TO:Health & Human Services Committee
Martin P. Kelly, Chair, Legislator, District 1
Brian D. Sweet, Legislator, District 2
Roy S. Dimond, Legislator, District 3
Robert Headwell, Jr., Legislator, District 4
Daniel P. Wilson, Legislator, District 5
John M. Duchessi, Legislator, District 6
Michael J. Pepe, Legislator, District 7
Robert A. Purtell, Legislator, District 9
FROM:Cheryl A. Reese, Clerk of the Legislature
CC:Legislators, County Attorney, County Treasurer, Public Health Director, Commissioner of Social Services, Media
DATE:3/29/2024
RE:Committee Meetings

Chairman Martin P. Kelly has called a meeting of the Health and Human Services Committee for 6:01 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 in the Legislative Chambers, County Office Building, 64 Broadway, Fonda, New York 12068.  

Pursuant to law, members of the Legislature and public are authorized to participate via conference call.  Members of the public may participate by calling 1-669-224-3412, Access Code 943-317-589. Minutes of the meeting will be transcribed and later posted on the Montgomery County website at www.co.montgomery.ny.us

Items on the agenda, at this time, are as follows:

1.  (DISCUSSION)

 A.  Privilege of Committee Chair, Committee Members & Legislators to discuss items of interest, etc., regarding departments governed by this Committee 

2. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE IN 3-5 PRESCHOOL RELATED SERVICE RATES (PUBLIC HEALTH)

3. RESOLUTION AWARDING TRANSPORTATION SERVICES BID NO. 04-22 (PUBLIC HEALTH)

4. RESOLUTION AMENDING 2022 OPERATING BUDGET - NYSDOH ARTICLE 6 STATE AID FUNDING (PUBLIC HEALTH)

5. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH MCGUINNESS & ASSOCIATES, INC. (PUBLIC HEALTH)

6. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING TWO (2) ADDITIONAL PART-TIME CASEWORKERS AND AMENDING THE 2022 OPERATING BUDGET (SOCIAL SERVICES)

7. RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2022 BUDGET AND ESTABLISHING TWO (2) PART-TIME SOCIAL SERVICES ATTORNEYS (SOCIAL SERVICES)

8. OTHER

  



Proposed Resolutions

Res. #Sponsor/SecondRecommendation
121

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE IN 3-5 PRESCHOOL RELATED SERVICE RATES (PUBLIC HEALTH)

Sweet/PepeMove to Full Legislature
122

RESOLUTION AWARDING TRANSPORTATION SERVICES BID NO. 04-22 (PUBLIC HEALTH)

Pepe/PurtellMove to Full Legislature
123

RESOLUTION AMENDING 2022 OPERATING BUDGET - NYSDOH ARTICLE 6 STATE AID FUNDING (PUBLIC HEALTH)

Sweet/WilsonMove to Full Legislature
124

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH MCGUINNESS & ASSOCIATES, INC. (PUBLIC HEALTH)

Wilson/PepeMove to Full Legislature
125

RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING TWO (2) ADDITIONAL PART-TIME CASEWORKERS AND AMENDING THE 2022 OPERATING BUDGET (SOCIAL SERVICES)

Dimond/SweetMove to Full Legislature
126

RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2022 OPERATING BUDGET AND ESTABLISHING TWO (2) PART-TIME SOCIAL SERVICES ATTORNEYS (SOCIAL SERVICES)

Wilson/DimondMove to Full Legislature



Montgomery County Seal!RESOLUTION NO. 121 of 2022

DATED: June 28, 2022

RECOMMENDATION:
     

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE IN 3-5 PRESCHOOL RELATED SERVICE RATES (PUBLIC HEALTH)


Resolution by Legislator: Sweet
Seconded by: Pepe

WHEREAS, the Montgomery County Public Health Department is mandated to provide for 3-5 Preschool Related Services (Occupational, Physical, Speech, Music, Play Therapy, Counseling, Psychological Services, School Social Work, and Teachers of Hearing and Visually Impaired) in accordance with Title VI, Article 83 Public Health Law; and

WHEREAS, the Montgomery County Public Health Department is currently contracted with 3-5 Preschool Related Service providers for the term of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024 to 3-5 Preschool Related services to children with a qualifying serivce listed on an IEP and approved via CPSE committee; and

WHEREAS, that the current rate of $50 per 30 minute individual session and $25 per 30 minute group session falls below industry standards, and Montgomery County Public Health proposes an increase to $55 per 30 minute individual session, and $27.50 for each 30 minute group session.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Legislature, authorizes and directs that related service rates for all 3-5 Preschool Related services be increased to $55 per 30 minute individual session, and $27.50 per 30 minute group session; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, the increase shall take effect on September 1, 2022.

