HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 5, 2003 - 11:30 A.M. SCOTT HEYMAN CONFERENCE ROOM
Present: M. Robertson,
Chair; N. Schuler; F. Proto; M. Koplinka-Loehr (arrived at 11:37 a.m.); P.
Penniman (arrived at 11:39 a.m.)
Staff: S. Whicher, County Administrator; I.
Stein, Office for the Aging Director; N. Zahler, Youth Services Director;
P. Carey, Social Services; B. Crosby, Public Health Administrator; M. Dolan,
Social Services Commissioner
Guests: B. Steinkamp, WHCU; B. Blanchard, County Legislator;
R. Pendall, Cornell Professor; Cornell Students from City and Regional Planning;
E. Marx, Planning Commissioner; C. Nocera, Red Cross; P. Mazarello, Ithaca
Neighborhood Housing, D. Hardy, Red Cross; B. Hawley, Senior Citizens Council
Called to Order
The meeting was called to order at 11:35 a.m.
Changes to Agenda
The following items were added to the agenda:
- Budget Adjustment - Office for the Aging ($716)
- Transfer - Youth Services ($1,600)
- Appointment to PERS Advisory Committee
- Resolution honoring and acknowledging Mary Pat Dolan for her service
Office for the Aging
Ms. Stein gave a brief report concerning a $2,000 grant
her office is applying for that will assist the New York State Office for
Aging in the implementation of pre-pilot testing in the development of certain
client satisfaction measures and nutritional risk standards.
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr arrived at this time.
Presentation - Housing Needs Assessment
Ms. Revington said a Housing Needs Assessment study was
conducted by students from the Department of City Regional and Planning at
Cornell.
Mr. Penniman arrived at this time.
The following presentation was provided to the Committee:
Ms. Revington began by stating that there is a low supply
of housing in Tompkins County. The student population at universities
ultimately drives-up rents and has decreased vacancy rates. In addition,
the presence of students has created fewer discrepancies between the central
City of Tompkins County and the rural areas.
Mr. Hegarty highlighted the findings and demonstrated
the housing needs in Tompkins County. He began with stating homelessness
is a significant and pressing issue. Over the past three years, the
demand for homeless services has nearly doubled. However, the ability
of the Red Cross to accommodate homeless people has remained the same.
There has also been an increase in the number of people on the verge of homelessness.
The homeless prevention caseloads at the Red Cross have doubled since 2000,
while staffing has remained constant. Approximately 25 percent of the
homeless population is employed.
In Tompkins County, rental units make up almost half of
the housing units which is considerably higher than the national average
of 30 percent. The rental vacancy rates in Tompkins County are very
low compared to surrounding counties. The median rental income is comparable
to surrounding counties, however, the median rent is significantly higher.
Twenty-one percent of rents is greater than $800 per month while in other
counties only about 10 percent of the rental housing is in this price range.
A connected problem is out of rental overpayment and is
defined as paying more than 30 percent of income per household. Low-income
households is defined as those earning less than $35,000 per year and lowest
income households is defined as earning less than $20,000 per year and are
the hardest hit by rental overpayment. Sixty-six percent of low-income
households are over paying for rent while 92 percent of the lowest income
households are over paying for rent. At this time a map was shown illustrating
overpayment by municipality. Overpayment is not confined to the central
Cornell area. This issue is not just a student issue, it is a Countywide
issue.
As more people find the cost of rental housing more expensive
the demand for Section 8 vouchers is rising. Currently, there are 1,343
vouchers in circulation with Tompkins Community Action of which 600 are on
a waiting list.
Owners in Tompkins County are generally in a relatively
stable position but are also affected by the housing crunch. There
is a shortage of supply in the market for single family homes, interest rates
are at a 40-year low, and salaries of professionals at the higher end of
the income spectrum, in particular, Professor's salaries at Cornell, are
increasing. Because of these factors, home values have increased
dramatically in the last three years. The number of people bidding
on homes far exceeds the number of houses on the market creating the "seller's
market". The good news is the increasing home values have created a
wealth for many people who already own homes. The bad news is that
many families who can afford to purchase a home five or six years ago are
now priced out of the market. At this time, a chart was shown that
represented the distribution of house values for Tompkins County and average
of surrounding counties. Fifty percent of the homes in Tompkins
County are valued at $100,000 or less while in neighboring counties three
quarters of the homes are valued at $100,000 or less. The next chart
showed the increasing housing sale prices in Tompkins County over the past
few years. The chart illustrates the lack of starter homes being available.
