Called to Order

 The meeting was called to order at 11:30 a.m.

Changes to Agenda

 A budget adjustment from the Office for the Aging was added to the agenda for information only and a request to fill a vacancy at the Social Services Department was added to the agenda.

Mental Health Department

 SRO (Single Room Occupancy) Update
 Mr. DeLuca provided an update on the status of the SRO (Single Room Occupancy) housing.  The next step for the project is the allocation process for the New York State bed plan. He said the bed plan should be released in two weeks. Tompkins County falls within the Western Region of New York State.  Mr. DeLuca noted that the bed allocation being discussed in Albany is part of last year’s budget, and said he has never seen the statewide plan take so long to be released after the budget has been approved.

 He commented on the housing situation at Titus Towers and said they are now an age-based residential facility not admitting people with a mental health diagnosis any longer.  Current residents will be grandfathered in but any new residents will be considered based only on their age.

 Mr. Koplinka-Loehr arrived at this time.

 Following the bed plan being released, the next step is the Request for Proposals process for providers. Barring any complications, the project’s budget package will then be put together in Albany.

 If Tompkins County were to break ground in the fall on a site, the provider obtained, and the budget piece approved, the facility could be ready by July 2005.  However, Mr. DeLuca thought this was very optimistic.

 Ms. Blanchard asked how this project is related to the Lakeview Mental Health Services project and what local approvals are necessary for the SRO.  Mr. DeLuca said the Lakeview Mental Health Services project is a licensed community residents program and is in the process of replacing two old buildings with one new one.  This is separate from the SRO.  In response to the second part of the question, because the SRO is a facility with more than 14 beds it does not fall under the Patavin Law.  In other words, it does have to comply with zoning and go through the local approval process.

 Mr. DeLuca said he has been meeting with some City representatives about the SRO.  He commented that a potential site has been identified and he will at the appropriate time ask for an executive session at a future meeting.  Ms. Blanchard asked that the appropriate Legislator representing the area be contacted when the site is identified.

 Ms. Robertson said she would like to get involved with moving this project forward and is willing to make appropriate phone calls and contact Assemblyperson Lifton to discuss strategy.

Approval of Minutes

 It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve the minutes of the May 12th meeting as corrected.

Budget Process Update

 Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said as Budget and Capital Committee Chair he will be meeting with program committee chairs this afternoon to review the budget process.  At the next Legislature meeting, fiscal targets for departments will be adopted.  He said committees should have discussions with departments regarding impacts and concerns for 2005 during June and July; budget requests are due to Steve Whicher on August 2.  Ms. Robertson said she would develop a schedule for departments to report to the Committee.

Department of Social Services

 Request to Fill Vacancy
 It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Ms. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to add the request to fill a vacancy at the Social Services Department to the agenda.

 It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve the request to fill a half-time Registered Professional Nurse position in the Social Services Department.  As submitted, the question of whether it is a mandated program or not was left blank. Following a brief discussion the committee agreed the program is mandated.  Clarification was requested on what the mandate question means on the Position Request Form and Mr. Koplinka-Loehr agreed the Budget and Capital Committee would look at it.

 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.          - AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF DUES FOR THE NEW YORK WESTERN REGION COMMISSIONERS’ ASSOCIATION – DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

WHEREAS, Tompkins County Administrative Policy Section 01-08 on “Dues, Memberships, Subscriptions” has been referenced, and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that the annual payment of $25.00 for dues for the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services to participate in the New York Western Region Commissioners’ Association:
1.) a. directly relates to the Commissioner’s position;
     b. directly benefits the performance of official duties and provides interaction and
       information that will increase the efficiency of County government; and,
2.) is not of a personal nature, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee, That the Department of Social Services is authorized to pay the annual dues of $25.00 to the New York Western Region Commissioners’ Association.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

 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.  Ms. Carey acknowledged the considerable work done by Becky Bush in preparing the proposal and securing this grant.  A brief discussion followed and Ms. Robertson requested the department coordinate with the Sheriff's office concerning the distribution of car seats as he offers a program as well.  In answer to a question, Ms. Carey said the loans are made through a revolving loan fund, and there is an excellent track record of recipients paying back the loans.

RESOLUTION NO.  - AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION GRANT FUNDS AND ASSOCIATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENT

 WHEREAS Tompkins County’s Department of Social Services was recently appraised of an opportunity to access $210,199 of one hundred percent Federal funds to address the transportation needs of certain qualifying residents of the County over the next ten months, and
 WHEREAS the Department proposes to utilize these funds to subsidize car loans and repairs, auto insurance, tires, AAA memberships, children's car seats, fuel cards, and taxi fare for eligible persons to assist them either in attaining or maintaining employment, and
WHEREAS the bulk of the those funds would necessitate expenditures in this calendar year which were not anticipated in the current 2004 budget, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee, That the Department of Social Services is authorized to accept and utilize this funding,
 RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance shall make the following budget adjustment on his books:
REVENUE:  A6010.44610  Federal: DSS Admin  $134,365
APPROPRIATION: A6010.54404  Pass Through Expense  $134,365
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

Explanation:  The state recently informed the Department that $210,199 worth of “Community Solutions for Transportation” funds will be available for use between June 1st and March 31st of 2005.  The Department has submitted a proposal and budget to the state, copies of which are available upon request.  If approved, this grant will provide one hundred percent reimbursement for $191,950 worth of goods and services to clients, with an additional $19,249 going to cover administrative costs.

No new spending authority is required for DSS’ staff and overhead costs claimable against this grant – a small portion of two staff persons’ time will be redirected to oversee the program; the net result of the grant’s acceptance will be greater-than-budgeted reimbursement rate for those costs.  The budget adjustment figures in the resolution were calculated based on the assumption that 7/10ths of the amount budgeted for goods and services will be expended during the seven months falling within this calendar year.

