Human Services Board - 4/12/2021

Human Services Board Meeting Minutes - April 12, 2021 (212 KB)

MINUTES
SAUK COUNTY BOARD OF HUMAN SERVICES

Meeting:     April 12, 2021, 4 p.m., County Board Room 326A, West Square Building, Baraboo, WI
 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting was conducted in person, virtually, or by phone.

Chair, Patricia Rego called the meeting to order and certified compliance with the Open Meeting Law at 4 p.m.

Roll Call.   PRESENT:  Patricia Rego, Michelle Bushweiler (arrived at 4:01), Joel Chrisler, Cliff Thompson, Eric Scheunemann, James Bowers, Kristin White Eagle; Via Zoom:  Valerie McAuliffe.  ABSENT:  Delmar Scanlon. 

Others Present:  Dan Brattset, Stephanie Box, Lori Dee, Bridgitte Bodette

Motion by James Bowers, seconded by Kristin White Eagle, to adopt agenda with the noted change in the Resolution title to create a new social worker position.  Motion carried.

Motion by Kristin White Eagle, seconded by Cliff Thompson, to approve the minutes for the previous Human Services Board meeting held on March 8, 2021.  Motion carried.

Public Comment:

None

Communications/Director’s Report:

1. Board Materials:  Distributed electronically.  Dan Brattset mentioned the following meetings:  Homelessness Next Steps in which they discussed the Housing First Model; County Ambassador Program (CAP) Day with the Wisconsin Counties Association virtual meeting with legislatures or their aides participating; and Wisconsin River Collaborative – Comprehensive Community Services (CCS).

Business Items:

1. Discussion and Action to Approve Monthly Vouchers:  Distributed electronically.  Stephanie Box reviewed the Monthly Voucher Report. 

Valerie McAuliffe joined by Zoom at 4:05 p.m.

Motion by Cliff Thompson, seconded by James Bowers, to approve monthly vouchers for $1,780,149.73.  Motion carried.  

2. Accounts Receivable Report:  Distributed electronically.  Stephanie Box reviewed the Accounts Receivable Report for February 2021.  

3. Discussion and Action to Approve Collection Requests:  Motion by Joel Chrisler, seconded by Michelle Bushweiler, to approve collection requests of sending 33 accounts for $27,513.77 to Credit Management Control.  Motion carried.

4. Monthly Reports:  Distributed electronically.  Stephanie Box discussed the February 2021 Volatile line report.

5. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve Resolution Authorizing the Department of Human Services to Create One Full Time (1.0 FTE) Children’s Long Term Support Social Worker Position Outside the Budget Process as a Result of the State’s Management of Waitlist and Commitment to Waitlist Elimination:  Dan Brattset discussed creating a social worker position outside of the budget process is rare.  The State decided they were going to take over managing the Children’s Long Term Support (CLTS) waitlist and more hands are needed to handle the cases coming off the waitlist.  The position is funded approximately 80% by Medicaid and State/Federal funds.  Patricia Rego requested the PowerPoint presentation be attached to the Resolution.

Motion by Kristin White Eagle, seconded by James Bowers, to approve Resolution Authorizing the Department of Human Services to Create One Full Time (1.0 FTE) Children’s Long Term Support Social Worker Position Outside the Budget Process as a Result of the State’s Management of Waitlist and Commitment to Waitlist Elimination.  Motion carried.

Department Updates:

1. Presentation:  Bridgitte Bodette, Children’s Long Term Support/Birth-to-Three Supervisor, on Waitlist Elimination:  Bridgitte Bodette discussed the State’s decision to eliminate the waitlist and gave an overview of CLTS services along with a PowerPoint presentation.  The CLTS program provides supports and services to families that have children (birth to 18 years of age) with long-term disabilities (developmental, physical or mental health) or complex medical needs to help keep children living in their home.  Services can include respite care (critical for families), adaptive equipment to help child become independent as possible, day services, home modifications (ramps on houses, more accessible bathrooms).  Sauk County’s waitlist had previously been 3 to 5 years long, reduced to 1 to 1 ½ years about five years ago, and 8 months to a year a few years ago.  The State wanted to even out funding across the state.  When the State indicates a child is eligible, the County has 30 days to provide services.  Referrals came to a halt during the 2020 pandemic but are now resuming.  Now there is a significant reduction in wait time, and a child can be enrolled usually within one month of going on the waitlist.  They have seen a big growth in children with a mental health diagnosis.  When a child reaches 17 years, 6 months of age, discussions start with the ADRC to continue services and facilitate guardianship if needed.  Children can stay in the CLTS program for a long time.

2. Service Status:  COVID-19:  Dan Brattset indicated staff continue to be vigilant in service delivery.  In-person services have increased slightly.  Dan stated that some consumers like telehealth and video sessions will continue.  Discussions with managers are taking place on what the future will look like.

3. Retirement of Director – August 20, 2021:  Dan Brattset announced he is retiring in August 2021.  He has been with Human Services for over 20 years.  Dan stated he has good staff and is confident the agency will be in good hands.  Dan indicated the hope is for him to have a 30-day overlap with the new director.

Next Meeting: 

The next meeting of the Sauk County Human Services Board will be May 10, 2021, at 4 p.m. in the County Board Room 326A. 

Motion by Michelle Bushweiler, seconded by Cliff Thompson, to adjourn at 5:09 p.m.Motion carried.