Mr. Hegarty spoke about the overpayment by homeowners
and commented that between 1990 and 2000 the majority of municipalities witnessed
an increase in percentage of homeowners paying over 30 percent of their income
for housing. Increased taxes and utilities also add to the burden.
Looking to the future, the rental projection for the next
20 years, shows the greatest increase in total households will be among the
elderly. The largest gap in senior housing will be in the assisted
living sector. The current assisted living facilities are expensive
and most do not except Medicaid.
Ms. Revington shared the conclusions and asked the Committee to consider the following:
- Housing shortage most negatively affects those with fewest resources and the number of
residents is growing at a steady pace
- Rental demand is up, causing low vacancy and high overpayment
- Ownership out of reach for many
The obstacles to affordability include:
- Lack of housing stock
- Student demand
- Service providers cannot expand
- Misconceptions - homelessness and Section 8
Mr. Pendall stated the complete report (Phase I) will be available at the end of the week.
Mr. Proto asked if obstacles considered in new development
included water and sewer. It was noted that obstacles such as electric,
water, and sewer was considered and will be researched further in the second
phase of the report. It appears that the only affordable homes being
built are modular homes. Mr. Proto also asked about zoning regulations
and Ms. Revington commented that will be done in the next phase as well.
Another misconception mentioned is homeowners believing
the value of their home decreases from new development. Ms. Blanchard
also feels there is an unfounded prejudice bias against manufactured housing.
There was also mention of the hope of looking at strategies
to engage such agencies as the Habitat for Humanity which has difficulty
engaging with this population and finding the families. It is a communication
problem, not a capability problem.
It was also noted that 70-80 percent of the people going
to Loaves and Fishes are homeowners but cannot afford to purchase food.
Mr. Nocera cautioned the group that housing needs should
not be built at the Section 8 level as vouchers will not be increasing and
it is only another form of a tax base. Housing construction should
be aimed at the low end and affordable from other sources.
Ms. Robertson asked the Committee to make suggestions
for further questions and research to be explored and said she hopes the
Committee will be able to present priorities for the County to address by
the end of the year. Mr. Penniman said he would like to see all the
various costs for housing options for low-income people and look at the factors
and obstacles involved with each of the options and what is needed to increase
supply.
Mr. Marx commented that he hopes to have a draft copy
of the comprehensive plan, affordable housing section available for public
comment early next year. Some of the same issues raised today are being
analyzed in the plan.
Mr. Proto asked and Mr. Pendall confirmed that suggestions
by Legislators will be accepted concerning the report by the students.
Ms. Robertson noted that the Mental Health Department
is proposing a single room occupancy (SRO) facility that would add 25 beds
and would accommodate some of the homeless. Mr. Whicher said it would
be very helpful if the students analysis could be tied to the SRO population
and the programs directed to those populations.
Mr. Marx suggested the report not focus on what the County
can do because it is not the player that has the control of the issues that
are affecting the availability of affordable housing. He feels there
are more actions that can be taken at the town, village, and city levels.
Health Department
Resolution
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Ms. Schuler,
and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve and submit the following
resolution to the full Legislature for approval:
RESOLUTION NO. – AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT
– FREED MAXICK & BATTAGLIA, PC – HEALTH DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Health Department is required
to file a Medicare and Medicaid Cost Report for the Certified Home Health
Agency (Tompkins County Home Health Care), and
WHEREAS, Freed Maxick & Battaglia, PC has provided
a proposal that meets the department needs, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services
Committee, That the Department is authorized to enter into a three-year agreement
for cost reporting years 2003, 2004 and 2005 for an annual fee of $16,700
for 2003, $17,000 for 2004 and $17,500 for 2005 with Freed Maxick & Battaglia,
PC, of Buffalo, New York,
RESOLVED, further, That funds are budgeted for this contract.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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Explanation: The current contract has expired after a three-year term.
