Human
Services Committee
Committee
Present: Sandy Price, Chairperson, Carol Tytler, Vice Chair, Merwin Armstrong,
Others Present: Richard VanDonsel, Marilyn Brown,
Susan Morgan, Carol Deloff, Kristen Monroe, Judy Davidson, Robin Sandwick,
Manny Lann & Corey Preston.
On motion of Mr. Armstrong, second by Mr. Troy the minutes of meeting of April 12, 2007 were unanimously approved.
Ø
Discussion of National Award received by RSVP- in bold
RESOLUTIONS:
Social Services
On motion of Mr. Troy, second by Mr. Spaulding Agenda No. 1 Authorize Agreement (Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities) was unanimously approved.
Discussion: Ms. Monroe said this is just a memorandum of understanding defining the roles of the two departments. A new law requires an update to the memorandum.
Youth Bureau
On motion of Mr. McKee, second by Mr. Armstrong Agenda No. 2 Authorize Agreements Member Item Funds was unanimously approved.
Discussion: Mr. Lann said this money was utilized for the CTC Conference held last weekend. The County approved receipt of the money from Assemblyman Finch and this is the contract to make payment.
Employment & Training
On motion of Mr. Troy, second by Mr. Armstrong Agenda No. 3 Authorize Agreement Employment and Training Department and The New York State Department Of Labor was unanimously approved.
Discussion: Ms. Davidson said this is a 15-month lease
that is due to expire in October, which is paid by the Department of Labor and
we are reimbursed for our portion. There are six other agencies that share the
rent. Ms. Tytler commented what a nice job the landlord did to the front of
the building.
DISCUSSION/ PRESENTATIONS:
Department of Social Services
Kristen Monroe presented her annual report and offered to answer any
questions. It was determined that the committee review the report and
questions will be answered at the next meeting. Ms. Price reported on the
Foster Care Dinner held last Friday She thanked the foster families on behalf
of the legislature for all their hard work. She also challenged foster parents
to recruit at least one new foster parent as we need at least 20 more. Ms.
Monroe reported that the mandatory managing for Medicaid is moving forward and
we are actively enrolling people. Ms. Tytler asked if there are still carve
outs left. Ms. Monroe answered that nursing homes and SSI folks are still
optional.
Office of
the Aging
Carol Deloff presented her annual report and it was recommended that the committee review and have questions answered at the next meeting as will be done with Social Services. Ms. Deloff reported that Northwoods is in receivership, which affects the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. There are four staff and four volunteers involved. Northwoods owns four other facilities across the state and it is believed that they intend to sell them. The Court has appointed a patient advocate from Schenectady County that we will be submitting reports due to the bankruptcy. There are reports that we will receive remuneration but she is unsure how that is going to work. Ms. Tytler asked if we monitor patient care in the whole facility. Ms. Deloff answered yes and feels positive that the new CEO has requested to resolve issues internally and they also have a new administrator.
Regarding Older Americans Month,
they are having a reception today at 3PM where they will be announcing winners
of the student essay contest as well as naming the Senior Citizen of the Year.
She reported that over 400 attended another successful RSVP dinner. She
noted that Cindy Stockholm was presented the Acts of Caring Award in
Washington, DC for Cortland’s RSVP Program. Ms. Price referred the Committee
to the County News, published by the National Association of Counties
that pictured Cindy receiving the award and asked that this honor be put on
the May 24th legislative agenda to be shared with all legislators.
Employment
& Training
Judy Davidson reported that her
department is presently working on Fiscal Reports to the State. They are also
working with Onondaga County on the career ladder grant. The one step career
center is in a holding pattern as the regional administrator is still arm
wrestling to take over the lease for the center. She has met with the County
Administrator and will have more to report later.
Youth
Bureau
Manny Lann reported they are in the midst of planning the summer youth trips of which there will be 25 this year. Mr. Troy questioned if the Youth Bureau was involved in the series of bike races. Mr. Lann said they are sponsored by the YMCA
Mr. VanDonsel reported that his office is working with Ms. Monroe on the Pharmaceutical lawsuit involving incorrect billing. They are presently at discovery stage although have settled one portion so far.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 AM