HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE JULY 17, 2003 - 9:00 A.M. SCOTT HEYMAN CONFERENCE ROOM
Present: M. Robertson,
Chair; N. Schuler; P. Penniman; F. Proto (arrived at 9:43 a.m.)
Excused: M. Koplinka-Loehr
Staff: A. Cole, Public Health Director;
J. Taylor, Health Department; W. Skinner, Public Information; S. Whicher,
County Administrator; I. Stein, Office for the Aging Director; L. Holmes,
Office for the Aging; T. Herden, Social Services; M. Dill,
Human Services Coalition; B. DeLuca, Mental Health Commissioner; R. DeLuca,
Mental Health; S. Jaynes, Mental Health; N. Zahler, Youth Bureau Director
Called to Order
The meeting was called to order at 9:06 a.m.
Changes to Agenda
A budget transfer and adjustment were added to the agenda
from the Mental Health Department. Ms. Robertson noted she would like
to have an executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss contractual
issues.
Report from the Chair
Ms. Robertson updated the Committee on a housing issue.
She said she had contacted a local builder, Bruno Schickel, about the housing
development on Boiceville Road in Slaterville Springs. The design is
basically stand-alone apartments as individual houses and they are very attractive.
The rent is approximately $800 per month. There are 18 units; three
will be ready August 1, and there is room for six more units that Mr. Schickel
plans to build next year.
Ms. Robertson said she received poverty statistics from
Martha Armstrong of Tompkins County Area Development and will report on this
subject next month.
Ms. Robertson said she also spoke with Legislator Blanchard
about the 1995 Affordable Housing Task Force Report. Most of the details
included in the report relate to code issues such as building codes, sanitary
codes, etc.
Ms. Robertson announced the SPCA started reporting information
to the Health Department in May about the stray cat shelter.
Below is a brief summary of the activity in May:
Ms. Robertson reported on an Alcoholism Council meeting
she attended last evening and shared the following statistics from January
2003 through June 2003:
Referral Source: Criminal Justice
System - 58%
DSS - 14%
Mental Health - 12%
Primary Substance of Abuse: Alcohol
- 74%
Marijuana - 15%
Employment Status:
Full time employment - 28%
Marital Status:
Never married - 50%
Married - 17%
Living as married - 4%
Sex:
Male - 76%
Female - 24%
Ms. Robertson commented that the statistics concerning
age do not provide sufficient information The State format was used and the
intervals are unequal, so the numbers are difficult to interpret. .
Approval of Minutes
It was MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted
by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes of the June 19th
meeting as submitted.
Health Department
Resolution - Preschool Special Education Program
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. Ms. Cole
introduced Jana Taylor the Director of the Preschool Special Education Program
who explained the proposed rate changes outlined in the resolution.
In answer to Mrs. Schuler's question, Ms. Taylor explained the drop in rate
for Psychological Services from $100 to $60. She commented that in
looking at other counties, this service is not usually provided. It
was implemented here two years ago to work predominantly with the autistic
population. However, the service is not being utilized as originally
created, but is being utilized for social and emotional problems. The
Ithaca City School District is the only school district utilizing the psychological
services. It is Ms. Taylor's recommendation to reduce the rate to $60
based on the information she gathered.
A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 3 (Schuler,
Penniman, and Robertson); Noes - 0; Excused - 2 (Proto and Koplinka-Loehr).
RESOLUTION CARRIED.