FURTHER RESOLVED, the  Clerk of the Montgomery County Legislature is authorized and directed to send a certified copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of Education.

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(7). Legislators Pepe and VACANT were absent. (6/28/2022)



Statement of Legislative and Financial Impact:

I. Nature of Request:

AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE TO RELATED SERVICE RATES FOR 3-5 PRESCHOOL PROGRAM.


II. Justification:

Montgomery County is experiencing a shortage in therapists to provide 3-5 Preschool Related Services that are mandated by law, therefore, an increase is necessary to recruit additional providers to this program.


III. Legislative Impact:

Authorized pursuant to Article 2 of the Montgomery County Charter.


IV. Financial Impact:

Minimal effect on Public Health Budget, as Medicaid eligible sessions for 3-5 Preschool Related Services are reimbursed at 100% at rate higher than increase, and non-medicaid compliant services are offset by NYSED at rate of 59.5%.



cc: County Clerk
County Treasurer




Montgomery County Seal!RESOLUTION NO. 122 of 2022

DATED: June 28, 2022

RECOMMENDATION:
     

RESOLUTION AWARDING TRANSPORTATION SERVICES BID NO. 04-22 (PUBLIC HEALTH)


Resolution by Legislator: Pepe
Seconded by: Purtell

WHEREAS, bids were solicited for transportation services for the Montgomery County Public Health Department 3-5 Preschool and Early Intervention programs for the period of September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023; and

WHEREAS, only one bid was submitted for transportation services and said bid was opened on May 31, 2022; and

WHEREAS, the bidder was responsible and responsive; and

WHEREAS, the Montgomery County Public Health Director recommends awarding a 1 year contract to the bidder STA, dba Brown's Transportation for all routes.

RESOLVED, that the Montgomery County Legislature hereby awards Bid No. 04-22 to STA, dba Brown's Transportation, Inc. for all routes based on the 2022-23 Transportation Service Bid form as attached hereto and made part of this resolution; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Executive, following review and approval by the County Attorney, hereby is authorized to sign and execute contract documents pertaining to said award.

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(6). Legislator Headwell, Jr. abstained. Legislators Pepe and VACANT were absent. (6/28/2022)



Bid Specs

Statement of Legislative and Financial Impact:

I. Nature of Request:

To secure means of transportation for children with special health care needs that live within Montgomery County to 4410 program services.


II. Justification:

It is state mandated to provide transportation for children with special health care needs that live within Montgomery County .

1.  Early Intervention (PHL 2552)

2.  Standards for provisions of service (NYCRR 69-4.9)

3.  Local Early Intervention coodinating councils (NYCRR 69-4.13)

4.  Transportation (NYCRR 69-4.19)

5.  The Pre-K Program (3-5 program)

6.  Financial responsibility and municpal responsibility (NYSED Article 89- Section 4410-11 & Chapter 243 of the Laws of 1989)


III. Legislative Impact:

Authorized pursuant to Article 2 of the Montgomery County Charter.


IV. Financial Impact:

No financial impact, transportation services are accounted for within the Public Health Budget.



cc: County Clerk
County Treasurer




Montgomery County Seal!RESOLUTION NO. 123 of 2022

DATED: June 28, 2022

RECOMMENDATION:
     

RESOLUTION AMENDING 2022 OPERATING BUDGET - NYSDOH ARTICLE 6 STATE AID FUNDING (PUBLIC HEALTH)


Resolution by Legislator: Sweet
Seconded by: Wilson

WHEREAS, the Montgomery County Public Health Department 2022 budget appropriates Article 6 State Aid Funding; and

WHEREAS, upon passing of the NYS 2022-23 budget April 1, 2022, it has been established this funding is to be increased, and fringe benefits are now a cost that local health departments are allowed to claim as an expense and receive additional funding for purposes of employee retention, hiring, and department costs; and

WHEREAS, the Montgomery County Public Health Department has been awarded an increase of $58,125 to be spend during the 2022 budget season.

