HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 5, 2003 11:30 A.M. SCOTT HEYMAN CONFERENCE ROOM
Present:
M. Robertson, Chair; N. Schuler; M. Koplinka-Loehr; F. Proto (arrived at
11:33 a.m.); P. Penniman (arrived at 11:40 a.m.)
Staff: B. DeLuca, Mental
Health Commissioner; A. Cole, Public Health Director; N. Winograd, SPCA;
S. Whicher, County Administrator; A. Ballender, Health Department; W. Skinner,
Public Information; B. Grinnell Crosby, Public Health Administrator; S.
Connors, Health Department; M. Dill, Human Services Coalition; I. Stein,
Office for the Aging Director; J. Johnson, Youth Bureau; N. Zahler, Youth
Bureau Director; K. Smithers, Deputy County Administrator
Guests: D. Kiefer, Board Member
Called to Order
The meeting was called to order at 11:30 a.m.
Changes to Agenda
The following item was added to the agenda for approval:
- Budget Adjustment - Office for the Aging
Ms. Robertson said for future agendas she will combine
routine items at the end of the meeting. She also requested that new
Committee members schedule their own appointments for orientation with department
heads. Approval of Minutes
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mrs.
Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve
the minutes of the January 29th meeting.
State Budget Impact
Mr. Whicher provided Committee members and staff copies
of the Preliminary Overview of the New York State's Executive Budget Proposal
for 2003-2004 which he received at the New York State Association of Counties
conference February 2-4.
Mr. Proto arrived at this time.
Mr. Whicher updated the Committee on the Governor's
proposal stating very little was cut from the State's budget, while most
of the expenses were passed down to the counties. He does
not feel the proposal will be approved as is and said there will be
debates among the Senate and Assembly about whether or not to raise income
tax or property tax or to cut. He said at this time Tompkins County
will be focusing on programs and issues until there are more definitive
budget proposals to address.
Ms. Robertson encouraged Committee members and staff
to read the outline Mr. Whicher distributed. The Committee will be looking
for more specific information from departments at the appropriate time.
Health Department Resolution - National WIC Association Membership
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr.
Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to submit the following resolution
to the full Board for approval:
RESOLUTION NO. -
AUTHORIZATION FOR MEMBERSHIP – NATIONAL WIC ASSOCIATION - HEALTH DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Health Department operates the WIC Program,
and
WHEREAS, membership in the National WIC Association provides the Department
with up-to-date legislation, funding and policy information, nutrition facts,
studies and a monthly Nutrition link, discounted conference fee registrations
and unique workshops for WIC staff, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee,
That Tompkins County Health Department is authorized to join the National
WIC Association,
RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance is authorized to make the
following transfer on his books:
FROM: 4012.54462
Insurance
$50
TO: 4012.54416
Memberships/Dues
$50
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S.P.C.A. Proposal
Ms. Robertson asked the Committee to discuss and provide
direction on the proposal below concerning a possible contract between the
Health Department and S.P.C.A. for cat control and rabies program.
Mr. Penniman arrived at this time.
Mr. Winograd explained the difference between the two
proposals. Plan A provides a shelter for stray cats, reducing post
exposure costs for the County which is a mandated item. With Plan B, the
SPCA would not be able to operate a stray cat shelter. He said if
Plan A is approved it will provide a three-year funding stream for the S.P.C.A.,
allowing him to commit to providing the requested services during that period.
Ms. Cole said that Plan A is the recommendation of the Health Department,
since the SPCA can provide all the needed services.
Cost Comparisons for Cat Control/Rabies Program
2002:
- County funded S.P.C.A. for cat control/animal cruelty services $43,600.00
- Tompkins County Health Department paid the S.P.C.A. $41.00 per animal
and a facility fee of $30.00 per month for animal collection(live and dead),
euthanasia, confinement, disposal of carcasses, storage of animals remains
and use of the facility to decapitate animals for a total cost of
$3,640.00
- Other related costs to the Tompkins County Health Department
- Post-exposure shots $19,523.53
- Animal Shipping $ 3,136.46
- New York State Department of Health reimbursed the Tompkins County
Health Department via a Rabies Grant effective 4/01 through 3/02 for a total
of $22,659.99. The New York State Department of Health imposes a cap
each year. If the cap is exceeded, the local health department is
responsible for those costs.
2003 Scenarios:
Plan A
Bundle the County and Tompkins County Health Department services into one
contract with the S.P.C.A. and the Tompkins County Health Department for
a starting cost of $36,000.00 each year for a three-year agreement with annual
CPI increases.
Concerns:
The Tompkins County Health Department needs to separate out the rabies
control piece for state aid and audit purposes.
The Tompkins County Health Department will not be eligible for state aid
on cat control/animal cruelty services provided by the S.P.C.A.