RESOLUTION NO. - AUTHORIZING CHANGE IN RATES – PRESCHOOL SPECIAL
EDUCATION PROGRAM - HEALTH DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, New York State Education Law, Section 4410 stipulates
the responsibility for special education services and programs to children
3 to 5 years of age, who are determined eligible under New York State Education
Department (SED) regulations, belongs to the municipality of residence*,
and
WHEREAS, it is the municipality’s responsibility to establish
contracts with the appropriate school districts, programs and therapists
who in turn provide the services and programs to eligible children, as determined
by each school district’s Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE)
and stipulated per the Individual Education Plan (IEP), and
WHEREAS, SED establishes the rates for Special Education
Integrated Programs, Special Education Itinerant Services and 1:1 Aides with
the integrated setting, the municipality establishes the rates for Related
Services (i.e. Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy, Counseling, Skilled
Nursing, Teacher of Deaf and Hard of Hearing or Visually Impaired, Interpreter,
Psychological Services, etc.) for the fiscal period of 7/1 through 6/30 and
WHEREAS, the department has reviewed data from surrounding
counties, regionally and services rendered within the County over the last
four years, including the rate history, and based upon the maximum reimbursement
allowed by SED, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services
and Budget and Capital Committee, That the Tompkins County Health Department
implement the Related Service Rates below, with the approval of the New York
State Education Department:
Preschool Special Education Programs
2003-2004 Related Service Rates
2002-2003 Rates
2003-2004 Rates
Related Service Sessions (up to 1 hour) Individual/Group
Related Service Sessions
(up to 1 hour) Individual/Group
Speech Therapy $66.00/$40.00
Speech Therapy
$60.00/$40.00
Physical Therapy $66.00/$66.00
Physical Therapy
$60.00/$40.00
Physical Therapy Asst. N/A /$66.00
Physical Therapy Asst. N/A /$40.00
Occupational Therapy $66.00/$66.00
Occupational Therapy $60.00/$40.00
Occupational Therapy Asst. N/A /$66.00
Occupational
Therapy Asst. N/A /$40.00
Counseling $40.00/$40.00
Counseling $60.00/$40.00
Teacher of Visually Impaired $40.00/$40.00
Teacher of
the Visually Impaired $60.00/$40.00
Teacher of Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing $40.00/$40.00
Teacher of Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing
$60.00/$40.00
School Health Services/Nursing $60.00
School Health Services/Nursing $60.00
Psychological Services $100.00
Psychological Services
$60.00
Psychological Services Coordination $40.00
Psychological Services
Coordination Omit service and cover under
general service coordination
Service Coordination $30.00
Service Coordination
$30.00
Interpreter $42.00
Interpreter $40.00
Audiological Services $66.00
Audiological Services
$60.00
Assistive Technology Services $66.00
Assistive Technology Services $60.00
Parent Counseling *Service not offered
Parent Counseling $60.00
Program Aide per ½ hour $6.00
Program Aide per ½
hour $7.00
RESOLVED, further, That the department is authorized to
promulgate these related service rates in future years, so long as, the related
service rates deemed appropriate by the Department do not exceed the education
program rates established by the New York State Department of Education.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II - 20
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Explanatory note: "Municipality of residence" means the County.
Office for the Aging
Project Care Evaluation Summary
Ms. Stein introduced Lisa Holmes who is responsible for
the evaluations and surveys for the Department. Ms. Holmes provided
an overview of the survey she conducted in the spring on the Project CARE
Program. She said the program is an expansion of the Friendly Visiting
Program. In 2001, Federal funding was received through the Family Caregiver
Act and used to expand the Friendly Visiting Program. It is a volunteer-based
program and includes friendly visiting, errands, light housekeeping, transportation,
etc. Seniors, caregivers, and volunteers were surveyed to assess the
satisfaction among all parties. The results indicated that among the
demographics, the program is meeting the targeted group. The program
is serving seniors over age 75, those living alone, seniors who are frail
or disabled, and seniors of minority status. The survey showed that
75% of the volunteers are community members. The following is a list
of some of services utilized by seniors in order of prevalence: friendly
visiting, grocery shopping, errands, transportation, light housekeeping,
yard work, financial management..
In 2002, the volunteers of the Project CARE program donated
a total of 4,651 hours toward visiting seniors equal to a dollar value of
$74,648.55 (using guidelines of the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
A majority of those surveyed expressed satisfaction throughout
all areas of the program. Some recommendations include the development
of a written volunteer agreement, a better orientation program for volunteers,
printed materials to offer guidance to volunteers as they conduct their work,
volunteer consistency, and development of a notice to communicate to the
senior when the volunteer will no longer be coming.
Transfer
It was MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted
by voice vote by members present, to submit the following transfer to the
full Legislature for approval:
From: Salary
6772.51000
$900
To: Professional Services
6772.54442 $900
Department of Social Services
Resolutions
It was MOVED by Mr. Penniman, seconded by Mrs. Schuler,
to submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.
Mr. Herden provided an overview of the resolution and said F.M. Blake and
Associates contacted the Department several months ago. The company
has extensive experience in providing a review of SSI eligible clients for
both the foster care population and adult recipients of public assistance
in other states. It is his understanding that Westchester County has
recently engaged this company's services. At the time eligibility is
established and the first benefit payment is received, the company will be
paid their contingency fee which is equal to 1.8 times the federal portion
of the child's SSI benefit.
Mr. Proto arrived at this time.
Mr. Penniman raised the question of whether this required
the solicitation of other bids. It was unclear if soliciting other
bids was necessary; Mr. Whicher said he would follow-up with Jackie Kippola,
Contracts Coordinator.
A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 4; Noes - 0;
Excused - 1 (Koplinka-Loehr). RESOLUTION CARRIED.
RESOLUTION NO._____-AUTHORIZATION FOR SOCIAL SERVICES TO CONTRACT WITH
F.M. BLAKE AND ASSOCIATES TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN SSI ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN
FOSTER CHILDREN; BUDGET ADJUSTMENT – DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
WHEREAS certain foster children under the Department of Social Services care
are likely to be found eligible for Federal SSI benefits if an application
were made on their behalf, and
WHEREAS, depending on the particular combination of each foster child’s care
needs and eligibility for other Federal reimbursement, Social Services’ net
local cost for some cases will be reduced if SSI eligibility were established
and assigned benefits accepted, and
WHEREAS the Department of Social Services has neither the resources nor the
expertise to establish and maintain SSI eligibility for these clients, and
WHEREAS a consultant with unique expertise and experience in this area, F.M.
Blake and Associates, Lewiston, Idaho, is willing to perform those services
on a contingency fee basis, qualifying for payment only upon successfully
establishing SSI eligibility for the foster child, and
WHEREAS this arrangement could result in a significant reduction in the net
local cost of certain foster care cases in exchange for a nominal additional
administrative expense, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health & Human Services Committee,
That the Department of Social Services is authorized to contract with F.M.
Blake and Associates for the purpose described above,
RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance is authorized to make the
following adjustments to Social Services 2003 budget.
Appropriation: 6010.54442 Professional Services
$19,880
Request use of equal amount of 2002 Rollover.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
* * * * * * * * * *
Explanation: The Department proposes to refer to the vendor only those
foster care cases whose characteristics would lead to the cost of the contingency
fees being recouped in 6 or fewer months. For most cases for which
eligibility is established the cumulative reduction in the local cost of
care will exceed the cost of the contingency fee within two months.
We anticipate paying for 20 such successes respecting our current caseload.
The Department of Social Services is precluded from claiming Federal reimbursement
for the contingency fees paid to establish and maintain SSI eligibility.
The existence of the NYS Foster Care Block Grant (and the level at which
it is funded) together dictate that additional state reimbursement for these
expenditures cannot be expected either.
The cost of the contingency fees will be more than offset by savings in the
mandate programs through which the Department pays foster care costs.
But transfers of appropriation from mandate programs to a non-mandate program
would be problematic at best, and the two mandate programs in question (Family
Assistance and Foster Care) are running over-budget this year in any case,
therefore we’re requesting permission to use a portion of our 2002 Certified
Rollover to fund this contract.
It was MOVED by Mr. Penniman, seconded by Mrs. Schuler,
to submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.
Mr. Herden briefly explained the resolution and said the payment represents
five quarters worth of payments to the Health Department for the Early Intervention
Program. He said $40,000 is the budget estimate for next year.
A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 4; Noes
- 0; Excused - 1 (Koplinka-Loehr). RESOLUTION CARRIED.
RESOLUTION NO._____-AUTHORIZATION TO CLAIM AND PASS-THROUGH TO PUBLIC
HEALTH DEPARTMENT FEDERAL MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE EARLY INTERVENTION
PROGRAM; BUDGET ADJUSTMENT – DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
WHEREAS the Department of Social Services has the ability to draw down Federal
reimbursement for 50% of the administrative costs for running a Local Early
Intervention Agency (LEIA), and
WHEREAS the Public Health Department is the designated LEIA in Tompkins County
and anticipates having $52,146 in eligible expenses to submit for 50% reimbursement
in 2003, and
WHEREAS the Social Services’ 2003 budget does not presently reflect either
the Federal revenue or the transfer to Public Health, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health & Human Services Committee,
That the Director of Finance is authorized to make the following adjustments
to Social Services budget.
