Present: N. Schuler, Chair; S. Davis; S. Stein; F. Proto; D. Winch
Staff: R. DeLuca, Depuuty Mental Health Commissioner; T. Albert, Youth Bureau; J. Johnson, Youth Bureau; M. Dolan, Department of Social Services
Called to Order
Chair Schuler called the meeting to order at 11:04 a.m.
Changes to Agenda
The following items were added to the agenda:
· Office for the Aging Budget Adjustment
Approval of Minutes
It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes of the September 19, 2001 meeting, as amended.
Chair's Report
Mrs. Schuler reported that she attended the annual meeting of the American Red Cross held at the Holiday Inn on September 25, 2001. Mr. Raffe was the speaker and provided an update of the events occurring following September 11, 2001. She noted that yesterday the local American Red Cross was meeting on emergency preparedness. She said that the main topic was cooperation and coordination of services in the event of an emergency.
Mr. Proto spoke of his appreciation with the update and information provided on how to deal with events. Mrs. Schuler said it was important to realize that the County plan is not new but has been in place for a long period of time. Mr. Proto inquired whether the media had or would be receiving the material given out at the previous night’s Board meeting. Mrs. Schuler replied that they would be provided with the information
Office for the Aging
Budget Adjustment
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Stein, and unanimously adopted by voice vote of members present, to submit the following budget adjustments to the full Board for approval:
Office for the Aging (43)
Revenue Acct Title
Amt Approp Acct
Title(s) _
6772 44772 Federal Revenue ($179.76) 6772 51000559
Salary
Explanation: Federal Revenue reductions.
Office for the Aging (44)
Revenue Acct Title
Amt Approp Acct
Title(s) _
6781 44772 Federal Revenue $262
6772 51000529 Salary
Explanation: Increase in Revenue in Title III-E (Support for
Caregivers Program) permits increase in support staff’s salary.
Office for the Aging (45)
Revenue Acct Title
Amt Approp Acct
Title(s) _
6772 44772 Federal Revenue $546 6772 51000215
Salary
Explanation: Increase in Revenue in Title III-B(Supportive Services)
permits increase in Director’s salary to free up County dollars.
Office for the Aging (46)
Revenue Acct Title
Amt Approp Acct
Title(s) _
6796 44772 Federal Revenue $ 20
6796 54330 Printing
6796 44772 Federal Revenue $2,180 6796 54400
Program Expense
6796 44772 Federal Revenue $3,040 6796 51000517
Salary
6796 44772 Federal Revenue $ 760 6796
58800 Fringes
Explanation: Revenue Increase in Weatherization Referral and Packaging Program (WRAP).
Office for the Aging (47)
Revenue Acct Title
Amt Approp Acct
Title(s) _
6793 44772 Federal Revenue ($102) 6793 54491
Subcontract
Explanation: Decrease in Federal Revenue in HIICAP (Health Insurance
Counseling)
Office for the Aging (49)
Revenue Acct Title
Amt Approp Acct
Title(s) _
6784 44772 Federal Revenue $1,642.35 6784 54491
Subcontract
Explanation: Federal Revenue increase in Cash-in-Lieu for amount
per meal in food program.
Ms. Stein notified the committee of the Public Hearing on the Annual Plan taking place on October 22 at 10:00 a.m. at Longview. She reported that a Panel will take place regarding the nursing home crisis. Mr. Marshall Blake of the Central New York Service Worker’s Local speaking from the union workers point of view and Ms. Penny Avalencia of PACE will speak of the care of patients during the crisis. Assemblyman Luster was scheduled to speak regarding the legislative agenda, however he has been called back to Albany and will have a member of his staff present in his place.
Mr. Proto asked what the line item of Ombudsman program is. Ms. Stein informed him that this program is for patient advocates. Volunteers are able to refer to complaints to these individuals who go to meetings and present the patient’s concern. This provides the patient with a sense of security that they will not be mistreated in any way for expressing a concern due to anonymity. The volunteers are trained and the funds are used to send them to regional training and for their transportation expenses. Volunteers in this program are to be included in the Panel Discussion taking place at Longview.
