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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-09-2015 Health & Human Services Minutes MEETING MINUTES HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES BOARD June 9, 2015 5:30 PM County Board Room-Government Center County Board Room - 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin CALL TO ORDER Health and Human Services Board Chair Dr. Chris Babbitt called the joint Open Public Participation meeting of the Health and Services Board and the Council on Aging and Disabilities (COAD) to order at 5:30 PM. The purpose of this joint meeting is to get public input on the Health and Human Services 2016 budget. A moment of silence was held in memory of Mr. Leon Berenschot who recently passed away. Leon was a County Board Supervisor and Health and Human Services Board member for many years, he will be missed. Health and Human Services Board Chair Dr. Chris Babbitt asked to have introductions made amongst the group as this is the only opportunity each year for these two groups to meet as one. ROLL CALL Attendee Name Organization Title Status Arrived Christopher Babbitt St. Croix County Supervisor Present Heather Logelin St. Croix County Board Member Present Howard Novotny St. Croix County Supervisor Present Chris Kilber St. Croix County Supervisor Present Ron Kiesler St. Croix County Supervisor Present Paulette Anderson St. Croix County Supervisor Present Shaela Leibfried St. Croix County Supervisor Present Lisa Ramsay St. Croix County Board Member Present Deb Rasmussen St. Croix County Board Member Present James Schreiber St. Croix County COAD Present Virginia Drath St. Croix County COAD Present Alfred Schrank St. Croix County COAD Present Dave Ostness St. Croix County Supervisor Absent Patricia Jonas St. Croix County COAD Present Laurie Pelnar St. Croix County COAD Present George Zaske St. Croix County COAD Absent Mary Ellen Brue St. Croix County COAD Present Others in Attendance: Health and Human Services Director Fred Johnson, Aging and Disabilities Administrator Brad Beckman, Aging and Disabilities Program Support Specialist Renea Aeschliman, Fiscal Manager Beata Haug, Children Services Administrator Julie Krings, Public Health Administrator Deb Lindemann, Behavioral Health Administrator Steve Kirt, Interim Finance Director Bob Mittet, other staff and community members. PUBLIC COMMENT Health and Human Services Chair Babbitt called the floor open to the public for an opportunity to speak regarding issues other than the items on the agenda. No members of the community stepped forward, so public comment time was closed and Chair Babbitt moved forward to the business of the meeting. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Open Public Participation Process-Review Letters and Take Public Testimony Related to the 2016 Health and Human Services Budget Planning 1. Open Public Participation Process - Review Letters and Take Public Testimony Related to the 2016 Health and Human Services Budget Planning Health and Human Services (HHS) Board Chair Dr. Chris Babbitt informed the Board and the Council on Aging and Disabilities (COAD) that he has had one notice submitted to him tonight asking for an opportunity to speak. Chair Babbitt introduced the gentleman who then addressed the HHS Board and the COAD. The gentleman shared he is here tonight to voice his concerns regarding the state budget and the potential cutting of services. The support he receives regarding insurance and other services available to himself and his family is invaluable. He informed the Board there is definitely a need for assistance to navigate these services as it can be very complicated. He also shared he has a daughter that is disabled and they need support in meeting her needs. He has always received great service and support and hopes the county can continue to offer these services to the senior citizens. Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Administrator Brad Beckman updated the Board on the Governor's proposed budget regarding Aging and Disability Resource Center's and the program Include, Respect, I Self-direct (IRIS). Administrator Beckman shared that the Governor's budget has been amended to remove the wording regarding the elimination of ADRC's. Health and Human Services Director Fred Johnson reviewed a letter that was submitted by Northwest Transitions, a provider of short term residential options and social activities for the mental health consumers within St. Croix County. They are asking for continued support and partnership going into the 2016 budget process. Chair Babbitt shared his concern with the Board on the lack of public participation in this meeting, but also all Health and Human Services meetings. Board members discussed and gave input as to why they feel there may be a lack of public participation. Health and Human Services Director Johnson informed the Board that this meeting is publicly noted with letters sent to many local partners and providers, and a press release is submitted to local media. RESULT: DISCUSSED ADJOURN Health and Human Services Board Chair Dr. Chris Babbitt thanked everyone for coming and called the joint Open Public Participation meeting of the Health and Human Services Board and the Council on Aging and Disabilities adjourned at approximately 5:50 PM.