Called to Order
The meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m. by Mr. Shinagawa, Vice Chairman. He stated a Bar Association memorial for former District Attorney George Dentes would be taking place at 4:00 p.m. and it is hoped the meeting would be complete to allow members to attend.
Additions/Changes to the Agenda
By consensus, the following resolution was added to the agenda:
· Temporary Increase In Hours – Director of Patient Services
– Health Department
The minutes of October 4th were withdrawn from the agenda.
Office for the Aging
Ms. Holmes, Director, provided members of the Committee with pill-boxes
that were purchased as a result of a one-time grant. The boxes provide
for a one-a-day, or four-a-day pill option, and will be provided to Tompkins
County seniors.
Budget Adjustments
It was MOVED by Mr. Hattery, seconded by Ms. Robertson, 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) ___________
6778.41972 Charges-Program for $3,824 6778.51000517 Salary
Aging
6778.41972 Charges-Program for $1,491 6778.58800 Fringes
Aging
Explanation: Revenue increase in HEAP program will offset Salary
and Fringe of Outreach Worker
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
The Committee reviewed additional budget adjustments and transfers that did not require action. Ms. Robertson asked about the funds to purchase the Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) and was informed the funds noted would purchase twenty additional units to assist with replacement of older equipment as well as to reduce a waiting list.
RESOLUTION NO. – ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDING FOR THE AREA AGENCY ON AGING TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM IN ORDER TO ENTER INTO A SUBCONTRACT WITH GADABOUT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
It was MOVED by Mr. Hattery, seconded by Mr. Stevenson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote of members present, to recommend adoption of the following resolution to the full Legislature. RESOLUTION APPROVED.
Ms. Holmes indicated the funding is anticipated to be an ongoing grant.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Office for the Aging has been offered
funding from the New York State Office for the Aging for senior transportation,
and
WHEREAS, Gadabout Transportation Services, Inc., provides transportation
for seniors in Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, rising fuel prices have put pressure on the financial
resources of Gadabout, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Office for the Aging has been awarded
a grant to fund senior transportation in the amount of $5,000, and
WHEREAS, the funding will allow Gadabout to partially offset
the increase in fuel prices, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services
Committee, That Tompkins County hereby accepts this grant of $5,000,
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director is authorized to
make the following adjustments to his books:
REVENUE: A6777.43803 State Revenue $5,000
APPROPRIATION: A6777.54491 Subcontracts $5,000
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
Health Department
RESOLUTION NO. - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND – OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM – HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Ms. Cole said the resolution is to provide funding that was unexpectedly decreased by New York State. Ms. Robertson reviewed the discussion noted in the previous month’s minutes. Since this decreases was unknown at the time the 2007 budget was prepared, a shortfall of approximately $19,196 of the total $71,369 budgeted position funding will occur. Mr. Whicher stated he does not feel funding for the position should come from the fringe pool and believes a recommendation regarding future funding needs to take place. A brief discussion occurred regarding the best manner to handle the situation for the 2007 budget and it was decided to make a recommendation that the 2007 shortfall be taken from the fund balance. Mr. Whicher reiterated his recommendation funding for the position not come from the fringe pool.
It was MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Hattery, and unanimously adopted by voice vote of members present, to recommend adoption of the following resolution to the full Legislature. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS,
the Health Department will not receive Article 6 Public Health State Aid
for the Occupational Health and Safety Program beginning in 2006, and
WHEREAS, the Department requests a Contingent Fund appropriation to cover
the loss of State Aid not to exceed $16,158, 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 $16,158
TO:
A4013.43401 State Aid
($16,158)
RESOLVED, further, That it is recommended that funding for the
shortfall in 2007 (approximately $19,196) be taken from the fund balance
until a decision on the proper budget source of funds is made.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
This position saves the County money by monitoring and reducing OSHA recordable injuries and illnesses. A back injury costs approximately $40,000 in lost work time and medical treatment. A carpal tunnel injury costs approximately $30,000.
Prior to 1993 the County was fined for safety issues. The County has not been fined since this position was created in July 1993.
RESOLUTION NO. - TEMPORARY INCREASE IN HOURS – DIRECTOR OF PATIENT SERVICES – HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Ms. Cole reported the WIC Director resigned her position as she is moving out of the area. As a result of the resignation Ms. Cole is requesting an increase in hours for the Director of Patient Services who will act as interim WIC Director. She stated there is no need to ask for the increase beyond 2006 as the 2007 budget provides for the increased hours.
