BC 1995 09 05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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527 Mr. Newton expressed his appreciation to his staff, the Board of Commissioners, local newspapers, community organizations, and the public for their assistance with the growth management program. Recognition of Mr. James Cook, Social Services Director Chairman Barnhart recognized Mr. James Cook, Social Services Director, who was also honored at the recent County Commissioners' Annual Conference as the "Outstanding Social Services Director for 1995" The Board had formally honored Mr. Cook in June for this designation by the North Carolina Association of County Directors of Social Services. Update on the Senior Tar Heel Legislature - Mr. Jim Graeber Mr. Jim Graeber, Cabarrus County's representative to the Senior Tar Heel Legislature, gave an update of that group's activities on behalf of older adults during the past two years. These activities included recommendations to the North Carolina General Assembly on legislation affecting the elderly as well as efforts to inform the public of upcoming legislation. Legislative priorities included the expansion of in-home health care funds, reform of health care for older adults, and required screening of employees who work with the elderly. In conclusion, Mr. Graeber invited the Board to attend a Legislative Issues and Aging Forum at the Senior Center on September 11. The speaker will be Senator Betsy Cochrane. Presentation of Phase I Report on the Performance Efficiency/Staffing and Operations Review by MGT of America, Inc. Ms. Michelle Juarez and Mr. Edward L, Perrine Ms. Michelle Juarez and Mr. Edward L. Perrine of MGT of America, Inc., presented the Phase I Highlights of the Cabarrus County Performance Efficiency/Staffing Needs and Operation Study. The report included a review of the purpose of the study, the scope of services, a summary of major findings of both county-wide and departmental strengths, and opportunities for improvement in county-wide government as well as individual departments. Ms. Juarez and Mr. Perrine pointed out that County staff have already initiated action to correct or implement changes regarding a number of the items included in the "opportunities for improvement". Chairman Barnhart presented the following Summary Statement. As evidenced by the report, the Board of Commissioners is committed to Cabarrus County government being as efficient and effective as possible. As we all know, many times the inherent structure as mandated by State law can impede our efforts as well as can jurisdictional limitations. But we will continue to make every effort possible to pursue these efficiencies wherever we can. I think it is also important to note the strong posture that we already enjoy today is due to the strong leadership both past and present as well as, and probably more so, the superior professional staff from top to bottom throughout the county. I look at that and have to look around and say we owe that to the employees from top to bottom. Mr. Perrine stated that MGT stands ready to assist the County in looking at alternative strategies for future improvements. The Board will consider the possibility of additional work by MGT at a later date. Proposed Fund-Raiser for Foster Children - Mr. James Cook Mr. James Cook, Social Services Director, and Ms. Bonita Pennick, Social Worker, reviewed the proposal by the Department of Social Services to use volunteers to operate a paid parking facility in the parking lot at the County Office Complex after business hours during the week of the County Fair. The recommended fee was $2.00 per car with proceeds to be deposited in the Foster Children's Volunteer Fund. However, in order to avoid any potential complaints from the public, Mr. Cook suggested that persons be given the opportunity to make a donation of $2.00 rather than asking them to pay a fee of $2.00.