Health & Human Services Committee - Regular Meeting

CALL TO ORDER: By Hon. Amy Sargent, Chair

MINUTES TO APPROVE: August 12, 2026

APPOINTMENTS: None

Kathleen Cuddy (Health) –

Working on Measles education and outreach to health care providers, responders, vulnerable populations. Measles is confirmed in many counties around Cayuga and in the region. The BEST way to prevent measles infection is through vaccination. If you suspect you have been exposed or are symptomatic, call your health care provider or your local Health Dept in advance of your visit (so they can prepare for your arrival and limit exposure to others) to receive guidance on how to proceed. - The Leading in Lead grant funded program has completed some home renovations and has a number of homes in the queue. This program supports replacing windows and doors in rental units to remove lead hazards permanently. - Numerous events scheduled in September with Bike Rodeos and Walk to School events

Lauren Walsh (Mental Health) – No updates

Christine Bianco (Social Services) –

The number of individuals and families receiving emergency housing services has continued to decrease over the previous month's numbers. - On 8/28, there were 17 Families and 77 singles being housed by DSS - On 7/31, there were 18 families and 86 singles - On July 2, there were 20 families and 84 singles - On June 5, there were 26 families and 100 singles - On May 1, there were 26 families and 110 singles - On April 2, there were 29 families and 147 singles We have continued to maximize our use of the New York State Rental Supplement Program (RSP) allocation ($268,767), and the New York State Shelter Arrears Eviction Forestallment (SAEF) Program Funding ($140,249). DSS continues to very closely monitor residential placements of foster care youth. - Recently, the number of youth placed in QRTPs was reduced by 2 (from 6 youth to 4 youth). DSS was able to secure placement for one youth in a Therapeutic Foster Home, and another youth was placed in a Cayuga County certified Foster Home - Currently there are 4 youth placed in Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTP). - 3 of these are approved to be at the QRTP level of placement. DSS can receive any eligible funding reimbursement for these placements. - 1 youth was determined by the Qualified Assessment review process to not need a QRTP level placement and therefore DSS is ineligible for reimbursement for a continued placement at this QRTP for this youth. DSS has been unable to locate a lower level of care for this youth despite numerous referral applications being made. Efforts will continue. - Currently there is 1 youth placed with a Residential provider that is OPWDD/DOH certified but not OCFS certified. This level of care is needed due to youth's very high level of need. DSS has 7 Caseworker positions vacant. That is 29% of the 24 positions that are budgeted. 4 of those we have received legislature's approval to fill and 3 we have not brought forward yet for permission to fill. Recruitment and retention of Caseworkers remain a very significant concern. - Caseloads for Caseworkers in all program areas are high – CPS, APS, and Foster Care/Preventive Services. - A Child Protective Services Performance report put out by the OCFS at the end of August again lists Cayuga County as having the highest percentage of Caseworkers carrying a caseload of over 15 CPS cases out of all the Counties in New York State.

Brenda Wiemann (Office for the Aging) –

o Two-day in-depth program review by NYSOFA 9/2 and 9/3 o Director was a guest speaker for the Fair Haven Seniors August 21 o Nutrition Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator were guest speakers for Auburn Rotary Aug 18th o Seven staff cleaned SCAT vans on Day of Caring. SCAT Vans are the only donation-based, wheel-chair transportation in the county for any senior. o Caregiver mini-conference scheduled for November 4th. Open to all informal caregivers of older adults. o RFP for the Senior Meal Program- current contractor (Trio Community Meals) contract expires 12/31/26.

Authorizing the Chair of the Legislature and the Public Health Director to enter into a five-year contract with New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to participate in the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP+) and accept funding associated with the grant for the Period 10/01/2021 through 09/30/2026

Authorizing the Chair of the Legislature and the Public Health Director to enter into a contract with NYS for the Bike/Pedestrian/Wheelsport Safety Program

Authorizing the Chair of the Legislature and the Public Health Director to enter into a contract with Dodgers Critter Getters

Authorizing the Public Health Director to fill Environmental Health Technician (Help Program) position for work on the Lead Rental Registry program

Amending the Mental Health 2026 Budget to adjust State Aid funding for Contract Agencies

Authorizing a Budget Transfer Within the Mental Health Department to Cover Psychiatric Care

Authorizing the Legislature to create and the Social Services Commissioner to fill a Case Work Aide (Help Program) position and abolish a Transportation Aide position in the Department of Social Services.

Authorizing the Commissioner of Social Services to fill a Social Services Attorney# position in the Department of Social Services

Authorizing the Commissioner of Social Services to Accept Youth Employment Program (YEP) Funding

ADJOURNMENT: Wednesday, October 14, 2026