 2003 Year-End Financial Report
 A summary of the Department's 2003 year-end financial report was reviewed and discussed by the Committee.  Mr. Herden noted that the net local cost to the County of the Department's 2003 operations was $1.7 million less than had been anticipated in the 2003 budget.  There were two major one-time adjustments that benefited the county, totaling $1,624,000.  In addition one adjustment that will have an impact going forward was the greater than anticipated reimbursement for foster care. The Department expects to receive around $800,000 or $900,000 of revenue this year in foster care that is not presently anticipated in the budget. When the 2005 budget is constructed, he feels he will have a more accurate forecast for revenues in that program.

 Mr. Herden also reported that, based on actual spending through April, it appears the projected spending for this year, will come in approximately $500,000 less than budgeted local share, on a net basis.  He cautioned that this assumes there will be no surprises in the final state budget compared to the Governor’s proposed spending plan.

In response to questions Mr. Herden noted that there has been an increase in caseloads so far this year, with a significant increase in some service areas.  Ms. Carey said that costs for emergency housing are paid through Family Assistance, Safety Net, and Emergency Assistance to Adults, depending on the eligibility of the client. The local share varies accordingly.

Monthly Report
The Committee reviewed the monthly report distributed with the agenda.  Ms. Carey said she is interested in revising the pamphlet but wanted input from the Committee before doing so.  Ms. Schuler felt it would be helpful to include month to month and/or year to year information for comparison.

Ms. Robertson reminded the Committee that representatives from SunRx, a prescription drug company, will be giving a presentation at the next meeting.

Human Services Coalition

 Ms. Dill briefly reported the Coalition will soon be beginning the process for the Continuum of Care HUD grant.  The Coalition will be working with and developing an application on behalf of Unity House, Tompkins Community Action and Red Cross.  She also reported Ms. Falcao's new program, the Rural Health Network, is getting underway.

 Finger Lakes Independence Center
 Ms. Schwager reported on the program the County has funded over the last two years called the Ramp Loan Program.  The first loan was made in January 2001 using State monies.  Since the start of the program, there have been 18 loans varying in time period.  The Center has purchased ramps and ramping material costing $23,168.  Currently there are three people on a waiting list.  One of the difficulties in carrying out this program is the transportation of these ramps and their assembly and disassembly.  She feels that through this program approximately 18 people have been able to remain at home and not move to a nursing home.

 In addition, Ms. Schwager reported briefly on the other programs available through the Finger Lakes Independence Center.  The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) is supported through the Department of Social Services and allows consumers to hire and supervise their own personal care aides. In 2003, 74 people were enrolled in the program with 16 new consumers.  In 2003, 67,000 hours of service were provided, an increase from 35,000 hours in 2002.  The Loan Fund Program offers equipment of various types to be loaned out on a short-term basis; 300 people used the service last year.  She said many other miscellaneous programs are offered as well.  Most of the programs are funded with State monies.
 Mr. Koplinka-Loehr was excused at 12:52 p.m.

 Tompkins-Tioga Neighborhood Legal Services
 Mr. Thomas spoke about the name change and restructuring of the program.  This year the office is celebrating 25 years in service.  The office is undergoing major administrative changes this year as a result of the federally mandated merger with Monroe County Legal Assistance, Legal Assistance of the Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier Legal Services.  The program and service delivery will essentially remain the same with the exception of the loss of a paralegal position due to funding shortfalls.
 
 Mr. Thomas said the program serves low-income residents of Tompkins and Tioga Counties dealing with civil legal issues.  The priorities include dealing with public benefits (food stamps, Medicaid, unemployment insurance, etc.) and emergency housing issues to help prevent homelessness.  The office also contracts with both Office for the Aging Departments in Tompkins and Tioga Counties to assist people with health care proxies and consumer issues.

 Mr. Thomas said the current staff is four attorneys, two paralegals (one of whom will be eliminated before year-end).  One of the four attorneys is full-time.  There are 400-500 new cases per year.

Office for the Aging

 Long-Term Care Point of Entry Initiative
 Ms. Stein said at the request of the State Office for the Aging, she is reporting on the recommendations of the Medicaid Reform Task Form formed by the Governor.  A number of recommendations have been presented related to how Medicaid expenses can be reduced.  One recommendation to improve long-term care services consisted of the establishment of points of entry across the State.  The goal of the program is to ensure that an individual can enter the system regardless of where they live and get the same uniform unbiased information, service planning, and care coordination.

 Under Governor Cuomo several years ago, there was pressure to begin a point of entry program and as a result Tompkins County started the Long-Term Care Unit through the Department of Social Services.  There are 18 similar units in New York, but the Governor’s Task Force did not acknowledge the existence of these units.  A difference now is that private entities would also have to have their clients come through this gateway.

 The State Department of Health/Social Services and the State Office for the Aging circulated a request for information to counties and other entities, concerning what this point of entry effort should look like   One question Ms. Stein is cautious about is whether these single points of entry should be thought of as a statewide entity with branches, or should be focused on a regional approach, or should be an expansion throughout the counties administered and monitored by one entity.

Ms. Stein expressed concern with the Task Force’s recommendation as the current system works extremely well and she does not want to change it. Second is the question of who would be overseeing the program at the State level.  She feels that if this proceeds, the County Office for the Aging should be the administering unit locally.  She will be responding to the questions as will Social Services Commissioner Carey.  She has also brought this to the attention of the Health Planning Council’s Long-Term Care Committee.  They will be sending out a statement responding to many of the technical questions, but also stating they want the County structure to continue and administered locally.

 Ms. Robertson said she would be willing to send a letter in support of the County's program as well.
Adjournment

 The meeting adjourned at 1:26 p.m.