Plan B
Cat control/animal cruelty piece remains as and a contract is negotiated
between the county and the S.P.C.A.
The amount of funding for 2003 is $16,070.00.
The S.P.C.A. has offered to handle the Tompkins County Health Department
Rabies Contract for:
- A facility fee of $100.00 per month
- $200.00 per dog
- $150.00 per cat
- $90.00 for wildlife and dead animals
If these rates were in effect for 2002, the cost to the Tompkins County
Health Department would have been $9,670.00.
Note that in 2002:
- Seventy-one animals were handled by the S.P.C.A. for the Tompkins
County Health Department. (Thirty-three were picked up by the S.P.C.A.;
Thirty-eight were delivered to the S.P.C.A.)
- One hundred fifty seven animals were shipped to Albany for testing
Summary of Potential Changes from 2002 to 2003:
- The facility fee would increase from $30.00 to $100.00
- The animal fee would increase from $41.00 to $200.00 Maximum
If the Tompkins County Health Department does not contract with the S.P.C.A.
each piece of the rabies program would need to be contracted out separately.
Service would be fragmented and more costly as there is not one entity that
is able to provide all of the services needed. Finding someone to
collect and board the animals will be extremely difficult to find in our
community. Without a facility like the S.P.C.A., decapitation costs will
increase because we will need to pay a veterinarian to remove heads from
animals.
The Tompkins County Health Department has a long and positive history of
working with the S.P.C.A. We would like to continue this collaboration.
Following further discussion, it was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr,
seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to request
a resolution be prepared appropriating the necessary funds from the Contingency
Fund as outlined above in Plan A, and to submit said resolution to the Budget
and Capital Committee for approval.
At this time, Ms. Cole distributed the following material
to Committee members for review:
- Small Pox Phase One Estimated Costs
- Tompkins County Health Department 2002 Highlights and 2003 Challenges
- 2001 Annual Report
Mental Health
Resolutions
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr.
Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to submit the following
resolution to the full Board for approval:
RESOLUTION NO.
- INCREASE IN HOURS - PSYCHIATRIST POSITION - MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has a need for additional psychiatric
hours to treat the mentally disabled, and
WHEREAS, the 2003 budget funds the additional psychiatric
hours so that no new monies are required, and
WHEREAS, Gerald Lippert, MD is desirous of increasing
hours from 35.0 to 40.0 hours per week, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human
Services Committee, That the position of psychiatrist occupied by Gerald
Lippert, MD be increased from 35.0 to 40.0 hours per week effective March
2, 2003.
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It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr.
Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to submit the following
resolution to the full Board for approval:
RESOLUTION NO.
- DECREASE IN HOURS - MENTAL HEALTH FORENSIC COUNSELOR POSITIONS
WHEREAS, Mental health services provided to the drug
treatment courts and the Community Justice Center can be accomplished by two
forensic counselors within a standard 35.0 hour work week, and
WHEREAS, the 2003 approved budget funds two forensic
counselors for the drug treatment courts and Community Justice Center at 35.0
hour work weeks, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human
Services Committee, That the positions of Forensic Counselor (16-675) currently
occupied by Jason Stark and Henrietta Calderazzo be reduced from 40.0 to
35.0 hours per week, effective January 1, 2003.
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Budget-Related Resolution
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr.
Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to submit the following resolution
to the full Board for approval:
RESOLUTION NO. - FISCAL TARGET
ADJUSTMENTS FOR 2004 – EARLY RETIREMENTS APPROVED FOR 2002 – ALL DEPARTMENTS
WHEREAS, Resolution Nos. 209, 211, 222, 234, 250, 251, 280, 292, 293, 297,
and 320 of 2002 authorized Early Retirements for the following individuals:
Bob Hillick (Personnel)
Sharon Haas (Health Dept.)
John Beach (STOP-DWI)
Judy Tynyk (Weights & Meas.)
Lynn Leopold (Solid Waste)
Mary Pat Dolan (Social Services)
Ann Rider (Social Services)
Joan Brock (Social Services)
Mary Barnes (Social Services)
Michel Kelly (Social Services)
Bill Chapp (Social Services)
Patricia Stamm (Health Dept.)
Harold Herman (Probation)
Shary Zifchock (Elections)
Carol Boles (Elections)
Ellen Brazauskas (Health Dept.)
