing a power outage. Due to smoke in the electrical room the building has been evacuated. Mr. LeMaro and staff are presently on site and determining the extent of the problem.
RESOLUTION NO. – APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND – TERMINAL PAY – HEALTH DEPARTMENT
It as MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Shinagawa, and unanimously approved by voice vote by members present, to recommend approval of the following resolution to the full Legislature.
WHEREAS, the Health Department had a Senior Public Health Engineer
retire effective September 8, 2006, and
WHEREAS, the Fiscal Policy of Tompkins County allows for terminal
pay from the Contingent Fund, and
WHEREAS, a portion of the terminal pay has been authorized and
paid, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services
and the Budget and Capital Committees, That the Director of Finance is
hereby authorized and directed to make the following budget appropriations:
FROM: A1990.54440 Contingent Fund $11,241
TO: A4090.51000240 Senior Public Health Engineer $
8,087
A4090.58800 Fringes $ 3,154
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
Explanation: The Senior Public Health Engineer retired, and was hired back temporarily. Final payment will be made when temporary employment terminates.
Budget Adjustments
It was MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Shinagawa, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to recommend approval of the following budget adjustment to the full Legislature.
Health Department – Planning and Coordination
Revenue Acct
Title
Amt Approp Acct Title(s) ___________
4010.44959 Federal Aid
$15,854 4010.54442 Professional Services
Explanation: Extension of Innovative Dental program contracted
7/1/06 – 3/31/07 (contract with Department of Social Services).
It was MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Hattery, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to recommend approval of the following budget adjustment to the full Legislature. It was noted the State grant funds are provided to Cayuga Medical Center to provide the service.
Health Department – Community Health Services
Revenue Acct
Title
Amt Approp Acct Title(s) ___________
4016.43489 Other Health Income $5,000 4016.54442
Professional Service
Explanation: Extension of Diabetes Grant.
Fees
Human Services Coalition
Better Housing for Tompkins County
Mr. Spence, Director, provided an update on the one-time funding
for a community education initiative authorized for 2006 to discuss affordable
housing with municipalities. He reported this successful project
was a three-prong approach. Discussions took place during well-attended
public meetings in Lansing, Dryden, Newfield, Groton, and Danby in order
to obtain and call attention to affordable housing in the county.
Through these discussions a variety of areas were identified including
the inability to remain in housing due to increased assessments, the inability
of young people to purchase housing due to costs, rental versus ownership,
downsizing homes, etc. Some communities have individuals willing
to advocate for housing when needed. Two sessions with local community
legislators occurred to discuss zoning issues requiring consideration to
assist in removing roadblocks effecting housing issues. In addition,
Better Housing of Tompkins County did a a media campaign with billboards
and space in the Ithaca Journal and local radio stations to call attention
to the need for affordable housing.
Mr. Spence reported the $18,000 county contract for the initiative leveraged a total of $56,000 from the United Way and other in-kind funding. It is hoped to keep the conversations alive and have more meetings with local supervisors and community members to assist to keep things moving forward. He noted Better Housing has applied for funding that will allow national research to help moving things forward. He indicated the work cannot go forward without additional funding; however, they may be able to obtain assistance from a research assistant from Cornell University to do the work. Mr. Proto indicated that the new Cornell University President indicated commitment to assisting the county with regard to affordable housing. Ms. Robertson also suggested Cornell’s Planning Department be contacted for information as they have a lot of research information available.
Mr. Spence noted Lansing spoke to Better Housing regarding the possibility of developing 150 acres as part of their Master Plan that is presently being developed.
Health Planning Council – TompkinsRx and Urgent Rx
Ms. Falcao reported that through August 2006 the TompkinsRx plan
has saved individuals approximately $380,000.
The UrgentRx plan to provide emergency funding to uninsured people for prescriptions has been utilized by Cayuga Medical Center, the Cayuga Medical Center Convenient Care in Lansing, and the Emergency Room. She indicated it provides a good picture of what people’s needs are. The majority of 605 prescriptions provided for are antibiotics, steroids, and pain medication. In addition, it shows some people in the County are without insurance. Through negotiation with Kinney Drugs, a thirty-percent discount was provided for the program. She indicated the program will continue. The need is great due to the economics of making too much for Medicaid or Family Health Plus, but cannot afford the $9,000 cost of health insurance.
At this time the prescriptions are paid for by the United Way, with follow-up done by the Tompkins Health Network. Discussions are ongoing about expanding the program, perhaps to the Ithaca Free Clinic. Although United Way is continuing to raise funds for the UrgentRx program, other funding is being sought.
Home Health Aides
Ms. Falcao spoke of the over 300,000 hours of service per year
provided by home health aides. Continued work is being undertaken
with Workforce Development to increase interest in this field to cover
the needs.
Approval of Minutes
It was MOVED by Mr. Hattery, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously approved by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes of September 5, 2006, as amended.
Chair’s Report
Advisory Board Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Hattery, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously approved by voice vote by members present, to approve the appointment of John Bezirganian to the Substance Abuse Subcommittee for a term to expire on December 31, 2007.
It was MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Shinagawa, and unanimously approved by voice vote by members present, to approve the appointment of Auguste Duplan to the MR/DD Subcommittee for a term to expire on December 31, 2009. Members requested that information on his credentials be clarified prior to recommending the appointment to the full Legislature.
Tompkins Rx
Ms. Robertson reported that usage of TompkinsRx following implementation of Medicare Part “D” has not dropped off, indicating that the program is used by many non-senior citizens. She also reported that several other counties in New York have started a similar program for their residents.
Adjournment: On motion, the Committee adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
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