HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE MARCH 20, 2003 9:00 A.M. SCOTT HEYMAN CONFERENCE ROOM
Present: M. Robertson,
Chair; M. Koplinka-Loehr; P. Penniman; N. Schuler (arrived at 9:03 a.m.)
Excused: F. Proto
Staff: S. Whicher, County Administrator; B.
Crosby, Health Department; A. Cole, Public Health Director; W. Skinner, Public
Information; N. Winograd, SPCA; S. Connors, Health Department; N. Zahler,
Youth Bureau Director; A. Balander, Health Department; M. Gatch, Health Department;
M. Dolan, Social Services Commissioner
Guests: D. Higgins, Ithaca Journal Reporter
Called to Order
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m.
Changes to Agenda
There were no changes to the agenda.
Approval of Minutes
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr. Penniman,
and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the
minutes of the March 5th meeting as submitted.
Mrs. Schuler arrived at this time.
2003 Goals and Calendar
Ms. Robertson briefly reviewed the 2003 goals and calendar
and asked Mr. Penniman if the first sentence reflected his comments from
the last meeting. Mr. Penniman asked and the Committee concurred to
add to the sentence the words "all of" our residents, so that the opening
sentence of the 2003 Goals statement reads: “Support the Legislature’s vision
of a county where all of our residents’ social and economic well-being flourishes
in an environment that is physically safe and supportive.”
It was the consensus of the Committee to accept the goals
as amended.
Health Department
Resolution - SPCA Agreement
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mrs. Schuler,
to submit the following resolution to the full Board for approval. Mr. Winograd
addressed some of the concerns and issues raised recently and spoke specifically
about the number of cats and dogs the SPCA handles and the procedures followed.
Every year approximately 2,000 cats and 1,000 dogs are brought in.
Of the 2,000 cats, 100 are usually classified as feral or wild. He
stated that the remaining cats, which are tame and therefore considered “stray,”
are considered adoptable. For the most part they are held until they’re adopted,
and are never neutered and then released to the community. He feels this
is where some of the confusion has been. Mr. Winograd said he would
make the SPCA's Annual Report available to Committee members upon request.
He also spoke specifically about the County's relationship and contract agreement.
At this time, Ms. Balander briefly reviewed feral cat information she obtained
from the New York State Bureau of Communicable Disease Control. Ms.
Robertson noted that there are enough stray cats, and enough cases of human
exposure to rabies-suspect cats, to justify the need for the cat shelter.
Mr. Penniman understands the SPCA's mission is slightly
different from the County's mission, however, he feels this is the most cost-effective
approach for this service. Mr. Winograd commented that the SPCA works
with the Sheriff's Department with a reported 150-200 animal cruelty cases
per year with the costs being absorbed by the SPCA. He said monthly
reports for dog control are provided for each municipality and commented
that he could prepare reports for the County as well. Ms. Cole said
this is a contractual issue and would like to negotiate this item and determine
the information needed for the report.
A voice vote resulted as follows on the resolution:
Ayes - 4, Noes - 0, Excused - 1 (Proto). RESOLUTION CARRIED.
RESOLUTION NO.
- APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND AND AUTHORIZATION TO AMEND GRANT FUNDING
AGREEMENT WITH THE SPCA –HEALTH DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, funding in the 2003 Tompkins County budget for the SPCA is dramatically
less than in previous years, and
WHEREAS, the SPCA has demonstrated that it cannot continue to provide services
at the same level as in prior years with a sixty percent decrease in funding,
and
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services and Budget and
Capital Committees, That the Board of Representatives authorizes entering
into a three year agreement with the SPCA,
RESOLVED, further, That the Animal Control Contract for 2003 be increased
by $10,264,
RESOLVED, further, That the Public Health Budget appropriations be increased
by $5,582,
RESOLVED, further, That the total paid by Tompkins County including payments
made by the Public Health Department be $36,000 for 2003 which is a decrease
of $11,240 from 2002,
RESOLVED, further, That the total paid by Tompkins County including payments
made by the Public Health Department be $36,720 (representing a two percent
increase) for 2004,
RESOLVED, further, That the total paid by Tompkins County including payments
made by the Public Health Department be $37,454 (representing a two percent
increase) for 2005,
RESOLVED, further, That the fiscal target for the Public Health Department
for 2004 be increased by $71 and the fiscal target for Animal Control be
increased by $527,
RESOLVED, further, That the fiscal target for the Public Health Department
for 2005 be increased by $73 and the fiscal target for Animal Control be
increased by $537,
RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance be authorized and directed
to make the following budget appropriations and adjustment:
FROM: A1990.54400
Contingent Fund
$13,836
TO:
A3520.54400 Animal Control Program Expense
$10,264
A4090.54400 Environmental Health Program Expense
$
3,572
APPROPRIATION: A4090.54400 Environmental Health Program
Expense $ 2,010
REVENUE:
A4095.43401 Public Health State Aid
$ 2,010
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
* * * * * * * * * *
Explanation:
Current funding in the 2003 Adopted Budget for the SPCA is $16,066
Current funding in the 2003 Health Department Budget is $4,088
Total funding in the 2003 Budget is $20,154.
The Health and Human Services Committee and the SPCA have agreed to funding
of $36,000 for 2003 with an increase in 2004 and 2005 equal to the CPI.
Since the CPI is not a figure that is readily available the author of this
resolution in consultation with the Health Department has specified a 2%
increase in 2004 and 2005.
This resolution appropriates $13,836 from the Contingent Fund and makes $2,010
of SPCA funding offset by State Aid.
Funding Summary:
2003 Adopted
$20,154
Contingent Fund Appropriation
$13,836
Funds made available through State Aid increase
$ 2,010
Total Appropriation for SPCA in 2003
$36,000
Home Health Care Services
Ms. Connors introduced Melissa Gatch who has been working
with the Home Health Care program for 16 years. Ms. Gatch reviewed
the program information she distributed. The mission is to promote
high quality health care in the home to all members of the Tompkins County
community by providing health education, supportive care, and professional
services regardless of ability to pay. Home Health Care Services include
skilled professional registered nurses, physical therapy, occupational therapy,
speech language pathology, and home health aides through five community licensed
agencies. The average age of clients served in 2002 was 75 and 83 percent
of all clients live in their own home. The goal of the program is to
keep people home. There were 460 clients served in 2002 through 13,721
visits.
At this time, Ms. Connors reviewed the program’s accomplishments
and changes over the years.
State Budget Impacts
Ms. Cole reviewed the proposed program cuts in the Governor's
budget that are slated to be effective January 1, 2003 and total $317,121.
Combined with a possible 0.6% assessment on our Home Health revenues, the
total impact would be $325,178. This represents approximately 12% of
the Health Department local share. Below is a list of potential cuts:
1. Reimbursement rate for core services drops from 36 percent to 30 percent;
loss of $53,734.
2. Reimbursement rate for “optional” services drops from 30 percent to 0
percent; loss of $263,387 for such “optional” services as:
Home Health Services - $97,850
Laboratory Services - $7,980
Early Intervention Service Coordination/3-5
Program Administration - $97,963
Employee Health & Safety - $17,798
Various Environmental Services - $488
Emergency Medical Services – $40,673
Health Admin. on Medical Examiner/Physically
Handicapped Children’s Prog./EI - $635
In addition the Governor has proposed requiring low-income families to contribute
up to 20 percent toward the cost of their children’s Early Intervention services.
Ms. Robertson noted that some of the “optional” services listed above are
the administrative costs incurred to provide state-mandated services, such
as Early Intervention.
Mrs. Schuler asked if the department would be looking at fee structures such
as in environmental health. Ms. Cole said that this issue would be
discussed this year.
Ms. Crosby spoke about another concern with the State budget. She said
the current proposal is to cap the amount of State Aid available. The
State will roll claims from 2002 into 2003 which will decrease the amount
available for 2003; the rough estimate is a 53 percent reduction in Public
Health funding statewide. It is unknown how this will effect health
programs statewide.
Ms. Cole said she would keep the Committee informed and
will continue the lobbying efforts to try to have all programs considered
“core” services and eliminate the "optional" category.
Social Services Department
February 2003 Reports
Ms. Dolan briefly reviewed the February reports and said
the first two months are average with the exception of the family assistance
program, in which the caseloads have increased by 80 cases. She learned
last week that the County should not expect advances or settlements until
at least April which means the cash position will not be known until after
that time; the cash flow from the State is slowing down. Mr. Whicher
said the Budget and Capital Committee will continue its discussions on these
budget issues. He said the capping proposal will not have an impact
this year, but it will impact Social Services, Public Health, and Mental
Health in future years. Mr. Penniman commented that this is the same
concern with Tompkins Cortland Community College as payments are being delayed.
2002/2003 Goals
Ms. Dolan distributed and highlighted the Department's
2002 goals. She explained the two goals that were not met: (1)
provide improved customer service through expanded hours one evening per
week; and (2) complete phone access improvement project.
At this time, Ms. Dolan briefly reviewed the accomplishments
for each of the divisions/units: eligibility, children's services,
administrative services, and child support unit. In addition, she reviewed
the 2003 goals for adult protective and long term care services and the 2002
staff development goals and planning unit goals.
Ms. Dolan reported Kathy Schlather is preparing an update
on the alternatives to incarceration programs.
Ms. Dolan also reported that it appears the Department
expects that there will be a shelter increase in the cash assistance program
beginning in September 2003. A point-in-time look at the cases has
been conducted, with gross costs estimated to rise approximately $4,000 per
month in the family assistance program. This static look does not provide
the full picture since rents will rise if the shelter rates are increased.
Ms. Dolan also noted that it is increasingly difficult to reconcile what
the State is doing in the Medicaid program to the fiscal reality faced by
local districts. In the Medicaid program and what is happening at the
State level and the Department level are difficult to bring together.
There is a change in the Medicaid rules that states individuals are no longer
required to have a face-to-face interview to re-certify for Medicaid, which
will result in more mail-in applications. If an individual fails to
reapply in the public assistance area, the case is transferred and remains
open for one year. This is a change from past practice and will result
in additional cases remaining open for Medicaid for a full year.
Ms. Dolan reported that the family planning program continues
to grow. Forty applications have been processed and 80 are pending.
Mr. Whicher requested the Committee discuss filling the
Social Services Commissioner's position in April.
Youth Bureau
Budget Adjustment
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mrs. Schuler,
and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to submit the following
budget adjustment to the full Board for approval:
Revenue Acct
Title
Amt
Approp Acct Title(s)
7020 43820 Programs for Youth
- $12,000 7020 51000634 Youth Bureau Planner
7020 42770 Other Misc. Revenue
$12,000 7020
51000634 Youth Bureau Planner
7020 42770 Other Misc. Revenue
$ 600
7020 54303 Supplies
7020 42770 Other Misc. Revenue
$ 1,000 7020
54330 Printing
7020 42770 Other Misc. Revenue
$ 1,900 7020
54412 Travel/Training
7020 42770 Other Misc. Revenue
$ 610
7020 54452 Postage
7020 42770 Other Misc. Revenue
$ 3,000 7020
54442 Professional Service Fees
7020 42770 Other Misc. Revenue
$ 3,000 7020
52230 Computer Software
7020 42770 Other Misc. Revenue
$ 1,500 7020
52206 Computer Equipment
Explanation: Notified that anticipated NYS Integrated County Planning
funds will not be available for 2003. To replace the salary decreased
due to not receiving in the ICP funding. Funds to cover increased usage
of paper, toner, cartridges, etc. due to services we'll be providing the
Community Drug Task Force. Funds to cover increased printing and copying
needs of reports and materials for grant. Funds to cover a mandatory
conference in Washington, DC and several meetings/trainings to be held in
Albany. Funds due to increased mailings necessary. Funds to design
and update the OJ Book and to offer Youth Worker trainings in Fall 2003.
Funds to upgrade computer software to be able to receive and send materials
electronically as required by the Community Drug Task Force grant.
Funds to purchase a scanner and replace a non-safe 19" monitor.
Program Report on Youth Served
Ms. Zahler reviewed the information distributed concerning
the number of youth served by the Youth Bureau. Below is an outline
of the three ways youth are served.
1. Contracted agencies
2,053 youth were served in 14 programs
operated by agencies, including the Ithaca Youth Bureau
2. Municipal Youth Service System
3,527 youth were served in programs
that were offered locally by municipalities under the oversight of youth
commissions or community councils
289 of the 3,527 youth earned wages
or stipends through local programs
3. Recreation Partnership
4004 different youth participated
in Recreation Partnership Programs which had over 7,787 registrations in
2002
In response to a question, Ms. Zahler briefly updated the Committee on the
Outings Program. In 2002/2003, a ten percent cut was made resulting
in fewer kids being served. The core service of the program continues
on a smaller scale. Independent contracts with municipalities such
as the Town of Lansing are being established and/or negotiated. The
goals and indicators achieved in 2002 were briefly reviewed as well.
Recreation Partnership Update
Ms. Robertson reported on a meeting held concerning the City’s request for
support of its recreational facilities and said the five Board members in
attendance (Booth, Schuler, Penniman, Winch and Robertson) did not feel there
could be a new commitment from the Board for facilities. County Funds
could possibly be shifted from the Recreation Partnership to facilities.
The Health and Human Services Committee will discuss this further at a future
meeting.
Mental Health Department Resolution - Terminal Pay
It was MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Penniman,
and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to submit the following
resolution to the Budget and Capital Committee for approval:
RESOLUTION NO. - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT
FUND FOR TERMINAL PAY - MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, during 2002, the following employees terminated
their employment with Tompkins County:
Esther Sullivan, 4313, Caseworker (October 4, 2002)
Clare Nicholetti, 4311, Psychiatric Social Worker (October
25, 2002)
Linda Slade, 4313, Case Aide (August 29, 2002)
Taylor Peck, 4311, Forensic Counselor (March 1, 2002)
and,
WHEREAS, the Fiscal Policy of Tompkins County allows for
reimbursement of terminal pay through the Contingent Fund, 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: A1990.5440
Contingent Fund
$8,049
TO: A4313.51000562
Salary - Caseworker
$ 720
A3131.58800 Fringe - Caseworker
$ 253
A4311.51000599 Salary - Psychiatric Social Worker
$4,341
A4311.58800 Fringe - Psychiatric
Social Worker $1,525
A4313.51000511 Salary - Case Aide
$ 216
A4313.58800 Fringe - Case Aide
$ 76
A4311.51000712 Salary - Forensic Counselor
$ 679
A4311.58800 Fringe - Forensic
Counselor
$ 239
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
* * * * * * * * * *
Guest Editorial Assignments
Ms. Robertson asked Committee members to draft an outline
and contact appropriate staff in preparation of their guest editorials.
She reported that she’s been meeting with a group from the Human Services
Coalition working on messages to the public through the media, on the theme
“Tompkins County; Home for a Lifetime.”