Sue Robinson (Probation)
, and
WHEREAS, departmental and countywide savings in personnel expenses will
compensate for the required annual savings of $362,952 each year for two years,
and
WHEREAS, the cost of the Early Retirement Incentive will be paid on or
about December 15, 2003 from the Fringe Pool for approximately $535,592,
and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the County’s policy on the Early Retirement Incentive
Plan, a reduction in Fiscal Targets and/or departmental savings equal to
20 percent of the State Minimum is due to the General Fund, the Solid Waste
Fund, and the STOP-DWI Fund, and
WHEREAS, the Solid Waste Fund and the STOP-DWI fund will be compensated
through a reduction in spending, and
WHEREAS, the General Fund Savings will be accomplished through a reduction
in the 2004 Fiscal Target, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services, Public Safety,
Public Works, and Budget and Capital Committees, That the following Target
adjustments be made for Fiscal Year 2004:
Personnel
$1,540
Public Health
8,078
Weights and Measures 1,225
Social Services
11,800
Probation
5,624
Board of Elections
6,218
TOTAL
$34,485
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Budget Adjustment - Office for the Aging
In answer to a question, Ms. Stein explained that the
funds in this budget adjustment were part of a contract with Cornell University,
which is continuing in 2003. It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded
by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to submit the following
budget adjustment to the full Board for approval:
Revenue: 6773.42797
Other Local Government Contribution
$7,692
.42798
Other Local Government Contribution
300
.42799
Other Local Government Contribution
113
.42800
Other Local Government Contribution
200
.42801
Other Local Government Contribution
150
.42802
Other Local Government Contribution
2,045
Explanation: Reappropriation of unused Local Government
Contributions to be used in 2003 from Cornell Caregivers Account.
At this time, Mrs. Schuler, Personal Emergency Response
System (PERS) liaison, distributed copies of data from 2002 including demographics
and geographical information concerning PERS units.
Budget-Related Resolution
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr.
Penniman.
Mrs. Smithers explained the history of the review process
for Human Services Coalition agencies, and said a few years ago they were
reviewing all agencies’ requests including Offender Aid and Restoration
(OAR) and Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC).
When the Criminal Justice Coordinator position was established it was logical
to shift CDRC and OAR to the Public Safety Committee referring to them as
Criminal Justice agencies. As the Criminal Justice Division no longer
exists in Administration, the two agencies were moved back to the Human
Services Coalition review process in 2002. Following the review process
in 2002, the Chair of the Board reassigned CDRC and OAR to the Public Safety
Committee in 2003.
Ms. Robertson clarified that according to this resolution, the two agencies
would no longer continue in the Human Services Coalition review process.
Mr. Penniman raised a concern and asked that the two agencies not be referred
to as "Basic Subsistence" programs within the Public Safety budget, to avoid
confusion. Mrs. Smithers said the Public Safety Committee will discuss
this resolution at their next meeting and will make a recommendation for
a new budgeting unit name and whether the agencies will be separated into
separate programs with fiscal targets.
Discussion followed concerning the review process and concerns were raised
that OAR should be included in a review process. Ms. Dill said she
would be willing to continue working with OAR if requested. Mr. Proto expressed
concern about the agencies being removed from the Human Services Coalition
review process and does not feel their budget review should be done
by a standing Committee of the Board. Ms. Robertson asked what relationship
the Committee would like to recommend for a review process. Mr. Proto
said he would like to recommend CDRC and OAR be included in the Human Services
Coalition review process and report to the Public Safety Committee. He MOVED
to change the words "no longer" to "to be" in the first RESOLVED, seconded
by Mrs. Schuler. Mr. Penninman pointed out that this resolution will
also be discussed by the Public Safety and Budget Committees. A brief discussion
followed and a voice vote resulted as follows on the amendment: Ayes
- 2 (Proto and Schuler); Noes - 3 (Koplinka-Loehr, Penniman, and Robertson).
MOTION FAILED.
A voice vote resulted as follows on the resolution:
Ayes - 3 (Koplinka-Loehr, Penniman, and Robertson); Noes - 2 (Proto and
Schuler). RESOLUTION CARRIED.
RESOLUTION NO. - BUDGETING UNIT RECONFIGURATION
AND FISCAL TARGET ADJUSTMENT – OFFENDER AID AND RESTORATION, COMMUNITY DISPUTE
RESOLUTION CENTER AND HUMAN
SERVICES COALITION
WHEREAS, the Criminal Justice agencies known as Offender
Aid and Restoration and Community Dispute Resolution Center are currently
assigned as part of the Human Services Coalition review process, and
WHEREAS, the Coalition agencies report to the Health and Human Services
Committee with the exception of two that continue to report directly to the
Public Safety Committee: Offender Aid and Restoration and Community
Dispute Resolution Center, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety, Health
and Human Services, and Budget and Capital Committees, That effective immediately,
the following Budgeting Units will be re-assigned to the Public Safety Committee
and be removed from the Basic Subsistence Program, no longer be included
in the Human Services Coalition review process,
RESOLVED, further, That 2004 Fiscal Targets be amended as follows:
TRANSFER FROM:
Health and Human Services - Basic Subsistence Program:
Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) – BU#2500 (A6305.54400) = $62,175
Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) – Bail Fund – BU#2500 (A6316.54400)
= $59,786
Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC) – BU#2500 (A6313.54400) = $40,080
TRANSFER TO:
Public Safety:
Basic Subsistence - BU#2500 - $162,041
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2003 Goals
At this time, Ms. Dill distributed for information copies
of the Tompkins County Affordability Indicators report prepared by the Human
Services Coalition and Tompkins County Planning Department. Mrs. Schuler
suggested this could be a Special Orders of the Day for the Board at a future
meeting.