Appropriation: 6010.54442 Professional Services
$26,073
Revenue:
6010.44610 Federal Revenue
$26,073
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
* * * * * * * * * *
It was MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Penniman,
to submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.
Mr. Herden said this resolution is asking two separate things: (1)
authority to enter into an agreement with United Way to accept this particular
private donation of funds, and additional funds in the future, and (2) permission
to use this money to amend the contract with Family and Children's Services
for the Dispositional Alternatives Program. There was a suggestion
made that a press release be done; however, Ms. Skinner feels it is more
appropriate for the agencies to prepare the press release, as the necessary
information is available through said agencies.
A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 4; Noes
- 0; Excused - 1 (Koplinka-Loehr). RESOLUTION CARRIED.
RESOLUTION NO.___ - AUTHORIZING DSS TO ACCEPT PRIVATE DONATIONS TO FUND
PREVENTIVE SERVICES THROUGH UNITED WAY AND TO AMEND A CONTRACT TO UTILIZE
THE FIRST SUCH DONATION; BUDGET ADJUSTMENT – DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
WHEREAS, as a result of actions taken by the Tompkins County Legislature
and the Tompkins County Department of Social Services during the 2003 budget
process, the value of several contracts for at-risk children and youth was
significantly reduced, and
WHEREAS, one program that was reduced in value and services was the Dispositional
Alternatives Program (DAP) operated by Family & Children’s Service, and
WHEREAS, the Dispositional Alternatives Program is a Preventive services
program for at-risk youth which has repeatedly demonstrated that it is a
valuable tool for the Department and the community in the prevention of foster
care, and
WHEREAS, changes in the NYS budget revitalized an
option for financing preventive services for families and children which
had become moot during the existence of the previous New York State method
of financing preventive services for families and children, and
WHEREAS, this option provides the Department of Social Services with an opportunity
to utilize private, non-governmental or tax levy funds to offset the local
cost of such programs, and
WHEREAS, the Department has been working with various
agencies and private funders to take advantage of this opportunity to use
private dollars to maintain, create or expand services to at-risk families
and children, and
WHEREAS, an amount of such private “donated funds” has now become available,
and
WHEREAS, the United Way of Tompkins County, its Executive Director and governing
Board have demonstrated courageous community leadership in agreeing to donate
these funds as well as a matching grant of $2,000 for the purposes of maintaining
community services to at-risk children and families, and
WHEREAS, the United Way of Tompkins County and the Tompkins County Department
of Social Services have completed the discussions required for the United
Way to donate and for DSS to accept these donated funds, and
WHEREAS, allowing the DAP program to be the first
to be assisted by this funding formula will reduce the administrative burden
for DSS and DAP staff, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health & Human Services Committee,
That the Department of Social Services is authorized to accept donated funds
from the United Way as they become available,
RESOLVED, further, That the amount of Social Services’ 2003 contract with
Family & Children’s Services for the Dispositional Alternatives Program
be amended so that the total contract value will be $306,533 with no additional
local tax dollars required to support this program,
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director is authorized make the following
adjustments to the Social Services 2003 budget:
Appropriation: 6070.54400 Purchase of Services
$32,391
Revenue: 6070.42705
Gifts & Donations $10,446
6070.44670 Federal
$13,300
6070.43670 State
$ 8,645
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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Explanation: The SFY 2002-2003 budget created, (and the SFY 03-04 budget
has continued), a 65% net-of-federal funding stream for Preventive services
to children and families. The existence of this funding, after nearly
10 years of a capped appropriation, made it possible for local social service
agencies to revisit the financing of some programs. The regulations
allow that up to 17.5% of total program costs for Preventive Services families
may be comprised of private funds, if certain restrictions are met.
These private funds leverage both state and federal revenue and offset what
would otherwise be a local tax levy expense to support the program.
