Guests: J. Willis, Executive Director, Gadabout
Called to Order
The meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m. by Mr. Proto, Chairman.
Additions/Changes to the Agenda
By consensus, the following resolution was added to the agenda:
· Appointments to the Mental Health Services Board and Youth
Services Board were added to the agenda.
· The Health Department will move up the agenda to follow Social
Services.
· The Board of Health appointment should be made subject to
Board of Health approval.
Office for the Aging
Budget Adjustment
It was MOVED by Mr. Hattery, 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) ___________
6774.43803 State Revenue $9,126 6774.54491 Subcontract
Explanation: Revenue increase in the SNAP program for Foodnet.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
The Committee reviewed additional budget adjustments and transfers that did not require action.
Gadabout Services Funding
Ms. Holmes introduced Ms. Willis, Executive Director of Gadabout who is present to address the topic.
Mr. Proto said the discussion is due to questions regarding previously approved funding by the Legislature for $20,000 to offset the fuel expense increases experienced by Gadabout and whether the approval of the $5,000 grant that the Office for the Aging is providing should result in a reduction of the initial $20,000.
Ms. Holmes, Office for the Aging Director, explained the $5,000 grant is from the State Office for the Aging and specifically is to be used for transportation for the elderly, which in Tompkins County is the Gadabout service. She explained that the determination was to provide the funds to Gadabout as it was understood the increased fuel costs were creating a deficit situation for Gadabout. Additional funds have been requested from the City of Ithaca ($14,000), and a fund raising effort is being made to raise $25,000, but this will not be sufficient to cover costs for 2006. Presently $109,000 of the $115,000 budget has been spent.
Mr. Proto inquired about 2007 and was informed by Ms. Willis that anticipated adjustments in the State Transportation Operating system should provide some relief from the increased fuel expense; Gadabout also intends to speak to officials in the Village of Trumansburg and Town of Ulysses for assistance due to increased ridership from their residents. Ms. Willis did not feel that the budget would be able to sustain the increased costs and is concerned about the possibility of reductions in service. In addition, it was noted that at the present time most senior housing complexes have been requested to provide some funding for services.
Ms. Holmes reported that the $5,000 grant specified for elderly transportation is anticipated to be on-going at the same level which was determined by the size of the elderly population in the county. Ms. Willis said that previously funding from the Office for the Aging has been sporadic; Ms. Holmes said if the grant continues it would be passed on each year.
The discussion continued, and included the contract with Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) for Americans with Disabilities Act transportation services. It was thought this would be an upcoming item and Ms. Willis indicated the additional operational expenses would be requested. The Committee discussed the budget planning for 2006 and 2007, noting a deficit was indicated within the initial budget preparation. Ms. Willis noted that although it was anticipated to have a deficit due to fuel expenses, the amount has increased due to a number of factors including reduced ridership (62,000 one-way). Over the course of the year adjustments were made by transferring funds from personnel lines to other areas of the budget (not filling positions upon retirements). The Committee requested that the appropriate program Committee be provided the opportunity to review the 2007 budget when being compiled. Mr. Proto noted the ADA transportation provides funding based on ridership and miles through TCAT. He also spoke of the recent renovations that now provide brand new, expanded office space for Gadabout.
Following the discussion it was determined it was the will of the Committee not to reduce the funding provided to Gadabout.
Mr. Whicher requested that the County be contacted when a shortfall is projected.
Appointment to Advisory Boards
It was MOVED by Mr. Hattery, seconded by Mr. Shinagawa, and unanimously approved by voice vote by members present, to recommend the following appointments to the full Legislature:
Office for the Aging Advisory Committee
Ann F. Cedarholm - term expires December 31, 2009
Mary Elizabeth Ostram - term expires December 31, 2009
Frances T. Sovocool - term expires December 31, 2009
Pamela L. Jenkins-Smiley - term expires December 31, 2009
It was MOVED by Mr. Shinagawa, seconded by Mr. Hattery, and unanimously approved by voice vote by members present, to recommend the following appointments to the full Legislature:
Personal Emergency Response Services Advisory Committee
Peter Meskill – Police Agency - - term expires December 31, 2007
Edward T. Green – At Large - - term expires December 31, 2008
Lorinda May – At Large - term expires December 31, 2008
Discussion – Lakeside Nursing Home
A preliminary discussion regarding the Berger Commission’s recommendation to close Lakeside Nursing Home took place, during which excerpts of the 160-page report were provided to Committee members. Ms. Holmes said the recommendations would become official at the end of the year unless the New York State Legislature votes to reject the report. At this time it is not clear if there will be enough support in the Senate to overturn the recommendations. She also provided information from Lakeside regarding their requests to the State Department of Health as well as statistical information from the New York State website that was compiled by the Human Services Coalition showing capacity and occupancy trends in the County over the past several years. Ms. Holmes stated if the closure were to take place there would be a reduction of 260 skilled nursing beds compared to the present 555. She noted that Lakeside recognizes it has too many and has recommended to the New York State Department of Health de-certification of 100 beds at the facility. Ms. Holmes said if Lakeside does close, the County would be approximately 155 beds short of its need.
Ms. Holmes said the report also recommended building an 80-slot assisted living housing program and creation of 20-30 slots for medical adult day care, which has been recognized as a need within Tompkins County for some time and was also suggested to the State Department of Health by Lakeside for their reorganization. She reported that the Aging Services Network would be holding a meeting Friday, December 8th at Longview. Pat Deptula, Lakeside Administrator will be speaking at this meeting and has invited Stephen Bowman, President if Peregren Corporation who operates Lakeside. In addition, there will be a Public Hearing in Syracuse on the Berger Commission’s report, which will be attended by many community members including Ms. Holmes, Ms. Falcao of the Health Planning Council, and Assemblywoman Lifton.
Mr. Proto spoke of a memo sent by Mr. Bowman, noting the work with the Department of Health. He also expressed a desire to be able to weigh in on the decision by contacting Assemblyman Gottfried and requested Ms. Holmes provide statistical information to assist in the process.
Ms. Robertson arrived at this time (3:35 p.m.).
It was noted there is not any meeting set up by the Senate to address the issue. Mr. Shinagawa noted that both Governor Pataki and Governor-elect Spitzer have signed off on the report, which would give an indication that the chances of the Senate rejecting the recommendations would be small.
The Committee discussed how implementation would occur if Lakeside were closed. It was reported that the County would have until June 2008 to find alternate locations for residents. Ms. Carey said the Department of Social Services would be operating on the assumption it would occur; noting it is their concern to provide the best possible placement for residents of the facility as well as those who require services in the future. It was explained that although Lakeside is a private business the State certification is required to operate. She stated an opinion that she feels the State’s decisions may be somewhat driven as a result of Federal requirements attached to Medicaid. Ms. Holmes explained that Lakeside has had some difficulty modifying the number of beds certified as a result of the bankruptcy and receivership. Since Peregren is not the owner negotiations are more difficult. Ms. Robertson indicated that it appears the Berger Commission was not aware of the negotiations that have been taking place with the Department of Health to reduce the number of beds. She felt that had the Department of Health acted quicker to this request Lakeside might not have been included in the report. Ms. Robertson is concerned that residents relying on Medicaid would not as easily be placed at the remaining facilities within the County.
A decision was made to hold a special meeting on December 19, 2006 at 3:30 p.m. to continue the discussion of Lakeside Nursing Home. It was requested that Mr. Wood, County Attorney be present to answer questions on the matter.
Health Department
Approval to Seek Proposals and Award of Account Services – Medicare
Ms. Grinnel-Crosby requested permission to seek bids and award a contract for Medicare associated accounting services. She noted that previously, due to submission requirements, Mr. Squires has reviewed the bids to assist in the award. Consensus of the Committee was to approve the Health Department seeking a bid and awarding a contract with Mr. Squires’ review and approval.
