Human Services Board

Human Services Board Minutes November 8, 2021 (22 KB)

MINUTES

SAUK COUNTY BOARD OF HUMAN SERVICES

Meeting:    November 8, 2021, 4 p.m., County Board Room 326A, West Square Building, Baraboo, WI

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

PRESENT:  Patricia Rego, Valerie McAuliffe, Michelle Bushweiler, James Bowers, Eric Schuenemann, Cliff Thompson; EXCUSED:  Joel Chrisler, Delmar Scanlon; ABSENT:  None.

Others Present:  Jessica Mijal, Stephanie Box, Nicole Rachuj

Motion by Valerie McAuliffe, seconded by James Bowers to adopt agenda.  Motion carried.

Motion by Valerie McAuliffe, seconded by Cliff Thompson  to approve the minutes for the previous Human Services Board Meeting held on October 11, 2021.  Motion carried.

Public Comment:    None

Communication:

Board Materials:  Distributed electronically.  Jessica Mijal reviewed the documents included in the packet.  She gave a shout out to some Department of Human Services (DHS) staff.  They included:  Child Protective Services (CPS) for exceeding the State average for completed documentation.  Mental health staff who supported staff and students at Baraboo High School after the tragic deaths of two students, injuries of another and death of two other passengers.  Lastly, crisis staff who had an armed suicidal caller on the phone.  They worked collaboratively with law enforcement who were able to disarm the caller and get the needed help for the caller.  Jessica indicated a clinical site survey will be conducted in December.

Business Items:

Review and Approve Monthly Vouchers:  Stephanie Box reviewed the Monthly Voucher Report.  It was discovered the documents uploaded with the agenda were for the incorrect month.  Stephanie excused herself from the meeting to obtain hard copy documents to distribute to board members.  Board members agreed to move to Department Updates until her return.

Department Updates:

Human Services Department 2022 Budget:  No updates.  Jessica Mijal asked for questions or comments. Discussion. 

Service Status: COVID-19:  Jessica Mijal gave an update.  A number of staff have tested positive over the past month.  Staff are required to wear a mask throughout the building and when they are with consumers.  Staff are encouraged if they or someone at home are not feeling well, to stay home.  Vaccine boosters are available with a limited supply and it is at staff discretion if they are eligible.  Reimbursement by Medicaid is waiting for clarification if telehealth phone call sessions will continue to be supported.  A large number of consumers do not have access or ability for a video session.

4:14 p.m. Kristin White Eagle arrived.

Business Items (continued):

Review and Approve Monthly Vouchers:  Distributed in paper format.  Stephanie Box again reviewed information.  Motion by Valerie McAuliffe, seconded by Cliff Thompson, to approve monthly vouchers in the amount of $ 2,525,019.40.  Eric Scheunemann abstained.  Motion carried.

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

Discussion and Action to Approve Collection Requests:  Motion by Valerie McAuliffe, seconded by Michelle Bushweiler, to approve sending 15 accounts to Credit Management Control for $15,492.30. Motion carried.

Monthly Reports:  Distributed electronically.  Stephanie Box discussed the September 2021 Volatile Line report.

Discussion and Review Changing Collection Agencies:  Stephanie stated, currently DHS uses Credit Management Control for collections.  There are new laws that require additional information DHS would need to supply.  Stephanie discussed these changes along with information of low return success with Credit Management.  Currently many counties either have or are changing to State Debt Collection.  This is a service provided by the State.  Another Sauk County department is also using this service.  They have a higher return in collections.  Stephanie discussed the differences in cost, information DHS needs to provide, and additional services the State Debt Collection provides.  Discussion.  Motion by James Bowers, seconded by Valerie McAuliffe, to approve Changing Collection Agencies.  Motion carried.

Discussion and Action to Approve 2022 State and County Grant Award Contract Covering Social Services and Community Programs:  Stephanie discussed the 2022 State DHS grant for $2,301,763.00.  Motion by Valerie McAuliffe, seconded by James Bowers, to approve the 2022 State and County Grant Award Contract Covering Social Services and Community Programs.  Motion carried.

Department Updates (continued):

Future Presentations: Information Topics, Guest Speakers:  Jessica Mijal asked for feedback on past presentations and if there are any future presentations/guest speakers the board would like to have come to the meetings.  Next month the Adult Protective Services lead worker will come with a presentation.  Suggestions:  Description of contracted services provided for DHS.  University of Wisconsin Parenting Class speaker and how their services are used for DHS.

Next Meeting:  The next meeting of the Sauk County Human Services Board will be December 13, 2021, at 4 p.m. in County Board Room 326A.

Public Comment:  None

Motion by Valerie McAuliffe, seconded by Eric Schuenemann, to adjourn at 4:57 p.m.  Motion carried.