Minutes - 05-09-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2. RECOMMENDED NEW POSITIONS AND CHANGES IN EXISTING POSITIONS Commissioner Halkiotis asked that each presentation be precise and to the point as to its importance and how this additional position will help in the delivery of services. RECOMMENDED NEW POSITIONS Aging -Social Worker I John Link said that this position would provide more service to the frail elderly, which are those who are still able to stay in their own homes but are very close to being dependent upon someone. This person would identify the frail elderly and create a game plan for keeping them independent as long as possible. Department on Aging Director Jerry Passmore said that this program for the frail elderly would be on a cost share basis. There are currently 28 people who are ready for this program. These people make too much money to qualify for any Medicaid programs, but not enough to provide these services for themselves. Child Support -Child Support Officer This position would address the very large caseload in the Child Support Department. Two- thirds of this position would be funded by federal funds. Child Support Director Janet Sparks said that this position has a particular emphasis on the Work First and interstate cases. There are presently 4,000 cases and 8 Child Support Officers. Commissioner Gordon asked about the financial impact. Janet Sparks said that the amount of the incentive that the County receives is based on 105% of the TANF (Work First) collections. Planning and Inspections -Inspections/Planning Clerk There has been some sharing of responsibilities of support staff for inspections and planning. This position would assist the Code Enforcement Officer III. Planning and Inspections -Code Enforcement Officer III This position is directly related to the number of inspections being requested. The Planning Director has identified that there needs to be a more intensive effort with each inspection in order to abide by the state building code. Planning Director Craig Benedict said that from 1997-2000 the amount of inspection requests have increased from 5,000 to 10,000. Commissioner Halkiotis asked how the Planning Department was impacted by the amount of school construction that is going on now. Craig Benedict said that the school construction was being absorbed with the current staff. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the Code Enforcement Officer would fill the function of a Zoning Enforcement Officer. He asked if Orange County provided inspections for Hillsborough. Craig Benedict said that Orange County provides all inspections, and plan review for Hillsborough. Commissioner Brown asked if there was a relationship between inspecting a building and someone coming back later and saying that it was a faulty inspection and whether there would be any liability to the County. Geoffrey Gledhill said that until recently the Public Duty Doctrine provided protection for inspections departments. In the last month, the North Carolina Supreme Court has cast a doubt about the validity of this document. He is not sure if the County is protected at this time. Craig Benedict said that the inspectors were licensed by the Department of Insurance and their licenses would be on the line if they were negligent. Commissioner Brown asked for Craig Benedict to come back with some information on the increase in services and fees for Planning and Inspections and for Erosion Control. John Link said that this information would be coming after the summer break.