Appointment – Board of Health
It was MOVED by Mr. Shinagawa, seconded by Mr. Hattery, and unanimously approved by voice vote by members present, that pending Board of Health Approval, the following appointment be recommended to the full Legislature:
Board of Health
William S. Tyler, M.D., Physician, term to expire December 31, 2012
Mass Vaccine Exercise
Ms. Grinnel-Crosby reported on yesterday’s exercise that was designed to be a test of the Department’s ability to respond to a public health emergency and to provide staff with valuable information to evaluate and improve emergency procedures. She reported that 208 received inoculations with an average time from sign-in to leaving of 4 – 5.5 minutes per person. She expressed gratitude for the volunteers who were from Tompkins County as well as outside organizations. In addition, she said there was very good media coverage of the event. A more detailed report will be available in the near future.
Department of Social Services
The Committee received the monthly reports from the department.
State Training School Billing Adjustments
Ms. Carey reported that upon review, the State has determined to only go back to the year 2000 to bill municipalities for the additional training school expenses. She said a great deal of negotiation has taken place and it appears that the State would accept payments from the counties over the next six quarters. She noted that the amount Tompkins County will owe is not as significant as many counties due to their extremely large number of youth that fall into the category being adjusted. Tompkins County has some years without any youth falling into this category and had four youth in the past two years. It was noted that the New York State Public Welfare Association participated in the negotiations to seek an amicable resolution to the potential deficits counties could be facing as a result the charges levied by the State. It was suggested that a resolution be prepared to indicate displeasure at this situation as well as the Early Intervention fees that are being placed upon counties.
Discussion of Monthly Statistics
Ms. Robertson inquired as to whether there was an explanation for the reduction in the number of public assistance cases. Ms. Carey explained it may be due to cases going into various sanctions, possibly due to work participation rates. The requirements have been modified and may require clients to move to other categories. She said sometimes people are not eligible and often will come back for assistance several months after the sanction is over; often it is with an eviction notice or in a crisis situation. She stated the sanctions could be for 30, 60, or 90 days. Mr. Proto spoke of the number of child support cases having dropped. Ms. Carey spoke of changes within the State; a central calling system is now in place for clients to call. The screened call is then forwarded to the local child support unit. She believes this may have an effect on cases. Ms. Carey noted the Scoharie County Department of Social Services Commissioner’s will be sitting on the Governor’s transition team and will provide good representation of the rural counties’ human services departments.
Youth Services
Ms. Zahler said a Co-Chair on the Governor’s transition team is Jeff Canada who is an advocate for youth and family services.
RESOLUTION NO. - EXTENDING THE INTERMUNICIPAL RECREATION PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
Ms. Zahler said the resolution will extend the agreement through the end of December 2007. She reported during the initial agreement period it had been the desire to have an open-ended agreement, however, Mr. Wood, County Attorney, had indicated that the agreement could not be an open-ended agreement and must have a term. She spoke of the Partnership’s desire to review the partnership’s structure and determine what is needed to enhance it. Individual recreation experts will be called upon during the process.
It was MOVED by Mr. Shinagawa, seconded by Mr. Hattery, and unanimously
approved by voice vote by members present, to recommend approval of the
following resolution to the full Legislature.
RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Intermunicipal Recreation Partnership has successfully
served thousands of young people throughout Tompkins County operating under
a five-year agreement that expires December 2006, and
WHEREAS, the Recreation Partnership’s governing board has begun but
not yet concluded its internal reflection and process of seeking input
from all municipal partners to evaluate and update the partnership agreement
for the next five-year period, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee,
That Tompkins County agrees to extend its participation in the current
Intermunicipal Recreation Partnership Agreement through December 31, 2007,
RESOLVED, further, That all terms, conditions, and financial commitments
related to the Agreement remain in force through December 2007,
RESOLVED, further, That Tompkins County will take prompt action on
the proposed agreement for the period 2008-2012 to be prepared by the Recreation
Partnership’s governing board by May 2007.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
1. The County is one of eleven signatories to the current Intermunicipal
Recreation Partnership Agreement that covered the five-year period 2002-2006.
2. When the County Legislature adopted its 2007 budget with a target
appropriation for the Recreation Partnership, it voted to continue its
financial participation for calendar 2007.
3. This resolution is being adopted by all eleven municipal partners
to ensure the Intermunicipal Recreation Partnership Agreement remains in
full force while longer range planning is underway.
