HUMAN SERVICES
COMMITTEE
September 2, 2020
Members Present: J. Hopkins, J. Burdick, G. Barnes, S.
Havey, D. Root, P. Stockin, C. Crandall (Absent: D. Decker)
Others Present: L. Ballengee, W. Dibble, D. Fanton, K.
Francisco, K. Geffers, K. Graves, B. Harris, D. Healy, E. Kayes, C. Knapp, A.
Mattison, J. Ricci, B. Riehle, T. Ross, T. Shaw, M. Washer
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Human
Services Committee Chair Judith Hopkins at 2:28 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Legislator Root, seconded by Legislator
Havey, and carried to approve the August 5, 2020, minutes.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Public Health Director Lori Ballengee and Deputy Public
Health Director Tyler Shaw attended the meeting and submitted their monthly
report to the committee for review. Mr. Shaw briefly highlighted their report
which included information for July and August. Request to Appropriate
Epidemiology & Laboratory Capacity COVID-19 Grant Funds Mr. Shaw requested
a resolution to appropriate Epidemiology & Laboratory Capacity COVID-19
grant funds. Allegany County, through resolution #184-20, accepted the
Epidemiology & Laboratory Capacity (ELC) COVID-19 Grant Funding. As
previously indicated, the ELC funding is being provided to Local Health
Departments (LHD) for increased capacity to conduct case and contact
investigations. The majority of this funding is expected to support new
personnel to strengthen case investigations. Additional staff for coordination
of contact investigation and reporting are eligible under this award. Some
funding may be allocated to travel, computers, and other miscellaneous expenses
in support of the new staff activities. These funds are intended to increase
public health staffing capacity and cannot supplement existing commitments.
Should existing County-funded staff be moved to these funds, their existing
position must be backfilled by the County. These funds should result in a net
increase of total County public health staff. The funds should be appropriated
as follows:
Appropriation: Amount:
A2026.101 – (DOH-CVD19 Epid & Lab Cap Inf Dis – Regular
Pay) $235,334
A2026.103 – (DOH-CVD19 Epid & Lab Cap Inf Dis – Premium
Pay) $ 5,000
A2026.201 – (DOH-CVD19 Epid & Lab Cap Inf Dis –
Equipment) $ 4,500
A2026.409 – (DOH-CVD19 Epid & Lab Cap Inf Dis – Fees) $
2,700
A2026.416 – (DOH-CVD19 Epid & Lab Cap Inf Dis – Central
Svc Phone) $ 4,400
$251,934
Revenue: Amount:
A4489.ELCID Fed Aid - DOH CVD19 Epid & Lab Capacity for
Inf Dis) $251,934
This request was approved on a motion made by Legislator
Havey, seconded by Legislator Stockin, and carried. Refer to Ways and Means
Request to Accept and Appropriate Additional Immunization
Grant Funds
Mr. Shaw requested a resolution to accept and appropriate
additional immunization grant funds received from the New York State Department
of Health in the amount of $13,566. These funds should be used in preparation
for mass vaccination activities and should be appropriated as follows:
Appropriation: Amount:
A4056.206 (HEALTH - Equipment) $13,566
Revenue: Amount:
A4056.3473.00 ST AID – IMMUNIZATION $13,566
Mr. Shaw stated these funds will assist in purchasing
portable vaccine refrigerators, mobile vaccination carts, temperature data
loggers, and portable power supply stations to be ready for our mass
vaccinations. Legislator Graves asked if these portable fridges could be used if
we should decide to take our flu vaccine back into the schools. Mr. Shaw
stated, yes, the flu vaccine will be included in this. County Administrator
Carissa Knapp stated there are offsite flu clinics this year that will allow us
to test the process before we receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Committee Chair Hopkins asked if the clinics are limited.
Mr. Shaw stated there is one clinic per district; however, if the need becomes
bigger, they will re-evaluate. Ms. Hopkins asked if the previous issue of
transporting the flu vaccine was due to it going in and out of coolers. Mr.
Shaw stated the efficacy of the vaccine is important, and the more the lid is
opened, the temperature increases. Mr. Shaw indicated they are looking into
pre-registrations for the clinics so they can know how many vials to take to
each one. Committee Chair Hopkins commended the Health Department for their
hard work and dedication through this pandemic. The request to accept and appropriate
additional immunization grant funds was approved on a motion made by Legislator
Root, seconded by Legislator Havey, and carried. Refer to Ways and Means
Request to Accept and Appropriate COVID-19 Emergency
Response Efforts Grant Funds
Mr. Shaw requested a resolution to accept and appropriate
COVID-19 Emergency Response Efforts grant funds in the amount of $6,785.
Approval to apply for this grant was previously granted by Resolution #184-20.
These funds will be used to provide the vulnerable population of Allegany
County with the necessary items so they are better prepared in an emergent
situation. Mr. Shaw noted the kits will contain water, batteries, masks, hand
sanitizers, food rations, etc. The funds should be accepted and appropriated as
follows:
Appropriation: Amount:
A2025.408 (General Supplies) $6,785
Revenue: Amount:
A2025.1689.NYSHF (DOH NYS Health Fndtn COVID-19 Emg Resp
Efforts) $6,785
This request was approved on a motion made by Legislator
Burdick, seconded by Legislator Root, and carried. Refer to Ways and Means
Request to Fill Public Health Educator
Mr. Shaw requested permission to fill one full-time,
permanent Public Health Educator (AFSCME, Grade 17, Step: Base – Step 3)
position. This Educator is fully budgeted in 2020 as well as in the Tentative
2021 Budget. The Health Department will use the federal grant funds to secure a
full-time Educator from September 15, 2020, through June 30, 2022. Once the
grant funds are exhausted, the position will be fully funded by our current
funding sources, including Article 6 and other state aid grants. The federal
grant is administered by the New York State Department of Health and ends on
June 30, 2022. According to the grant requirements, only new staff or overtime
for existing staff are allowable expenses. This Public Health Educator position
will be instrumental in assisting with the COVID-19 response efforts, primarily
in public relations, risk mitigation, Public Health Information Officer, and will
act as a Public Health liaison with schools, colleges, businesses and other
community groups. Another important function of the new staff will be to assist
in the planning, development, marketing, education and execution of county-wide
COVID-19 vaccination clinics when a vaccine becomes available. The annual
salary of this position is estimated between $41,583 and $46,193 with benefits
estimated between $16,625 and $18,468. This request was approved on a motion
made by Legislator Stockin, seconded by Legislator Havey, and carried. Refer to
Ways and Means
Request to Fill Public Health Technician Position
Mr. Shaw requested permission to fill one full-time Public
Health Technician (AFSCME, Grade 13, Step: Base – Step 4). As anticipated, the
change in the law for the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (LPPP), effective
October 1, 2019, has created a significant increase in the workload in
Environmental Health. Lead poisoning is up 66 percent over the last year with
four months left in the year. There are 3 new cases in one week that have not
been initiated, and there are 13 ongoing cases that need follow-up in order to be
closed out. In 2017, the Health Department completed three to four cases all
year. Based on the child’s blood lead level, the Health Department has a
limited amount of time to begin an investigation. All lead investigations were
delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions imposed by State Department of Health
until June 30, which put the department behind by approximately four months.
This program has life-altering implications for one of our most vulnerable
populations - children. This program is also mandated by the State. The Public
Health Technician position is currently vacant due to a promotion and, they
haven’t asked to fill it because of the state delaying the program until June
30. The Health Department has tried to absorb the significant increase in
workload with current staff but have been unable to do so. This position is
included in the 2020 Budget as well as in the Tentative 2021 Budget. The annual
salary of this position is estimated between $37,068 and $41,673 with benefits
estimated between $14,820 and $16,661. This position is funded by Article 6,
(General Public Health Work) and Lead Poisoning Prevention grants. This request
was approved on a motion made by Legislator Burdick, seconded by Legislator
Havey, and carried. Refer to Ways and Means
Request to Create and Fill 4 Office Aide Positions
Mr. Shaw requested permission to create and fill four (4)
part-time Office Aide positions. These are temporary positions funded by a
Federal Grant administered by the New York State Department of Health that ends
on June 30, 2022. These positions will sunset either June 30, 2022, or sooner
if grant funds are depleted. If more grant funds become available to extend
past June of 2022, the Health Department will bring forth a new request to
extend these positions. According to the grant requirements, only new staff or
overtime for existing staff are allowable expenses. Staff have already been
working overtime on evenings and every weekend since March 14. This new staff
will alleviate pressure on current staff that are, along with COVID-19 response,
trying to perform their pre-COVID-19, state-mandated duties. These Office Aide positions
will assist with the COVID-19 response efforts, primarily in case
investigations, contact tracing, daily wellness checks, general public
inquiries and any other COVID-19 related activities. Another important function of the new staff will be to
assist in the planning, development, and execution of County-wide COVID-19
vaccination clinics when a vaccine becomes available. The estimated 2020 salary
for each of these positions is $5,212. This request was approved on a motion
made by Legislator Stockin, seconded by Legislator Root, and carried. Refer to Personnel
to create the positions and refer to Ways and Means to fill
Request to Fill Medical Records Computer Operator
Position
Mr. Shaw requested permission to fill one full-time,
permanent position of Medical Records Computer Operator (AFSCME, Grade 10,
Step: Base – Step 3) due to a resignation. This position is for the Children’s
Services Programs (Early Intervention and Preschool), and the Health Department
only has one Medical Records Computer Operator in the department; therefore, it
is a critical and vital position to ensuring full reimbursement from New York
State and insurance companies to maximize funding for both programs. The annual
salary of this position is estimated between $33,696 and $36,698 with benefits
estimated between $13,471 and $14,672. This position is funded 66 percent with
County dollars and 34 percent with pass-through funds from the Department of
Social Services. The salary for this position is fully funded in the 2020
Budget as well as in the Tentative 2021 Budget. Legislator Stockin asked if the
position is currently vacant, and Mr. Shaw stated, yes. This request was
approved on a motion made by Legislator Burdick, seconded by Legislator Root,
and carried. Refer to Ways and Means
OFFICE FOR THE AGING
Office for the Aging Accountant Kimberly Geffers attended
the meeting and submitted their monthly report to the committee for review. Ms.
