B092805
NEW HANOVER COUNTY
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
• MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 28, 2005
The New Hanover County Board of Social Services met in open session on Wednesday,
September 28, 2005, 9:00 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the New Hanover County
Department of Social Services.
ATTENDING: Frankie Roberts, Chairman; Bill Caster, Vice Chairman;
Ann Pitts; John Craig; F. Wayne Morris
ALSO ATTENDING: LaVaughn Nesmith, Secretary to the Board; Stephanie
Monteath, Assistant to the Director
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:06 a.m. Mrs. Pitts moved to approve 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. Morris noted that "State Social Services Commission" in the August 31, 2005
minutes should read "North Carolina Social Services Commission".
Mr. Caster moved for approval of the minutes as amended. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Roberts and passed unanimously.
Mrs. Marino reviewed the revisions made to the transportation policy as a result of new
federal regulations. Mrs. Marino also explained that the agency is now paying for no-
shows instead of the funds coming directly from New Hanover County. DSS will have to
budget for this. Approximately $2,000.00 a month is spent on no-shows. Mrs. Marino
discussed measures put into place to reduce the number of no-shows each month.
Mr. Morris moved to approve the amended Title XIX Transportation Policy. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Caster and passed unanimously.
INFORMATION AGENDA
Service Awards
Jessica McSwain and Roxanne Paluso were recognized for 5 years of service with New
Hanover County. Linda Gallagher, Susan Sprenger and Cecelia Spry were recognized for
15 years of service. Susan Thompson was recognized for 20 years of service.
Personnel Change Report
® The Director introduced new employees: Jeanne Neidhardt, Roseann Lyons, Richard
Emmanuel, Dorothy Smaldone, Sara Karanikos and Heather Copley.
Minutes
September 28, 2005
Page 2 of 3
Significant Services Delivery Indicators (SSDI) for August 2005
The Board looked at the SSDI rcport for August 2003. Mr. Caster asked for clarification
of the Forensic Investigations Completed section. Mrs. Marino explained the difference
between a Forensic Investigation and a Multiple Response System Assessment. A
Forensic Investigation occurs with abuse cases where law enforcement will possibly be
involved. MRS Assessments occur in neglect cases and the assessment is done with a lot
of family involvement.
County Budget Expenditure Report for August 2005
The County Budget Expenditure report for August 2005 was reviewed. Mr. Nesmith
shared that this year the budget is very tight. Mr. Oxendine explained that two areas
being closely monitored are Medicaid and child care.
Mr. Caster asked what the S/C category stands for. Mr. Oxendine answered that S/C
stands for State/County Special Assistance. Special Assistance funds are used for adults
residing in adult care homes.
Hurricane Katrina's Impact on New Hanover County
Mrs. Pitts asked what effect if any Katrina victims had on the agency's budget. Mrs.
Vincent explained that replacement food stamp benefits are federal money, a small
percent of Medicaid cost is county money and we are already keeping an eye on
Medicaid money. Mr. Nesmith shared that 107 Katrina victims moved to New Hanover
County. Out of those 107 people, 40 people applied for Food Stamps, 14 people applied
for Medicaid and 4 people received General Assistance funds. Mr. Nesmith explained
that it appears almost all of the evacuees in New Hanover County have some connection
to New Hanover County, either family or friendship.
Child Care Subsidy Business Plan
Mr. Roberts asked for clarification of the Child Care Subsidy Business Plan. Mr. Nesmith
explained that the waiting list will most likely stay active all year. Mrs. Vincent shared
that there are 350 children still on the waiting list after dropping 116 last month.
Ms. Schulz talked about a Child Care Community Forum inviting local agencies, the faith
community, etc. to discuss child care options and resources as a means of being
proactive. The meeting will be held October 5, 2005 at 8:30 a.m. at DSS.
Jasper Reed, North Carolina Social Services Commission
Mr. Jasper Reed arrived and introduced himself as the local representative of the North
Carolina Social Services Commission. Mr. Reed briefly explained his role in
representing the Congressional District that New Hanover County falls under. Mr. Reed
encouraged the members of the Board of Social Services to contact him with any
concerns.
Minutes
September 28, 2005
Page 3 of 3
• STRATEGIC/ACTION AGENDA
Leading by Results Indicator Update - Food Stamps
Mr. Nesmith shared the history of Leading by Results.
Ms. McNamee reviewed the Leading by Results indicator for Food Stamps. Ms.
McNamee gave a power point presentation outlining the goals of Food Stamps for
FY2005-2006 that 65% of eligible people (people at or below the level of poverty)
receive Food Stamps. In FY2004-2005, 57.80% of eligible people received Food
Stamps. Ms. McNamee shared that it has been difficult to reach the aged and disabled
population in New Hanover County.
Ms. Vincent gave an overview of different strategies used to gain participation in the
Food Stamps program, such as bi-lingual book markers and community education. Ms.
Vincent also shared the process used to replace Food Stamps after a disaster, such as a
hurricane.
Mr. Nesmith wrapped up the discussion by addressing the need for additional man power
as participation in the Food Stamps program grows.
NEXT MEETING OBJECTIVES
• Leading by Results Indicator Update - Work First
• Medicaid Family Planning Waiver Policy
• Open Discussion of Board Member Training
BOARD SELF-EVALUATION
Each member of the Board completed the self-evaluation.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
There being no further business the Board by consensus adjourned. The Board adjourned
at 10:29 a.m.
A ctful s i
LaVaughn Nesmith
Secretary to the Board
Frankie Roberts
Chairman
Date approved:
LN: scm
B092805