Excused: D. Winch
Staff: K. Fuller, Deputy Clerk of the Legislature; P. Carey, Department of Social Services; A. Cole, Health Department; N. Zahler, Youth Services; Kathy Schlather, Human Services Coalition; Ken Schlather, Cooperative Extension; H. Filiberto, Planning Department
Guests: Larry Beck, Gay Johnson, Landlords Association
Called to Order
The meeting was called to order at 10:32 a.m.
Landlords Association - Presentation
Mr. Beck and Ms. Johnson shared information from the landlord's point-of-view regarding rental costs and areas of concern. Mr. Beck shared two models describing how expenses for a typical $600 apartment would add up. In the first model monthly costs would be: $100 for property taxes, $80 - $100 for utilities (all energy), $175 - $200 for repair and maintenance including snow removal, roof repair, etc. The balance ($200 - $245) would be for insurance and profit. They spoke of a study by New York State Electric and Gas that indicated when the utilities are paid directly by tenants there is a savings of approximately 40% in utility costs; when not responsible directly for paying, the tenants tend not to conserve. When possible, landlords convert to a system of tenants paying for utilities, but
Ms. Filiberto asked how many tenants pay utilities. Mr. Beck did not know the total number; he said newer units are set up with separate meters but in many older homes it is cost-prohibitive to renovate to provide independent heat and electricity. Mr. Beck said when he undertook a major renovation of rental property he rewired the units to allow this.
Ms. Kiefer asked why there is a difference in rents for apartments in a house versus an apartment house. Mr. Beck and Ms. Johnson explained the difference is staff cost. Normally if an apartment is within a private dwelling the landlord provides the labor associated with snow removal, regular maintenance, etc. In a larger apartment building paid staff would provide these services, including the rental agent, maintenance worker and landscaper, and rental income would have to cover salary, workers compensation, insurance, etc. Ms. Blanchard said the figures provided did not indicate what portion of rental fees would cover the debt service a landlord may have.
The second model Mr. Beck provided was developed to indicate at what point in the year the landlord would begin to make a profit, calculating all costs and distributing them over 365 days. He indicated that by March property taxes are paid, by June the utility costs are paid, by August repairs and remodeling costs are covered, and by the end of October staff payroll and fringe costs are covered. Insurance and debt service take a couple more days of income, and by December the landlord is starting to see a profit.
Mr. Proto spoke of his experience as a landlord and noted that several costs associated with rental units are out of the landlord's control such as insurance and advertising. He said his experience is that insurance has doubled in the past eight to nine years and that advertising costs have quadrupled. He also said as a landlord there is only so much that can be done to reduce utility costs; once the building is insulated, caulked, and drafts removed, there is no further way to keep the expenses low.
Education and Evictions
Mr. Beck spoke of the extremely transient population in Tompkins County, noting that while there are 30,000 students in the community, many other tenants appear to be equally as transient. Mr. Beck and Ms. Johnson said undergraduate students often rent as a group of 8 to 10 individuals and gradually decrease the number of roommates. Upon becoming graduate students they seek the least expensive apartments, perhaps due to limited incomes. As a result of the constant moving of this population, apartments require painting much more often than those with longer-staying tenants.
Ms. Johnson said the most time-consuming item related to individuals renting is the education process. Many renters have to be taught how to be good tenants, with training including information regarding energy costs, handling of trash and recycling, living skills, and proper care of apartments.
Ms. Johnson reported non-student tenants appear to function on the same calendar year as students and are equally as transient. She said individuals who rent their housing do so as a result of having a life that may be full of upheaval, frequent job changes, and possibly health problems. For many of these their economic situation is a factor when it comes to evictions and there is a need to teach them how to budget their funds, and December is a particularly bad month due to the holidays. Ms. Johnson stressed that a landlord does not do the tenant a favor by allowing them to fall behind in rent, as it is so hard to catch up.
With regard to evictions, Mr. Beck and Ms. Johnson said they evict a very small percentage of their tenants and, when they do, it is because of finances or behavior problems. Every attempt is made to prevent this situation by checking references in advance, as well as addressing potential behavioral issues quickly. They believe that with stricter enforcement of their regulations as well as the screening fewer evictions are taking place. Mr. Beck spoke about municipalities having the right to take properties if there is a drug-related problem. He said Ithaca has a regulation that states a landlord must evict a tenant if a problem such as this occurs. During the 1990's this was a problem for landlords but it seems to be quite a bit better at the present time.
