B040709
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,
April 7, 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; Evelyn Bryant
ALSO ATTENDING: LaVaughn Nesmith, Secretary to the Board; Asami Martin,
Administrative Support Specialist
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. Mr. Craig moved for approval of
the agenda. The motion was seconded by Mr. Caster and passed unanimously.
Mr. Caster led the invocation. Ms. Bryant led the pledge of allegiance.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Craig moved for approval of the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Caster and passed unanimously. Ms. Glidden noted a clerical error. Mr. Caster clarified
his statement in the minutes under County Budget Expenditures stating the budget looks
to be in pretty good shape. He explained he meant the budget looks to be in pretty good
shape compared to other counties in the state.
INFORMATION AGENDA
New Hires
Asami Martin announced Aliza Cohn-Blumstein, Rosanna Zeh, and Denise Strickland
were hired as Children Services Social Workers however all three new hires were
attending pre-service training and not available for introduction.
Service Awards
Cora Waddell was recognized for 20 years of service to New Hanover County.
Child Support
Sam Lane introduced the new Program Manager for Child Support, Alyssa Harrell. Mr.
Nesmith shared that North Carolina will no longer support Child Support with
Information Technology (IT). Christine McNamee is working on a contract amendment
stating Young Williams will be responsible for their IT equipment and Social Services
will retain the data.
Page 2 of 3
SSDI
Mr. Caster noted the number of Licensed Foster Homes has dropped. Wanda Marino
stated many foster homes have adopted their foster children, which then limits the foster
homes that are available. The declining economy has negatively affected the number of
applicants who would like to foster as well. Foster care checks are not enough to cover
expenses of caring for a child. Recruitment is ongoing.
County Budget Expenditures
The agency continues to track line items that are dangerously close to being over budget.
DSS was notified by the State that no additional TANF/Domestic Violence funds will be
received as had been hoped. Ms. McNamee addressed the Foster Care line item question.
The State increased the amount of foster care board rate and also increased the cost for
group homes and institutions. The State changed the funding share by increasing the
county's portion of the cost. Ms. McNamee stated DSS will be over budget on that line
item but, currently feels comfortable that we have sufficient funds in the internal budget
to cover costs. Mr. Nesmith reported that NHRMC did not renew their contract for the
two Medicaid Caseworkers which will result in a loss of revenue of approximately
$98,000. Nesmith contacted County Finance to make adjustments in the budget proposal.
Mr. Caster offered to take the letter terminating the contract to Bobby Greer who sits on
the hospital board. Mr. Nesmith agreed.
Director's Report
Mr. Nesmith updated the Board on the restructuring of DSS to meet the growing
demands of the public. Consolidation of the Medicaid and Food & Nutrition clerical pods
is currently underway. Ms. McNamee has been working with County IT to evaluate and
streamline paperwork by using technology to become more efficient. This will enable
staff to be better utilized in other areas to meet program needs. Mr. Nesmith explained
that the telephone system will have a different, automated menu but reassured the Board
that a live person will be available and accessible for those who may have difficulty
following the automated menu. The Work First Program was transferred from the Social
Work Division to Economic Services Division under Sam Lane. Mr. Lane stated the
Food & Nutrition Services Program is taking a thousand applications a month. American
Recover and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds will be available to assist with temporary
staff to provide relief for this program.
STRATEGIC ACTION AGENDA
Communication and Outreach Efforts
Ms. Angelina Bernard gave a presentation to the Board of upcoming events and outreach
efforts made by DSS. Ms. Bernard stated that due to the shortage of employees, efforts
are being made to recruit volunteers to assist with everything from greeting the public, to
scanning paperwork and to serve as a courier between the agency and the Government
Center.
Page 3 of 3
Program Integrity Update
Kathy Heslin explained the purpose of Program Integrity is to ensure that benefits
received by clients are correct and used appropriately. There are four employees on staff
to cover the Economic Service Programs. As of March, 2009, $160,787.50 has been
collected due to Program Integrity efforts. The New Hanover County Finance
Department is working with DSS collections.
Foster Parent Appreciation Proclamation
Ms. Bryant read the Foster Parent Appreciation Proclamation. Mr. Craig moved to
approve the proclamation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Caster and passed
unanimously.
Next Meeting Objectives
Multiple Response System (MRS) Update
Board Self Evaluation
The Board completed self evaluations.
Additional Items
Ms. Glidden noted that she was pleased with addition of the glossary in the Board Packet.
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 10:19 a.m.
Respectfu submitted,
xva/-
LaVaughn Nesmith,
Secretary to the Board
ohn E. Craig,
_ Chairman
~5
Date approved:
LN: scm
B040709