Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil on Aging 03-20-08 NOTICE OF MEETING AND AGENDA ST. CROIX COUNTY COUNCIL ON AGING Thursday, March 20, 2008, 8:30 am County Board Room, St. Croix County Government Center 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin 54016 CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING ADOPTION OF AGENDA DATE OF NEXT MEETING OLD AND NEW BUSINESS 1. Introductions: Jody Lenz, Community Supported Agriculture 2. Old Business: Long -Term Care Reform/ADRC Development Update Wisconsin Senior Statesmanship Program 3. New Business: Volunteer Appreciation Banquet Discussion regarding how to ensure ongoing operation of aging services /programming Volunteer Report 4. Staff Reports 7. Nutrition Program/Senior Center Updates 8. Possible Agenda Items for next meeting ADJOURN (Items may be taken in different order) SUBMITTED BY Kjersti L.O. Duncan, Thursday, March 13, 2008 COPIES TO County Board Office County Clerk News Media/ Notice Board Committee Members Senior Center Board Members Items for County Board approval must be submitted to the County Clerk's office by Wednesday morning preceding a County Board meeting. 03/13/2008 8:01 AM COUNCIL ON AGING MEETING March 20, 2008 St. Croix County Government Center CALL TO ORDER: Council Chairperson Nelson called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Pledge of Allegiance was said. ROLL CALL: Supervisors: Gerald Peterson, John Mortensen, Charlie Grant; Councilmembers: Judy Harrison, Al Schrank, Inge Bleier, Jeanette O'Connell, Vince Tubman, Bette Norman, and Sue Nelson. Also present were: Department on Aging Director Kjersti L.O. Duncan; Community Outreach Coordinator Tracy Davis; Administrative Assistant Renea Aeschliman; Elderly Benefit Specialist Liza Gibson; Clerical Worker Cindy Ahrens; Caregiver Support Coordinator Nancy Abrahamson; St. Croix County Administrative Coordinator Chuck Whiting; Lorraine Jacobs; Nutrition Program Managers: Donna Lamson, Vivian Kemling, Randi Hanson, Janice Thompson, Lyn Larson, Sheila DeRosier and Sallie Dull; Excused was Councilmember Olive Terpstra. ACTION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES: A motion to approve the previous month's minutes was made by Supervisor Mortensen and seconded by Supervisor Grant; motion carried. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2008. 1. Introductions: Jody Lenz, Community Supported Agriculture: Director Duncan introduced Jody Lenz from Threshing Table Farm in Star Prairie. Lenz informed the Council that she and her husband started a farm that is part of the Community Supported Agriculture program. Community Supported Agriculture is a relationship between a farmer and the consumer /member where the consumer /member supports the farmer by purchasing shares in the farm. Consumers /members enjoy produce from the farm. Lorraine Jacobs asked Lenz how long the program has been in existence. Lenz said that it started in Japan and around 18 years ago. A few years ago, a gentleman in Osceola started the first farm in Wisconsin. The program is very popular in the Madison area. Councilmember Nelson asked Lenz more about the shares. Lenz stated that each farmer has a certain number of shares they can sell. The cost of a share depends on the farmer. Some offer working shares as well as seasonal shares. Members help support the farmer financially by purchasing shares. Lenz informed the Council that they can visit www.localharvest.org to find a CSA in the area. She handed out a brochure to the Council members and thanked them for allowing her to speak. 2. Old Business: Long -Term Care Reform /ADRC Development Update: Director Duncan informed the Council members who were unable to attend the County Board meeting on Tuesday, March 18`" that the resolution for the Council on Aging and Disability Board passed. She stated there was lots of good discussion during the meeting which allowed questions to be answered. She stated the message was clear that the Aging programs bring strength to the new ADRC entity and Council on Aging Page 1 04/11/08 that it is important to continue the services that are currently being provided. Director Duncan stated that she met with Administrative Coordinator Chuck Whiting following yesterday's Health and Human Services Board meeting. The Health and Human Services board discussed expediting the hiring process for the ADRC Section Manager. The ADRC application articulated that the Council on Aging and Disabilities would be involved in the hiring process of this position, however to advance this process it was discussed that a hiring committee could be formed as soon as possible with current Health & Human Services Board and Council on Aging representatives. Supervisor Peterson asked about the job description for the ADRC Section Manager. Director Duncan stated a job description was presented to the Finance Committee, which also acts as the Personnel Committee, on March IO Supervisor Peterson stated that having the Finance Committee create and approve a job description bothered him. He stated that the Council on Aging should have a voice in preparing, reviewing and approving the new position. Supervisor Peterson reiterated that before they put the Council "out -of- business ", the Council should have input on what