Chairman Martin P. Kelly has called a meeting of the Health and Human Services Committee for 6:01 p.m. on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 in the Legislative Chambers, County Office Building, 64 Broadway, Fonda, New York 12068.  

This meeting is in person, however, members of the public may participate by calling 1-646-749-3122, Access Code 142-886-229. 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 AMENDING THE 2022 OPERATING BUDGET - MONTGOMERY COUNTY MANDATED FORENSIC BILLING (MENTAL HEALTH)

3. RESOLUTION CONFIRMING APPOINTMENT OF THOMAS LIPPIE AS ACTING COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SERVICES THROUGH June 30, 2023(COUNTY EXECUTIVE) 

4. RESOLUTION CONFIRMING APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES MADE BY THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE (COUNTY LEGISLATURE)

5. RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2022 OPERATING BUDGET (SOCIAL SERVICES)

6. OTHER

RESOLUTION NO. 275 of 2022 DATED: December 27, 2022 RECOMMENDATION:

WHEREAS, the Mental Health Department has increased expenses for Court Ordered Mental Health Services in the Mental Health Department budget; and

WHEREAS, Montgomery County is required to pay 100% of the cost of individuals ordered into state operated forensic mental health centers; and

WHEREAS, the 2022 Operating Budget for the Mental Health Department only appropriated $70,000 for such expenses; and

WHEREAS, Resolution 175 of 2022 added an additional $150,000; and

WHEREAS, most of those funds have been expended, with approximately $23,500 remaining; and

WHEREAS, the NYS Office of Mental Health is vouchering Montgomery County for December expenses and additional funds will be required to cover costs.

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

RESOLUTION VOTE, was defeated with Aye(5). Legislator Headwell, Jr. voted Nay. Legislators Dimond, Duchessi and VACANT were absent. (12/27/2022)

I. Nature of Request:

II. Justification:

III. Legislative Impact:

IV. Financial Impact:

RESOLUTION NO. 276 of 2022 DATED: December 27, 2022 RECOMMENDATION:

WHEREAS,  pursuant to §3.02 and §3.03 of the Montgomery County Charter, the County Executive has the power to make appointments; and

WHEREAS,  pursuant to §10.01 of the Montgomery County Charter there shall be a Department of Social Services under the direction of a Commissioner who shall be appointed by the County Executive to a five year term subject to confirmation by the County Legislature; and

WHEREAS,  Resolution 163 of 2021 appointed Michael McMahon to a five year term commencing June 8, 2021 and ending on June 7, 2026; and

WHEREAS,  Commissioner McMahon has resigned from his position and it is necessary to fill the position; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to §10.01 of the Montgomery County Charter the Commissioner of Social Services shall be appointed on the basis of his or her administrative experience and qualifications for the duties of the office for the term provided by law; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to §10.02 of the Montgomery County Charter the Commissioner of Social Services shall perform the duties prescribed by law and such additional and related duties as are required by the County Executive.

WHEREAS, pursuant to §2.08 of the Montgomery County Charter the County Legislature shall confirm appointments no longer than sixty (60) days after the appointment has been filed with the Clerk of the Legislature; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to §2.08 of the Montgomery County Charter the County Legislature shall undergo a committee review of appointees; and

WHEREAS, the County Executive appointed Thomas Lippie as the Acting Commissioner of Social Services on the basis of his training and experience in social services administration and other qualifications for the responsibilities of his office; and

WHEREAS, the Montgomery County Legislature has undergone a committee review of Thomas Lippie; and

WHEREAS, it has been less than sixty (60) days after the appointment was filed with the Clerk of the Legislature; and

WHEREAS, Montgomery County conferred the benefits of defense and indemnification of its officers and employees pursuant to Section 18 of the Public Officers Law by the adoption of Local Law #2 of 1984.

RESOLVED, that the Montogmery County Legislature approves the appointment of Thomas Lippie as Acting Commissioner of Social Services; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Montgomery County Legislature hereby confirms the appointment of Thomas Lippie as Acting Commissioner of Social Services through June 30, 2023.

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(6). Legislators Dimond, Duchessi and VACANT were absent. (12/27/2022)

I. Nature of Request:

II. Justification:

III. Legislative Impact:

IV. Financial Impact:

RESOLUTION NO. 277 of 2022 DATED: December 27, 2022 RECOMMENDATION:

WHEREAS, the position of Commissioner of Health and Human Services was created in the 2023 operating budget; and

WHEREAS,  it is necessary to appoint a Commissioner of Health and Human Services; and

WHEREAS,  pursuant to §3.02 and §3.03 of the Montgomery County Charter, the County Executive has the power to make appointments; and 

WHEREAS, pursuant to §2.08 of the Montgomery County Charter the County Legislature shall confirm appointments no longer than sixty (60) days after the appointment has been filed with the Clerk of the Legislature; and 

WHEREAS, pursuant to §2.08 of the Montgomery County Charter the County Legislature shall undergo a committee review of appointees; and 

WHEREAS, the County Executive appointed Matthew Beck. as the Commissioner of Health and Human Services on the basis of the required experience and other qualifications appropriate to the responsibilities as set forth by Civil Service; and 

WHEREAS, the Montgomery County Legislature has undergone a committee review of Matthew Beck.; and 

WHEREAS, the Montgomery County Legislature has approved the appointment of Matthew Beck as the Commissioner of Health and Human Services; and 

WHEREAS, it has been less than sixty (60) days after the appointment was filed with the Clerk of the Legislature. 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Montgomery County Legislature hereby confirms the appointment of Matthew Beck as the Commissioner of Health and Human Services; and 

FURTHER RESOLVED, that it is understood and agreed that such benefits of defense and indemnification are conferred upon Matthew Beck as the Commissioner of Health and Human Services for any acts or omissions while acting within the scope of his duties as the Commissioner of Health and Human Services.

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(5). Legislator Headwell, Jr. voted Nay. Legislators Dimond, Duchessi and VACANT were absent. (12/27/2022)

I. Nature of Request:

II. Justification:

III. Legislative Impact:

IV. Financial Impact:

RESOLUTION NO. 278 of 2022 DATED: December 27, 2022 RECOMMENDATION:

WHEREAS, the Department of Social Services continues to see an increase in need for various services, such as programs for Raise the Age, Services for Recipients, Family Assistance, and Daycare Programs; and

WHEREAS, a change in the percentage of eligibility has made it so more families qualify for services; and

WHEREAS, these increases have caused a need for the Department to transfer funds to certain lines in the 2022 budget; and

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

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(6). Legislators Dimond, Duchessi and VACANT were absent. (12/27/2022)

I. Nature of Request:

II. Justification:

III. Legislative Impact:

IV. Financial Impact: