HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 3

KOREN, KOUTNIK, ROTHENBERGER

DECEMBER 9, 2013

HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

KOREN, KOUTNIK, ROTHENBERGER
December 9, 2013

The monthly meeting took place at 1:00 p.m., Monday, December 9, 2013, in the 3rd floor conference room located at 197 Main Street, Cooperstown. Those present were: Representative Pauline Koren, Chairperson; Representatives Gary Koutnik and Catherine Rothenberger, committee members; Joyce L. Boyd, Commissioner; Eve Bouboulis, Deputy Commissioner; Lisa Grampp, Director of Administrative Services; Liz MacNaught, Director of Income Maintenance and Cheryl Sparks, Principal Account Clerk Typist.

The meeting began with small celebration for Representative Rothenberger’s retirement from the County Board. Many of her years were spent on the human service committee. Commissioner Boyd thanked Ms. Rothenberger for all her support on behalf of the children and families of Otsego County. Ms Rothenberger thanked the committee for the delicious banana splits.

Commissioner Boyd also thanked Representative Koren for her time on the committee. Ms. Koren thanked everyone for making the job easier.

RESOLUTIONS

The following resolutions were presented for approval with results as follows:

Resolution to renew contract with MTS for Scanning System Support was presented; and

Resolution to renew contract with Otsego Community Services for Mental Health Counseling was presented; and

Resolution to renew contract with Opportunities for Otsego to provide non-residential domestic violence services was presented; and

Resolution to renew contract with Opportunities for Otsego for homeless shelter management was presented; and

Resolution to renew contract with Otsego County District Attorney for welfare fraud investigation and ADA services was presented;

Resolution to renew contract with Otsego County Office for the Aging for Medicaid services was presented; and

Resolution to renew contract with Otsego County Probation Department for PINS Prevention services was presented; and

Resolution to renew contract with area school districts for in-house caseworkers was presented; and

Resolution to purchase four (4) 2014 Ford Fusion S sedans for the department was presented.

Representative Rothenberger motioned to approve all resolutions as presented. Representative Koutnik seconded the motion. Total: 3; Ayes: 3; motion carried.

FISCAL

Expenditure Reports: Preliminary November Expenditure Reports were presented. Last month’s modifications are not yet reflected in these percentages. Welfare Administration was 81.99%; Records Management was 62.97%; and Programs was 78.20%.

2013 Budget Transfer Request

Decrease appropriation line 6101.4900 Contracts $150,000

Increase appropriation line 6140.4738 Safety Net $150,000

Representative Koutnik motioned to approve. Representative Rothenberger seconded the motion. Total: 3; Ayes: 3; motion carried.

PERSONNEL

Non-Mandated Trainings – A new County Conference Policy is now in place that no longer requires conferences/trainings costing $250 or less to be approved by the parent committee. Request to attend the following non-mandated training exceeding $250 was presented with results as follows: 11 staff to attend NYPWA Winter Conference: The Art of Managing What Comes Next in Social Services in Albany January 29 – 31, 2014 (total approximate cost: $3,266.61). Representative Rothenberger stated these conferences are very valuable to the department as she attended one in the past. Representative Rothenberger motioned to approve. Representative Koutnik seconded the motion. Total: 3; Ayes: 3; motion carried.

Vacancies – request to fill the following vacancy was presented with results as follows: One (1) Caseworker – grade12 $30,583 - $36,138 [1,111] Federal: 64%/State: 24%/ Local: 12%. Representative Rothenberger motioned to approve. Representative Koutnik seconded the motion. Total: 3; Ayes: 3; motion carried.

UPDATES & DISCUSSION

Workfare – Commissioner Boyd reported she terminated the workfare agreement with the Building Services department. No longer will clients working off their grants be able to work at 197 Main Street buildings due to the sensitive nature of child welfare cases. The Commissioner has proposed an alternative Worksite Agreement be entered into so the participants can only be placed at the Meadows and 242 Main St. buildings. This notice to terminate was sent via certified mail per the agreement wording.

Big Buddies – Big Buddies program coordinator Janella Montgomery likes the idea of using Lantern Hills community center to create more access to program for those in need. Idea to start with 1 day sign up at the center was mentioned and once eligibility determinations are made perhaps meet at the park quarterly or schedule an activity near by. A discussion will need to be made with the owner of the park for access purposes. Representative Rothenberger likes these ideas.

Community Maternity Services – Commissioner Boyd informed the committee that parenting program workers do not have Masters in Social Work. However, they do have bachelor’s degrees and receive in-house trainings and attend affordable conferences throughout the year.

OTHER

Our next meeting will be determined at the January 2014 Board Meeting.

Meeting adjourned 2:07 pm