It was MOVED by Ms. Stevenson, seconded by Mr. Hattery, and unanimously adopted by voice vote of members present, to recommend adoption of the following resolution to the full Legislature. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the WIC Director has resigned and this has created a
temporary need to increase the hours of the Director of Patient Services,
and
WHEREAS, it is anticipated that an increase in hours of the position
of the Director of Patient Services will alleviate a shortage in staff
coverage during the hiring process for a new Director of WIC, now therefore
be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services
and the Budget and Capital Committees, That the standard workweek for the
position of Director of Patient Services (89/0230), labor grade R, competitive
class, be temporarily increased from 35 hours per week to 40 hours per
week effective November 5, 2006,
RESOLVED, further, That no additional County funding is necessary,
RESOLVED, further, That the temporary increase in hours for this
position is through December 30, 2006.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II - 20
Clinics
Ms. Cole reported the first inoculation clinic has taken place and went very smoothly.
Department of Social Services
Monthly Reports
The Committee discussed the juvenile delinquent care budget line,
noting it has increased significantly from previous years expenses.
Ms. Carey the one line item to be concerned with is the Juvenile Delinquent
Care portion that is utilized for you who have committed crimes of an adult.
When this occurs they are remanded to facilities such as the Gossett Center
and Camp McCormick and the County is required to pick up one hundred percent
of the cost. Ms. Carey said previously there had not been youth in
this category, however, this past year four youth are now in these facilities.
In addition to this unforeseen expense, the State has informed the Department
they had not recalculated the cost of this care on an annual basis and
are “cleaning up their books” and will make the changes retroactive to
1996. As a result of the recalculations, it is expected that the
State will present the County with charges for past services, with an increase
anticipated in the present costs. Ms. Carey has spoken to the State
regarding the situation and is negotiating to be allowed to transition
these youth back into the community by using the pilot Youth Advocacy Program
(YAP). Normally the youth that are remanded are placed for
an eighteen-month period; it is hoped to be able to reduce this time to
between six to eighteen months. Ms. Zahler noted that Tompkins County
youth who are remanded have not committed the harder crimes of the other
remanded youth present at these facilities. Mr. Whicher said the
rise in remanded youth is not unique to Tompkins County and is present
throughout the State. Also, there are discussions to attempt to have
the State put on hold or forgive the past increased expense that are presently
calculating. He suggested that perhaps the Legislature could draft
a resolution to support the stance that it is an unwarranted cost, particularly
since they are going back ten years. Ms. Robertson requested that
a resolution be brought forward for consideration; Ms. Carey will assist
in drafting the resolution.
Department of Social Services and Youth Services
Integrated County Plan with Department of Social Services and Probation
Ms. Zahler referred to the executive summary for the plan, noting the full plan will be on file in the Clerk of the Legislature’s Office as of November 6th. She said it was relatively simple to produce the plan as the Department of Social Services, Youth Services, and Probation Department have a history of cooperative planning.
RESOLUTION NO. - APPROVAL OF THREE-YEAR INTEGRATED CHILD AND FAMILY COUNTY SERVICE PLAN – DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
It was MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Hattery.
The Committee was informed that previously the Department of Social Services was required to submit a three-year consolidated services plan to the State outlining their plan for Child Protective Services, Child Welfare, Day Care, and Adult Protective Services. This plan would describe the goals, measures, and areas to be addressed. Ms. Zahler said Youth Services has previously done comprehensive Youth Services Plan that has had a different structure than the Department of Social Services. She said many of the specifics of the Department of Social Services plans are mandated, while in contract, the State Office of Family and Children’s Services has allowed individual Youth Services departments work with the community to identify issues of local concerns. Ms. Zahler noted each was designed to protect and improve the quality of life of children youth and families.
Ms. Carey said last year the Youth Division of Probation changed due to an amendment in the law and their plan is now included within the Department of Social Services consolidated services plan. Now the third piece relating to the Parents in Need of Supervision (PINS) Diversion is now being included in the Integrated Child and family Services Plan. Ms. Zahler said while having the work consolidated between the three departments she feels it was designed primarily for other counties that have not previously worked as closely as Tompkins County. She felt the mechanics of the plan have been the most difficult to compile. The Youth portion is set up to identify the areas under the direction of the Department of Social Services, followed by a review with the Probation Department to determine which areas of shared interest and concern to develop an action plan specifying which department should take the lead in the various areas. Ms. Carey said some areas of the plan allow for creativity while others are mandate directed.
