TO:Health & Human Services Committee
Martin P. Kelly, Chairman, 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, Commissioner of Social Services, Public Health Director, Media
DATE:4/10/2024
RE:Committee Meetings

Chairman Martin P. Kelly has called a meeting of the Health and Human Services Committee for 6:03 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15, 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 1-408-650-3123, Access Code 915-418-549. 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 THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO SIGN A CONTRACT WITH STEUBEN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

3. RESOLUTION FOR BERKSHIRE FARM CENTER AND SERVICES FOR YOUTH (ENHANCED STEPPING STONES) AGREEMENT (SOCIAL SERVICES)

4. RESOLUTION FOR BERKSHIRE FARM CENTER AND SERVICES FOR YOUTH (STEPPING STONES) AGREEMENT (SOCIAL SERVICES) 

5. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO SIGN AGREEMENTS FOR SERVICES APPROVED FOR USE IN 2023 (SOCIAL SERVICES)

6. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO SIGN CONTRACT WITH TARA BENINCASA, LMHC, NCC (SOCIAL SERVICES)

7. RESOLUTION AMENDING 2022 OPERATING BUDGET - CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS GRANT (CSHCN) AWARD FUNDS  (PUBLIC HEALTH)

8. ADD-ON - HHS RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO SIGN AN ADDENDUM TO THE NORTHWOODS CONSULTING INC – TRAVERSE DESKTOP AND MOBILE SUITE CONTRACT (SOCIAL SERVICES)

9. OTHER



Proposed Resolutions

Res. #Sponsor/SecondRecommendation
253

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO SIGN A CONTRACT WITH STEUBEN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Pepe/SweetMove to Full Legislature
254

RESOLUTION FOR BERKSHIRE FARM CENTER AND SERVICES FOR YOUTH (ENHANCED STEPPING STONES) AGREEMENT (SOCIAL SERVICES)

Dimond/WilsonMove to Full Legislature
255

RESOLUTION FOR BERKSHIRE FARM CENTER AND SERVICES FOR YOUTH (STEPPING STONES) AGREEMENT (SOCIAL SERVICES)

Pepe/DimondMove to Full Legislature
257

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO SIGN AGREEMENTS FOR SERVICES APPROVED FOR USE IN 2023 (SOCIAL SERVICES)

Wilson/Headwell, Jr.Move to Full Legislature
256

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO SIGN CONTRACT WITH TARA BENINCASA, LMHC, NCC (SOCIAL SERVICES)

Pepe/SweetMove to Full Legislature
258

RESOLUTION AMENDING 2022 OPERATING BUDGET - CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS GRANT (CSHCN) AWARD FUNDS  (PUBLIC HEALTH)

Wilson/DimondMove to Full Legislature
259

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO SIGN AN ADDENDUM TO THE NORTHWOODS CONSULTING INC – TRAVERSE DESKTOP AND MOBILE SUITE CONTRACT (SOCIAL SERVICES)

Pepe/Headwell, Jr.Move to Full Legislature



Montgomery County Seal!RESOLUTION NO. 253 of 2022

DATED: November 22, 2022

RECOMMENDATION:
     

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO SIGN A CONTRACT WITH STEUBEN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES


Resolution by Legislator: Pepe
Seconded by: Sweet

WHEREAS, the Department of Social Services is in need of establishing a contract for non-secure detention services; and

WHEREAS, Steuben County Department of Social Services operates an 8 bed co-ed non-secure detention service program (Steuben Youth Safe Center) certified by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services; and

WHEREAS, the Department wishes to place eligible and appropriate juveniles in this program on an as-need and space-available basis at a rate of $855.00 per bed per day from August 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022; and, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Executive, upon review and approval of the County Attorney, is hereby authorized and directed to sign a contract with Steuben County Department of Social Services to place eligible and appropriate juveniles on an as-need and space-available basis at a rate of $855.00 per bed per day for the period of August 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022.

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(5). Legislators Dimond, Duchessi, VACANT and Purtell were absent. (11/22/2022)



Statement of Legislative and Financial Impact:

I. Nature of Request:

Authorizing the County Executive to sign a contract with Steuben County Department of Social Services.


II. Justification:

This contract will provide us with another facility to place lower-risk JDs to provide family-specific behavioral health services with a focus on rehabilitation


III. Legislative Impact:

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


IV. Financial Impact:

The contract is for $855.00 per diem on an as-needed, space-available basis.



cc: County Clerk
County Treasurer




Montgomery County Seal!RESOLUTION NO. 254 of 2022

DATED: November 22, 2022

RECOMMENDATION:
     

RESOLUTION FOR BERKSHIRE FARM CENTER AND SERVICES FOR YOUTH (ENHANCED STEPPING STONES) AGREEMENT (SOCIAL SERVICES)


Resolution by Legislator: Dimond
Seconded by: Wilson

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 395 of the Social Services Law, the Commissioner of Social Services of Montgomery County Department of Social Services is charged with the responsibility for the administration of all child welfare in the County of Montgomery; and

WHEREAS, Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth offers an intensive home and community-based JD Diversion program called Enhanced Stepping Stones; and

WHEREAS, the Enhanced Stepping Stones program reduces admissions to detention thus reducing the County’s detention costs; and

WHEREAS, the Enhanced Stepping Stones increases family preservation and reduces risk of out-of-home placements as well as reduces the risk for future contact with the juvenile justice system and prevents return to placement.

