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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-01 COUNTY CORRIDORS • .::....::.::...:.:..:„..:...::..:...:.: ..:,.....::..:...::.....„.........:.:.......:..:::.:..:.::::: .:::.:.:.:.:.:::.:::.......:.:.:::.....:.:.............:. . .:.::..,..::.:.::.:.:::::.:.:,.......„..:.:...::.:.: Vol. 11, Nox! A Newsletter For Employees and Retirees 01 Tompkins County January 1990 ` EXTRA EXTRA ,, ` '� �s RECLASSIFICATION 10 p'., STUDY UPDATE The Department Heads have had a final review of revisions to the job descriptions and allocation of titles. The employees will '. be notified in writing no later than 1/31/90 of the classification of their position and have '''? - _ , - an opportunity to review the job description . ``'` and original employee questionnaire, if re- quested. The employee notification will be 16 _ followed by a two week period during which ON i MN the employee may request an appeal verbal- 1 _ nag ! ly or in writing to the Commissioner of Per � ! sonnel. At the conclusion of that phase, a J� _ A local committee comprised of employees, members of the Board of Representatives, Ili and department heads will conduct an inde- • _ Mr. II pendent rating of positions using the j Moo revised factors analysis system. From this � N point until the completion of the project, this "— ■ ■ t , newsletter will contain an update of infor- as - _ ■ mation regarding the project. --:_ The employees have continued to cooperate with and support this process and Ward Hungerford, and his winning "door ". the final product is anticipated by late photo by Bill Chapp Spring. DOORS IN DISGUISE RECRUITMENT AND By Shirley Hilker — Public Works Dept. RETENTION COMMITTEE The Public Works Department decided to do something different this past Christmas CONTINUES ITS WORK Season; a contest to see who could come up with the most original and imaginative way to decorate their office door. We could use anything we wanted, but without damaging the submitted by Christine Decker, Mental door in any way. Hea Dept. Ward Hungerford, Highway Division, fixed up a fireplace with lights, logs, and even Since the announcement in the October "Santa Suits" hung from the mantle (one for "him" and one for "her "). Irene St.Angelo and Shirley Hilker, Highway Division, used live evergreen boughs to form a large Christmas County Corridors, the Recruitment and tree decorated with lights, bows and balls. Bill Gardner, Engineering Division, had his son's Retention Committee has met three times to second grade class put their thoughts about Christmas on paper. Some pictures were very discuss the ways that Tompkins County can recruit new employees and retain current interesting indeed! Cheryl Nelson, Public Works, had the front of Frosty the Snowman on workers. We've learned a bit about finding, the front side and the back of him on the back of the door. Linda Woodard, Solid Waste keeping and promoting skilled workers, but Division, had Santa and his reindeer, led by Rudolph (whose nose really did light up), head- there is more to do! There have been articles ing down the chimney. Doreen Schrader, Buildings & Grounds Division, decorated a large read ideas discussed and a draft report bulletin board area with lights, tinsel, balls, and a small tree. The Airport staff decorated prepared. The job is not over The group heir door with many airplanes and such items with recognizable faces looking out from the would like to determine what keeps aper- ii •ndows. son at a job — the specific plues and Our judges were Scott Heyman, County Administrator, and from the Board of Repre- minuses that ss encourage someone to stay or sentatives, Dan Winch and Ken Tillapaugh. Many thanks to them for taking time from their look elsewhere. busy schedules to help spread the Christmas spirit. If you are interested in serving on the Oh yes, the winner was Ward Hungerford. He was presented with a plaque made espe- committee, call 274-5251(DSS). cially for the occasion. Thanks to all who participated. It was a fun thing to do. A WORKSHOP SERIES TO BE OFFERED ! IMPORTANT ! FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS Family and friends provide approximately 80% of care to frail elderly members of our HEALTH INSURANCE • community. Involvement in caregiving, coupled with competing responsibilities of work INFORMATION and family, can place tremendous demands on caregivers; many of whom receive little or no assistance. by Louise McEwen The Caregivers' Resource Center at the Office for the Aging, in conjunction with