The department sent a request for proposals to four accounting firms that
handle cost reports for Certified Home Health Agencies. In reviewing
the proposals the department looked at each proposal as it related to specific
reporting requests as well as cost. The Department seeks a three year
term, as one year is often difficult due to learning the needs of the provider
(and them us) as well as continuity in reporting. The Department did contact
a neighboring county and received a very favorable recommendation for Freed
Maxick & Battaglia. The lowest cost proposal is that of Freed Maxick
& Battaglia.
Bioterrorism Grant Proposal Update
Ms. Crosby provided an overview of items to be funded
if the Bioterrorism Grant is renewed. The proposed 2004 budget includes
money that is anticipated from this grant as well as the new BT Coordinator
position. Following official notification of the grant being awarded,
a resolution to create the new position will be presented. Mr. Proto
clarified that the position will only continue as long as the grant funding
is available.
Social Services Department
Monthly Reports
Ms. Dolan reported the projections for the Department
as whole are getting better. The total number of open cases has not
increased, but the number of applications being filed continues to increase.
She also reported that for the first time in a very long time the number
of unemployable safety net assisted percipients exceeded the number of employable
safety net assistance percipients. Most of the unemployed individuals
are a result of substance and alcohol abuse.
Mr. Whicher commented on the graph showing an increase
in food stamps caseloads. Ms. Dolan spoke about the number of changes
that have taken place and continue to do so which will increase the food
stamps. Cooperative Extension through an agreement is providing more
education and outreach. Tompkins Community Action and Catholic Charities
has also received additional funds for food stamp outreach and education
as well.
Mr. Whicher announced the swearing-in ceremony for Patricia
Carey, new Social Services Commissioner, will take place November 10th.
Ms. Dolan spoke about the Medicaid Managed Care and Family
Health Plus programs and commented that the County does not want Blue Cross
Blue Shield (BCBS) to operate Medicaid Managed Care as the County does not
want to become a mandatory county. She said the county has had conversations
with BCBS and is willing to become a provider for Family Health Plus.
There are 1,000 enrollees in the combined Family Health Plus Medicaid Managed
Care.
Ms. Robertson asked Ms. Dolan if she could follow-up with
the request made at the last Committee meeting and submit the information
as referenced in the October 1st meeting minutes concerning the Family Health
Plus Medicaid Managed Care program.
Ms. Dolan also provided a brief update on the dental program
and said 120 people have been served and there are now 12 participating dentists.
Resolution
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously seconded
and adopted by voice vote, to approve and submit the following resolution
to the full Legislature for approval. At this time, Ms. Robertson presented
Ms. Dolan with a parking certificate designating a parking space in Lot A
to utilize for the duration of her term (through November 7, 2003).