RESOLUTION NO. - AUTHORIZATION TO CONTRACT WITH BERKSHIRE FARM CENTER AND SERVICES FOR YOUTH
Ms. Zahler said the previous provider will no longer provide service as of January 1st. The new vendor is a multi-service agency that operates in many venues; this particular one is a community-based service for at-risk youth. The Department of Social Services has utilized this vendor, who presently runs a similar program in Broome County. Ms. Zahler said that although her 2007 budget including funding for this service and additional $6,601 has been made available by the State. She believes that the new vendor will utilize the present location and staff utilized by Hillside Children’s Center, as well as attempting to be assigned the same telephone number to minimize changes in service. Mr. Proto asked if there is a potential savings due to the additional funding from the State and was informed that it is not likely as Hillside received a Federal grant that the new vendor will not have available, as well as some 2006 funding was a result of a Park grant. Although Ms. Zook of Youth Services is reapplying for the Park grant it is premature to assume receipt. Mr. Proto requested assurance that the contract would indicate the program may continue so long as the State funding is available. Ms. Zahler noted the contract not only includes that language but provides for cancellation if service is unsatisfactory.
It was MOVED by Mr. Hattery, seconded by Mr. Shinagawa to recommend approval of the following resolution to the full Legislature. In response to Mr. Hattery’s question it was noted the youth receiving services are evenly split between run-away youth and at-risk youth. These youth range in age from 13-18, with the majority between the ages of 14 to 16, and are from local families throughout the County, many of whom are referred by the Probation Department.
A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes – 4; Noes – 0; Excused – 1 (Legislator Stevenson).
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Youth Services Department is responsible
for providing services for Runaway and Homeless Youth in compliance with
New York State laws and Office of Children and Services regulations, and
WHEREAS, County Youth Services has contracted with Hillside Children’s
Center for the Bridges for Youth and Families program to provide state-required
crisis services and short-term housing for youth who have runaway from
home and those at risk of running away as well as family reconciliation
counseling that diverts youth from Probation and foster care, and
WHEREAS, Hillside Children’s Center is closing its Ithaca branch office
December 31, 2006, and has notified County Youth Services of its intention
not to renew its contract with the County for calendar year 2007, and
WHEREAS, the County Youth Services Board and Department wish to assure
that uninterrupted services continue to be available from a state-certified
agency starting January 1, 2007, and
WHEREAS, Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth, The Galleria,
2-8 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901, is currently operating a similar
program for Broome and Tioga counties and has the state certifications
necessary to provide the services Tompkins County requires, and
WHEREAS, on recommendation of the Office of Children and Family Services,
the County Youth Services Department has asked Berkshire Farm Center and
Services for Youth to submit a proposal to provide administrative support
to the Bridges program starting January 1, 2007, and
WHEREAS, the County Youth Services Board has recommended that the funds
budgeted for this purpose in Account 7022.54400 be allocated to the Berkshire
Farm Center and Services for Youth agency in 2007 for the purpose of providing
a state-certified runaway program, and
WHEREAS, Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth will need an
approved contract prior to January 1, 2007 to provide matching funds and
administrative support to assure continuous local access to crisis services,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of Health and Human Services Committee,
That the County Youth Services Department Director be, and hereby is, authorized
to execute a contract with Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth
for the operation of a state-approved runaway program for the period of
January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007, contingent on satisfactory negotiation
of terms and conditions that do not exceed the appropriation budgeted for
this purpose in 2007.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
It was MOVED by Mr. Hattery, seconded by Mr. Shinagawa, and unanimously approved by voice vote by members present, to recommend approval of the following appointments to the full Legislature:
Wesley Sanders – Youth Designation – term to expire December 31, 2009
Trina S. Newton – At-Large Designation – term to expire December 31,
2009
Patty VandeBogart – At-Large Designation – term to expire December
31, 2009
Mental Health
Access to Greater Binghamton Health Hospital Beds for Children
Mr. DeLuca shared copies of the correspondence and statistical data presented to Mr. David Woodlock, Deputy Commissioner, Children and Family Services division of the New York State Office of Mental Health. As a result of the extensive preparatory work, correspondence, and coordination of efforts, acute care mental health patients under the age of twelve will now have access to hospital beds in the Greater Binghamton Health Hospital. Mr. Proto expressed his appreciation at the well-written summary compiled by Mr. DeLuca that assisted in the approval of this initiative. Mr. DeLuca said this was a good example of how a well-planned study can provide the ability to have the community driving a State decision rather than the State mandating one.