Geffers briefly highlighted their report stating they have done a lot through
the pandemic with getting out emergency supplies, blizzard boxes, several drive
through mask distributions, as well as holding drive through farmer’s market
coupon distributions. Committee Chair Hopkins asked how the animatronic pets
are working. Ms. Geffers stated they are very popular and have helped decrease
social isolation for our elderly, adding they are also much easier for the
elderly to care for than a real pet.
Request to Fill Part-Time Substitute Meals-on-Wheels
Driver Position
Ms. Geffers requested permission to fill one part-time
substitute Meals-on-Wheels driver (Non-Union, $12/hour). This position will be
used as a substitute driver and trained on two to three different routes. The
annual salary of this position is $3,588 with benefits estimated at $330. This position
is funded 20 percent with County funds, 38 percent with State funds, 18 percent
with Federal funds, and 24 percent with “other” funds. Legislator Barnes asked
if any drivers have contracted COVID-19. Ms. Geffers stated, no, not to her
knowledge. When COVID-19 started, all drivers were required to wear masks, and
instead of knocking on the door and handing clients their meals, our drivers
would deliver them in a canvas bag that could be hung on the door. The drivers
would then knock, step back 6 feet, and wait for the resident to answer so they
can see them in person and make sure they were doing okay. Administrator Knapp
stated that hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes were also provided to all of our
drivers. This request was approved on a motion made by Legislator Burdick,
seconded by Legislator Root, and carried. Refer to Ways and Means
Request to Accept and Appropriate CARES Act – FCC3 Funds
Ms. Geffers requested a resolution to accept and appropriate
$15,880 in federal funds under the CARES Act –FCC3. This funding is being
administered to area Office for the Aging agencies to support additional
expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and does not require a County match. The
funds should be accepted and appropriated as follows:
Appropriation: Amount:
A2022.474 Contractor (Homecare) $9,860
A2022.476 Contractor (PERS) $6,020
Revenue: Amount:
A2022.4789.FCC3 $15,880
This request was approved on a motion made by Legislator
Stockin, seconded by Legislator Root, and carried. Refer to Ways and Means
SOCIAL SERVICES
Social Services Commissioner Edna Kayes attended the meeting
and submitted her monthly report to the committee for review. Ms. Kayes stated
that hotline calls for CPS are going down and have been during the pandemic,
noting it’s mostly due to there being no community oversight to our children.
Ms. Kayes anticipates that number to increase a little once schools are back in
session. Legislator Healy asked if she expects those numbers to increase higher
than normal due to our children being isolated for so long. Ms. Kayes stated
the concern is regarding the catch up factor for cases that are not known about
or haven’t been seen. Ms. Kayes also expressed concern regarding homeschooling
which means more educational neglect. Legislator Healy asked if they are ready
to handle that. Ms. Kayes stated she prefers to wait and see how it goes than
jump ahead, noting she feels they will be okay. Ms. Kayes showed the committee
a mask she had made for her department that includes a clear rectangular area
over the mouth that will allow children to see their parents faces and expressions.
Approval of Foster Care Contract with Pathways, Inc.
Ms. Kayes requested a resolution to approve the Foster Care
Contract for the time period August 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, between DSS
and Pathways, Inc., 33 Denison Parkway W, Corning, NY, 14830. Ms. Kayes stated
they have recently used them when they couldn’t find placement for a child. The
cost of this contract is $92.25 per day and is reimbursable depending on
eligibility. This request was approved on a motion made by Legislator Stockin,
seconded by Legislator Burdick, and carried. Prepare Resolution
Request to Fill (2) Social Welfare Examiner Positions
Ms. Kayes requested permission to fill two (2) full-time
Social Welfare Examiner positions (AFSCME, Grade 11, Step: Base – Step 7) and
all subsequent positions including hiring from the outside. There are currently
three vacant Social Welfare Examiner positions, and Ms. Kayes would like to
fill two. One of the two positions was vacated due to a termination, and the
other was due to an employee moving to another position in the County. Ms.
Kayes stated they look at 6,400 cases annually and do on average 533 re-certifications
on cases each month, so they need the help. The annual salary of each position
is estimated between $34,801 and $42,298 with benefits estimated between
$13,913 and $16,911. These positions are 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 Root, seconded by Legislator Havey,
and carried. Refer to Ways and Means
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the
committee, the meeting was adjourned at 2:57 p.m. following a motion made by
Legislator Havey, seconded by Legislator Stockin, and carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Meghan Washer, Confidential Secretary
Board of Legislators