RESOLVED, that the Montgomery County Legislature hereby authorizes and directs the County Treasurer to amend the 2022 Operating Budget as follows:

INCREASE REVENUES:    
A-16-3-3401-00 State Aid - Public Health $58,125.00
     
INCREASE APPROPRIATIONS:    
A-16-4-4010-00-.4408 Office Supplies $1,500.00
A-16-4-4010-00-.4409 Office Furniture $6,625.00
A-16-4-4010-00-.4491 Legal Notice & Advertising $25,000.00
A-16-4-4010-00-.4526 Education Programs $25,000.00

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(7). Legislators Pepe and VACANT were absent. (6/28/2022)



Statement of Legislative and Financial Impact:

I. Nature of Request:

To accept and amend Article 6 State Aid appropriations and revenues in the 2022 Operating Budget - NYSDOH 2022-23 State Aid Funding.


II. Justification:

NYSDOH has granted additional funding to the Montgomery County Public Health Department as outlined in the NYS 2022-23 State Budget.  Funds are to be utilized to support Article 6 State Aid Eligible Programs.


III. Legislative Impact:

Pursuant to Article 2 of the Charter, the Montgomery County Legislature has the power to make appropriations.


IV. Financial Impact:

Total appropriations will be offset by an equivalent amount of additional revenues, therefore, there is no financial impact other than making the funds available in the current year's budget.  Awarded funds must be accepted and appropriated in the 2022 budget in order to be utilized to support eligible program services.



cc: County Clerk
County Treasurer




Montgomery County Seal!RESOLUTION NO. 124 of 2022

DATED: June 28, 2022

RECOMMENDATION:
     

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH MCGUINNESS & ASSOCIATES, INC. (PUBLIC HEALTH)


Resolution by Legislator: Wilson
Seconded by: Pepe

WHEREAS, the Montgomery County Public Health Department staff has met with and reviewed the program services offered by James McGuinness & Associates; and

WHEREAS, the Public Health Director has recommended that the Montgomery County Public Health Department enter into a contract with James McGuinness & Associates, Inc. to continue to provide their software program to enable Medicaid claims processing, tracking of services and documentation, reports for payment details, payment history, enrollments, and stream-line AVL claiming process for the 3-5 Preschool Program; and

WHEREAS, the contract would be for a three-year period beginning September 1, 2022 and ending August 31, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the contract includes annual maintenance and support charges totaling $11,750.00 a year; and

WHEREAS, the annual fee shall be billed quarterly based on $625.00/month ($7,500.00 annually) for 3 hours of support per month and $4250.00/year for utilizing James McGuinness & Associates, Inc. as an approved Medicaid Service Bureau for the purpose of submitting 3-5 Preschool Medicaid claims; and

WHEREAS, James McGuinness & Associates, Inc. will provide the Montgomery County Public Health Department with all new software releases with the cost of installation of said updates included as part of the annual maintenance and support services fee; and

WHEREAS, the Montgomery County Public Health Department may purchase additional support hours, at a rate of $125.00/hour for services such as custom changes to the stock software, custom inquiries of the data, and any custom Ad-Hoc reports to support one-time queries such as NYSAC/NYACHO research and end user support.

RESOLVED, that the Montgomery County Legislature hereby accepts and authorizes the aforementioned contract with James McGuinness & Associates, Inc.; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Executive, following review and approval by the County Attorney, hereby is authorized to sgin and execute a contract with James McGuinness & Associates, Inc. to continue to provide their software program for a three year period beginning September 1, 2022 and ending August 31, 2025 for an amount not to exceed $11,750.00 annually.

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(7). Legislators Pepe and VACANT were absent. (6/28/2022)



Statement of Legislative and Financial Impact:

I. Nature of Request:

Authorizing County Executive to sign contract for 3-5 Preschool Software services.


II. Justification:

To utilize and continue contract through funding period end of 2025.


III. Legislative Impact:

Pursuant to Article 3 of the Charter, the Montgomery County Executive has the authority to sign contracts.


