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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSS Board Minutes 091613MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES September 16, 2013 1 THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MET ON MONDAY: September 16, 2013 at the Hillsborough Commons, Hillsborough, North Carolina. BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Garavaglia, Chair; Claire Millar; and Arthrell Sanders. GUEST: None. BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBER ABSENT: Mark Dorosin. STAFF PRESENT: Nancy Coston, Director; Denise Shaffer, Assistant Director; Lindsey Shewmaker, Human Services Manager; and Joyce Lee, Business Officer. I. Call to Order and Introductions DSS Chair, Pat Garavaglia, called the meeting to order at 4:03 pm. II. Board Comments None. III. Public Comments None. IV. Agenda Changes None. V. Action Items On a motion by Claire Millar the Board approved the Minutes of August 19, 2013. Arthrell Sanders seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent. VI. Items for Discussion and/or Decision 1. Report on Progress with Flood Victims Denise Shaffer gave the Board an update on progress made rehousing flood victims. At this point there are 76 individuals who have applied for state aid, and the agency has received 32 approval forms. Currently, thirteen of these individuals have been rehoused and have received replacement personal property. There are an additional nineteen individuals who have pending approvals and others whose application approval is still in draft status. The agency is working with all these individuals to help them complete the process. Ms. Shaffer noted that it is a time consuming process but staff are making progress. Pat Garavaglia noted that she knows two people who are willing to assist families with shopping for replacement household items. Ms. Shaffer responded that she will let Ms. Garavaglia once staff have identified families volunteers might be able to help. Nancy Coston added that there are some logistical issues in shopping for families. Staff track MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES September 16, 2013 2 purchases to determine how much money families have remaining in their allocation for each type of purchase. Arthrell Sanders asked whether everyone has been successfully rehoused. Ms. Shaffer responded that everyone is currently housed but many are still waiting on permanent housing. Ms. Sanders asked whether affected children were all in schools. Ms. Shaffer responded that the children are all in school and were able to go shopping for back-to-school clothes and supplies. Ms. Garavaglia added that she is aware of community members who would like to adopt families who are not receiving state aid. She asked that if staff are aware of anyone in need please let her know. Ms. Coston shared that some families have expressed excitement at owning new furniture for the first time. Ms. Shaffer noted that while some families received donated goods at Green Chair there were mixed results. Ms. Garavaglia added that Jane Hathaway’s organization is very well run and is a better alternative. Ms. Shaffer agreed. 2. Social Services Institute Nancy Coston gave the Board information on the Social Services Institute, including the agenda for the North Carolina Association of County Boards of Social Services meeting. Ms. Coston asked that Board members let staff know if they would like to attend so staff can make arrangements. 3. NC FAST/Time-Limited Positions Nancy Coston noted the Board of County Commissioners approved the extension of the time- limited positions. The Medicaid rollout has been slow and staff are still working on integrating all program components. Beginning October 1, 2013 staff will also be taking applications under rules related to health reform. The organization moved to universal workers in review units on September 1, 2013 which has caused some added strain to staff. Lindsey Shewmaker added that the agency was approved to be a Certified Application Counselor organization. Some agency staff will be trained to assist families who need help applying for the new subsidies. Ms. Coston added that the county is working to renovate the front lobby area in Hillsborough to add access to the reception area and create a resource room with additional computers. A similar renovation will occur at Southern Human Services. 4. Retirements Nancy Coston informed the Board that there have been three retirements so far this year. Two more staff have announced their retirement, both of which will be effective by the end of the year. 5. Board Member Recruitment Arthrell Sanders gave an application to Geraldine Pettiford but has not heard anything yet. Pat Garavaglia added she has another potential candidate that she plans to run by Valerie Foushee since she may know him. MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES September 16, 2013 3 6. Director’s Report The Toy Chest is scheduled for December 14th-16th. The UNC Athletic Department is working on designating a basketball game for Toys for Tots. VII. Announcements The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 21, 2013 at the Hillsborough Commons, 113 Mayo Street, Hillsborough, North Carolina at 4:00 pm. Claire Millar moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:10pm. Arthrell Sanders seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent. Submitted by Nancy Coston Director Pat Garavaglia Chair