The Department has been talking with local foundations and funding entities
about the possibilities created by this change and the leveraging capacity
of such private dollars, which are referred to in regulation as “donated
funds.” The United Way of Tompkins County has been a partner in these
discussions from their onset and the Board of the organization has approved
the United Way as a facilitator or conduit for private dollars from time
to time. They have also agreed to provide a matching contribution in
the amount of $2000. There are currently private funds that have become
available to the United Way. The Department is prepared to execute
the agreement that is necessary for both the United Way and DSS to document
the requirements and restrictions and enable the transfer of these funds.
Family and Children’s Services DAP program is the first of the several programs
with which we are working with to be approved by the regional office of the
NYS Office of Children and Family Services. The Department expects
to receive a check from the United Way that will allow us to restore the
DAP contract to slightly more than the total value of the agreement in 2002
and to maintain this critical program in the community with no additional
tax levy support.
In addition, the approvals we have received from the NYS Office of Children
and Family Services will alleviate administrative requirements at DSS and
with DAP, likely making both DAP and department staff able to focus more
time on direct services.
It is very likely that other preventive services contracts will be impacted
by receipt of private donations in the near future.
Monthly Reports
At this time, Mr. Herden briefly highlighted the current
fiscal situation for the Department. The reports reflect figures through
the end of May. He said the Department is under budget in administration
and over budget in mandate programs. The areas over budget are in Family
Assistance and Foster Care.
Mr. Whicher noted that Mr. Herden will be giving an overview
of the Department's budget at the next Budget and Capital Committee meeting.
McGraw House
Ms. Mallison, Executive Director, said McGraw House is
an apartment building for senior citizens 62 years of age or older.
The facility does not provide health care. There are 105 units in the
building and a dining room that serves dinner every night (except Saturday).
Meals are purchased through the dining service separate from rental payments.
Residents are entitled to obtain their own services such as housekeeping,
Foodnet, health aide, etc. Twenty-four hour care is allowed if the
resident is paying for the service.
Ms. Mallison commented that between 50-75 percent of the
residents pay for some kind of assistance. Many have housekeeping services,
transportation (Gadabout), etc. She said there is a full-time Service
Coordinator who is basically a social worker and helps residents connect
with necessary services.
At this time, Ms. Mallison gave a brief overview of the
McGraw House heritage. In 1870, the Ladies Union Benevolent Society (LUBS)
was formed to provide a secure homelike setting for older women. By
the year 1876, through the generosity of Jane McGraw, "The Home" on South
Aurora Street was built. From these roots and the commitment of LUBS came
McGraw House, built in 1971 for both men and women.
The range in rent for an apartment in McGraw House depends
on income. There is no cash subsidy received. Ms. Mallison said
there is always a waiting list. She said there are now 40 people on
the waiting list and feels 20 are serious about moving immediately.
However, if someone is on the waiting list but is not ready to move in when
an apartment becomes available, their name will remain on the list.
McGraw House has 65 studios (rental $359-436 including utilities) and 40
one-bedroom apartments (rental $448-544 including utilities). A guestroom
is available for residents who have overnight visitors.
Human Services Coalition
CVSA/Advocacy Center
Ms. Dill provided a brief history of the CVSA and Advocacy
Center and reviewed the funding sources and staffing levels. The CVSA
has agreed to dissolve at the end of September and the two services provided
will be moved to other agencies. However, possibly as a result of the
changes and reduction in funding at the County level, the State also substantially
reduced its funding of grants. Ms. Dill feels this was an error and
misunderstanding at the State level; an effort is being made to recapture
two grants that were denied. It appears there was a $60,600 cut from
the State Department of Health and $157,300 from the Crime Victims Board
(CVB). Ms. Dill feels the misunderstanding was that the services would
no longer be provided. She said that is not the case and that the Advocacy
Center has agreed to assume all services related to adult sexual assault
and Family and Children's Services is proposing to use the CVB funds for
a direct service/educator/coordinator position..
Ms. Robertson said that Assemblywoman Lifton and her assistant,
Susan Pratt, are now involved and agrees with Ms. Dill that an effort to
recoup the funding from the State is necessary. Ms. Dill suggested
and Ms. Robertson agreed that a trip to Albany would be appropriate to emphasize
the services currently provided by CVSA are ongoing and will be transferred
to other agencies.
