HUMAN SERVICES
COMMITTEE
February 25, 2008
** NOT APPROVED
Committee Members Present:
R. Truax, K. Kruger, W. Dibble, d. Burdick, B. Reynolds, D.
Russo
Others Present:
K. Toot, P.
Schmelzer, L. Ballengee, T. Hull, C. Crandall, J. Margeson, N. Ungerman, D. Pullen
T. Hopkins
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of January 16, 2008 were
approved with motions from Legislators Russo and Kruger. Motions carried.
Office for the Aging
Ms. Toot distributed the
department’s monthly report for committee information. It was noted that one half of the population
served are frail, disabled, or lives alone, and one third are over 85.
There has been a new program
introduced called the “Economic Stimulus Payment Program”. The only way an individual can apply for this
payment is if an income tax return is filed.
Most of the clientele are no longer required to file income tax. Therefore, the agency is receiving a lot of
calls, and providing assistance in completing income taxes for these people to
enable them to receive this stimulus payment.
Ms. Toot explained to this committee
the impact of the sale of the County’s Home Care Agencies to the Office for the
Aging. At this time there are only two
Certified Home Health Agencies in
It was noted that “outreach” on the
monthly report show “0”. It was
explained that Dan Washburn, who has left his position, was in charge of
reaching out to those individuals who have lost spouses to let them know what
services are available to them. Once
the position is filled you should see the numbers increase.
Social Services
This agency’s monthly report was
presented noting that the number of children in foster care is down. There are nine (9) children who have been
placed with relatives. The rest of the
children are in foster care. Next month
this will be broken down on the monthly report.
A program entitled “Working Families
Food Stamp Initiative” has been introduced.
It is a Federal Program with no local share. The Department will be visiting the WIC
clinic sites. It is a $25,000
grant. From this money the department
has purchased some computers. It also will
pay for overtime of workers who go out after regular hours to find individuals
who qualify for the program.
The HEAP Program has received an
additional allocation of monies.
The Governor has proposed that; 1)
none of non-secure detention costs will be covered by the State; 2) a 2%
increase for program cost for public assistance. The 2% increase was discussed further by
this committee. It is also being
discussed by NYSAC. It is felt that a
resolution needs to be prepared opposing this 2% shift to the Counties; and if
the county is to incur additional costs then they should have more input in the
spending and services. A resolution will be prepared by the
Litigation has been taking place
regarding pharmacies inflating costs of drugs paid through Medicaid. It appears that
Steve Rennie
of the Child Protective Services Unit spoke to the committee. A map of
Commissioner Schmelzer presented a
Memorandum of Explanation requesting that two Sr. Caseworker position in the
Child Protective Unit be continued.
These positions were created in May 2007 and were funded by the NYS
Office of Children and Family Services until 3/31/08. The funding is included in the 2008 budget
with a 25% local share. Legislator
Kruger asked that this request be tabled until next month. All were in favor.
Health
Department
Ms. Ballengee requested committee
approval to continue an agreement with
A resolution was requested for
approval of an agreement with Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES for Approved Providers
of Programs, SIET and/or Evaluations for Preschoolers with Disabilities
Contract.
Legislators
Kruger and Reynolds made the appropriate motions. These motions carried. RESOLUTION
Ms. Ballengee reported that last
week’s visits/day totaled 3.28 with only 11 hours of over - time.
It is also requested to abolish two
positions of Alternate Work Week in the nursing division. The remaining nurses are each carrying a
caseload. It was stated that these
positions did not save money or time.
Legislators Reynolds and Russo moved on this request, with Legislator
Kruger opposing. The motions carried.
A request was made to fill a Monday
through Friday Public Health Nurse position. The individual taking the position was one
of the AWW nurses. Legislators Reynolds
and Russo made the appropriate motions.
Motions carried. Ways and Means
Other Business
The Monroe County Medical Examiner
Office requests a three year contract with the following payments each year;
2008=$26355; 2009=$27014; and 2010=$27689.
This Office provides autopsies when necessary for deaths that occur in
Executive Session
Legislator Reynolds moved to hold
executive session to discuss the employment history of a particular individual
in the Health Department. Legislator
Dibble seconded. Motions carried.
Respectfully
submitted,
Teresa
Claypool