HomeMy WebLinkAbout4-7-2020MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
April 7, 2020
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THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MET ON TUESDAY: April 7, 2020 at the
Hillsborough Commons, Hillsborough, North Carolina.
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS PRESENT: Tamara Dempsey-Tanner, Ann Wilkerson, Pat
Garavaglia, Susie Enoch, and Jamezetta Bedford.
GUEST: None.
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Nancy Coston, Director; Sharron Hinton, Human Services Manager; Lindsey Shewmaker,
Human Services Manager; and Crystal Mitchell, Child Welfare Manager.
I. Call to Order and Introductions
DSS Chair, Tamara Dempsey-Tanner, called the meeting to order at 1:12 pm.
II. Board Comments
None.
III. Public Comments
None.
IV. Agenda Changes
None.
V. Action Items
On a motion by Pat Garavaglia, the Board approved the minutes of February 2020. Jamezetta Bedford
seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent.
VI. Items for Discussion and/or Decision
1. Current Operations
The Department of Social Services is still open and providing services to Orange County residents.
Roughly 2/3 of staff are working remotely and DSS IT staff have done a wonderful job getting
laptops set up for work-from-home capabilities for many staff.
State rule changes have made it easier to use virtual methods instead of meeting clients face-to-
face or requiring office visits. Certification periods have been extended for Food and Nutrition
Services and Medicaid and face-to-face interview requirements have been waived in public
assistance. Child welfare and adult services staff are also limiting home visits where possible and
using personal protective equipment when meeting with families.
2. Emergency Operations
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
April 7, 2020
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Social Services staff have been working on the COVID-19 emergency response for the County
under Emergency Support Function (ESF) 6. Staff are working on mass feeding operations, crisis
housing, and general human services response.
3. Directors Report
None.
VII. Announcements
Tamara Dempsey-Tanner moved to adjourn the meeting at 2:32 pm. Ann Wilkerson seconded the motion. The
motion was carried without dissent.
Submitted by:
Nancy Coston, DSS Director
Tamara Dempsey-Tanner, Chair