B081407
New Hanover County
Board of Social Services
Minutes
Multipurpose Room A
9:00a.m. -10:00a.m.
The New Hanover County Board of Social Services met in open session on Wednesday,
August 14, 2007 at 9:00 in Multipurpose Room A of the New Hanover County
Department of Social Services.
ATTENDING: Ann Pitts, Chairman; Bill Caster, Vice-Chairman; John Craig; Minerva
Glidden
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 led the invocation. 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
Zachary LeFaivre and Dinora Threewitts were introduced as new Family and Children
Medicaid Caseworkers.
Service Awards
Shawndra Underwood was recognized for 10 years of service to New Hanover County.
Melisa Craft was recognized for 15 years of service to New Hanover County.
Promotions
Gail Causey was promoted from Fiscal Support Assistant to Fiscal Support Technician.
SSDI
Mr. Caster asked for clarification of categories in SSDI. Wanda Marino responded.
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County Budget Expenditures
Carol Thiel reviewed the budget expenditures for June 2007 and explained Month 13 for
year end closeout purposes.
Multiethnic Placement
Mr. Caster asked what this act is. Wanda explained that it means we don't have to place
a child according to ethnicity with a Foster Parent. Nesmith explained that the child's
needs determine the most appropriate placement not race or ethnicity.
Disaster Update
Ann Barkley gave an update on the actions taken by DSS in response to flooding in the
Pines apartments and fires in the Keys apartments. Nine families were assisted with
moving costs.
STRATEGIC ACTION AGENDA
Food Stamp Guidelines
Sam Lane introduced Gail Bullard, New Hanover County's Food and Nutrition Services
Program Representative. Ms. Bullard noted the Food and Nutrition Services Program is
intended to act as a supplement to a family's food. An information packet was distributed
to the Board Members. Ms. Bullard reviewed eligibility criteria, benefit determination,
issuance of benefits, additional program components and program accountability. Mr.
Caster described his experience living on $21.00 a week. New Hanover County July
2007 Food and Nutrition Services Statistics were perused.
Budget Updates
Ninety percent of County allocated funds were spent and one-hundred percent of Federal
and State allocated funds were spent.
Child Care Subsidy Plan
Kathi Heslin and Sam Lane explained that NHCDSS Child Day Care Subsidy Program
has determined the need for a policy change; i.e. provide clarification in the area of
adults participating in GED or ABE certificate programs. John Craig moved to approve
the updated Child Care Subsidy Care Plan. The motion was seconded by Mr. Caster and
passed unanimously.
Next Meeting Objectives
• Leading by Results Overview and Recommendations
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Board Self Evaluation
® The Board completed self evaluations.
Additional Items
As there were no 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 9:58 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
LaVaughn Nesmith
Secretary to the Board
Ann Pitts
Chairman
Date approved:
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