Human Services Committee
February 9, 2006 - 9:30 am
DRAFT MINUTES
Members: Sandy Price, Chairperson; Carol Tytler, Vice-Chairperson; Merwin Armstrong, Mike McKee, Don Spaulding, John Troy
Others Present: Marilyn Brown, Chairman of the Legislature; Richard Van Donsel, County Attorney; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Larry Cornell, Legislator; Carol Deloff, Director of Area Agency on Aging; Kristen Monroe, Commissioner of Department of Social Services;
Manny Lann, Director of Youth Bureau;
Absent: Kay Breed
Ms. Price called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.
Mr. Troy made the motion to adoption of the minutes of the January 12,
2006 meeting; seconded by Mr. Spaulding. All members voting in favor, minutes approved as printed.
1.
Abolish/Create Aging Services Worker/Aging Services Specialist – Mr.
McKee moved adoption; seconded by
Mr. Troy. Ms. Deloff explained this
position and stated that a Specialist would better meet the needs in the office.
She added that the qualifications are different.
Ms. Price stated that she had spoken with Ms. Deloff and this position
has been vacant for a while and she would like to see it expedited.
Ms. Deloff informed the committee that it has been posted and there have
been no applicants yet. Ms. Tytler
asked about the position being budgeted for.
Ms. Deloff stated that the position would be covered in the budget.
Ms. Price requested that committee members put the word out regarding
this position. Ms. Price stated
that she would like to commend the people in Administration who are helping Ms.
Deloff and working with her. Ms.
Deloff stated that her department is behind on assessments. Committee members discussed the position and the
qualifications required. Ms. Deloff
stated that she did have a call from one individual regarding the position.
All members voting in favor; none
opposed; resolution adopted.
2.
Authorize Agreement (Home Care for Cortland County, Inc.) – Mr. Troy moved
adoption; seconded by Mr. Spaulding. Ms.
Deloff stated that this is a contract to provide Expanded In-Home Services for
the Elderly Program (EISEP) clients with home health aide to help individuals
stay at home. She went on to state
that on average it is for six hours a week and her department is currently
handling about 30 cases and there is a waiting list of about 17.
She went on to state that these clients are not eligible for Medicaid.
Ms. Deloff discussed the Memory Walk that is held in September. All members voting in
favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
3.
Authorize Agreement (Bus Lease-Cincinnatus Central School District) –
Mr. McKee moved adoption;
seconded by Mr. Troy. Mr. Lann
stated that this is an agreement that they give us the busses and we pay the
drivers. Chairman Brown asked if
the price per mile was the same as last year.
Mr. Lann stated it was and that it is budgeted for.
All members voting in favor; none
opposed; resolution adopted.
Department of Social Services
4.
Amend 2006 Budget (Community Solutions for Transportation)– Ms. Tytler moved
adoption; seconded by Mr. Troy. Ms.
Monroe stated that this is the tail end of TANF money and it needs to be spent
by June for Client Services and it is full reimbursement.
Ms. Monroe suggested services like the driver training fee and licensing
fees. All
members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
Mr. Van Donsel requested that numbers be put in to agenda item number 3 and insert “not to exceed” what was budgeted for.
5.
Authorize Stipulation of Settlement (Foster Care) – Mr. Troy moved
adoption; seconded by Mr. Armstrong. Ms.
Monroe stated that she would change the title of the resolution.
She briefly explained the history behind this resolution.
She went on to add that this is the outcome of a settlement agreement
with New York State for inadequate past funding.
Ms. Monroe stated that she felt there was no way to argue for more money
and added that there are no requirements on spending the money; it will go to
General Fund. Mr. Van Donsel stated that this is the best and closet
calculation that anyone could come up with, he added that most other counties
realize the same. All members
voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
DISCUSSIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
1. Area Agency on Aging, Medicare, Part D – Ms. Deloff stated that here agency has been overwhelmed with Medicare Part D. She went on to add that a year ago she had only one person that dealt with insurance and now she has two people, herself and others. Ms. Deloff stated that during the timeframe of November 15, 2005 through January 31, 2006 her office has seen over 500 people at least once, some of them have been seen more than that. She went on to add that her office has schedule 30 appointment between now and March 1 and there are 50 more people waiting on appointments. She stated that they are helping people but it is a very timely process. Ms. Deloff sated that she has seen improvements on the website over the last couple of weeks. She went on the express her concerns about those people who are not getting needed medications and her additional concerns about future changes to this program. Ms. Tytler inquired about EPIC. Ms. Deloff stated that it is income based; she added that there are fees and co-pays. Ms. Tytler stated that she had had calls from constituents regards this.
2. Area Agency on Aging, March for Meals – Ms. Deloff stated that this is promotion in the month of March for the Nutrition Program. She stated that the theme is “Mayors for Meals” and that Mayor Mike McDermott of Homer and Mayor Tom Gallagher of Cortland will be riding along on March 22 delivering meals. Ms. Deloff discussed fund raising. Ms. Price encouraged other Legislators to go out on rides to deliver meals; she stated that it is very important and enlightening. Mr. Cornell agreed. Ms. Deloff stated that a special relationship is formed between the client and the driver. Ms. Tytler inquired about the time frame on March 22. Ms. Deloff stated that rural area deliveries leave first at about 9:40 a.m. She went on to add that city deliveries leave later. Ms. Deloff informed committee members that there are 6 opening left for those interested and they should allow a minimum of 3 hours for a ride along.
3. Area Agency on Aging, Point of Entry – Ms. Deloff and Ms. Monroe explained to the committee that this is a vision of New York State to assist people with long care needs of all ages to have a single point of entry. Ms. Deloff stated that this would coordinate Department of Social Services, Health Department, Area Agency on Aging and other agencies. Ms. Deloff and Ms. Monroe explained further some aspects of Point of Entry and informed the committee that this is conceptually a wonderful idea but could be a major undertaking especially if the resources aren’t there. The committee further discussed that Cortland County has a foundation in place and they further discussed the fact that eventually all counties will be required to have this.
Mr. Armstrong inquired about the Provider Fraud. Ms. Monroe stated that it is guided and controlled at the state level.
Ms. Price discussed a tour of the Youth Bureau; and it was decided to invite all Legislators to the next Youth Board Meeting on April 20, 2006 at 5:00 pm. She also discussed changing the committee meeting to 8:30 am on Thursdays instead of 9:30.
Mr. Troy made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ms. Tytler. The meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m.