B111307
• New Hanover County
Board of Social Services
Minutes
November 13, 2007
The New Hanover County Board of Social Services met in open session on Tuesday,
November 13, 2007 at 9:00 in Multipurpose Room B-C 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. Caster moved for approval of
the agenda. The motion was seconded by Mr. Craig and passed unanimously.
Mrs. Pitts led the invocation. Mr. Craig led the pledge of allegiance.
CONSENT AGENDA
Ms. Glidden and Mrs. Pitts noted two clerical errors. Mr. Caster moved for approval of
• the consent agenda with corrections. The motion was seconded by Mr. Craig and passed
unanimously.
INFORMATION AGENDA
New Hires
Emily de Andrade was introduced as the new Family and Children's Medicaid
Caseworker. Nicole Kidd was introduced as a returning Prevention/At Risk Social
Worker. Betty Lou Campese was introduced as the new Temporary Economic Services
Caseworker Trainee. Marjorie Roebuck was introduced as a new Fiscal Support
Technician.
Service Awards
Linda Thomas was recognized for 5 years of service to New Hanover County. Theresa
Baughman was recognized for 10 years of service to New Hanover County.
SSDI
Mr. Caster asked for clarification with the incoming client number. It was explained that
number reflects all clients that walk through the door, not just new clients. Mr. Caster
® noted that the Children under DSS Supervision number dropped. Ms. Marino shared that
the IV-E Waiver programs may be partially responsible for that drop. Ms. Glidden asked
why the DCIP number increased so dramatically. Mr. Nesmith explained that when
DCIP money became available, it was advertised in the newspaper so many people
applied.
Page 2 of 3
County Budget Expenditures
Carol Thiel reviewed the budget expenditures through September explaining that marks
25% of the fiscal year. Ms. Thiel explained the tip line item of the fiscal report
attachment, Senior/Disabled Low Income Tax Benefit, is given out through the Tax
Office but as they are not allowed to actually administer money, falls under DSS.
STRATEGIC ACTION AGENDA
Client Satisfaction Survey Results
Chris McNamee explained Client Satisfaction Surveys are distributed to clients quarterly
for a week long period. Ms. McNamee followed that surveys are collected through a
locked box located in each lobby. It was noted that most people complete surveys when
they are either very angry or very happy about the services they received. Ms. McNamee
reviewed the results of the quarterly survey.
Funding Draw Downs
Carol Thiel discussed funding draw downs, referring to the Administration portion of the
Budget Sheet. Administration includes staffing costs, building overhead etc. Ms. Thiel
explained that the county must prepare to fund DSS administrative costs in the beginning
• of the year as the budget is prepared and while waiting for Federal and State revenue to
come in. Administrative Costs are spread across each DSS program. Some programs do
not allow for Administrative Costs such as Fishing License Issuance. Ms. Thiel
explained social worker coding for reimbursement and day sheets. Mr. Caster asked
about the County portion of administrative costs.
Personnel Report
Stephanie Monteath gave the personnel report for FY 2006-2007. Fifty people were
hired and forty-five people left or were terminated. There were thirteen promotions and
of those 9 were members of a minority group. The report broke down staff by age, race
and education. Stephanie Monteath reviewed Leading by Results indicators which
discussed rate of turnover and length of time it takes to fill positions. This year it took
longer to fill positions due to the new interview system implemented by the Jordan
Institute, which in the long run should help with retention. As well, Economic Services
vacancies were not filled as quickly as the temporary positions normally used to fill
vacancies were unable to be filled due to budgetary restrictions.
State Office of Personnel
Keita Cannon, Senior Attorney with the State Office of Personnel discussed the
disciplinary process and the Board's advisory role.
Ms. Glidden noted that the drug policy for the county seemed punitive. Mr. Morris
agreed. Mr. Morris also noted that the policy was general and could potentially affect
other employees. Mr. Caster shared a testimony of his experience in the Navy when an
Page 3 of 3
officer under his charge was drug tested. It was agreed that further discussion about the
41 County's drug policy and how it applies to NHCDSS was merited.
Next Meeting Objectives
Resource Needs Identified by LBR
Board Self Evaluation
The Board completed self evaluations.
Additional Items
The Board adjourned from open session at 11:17 a.m.
Closed Session
The board entered closed session 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 returned to open session at 11:37 p.m. There being no further business the
Board by consensus adjourned.
Respectfully submitte
LaVaughn Nesmith
Secretary to the Board
Ann Pitts
Chairman
Date approved:
LN: scm
B111307