HUMAN SERVICES

March 3, 2010

 

** NOT APPROVED **

Members attending

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

 

Also attending

K. Toot, L. Hennessy, P. Cockle, T. Moore, D. Fanton, T. Hopkins, P. Schmelzer, T. Ross, C. Crandall,

E. Ruckle, J. Margeson, B. Riehle, P. Curran, M. Alger

 

Call to Order

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

 

Office for the Aging

This office requests a resolution to transfer funds from a reserve account to an equipment account totaling $21250.   The monies will be used to purchase items such as desks, files, bookcases, etc.  Legislators Russo and Sinclair made the motions to approve the transfer.  The motions carried.  Resolution

 

The department’s monthly report was provided for the month of January 2010.  It was noted that 888 people received services, and that 1112 HEAP applications were processed.  The Nutrition Program report shows contributions are up slightly.  It was asked how many of the HEAP applications are approved.  Ms. Toot stated that approximately 95%, and that the number of applications was approximately the same as 2008-2009.

 

The monthly report shows an item entitled “Universal Design for Allegany County” and it was asked what this referred to.      It is how individuals can make their home ready for any disability that an individual may have.  They are working to educate people, as well as working to get a builders association in Allegany County.   The department is also checking into putting a permanent display at the county fairgrounds.  This project is being coordinated with the Rural Health Network as well as 20 or 30 other agencies in the county.

 

The committee members were thanked for their attendance at the Legislative Luncheon.

 

Social Services

The department’s monthly report was provided.  It was reported that the department will have a 3.9 million dollar surplus for 2009.    The report gave an overview of the budget surplus from 2000 to 2009, the Medicaid Cap, and a view of where the Medicaid dollars go.  Medicaid is 75% of the Department’s budget.    A reconciliation is done by New York State once a year and the counties are reimbursed any excess they would have received under the old program.  It was asked what the future funding may or may not be.  Ms. Schmelzer reported that so far the governors cuts have not affected the department, but there are however some proposed legislations that could.  The FMAP funds have been extended six more months.

 

Legislator Burdick asked the reason for the increase in food stamp cases.   One reason may be the result of individuals losing their jobs.

 

 

Health Department

The Department has received up to five complaints regarding cigarette smoke coming in the building when the doors are opened.  One of which said it was affecting their health.   As the Health Department is the enforcement agency for the Clean Indoor Air Program, they are asking for recommendations from the committee.   It was suggested to move the ashtrays away from the entrances.  The “shack” directly in back of the county building was discussed.     After further discussion, Legislator Sinclair moved to refer this to the county attorney to draft what was necessary to allow smoking at a minimum distance of 25 feet from county owned buildings, and in designated areas only (ex. “Smoke shack”).    Once the draft of the local law is completed, it should be brought back to this committee for review.  Legislator Cady seconded this motion, and the motions carried.  Refer to County Attorney

 

There has been a law in effect that regulates tanning establishments since 1990.  Until recently, October 2009, this law has not been enforced.   It is the decision of the County if they want the Health Department to enforce the law.  If the County decides not to, then the State will do the inspections.  The advantage for the County doing the inspections is there would be more flexibility in enforcement, establishments could be educated in safety issues, and the law itself.   It was also noted that Allegany County statistics for the number of melanoma cases is higher than average in New York State.   This does not suggest that tanning beds are the only cause, but does present an opportunity to educate people on their use and what the result of too much could cause.  It was suggested that the department determine the other causes of this cancer and address those issues as well.  Legislator Curran felt that the County did not need to be involved.   Inspection fees were discussed.   Legislator Russo moved to opt into this enforcement, charging a $50 inspection fee every two years.  Legislator Sinclair seconded this motion.  The motion carried with Legislator Burdick voting no.   This should be referred to the County Attorney.

 

The Department requests permission to accept funding in the amount of $34,000 through the New York State Department of Health addressing obesity.   Legislators Sinclair and Russo made the motion to accept this funding.  Legislator Burdick asked how the grant would be used.  Theresa Moore stated that the department will be working with Youth Development on three different projects in the Village of Wellsville.  They are having a Farmers Market on Thursdays, the 6th grade will have a Community Garden, where the produce will go to the Farmers Market, and Community Mapping for walking areas that begin and end at the Market.  Also asked was if they have a current campaign in place.  Youth Development has worked with the Office for the Aging and schools, and information has been provided through news releases, but this would be the first time for actual monies provided addressing obesity.

The motions to accept the funding were carried.  Ways and Means

 

The following re-appropriation of grant monies and gift and donations were approved with motions from Legislators Russo and Cady:

 

            NYS Immunization                                                      $20,000

            Homeland Security                                                     $22,871

            OHS Emergency Preparation                                                 $27,778

            Family Health – Early Intervention                              $21,712

            NYSDOH-Public Health Emergency Preparedness  $114,314

            Cancer Services Donation                                         $5,025

 

The motions to re-appropriate these monies for 2010 were carried.  Ways and Means

 

 

 

Adjournment

As there was no further business to come before this committee, Legislator LaForge moved to close the meeting, with Legislator Sinclair seconding.  Motions carried.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Teresa Claypool