Mr. Proto said he believes some of the individuals who exhibited these behaviors are now in more rural housing units. He inquired how many of the tenants have potential evictions. Ms. Johnson said it is approximately five percent and she works closely with them to avoid it if possible. Mr. Proto then inquired if they worked with the local agencies to assist tenants. Ms. Johnson said at the present time she is the advocate for tenants; she described one tenant, a mother working on her PhD, as having difficulty paying utilities. She is working to find financial assistance for this tenant. At the present time approximately eight to ten percent of their tenants are on Section 8.
Ms. Robertson said in the 2006 budget the Legislature approved a new housing specialist position in the Department of Social Services, who would be the key contact to assist tenants and landlords.
Mr. Beck noted that although demographics do not show an increase in overall population, the demand for rental units has increased; households have gotten smaller in recent years.
Ms. Hardy, of the American Red Cross, said she finds landlords are undertaking credit and background checks, making it more difficult for some individuals to find housing. This may result in longer stays at shelters. Affordable housing may be outside the city but then residents have transportation difficulties. She said the Red Cross has a prevention case manager available and she would welcome calls.
Mr. Nocera, Director of the American Red Cross, said that Ms. Johnson’s observation that December is the most difficult month for rents affirms the Red Cross experience: the shelter population rises in mid-January, and many situations are resolved by March so the census drops again. He also said he had not considered how many units are run by a property manager versus a small scale landlord, and he wondered whether that increases costs in the county in general. He inquired if high rents are due to the student population. Ms. Johnson said she has seen as many difficulties with economically distressed individuals as students. For people “on the margin” one event, such as Cornell laying off dining staff during December, can put them over the edge.
Human Services Coalition
Energy Awareness
Ms. Kathy Schlather announced a December 8 forum when a group of agencies will meet at the Borg Warner room of the Tompkins County Public Library to discuss availability of services relating to energy and emergency repairs. Individuals representing food pantries, landlords, faith community organizations, etc. will be present to discuss how to disseminate information on these important services to residents throughout the community.
Annual Meeting
Ms. Schlather then announced the upcoming 37th Annual Meeting of the Health Planning Council, on Wednesday, December 7 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm in the Kendal at Ithaca Auditorium. Lee Shurtleff, Director of the Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response, will speak on "Emergency Preparedness - A Community Effort".
UrgentRx
Ms. Schlather reported on a recent newspaper article regarding the United Way challenge grant to support UrgentRx. This plan will assist individuals without any available health insurance to receive free prescriptions as part of care received at the hospital Emergency Room or Convenient Care Clinic. UrgentRx is coordinated through Kinney Drugs.
HSC Forum - Cornell University Outreach
Ms. Schlather reported the monthly HSC forum on November 9, 2005 will have Stephen Hamilton, Associate Provost for Outreach at Cornell University. He will speak of the new direction Cornell is taking to get their resources into the community and help the community. She said this would include service learning and how to access student volunteers.
Shelter Statistics
Ms. Schlather reported that it appears shelter figures have decreased by 16% compared to last year. Ms. Hardy said about 18 months ago, the Red Cross started a follow-up program with home visits and contacts 90 days after the person left the shelter, to see whether individuals are appropriately making payments and retaining positions. She believes this program, with additional follow up at least every three months, has helped people keep their housing and stay out of the shelters.
A discussion followed about why people use the shelter, the average age, and whether any patterns are seen. It was noted that the average age is steadily between 35 and 45, and it is believed economic difficulties was the largest factor. Ms. Blanchard asked if those using shelters were Tompkins County residents. Mr. Nocera said, based on bed nights at the Red Cross, 20 - 35 percent have a “last known address” from outside Tompkins County. DSS information is that the majority of people in the shelters have local relatives here. He then said a great deal of the population he sees lives hand-to-mouth and when something tips the balance, people become homeless. It was noted that this situation has a silent impact upon children, particularly when it comes to education. Many families only move within a ten-mile radius, trying to stay where they have the support of family or friends. Mr. Nocera said for some of these children Migrant Education programs exist.
