Human Services Committee

May 4, 2005 – 7:30 a.m.

Draft Minutes

 

Members present: Marilyn Brown, Chairman; Dan Tagliente; Dr. Paul DiGiovanni; Kurt Behrenfeld; Tom Williams; Chairman Scott Steve

Absent: Newell Willcox; Ron VanDee

Others present: Ann Homer; Robin Sandwick; Carol Deloff; Scott Schrader

Chairman Brown called the meeting to order at 7:35 a.m.

Mr. Behrenfeld moved adoption of the minutes of the April 6, 2005, meeting; seconded Mr. Tagliente. All members voting in favor; none opposed; minutes approved as printed.

 

Resolutions:

     

  1. Create Employment & Training Specialist Programs Counselors (temporary- 2 positions) Employment and Training Department – Mr. Behrenfeld moved adoption; seconded by Dr. DiGiovanni. Ms. Sandwick explained the reason for the positions; they are temporary for the summer season only. There is TANF funding for this program. Mrs. Brown asked how many students would be employed during the summer. Ms. Sandwick expects between 80 and 100 students will be employed through this program. Ms. Sandwick explained that there is no County cost for this program. Mrs. Brown indicated that she thought that Mr. Schrader had indicated that at some point, these positions will be reflected in some manner in the budget even though there are no County dollars for the program. Mr. Schrader said that his intention is to show Employment and Training’s budget in the overall County budget. There are some snags we have to overcome, one of them being the fact that E & T is on a different fiscal year from the County. Hopefully, this will be able to be reflected in the 2006 budget. All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.

Discussion:

1. Ms. Deloff distributed the 2004 Annual Report for the Area Agency on Aging . Ms. Deloff discussed the variety of increases in programs and services for 2004. Dr. DiGiovanni asked about Meals on Wheels. Ms. Deloff explained that we have 180 to 190 clients served per day, which has been relatively stable. We do have clients who are on and off the program, for example, when individuals come home from the hospital, they need the service for a short period of time and then they come off the program. Mr. Behrenfeld commented on the 76,000 volunteer hours provided by the RSVP program. Ms. Deloff reported that the RVSP Recognition Dinner is next week; 400 people are expected to attend. The cost of the meals for this program is underwritten by the Kiwanis Club. Chairman Steve asked about Appendix D and the numbers that are quite a bit different. Ms. Deloff indicated that it is because some of the classifications have been redefined. For example, if someone is calling to cancel a meal, that is not counted as a phone call. Mr. Tagliente stated he felt the report is impressive.

2. Older Americans Month Activities Report – Ms. Deloff indicated that the Older American’s Month Reception is tomorrow afternoon in the dining room. She hopes that all members received their invitations. The program is 30 years old. There will be one centenarian in attendance. The longest married couple, who have been married 72 years, will be recognized. The elementary school essay winners and the Senior Citizen of the Year will be recognized.

3. Mrs. Sandwick distributed the invitation to the One Stop Open House on May 20, 2005, and she also distributed the BDC E-Newsletter that featured the One Stop. Mr. Behrenfeld indicated that he was impressed with the facility and the concept itself. He believes it provides a good service.

4. Mrs. Brown explained that Ms. Monroe will not be present today – she is at a conference of DSS Commissioners. Mrs. Brown explained that most of the DSS statistics are up over 2004. DSS is having a problem with the exiting of Caseworkers, resulting in substantial turnover. This has become a problem for the department. Mrs. Brown asked if Dr. DiGiovanni has contacted the County Executive for Dutchess County. Dr. DiGiovanni indicated that he has sent several e-mails with no response; he has asked Linda Hartsock to intervene but he has not heard anything. Ms. Monroe will try to make contact with the Dutchess County Commissioner at the conference she is attending. Mrs. Brown indicated that Ms. Monroe and Ms. Goldner have been working on the news PINS Legislation. They have to decide which agency will take the lead; at this point it appears that the recommendation is going to be that the Probation Department take the lead. Mrs. Brown and Chairman Steve briefly reviewed the news PINS Legislation. Dr. DiGiovanni indicated that he has been promoting in the Health Committee a comprehensive list of what the Health Department and schools must work on together. He wants a complete agenda when he sits down with the schools.

The meeting adjourned at 8:03 a.m.

BACK