HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

March 19, 2008

 

** NOT APPROVED **


Committee Members Present

R. Truax, K. Kruger, W. Dibble, D. Burdick, B. Reynolds

 

Others Present

P. Schmelzer, D. Habblewaight, L. Ballengee, T. Hull, E. Ruckle, D. Fanton, T. Hopkins, J. Margeson

 

Approval of Minutes

            The minutes of February 25, 2007 were approved with motions from Legislators Dibble and Kruger.  Motions carried.

 

Office for the Aging

            This office requests a resolution to transfer funds totaling $4000.00 from a .1 account to a .4 account relative to NY Connects.    Legislator Kruger moved on the request, with Legislator Dibble seconding.  Motion carried.  Ways and Means/ Resolution

 

Social Services

            Dawn Hebblethwaite from the  Temporary Assistance division  described this division and the responsibilities she holds.

 

            The Department’s monthly report was presented.  It was also reported that the department was under budget for 2007 due to unanticipated increases in their revenue sources.

 

            A request to continue two Sr. Caseworker position in the Child Protective Unit was again presented.  These positions are funded by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services through 3/31/08.  There is a possibility that there will be money to continue the funding at a later date.  This Unit continues to have an increase in Hotline Reports.    Legislator Kruger requested approval to abstain in this decision.  Legislators Reynolds and Burdick moved on his request and  also made motions to continue these positions.   Motions carried.   Ways and Means

 

            The Department also requests permission to fill a Senior Social Welfare Examiner position and any vacancies that occur as a result of filling this position.  The position is being vacated due to a retirement.  The costs for this position are met under the county Medicaid cap.  Legislators Reynolds and Burdick made the appropriate motions approving this request.  The motions carried with Legislator Kruger opposing.   Ways and Means

 

Health Department

            The Department is applying for a Licensed Home Care Services Agency operating certificate.   This is needed to continue doing home visits for things such as Well Baby visits.    Legislators Kruger and Reynolds moved to continue the application process and to prepare a memorandum of explanation for resolution to the full board of legislators.   Motions carried.   This request will also be presented to the Board of Health for approval.

 

            Brief discussion took place regarding the Tobacco Grant .   It was the department’s original intent to hire a Coordinator through Cornell Cooperative Extension, but the department has learned that Cornell has reached their quota and cannot provide anyone.  Committee members stated that they had thought that the monies could be used to offset someone’s salary who already is employed in the Department.   Ms. Ballengee agreed and will be looking into this further.

 

Executive Session

            Ms. Ballengee requested an executive session to discuss the employment history of a particular individual in the Health Department.  Legislators Reynolds and Burdick moved on the request.   Motion carried.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Teresa Claypool