HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

May 21, 2008

** NOT APPROVED **

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Committee Members Present

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

Others Present

P. Schmelzer, K. Toot, T. Hull, T. Hopkins, D. Fanton, J. Margeson, C. Crandall

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of April 16, 2008 were approved with motions from Legislators Russo and Burdick. Motions carried.

Social Services

Charlie Dickerson, Supervisor of Adult Services and Child Welfare, was introduced. Mr. Dickerson explained the division’s responsibilities. Some of which include working with individuals to prevent the need to remove children from their homes, most reports under adult protection deal with self neglect; guardianships - deals with people not capable of taking care of themselves; home care – personal care workers, home health aides placed in homes.

Ms. Schmelzer presented the department’s monthly report noting that caseloads were up slightly.

Ms. Schmelzer, on behalf of the funeral directors of Allegany County, requested consideration of an increase in burial and cremation rates. There has been no increase since 2004. Proposed burial rates are: $850 (still born to 1 yr) and $1850 (1 yr and over); Cremation rates are: $650 (still born to 1 yr) and $1450 (1 yr and over). There are also costs included in the proposal for removals; mileage, and other miscellaneous expenses. Legislator Reynolds moved to refer the proposal to Ways and Means for their consideration. Legislator Dibble second the motion and motion carried.

Office for the Aging

Ms. Toot complimented Mr. Dickerson and the those involved in the Adult Services and Child Welfare division of Social Services on the excellent job they perform.

The department’s monthly report was distributed noting the number of rides provided has increased from 287 last year to 432 this year at this same time frame. It is believed that part of the reason for this is the increase in gas prices.

Ms. Toot has some concern over budget items for meals and transportation. The agency is looking into the possibility of freezing meals and not delivering as much. There are 21 routes. She has spoken to service groups for suggestion, etc.

The results of the survey taken at the Office for the Aging Senior Forum on April 18, 2008 were provided to the committee. Some survey questions included; 1) Have you lost your primary care physician?, 2) Have you had any trouble receiving home care services if you needed them?, 3) Is there a service needed by senior that the Office for the Aging should be providing that is not currently being offered?

Health Department

The Willcare, Professional Service Agreement in reference to the sale of the department’s home care agency was accepted with motions from Legislators Dibble and Reynolds. The Asset Purchase Agreement was also accepted with motions from Legislators Dibble and Russo. Motions carried with Legislator Kruger opposed. Ways and Means

The Department requests a resolution to renew a service contract with McGuinness and Associates, Inc. for Pre-School Special Education Program software. This software is necessary in order for the Department to interface with NYS SED and for the processing of Preschool State Aid Claims. Legislators Dibble and Reynolds moved on the request, with motions carrying. Resolution

Legislator Russo requested information in reference to the number of visits occurring in home care.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Teresa Claypool