they are going ask the new employee to do. He stated that he doesn't believe the Finance Committee knows as much as the Council on Aging knows regarding the operation of aging services and the ADRC. Council Chair Nelson asked if Director Duncan had input in the creation of the job description. Director Duncan stated she provided the Human Resources Director with the current Department on Aging Director and the Eau Claire ADRC Director job descriptions, and that those descriptions were used by the Human Resources Administrator to draft the position that was brought to Finance. Director Duncan did not see that version prior to the Finance meeting. Director Duncan reminded the Council that Dianne Rheinn from AgeAdvantAge offered to assist in the process of hiring the ADRC Section Manager and assisting with the transition to an ADRC to ensure pieces are still in place to oversee Older Americans Act programming. Supervisor Peterson asked who would request her assistance; he does not believe that will be a request made by the Finance Committee. Administrative Coordinator stated he would provide the Council members with a copy of the job description to review and if there were suggestions for changes they should let him know. He stated that at some point the job description should have been brought to the Council and he was surprised that it hadn't. He didn't recall if it had gone through Health and Human Services either. Council Chair Nelson asked who would actually hire the ADRC Section Manager. Whiting stated that since discussion just took place yesterday with Health and Human Services, it would be important for the Council to also discuss this process to ensure everyone is represented. Whiting stated that in his discussions with County Board Chair Buck Malick, Malick pointed out that the current Council on Aging Board should remain intact until the new Council on Aging and Disability and County Boards are elected. He feels that the Council should be involved and recommend individuals to be part of the hiring process. The rationale behind expediting the process to hire the ADRC Section Manager is there will be a fresh board formed and they will need to be brought up to speed regarding the ADRC's mission. Additionally, there is a great deal of work to be done in preparation for the ADRC between now and July that would be done by the ADRC Section Council on Aging Page 2 04/11/08 Manager. Community Services Coordinator, Tracy Davis, asked when the position will be advertised and the length of time that will be allotted to accept applications. Whiting stated the County would advertise for at least three weeks starting next week. Supervisor Mortensen voiced that he would like to see two — three people be part of the committee that looks at the applicants. Whiting mentioned that there could be a committee to look at the applications and another that is a part of the interview process. Supervisor Peterson stated he feels that the Council has a voice in drafting the job description for the new employee — whoever it is needs to be an advocate to the elderly. Whiting stated that the overseeing committee typically approves the description. Council Chair Nelson asked if there has been any word from the State regarding the application. Director Duncan stated that there has not been any communication from the State at this time; however it is very likely that the application will be granted. Supervisor Mortensen stated that the Council on Aging and Disabilities will be appointed by the County Board Chair. He mentioned that it would be a good idea to talk to potential applicants that would do a good job serving on this new board. Whiting pointed out that an application was put together for individuals who are interested in being part of the Council on Aging and Disabilities. Director Duncan Rointed out the applications can be picked up at the Department on Aging and are due April 11 . The application also requests a letter of recommendation for the applicant. Supervisor Peterson stated that it would be a good idea to recommend individuals who are currently on the Council on Aging to apply for the Council on Aging and Disabilities. Director Duncan stated that the Council can make recommendations, but the individuals would still need to fill out an application. She also mentioned it would be a benefit for the Council on Aging and Disabilities to have representation from throughout the county, so it's important to get the word out to older adults and representatives for younger persons with disabilities. Council Chair Nelson asked if anyone would be interested in being part of the interview committee. Supervisor Peterson, Council Chair Nelson and Councilmember Pat Shilts will be part of the interview process. Councilmembers Tubman, O'Connell, and Schrank will be part of the applicant screening process. Council Chair Nelson asked the Council who they would like to recommend for the Council on Aging and Disabilities. It was recommended that Judy Harrison, Sue Nelson, Jeanette O'Connell, Pat Shilts, John Mortensen, and Al Schrank apply for the Council on Aging and Disabilities. A motion will be made at the next Council on Aging Board on April IO tn , since 2 of the individuals on the list are running for the County Board and elections will be on April 1S to accept the recommendations. Wisconsin Senior Statesmanship Program: Community Service Coordinator Tracy Davis stated that the individual interested in attending this program was unable to attend due to some other issues. Director Duncan stated that the program is a yearly opportunity and hopes that others will take interest. 