Jennifer Blalock

Key discussions included a review of fiscal reports showing revenues 2% higher than the previous year and expenditures 6% below target, with expectations for increased funding due to the HSC Building HVAC update. The Fraud unit reported on the implementation of Program Integrity going live on January 2, 2019. The Child Support unit reported several vacancies, planning to reclassify one position. Adult Protective Services is facing three vacancies, utilizing a temporary agency to cover work during supervisor leave. Child Welfare is preparing for the Modified MOU implementation and noted that Child Welfare staffing is now complete. Economic Support reported on timeliness rates for FNS and Medicaid processing and discussed the upcoming Medicaid Audit scheduled to begin in March. Funding was confirmed for Early Issuance of FNS Benefits due to the potential government shutdown. The Family Justice Center is awaiting grant approval and preparing for an international conference and an Elder Justice Project support group launch. Operations reported that all Crisis Funds have been exhausted, with LIEAP funds expected to be exhausted by mid-March. A Workforce Development Grant was secured for employee training in partnership with Alamance Community College. A Single Audit revealed three minor findings related to documentation and an overpayment in Child Care. Personnel reported 14 vacancies and updates on hiring efforts. The Director reported on ongoing discussions regarding the Modified MOU and the delayed roll-out of NC FAST P4, noting that Alamance County is scheduled for a May 2019 go-live. Significant attention was given to the upcoming Medicaid Transformation, which will affect all Social Services staff. New Business featured a detailed presentation on the agency's Trauma Informed Care Journey, covering history, current screenings (over 10,000 children screened since 2014), new programs like ABC for Infants & Toddlers, and ongoing support mechanisms for staff, such as Secondary Trauma Support Groups. The Chair announced that Susan G. Osborne will receive the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award on April 1, 2019.

This document outlines strategic initiatives and performance goals for public health and safety in Alamance County, focusing on the well-being of all citizens. Key initiatives include expanding access to services for vulnerable populations, particularly those with mental illness and co-occurring substance use, through the Stepping Up Initiative, which seeks to reduce jail bookings and establish a Diversion and Restoration Center. Additionally, it details a coordinated community response to the Opioid Epidemic, involving a Steering Committee and various work groups, with a strategic plan and action steps completed.

The meeting began with a unanimous motion to restructure the agenda, prioritizing the public comment policy discussion. Key discussions centered on Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) text amendments. For Section 6.5 (Heavy Industrial Development Ordinance), the board unanimously approved changing the class 3 land spacing from 1,200 to 1,500 feet, adding an amended variance procedure, and clarifying definitions, noting that the moratorium on heavy industry was expiring. For Section 6.7 (Manufactured Home Park), the board approved an amendment requiring the last unit in a park to be habitable to qualify for continued non-conforming use. For Section 6.14 (Recreational Vehicle Park), amendments included defining RV terms, changing minimum lot size, adjusting landscaping buffers, and a unanimous vote to establish tiered land spacing requirements based on park size (25 ft for 3-7 units, 50 ft for 8-12 units, and 150 ft for 13+ units). The board concluded by unanimously recommending the adoption of these amended text changes for Sections 6.5, 6.7, and 6.14 to the Board of Commissioners.

The Special Called Meeting included a Public Comments section where citizens discussed extending the moratorium on heavy industrial development and expressed concerns regarding a quarry allegedly operating without the required permit. During Board/Commissioner Responses, there was discussion about balancing property rights against protection from negative impacts, and confirmation that the quarry could not legally operate without an operating permit. New Business featured a presentation and unanimous recommendation for approval regarding a Wireless Communication Facility (a communication tower) application. The board also discussed the Public Comment Policy, debating potential changes to open up the process and limit speakers on specific topics, concluding with a motion to generate personal comments for the next meeting.

This document outlines the progress and strategies of the Stepping Up Initiative in Alamance County, aimed at reducing the involvement of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) in the justice system. Key focus areas include reducing jail bookings for people with SMI, shortening time spent in jail, increasing connections to care and services, and lowering recidivism rates. The initiative employs various strategies such as establishing a 24/7 diversion/restoration center, enhancing the behavioral health crisis care continuum, implementing pretrial release and electronic monitoring, providing in-jail educational and support programming, and developing comprehensive reentry plans with post-release case management. The plan seeks to bolster cross-system collaboration and build community-based services to achieve better outcomes for individuals in crisis and reduce incarceration.