Department of Social Services
Ms. Dolan reported that she feels that an in-depth report on the Dental Program should be done within the next few months. Mrs. Schuler asked if she felt it would be good for the presentation to be done at Committee level prior to going to the Board. Following a brief discussion it was determined that the Board will be notified of the presentation to the Committee and any interested party could attend.
Ms. Dolan notified the Committee that she has contacted agency directors of the funding situation which will eliminate programs or portions of programs due to the lack of TANF revenue. The agencies that are affected include Challenge Industries, Catholic Charities, Beverly J. Martin Literacy Program, Family Resource Center, Alternative to Incarceration and Drug Council. She noted that the Department of Social Services is also affected as screening for drugs and alcohol and assessments as well as Domestic Violence Liaison activities, which are mandatory under law, are losing funding. She noted that although they are not able to fund programs, none of these will specifically eliminate a program for a client. Ms. Dolan said that through alternate planning she is working with agencies to develop a plan to continue the programs wherever possible through June 2002.
Ms. Dolan stated that the total cut in funding appears to be approximately $100,000. She said that there are programs that will be cut that have been successful such as the Merit Incentive Program for students. Mrs. Schuler inquired about the feasibility of obtaining outside funding for the programs. Ms. Dolan said that although it may be possible, it is only a short-term solution.
Mr. Stein noted that there is an anticipated $170,000 shortfall at the end of the year and asked how the difference would be made up. Ms. Dolan said that it is an accounting function that Mr. Squires attends to at the end of the fiscal year. She said that he applies any unused funds in other areas of their budget to this amount with the balance adjusted out of the General Fund. It was noted by the Committee that this figure is reduced from previously anticipated shortfalls.
Mr. Stein inquired whether Ms. Dolan was aware of the State Legislature’s consideration of postponing the new PINS legislation for a year and if it would change her budget needs. Ms. Dolan said that her department had not budgeted any specific increases for the new legislation and had worked with current programs to refocus the youth preventive programs activities to assist with this. She said that it is hard to budget for the youth preventive programs due to the nature of them. Youths requiring housing in detention homes may vary and therefore the costs are not exact. She also said that they are working with other departments such as the Youth Bureau to develop the best services necessary.
Youth Bureau
Appointments:
It was MOVED by Ms. Proto, seconded by Mr. Stein, and unanimously adopted, to submit the following appointments to the full Board for approval:
Tompkins County Youth Bureau
Lauren Pecararo – Town of Caroline – term to expire December 31, 2002
Mrs. Schuler reported that a print out was received regarding the Outing Program. She noted that the numbers of participates were given and that information Committee members may desire should be provided in this report. Mr. Proto noted that it was discussed to remove all or most of the funding for this program that serves youth from outside the City of Ithaca area. He asked whether the Outing Program would not be operational if the funds are removed and was told that it would. Mr. Proto asked if the minutes of the Expanded Budget Meeting be reviewed for detail of this program. Further discussion of this program occurred and it was suggested that this program be reviewed and that information be shared further. Mr. Stein said that it is a two-part question; the first is an evaluation of where the program is going, and the second being what are the benefits to the youth served. He noted that this is difficult to provide accurate information of just how the youths benefit as it is very subjective.
Ms. Fuller shared with the Committee her experience with this program and reflected upon children she knew who were positively influenced by their participation in it.
Staff from the Youth Bureau noted that many of the children served look at the Outing Program as the only consistent factor in their young lives. Many of the children are transient and regardless of where in the County they move have the availability of the program. Another factor to consider is that this Program continues on for several years and provides them something to look forward to in the school year.
Mental Health Department
Mrs. Schuler introduced Mr. Robert DeLuca, the new Deputy Mental Health Commissioner. Mr. DeLuca provided the Committee with a brief history of his past employment. He then gave an overview of his present duties for the Mental Health Department. Mr. DeLuca will participate with the Subcommittees of the Mental Health Board as well as being responsible for administrative duties. Mr. Proto inquired as to whether Mr. DeLuca will serve on the Mental Health Planning Board. Mr. DeLuca was not certain at this time and it was recommended by Mr. Proto as a tie in with Mr. DeLuca’s planning experience.
Mrs. Schuler thanked Mr. DeLuca for coming and stated that she was glad he was with the County.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m.