RESOLVED, that the Montgomery County Legislature, after review and approval by the County Attorney, hereby authorizes and directs the County Executive to execute a contract with Berkshire Farm Center (Enhanced Stepping Stones) for the period of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 at an amount not to exceed $115,519.00

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(5). Legislators Dimond, Duchessi, VACANT and Purtell were absent. (11/22/2022)



Statement of Legislative and Financial Impact:

I. Nature of Request:

Authorizing County Executive to sign Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth (Enhanced Stepping Stones) agreement.


II. Justification:

This helps to reduce out-of-home placements, detention services and re-arrests.


III. Legislative Impact:

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


IV. Financial Impact:

This program is currently budgeted in the amount of $115,519.00 for the 2023 year.



cc: County Clerk
County Treasurer




Montgomery County Seal!RESOLUTION NO. 255 of 2022

DATED: November 22, 2022

RECOMMENDATION:
     

RESOLUTION FOR BERKSHIRE FARM CENTER AND SERVICES FOR YOUTH (STEPPING STONES) AGREEMENT (SOCIAL SERVICES)


Resolution by Legislator: Pepe
Seconded by: Dimond

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 395 of the Social Services Law, the Commissioner of Montgomery County Department of Social Services is charged with the responsibility for the administration of all child welfare in the County of Montgomery; and

WHEREAS, Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth offers an intensive crisis intervention program called Stepping Stones, with a goal of reducing the County’s need to place youth in detention or other out-of-home placements; and

WHEREAS, the Stepping Stones program provides a Family Specialist to preserve the family unit by providing supportive counseling in the home and giving parents tools and resources to ensure a child’s safety, well-being, and permanency while advocating to ensure quality care services; and, be it

RESOLVED, that the Montgomery County Legislature, after review and approval by the County Attorney, hereby authorizes and directs the County Executive to sign, and execute contract documents with Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth (Stepping Stones) for the period of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 at an amount not to exceed $208,540.00.

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(5). Legislators Dimond, Duchessi, VACANT and Purtell were absent. (11/22/2022)



Statement of Legislative and Financial Impact:

I. Nature of Request:

Authorizing County Executive to sign Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth (Stepping Stones) agreement.


II. Justification:

This helps to reduce the need to place youth in detention or out-of-home placements.


III. Legislative Impact:

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


IV. Financial Impact:

This program is currently budgeted in the amount of $208,540.00 for the 2023 year.



cc: County Clerk
County Treasurer




Montgomery County Seal!RESOLUTION NO. 257 of 2022

DATED: November 22, 2022

RECOMMENDATION:
     

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO SIGN AGREEMENTS FOR SERVICES APPROVED FOR USE IN 2023 (SOCIAL SERVICES)


Resolution by Legislator: Wilson
Seconded by: Headwell, Jr.

WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Social Services, is required to enter into agreements with New York State approved providers for services to the aging population within Montgomery County; and

WHEREAS, the services provided are at the cost of the client(s) and are only mandated agreements; and

RESOLVED, the Montgomery County Executive is authorized and directed to enter into contracts for the following for a term of January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023 at no cost to Montgomery County:

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(5). Legislators Dimond, Duchessi, VACANT and Purtell were absent. (11/22/2022)



Statement of Legislative and Financial Impact:

I. Nature of Request:

Authorizing the County Executive to sign agreements for services approved for use in 2023


II. Justification:

The Department is mandated to contract with state approved agencies to provide needed services to the County’s aging population.


III. Legislative Impact:

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


IV. Financial Impact:

Agreements are for services for which DSS does not pay. We are contracting to facilitate program use for our clients who are Medicaid eligible.



cc: County Clerk
County Treasurer




Montgomery County Seal!RESOLUTION NO. 256 of 2022

DATED: November 22, 2022

RECOMMENDATION:
     

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO SIGN CONTRACT WITH TARA BENINCASA, LMHC, NCC (SOCIAL SERVICES)


Resolution by Legislator: Pepe
Seconded by: Sweet

WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Social Services is charged with the responsibility for the administration of all child welfare services provided in the County of Montgomery; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Social Services is in need of executing an agreement with a clinician who can provide evaluations, validations, and treatment services to persons referred by the Department and deemed necessary to a child’s safety and wellbeing; and

WHEREAS, Tara L. Benincasa, LMHC, NCC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor who specializes in working with clients who have experienced trauma; and

WHEREAS, the agreement would be for a term commencing on December 1, 2022 and ending December 31, 2023; and

WHEREAS, the agreement includes an hourly rate of $175.00 to be prorated if sessions and appearances are less than one hour.