3. New Business: Volunteer Appreciation Banquet: Director Duncan informed the Council the Banquet will take place on Thursday, April 20 at the Baldwin Legion. The theme is "Volunteers Leave Their Marks Council on Aging Page 3 04/11/08 on the fives of Others ". There will be special recognition for those that have contributed 100 +, 200 +, and 300+ hours in 2007. Invitations are sent to individuals that have contributed over 20 hours in 2007 and are asked to RSVP with the Department on Aging. Director Duncan mentioned individuals need to turn in their volunteer time, not only to receive recognition for their contribution, but to help with the in -kind match necessary according to the Older Americans Act funding received by the Department Aging. Volunteer Report: Volunteer needs were handed out for the Council members to review and take back to their communities. Discussion regarding how to ensure ongoing operation of aging services /programming: Director Duncan stated she drafted an outline, to be shared with staff, regarding how to proceed with any issues that arise during the director's absence. Whiting stated that there should be someone from the Department on Aging to be part of the ADRC transition. Director Duncan stated she expressed her recommendation to Fred Johnson, Health & Human Services Director, that Council Chair Nelson and Benefit Specialist Liza Gibson be part of the transition team. Nutrition Program Manager Sallie Dull expressed concerned regarding the networking that takes place between the Nutrition Program Managers at the monthly Council on Aging meetings. Director Duncan reiterated to move forward just like usual until told differently. Supervisor Mortensen mentioned a section from the Council on Aging Board manual that listed all the programs offered by the Department on Aging and asked that be included within the job description for the ADRC Section Manager. Director Duncan pointed out that concern would be addressed in the job description if, under the "Required Skill, Knowledge, and Abilities" section it states, "....knowledge of federal, state and local requirement governing target populations of the ADRC and Older Ameri cans Act programming ". Council Chair Nelson mentioned that Whiting assured the Council that services will continue as they have in the past. Whiting stated that generally when a Department Head leaves things continue as if the individual was on vacation. If the staff has an issue or concern, they have the opportunity to go down the hall to his office. Director Duncan stated that the staff is committed to ensure that services remain and will be done well. Whiting stated that he invited County Board Chair Buck Malick to join the meeting if there were any questions regarding the process of hiring the new ADRC Section Manager. Benefit Specialist Liza Gibson asked about the timeline of hiring the ADRC Section Manager. County Board Chair Malick stated that per the discussion with Fred Johnson and Whiting, advertisement for the position will go out this week. Board appointments will be made, if Malick is re- elected as Chair, around April 21". The Board should be in place before the hiring process takes place. Whiting pointed out that it would be a good idea as soon as appointments are made, for the COAD to meet shortly thereafter. Malick stated that the needs of those over 60 are very, very important. Council Chair Nelson asked if there were any changes that need to be made to the ADRC job description. Director Duncan pointed out a few typos and suggested the verbiage addition under the Required Skill, Knowledge, and Abilities regarding Older Americans Act. There was discussion regarding the Special Requirements & Certifications — Gerontology Certificate or Social Work Certification; what is actually needed? Council on Aging Page 4 04/11/08 Supervisor Grant asked about Pay Grade 9 — if that is comparable to other Section Manager positions in Health & Human Services. Whiting stated that the current position is not pointed at this time according to Springstead. The ADRC Section Manager's position will be compensated at a higher level than has historically been provided to the Aging Director; however it is still not comparable to other Health & Human Services Section Managers' compensation. That will have to be considered in the next budget. Whiting stated that it is a difficult process and there will always be struggles in "getting it right ". The ADRC Section Manager will be supervising more individuals than some other Section Managers within Health and Human Services. Nutrition Program Manager Janice Thompson asked why it is that Health and Human Services drivers are compensated $2.00 more an hour than the Department on Aging drivers. Whiting stated that there has always been a concern about asking for more to money from the County by the Department on Aging. The drivers in Health and Human Services are part of a union and with the change