Ms. Robertson reviewed briefly the proposed goals discussed
at the last meeting and asked for any additional items. Mrs. Schuler
requested dental access for Medicaid recipients be added to the list under
the Department of Social Services. Mr. Koplinka-Loehr asked that public
education also be added to the list of goals for all departments, as well
as succession planning in departments and agencies and the relationship
of the Human Services Cabinet with this Committee. Some questions
were raised concerning the Cabinet how is it structured and what is its
role and purpose.
Mr. Whicher briefly spoke about the Cabinet structure.He
uses it as a model; it is primarily a planning and communication committee
and is an administrative group.
Ms. Robertson said she will be attending the next Cabinet
meeting and will share the general questions raised by Committee members.
Ms. Robertson said she would like Committee members
to look at each of the goals and ask: what policy questions are involved,
and what information will the Board need to know to evaluate those policy
questions. This focus will help us determine what program presentations
by staff will be necessary.
Mr. Penniman asked for clarification on which
two agencies are being examined for merger. Ms. Robertson said the
two agencies are Task Force for Battered Women and Crime Victims Assistance
Program.
Ms. Robertson said she will revise the list of proposed
goals to include the suggestions recommended above for the Committee to
review at the next meeting.
Youth Bureau
2003 Work Plan and Goals
Ms. Zahler began by explaining the basic responsibilities
for the Youth Bureau. The following is a list of the Youth Bureau's
2003 goals for the Committee to review and discuss.
1. Assure that 8,000 youth receive effective youth development, recreation
and/or risk reduction services from contracted municipalities and agencies.
(2002 stats & Outcomes compiled by March)
2. Assure that 10 community planning groups serving all of Tompkins County's
municipalities have the staff support needed to conduct local needs assessment,
program planning and fiscal oversight of local youth development programs.
3. Develop 3 year comprehensive youth services plan to promote Healthy
Youth/Vital Communities for 2004-2006 that includes funding priorities and
action strategies to guide budget recommendations for 2004. (Approve
funding priorities in March)
4. Coordinate and train youth workers to assure that high quality services
are provided most efficiently and effectively as possible.
5. Assess priority staff services and develop organizational options for
the future. (Review/discuss May - June)
6. Enable the County, City and Town of Ithaca to develop a plan for the
future financing and management of city recreational facilities. (??
June??)
7. Enable the County and the Recreation Partnership Board to clarify the
County's role and level of support of the Recreation Partnership. (Feb-
May)
8. Assure that the coordination activities required in the federally funded
Drug Free Communities Grant are fulfilled per contract with the City of
Ithaca. (Contract vote & budget adjustment in March)
The Committee discussed the above-listed goals and agreed
to the following schedule and request for information:
Goal
1. Report and review information at second
meeting in March.
2. Receive information in writing
on County commitment and review list of groups and staff support.
3. Youth Board will make recommendations
and Committee will discuss and approve April 2.
4. Ms. Robertson asked if Cooperative Extension
could provide some of the training (Goal 4). Committee members requested
that the core services, in contrast to services that could be contracted
out, be identified. It was noted that no action was necessary but that
reports and updates would be provided.
5. This goal relates to the question of
City/County services being combined. The City has requested a committee
be created to discuss merging functions and/or operations. It is hoped
that review and discussions will happen by May or June.
6. It is hoped that action will take place in June.
7. Ms. Zahler said she would like to have the committee
consider a new budgeting unit for Recreation Partnership at the March 5th
meeting.
8. Ms. Zahler would like the Committee to take
action on the contract with the City at the March 20th meeting.
Ms. Robertson asked Ms. Zahler to revise the list of
goals to reflect the Committee's discussion and actions.
Liaison Assignments
Board of Health - Martha Robertson
Health Planning Council - Frank Proto
Community Mental Health- Nancy Schuler
PERS Advisory Board - Nancy Schuler
GIAC Board (1 seat still open) - Kathy Herrera
DSS Advisory Council - Daniel Winch
COFA Advisory Board - Thomas Todd
Human Services Coalition - Mike Koplinka-Loehr
Recreation Partnership - Martha Robertson
Mike Koplinka-Loehr (alternate: Dick Booth)
Youth Board - Peter Penniman/Nancy Schuler
Alcoholism Council - Martha Robertson
RSVP Board- Peter Penniman
Senior Citizens Council - open
Homeless and Housing Task Force - Peter Penniman
COMPASS II - Mike Koplinka-Loehr