HUMAN SERVICES

April 7, 2010

 

** NOT APPROVED **


Members attending

D. Burdick, D. Russo, F. Sinclair, D. Cady, K. LaForge

 

Also attending

K. Toot, R. Anderson, P. Schmelzer, T. Miner, L. Ballengee, C. Crandall, E. Ruckle

D. Fanton, T. Hopkins, J. Margeson, B. Riehle

 

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 am by Chairman Burdick.

 

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of March 3, 2010 were approved with motions from Legislators LaForge and Sinclair.  Motions carried.

 

Social Services

The department’s monthly report and annual report were presented.  It was noted that Medicaid and Food Stamps continue to grow.   Mentioned were State proposals of a State takeover of Medicaid Administration, and talk of taking over the whole Medicaid program.

It was asked if there was a waiting period for someone who moves into the County to be eligible for services.   If the person is single, there is a 45 day waiting period, but if there are children involved there is no waiting period.

 

Office for the Aging

Ms. Toot requests a resolution to re-appropriate $6000 in Federal funding from the Medicare Improvement for Patient and Providers Act (MIPPA) grant.  The program allows the agency to provide assistance to individuals in applying for Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy or the Medicare Savings Program.   Legislator Sinclair moved on the request.  Legislator Russo seconded and the motions carried.  Ways and Means

 

It was requested to fill a Substitute Luncheon Center Manager position.  This individual would work when someone was on vacation or ill.    These positions do not get paid when they do not work, so the budgeting would be a wash.  Legislators Sinclair and LaForge made the appropriate motions.  These motions carried with referral to Ways and Means.

 

The Office for the Aging requests permission to go to bid on a mini-van and small station wagon to deliver meals-on-wheels.  The State bid does not provide for these types of vehicles.  Information was provided on the agency’s other vehicles.  Legislator Russo moved to go ahead with the bid process.  Legislator LaForge second this motion and the motions carried.

 

 

Ms. Toot provided the department’s monthly report.  Also provided was a letter sent to Assembly Member Giglio stressing the importance of maintaining funding to EISEP, CSE and SNAP programs.  There are proposed cuts in home care, meals, and community services for the elderly.

 

Community Services

Dr. Anderson requests approval to fill a vacant Assistant Director position due to a resignation.  Advertising was done, and applications received, however it is felt that the agency would be better served by promoting from within the agency by an individual who is well qualified.    In promoting this individual, it will leave a position of Intensive Case Manager open.  It was also requested to fill this position.    There was brief discussion on the fiscal impact of hiring. 

Dr. Anderson explained that it has been at least ten years since an increase in the County’s contribution to this agency and this hiring will not affect the budget.  He will put something together to better explain Community Services relationship with the County.  Legislator Sinclair moved on approval to fill the Assistant Director position as well as the position of Intensive Case Manager.  Legislator Cady seconded the motion.  Motions carried.   Ways and Means

 

Health Department

Ms. Ballengee asked committee members if they would be interested in an educational session on the Health Department.  Program Managers would each give an overview of their respective programs.    A luncheon would be provided.    Members were agreeable to this and it will be scheduled on May 24th.

 

Members were also reminded of Dr. Richard F. Daines, State Health Commissioner’s, visit and encouraged to attend.  He will be here as part of his 15-County National Public Health Week tour.

 

The Department requests permission to accept Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) funding as follows:

1)      ATUPA                                                                   $2419.00

2)      Children with Special Health Care Needs             $718.00

3)      Family Planning                                                     $12,900.00

4)      Childhood Lead Poisoning                                                $3,045.00

5)      Immunization Action Plan                                     $2,417.00

6)      Rabies                                                                   $1,065.00

 

Legislators Sinclair and LaForge moved to accept these funds.  Motions carried. 

Ways and Means

 

The Department also requests a resolution transferring $5025 for the Cancer Services Program to the Komen Kares Program.   This money was originally appropriated to Cancer Services when received and it should have been appropriated to Komen Kares.   Ms. Ballengee briefly informed the committee what services the Komen Program provided.    Legislators LaForge and Russo moved on the transfer.  Motions carried.  Ways and Means/Resolution

Executive Session

Ms. Ballengee requests an attorney/client session to discuss legal issues in a certain matter.  Legislators Sinclair and LaForge moved to hold executive session.

 

Motions to resume regular business were made by Legislators Sinclair and LaForge.  Motions carried.

 

As there was a complaint regarding smoking and that it was affecting an individual’s health, the Health Department investigated this complaint.   This issue was taken to the Board of Health and their recommendation was to make County property smoke free.   Human Services Committee recommends that smoking will not be allowed within 25 feet of the Courthouse or County Office Building, but will be allowed within designated areas.   This recommendation with motion from Legislator Russo, and second from Legislator Cady, will be referred to the Public Works Committee for their consideration.    Motions carried.

 

Appointment

The Community Services Board is requesting that Raymond Loh of Wellsville, NY, be appointed to fill a vacancy for the remainder of a four-year term expiring December 31, 2011.  Legislator Sinclair made the motion approving this appointment.  Legislator LaForge seconded and the motions carried.  Resolution

 

Adjournment

There being no further business for this committee, the meeting was adjourned with motions from Legislators Sinclair and Cady.  Motions carried.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Teresa Claypool