B100907
New Hanover County
• Board of Social Services
Minutes
October 9, 2007
The New Hanover County Board of Social Services met in open session on Tuesday,
October 9, 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; F. Wayne
Morris; 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.
Mr. Caster led the invocation. Mrs. Caster led the pledge of allegiance.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Caster moved for approval of the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Mr.
40 Craig and passed unanimously.
INFORMATION AGENDA
New Hires
Gwendolyn Williams was introduced as the new Family and Children Medicaid
Caseworker. Sandra Thorne was introduced as a new Prevention/At Risk Social Worker.
Roger Sala was introduced as the new Adult Protective Service Social Worker. Wendy
Davis was introduced as the new Fiscal Support Assistant. Courtney Graham was
introduced as the new Administrative Support Technician. Alice Tyler and Arlease Hill
were introduced as new Economic Services Caseworker Trainees.
Service Awards
Melissa Montroy was recognized for 5 years of service to New Hanover County.
Promotions
Shannon Orlando was promoted from Family and Children's Medicaid Caseworker to
Prevention/At Risk Social Worker Zone 1.
SSDI
Mr. Caster noted a clerical error in Family and Children's Medicaid which will be
rectified.
Page 2 of 3
County Budget Expenditures
• Carol Thiel reviewed the budget expenditures and explained the new format. Areas
highlighted in red were discussed. Mr. Nesmith noted that Child Day Care Subsidy will
once again be an area of concern in the budget.
Northside Community Center
Chris McNamee explained the study being conducted to discern if staff should be out-
posted at the Northside Community Center.
STRATEGIC ACTION AGENDA
Program for the All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Mary John Brantley introduced the PACE pilot program. This program provides an
interdisciplinary team to provide care for seniors. Ms. Brantley reviewed guidelines
which qualify a person to participate in PACE. The program is slated to begin December
1, 2007. Linda Pearce gave the history of PACE and how Elderhause became involved.
Ms. Pearce discussed quality of life, Medicaid pitfalls and introduced Larry Rinehart.
Mr. Rinehart shared the vision of PACE and the time line for growth and self sustenance.
There are 40 PACE sites in the country and Elderhause will provide the first in North
Carolina.
• Adoption Proclamation
Mr. Caster read the Adoption Proclamation. Mr. Morris moved to adopt the proclamation.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Caster and passed unanimously.
Adult Services Update
Ann Barkley and Susan Sprenger gave a power point presentation which reviewed
indicators, targets and challenges of the Adult Services program. One challenge in this
program is the increasing elderly and disabled population and disproportionate number of
Adult Services Staff. This challenge affects most of the indicators in this program.
Susan Sprenger discussed the realignment of strategies to address program challenges:
two new Adult Services staff; focus on lessening recidivism; use of innovative
technology; expansion of SA In-home services; Shared guardianship; and Elder Abuse
Prevention Network. Jane Jones provided information about the Elder Abuse Prevention
Network. Participation of law enforcement has really been advantageous to the
committee especially in areas of fraud and elder abuse and neglect.
Thank You to Pat Melvin
The Board Chairman thanked Pat Melvin for her service to New Hanover County DSS.
Next Meeting Objectives
Funding Draw Downs and Personnel Report
Page 3 of 3
Board Self Evaluation
40 The Board completed self evaluations.
Additional Items
Annual Audit
Mr. Morris asked how the department fared with the annual audit. Mr. Nesmith noted
that the self-evaluation included in the Board packet reflects the results of that audit. Mr.
Nesmith noted that the agency did have pay-backs to the State. Carol Thiel gave an
update on the state of the Business Office.
Director's Performance Evaluation
The Board discussed the process they will use to complete the performance evaluation for
Director Nesmith. The Board requested a copy of the Mr. Nesmith's last performance
evaluation and a copy of the last staff satisfaction survey. It was agreed that each board
member will complete an evaluation by November's Board Meeting. At that meeting,
the Board Members will compile that information and recommend or not recommend
merit. Stephanie Monteath will send the parameters for merit as per Cathy Morgan to
each Board Member.
As there were no further 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 10:32 a.m.
kespectfully s f~mitte
Y
LaVaughn Nesmith
Secretary to the Board
Ann Pitts
Board Chairman