RESOLUTION NO. - HONORING
AND ACKNOWLEDGING THE SERVICE OF MARY PAT DOLAN, COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT
OF SOCIAL SERVICES, TO THE CITIZENS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY
WHEREAS, Mary Pat Dolan became Commissioner of Social
Services of Tompkins County in August 1984, and she will retire effective
November 7, 2003, and
WHEREAS, during her tenure with Tompkins County Mary Pat
led the Department through major transitions, including two physical moves
and design and construction of a new Human Services Building, and
WHEREAS, massive changes in the system of caring for the
poor have taken place during this time and Mary Pat stewarded her staff through
this constant change, and
WHEREAS, Mary Pat’s leadership created a climate of unparalleled
professionalism among the staff, transforming the Department from a bureaucratic
entity that just carried out state regulations, to an organization dedicated
to the people of Tompkins County and the mission of County government, and
WHEREAS, Mary Pat led the way in New York State in partnering
with nonprofit providers for service delivery where appropriate, to accomplish
greater efficiency, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness on behalf of clients,
breaking down traditional barriers between government and the nonprofit sector,
and
WHEREAS, in recognition of this community collaboration
Mary Pat received the 2002 Ruth Pettengill Award for distinguished community
service from the Human Services Coalition, but she insisted that the award
go to her entire staff, and
WHEREAS, Mary Pat relentlessly sought, and found, new
sources of federal and state funds to serve clients in creative ways, such
as the Merit Incentive Program in 2000 and 2001, which rewarded some 50 students
for their improved school performance, enhancing their self-esteem and validating
the importance of school, and
WHEREAS, Mary Pat imbued her staff to also seek out new
methods and best practices, and to be creative in finding better ways to
help clients become self-sufficient, and
WHEREAS, Mary Pat also imbued her staff with a deep respect
for all people, regardless of their current circumstances in life, and among
the public she advocated tirelessly for the humanistic caring for those most
in need, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County is indebted to Mary Pat Dolan
for her legacy of dedication to and respect for clients, which are the necessary
foundation of a system that helps people to reach their fullest potential,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services
Committee, That the Tompkins County Legislature thanks Mary Pat Dolan for
her compassionate, inspirational service to the people of Tompkins
County and her leadership of all who have worked with her, and wishes her
the best for a rewarding and enjoyable retirement.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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Senior Citizen's Council
Mr. Hawley provided the Committee with a report concerning
the funding loss being proposed by certain towns and the County and distributed
copies of the 1983-2003 County/City/Town funding schedule. The Towns
of Ithaca and Dryden are proposing to eliminate their funding to the Council
as a result of the County eliminating its reimbursement to the towns.
Mr. Hawley said there is a misunderstanding among the municipalities and
County regarding the funding. The Town of Ithaca is meeting tomorrow
evening and he hopes that the funding will be restored in their budget.
Mr. Hawley said he hoped the County would reconsider its
actions and restore some or all of the funding. He also said he would
appreciate any assistance from the County in persuading the towns to restore
their funding to the Council.
Ms. Robertson said she would like to receive the Council's geographic distribution information.
Mr. Hawley commented that if the towns do not restore
the funding, the reduction will be equivalent to the five percent scenario
submitted.
The Committee expressed support with asking and encouraging
municipalities to contribute funds to the Council as it offers programs countywide.
A brief discussion followed concerning other cuts to Gadabout
and Learning Web and how they are impacted. Mr. Proto feels an opportunity
should be provided for everyone to speak about the budget cuts being proposed.
Mr. Penniman agreed to entertain a discussion concerning the proposed cuts
at the next Budget and Capital Committee as these proposals were not reviewed
or discussed during the regular budget process. Ms. Robertson agreed
to make the appropriate contacts and let them know of these discussions.
Ms. Zahler spoke briefly about the Learning Web and feels there needs to
be a review of how funds are dispersed. She said she would look into
it and report back.
Appointments
It was MOVED by Ms. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr,
and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to submit the following appointments
to the full Legislature for approval:
Personal Emergency Response System Advisory Committee
Joan Murphy - Term expires December 31, 2005
Mental Health Subcommittee
Lizabeth A. Norton - Term expires December 31, 2004
Nancy Suci - Term expires December 31, 2007
Community Mental Health Services Board
John Bezirganian - Term expires December 31, 2006
Michael J. Lakin - Term expires December 31, 2006
Board of Health
Jeffrey D. Snedeker, Physician representative - Term expires December 31, 2009
Approval of Minutes
September 30, 2003 and October 1, 2003
At the request of Ms. Robertson, action on the minutes were deferred to the next meeting.
Other Business
At this time, Ms. Zahler distributed copies of a memorandum
concerning County Support for Recreation Partnership for review.
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Ms. Schuler,
and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to hold an executive session to discuss
real estate negotiations. An executive session was held at 1:25 p.m.
and returned at open session at 1:30 p.m.
Transfers and Budget Adjustments Under $5000
At this time, the Committee reviewed the transfers and
budget adjustments under $5,000 submitted to the Committee for information
only. Questions were raised concerning the transfer of $700 for new
signs for the building to reflect the Youth Services name change. Mr.
Whicher asked Ms. Zahler to contact the Facilities Division to ensure the
amount is reasonable and that in the future similar requests should go through
said Division.