Clinic Plus Program
Mr. DeLuca reported on this new Office of Mental Health initiative that was successfully applied for. This Clinic Plus Program for Children and Families will utilize a public health model to provide outreach to children through the use of mental health screening programming. The focus will be to work with school districts and perform clinical screenings to identify if the child has emotional needs, and provide access to treatments at convenient times. There will be $50,000 in start up funds and this will help to provide evidence-based practices. The program will assist in moving from a public health model to more clinical care with families.
Single-Room Occupancy Program
Mr. DeLuca reported that Lakeview has cleared the land for the site and that $120,000 has been received toward the project. Lakeview has again applied for tax credits for this project, as it would add more funding for the program. With regard to the Green Street facility the present operators are continuing with their process for closure and are not considering the possibility of Lakeview’s participation during the transition. Mr. DeLuca has spoken to the Commissioner of Quality Care, staff at the Office of Mental Health for Adults, and the Health Department reviewing each of the 17 residents situations to determine the best course of action for each. At this time 11 individuals are still requiring replacement. Mr. DeLuca hoped to start construction in April 2007; the tax credit applications will not be determined until summer 2007 which would delay construction.
Quality Assurance Initiative
Mr. DeLuca spoke of the Quality Assurance Initiative his department has undertaken for the Mental Health clinic. Representatives of all levels of staff are reviewing the operations and setting goals for work improvement. One set for this year is to have each client having a functional measurement set and work done to meet it.
Managed Addiction Treatment Program
Mr. DeLuca said approval of this new program, funded in part by a State Aid grant, indicates a high level of honor received from the State. The Managed Addiction Treatment Program will provide sixty individuals with coordinated efforts regarding client services without increasing staff. The long-term goal of the State is to save money around substance abuse and medical billing; he does not know if it will happen but will impact individuals with serious addiction problems.
Appointments
It was MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Shinagawa, and unanimously approved by voice vote by members present, to recommend approval of the following appointments to the full Legislature:
Mental Health Services Board
Annjeanette Kircher, term to expire December 31, 2010
Harmony Ayers-Friedlander, term to expire December 31, 2010
Brad Rudin, term to expire December 31, 2010
Mental Retardation/Developmental Disability Subcommittee
Jeffrey D. Boles, Term to expire December 31, 2010
Substance Abuse Subcommittee
Ron Schoneman, term to expire December 31, 2010
Approval of Minutes of October 4 and November 1, 2006
It was MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Shinagawa, and unanimously approved by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes of October 4 and November 1, 2006, as amended. (Ms. Robertson called attention to a requested resolution from the Department of Social Services regarding State Training School billings.
Human Services Coalition
Members were provided with a written report of shelter nights. A brief discussion took place regarding data collection for the statistics. Ms. Burston indicated ongoing work to develop a standard method that would appropriately reflect not only the number of individuals, but also include other statistical information such as age, sex, family units, etc. She spoke of information being collected since 1989 and can provide some additional details upon request. The shelter statistics indicate this will be the highest year to date. Ms. Carey spoke of how larger families are more difficult to place and can result in higher use figures for the shelters.
Ms. Robertson was excused at 5:10 p.m.
Ms. Burston noted the “Point in Time” census project will be taking place in January. This provides information on the number of homeless individuals within the County.
Work Plan Review
Mr. Proto reported that while attempts have been made to receive additional information from the Ithaca Free Clinic it has not yet been received. Upon receipt the information will be forwarded.
Mr. Proto said much of the work selected by the Committee for 2007 has been completed or is ongoing. He briefly reviewed the list and indicated that the County Comprehensive Plan needs to include a Human Service piece and should be looked into.
Adjournment: On motion, the Committee adjourned at 5:23 p.m.
Tompkins
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