Human Services Committee
March 9, 2006 - 8:30 am
DRAFT MINUTES
Members: Sandy Price, Chairperson; Carol Tytler, Vice-Chairperson; Merwin Armstrong, Kay Breed, Don Spaulding, John Troy
Others Present:
Marilyn Brown, Chairman of the Legislature; Scott Schrader, County
Administrator; Richard Van Donsel, County Attorney; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to
County Administration; Carol Deloff, Director of Area Agency on Aging; Judy
Davison, Grant Administration, Employment & Training; Robin Sandwick,
Employment & Training; Don Ferris, County Treasurer
Absent: Mike McKee
Ms. Price called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
Mr. Troy made the motion to adoption of the minutes of the February 9,
2006 meeting; seconded by Ms. Tytler. All members voting in favor, minutes approved as printed.
1.
Accept Bids/Authorize Purchase/Nutrition Miscellaneous Groceries and Frozen
Food – Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Breed. Ms. Deloff discussed briefly this type of resolution.
All members voting in favor; none
opposed; resolution adopted.
2.
Amend Budget (Long Term Care Education Information and Outreach Program) –
Mr. Spaulding moved adoption;
seconded by Mr. Troy. Ms. Deloff
explained funding in the 2006 Budget and this is additional funding.
All members voting in favor; none
opposed; resolution adopted.
3.
Amend Budget (State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program) – Mr. Armstrong moved
adoption; seconded by Mr. Spaulding. Ms.
Deloff explained that originally in 2005 $50,000 was allocated and now $100,000
has been funded. She added that
this has been specifically geared for State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP).
Ms. Deloff explained that $71,000 would be used for salaries of those who
have been working with this program, including a portion of her own.
Ms. Deloff explained that a portion of this money has already been put in
the budget and this is additional. She
stated that her understanding is that this is the last of the money.
Ms. Breed inquired as to how good EPIC is.
Ms. Deloff explained that it is a wonderful program and explained further
some of the income guidelines for EPIC. Ms.
Price requested that handouts regarding EPIC be provided in Legislators
mailboxes. All
members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
DISCUSSIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
Ms. Deloff thanked everyone for their support of March for Meals, Meals On Wheels Awareness Bracelets.
1.
WIA Allocations estimates for
Program year 2006 – Ms. Davison explained that she had received a funding amount approval
for July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 and now that amount is being changed;
25.8 % of funding is being lost. She
discussed allocations earned and changes at the Federal Level.
Ms. Davison explained the unemployment rate figures being used are a year
old and she further explained substantial unemployment in New York State.
Ms. Davison stated that help from the County might be needed.
She went on to discuss the integrated programs and the One Stop Career
Center. Ms. Davison distributed a
Card Swipe Report and pointed out that in February alone the center had over
1,000 visitors. She explained that each figure represents a different person
who visited the Career Center. Ms.
Breed discussed her use and experience at the center and went on to state that
the people and the center were helpful and friendly. Ms. Davison further discussed her meeting with Kelly Owens,
Regional Director, and the use of Robin Sandwick as Manager at the One Stop
Career Center. Ms. Davison stated
that Ms. Sandwick has been there for a long time and has been the functional
manager and she will benefit the Center. Ms.
Tytler inquired about if the Federal funding being cut is also being cut in
other states besides New York. Ms.
Davison explained that it all depends on what is going on in the other states.
Ms. Tytler also inquired about the unemployment rate decreasing and the
volume at the Career Center remaining constant.
Ms. Davison explained that the unemployment figures being used are a year
old and that at the Federal level that enrollment at the center is disputable. She added that the card swipe numbers show how much the
center is being used. Ms. Davison
stated that since 1999 they have lost over 50% of funding and she expects more
budget cuts in the future. She
discussed different types of funding and programs.
Ms. Tytler asked if the funding is being cut across all the states at the
Federal Level. Ms. Sandwick
explained that the Center is more than just unemployment, they also conduct
business services; unemployment is such a small portion of the Career Center.
She went on to explain some of the businesses they have coordinated
training with and went on to explain and discuss the multiple functions of the
center. Ms. Davison discussed
working with Linda Hartsock of the IDA/BDC regarding a Call Center.
2. Three Year Plan Revision – Ms. Davison explained that the Draft Plan revisions will need to be done in April to authorize Chairman Brown to carry it out.
3. Recertification of the Cortland Works Career Center – Ms. Davison explained that Cortland Works Career Center will be reviewed in March. She further stated that she feels they are in good shape for this review.
Mr. Troy made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Spaulding. The meeting adjourned at 9:02 a.m.