Human Services Board

hsbminutesfeb2013.pdf (33 KB)

Meeting: February 4, 2013, 5:00 p.m., County Board Gallery, Baraboo, WI

Members Present: James Bowers, Karen Fabisiak, John Miller, Beverly Vertein, Andrea Lombard, Ruth Dawson, Mark Detter, Thomas Kriegl

Members Excused: Scott Alexander,

Members Absent: None

Others Present: Orth, Brattset, Box, Kathy Schauf

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

Motion by James Bowers, seconded by Ruth Dawson to adopt the agenda. Discussion: Agreement by consensus to amend the Agenda, moving Item F to A and then proceeding with other items in order as noted. Motion Carried.

Motion by Karen Fabisiak, seconded by Thomas Kriegl to approve minutes of the previous meeting. Discussion: James Bowers indicated his name was spelled wrong. Ruth Dawson indicated that she had spoke about five articles, including an article on bullying in high school and the Baraboo News paper article about literacy and children killing children. Andrea Lombard indicated the Minutes were somewhat misleading pertaining to wanting a solution to gun violence, however, not being focused on gun control as there is gun control in Washington D.C. and Chicago and they continue to have challenges with violence. Motion Carried.

Public Comment

None

Communications:

None

Business Items:

F. Mid-Term Assessment-Generation of Strategic Issues: Orth referenced Kathy Schauf’s memo (see attached) and started a discussion on the definition of strategic issues. In summary, Orth noted, “Key issues to close the gap between idealistic vision statements and reality”, as an important phrase within the memo. Orth also made reference to the Human Services’ Annual Report and Mission/Vision statements. Key elements, according to Orth, include, collaborations with community partners and the network of services that people can access. Discussion: Beverly Vertein asked if someone needed services, but was unsure how to go about that, how would they do that? Orth indicated either through the website, our main phone number or through walking into the Department. There are also outside referral agents that know how to access services. Thomas Kriegl asked what about Economic Support workers working more than full time caseloads and is the new position helping? Also, input on the impact of the Affordable Health Care Act on the Department. We should be looking ahead with both of these issues and perhaps some other issues that involve changes. Ruth Dawson spoke of an emphasis on mental health and concern for these issues in the community. Ruth Dawson also asked from Kathy Schauf, what does SWOT mean? Kathy Schauf indicated that it stands for Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. These were described briefly. John Miller asked, of Kathy Schauf, if there are any looming financial issues? Kathy Schauf indicated that the Governor will release the biennial budget on February 21, 2013 and we will know more then. Also, there could be federal changes that we do not know of at this time. Orth indicated that the Department of Children and Families and Department of Health and Human Services reported to WCHSA and indicated that the State budget looks to be status quo, but this is yet to be announced. In addition, the federal budget is unknown. Orth mentioned that homelessness is a potential strategic plan concern as well as child abuse and neglect prevention, evidence based practice programs that are effective in this area, but there is associated cost. Also, mental health substance abuse prevention programs, which are evidence based could be done in conjunction with the schools, however, there are no state or federal funds that support these programs. James Bowers indicated he knows the money is difficult, but these are dollars that will be spent in the future regardless, perhaps on more costly interventions. Mark Detter asked if there could be a “tool box” class in schools? Potential issues for the content of this class would include daily living skills, financial skills, etc. John Miller indicated that there is a concern regarding violence and perhaps in prevention some of these issues are “seamless”. For example, bullying and domestic violence towards women. Prevention in a global manner. Examples, John Miller continued like the program in Pennsylvania with alternative means which do not require money, but deal with other collaborative issues. Ruth Dawson indicated that a voucher program in schools has made a difference in regards to violence. John Miller cited examples of videos used in public health for community education efforts. James Bowers indicated that from working with East School in Baraboo, an anti-bullying program seems to be very effective. Thomas Kriegl noted that single parent families are part of the continual challenge. Additionally, treatment rather than incarceration for drug offenses could be a strategic issue. Example: in LaCrosse County of these type of services are present. Dan Brattset indicated that opioid and heroin addiction issues are a big concern in the County as well as the potential of drug courts and jail diversion program. Thomas Kriegl also noted that Vet’s Courts are an initiative that could be strategic. Thomas Kriegl further noted that the Wisconsin Counties Association is asking legislators for dollars for drug programs and jail diversion funds with eight pilot counties throughout the state.


