Human Services Board

mar_2011.pdf (29 KB)

MINUTES
SAUK COUNTY BOARD OF HUMAN SERVICES

Meeting: March 7, 2011, 5:00 p.m., County Board Gallery, Baraboo, WI

Members Present: Alexander, Bowers, Fabisiak, Dippel, Fordham, Lombard, Stoeckmann, Sinklair

Members Excused: Vertein

Members Absent: None

Others Present: Orth, Brattset, Box

Chair Alexander called the meeting to order and certified compliance with the Open Meeting Law.

Motion by Dippel, seconded by Bowers to adopt the amended agenda. Motion Carried.

Motion by Fordham, seconded by Sinklair to approve minutes of the previous meeting. Motion Carried.

Public Comment
Norm Brickl spoke to the Board as former Director of Sauk County Department of Human Services. Mr. Brickl spoke about the concern of the impact of the current Budget Repair Bill and the potential removal of worker’s right to bargain. He described this as being a horrendous potential situation. Mr. Brickl indicated that he did not see how worker’s right to bargain is connected to financial issues. Mr. Brickl further asked questions of the Board of what would happen if union contracts are dropped? How will staff be approached? There appears to be a lot of fear in public employees given these issues. The previous civil service system will not work adequately. Mr. Brickl further indicated that if local governments are cut by 11% or more, what will happen? How will this happen if the Budget Repair Bill passes? How does this impact the quality of the staff that are able to be retained? What will be done if there is a strike? What happens in future years if the voice of the vulnerable and workers is removed? Mr. Brickl indicated, “I don’t think we want this”. Mr. Brickl further indicated that he is concerned that he does not hear the voice of leadership expressing these concerns on the county level. In conclusion, Mr. Brickl asked Board members to talk to at least two people that are directly impacted by these decisions prior to making decisions themselves as Board members.

Lombard noted that there are two sides to this issue and that “I think the other side should be heard as well. There are civil rights that protect workers.” Orth and Stoeckmann both indicated that other parties could also present under Public Comment on future agendas.

Communications:
None

Business Items:

A. Review and Approval of Monthly Vouchers: Box distributed the monthly voucher report and noted that Salary and Benefits were slightly increased due to the timing of the pay period. Administrative costs were up due to travel paid this month. Community Treatment was down due to contracts pending and expenses not paid at this time, as well as late invoices. Institution line was down due to one placement at CCI was done. Last month Income Maintenance was down due to less funeral and MA transportation costs. Energy Assistance has also been down. Motion by Bowers, seconded by Stoeckmann to approve the monthly vouchers in the amount of $986,476.31. Motion Carried.

B. Community Support Program Presentation – Eddie Scanlan: Eddie Scanlan gave a brief report on the CSP Program, describing the location, services and staff configurations. Mr. Scanlan indicated that goals for the program include: increased independence and stability, team process for CSP, and morning meetings were described. A number of general case examples were briefly described.



C. Community Support Program Resolution: Mr. Scanlan presented the CSP Resolution (see attached). Mr. Scanlan indicated an increased need for a Psychiatric Nurse due to increased medical needs of clients and increased billing of that level of staff. Motion by Stoeckmann, seconded by Lombard to approve the Resolution as drafted. Motion Carried.

D. Vehicle Purchase: Brattset reported on having done research on the vehicle purchase for the Department. In receiving advice from Corporation Counsel, Brattset noted that if Vendor Net is not used, a bidding process that involves all dealers and all makes would need to occur to avoid the potential of favoritism. Therefore, Brattset noted after discussion with Orth it would be advisable to pursue purchase via Vendor Net. Orth indicated he would draft a Resolution for the purchase of two vehicles in the amount of $30,000 and a request for carry forward dollars to buy these vehicles will be made to the Human Services Board and the Resolution would then proceed to the full County Board for approval.

Department Updates:

A. Annual Report: Orth referenced the annual report in the packet (see attached). Orth noted that all areas met targeted outcome goals.

B. Governor’s Budget Proposal: Orth noted that the allocations for Children and Families were at 2010 levels and that the Process Improvement Plan was indicated it would be fully funded. In addition, there would be an expansion of alternative response program within CPS. Orth further explained that the Governor’s proposal for budget included the closing of Ethan Allen School for Boys (CCI) and this will reduce the risk of increased costs at other CCI’s (Lincoln Hills). Orth indicated that there are some concerns about the restriction of Family Care at current levels without expansion. This may be a violation of federal rules. This could also result in an increase in adult protective service referrals and perhaps even law suits. Orth indicated that there would be significant impact on Economic Support in the Governor’s budget to include impact on Sauk County Department of Human Services Economic Support Unit with Income Maintenance potentially being taken away from counties. Orth indicated that this could affect 9-11 Department employees at Sauk County Department of Human Services. Orth indicated that he, as well as other WCHSA representatives have a meeting scheduled in the next several weeks with Dennis Smith, Secretary for the Department of Health Services and several division managers. There is a continued discussion regarding these issues. Lastly, Orth noted that the 10% decrease in Youth Aids would cost Sauk County Department of Human Services approximately $67,000 in the second half of this year.

C. May or June Program Priorities Review Meeting: Orth noted that Kathy Schauf wants two dates in either May or June for board meetings to have the annual discussion on program priorities. This discussion would be during regular board meeting time. A decision was made to begin these meetings in May.

D. Human Services Day at the Capitol: Orth indicated that Human Services Day at the Capitol would be on April 6, 2011. At this time, Fordham, Lombard, and Alexander expressed an interest. If anyone wants to attend, please contact Orth by Friday, March 11, 2011 to register.

E. Study Committee – TMG Recommendations: Orth noted that the County Board Chair will appoint a committee to explore TMG recommendations. The goal is to begin meeting within one month from now and accomplish a determination as to the direction regarding this report by October of November 2011.

F. SFCA Transition – Unemployment Costs: Orth noted that SFCA met in February 2011. The proposal was to set aside monies to reimburse counties for unemployment compensation (1% of contracted reimbursement). Sauk County would receive approximately $16,812 for unemployment to be paid to staff that were let go from their positions. There is an aggregate amount for all counties, approximately $73,000 which if not used could be pooled and used to have other counties to use if there are monies left over after their percent allocation. This will be kept for a period of one year. Sauk County now has two people collecting unemployment. Stoeckmann asked if these employees are getting support from Personnel and the Department. Orth noted that one employee took the opportunity to retire and that the other Personnel has had some contact and discussions with.



The next meeting of the Sauk County Human Services Board is scheduled for Monday, April 4, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.

Motion by Bowers, seconded by Stoeckmann to adjourn. Motion Carried.




Andrea Lombard