IV. Financial Impact:

Amount of contract to be included in Public Health annual budget for 2022-2025.



cc: County Clerk
County Treasurer




Montgomery County Seal!RESOLUTION NO. 125 of 2022

DATED: June 28, 2022

RECOMMENDATION:
     

RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING TWO (2) ADDITIONAL PART-TIME CASEWORKERS AND AMENDING THE 2022 OPERATING BUDGET (SOCIAL SERVICES)


Resolution by Legislator: Dimond
Seconded by: Sweet

WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Social Services has reviewed the workload of the caseworkers and recommends adding two (2) Part-Time Caseworkers; and

WHEREAS, the additional Part-Time Caseworkers will assist in reducing caseloads and improve staff to client ratio as they will be assigned caseloads and will have the same duties and responsibilities as its full time counterpart. The duties include, recommending services to meet the needs of individuals and/or families, conduct safety evaluations, schedule home visitations, transport clients to a variety of facilities, make referrals and report abuse; and

RESOLVED, the Montgomery County Legislature hereby authorizes and establishes two (2) Part-Time Caseworkers Grade I in the CSEA Bargaining Agreement at an established hourly rate $24.38 for 2022; and

RESOLVED, that the Montgomery County Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to amend the 2022 Operating Budget as follows:

 

TRANSFER FROM:     
A-18-4-6010-00-.1110 (18) RPN  $23,625.00 
     
TRANSFER TO:     
A-18-4-6010-00-.1120  (NEW)   Caseworker PT $11,812.50
A-18-4-6010-00-.1120  (NEW) Caseworker PT $11,812.50

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(7). Legislators Pepe and VACANT were absent. (6/28/2022)



Statement of Legislative and Financial Impact:

I. Nature of Request:

Establishing two Part Time Caseworkers and amending the 2022 Operating Budget.


II. Justification:

These funds are intended to help districts achieve, or move closer to achieving, the recommended caseload size.


III. Legislative Impact:

Pursuant to Section 2.04(b) the County Legislature has the power to make appropriations.


IV. Financial Impact:

These positions will be funded between 57% Federal, 35% State and 8% Local dollars.



cc: County Clerk
County Treasurer




Montgomery County Seal!RESOLUTION NO. 126 of 2022

DATED: June 28, 2022

RECOMMENDATION:
     

RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2022 OPERATING BUDGET AND ESTABLISHING TWO (2) PART-TIME SOCIAL SERVICES ATTORNEYS (SOCIAL SERVICES)


Resolution by Legislator: Wilson
Seconded by: Dimond

WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Social Services has evaluated the needs of the department and determined it would be beneficial to add two (2) Part time Social Services Attorneys; and

WHEREAS, the two (2) Part time Social Services Attorneys would aid in and assist with prosecuting abuse and neglect cases in family court, assist with child support cases and would provide assistance to the full-time Social Services attorney; and

WHEREAS, in an effort to offset the cost of the additional position, the Commissioner of Social Services hereby requests the elimination of the recently vacated Supervising Social Services Attorney; and

RESOLVED, that the Montgomery County Legislature hereby establishes two (2) Part-Time Social Services Attorney positions within Group Q in the Non-Bargaining Agreement and establish the base salary for each at $32,500 annually due to the very part-time nature of the work.

FURTHER RESOLVED, the Montgomery County Legislature hereby authorizes and directs the County Treasurer to amend the 2022 Operating Budget as follows:

TRANSFER FROM:     
 A-18-4-6010-00-.1120 (147)   P/T Supervising Social Services Attorney     $65,000
     
TRANSFER TO:     
A-18-4-6010-00-.1120 (NEW)  Social Services Attorney PT $32,500 
A-18-4-6010-00-.1120 (NEW)  Social Services Attorney PT $32,500 

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(7). Legislators Pepe and VACANT were absent. (6/28/2022)



Statement of Legislative and Financial Impact:

I. Nature of Request:

AMENDING THE 2022 OPERATING BUDGET AND ESTABLISHING TWO (2) PART-TIME SOCIAL SERVICES ATTORNEYS


II. Justification:

The two (2) Part time Social Services Attorneys would aid in and assist with prosecuting abuse and neglect cases in family court, assist with child support cases and would provide assistance to the full-time Social Services attorney.


III. Legislative Impact:

Pursuant to Article 2 of the Charter, the Montgomery County Legislature has the power to make appropriations.


IV. Financial Impact:

No financial impact transfer of funds from budgeted appropriations.



cc: County Clerk
County Treasurer