Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-21-2022 Health & Human Services Minutes MEETING MINUTES HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES BOARD September 21, 2022 5:00 PM St. Croix County Government Center -Room 1284 Government Center -1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin CALL TO ORDER Health and Human Services (HHS) Board Chair Greg Tellijohn called this September 21, 2022 meeting of the Health and Human Services Board to order at approximately 5:00 PM. ROLL CALL Attendee NameOrganizationTitleStatusArrived Julie MadarisSt. Croix CountyCitizen Board MemberPresent Lisa LindSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent Shawn AndersonSt. Croix CountyVice-ChairExcused Cathy LeafSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent Dave OstnessSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent GregTellijohnSt. Croix CountyChairPresent Mike BarcalowSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent Deb LindemannSt. Croix CountyCitizen Board Member-NursePresent VacantSt. Croix CountyCitizen Board Member-DoctorExcused Others in Attendance:Health and Human Services Director Bob Rohret, County Administrator Ken Witt, Public Information Officer Adam Kastonek, Behavioral Health Administrator Shar Lopez, Fiscal Manager Fay Strenke, Public Health Administrator Kelli Engen via Zoom, Public Health Supervisor Laurie Diaby-Gassama, Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Administrator Kristin Newton, Corporation Counsel Heather Amos and several community members APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.Health & Human Services Board Regular Meeting August 17, 20225:00 PM Health and Human Services (HHS) Board Chair Tellijohn asked the Board if after the review of the minutes from the August 17, 2022 HHS Board meeting if any editing was needed. With nothing noted a Motion was made by Supervisor Barcalow to approve the minutes from the August 17, 2022 HHS Board meeting and was seconded by Supervisor Lind. A voice vote was taken and all approved. RESULT: ACCEPTED PUBLIC COMMENT HHS Board Chair Tellijohn opened the meeting to Public Comment for items on or off the agenda. One person addressed the Board regarding any potential financial support this Board could provide for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. He informed the Board that they have gotten 7 advocates trained and they so far have responded to the needs of about 50-60 kids that have been placed out of the home. No additional public comment. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Consideration of 2023 Budget Requests County Administrator Ken Witt reviewed the Health and Human Services 2023 budget requests with the Board. Witt shared that all department requests are considered and reviewed, but currently the requested budget shows expenses need to be cut by 1 million dollars. Witt highlighted the initial focus areas he looks at when reviewing the budget document hoping this will also assist the new Supervisors in reading through this. He informed that the wages and fringe lines are an area that department heads have no control over as they are set by Administration based on the Board priorities of a step increase and cost of living adjustment (COLA) for employees in 2023. He reviewed each program and highlighted the changes within each. Most of the changes are due to the internal shifting of staff from one program to another, though the purchased services line shows an increase as we are required to provide for out of home and emergency placements of our county residents. Witt shared that the Health Care Campus operates with no property tax funds, so their budget is looked at to determine if the funds, or net income they generate, are enough to cover their costs. Veteran's Services is showing no significant changes in 2023. Discussion and questions followed, in particular regarding the request from Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program for support. Witt informed this would need to be further reviewed by Corporation Counsel to determine how or if the County can support the CASA program. The entire proposed 2023 Budget will go before the Board of Supervisors in October for final review and feedback, then voted on in November. RESULT: DISCUSSED-NO ACTION 2. Health and Human Services Monthly Financials Fiscal Manager Fay Strenke reviewed the monthly financials with the Board. Strenke informed that revenues are trending a little behind in a few areas but expecting increased revenues as staff vacancies are filled and services are ramped up. Purchase Services continue to go up and down based on various placements. At the Health Care Campus (HCC) in comparing year to year, revenues are trending a bit higher with salary and fringe running lower. There is an increase in the purchased services staff line as vacancies are being filled by contracted staff. Some of the basic utility expenses have gone up as well, which are out of our control. As a whole the HCC operations are in the positive. RESULT: DISCUSSED 3. Health and Human Services Board Orientation Presentation and Communicable Disease Update from Public Health As part of the ongoing Board orientation process Public Health Administrator Kelli Engen and Public Health Supervisor Laurie Diaby reviewed a power point with the Board. They highlighted the various responsibilities of a Public Health Department, the foundation of their work, and informed of the many programs run by public health and the services each of them provides. Diaby then went on to provide a communicable disease update to the Board informing of where things stand in St. Croix County with COVID-19, Monkey Pox, Influenza and Blastomycosis. Engen shared that the Blastomycosis investigation was quite a big deal here in St. Croix County (SCC). The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) came to SCC to do their investigation and outreach to try and gather additional information and data. Diaby reminded that Public Health is still providing COVID-19 testing on Mon. and Wed. mornings, as well as COVID-19 and flu vaccines on Monday afternoons. Discussion and questions followed. RESULT: DISCUSSED 4. Review of Services Provided by Health and Human Services Health and Human Services (HHS) Director Rohret reviewed the mandated services spreadsheet with the HHS Board, informing of the many services provided under the Public Health Division. Rohret discussed whether the services are mandated, the statutes connected, and the funding used to provide these services. A few Board members shared they find this format of informing about the services in each division is helpful and appreciate the information. RESULT: DISCUSSED 5. HHS Director Rohret reviewed and provided highlights from the Director's Report with the Board. Some of the areas that were highlighted are the increasing demands in several divisions and the response that has been made to address these demands. Rohret shared that the hope is to always keep children in their homes, but at times that is not the safest place for the child or their family, and the county is responsible for placing these children in the most appropriate setting. These placements are what lead to the high costs in the Purchased Services area. HHS continues to place emphasis on upstream interventions to lesson emergency or crisis situations. Rohret then provided some program updates from the various divisions including workload, policy, and staffing changes that are happening. He thanked staff for their dedication, hard work and persistence in meeting the needs of our consumers. RESULT: DISCUSSED REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Health and Human Services (HHS) Board Chair Tellijohn asked the Board Members for any requests for future agenda items. Board Members are encouraged to contact HHS Director Rohret or HHS Board Chair Tellijohn if items arise. No requests tonight. ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE Chair Tellijohn asked the Board if there are any announcements tonight. * Tellijohn shared that Supervisor Ostness has been nominated as a Human Services and Educational Steering Committee member of the National Association of Counties (NACo) * Public Information Officer (PIO) Adam Kastonek recognized the Public Health Department for the harvesting of 40 pounds of carrots from the community garden at the SCCSC for the Happy Kids Backpack program in New Richmond. He also reminded that information regarding Blastomycosis is out on the County Website @ sccwi.gov/blasto * September is Suicide Awareness month if you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the Behavioral Health Department. The direct number to intake is 715-246-8255 or contact the Suicide Hotline at 988 ADJOURN Health and Human Services (HHS) Board Chair Tellijohn called this September 21, 2022 meeting of the HHS Board adjourned at approximately 6:30 PM. DATE OF NEXT MEETING October 19, 2022 @ 5:00 PM in the Government Center Boardroom, Hudson