Cor- nell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, is offering a three - session workshop The following information was received series entitled "Practical Tips and Support for Family Caregivers." Workshops are open in December from Albert Antonini, Presi- to family members and friends providing care, directly or indirectly, to an older person dent and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of near or far. Persons anticipating becoming caregivers are also welcome. Central New York. We believe it is impor- Workshop sessions are being held on three consecutive Saturdays starting January 27, tant and could have a very real impact on fu- 1990, from 9:30 a.m. to noon in the small conference room of the Cooperative Extension ture premium increases for County building, 615 Willow Avenue. Session One, to be held on January 27, 1990, will cover employees. psychological and medical aspects of aging and family caregiving. Session Two, to take "We are writing to you regarding the im- place on February 3, 1990, will include ways to improve on communication and personal portant topic of the New York State care skills. Finally, Session Three, to be held on February 10, 1990, will include an over- government s role in contributing to in- view of available community resources and ways to take care of yourself as a caregiver. creased health insurance premiums. All workshop sessions are presented by experts from local agencies. Sessions are infor- In October, the New York State Con - mal in nature with a lot of opportunities for discussion and sharing. ference of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans This workshop series is available free of charge. Preregistration is requested. Call the won their court challenge to a State Health Office for the Aging at 274-5450 for further information or to register. Department directive requiring the Plans to "Practical Tips and Support for Family Caregivers" and other programs available pay $26 million dollars a year for services through the Caregivers' Resource Center, are made possible by a grant from the New which the federal Medicare Program is sup - York State Office for the Aging. In addition to Cooperative Extension, this workshop posed to cover. The funds were to reimburse series is supported by the Health Planning Council, the Long Term Care Coordinating hospitals for the cost of complying with new Service and Family and Children's Service. state regulations (Part 405) setting mini - OFFICE FOR THE AGING mum standards for hospital operations, in- cluding the number of hours which interns ADVISORY COMMITTEE OPENINGS and residents may work. The State Supre Court in Albany ruled that the state governing hospital rates explicitly provi People interested in the needs of elderly projects. that the hospital rates paid by Blue Cross persona should consider applying for a posi- At least half the members must be over and Blue Shield Plans are not to include the tion on the 15- member COFA Advisory the age of 60, and the committee as a whole cost of serving Medicare patients. Committee, which will have several open- should be broadly representative of senior Now, the State Health Department has a ings on January 1, 1990. citizens and service providers. new idea - -in January (next month) they plan This committee meets monthly to discuss The Board of Representatives appoints to introduce a bill in the State Legislature to the progress of services offered by the Of- committee members after the Human Ser- change the law so that they can add the cost fice for the Aging, to consider and deter - vices Committee has considered them. The of serving Medicare patients onto the rates mine priorities among the needs of elderly Advisory Committee's role in the selection paid by Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans people in the county, to assist with the coor- is to locate interested people and make and other insurers. dination of services offered by other agen- recommendations. We think that this is ridiculous. Either the cies, and to advise the Director and the Those interested in serving on the COFA federal Medicare Program should pay its Board of Representatives of problems af- Advisory Committee can get a blank resume own fair share of the cost of complying with fecting the aging. Some committee members form from the Board of Representatives Of- the new state regulations or the regulations also represent the office on other boards fice or at the Office for the Aging, in the should be changed to meet the funds avail- and committees or volunteer for special Courthouse. able from the federal Medicare Program. ilL — We think that our subscribers pay enough in health insurance premiums without having to subsidize the federal government's Medicare Program, as well. We have instructed our representatives I I s in Albany to inform the legislative leader- ill .