COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS AND DEPAREMENTS

MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 9, 2002 4:00 PM

LEGISLATORS:  Chair, Swanson, Pinto, LaMotte, Bronz

STAFF:                 Simpson, Mauro

GUESTS:             B. Randolph

Chair Swanson called the meeting to order at 8:45 AM

COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS APPOINTMENT

Ralph Butler is moving up to Commissioner of Public Works.  He is a P.E.  He has been Deputy Commissioner for two years and First Deputy Commissioner for the last eight years.  Has worked for the County since 1972, thirty years.  He was Deputy Commissioner of Engineering.  He had the responsibility for the design and constructions units of the departments.  In 1994 he was promoted to First Deputy Commissioner, the department divided up the responsibilities.  He took more of a larger role in the Administration of the Department, Administrative Unit, Financial Unit, Capital Program and also maintained the design section.  He also represented DPW on several of the Boards and Commissions, Electrical and plumbing.  There are 26 boards or task force that the Commissioner is assigned to.  Some are delegated to staff.  The Electrical and Plumbing Board are not allowed to be delegated out.  There are a few that he doesn’t wish to delegate.  Mrs. LaMotte asked if there is anything he would change or make better for the public.  Mr. Butler said the DPW has been under review by an outside consultant.  In the engineering section, they are going with the project management approach.  The director will be responsible for the design.  In communication they are looking for more accountability, making sure the project is on time and on budget. 

On motion by Mrs. LaMotte, seconded by Mrs. Bronz, Ralph Butler appointed to Commissioner of Public works.  Mrs. Swanson requested a long roll call at Board Meeting.

COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH APPOINTMENT

Jennifer Schaffer has been the Deputy Commissioner since  1990.  She has a Phd in Applied Research Physcology.  She also holds position of Clinical Assistant Professor at Medical College.  Mrs. Swanson noticed she has been getting grants to help with some of the taxpayers money.  She will continue with this process to help cut down on budget.  Mrs. LaMotte concerned we don’t have adequate funding from governments regarding mental health.  Mrs. Schaeffer has been going after grants.  The state has passed a cost of living increase which is supposed to take effect in Dec. of this year, only 3%.  She said they will be getting money this year to start four mobile treatment teams for someone who won’t go to clinics.  They will go to where ever the client would like to meet.    They are trying hard to distribute housing throughout the county.  They contract with agencies throughout the county. 

On motion by Mrs. Bronz, seconded by Mrs. LaMotte, Jennifer Schaeffer appointed to Commissioner of the Department of Community Mental Health.  Mrs. Swanson requested a long roll call at Board Meeting.

On motion of Mrs. Bronz, seconded by Mrs. Lamotte, meeting adjourned at 9:15