Human Services Committee

Date: September 13, 2004
Time: 5:00pm
Place:
Room 471
Baraboo, WI

Members Present: Alexander, Dippel, Fordham, Bowers, Vaillancourt, Stoeckmann, Vertein, Endres
Members Excused: Earl, Brattset
Members Absent: Alexander
Others Present: Orth, Horkan, Grinder, Hauser, Pate

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

Motion by Endres, seconded by Dippel to adopt the agenda.
Motion Carried.

Motion by Endres, seconded by Dippel to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion Carried.

Communications

Members discussed excused versus absent. Corporation Counsel recommends keeping both because if a member is not excused after so many times, they could be removed.

It was also discussed that the Health Care Center consultant did meet with representatives from Human Services.

Business Items

  1. Finance Committee Report/Voucher Approval: Monthly voucher report was distributed. (See attachment) Several line items were explained. Motion by Endres, seconded by Vaillancourt to approve the vouchers in the amount of $1,498,388.04. Motion Carried.
  2. State/County Contract Approval: Orth discussed the addendum regarding education and training vouchers for the Independent Living Program in the amount of $124.00. Motion by Endres, seconded by Fordham to approve the addendum. Motion Carried.
  3. Lanier Dictation Upgrade: (See attached Resolution) Grinder reviewed the dictation system and options to reduce system maintenance and resolve ongoing system issues. The Board recommended some language changes which will be made prior to Finance Committee. Motion by Vaillancourt, seconded by Stoeckmann to approve the Resolution with the recommended changes. Motion Carried.

Department Updates

  1. Lutheran Social Services Presentation: Ron Hauser highlighted the contracting relationship between Sauk County and Lutheran Social Services. Discussed service/environment changes for Sauk County. A census drop and lower bed utilization is being seen in all counties due to programs to help keep kids in the community. Different license types to provide some other needed services at the current facility will be looked at. They will also be looking into adding an assessment component, reducing beds, and license as a group home.
  2. Letter from Consumer: (See attached) After the September Board Meeting, it was discovered that the letter was from a client. Bill asked Jim Bowers to communicate to the consumer to recommend they reconnect with the agency. Vaillancourt discussed client's lack of skills and ability to make good choices, and can we help in this area? Bowers discussed homeless group that will begin meeting be made up of community agencies and individuals. Bill discussed the Universal Home Visitation Program that could help clients in the future.
  3. Family Advocates: This is a new service through Wisconsin Family Ties to train individuals to be paid family advocate. They are going to start small to provide advocates for families in Families Come First. Will look into possibly expanding in the next budget cycle.
  4. 2005 Budget Update: The 2005 Budget Levy Request Summary was distributed and discussed.
  5. Energy Assistance Program: With management staff changes and Bill coming on staff, and contract dates, it is too late to make any changes for the upcoming contract. Bill and staff will evaluate and bring options back over the next 9 months.
  6. Jail Therapy Services: Human Services provides mental health and AODA site assessment and treatment. Out of county referrals at this time is at an acceptable level. This will be revisited if referrals increase and impact services to our county residents.
  7. Homeless Progress: A community group will begin meeting. Human Services will take part in this group. Vaillancourt recommended including Jon Alt, MATC, GED Program. Bowers discussed having an individual who had experience in homelessness participate in the group.
  8. Birth to Three Program: (See attachment) Bill discussed the Sauk County Birth to Three budget. A work group supported by the State will be looking at the program and future costs and funding of programs. Bill will keep the board informed.
  9. Long Term Care Reform: (See attachment) Bill reviewed the waiver populations and existing Family Care county programs. Current Long Term Care redesign components were highlighted. A RFP will go out in the next 6 months and possibly award up to 15 counties. Bill will continue to keep the board informed.

Motion by Endres, seconded by Bowers to adjourn until October 4, 2004 at 5:00 p.m.
Motion Carried

Respectfully Submitted: Beverly Vertein