1. March for Meals – Ms. Deloff distributed invitations for the members to accompany a Meals on Wheels driver on a route in March. She encourages the members to participate. If they have not done it, it is a real eye opener. The dates are March 14-16. Ms. Deloff also explained the "Stamp Out Hunger" bags that are available for $1.00. Last year, they raised about $4,000 in cash and another $1,000 in canned foods. Due to this, they received a national financial award. The bags are available through the Nutrition Program and through Ms. Deloff. Non-perishable foods are accepted in the Senior Center. Perhaps members can bring food to session.

2. Feinstein Challenge – Ms. Deloff explained that there is funding available to assist the nutrition program..

3. Senior Center Information – Ms. Deloff reviewed the 2004 Senior Center Expense Report. She explained how the numbers were developed for each center. Dr. DiGiovanni asked about "donations." Ms. Deloff explained that there is a "suggested donation" for the meals. Chairman Steve asked about the mileage. Ms. Deloff indicated that it is for center managers to come to Cortland for meetings. Also, there is an escort program at one of the centers. Ms. Deloff addressed questions about specific line items in the report. Chairman Steve asked about a report reflecting the cost analysis per meals. Dr. DiGiovanni asked if it is costing us $6.00 per meal in Marathon, is there a better way to provide a meal in Marathon; or for Scott, which is almost $10.00 a meal. Mrs. Brown asked if it has to be a "suggested" donation? Ms. Deloff explained that it must be a "suggested" amount and it must be collected in a confidential manner. Dr. DiGiovanni asked if the Center Managers are doing anything except supervising meals? Ms. Deloff explained that they are doing a multitude of other things, include planning and supervising activities and 100% of their salary is not being charged to the Nutrition Program. Mr. Tagliente asked about the differentiation in meals between Willet and Marathon. Ms. Deloff explained that the Willet community is very much behind the Center and there are a couple of key individuals who push the Center in Willet. Also, Willet has a dynamic Center Manager. Chairman Steve asked about why we are doing water testing? Ms. Deloff explained that it is because the Health Department requires the water to be tested. Chairman Steve asked why we can’t do it ourselves. Ms. Deloff will look further into the water testing requirements. Dr. DiGiovanni questioned two phone lines at the two centers. He feels that one line could be eliminated. Dr. DiGiovanni asked about the cooking gas cost at Scott. Ms Deloff indicated that this is part of the contract with the facility is that we pay for a portion of the cooking gas. Chairman Steve clarified with Ms. Deloff that the policy is that staff never transport a participant in their own vehicle. There was a lengthy discussion about staff transporting participants/clients in personal vehicles of staff. Ms. Deloff also reviewed the Annual Revenue Report for 2004. The revenue has increased by about $30,000.

Dr. DiGiovanni moved that the center managers in Marathon and Scott justify their second phone lines and make a presentation to this committee next month so they can evaluate whether to continue these second lines; seconded by Mr. Willcox. Motion adopted by general consent.

Dr. DiGiovanni would like an explanation about the water testing costs. Ms. Deloff explained that she will have that explanation next month as well as the explanation of the telephone cost.

4. Ms. Deloff received notification that HICAP funding will be increased between $3,000 and $7,000.There may be some additional funding for explanation/education of the Medicare changes. There will be some money coming for education and outreach about long term care health insurance.

5. L.I.F.E. Program Presentation – Syd McEvoy and Nancy Hazel – Mr. McEvoy said he encourages his staff to get on the agenda for this committee to explain the programs they conduct. L.I.F.E. stands for "Literacy is a Family Experience." This program works with low income families to encourage literacy, to prepare children for school, to encourage adults to participate in GED program, to improve math and reading skills to assist with job readiness. Nancy works with Kris Beard at the One Stop Center to help with employment for these adults. Kristen Monroe offered that she is directly touching the TANF population. Mrs. Brown asked if there is any way to measure performance and outcomes. Ms. Hazel explained that they work with OCM BOCES on evaluation of the program; there are standards set for the participants. Ms. Kannus explained that this is a cooperative effort between agencies. Ms. Hazel explained that this program used to be called "EvenStart" but that program lost its funding. Mr. Tagliente asked how many families we are serving. Ms. Hazel explained that they serve approximately 30 families. Mr. Willcox asked if there was documentation that the committee could see relative to the success of the program. Ms. Hazel explained that there are performance reports that must be submitted, and she would be happy to get those reports to the committee. Mr. McEvoy explained that there is no County share for this program and as a matter of fact, they are able to supplement some of the administrative salaries for staff as well. Mr. McEvoy explained that this program melds very well with other programs that Cooperative Extension offers to build stronger families. Ms. Kannus explained that this program is multi-faceted and focuses on the entire family, not just one sector of the family. Ms. Kannus indicated that involving the custodial adult in furthering his/her/their education, it serves as a role model for the children as well. Brochures on the program were left for the committee.

6. Mrs. Brown indicated that on February 17 there was a committee chairs’ meeting. It is planned to do before Session each month to try and set priorities for the Legislature through the committees. Mrs. Brown distributed an excerpt from the Dutchess County report. This is to look at the possibility of consolidating services. Mrs. Brown has the Dutchess County report and she can get a copy for any Legislator who would like one. We can look at services to see what can be done to be more efficient. Dr. DiGiovanni indicated that he has the report electronically if anyone would like a copy. Mrs. Brown asked the members to bring ideas to the next meeting. Mrs. Brown said perhaps we could work with the Center for Governmental Research to see if this type of report could be done for Cortland what the cost will be. She suggested that we could move forward. Dr. DiGiovanni indicated that Linda Hartsock is a former Dutchess County resident and is a personal friend of the Dutchess County Executive. It might be less expensive to work through him and with Linda on this project. Dr. DiGiovanni asked the County Administrator if there are one, two, or three programs that could have direct Legislative impact, he would put those on radar so some attention is focused there.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.

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