-.:. ship of the absolute opposition of the Blue . Cross and Blue Shield Plans and their 13 1 /'''' million subscribers in New York State to any '' such attempt. If you agree, we suggest t you call or wr local _ and tell them of ite your your displeasure ." legislat Marty Luster — State Assemblyman 106 East Court St. Ethel Beck, Vice- Chairperson, presides over a meeting of COFA'S Advisory Committee. Ithaca, NY 14850 277 -8030 t Employee of the Month OA PORTRAIT OF EXCELLENCE THETOMPKINS by Kathryn L. Leinthall recently as an Administrative Assistant. It is EMPLOYEES' DAY CARE If anyone were to draw for me a portrait in these capacities that I have known her, CENTER WANTS YOU! of excellence, combined with an unsated witnessed her development firsthand, mar - hunger for knowledge, an abundance of veled at her commitment, energy, and The Tompkins Employees' Day Care compassion and insight, an unyielding drive creativity. She quickly grasped the abilities Center is seeking County employees who for efficiency and effectiveness, under- to supervise and teach, then, just as quickly, might be interested in serving on the Board scored by a tremendous sense of humor and learned the fine art of delegating as she of Directors of the Center. NO wrapped in an infectious laugh, I think it sought to pass along those skills to persons CHILDREN NECESSARY! Interested in- would look like Faith Allen. under her. Her loyalty to her staff and to the dividuals should enjoy and appreciate Employed with the County since department is inspiring, not because it is children, be willing to meet once a month, February 1973, Faith began her career with blind (it perceives much of what is never and have a desire to be involved in a project the Tompkins County Hospital working ini- said) nor because it is silent (it is not), but that not only provides a quality, caring en- tially as a hospital aide, then moving to lab because she is willing to challenge many a vironment for children, but enhances our helper and secretary. She remembers Biggs settled notion and to shake an organization work place. If interested or for further infor- A with fondness, in part because she spent by its very roots while simultaneously being mation please call: six and a half years in this `old hospital" supportive and offering some new thoughts. John Beach - STOP -DWI - 274 -5524 before moving up to Motor Vehicle Clerk in Currently, Faith is helping with the Anita Fitzpatrick - Personnel - 274 -5530 October 1979. One of the funniest stories Recruitment and Retention Committee. Cathy Wedge - DSS - 274 -5324 she relays about herself happened in 1980 This is an area dear to her heart. She con - while working at the DMV. Two gentlemen stantly encourages staff to sit for exams clients sought her assistance, then asked the which may offer promotional opportunities, whereabouts of the nearest bank. Faith gave or to participate in training in areas where the men directions to the Citizens Savings greater skill development is needed. One of n T Bank a few blocks away which the men sub- her greatest concerns is the lack of diverse FRINGE FACTS sequently robbed. titles for clerical workers, especially titles Five years later Faith transferred to which recognize the greater technology re- � obation, first as a Senior Typist, more quired for persons working with computers. by Louise McEwen �, She believes that all employees should have a To follow up on the item in the Decem- reasonable opportunity for her COUNTY CORRIDORS, we have advancement and on that received clarification from the Retirement basis, views her role, primari- System concerning withdrawal of contribu- ly, as teacher. She is generous tions by Tier IV members leaving the Conn- with her knowledge and will h' Anyone who is a non-vested member of give all that she has to give. Tier IV may withdraw his/her contributions Expect her to seek the same after termination but the application to do from you, commencing with so may not be filed until after July 1, 1990. the phrase "Well, let me ask Employees leaving the County who are non - you just one question... ". vested members should take a withdrawal Several questions later she application with them, complete it and sub- may smile and let you go, but mit it to the County Personnel