Maryland State Wire

Allegany County Human Services Committee met Aug. 1.

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

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 two quarterly reports that were 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. Refer to Ways & Means

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.

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