A. Review and Approve Monthly Vouchers: Box distributed the Monthly Voucher Report (see attached). Salary and Benefits were down due to the timing of the pay periods this month, as well as refunds from health insurance. Contracted Labor was up this month due to utilization. Administration was up due to the annual CWCAC contract and NetSmart project. Community Living and Support was up due to CWCAC having several months of payments, as well as supportive home care and adaptive aids being up in utilization. Energy Assistance was up due to funds paid out this month. Institutions were up as well. Motion by Ruth Dawson, seconded by Karen Fabisiak to approve Monthly Vouchers in the amount of $1,143,817.46. Motion Carried.

B. Presentation: Children’s Long Term Support/Birth to Three – Bridgitte Bodette: Bridgitte Bodette presented on the CLTS/Birth to Three Programs (see attached). Bridgitte Bodette described each program in detail and distributed handouts regarding details. A brief discussion occurred regarding the outcomes in these programs which Dan Brattset clarified that many of the outcomes are reviewed by the State and that these programs have continually evolved to a team environment and inter-disciplinary professional partnership with the families.

C. Approve 2013 State/County Contract Regarding Child Care Administration: Stephanie Box spoke about Child Care Administration contract, which involves the Economic Support Unit. The amount of this contract is $106,014.00. Motion by Thomas Kriegl, seconded by Beverly Vertein to approve as noted above. Discussion: Mark Detter asked if this is spending money or getting money? Stephanie Box indicated that this is a yearly allocation and Bill Orth indicated that it is within our budget. Mark Detter indicated that it is a little unnerving to blindly approve contracts without getting to see them, perhaps reviewing them in detail would be helpful. Bill Orth indicated that is Mark Detter is interested, he could send them the contracts electronically. Ruth Dawson asked that the 2013 State/County Contract regarding Child Care Administration, 2013 Community Youth & Family Aids Contract, and the 2013 Title III Elder Abuse Contract be put into one motion to approve. There was unanimous agreement on this decision. After a brief discussion, the following contracts were approved pertaining to the motion made by Thomas Kriegl and Beverly Vertein as previously noted. Contracts include:

1. 2013 State/County Contract regarding Child Care Administration - $106,014
2. 2013 Community Youth & Family Aids Contract - $594,240
3. 2013 Title III Elder Abuse Contract - $21,768
Motion Carried.

Department Updates

A. Governor Walker’s Mental Health Services Meeting: Bill Orth indicated that he attended a meeting called by the Governor which included collaborations with mental health professionals, law enforcement professionals, advocates, two county directors as well as a consumer. This was a two hour meeting in which the end result was suggesting to the Governor the possibility of increasing support to the CCS Program by the State meeting the 40% match component, which is currently met with county levy dollars. This could be an important move for the state to increase mental health services throughout the counties. More information will be forthcoming and Bill Orth indicated that subsequent followup included a request for success stories pertaining to these programs. Bill Orth indicated that he forwarded several case descriptions.

B. CAP Legislative Day: Bill Orth reported that Andrea Lombard, John Miller, and Ruth Dawson, as well as a number of other Sauk County Board Members, attended and met with seven legislators. Bill Orth spoke about mental health issues and some other talking points presented by Wisconsin Counties Association were given to other board members. Ruth Dawson indicated that it was a very good day and the opportunity to speak with legislators was important. John Miller spoke about speaking to legislators about cell phone/911 issues and funding. The next Legislative Day is focused on Human Services and is scheduled for April 10, 2013.

C. NetSmart Avatar System: Bill Orth noted that the NetSmart Avatar Resolution passed the County Board and that the contract for same has been signed. A kickoff conference call will occur on February 6, 2013.

D. 2012 Annual Report: Bill Orth referenced the 2012 Annual Report (see attached). This report includes a summary of outcomes and services as well as utilization numbers. Bill Orth indicated to Board Members if they have comments, please forward them to him at their convenience. In addition, Andrea Lombard indicated that the previous annual reports, if Board Members wanted to compare them, are on record, both electronically and paper copies.

The next meeting of the Sauk County Human Services Board will be March 4, 2013 at 5:00 P.M. Motion by Mark Detter, seconded by James Bowers to adjourn. Motion Carried.

Ruth Dawson