Department ;�` your freedom is temporary. after 7/1/90 so we may complete the payroll In 1990, Faith expects to report information on the back of the form finish the requirements for and send it to the Retirement System. ,. her Associates Degree in Employees entering service in another city, Business Administration town, village, State or other municipal sub - from TC3. From there, who division where they will be in Tier IV should knows where we shall fmd not withdraw their monies but give the new her. No doubt sitting exactly municipal employer their Tier IV number where she sits today, at the with the County and continue in member- top of her class in whatever ship. They may withdraw, but by withdraw - position she pursues. ing, membership is ended and to receive any future credit for withdrawn membership, such employees must work at least five years in the new membership and then buy back the withdrawn years. If you have any questions about your Faith Allen, our employee of the month from Probation. fringe benefits, please send them to: photo by Bill Chapp LOUISE MCEWEN CIO PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT FREE UNCLASSIFIEDS ' HERE'S HOW WE RATE! Classified ads up to 25 words in length are free to County employees, retirees and their immediate families. Ads may be for any purpose except no personal ads will be accepted. No County addresses Tompkins Employees Federal Credit or telephone numbers may be listed in the ads. Use this coupon to send your ad to Corridors c/o Union Central Services. Current Loan Rates: New Cars: 36 Month 9. o 48 Month 10.9% 60 Month 12.0% Used Cars: `87, `88 12.0% (To NADA Book) `84,`85,136 13.0% Older 14.0% Used Cars: (To $1,200 Over NADA Book) 15.5% New Motorcycles: 48 Month 13.5% Boats: New & 1 Yr. 13.5% UNCLASSIFIEDS 2Yr. &Older 14.0% Share Secured Loans: 9.0% All FOR SALE: 1979 Ford Granada. Front end & doors altered. 6 cylinder engine, tires, Other Loans: 14.0% glass, interior, all in good condition. Call 898 -3351 after 6:00 p.m. Signature loans: $3,000 maximum 36 mos. With security $5,000 maximum 48 mos. FOR SALE: 1982 Chevy Malibu - V -6, excellent shape, loaded with extras - $2,500. Call Must be a member for 6 months before 273 -2757, leave message anytime. loan applications can be accepted. Call 272 -8567 for information on joining TEFCU. VACANCIES CENTRAL SERVICES: Purchasing MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Clerk, LG6 DATA PROCESSING: Program- mer /Analyst, LG 12 B UILDING COORDINATORS OFFICE: Dispatch LG 9 r � HEALTH: Public Health Nurse, LG 12 'l �� - During December you may JTPA: Employment and Training Assis- • ! '1111` . have noticed a flag and a tree tant, LG 6 - 10 hours/week; Employment - �, on top of the steel structure that and Training Director II, LG D; Teacher ®'!- � +, is fast becoming the Mental Coordinator, LG 12 - 10 hours/week after Health Services Building. 3:30 p.m. - ' % - - +! These were not holiday decora- MENTAL HEALTH: Psychiatric Social . tions! They were placed during Worker, LG 14 ' the "Topping Off" ceremony to PUBLIC WORKS: Assistant Airport - .. - . -- appease the wood spirits. Ac- Manager, LG C; Building Maintenance - ' � ' -_ ,. ,s _ cording to Druid custom, the Worker, Plumber /Steamfitter, LG 11; placing of the tree insured con- Junior Engineer, LG 13; Recycling tinued building resources. Specialist, LG 12 . - — ._ At last report, the building YOUTH BUREAU: Administrative As- �` °"` �.. s ° construction is on schedule. sistant, LG 8; Program Management Occupancy is planned for late Specialist, LG 10; Senior Program Manage - 6 _ 1990. All department programs ment Specialist, LG 12; Youth Bureau Plan - I. "' `' '' � ` , ' ■ will move into the building. In ner, LG 14 -sy + / addition to the department VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS: Typist, programs, the Alcoholism LG 4 t i - '� Council will occupy the fifth TOMPKINS COUNTY LIBRARY: i t Y i �... VIII. � � �,� i pY 17-' ; , , & !L PA, 1, floor. This is a welcome addi- Security Guard, part-time i . - ' tion to the building. TOMPKINS - CORTLAND COM- ° + ' As the physical structure be- MUNITY COLLEGE: Cleaner, 18 3/4 comes more of a reality, excite - hrs/week3 :30 -7 :15 a.m.; Receptionist, Mi , i• ' - - ` ment increases as staff and Thurs 12-8, Fri 8-4; Senior Stenograpl� ..=s.. clients begin to plan the inte- Mon -Fri full-time -- == ' ;1 rior space. We will keep you Please contact Tompkins County Per- - , .- updated as developments sonnet for job descriptions and minimum a _ _ occur. qualifications for the above Usted vacan- cies.