Home Heating Outreach Group
Mr. Ken Schlather spoke of the Home Heating Outreach group, noting they are using a three-pronged approach. The first is dissemination of information regarding emergency assistance for energy costs, and the second is seeking subsidies for other household expenses to allow residents to shift expenses. The third approach is to educate residents on how to reduce energy consumption. Work is being done at the county level as well as the local level. He spoke of having identified eighteen low- or no-cost steps to take that can reduce energy costs. In addition Mr. Schlather spoke of a USDA loan program that would assist in weatherization, but it’s not being used. The main reason appears to be fear in a variety of ways: fear of making wrong choices, fear of having individuals in their home, etc. Mr. Schlather believes the way to overcome this fear is to find a way to use neighbor-to-neighbor networks to provide this information.
Mr. Schlather said he is working to establish a framework to have trustworthy people contacting those needing assistance as well as working with large employers and going door-to-door with information. They experimented in Freeville by identifying a street leader who went door-to-door with a survey on home energy. The results of the 105 returned surveys indicated that sixteen could save little or no money as they are already doing the eighteen practices recommended. Among the others, the average savings if they took the energy-saving steps would be approximately $275 to $300 dollars. In the municipalities where test surveys were done (Dryden, Enfield, Newfield) a drawing will be held to provide energy saving kits. For the City of Ithaca two Park Fellow students have agreed to serve as program managers to work with neighborhoods interested in participating in the survey.
Mr. Proto inquired if safety issues are covered regarding halogen lamps, kerosene heaters, etc. due to the fire risks involved. Mr. Schlather said while it is not in the information being provided he believes the fire departments could work to educate residents; he noted wood and coal stoves should be discussed as well. Mr. Proto said he also is concerned that when individuals are trying to seal drafts they may cut off the flow of fresh air as well.
Mr. Schlather said he is working with the Ithaca Journal to provide the results of the survey. He feels that utilizing employers as a means to provide information would also be useful. Cornell’s Human Resources department has been very receptive so far.
Social Services
Position Request
It was MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, to approve the position request for a Case Aide worker in the Department of Social Services for 35 hours per week, at a working rate of $30,054, with twenty-eight percent local funding.
Ms. Robertson asked about the diversity plan for the position and was informed the civil service list will expire in January with a test in June. At this time Ms. Carey is comfortable with doing a broad search and hire an individual prior to the test. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 4; Noes - 0; Excused - 1 (Legislator Winch). POSITION APPROVED.
Monthly Reports
The Committee was informed that at this time there are no changes to budgetary estimates of expenses or revenues, for the 2006 budget.
Office for the Aging
Members were provided with Budget Adjustments and Transfers; no action was required.
Youth Services
Partner of the Year Award
Ms. Zahler said last year she spoke to youth employment providers and proposed a collaboration to work with the youth employment program. As part of that effort, Nancy Zook rearranged her time to provide outreach and intake for young adults out of school going to Challenge Industries to get Job Club and Job Placement services. As a result, Challenge Industries recognized Ms. Zook with their Partner of the Year award in appreciation of her collaboration in the community. The Committee expressed their congratulations and Ms. Robertson asked that Ms. Zahler and Ms. Zook be present at the next Legislature meeting, to inform the rest of the Legislature of the award.
Youth Services Updates
Ms. Zahler reported her department has posted a listing of key contact people in all of the County's school districts on the Youth Services web site. In addition, the department's intern is updating the highly used "Orange Juice" booklet provided to youth; they hope to reprint and distribute it to schools early in 2006. The Transportation Survey will be launched in early 2006, not November 2005 as earlier hoped.
