B030309
New Hanover County
Board of Social Services
Meeting Minutes
Multi Purpose Room A
9:00a.m. -10:00 a.m.
The New Hanover County Board of Social Services met in open session on Tuesday,
March 03, 2009 at 9:00 in Multi Purpose Room A of the New Hanover County
Department of Social Services.
ATTENDING: John Craig, Chairman; Bill Caster, Vice-Chairman; Minerva Glidden,
Patrick Riley
ALSO ATTENDING: LaVaughn Nesmith, Secretary to the Board; Stephanie Monteath,
Assistant to the Director
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Mr. Caster moved for approval of
the agenda. The motion was seconded by Ms. Glidden and passed unanimously.
Mr. Caster led the invocation. Mr. Riley led the pledge of allegiance.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Glidden moved for approval of the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Caster and passed unanimously.
INFORMATION AGENDA
Personnel
Stephanie Monteath introduced Maria Dodge, Temporary Economic Services
Caseworker Zone 2
Promotions
Donna Willetts was promoted from Adult Medicaid Caseworker Zone 3 to an Adult
Medicaid Lead Worker Zone 4.
Service Awards
Keysha Fredlaw, Billy Helms, Brenda Knierim, Gwen Lamanna, Erica Rosario and
Isabel Thompson were recognized for 5 years of service to New Hanover County.
Sandra Garrett was recognized for 10 years of service to New Hanover County.
Early Retirement Incentive Package
Mr. Nesmith shared that 15 DSS staff took advantage of the County's early retirement
incentive package.
Page 2 of 3
Day Care Subsidy Funding
Mr. Nesmith shared that $25,000.00 was given to NHCDSS for administrative costs in
Day Care Subsidy.
SSDI
Kari Sanders noted the number of Foster Homes that dropped. This is indicative of a
declining economy. Ms. Glidden asked for a definition of "courtesy conflict cases". Jaci
Jones explained it is another County's Department of Social Service case where there
could be a conflict of interest, such as a DSS worker being involved in the case.
County Budget Expenditures
Chris McNamee and Mr. Nesmith discussed the budget expenditures. Chris Coudriet
called Mr. Nesmith to inform him the Medicaid relief is expected to be $800,000.00. Mr.
Caster noted the budget looks to be in pretty good shape. Ms. McNamee echoed that
statement with the usual exception of administrative costs. DSS is hoping for a
reallocation of TANF/Domestic Violence funds. Mr. Nesmith explained Energy
Assistance (EA) funds are expected as part of the economic stimulus package.
Mr. Nesmith updated the Board on Ms. West's departure from Child Support
Enforcement and the County taking over the equipment contract. Ms. Glidden noted the
contract with Child Support Enforcement should read that the "data" should belong to
DSS, even if the computers do not.
STRATEGIC ACTION AGENDA
Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation
Mr. Riley read the Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation. Ms. Glidden moved to
approve the proclamation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Caster and passed
unanimously.
Budget Update
Ms. McNamee discussed the budget noting there are no surprises. She reminded the
Board that DSS has frozen 2 positions and 15 people took the Early Retirement Incentive
Package (ERIP). All County Departments will be notified next week if any additional
cuts will need to be made. There is a meeting on Friday, March 6, 2009 to see whether or
not the County is going to support DSS's proposed budget.
Next Meeting Objectives
Communication and Outreach Efforts
Program Integrity
Foster Parent Appreciation Proclamation
Page 3 of 3
Board Self Evaluation
The Board completed self evaluations.
Additional Items
Ms. Glidden noted the word "prior" needs to be added to number 3 in the Medicaid
Transportation Policy for urgent situations; less than three working day with (prior)
notice.
As there were no other additional items to discuss as provided in G.S. 154A-98 to
consider information that is confidential pursuant to G.S. 108A-80 and or G.S. 154A-98,
the board by consensus adjourned at 9:34 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
LaVaughn Nesmith,
Secretary to the Board
9E.
John E. CLraigm,
Chairman
Date approved:
LN: scm
B030309