HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING
August 1, 2018
Members Present: J. Hopkins, G. Barnes, D. Decker, S. Havey,
P. Stockin, C. Crandall (Absent: J. Burdick, D. Root)
Others Present: L. Ballengee, T. Boyde, B. Budinger, P.
Curran, W. Dibble, M. Gasdik, V. Grant, K. Graves, D. Healy, C. Jones, C.
Knapp, B. Riehle, T. Ross, T. Shaw, M. Washer
Media Present: C. Potter – Wellsville Daily Reporter
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Human
Services Committee Chair Judith Hopkins at 2:04 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Legislator Decker, seconded by
Legislator Barnes, and carried to approve the minutes of June 27, 2018, with
the following addition:
“Board of Health Reappointment
The Board of Health
would like Dr. Joseph Felsen reappointed to serve a six-year term commencing
July 8, 2018, and expiring July 7, 2024. If the Committee desires to make this
reappointment, please have a motion to that effect included in the minutes,
along with a request to the County Attorney to prepare a resolution. This
request was approved on a motion made by Legislator Barnes, seconded by
Legislator Stockin, and carried. Prepare Resolution”
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Report Updates
Public Health Director Lori Ballengee attended the meeting
and submitted her monthly report to the committee for review. Ms. Ballengee
congratulated Emergency Preparedness for completing all of their annual
deliverables. Ms. Ballengee also recognized WIC for their breastfeeding
initiative rate being at its highest. Ms. Ballengee stated the Coroner/Medical
Examiner numbers continue to climb, and she hopes to see a decline soon.
Committee Chair Hopkins asked if there is any reasoning behind the increase.
Ms. Ballengee stated she has looked into it; however, no one has seen anything
out of the ordinary.
Audit
Ms. Ballengee stated that state auditors were onsite for the
WIC Program audit. There were zero deficiencies, and Ms. Ballengee recognized
Accountant Dave Rahr and Allegany County WIC Program Coordinator Lauri Smith
for their hard work.
Septic System Replacement Update
Ms. Ballengee stated they have received some applications
for the Septic System Replacement Program and hope to begin soon and get them
completed.
Rabies Clinic
There will be a Rabies Clinic held on Saturday, August 4,
2018, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Willing Town Hall, 1431 State Route
19S in Wellsville. This clinic is for dogs, cats, and ferrets three months and
older, and it is only available to NYS residents. All dogs must be on a leash,
and all cats and ferrets must either be on a leash or in a pet carrier.
Wellsville Family Planning Relocation
Ms. Ballengee stated they have given notice to their current
landlord in Wellsville that they will be moving to the Alfred State Wellsville
campus. This move will save on rent, utilities, and they also do not have to
pay for internet.
Acceptance of Performance Incentive Funds
Public Health Director Lori Ballengee requested a resolution
to accept and appropriate Performance Incentive Initiative monies for the
General Fund for the 2018 Budget year. This incentive was awarded by the NYS
Department of Health for Allegany County’s ability to strengthen performance in
chronic disease prevention. The funds should be appropriated as follows:
Appropriation: Amount:
A4010.201 (County Health Department – Office Equipment)
$5,000
Revenue: Amount:
A4010.3450.00 (Public Health-State Aid Other) $5,000
The performance incentive monies will be utilized to fund
furniture costs associated with the Health Department’s move to the third
floor. This request was approved on a motion made by Legislator Stockin,
seconded by Legislator Barnes, and carried. Refer to Ways and Means
Approval of Contract with Susan Dougherty
Ms. Ballengee requested approval to contract with Susan
Dougherty to provide Reproductive Health Nurse Practitioner duties, no more
than 12 hours per week. Ms. Ballengee stated they have received no applications
or inquiries for the full-time position that is being offered; therefore, this
contract is necessary to serve the Reproductive Health Clinic clients. This
contract also provides the ability to submit billing and receive revenues from
insurances, etc. for services. Without a Nurse Practitioner, the Health
Department could not bill for their services or capture the revenue they do
now. This contract will no longer be necessary once they fill the full-time
Nurse Practitioner position, and Ms. Ballengee acknowledged Ms. Dougherty for
her willingness to contract with the County on one of her days off to keep the
program running. Legislator Decker asked if the full-time position salary is
enough to attract any candidates, and Ms. Ballengee stated, no. Legislator
Decker then asked if it is competitive, and Ms. Ballengee stated, no, not with
private practice. Ms. Ballengee continued that a Nurse Practitioner at a
private practice generating revenue is typically making on average $100,000 per
year, with the lowest being approximately $85,000. Ms. Ballengee noted they
have done a great job advertising for the position, and continue to do all they
can to fill it; however, they have not received one phone call. Legislator
Decker asked if this contract with Ms. Dougherty will be enough to cover the
patients’ needs. Ms. Ballengee stated they also contract with Cattaraugus
County who covers Belmont and Wellsville. Ms. Dougherty’s contract will cover
the Alfred campus one day per week. This request was approved on a motion made
by Legislator Decker, seconded by Legislator Havey, and carried. Prepare
Resolution
WIC Clerk Position
Ms. Ballengee requested permission to fill one full-time
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Clerk (AFSCME, Grade 4, Step: Base).
Currently there is only one other WIC staff employee who determines income
eligibility for the program. In order to run concurrent clinics as the State
desires, another staff person is needed that can perform these duties at the
second clinic. The annual salary of this position is $27,498 with benefits
estimated at $20,470. This position is funded 100 percent with State funds.
This request was approved on a motion made by Legislator Decker, seconded by
Legislator Havey, and carried. Refer to Ways and Means
OFFICE FOR THE AGING
Office for the Aging Director Madeleine Gasdik attended the
meeting and submitted her monthly report to the committee for review. Ms.
Gasdik stated they had two new hires in June. Elaiza Cole-Neu who is the new
Aging Services Technician, and Barb Billings who is the new Whitesville Center
Manager.
Senior Picnic
Ms. Gasdik thanked all who have signed up for the Senior
Picnic, stating they currently have 650 people planning to attend. If the
weather does not permit, the picnic will be moved to Thursday, August 9, 2018.
Legislator Decker stated he wishes the picnic was still held the week after the
fair as he is unable to attend this year. Ms. Gasdik stated she understands;
however, they were having issues with getting the rides off the fairgrounds in
time, and she was given the option of holding the picnic before the fair or a
few weeks after.
NYS Program Audit
Ms. Gasdik stated they are in the middle of their NYS
program audit and so far have no citations; however, they may receive a minor
citation for a quarterly report that was two to six days late.
Approval of Aging Mastery Program Contract
Office for the Aging Director Madeleine Gasdik requested
permission to enter into a licensing agreement with National Council on Aging
(NCOA) to offer the Aging Mastery Program (AMP) in Allegany County. Aging
Mastery Program is an evidence-based 10-week program to promote healthy aging
that includes exercise, sleep, healthy eating and hydration, financial fitness,
advance planning, healthy relationships, medication management, community
engagement, and fall prevention. Committee Chair Hopkins asked where and how
often they foresee the program being offered. Ms. Gasdik stated they are hoping
to offer the program in Wellsville at the luncheon center in October, and
possibly offering a program in Cuba. This request was approved on a motion made
by Legislator Havey, seconded by Legislator Barnes, and carried. Prepare
Resolution
Approval of Highland Park Adult Daycare Contract
Ms. Gasdik requested permission to enter into a contract
with Highland Park Adult Day Care in Wellsville, NY, through the Alzheimer’s
Disease Caregiver Support Initiative (ADCSI) grant. These services include
socialization and recreational programs, supervision and monitoring, personal
care services, and nutritional services, including a hot mid-day meal and
snacks. The full daily rate for such services will be $76.85 each visit and
will be billed monthly. Committee Chair Hopkins asked if they have to provide
advance warning when they send someone. Ms. Gasdik stated, yes, they have to
let them know who is coming and what days. This request was approved on a
motion made by Legislator Stockin, seconded by Legislator Havey, and carried.
Prepare Resolution
Acceptance of Additional Grant Funds
Ms. Gasdik requested a resolution to accept an increase in
the Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver Support Initiative (ADCSI) Grant. The Office
for the Aging originally budgeted $112,227 in the 2018 County Budget; however,
the dollar amount listed in the contract #C33422GG for the ADCSI grant is
$115,800, reflecting an increase of $3,573. These additional funds will be used
to provide additional home care services. The funds should be accepted and
appropriated as follows:
Appropriation: Amount:
A6791.474 (OFA Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support – Respite)
$3,573
Revenue: Amount:
A6791.3772.00 (Office for the Aging State Aid) $3,573
Committee Chair Hopkins asked if they are finding an
increase in requests for respite services. Ms. Gasdik stated they struggle
initially with getting people to accept respite and understand what a good
program it is for them, but once they are involved, they realize how wonderful
it is and want more services. This request was approved on a motion made by
Legislator Stockin, seconded by Legislator Decker, and carried. Refer to Ways
and Means
Home-Delivered Meals Coordinator Position
Ms. Gasdik requested permission to fill one full-time
Home-Delivered Meals Coordinator (AFSCME, Grade 11, Step: Base – 6) position.
This position is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the nutrition
program for the elderly (Home-Delivered Meals) in Allegany County such as the
set up and preparing of daily meal orders for the caterer, verifying monthly
meal counts from the caterer, monitoring 22 routes (12 paid and 10 volunteer),
overseeing and assisting 16 paid drivers, 84 volunteer drivers, 9 luncheon
center managers, and 4 substitute managers, as well as assisting over 500
home-delivered meal clients with questions and concerns. The annual cost of
this position is estimated between $33,160 and $39,222 with benefits estimated
between $15,741 and $18,619. This position is funded 30 percent with County
funds, 28 percent with State funds, 12 percent with Federal funds, and 30
percent other funds. This request was approved on a motion made by Legislator
Havey, seconded by Legislator Stockin, and carried. Refer to Ways and Means
MENTAL HEALTH
Committee Chair Hopkins acknowledged Dr. Anderson attending
the meeting, noting he was available should anyone have questions for him.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Social Services Commissioner Vicki Grant attended the
meeting and submitted her monthly report to the committee for review. Ms. Grant
stated they are down slightly in temporary assistance cases. Ms. Grant reminded
the Board of the lunch on the lawn that is being held Wednesday, August 15. Ms.
Grant stated Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) recently followed up
on the Family Assessment Response audit, and they received high remarks for
their culture change questions.
Social Welfare Examiner Position
Ms. Grant requested permission to fill one full-time Social
Welfare Examiner (AFSCME, Grade 11, Step: Base – 7) position and all subsequent
positions including hiring from the outside. This position is responsible for
interviewing clients and determining eligibility for benefits. The annual
salary of this position is estimated between $33,032 and $40,148 with benefits
estimated at 48 percent. This position is funded 38 percent with County funds,
10 percent with State funds, and 52 percent with Federal funds. This request
was approved on a motion made by Legislator Havey, seconded by Legislator
Decker, and carried. Refer to Ways and Means
Senior Typist Position
Ms. Grant requested permission to fill one full-time Senior
Typist (AFSCME, Grade 7, Step: Base – 7) position. This position is responsible
for answering all calls coming into the agency as well as clerical work that
supports all programs. The annual salary of this position is estimated between
$29,847 and $34,943 with benefits estimated at 48 percent. This position is
funded 38 percent with County funds, 10 percent with State funds, and 52
percent with Federal funds. This request was approved on a motion made by
Legislator Stockin, seconded by Legislator Havey, and carried. Refer to Ways
and Means
Trauma Informed Care
Ms. Grant stated she recently met with County department
heads to discuss Trauma Informed Care and what it is. Committee Chair Hopkins
referenced the following statistics regarding people who experience trauma:
- 4 times more likely to become an alcoholic
- 4 times more likely to develop a sexually transmitted
disease
- 4 times more likely to inject drugs
- 3 times more likely to use antidepressant medication
- 3 times more likely to be absent from work
- 15 more times likely to commit suicide
- 2.5 more times likely to smoke tobacco
- 3 times more likely to have serious job problems
- 3 times more likely to experience depression
Committee Chair Hopkins stated when these things are
happening, very often you can look back and find adverse childhood experiences
happening. Ms. Hopkins continued that Trauma Informed Care is a very important
initiative, and the County is fortunate to have Ms. Grant as well as her staff
in our midst. Committee Chair Hopkins applauded Ms. Grant and her staff for all
of their efforts with this initiative. Legislator Decker stated he would like
to see data supporting the statement that trauma can shorten a lifespan by as
much as 20 years, as he feels numbers are just being thrown out without proper
support. Ms. Grant stated there is a study with data supporting that statement.
Dr. Anderson stated 20 years is a fairly standard loss in longevity for anyone
with mental illness. Casey Jones from Celebrate Recovery stated this is an
extremely important issue; although, he is concerned that the focus be a Trauma
Informed County and not just Trauma Informed County Department Heads. Mr. Jones
went on to say that the more people who know about this in the general public,
the more they are asking questions to providers, doctors, pediatricians, and he
encourages the Board to look at this initiative from a Countywide perspective.
Committee Chair Hopkins addressed the Resolution prepared by
County Attorney Carissa Knapp encouraging all officers, agencies, and employees
of Allegany County, the State of New York, and private for profit and
non-profit organizations in Allegany County to become informed about the impact
of traumatic childhood experiences, to implement evidence based interventions
and practices, and to provide services which are trauma sensitive and trauma
informed to help children and adults recover from their trauma and function at
their full capacity and potential. Ms. Hopkins noted that if this resolution is
adopted, it will bring awareness to the general public. Legislator Decker
stated this will add greatly to the social welfare of our County, and he is
completely opposed to it. Ms. Grant indicated the State is moving in this
direction anyways and does not believe it will add to it. Committee Chair
Hopkins added that it may do the opposite by helping these individuals cope and
need less assistance. A motion was made by Legislator Havey, seconded by
Legislator Stockin, and carried to move this resolution to the full Board for
approval. (Opposed: D. Decker) Prepare Resolution
Executive Session
A motion was made by Legislator Stockin, seconded by
Legislator Havey, and carried at 2:50 p.m. to enter into executive session to
discuss the employment history of a particular person in the Department of
Social Services. Immediately following discussion at 3:09 p.m., a motion was made
by Legislator Stockin, seconded by Legislator Decker, and carried to end the
executive session and return to the regular meeting.
Attorney/Client Session
A motion was made by Legislator Havey, seconded by
Legislator Decker, and carried at 3:09 p.m. to enter into attorney/client
session. Immediately following discussion at 4:02 p.m., a motion was made by
Legislator Stockin, seconded by Legislator Decker, and carried to end the
attorney/client session and return to the regular meeting.
Director of Administrative Services
Ms. Grant requested a resolution changing the grade of the
Director of Administrative Services position from PEF Grade 9 to PEF Grade 11.
This request was approved on a motion made by Legislator Havey, seconded by
Legislator Barnes, and carried. Prepare Resolution
Abolish Senior Clerk Position
Ms. Grant requested a resolution to abolish the Senior Clerk
position in the Department of Social Services. This request was approved on a
motion made by Legislator Havey, seconded by Legislator Barnes, and carried.
Prepare Resolution
Accountant Position
Ms. Grant requested permission to create and fill one
full-time Accountant (PEF, Grade 7, Step: 11) position and all subsequent
vacancies including hiring from the outside. This positon is responsible for
the claiming of all programs and supervision of the accounting unit. The annual
salary of this position is estimated between $42,652 and $59,041 with benefits
estimated at 48 percent. This position is funded 27 percent with County funds,
21 percent with State funds, and 52 percent with Federal funds. This request
was approved on a motion made by Legislator Havey, seconded by Legislator
Stockin, and carried. Refer to Personnel to create the position and refer to
Ways and Means to fill
Agreement for Purchase of Foster Care Services for
Children
Ms. Grant requested a resolution to approve the Memorandum
of Understanding between the New York State Office of Children and Family
Services and Allegany County to be an Anchor County for the purchase of foster
care services for children. This request was approved on a motion made by
Legislator Barnes, seconded by Legislator Decker, and carried. Refer to Ways
and Means
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the
committee, the meeting was adjourned at 4:05 p.m. following a motion made by
Legislator Stockin, seconded by Legislator Decker, and carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Meghan Washer
Confidential Secretary to Clerk of the Board