RESOLVED, that the County Executive, following review and approval by the County Attorney, hereby is authorized to sign and execute a contract with Tara L. Benincasa, LMHC, NCC to provide services to persons referred by the Department of Social Services for a period beginning December 1, 2022 and ending December 31, 2023 at an hourly rate of $175.00 to be prorated if sessions and appearances are less than one hour.

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(5). Legislators Dimond, Duchessi, VACANT and Purtell were absent. (11/22/2022)



Statement of Legislative and Financial Impact:

I. Nature of Request:

Authorizing County Executive to sign contract with Tara L. Benincasa, LMHC, NCC


II. Justification:

To provide evaluations, validations, and treatment services to individuals referred by DSS that are necessary to a child’s safety and wellbeing


III. Legislative Impact:

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


IV. Financial Impact:

The contract is for an hourly rate of $175.00 per hour to be prorated if sessions and appearances are less than one hour.



cc: County Clerk
County Treasurer




Montgomery County Seal!RESOLUTION NO. 258 of 2022

DATED: November 22, 2022

RECOMMENDATION:
     

RESOLUTION AMENDING 2022 OPERATING BUDGET - CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS GRANT (CSHCN) AWARD FUNDS  (PUBLIC HEALTH)


Resolution by Legislator: Wilson
Seconded by: Dimond

WHEREAS, the Montgomery County Legislature passed Resolution 31 of 2021 accepting Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) grant funds; and

WHEREAS, said grant funding for the period of October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023 is currently appropriated in the 2022 Operating Budget; and

WHEREAS, the funding award for the 2022-23 CSHCN Grant has increased, as well as the requirement to have a staff member focused 50% of time on this program, in order to utilize this additional funding.

RESOLVED, that the Mongtomery County Legislature hereby establishes the Public Health Social Work Assistant position, with a base salary of $44,372 a Grade I, CSEA;

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

INCREASE REVENUES:    
A-16-4-3401-04 Public Health Grant - CSHCN Grant $33,404.00
     
INCREASE APPROPRIATIONS:    
A-16-4010-04-.1110 (New) Public Health Social Work Assistant $33,404.00

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(5). Legislators Dimond, Duchessi, VACANT and Purtell were absent. (11/22/2022)



Statement of Legislative and Financial Impact:

I. Nature of Request:

Funds will be accepted as per grant contract via NYS DOH.


II. Justification:

Funds need to be apprvoed in order to be received and utilized per grant.


III. Legislative Impact:

Purusant to Article 2 of the Charter, the Montgomery County Legislature has the authority to accept grant funds and make approrpiations.


IV. Financial Impact:

No financial impact, position will be 100% grant funded, all expenses offset by grant revenue.



cc: County Clerk
County Treasurer




Montgomery County Seal!RESOLUTION NO. 259 of 2022

DATED: November 22, 2022

RECOMMENDATION:
     

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO SIGN AN ADDENDUM TO THE NORTHWOODS CONSULTING INC – TRAVERSE DESKTOP AND MOBILE SUITE CONTRACT (SOCIAL SERVICES)


Resolution by Legislator: Pepe
Seconded by: Headwell, Jr.

WHEREAS, it has been recommended by the Commissioner of Social Services that the existing Traverse contract with Northwoods Consulting Inc authorized by Resolution 203 of 2020 be amended due to a new policy on multi-factor authentication (MFA) issued by the state; and

WHEREAS, Northwoods has integrated Traverse with single sign-on (SSO), which enables MFA: (1) to use the state’s MFA tool or (2) to set up an agency-operated MFA tool; and

WHEREAS, Northwoods has provided a 10% discount to all customers who sign a contract for the addition of SSO by December 31, 2022; and

WHEREAS, the Department wishes to add an addendum to the existing agreement with Northwoods to include subscription and professional services associated with Northwoods enabling Traverse SSO within Montgomery County’s existing Traverse environment.

RESOLVED, the Montgomery County Legislature, after review and approval by the County Attorney, hereby authorizes, and directs the County Executive to sign and execute an addendum with Northwoods Consulting Inc. to the already fully executed agreement for the term of April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2024, in the amount not to exceed $9,915.50 for the term of November 1, 2022 through March 31, 2024.

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(5). Legislators Dimond, Duchessi, VACANT and Purtell were absent. (11/22/2022)



Northwoods quote

Statement of Legislative and Financial Impact:

I. Nature of Request:

Addendum to the existing Traverse contract with Northwoods Consulting Inc. to integrate Traverse with SSO to enable MFA.


II. Justification:

The state has a new policy on multi-factor authentication, which requires us to update our existing software.


III. Legislative Impact:

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


IV. Financial Impact:

This addendum is for $9,915.00 for the term of November 1, 2022 through March 31, 2024.



cc: County Clerk
County Treasurer