Youth Services
Funding Recommendations
Ms. Zahler reviewed briefly the 2004 Over Target recommendations
adopted by the Youth Services Board. She said the Youth Services Board
was challenged with having $195,000 less in funding going into 2004.
Their request includes permission to use existing rollover and $40,170 in
new funding next year.
Ms. Zahler commented on a mentoring Federal grant the
Ithaca Youth Bureau applied for that her Department assisted with in the
amount of $200,000. She said the Ithaca Youth Bureau is one of the
finalists.
Mental Health Department
Transfer and Budget Adjustment
This item was deferred to the next meeting.
Dual Diagnosis Report
Mr. Jaynes distributed copies of a summary outlining the
progress of the Dual Recovery Coordinator position and the progress of service
integration. This position was created in December 2002 and is entirely
grant funded. There are a total of 12 such positions throughout the
State. The mission of the job from a systems point of view is to have
agencies who have people affected by mental illness and substance abuse (e.g.,
housing programs, hospitals, drug courts and other involved agencies) work
together in an organization that is comprehensible and part of a system.
The mission is to make the system more seamless for people receiving services
and bridge the divide among providers.
At this time, Mr. Jaynes described his duties and the
progress he has made. He spoke about the Dual Recovery Steering Committee
and said it meets monthly. Ms. Robertson asked for a list of the members
of the Committee.
Mr. Jaynes spoke about training initiatives and encouraged
Committee members to attend a presentation by Ken Minkoff, M.D. regarding
integrated treatment on September 22, 2003, at the Holiday Inn.
Robert DeLuca added that this is a program making a lot
of progress. He commented on a pilot project as well with the drug
courts. They are looking at 15 cases and integrating with the clinicians
of the two systems. Mr. Jaynes spoke about CARS and the clients that
have mental health conditions in addition to chemical substance abuse issues.
Ms. Robertson suggested a presentation be given to the full Legislature at
a future meeting.
SRO (Single Room Occupancy) and Community Residences
Mr. DeLuca updated the Committee on the status of funding
available at the State level for SRO's (Single Room Occupancy) and Community
Residences. He said the Mental Health Services Board will be discussing
this issue at their meeting on Monday, July 21, 2003.
Mr. DeLuca provided the following synopsis for the Committee
concerning mental health housing. He said there is a facility with
community resident beds on Green Street and there are many mental health
clients who live in Titus Towers. Permanent independent housing with
support is what is needed currently. The community residences were
supposed to be used as transitional housing but we have been using them as
permanent housing, because there have been insufficient alternatives.
Mental Health has an agreement with the Department of Social Services to
utilize the Green Street facility; however, this facility should be targeted
for the homeless. Titus Towers is beginning to restrict its residents
by age, which raises a concern with the impact this could have on mental
health clients in the future.
Mr. DeLuca said the plan is to redevelop the Single Room
Occupancy (SRO) that the County had 20 years ago, but which was destroyed
by fire. Fortunately the State recognizes the need for an SRO with
community level support in Tompkins County.
Mr. DeLuca said the three Lakeview facilities needs to
be renovated or rebuilt. A plan is being developed and will be submitted
to the Mental Health Services Board that states the County's need for an
8-bed community residence level facility for permanent housing. He
said Park Place will be renovated so that each person will have their own
bedroom. He will also be asking for the more cost-effective community
residence with a 14-bed capacity (a duplex with two seven-bed units).
He said that in addition to the three residences, there are currently 30
licensed apartments that have only operated at 50 percent occupancy.
These apartments are for people who require a minimal amount of support.
Mr. DeLuca said the State does everything by the number
of beds in a facility. The intent is to take down 13 of the apartment
beds and three community residence beds, ask for reallocation of nine beds
from another county, and build a 25-bed SRO facility here. It will include
six staff counselors, a nurse, a receptionist and food service personnel,
and possibly case management staff. He said the capital project would
be paid by the State, including the property purchase, with only approximately
$5,000 in local dollars needed annually. He hopes the facility will
be open by fall 2004.
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and
unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to hold an executive
session to discuss real estate negotiations. An executive session was
held at 11:25 a.m. and returned to open session at 11:43 a.m.