HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
December 17, 2008
** NOT APPROVED **
Members Attending: R. Truax, D.
Russo, D. Burdick, W. Dibble, B. Reynolds
Others Present: C. Crandall, J. Margeson, P. Schmelzer, D.
Horan, R. Anderson, K. Toot,
L. Ballengee
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of November 19,
2008 were approved with motions from Legislator Dibble and Legislator
Reynolds. Motions carried.
Community Services
Dr. Anderson requested
approved to fill two ICM positions that are 100% State funded (including
benefits). One responsibility of these
positions is to keep children in their homes.
Legislator Reynolds moved to approve these positions, with Legislator
Dibble seconding. Motions carried. Ways
and Means
Dr. Anderson also reports
that two new vehicles have been purchased.
He also states that there are two vehicles (Chevrolet Astro Van and a mini van) he is turning in to the
County. The Departments of Social
Services and Office for the Aging have expressed interest in these vehicles.
It was asked that a certain
amount of monies ($21,500…$25,000) that must be spent be given to the VA Detox Program.
Legislators Reynolds and Burdick moved to approve the request. Motions carried.
Office for the Aging
Ms. Toot requested
permission to fill a vacant Driver position for the Congregate/Meals-on-Wheels
program. This is a part time, 17
hour/week position with no benefits.
This individual would be delivering meals in the Whitesville area. Legislator Reynolds moved on the
request. Legislator Dibble seconded and the
motions carried. Ways and Means
The department’s monthly
report was provided. It was noted that
1050 Blizzard Box Meals have been put together. Also noted was the fact that 18% of the
residents in Allegany County are over age 60.
The cut in the STAR program that the Governor is suggesting does not
change the basic STAR enhancement.
This remains intact. It will
affect the EPIC or prescription program.
Social Services
Ms. Schmelzer provided the
committee with her monthly report.
Additional information was provided by Rose Scott, Director of Temporary
Assistance showing the increases in applications over the past year. (49.12% increase in Family Assistance; and
30.09% increase in HEAP applications)
Ms. Schmelzer reported that
she has had conference calls with the State regarding the 09 Budget to keep
abreast on how the budget will affect the Department.
It was noted that there is a
new website for individuals to check on programs that they may be eligible
for. The address is www.mybenefits.ny.gov .
Don Horan, Director of
Administrative Services was present to inform the committee of his
responsibilities for the Department of Social Services.
Health Department
Ms. Ballengee reported that
Cathy Richmond has resigned as a member of the Board of Health due to her
retirement. Therefore, it is asked of
this committee to approve the appointment of Sherry Herdman, Nurse Practitioner
to fill this vacancy. The term will
expire on July 07, 2012. Legislator
Dibble moved to approve this appointment, with Legislator Reynolds
seconding. These motions carried. It was also suggested that the Chairman, or
someone, in some way, recognize Mrs. Richmond’s years of service. Resolution
It was reported that there
is a potential for increases in Early Intervention expenses. Denver
Other Business
The Community Services Board
requests committee approval to reappoint Dana S. Kruser
of Andover and Brent L. Reynolds of Alfred Station on the Community Services
Board for another four-year term beginning January 1, 2009 and expiring
December 31, 2012. Legislators Dibble
and Burdick made motions to approve these appointments. The motions carried. Resolution
The Chairman of the Board
plans to appoint Nancy Rouse, Scio; and Robert Riber,
Alfred Station, as members of the Citizens Advisory Council to the Office for
the Aging for a three year term commencing January 1, 2009 and expiring
December 31, 2011. Approval for these
appointments was given with motions from Legislators Dibble and Reynolds. Motions carried. Resolution
Adjournment
There being no further
business to come before this committee, the meeting was adjourned at 3:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Claypool