Ms. Zahler then spoke of the recent arrest on the southside of town as a result of an altercation between youth. The Youth Board has discussed this matter and expressed concern about the gang-related activity that appears to be occurring. Ms. Zahler has been in touch with key leaders of the community to meet to talk about what is known, identify what needs to be known, and then engage participants. This meeting will include a variety of individuals from the schools and other groups, but the thought was to include public safety officials at the next meeting. Ms. Robertson suggested it include Christine Barksdale, IPD officer. Mr. Proto suggested the recent Distinguished Youth Award recipient, Chavonte Perkins, for this group as well as for the Youth Board. Ms. Blanchard urged the inclusion of public safety officials in any discussion related to this problem, and Ms. Robertson concurred. Ms. Carey spoke of a difficult situation she was involved in where a youth was not committing the crime but was associated with the individual who had. She said the local police are experiencing difficulty on how to best handle a situation such as this.
Recreation Partnership By-laws
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, to approve the amendments to the Recreation Partnership By-laws. Mr. Proto thought it should specify that a quorum be present at the meeting. Ms. Kiefer felt that the term quorum would indicate the presence. At this time, four municipalities have approved the language changes.
A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 4; Noes - 0; Excused - 1 (Legislator Winch). It was noted a resolution is required for the Legislature; consensus of the Committee was to allow Ms. Zahler to prepare the resolution and submit it to Ms. Robertson to place on the Legislature agenda.
Health Department
Building Update
Ms. Cole reported the asbestos abatement is completed and at this time the pipes are being re-wrapped. The two heating units in the WIC area have been abated as well. The roof repairs on the front of the building have been made and the pre-construction meeting for the roof repairs to the backside of the building has taken place. This additional roof construction is expected to be complete by the end of November. This month there have been no employee complaints.
Flu Clinics
Ms. Cole reported information relating to flu vaccinations has gone out as a media release and will be included in local Pennysaver papers. The first public clinic was held, with 500 individuals having called for appointments. Although there was a short wait in line, the clinic ran smoothly and participants were pleased. The location of the clinics is not being provided to the general public; participation is by appointment only. Upon calling for an appointment individuals are told where it will be held. Some evening clinics are being held. Ms. Cole said a joint clinic of Tompkins and Cortland County is planned as well. She expects the clinics to open up to the general public, i.e., those not within identified risk groups, within the next week. There seems to be no problem with supply of the vaccine this year.
Request for Position - Bioterrorism Preparedness Coordinator
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, to approve the position of Bioterrorism Preparedness Coordinator in the Health Department, 35 hours per week, at a working rate of $38,819. The Committee was disappointed at the loss of Ms. Griep who currently holds the position. Reasons for her departure could have included the salary being low and that this had been a grant-funded position. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 4; Noes -0; Excused - 1 (Legislator Winch). POSITION APPROVED.
Avian Flu Information
A handout with information related to the Avian flu was provided to the Committee. Ms. Cole said that to date that has not been any infection due to bird/human contact and that cooked chicken is not hazardous.
County Administrator's Report
Ms. Robertson said Mr. Whicher was not at the meeting due to another meeting obligation.
Chair's Report
Ms. Robertson provided members with an update of the TompkinsRx program and noted that although the number of prescriptions filled did not increase during the September, the amount of savings for the month had. Overall county residents have saved almost $150,000 with the card since January 2005.
A brief discussion took place regarding employee benefits. It was explained that the employee pharmacy portion was handled through the Government Operations Committee as Personnel reports to them and that committee is responsible for the program. Mr. Proto feels that a special committee should be formed to review health coverage for employees. Ms. Blanchard said for those who need to consider the changes in Medicare D coverage, Blue Cross/Blue Shield has a preferred provider option that would not require the insured to make choices. This is an all-in-one package that offers a $500 subsidy from the Federal government for those who choose it. Ms. Kiefer believes this should be discussed at both Government Operations and Budget and Capital Committees. Ms. Robertson agreed to recommend to Mr. Whicher and Mr. Joseph that these issues be assigned to one of the relevant committees.
Ms. Robertson reported the first meeting regarding the search for the Office for the Aging Director will take place within the next week. As this position requires a civil service exam, Mr. Whicher has decided to coordinate the search with the exam to be given in April 2006. The results of the exam should be available in June 2006, after which a decision will be made. Until this occurs, an interim director will be chosen from present staff and Ms. Stein has agreed to stay on in a part time capacity.
Approval of Minutes of October 5, 2005
It was MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members to accept the minutes of October 5, 2005, as amended.
Adjournment: On motion, the Committee adjourned at 1:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk