COUNTY OF OSWEGO HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE. February 23, :00 a.m. County Office Building, Oswego, NY 4 th Floor Conference Room E

Transcription

1 COUNTY OF OSWEGO HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE February 23, :00 a.m. County Office Building, Oswego, NY 4 th Floor Conference Room E PRESENT: Leg. John Proud, Chair Leg. Jacob Mulcahey, Vice Chair Leg. Ronald Sakonyi Leg. Margaret Kastler Leg. Barbara Brown Leg. Terry Wilbur Leg. James Karasek MEDIA: Steve Yablonski, oswegocountytoday.com Aaron Curtis, Palladium Times STAFF/GUESTS: Barry Leemann, Chairman of the Legislature Philip Church, County Administrator Laurence Schmidt, Office for the Aging Donna Kestner, Director of Veterans Services Frances Lanigan, Commissioner of Social Services Kathleen Fenlon, Youth Bureau Director Janet Clerkin, County Public Information Coordinator Marty Babcock, DSS Patty Hyde, DSS Dr. Dennis Norfleet, Public Health Director Evan Walsh, Environmental Health Richard Mitchell, County Attorney Myron and Sue Pringle Paul Santore Wendy Falls, Deputy Clerk of the Legislature ===================================================================== Committee Chair Proud called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. 1. Minutes of January 26, 2011: Motion to approve: Legislator Karasek Second: Legislator Sakonyi Vote: Unanimous, motion carried 2. DSS: A. Resolution Accepting Increase OMH State Aid Allocation Social Services Commissioner Frances Lanigan presented a budget modification to accept $275,000 in state aid. She said that there is a change in the way the state is funding; they are now paying the county instead of the hospital directly. Motion to support resolution: Legislator Brown Second: Legislator Wilbur Vote: Unanimous, motion carried B. Resolution Accepting Trade Act Funding Commissioner Lanigan reported that this is funding for local employment and training services in the amount of $151, from the state. Funding is to provide services for dislocated workers who lose jobs through United States Free Trade Agreements. Motion to support resolution: Legislator Kastler Second: Legislator Mulcahey Leg. Karasek inquired the difference is between displaced Trade Act workers compared to other dislocated workers. Commissioner Lanigan responded that these workers have to meet specific requirements; this funding is for businesses, as a result of trade act agreements that are closing or downsizing. Vote: Unanimous, motion carried Health & Human Services Committee Minutes for February 23,

2 C. Resolution Accepting Disability Employment Initiative Funding Social Services Commissioner Lanigan presented a budget modification to accept a grant allocation of $81, for the department of Employment and Training Division. She explained that this funding will be used to pilot a project to service the disabled population. This program will become part of supplement security income; Employment and Training will become a Ticket-to-Work site. Commissioner Lanigan commented that the program will assist the individuals on SSI and get them back into employment and off SSI. Motion to support resolution: Legislator Brown Second: Legislator Sakonyi Leg. Karasek noted that he was going to abstain from the vote because he is employed by Arise and may have to refer disabled workers through his employment. Vote: 6 yes, 1 abstained (Leg. Karasek) D. Report on Activities of Fraud Unit Commissioner Lanigan introduced Marty Babcock, Director of Administrative Services and Patti Hyde, Fraud Supervisor. A presentation was made on the Fraud Investigation Unit at the Department of Social Services. Ms. Babcock stated that the department s focus is on fraud prevention and back end detection (prosecution and recovery); she went on to explain the front end detection system (FEDS) and Eligibility Verification Review (EVR). Leg. Mulcahey asked if families are notified that DSS is coming for a home verification. Ms. Babcock responded no. She commented that the FEDS Plan was redesigned in Over 50% of referrals are from general public and 70% of the referrals received result in a formal fraud investigation. Leg. Proud asked how long the process is from discovery to final closure. Patti Hyde responded that the process may take one (1) month to a year. Commissioner Lanigan commented that the average is a couple of months. Leg. Brown asked how long assistance is denied if fraud is proven. Ms. Hyde responded that there will be no assistance for six (6) months or more, food stamps at least 12 months, and other services may vary by amount of fraud. She reported that there were 30 total fraud convictions in Leg. Mulcahey asked the number of investigators in the fraud unit. Ms. Babcock said that there are three (3). Leg. Mulcahey inquired if they are overwhelmed with work. Ms. Hyde commented that the investigators are holding there own at this point; the new investigator that was hired has been a great help. Leg. Karasek asked if 30 was a good number compared to the number of people on benefits. Ms. Hyde responded that the goal is to continue to increase the number of fraud cases investigated; there are three (3) investigators now and they have initiated new convictions and voluntary admissions on child care cases. Ms. Babcock stated that there is a lot of focus on front end detection. Leg. Mulcahey remarked that he was concerned with the lag time in the District Attorney s office. Commissioner Lanigan commented that the DA s office has had some position vacancies and there currently isn t anyone covering the fraud cases. Leg. Mulcahey asked for one thing the committee could do to help. Ms. Hyde responded that it would be helpful to have a Senior Fraud Investigator to focus totally on fraud cases. E. Child Protection Advisory Council Report Commissioner of Social Services Frances Lanigan provided a summary of what the Child Protection Advisory Council has been working on: identifying goals including action steps and looking at the best practice models for services that enhance child well being. She stated that they are making significant progress. The council s objective is to plan community forums that provide an opportunity for the council to listen to community understanding about the role and responsibility of community in protection of children and community expectations of the child protection system; also to educate the community on the role and responsibilities of Social Services and system partners such as mandated reporters and service providers. Commissioner Lanigan commented that areas identified where the meetings will be held are: Pulaski/Sandy Health & Human Services Committee Minutes for February 23,

3 Creek, Oswego/Mexico, Fulton/Phoenix/Hannibal, and Central Square/Williamstown/Parish. Meetings are targeted to take place in April and May. Commissioner Lanigan distributed a memo regarding the impact of Governor Cuomo s proposed budget. She explained that there would be shifts of temporary assistance payments (Family Assistance and Safety Net Assistance); TANF local share will be eliminated therefore saving the county $875,000; however Safety Net will increase; Adoption subsidies currently at 73.5% will be reduced to 62% a shift of $147,030. Commissioner Lanigan said she wanted to provide the committee with a heads up on issues that are being closely followed by the Social Services Department. Legislature Chairman Leemann inquired if these were all mandates. Commissioner Lanigan responded yes. 3. Health: A. Resolution Creating Budget Line to Hire Part-Time Nurse Public Health Director Dr. Norfleet presented a resolution to hire part time nurse practitioners for the Hospice program and transfer $1,000 to the part time line. He explained that there is a new requirement that a Director or Nurse Practitioner has to see clients on a face to face encounter to determine continued eligibility of the patient. He stated that the line will be funded from monies that were allocated previously for part time staffing in other programs. Motion to support resolution: Legislator Brown Second: Legislator Kastler Leg. Kastler asked how long the $1,000 will last. Dr. Norfleet responded that they don t expect to utilize the person on a continuous basis; it will be per visit and there aren t a lot of clients that make it past the 6 month mark, where a visit would be required. Leg. Wilbur asked if Dr. Norfleet would still be able to visit some of the patients if needed. Dr. Norfleet said yes he is doing it now. Leg. Mulcahey inquired if it was similar to a substitute teacher list. Dr. Norfleet responded that it was, and is based on an as needed basis. Vote: Unanimous, motion carried Leg. Kastler made reference to an article she read and inquired about Oswego County being listed as one of the least healthy counties in the state. Dr. Norfleet responded that a new report will be coming out next month. B. Rabies Clinic Schedule Dr. Norflett presented the proposed schedule for rabies clinics; stating that it is the usual schedule and that safety is always a concern. Dr. Norfleet mentioned that Evan Walsh from Environmental Health coordinates the program. Leg. Brown commented that all the clinics were in the evening and asked if one could be scheduled during a daytime slot. Leg. Brown asked if a clinic could be held at the Bristol Hill Landfill during a daytime slot. Mr. Walsh said that they used the bays at the maintenance building of the DPW garages for the clinics and they have to move equipment; it would be an inconvenience for the businesses and would not be possible during the day. Leg. Brown asked if another location would work. Legislature Chairman Leemann mentioned there have been discussions during caucus and he deferred to Leg. Wilbur. Leg. Wilbur stated he had no problem with the Scriba and Parish clinics; however the west side of the river has nothing and he would like to have the clinics spread out around the county and would like to look over further. Leg. Wilbur suggested having the clinics better centralized; he suggested approving the first two (2) clinics and then table the rest to review further. Dr. Norflett explained that having clinics in the outside parts of the county allows for more out of county people attending the clinic. Leg. Sakonyi mentioned that in years past there was a clinic at the Bernhards Bay garage; and stated there should be a clinic in the southern portion of the county. Mr. Walsh responded that in years past there used to be 30 plus clinics per year, now they are down to 8. Additionally he mentioned that with the 30 plus clinics there were between animals vaccinated per Health & Human Services Committee Minutes for February 23,

