B021407
New Hanover County
• Board of Social Services
Minutes
1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m.
The New Hanover County Board of Social Services met in open session on Wednesday,
February 14, 2007 at 1:00 in Multipurpose Room A of the Department of Social Services.
ATTENDING: Frankie Roberts, Chairman; Bill Caster, Vice-Chairman; John Craig; F.
Wayne Morris; Ann Pitts
ALSO ATTENDING: LaVaughn Nesmith, Secretary to the Board; Stephanie Monteath,
Assistant to the Director
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Mr. Caster moved for approval of
the agenda. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Pitts and passed unanimously.
Mr. Caster led the invocation. Mrs. Pitts 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
Mr. Nesmith recognized Rich Ohmer as he received a letter of commendation from the
District Attorney's office. Ms. Bette Jean Anderson was recognized for a letter of
commendation in Program Integrity.
Service Awards
Anne Colvard was recognized for 20 years of service to New Hanover County.
New Hires
Marcy Norris and Alicia Snyder were hired as Economic Service Caseworkers Zone 1.
Anna Crockett was hired as an Economic Service Caseworker Zone 2. Brenda Keegan
and Sheri Parrish were hired as Economic Service Caseworker Trainees. Deanne
Williams was hired as an Administrative Support Technician in the Public Assistance
Pod. Patricia Robinson was hired as a Fiscal Support Technician in the Business Office.
SSDI
Mr. Caster asked who makes the reports that generate the Adult Protective Service
Reports number for SSDI. Wanda Marino explained that reports generally come from
family members and staff working in Adult Home Care facilities. Mr. Craig then asked
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for an explanation of Adults served in Day Care. Ms. Marino explained Adult Day Care
facilities are places like Elderhaus that provide assistance to adults with disabilities or
special needs during the day. Ms. Marino further noted that the waiting list for these
facilities is very long.
County Budget Expenditures
Although the State had allocated $27 million to assist counties with Medicaid expenses,
counties must first expend their 05/06 funding level. As of this point, New Hanover
County's expenditures are below 05/06 levels and it is unlikely that we will be able to
access any of the $27 million set-aside funds.
Counties have been notified that as of May 2007 all IV-D (Child Support) computers,
previously bought and maintained by the State, will become the property of the counties.
In addition, we need to investigate whether this directive impacts on the State maintained
ACTS server and fiber network. DSS and IT staff will evaluate current equipment.
Based on the age of the 21 computers and 7 printers, it is likely that the expense for
replacement will need to be included in the 07/08 budget.
As a result of the continuing use of TANF funds to address Day Care needs the agency is
prepared to remove all the children off the current waiting list.
• STRATEGIC ACTION AGENDA
Wanda Marino gave a brief history of the Community Child Protection Team (CCPT),
explaining the team was developed in response to a large number of child fatalities.
CCPT is broken out into two groups. One group meets monthly to review cases of child
abuse/neglect and identify gaps in services. The CCPT Department Heads meet quarterly
to review findings from the monthly CCPT meeting as well as review any child fatalities.
The CCPT Annual Report addresses gaps in services, barriers, service delivery needs and
accomplishments/improvements from the previous year. The report is a collaborative
effort between various community groups such as DSS, Law Enforcement, Guardian ad
Litem etc. and will be presented to the County Commissioners to keep them abreast of
on-going issues and needs. Mr. Nesmith and Sam Lane both commented on health care
groups working to address some needs mentioned in the report. Mr. Morris thanked Ms.
Marino for the work she has done with CCPT.
NEXT MEETING OBJECTIVES
The Board Retreat will take place March 9, 2007 at the New Hanover County
Government Center from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The March 14, 2007 meeting will not
take place.
SELF EVALUATIONS
The Board completed self evaluations.
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• Ms. Pitts moved to enter closed session as provided in G.S. 143-318.11, to consider
information that is confidential pursuant to G.S. 108A-80 and/or G.S. 154A-98. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Craig and passed unanimously. The Board entered closed
session at 1:42 p.m.
The Board returned to open session at 2:08 p.m. There being no further business the
Board by consensus adjourned.
Respectful ~tEe ,
LaVaughn Nesmith
Secretary to the Board
Frankie Roberts
Chairman
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Date approved:
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