taking place, there may be positions within the Department on Aging that will be Unionized. The culture within the Department on Aging has been towards service and finding ways to continue that without additional funding. Community Services Specialist Davis pointed out the dilemma of continuing the culture or taking the higher compensation. Director Duncan stated that both can be accomplished with support of the Director and the County. Whiting pointed out that this Department is transitioning and has transitioned before. With the laws /rules, the main effort will be to not lose what has been built and continue the culture, but in a different way. 4. Staff Reports: Kjersti's Report: Director Duncan informed the Council that there is a vacancy for a Nutrition Program Manager in Hudson. Applicants are being accepted at this time and the position will be filled before Director Duncan's departure. CWAG District 6 meeting is Monday, April 18 and transportation will be available for those interested. The cost will be $10.00 and will include lunch. Tracy's Report: On May 9 1h the HCE group asked to use the vans for a trip to Amish Country in Augusta, WI. 6. Nutrition Prouam/Senior Center Updates BALDWIN Nutrition Program Manager Sallie Dull stated that they continue to have crafts with Evelyn Thill on Tuesday and Thursday. Activities for April include Sing -a -Long, entertainment by Bud Homburg, Bingo, Blood Pressure screening and Foot Care. DEER PARK Nutrition Program Manager Jan Thompson stated that everything is going well. They are gearing up for food prep for the upcoming card tournaments at three of the sites. There are two couples that are celebrating anniversaries. Jan thanked Kjersti for her guidance and it has been a pleasure to know her. GLENWOOD CITY: Nutrition Program Manager Shirley Marlette was not present for the council meeting. Al Schrank stated that they are playing cards on Monday and bingo is on Wednesdays & Thursdays. Tracy mentioned that they will celebrating the years of service that van driver Jerry Maske has given to the Glenwood City Senior Center and Department on Aging. HAMMOND: Nutrition Program Manager Donna Lamson stated that the site will permanently Council on Aging Page 5 04/11/08 move to Westview Apartments. Everything is continuing as usual. A fun time was had by those that went to Martha's Coffee & Cream. HUDSON Nutrition Program Manager Sylvia Heller was not present for the council meeting. Inge Bleier informed that the Council that since the current Senior Center Board President resigned the Hudson Card Tournament has been cancelled. A beading class has been started by Carol Schmidt. NEW RICHMOND Nutrition Program Manager Vivian Ken ling informed the Council that the St. Patrick's Day celebration was cancelled due to Miles Casey's funeral and rescheduled to yesterday. A trip is planned on April 4th to go to the Shrine Circus. RIVER FALLS: Bette Norman informed the Council that there has been no information on where the site will be located once the building is toren down. All activities are still taking place. AARP Driving course will be on April 15 & 16 They enjoyed having Roberts come for lunch at the end of February. ROBERTS Nutrition Program Manager Randi Hanson shared that everything is going well. The sanitarian will be visiting next week for annual visit. Bingo is going great. Participants enjoyed visiting the River Falls Senior Center and also had fun at Martha's Coffee & Cream. They are gearing up the card tournament. Randi thanked Kjersti for her guidance and kind heart. She stated that her shoes will be hard, if not impossible to fill. Randi also thanked the office staff for their assistance in this transition. SOMERSET Nutrition Program Manager Sheila DeRosier told the Council that the sanitarian visited. Blood Pressure screening and the St. Anne's 0 graders visited last month. Individuals from Deerfield will be visiting on Monday. The Somerset Senior Center will kick off the Card Tournament on Wednesday, March 26 On Tuesday, April I' the Senior Center will be closed due the election and those on the home - delivered meal program have been offered to have their meals doubled on Monday. The April Lunch Out will be at GB Curly's in Burkhardt. Sheila wished Kjersti luck in the future. WOODVILLE Nutrition Program Manager Lyn Larson has been having fun learning the ropes with the staff at the site. She thanked Mary Bond for helping out while there was no Nutrition Program Manager. The Woodville Library has asked for assistance in identifying individuals in photos that the local historian has. There has been interest in starting up some new programs from participants. VAN TRIPS: April 4 — New Richmond to St. Paul — Shrine Circus April 18 — CWAG May 9 th — HCE — Baldwin to Augusta A motion was made to accept the van trips by Supervisor Mortensen and seconded by Councilmember Harrison; motion carried. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CORRESPONDENCE Council on Aging Page 6 04/11/08 POSSIBLE AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING: Recommendations for the Council on Aging and Disability Board. A motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Schrank and seconded by Councilmember O'Connell; motion carried. Council on Aging Page 7 04/11/08