4 clinic; with 8 clinics there are anywhere from animals vaccinated. Those numbers make using smaller facilities difficult for many reasons. Mr. Walsh stated when the clinics are in the same locations the public gets used to where they are and the clerical staff spends less time on phone calls. If locations are changed there would be a lot of time spent on phone calls giving directions of where the clinics are. Leg. Mulcahey noted that he is in support of amending clinic locations. Motion made to table 2011 Rabies Clinics except Scriba and Parish dates and send back to individual caucuses for discussion: Legislator Wilbur Second: Legislator Sakonyi Legislature Chairman Leemann said that it would be good to bring the issue back to caucuses and invited Dr. Norfleet and Evan Walsh to attend to answer any questions. Leg. Karasek wanted to go on the record as saying that Granby can be sacrificed in order to move one clinic to the west side of the river. Leg. Wilbur remarked that this was not political; he is concerned with convenience of the taxpayers. Leg. Brown mentioned that it will cost more money in advertising to move the locations. Legislature Chairman Leemann stated that it will cost money if there are more clinics anyway. Leg. Proud remarked that there will always be complaints; this is an issue that can be dealt with. Vote: 5 yes, 2 opposed (Legs. Brown and Kastler); motion carried 4. Office for the Aging: A. Office for the Aging Advisory Council Appointments Office for the Aging Director Laurence Schmidt stated that members of the Aging Advisory Council serve a three (3) year term. He mentioned that there has been a discrepancy regarding the length of term so he is asking the committee to approve every council member for a three (3) year term with no changes; they have all been on the board for a number of years. Leg. Brown asked if all the members are able to actively participate. Director Schmidt said yes. Motion to support request: Legislator Wilbur Second: Legislator Karasek Vote: Unanimous, motion carried 5. NY Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve: Legislature Chairman Leemann stated that he received a request to support the Guard and talked to the County Administrator about placing a sign on the board down stairs. He remarked that he wanted to bring to the committee for approval. Motion to support request: Legislator Brown Second: Legislator Wilbur Vote: Unanimous, motion carried Committee Chair Proud introduced an additional resolution from the Youth Bureau. Youth Bureau Director Kathleen Fenlon thanked the Committee Chairman for adding this item to the agenda. She presented a resolution hoping for committee support and to pass on to the legislature regarding the Governor s proposed state budget and how funds are disbursed. Director Fenlon explained that most money is out in the community with agencies and municipalities and comes into the county on a per capita rate, which is around $275,000 in state aid through this system. The Governor s proposal would lump three (3) youth bureau funding streams with six (6) others and cut the total by 50% and then counties can apply for funding on a competitive basis. She commented that Oswego County is not a high need area, therefore may not be eligible for funding. One of the criteria for need is high residential placement rates; Oswego County is very low. She said the funding is also based on child protective cases; of which Oswego County is in the upper half, which may allow the county to receive some funding. Director Fenlon stated that it s designed to drive money down state and that most rural upstate counties would get very little. The proposed budget also requires a 38% local match. She stated that the Health & Human Services Committee Minutes for February 23,

5 current county match ranges from 50% to no match; and said this proposal is a no win for Oswego County. The kinds of programs affected would be: community recreation programs, after school programs, big brothers and sisters programs, mentoring programs, runaway and homeless youth program, teen age pregnancy prevention, Camp Hollis, etc. Director Fenlon remarked that all the resolution does is state facts and ask that the current youth funding stream stay as it is with a proportional reduction, not to put funding into a block grant. Motion made to support request: Legislator Wilbur Second: Legislator Brown Leg. Brown remarked that this would hurt town recreation programs that service poorer families; she said that the town budges are set for the year and this will create a lot of upset. Social Services Commissioner Frances Lanigan said that there is a concern that they can t fill the gap with mandated programs; without summer recreation programs and youth programs there will be more child protective reports and juvenile problems. Director Fenlon mentioned that hundreds of kids go to summer recreation and it is child care for some families. Leg. Mulcahey asked if the county qualifies for the other six (6) funding streams. Director Fenlon responded that they are not going to be there any more in the proposed budget; they will combine into one with counties applying for funding competitively. Of the other six (6) funding streams, Oswego County Opportunities has a grant for one, no one else in the county gets any of the others. Leg. Brown remarked that it would be nice to know how much is paid for services for each child in the county. Vote: unanimous, motion carried 6. Pro-Act Report: Committee Chair Proud mentioned that the prescription discount card has provided considerable savings to citizens of Oswego County and is a benefit to most people that live in the county. He said it was a positive move to provide this service at no cost to the county. 7. Adjournment: Motion made to adjourn the meeting: Legislator Karasek Second: Legislator Brown Vote: Unanimous, motion carried Meeting adjourned at 11:42 a.m. Health & Human Services Committee Minutes for February 23,

6 6

7 7

8 8

9 9

10 10

11 11

12 12

13 13

14 14

15 15

16 16

17 17

18 18

19 19

20 20