HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSS Board Minutes 041811MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
April 18, 2011
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THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MET ON MONDAY: April 18, 2011 at the
Hillsborough Commons, Hillsborough, North Carolina.
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS PRESENT: Arthrell Sanders, Albert Williams, Valerie Foushee
and Pat Garavaglia.
GUEST: None.
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBER ABSENT: Claire Millar.
STAFF PRESENT: Nancy Coston, Director; Denise Shaffer, Assistant Director; Joyce Lee, Business Officer;
and Sharron Hinton, Community Services Manager.
I. Call to Order and Introductions
DSS Chair, Pat Garavaglia, called the meeting to order at 4:05 P.M.
II. Board Comments
None.
III. Public Comments
None.
IV. Agenda Changes
None.
V. Action Items
On a motion by Valerie Foushee the Board approved the Minutes of March 21, 2011. Arthrell Sanders
seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent.
VI. Items for Discussion and/or Decision
1. Work Force Development Board
Nancy Coston presented information regarding the Work Force Development Board. The current
partnership includes Orange, Alamance, and Randolf counties. There is a proposal to add Moore
and Montgomery counties to the existing partnership. One of the Orange County Commissioners
was asked to sign a document approving this plan although she had not been provided information
in order to make an informed decision. She has requested additional information and plans to
discuss this issue at a BOCC meeting to get everyone’s input. Ms. Coston will be discussing this
tomorrow with Gwen Harvey, Assistant County Manager. She has also contacted the state office to
get additional information regarding options available to the county. The current partner counties
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
April 18, 2011
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do not have a lot in common with Orange County. One option would be to approach Durham but
this would take some time to work out. Valerie Foushee recommended that Orange County sign off
on the current request to assure that funding continues. The county could then proceed to explore
other partnerships that may be more advantageous.
2. Legislative Updates
The state budget has been released. Some of the issues include: Smart Start would only serve
children receiving subsidy; child care has additional cuts in funding; difficult to determine if funds
are included for the Adolescent Parenting Program; Medicaid cuts such as eliminating dental care
and hospice have serious implications.
There has been much discussion regarding the Consolidation Bill. The DSS Director’s Association
is recommending amendments to allow the DSS Board to continue and to maintain state merit.
There are some services provided by DSS where local political influence or interference could pose
a substantial problem. Two examples would be in the areas of child protective services and
adoptions. The current proposal allows the County Manager to hire and fire the DSS Director. A
significant concern is that once a county makes the decision to consolidate, the current proposal
would prohibit changing back if this proved to be a poor plan. Allowing small counties to partner
with neighboring counties may be a benefit. Consolidation has become a very contentious issue.
Ms. Coston has additional material available for the Board members to review.
3. Job Fair
Robert Gilmore reviewed the Job Fair which was held April 13th. It was very successful particularly
for a first effort. Costco provided breakfast and lunch for employers. There was much collaboration
involved in making this happen particularly in advertising the event. Forty-one employers were
present and there were 600 attendees with 62% being from Orange County. The majority of
employers and attendees responded they would like to have additional job fairs in the future. The
agency will be following up with employers to determine who was hired as a result of the fair.
4. Director’s Report
April is Social Services Appreciation Month. Nancy Coston shared that Friends of DSS came to the
staff meeting and expressed a big thank you to the staff. They gave out door prizes and mugs.
This was very much appreciated by the staff.
VII. Announcements
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 16, 2011 at the Hillsborough Commons,
Mayo Street, Hillsborough, North Carolina.
On a motion by Arthrell Sanders and seconded by Valerie Foushee, the Board adjourned their regular
meeting at 5:15 P.M.
Submitted by
Nancy Coston
Director
Pat Garavaglia
Chair
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
April 18, 2011
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NC/PG:brs
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Approval Date