B062806
New Hanover County
• Board of Social Services
Minutes
June 28, 2006
The New Hanover County Board of Social Services met in open session on Wednesday,
June 28, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. in Multipurpose Room A.
ATTENDING: Frankie Roberts, Chairman; Bill Caster, Vice Chairman; Ann Pitts; John
Craig
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. Craig moved for approval of
the agenda. The motion was seconded by Mr. Caster and passed unanimously. Mrs. Pitts
delivered the invocation and Mr. Caster 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.
® INFORMATION AGENDA
New Hires
Stephanie Monteath introduced Caroline Barnes, Community Service Supervisor; Sherrie
Eckman, Social Worker; Helen Nelson, Information Systems Support Specialist and
Tisha Pridgen, Economic Services Caseworker.
Promotions
Gwen Lamanna and Jeanne Neidhardt were promoted from Economic Caseworkers Zone
1 to Economic Caseworkers Zone 2.
SSDI
Mrs. Pitts noted that all the numbers seemed to have increased (incoming clients etc.).
Mrs. Marino explained that many referrals are made when children are out of school, as
people need a lot more assistance with finances. Mr. Nesmith explained that the
department often sees peaks in numbers toward the end of June and again in December.
Mr. Caster asked about the article in the Star News rating North Carolina as 41" in Child
Welfare. Mrs. Marino and Mrs. McNamee noted that number has dropped from 40th in
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the Nation due to increase in child poverty statistics. Mr. Nesmith reminded the board
• that our crisis in Child Care Subsidy funding could be a huge factor in this rating.
Mrs. Pitts recognized that the finalized adoption number went up as well, which is good
news.
Mr. Nesmith shared that the State allocated an additional $44,000.00 for child care
subsidy to ensure the agency did not end FY05/06 with a deficit. James Oxendine
explained that the money did not address the child care waiting list, but instead ensured
no people were cut from receiving day care assistance.
County Budget Expenditures
Mr. Oxendine explained how numbers are unpredictable at the end of the fiscal year as
many bills are not received until the end of May. Mr. Nesmith noted the county approved
a 2% market and 2% merit increase for the FY06/07.
Recognition of Liz Schulz
Mr. Nesmith recognized Liz Schulz for her 30 years experience and noted that she will be
missed as she is retiring today.
STRATEGIC ACTION AGENDA
• Christine McNamee reviewed the Leading by Results indicators and their proposed
revisions. Mr. Caster moved to approve the revisions to the LBR indicators. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Roberts and passed unanimously.
Wanda Marino and Ann Barkley discussed the Work First Plan for 07/09 Biennium. Ms.
Barkley requested the DSS Board to recommend to the County Commissioners that DSS
remain a standard county. Mr. Caster moved to remain a standard county. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Roberts and passed unanimously. Mr. Roberts volunteered to serve
on the Work First Planning Committee.
NEXT MEETING OBJECTIVES
Ms. McNamee discussed the upcoming Community Forum taking place at the Historic
Courthouse on July 26 from 9 AM until 11 AM. The forum will be broadcast on the
government access channel.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
The Board discussed changing the Board Meeting dates to earlier in the month. Mr.
Caster moved to change the Board Meetings to the second Wednesday in the month
beginning in August 2006. The motion was seconded by Mr. Roberts and passed
unanimously.
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• As there were no items to discuss in closed session as provided in G.S. 143-318.11
pursuant to G.S. 108A-80 and/or G.C. 154A-98, the meeting was adjourned at 9:43 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
LaVaughn Nesmith,
Secretary to the Board
Frankie Roberts
Chairman
•
Date approved:
•
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