Human Services Committee

November 2, 2005 - 7:30 am

APPROVED MINUTES

 

Members:                   Marilyn Brown, Chairperson; Newel Willcox, Vice Chairman; Kurt Behrenfeld, Paul DiGiovanni, Dan Tagliente, Ron VanDee, Tom Williams

Others Present:          Katrina Spicer, Carol Deloff, Manny Lann, Kristen Monroe

 Mrs. Brown called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.

 Mr. VanDee moved adoption of the minutes of the October 5, 2005 meeting; seconded by Mr. Williams. 

All members voting in favor, minutes approved as corrected.

 Dr. DiGiovanni asked that spelling of Mr. Newel Willcox name be corrected in the minutes.

 RESOLUTIONS:

 Youth Bureau

 

1.                  Resource Allocation Plan, NYS Office of Children and Family Services, Youth Bureau – Mr. Lann distributed Program Summary.  He stated that State Aide will be a little less for 2006 than received in 2005.  Municipalities use Recreation funds for Recreation programs.  Youth Bureau serves approximately 18,000 youths.  Mrs. Brown questioned the effectiveness of programs.  Mr. Lann expressed if it is found that a program lacks in effectiveness then funding is changed in the future.  Mr. Behrenfeld moved adoption; second by Mr. Williams.  All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.

 

Area Agency on Aging

 

2.                  Increase Petty Cash Account, Area Agency on Aging (Nutrition Program) – Ms. Deloff stated that money will used to purchase bread and hamburger buns.  Mr. Willcox moved adoption; second by Dr. DiGiovanni.  All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.

 

Social Services

 

3.                  Amend Budget, Department of Social Services (HEAP) – Ms. Monroe stated that HEAP opened yesterday, November 1, 2005 and the department had a line at the door.  Ms. Brown asked if the funding for HEAP will increase at all this year.  Ms. Monroe’s response was that the total funding will remain the same for the season but more funding will be available upfront.  Last year’s fund was $1.5 million.  Even though there is a significant increase in fuel prices there is no increase in funding.  The overall benefit level will not increase, it will remain the same; the problem is that the same benefit will not go as far.  Dr. DiGiovanni moved adoption; second by Mr. Behrenfeld.  All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.

DISCUSSION/ PRESENTATIONS:

1.                  October Statistics – Social Services Department, Kristen Monroe.  Temporary Assistance – ongoing benefits are stable.  Mr. Behrenfeld asked what the average cost is per case.  Ms. Monroe will send him that information.  Ms. Brown questioned the increase in Medical Assistance.  Ms. Monroe pointed out that there was a decrease in the caseload in June and a different trend may be beginning.  Mr. Behrenfeld asked the average cost per case and Ms. Monroe will also make that information available to him.  Supplemental Security Income caseload is beginning to decrease, but not dramatically.  Ms. Monroe stated that the State desire to have an increase in the number of people in receipt of Food Stamps.  In Cortland County only 60% of the people eligible for the Food Stamp program actually receive Food Stamps.  Food Stamp revenue is federally funded.  Child Protective Services Hotline Reports increased dramatically in September.  This deviates from previous years.      

 Ms. Brown made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Dr. DiGiovanni. 

 The meeting adjourned at 7:55 a.m.

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