It was noted that the collaborative work that is recommended under the plan is not designed to place additional burden upon the County’s budget and that it will be continually reviewed and modified as needed. Any recommendations to be made as a result of the plans would be brought forward through the normal budget process. Ms. Carey said a new initiative could be something that could require training staff and that the state may cover the cost. She noted much of the plan deals with meeting Federal requirements for child welfare and information on how to meet the measurements set. After a year and one-half the plan will be reviewed, reported to the State, and modified as needed to continue to maintain the plan requirements. Ms. Zahler spoke of the Youth Services department resources being the volunteers on the Youth Board who allocate the County and State funding, and the department staff assistance in providing direction. There is no prioritization of the items covered within the plan. The departments will juggle the priorities as a result of the community needs.
The Committee briefly discussed the decreasing number of foster homes within the City of Ithaca and it will be an item covered within the plan. It was noted that every attempt is made to allow children who are placed in a foster home to maintain their education at the present school district.
Ms. Zahler briefly spoke of the Bridges for Youth program operated by Hillside Children’s Center, requesting non-renewal of their contract. This program assists runaway youth and those youth who desire to runaway. At the present time her department is working with the State Family and Children’s Services to certify regulations for an alternative firm to provide these services. It is hoped that all requirements are completed by January to allow for continuity of services. After the initial one-year contract it is hoped that working with the Department of Social Services and Probation will allow the development of more detailed contract.
Ms. Robertson spoke about young children taking care of younger siblings due to parents work schedule, and asked if any assistance is provided. Ms. Carey said that unless notified via the hotline services they would not be aware. Her department works closely with the day care council to identify community needs. She also said that there are options that a specific individual could be registered as an informal day care provider; but it is a somewhat difficult process. Ms. Zahler spoke of school personnel, particularly in rural areas, assisting in recognizing families in this situation. Through identification it is possible to make attempts to develop programs to assist, provider scholarships, etc.
A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes – 4; Noes – 0; Excused – 1 (Legislator Proto). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
has required the Department of Social Services and the Tompkins County
Youth Services Department to develop and submit a three-year Integrated
Child and Family County Service Plan (previously known as Consolidated
Services Plan) which identifies program priorities in the areas of adoption,
foster care services for children, preventive services for children, protective
services for children and adults, child care, domestic violence services,
PINS, youth development and other children and family services related
to health, education, and economic security, and which “Plan” covers these
services for the period January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2009, and
WHEREAS, County Administrative Policy 01-35 states that “…plans prepared
by County departments and which require the signature of the chief elected
official of the municipality prior to submission, or those plans whose
public participation requirements mandate advertising in the municipalities’
newspapers of general circulation, must be approved by the Board of Representatives
[Legislature] upon review by the County Administrator and the appropriate
program committee,” and
WHEREAS, such signature is required with regard to the “Plan,” and
WHEREAS, a Public Hearing was held on September 15, 2006, at 10:00
a.m. for the purpose of seeking public comments and incorporating such
into the “Plan,” now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee,
That the Integrated Child and Family County Service Plan as prepared by
the Department of Social Services and the Tompkins County Youth Services
Department be approved.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
Recreation Partnership
Ms. Zahler stated her intent to bring forward a resolution requesting to extend the current Recreation Partnership agreement through 2007. She indicated that during 2007 the group would be undertaking strategic planning to determine the future direction.
Ms. Zahler announced there will be a community sharing event on Thursday, November 9, 2006, entitled “How Are the Children?” She provided a flyer to each Committee member.
Ms. Carey said a public hearing on the integrated family and child services plan was held and that a number of people spoke of special needs children. In addition, it was noted there is a need to assist in the transition of foster children into independent living situations. Individuals such as scout leaders requested to be included in any potential training as they often are involved with these children. It was also noted that this area would include adult protective services for young low-income adults as well. Ms. Zahler noted the request for transportation assistance to rural areas for independent-living young adults continues to be requested.
Adjournment: On motion, the Committee adjourned at 3:54 p.m.
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