HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-17-2024 Health & Human Services Minutes
MEETING MINUTES
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES BOARD
January 17, 2024 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 January 17, 2024
meeting of the Health and Human Services Board to order at approximately 5:00 PM.
ROLL CALL
Attendee NameOrganizationTitleStatusArrived
Faisal AnwarSt. Croix CountyBoard Member-DoctorExcused
Julie SmithSt. Croix CountyBoard Member-CommunityPresent
Lisa LindSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent
Shawn AndersonSt. Croix CountyVice-ChairExcused
Cathy LeafSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent
Dave OstnessSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent
Greg TellijohnSt. Croix CountyChairPresent
Mike BarcalowSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent
Deb LindemannSt. Croix CountyBoard Member-NursePresent
Others in Attendance:HHS Director Bob Rohret, HHS Deputy Director Shar Lopez, Fiscal
Manager Fay Strenke, ADRC Administrator Kristin Newton, Interim Public Health
Administrator Elle Klasen, County Administrator Ken Witt, Public Information Officer
Adam Kastonek
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.Health & Human Services Board Regular Meeting December 20, 20235:00 PM
Chair Tellijohn informed that at the request of the originator of agenda item #3,
Ordinance Creating Chapter 41 -Local Health Officer Authority -of the St. Croix
County Code of Ordinances, it will be removed from the agenda, and it will not be
addressed tonight.
Health and Human Services (HHS) Board Chair Greg Tellijohn asked the Board if after the
review of the minutes from the Dec. 20, 2023 HHS Board meeting if any editing was
needed. With nothing noted, the minutes were accepted as submitted.
RESULT: ACCEPTED
PUBLIC COMMENT
Health and Human Services (HHS) Board Chair Greg Tellijohn opened the meeting to public
comment for items on or off the agenda.
Several community members addressed the Board regarding the proposed ordinance that
had been on the agenda but was removed.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Health and Human Services Monthly Financials
Fiscal Manager Fay Strenke reviewed the monthly Health and Human Services (HHS)
financials with the HHS Board. Strenke informed that the information in the packet is
through Dec. 2023. She shared that a significant amount of revenue dollars had been
received in the month of Dec., much of it is WIMCR (WI Medicaid Cost Report)
settlement money. Also, collections for 2023 services will continue to be received and
these revenues will be posted back to 2023 possibly through May. In expenses you will
see that there will be payroll which will still be posted back to 2023. In all it appears that
HHS will likely end the year with a negative balance.
Looking at the Health Care Campus, most things for 2023 have been included, and it
appears they will end the year with a positive amount.
Questions and discussion had regarding depreciation at the Health Care Campus.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
2. Public Health Orientation
HHS Director Bob Rohret and Interim Public Health Administrator Elle Klasen reviewed a
power point with the HHS Board as part of orientation as the Health Board. They
provided a brief history of public health from its beginnings in the 1800's, why it was
developed and how it evolved, which lead to the current St. Croix County Public Health
Department.
Discussion and questions followed.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
3. Ordinance Creating Chapter 41 Local Health Officer Authority of the St. Croix
County Code of Ordinances
HHS Board Chair Greg Tellijohn informed at the beginning of tonight's meeting that at
the request of the originator of agenda item #3, Ordinance Creating Chapter 41 -
Local Health Officer Authority - of the St. Croix County Code of Ordinances, it was
removed from the agenda and will not be addressed tonight.
RESULT: NO ACTION
4. Behavioral Health Updates
HHS Deputy Director Shar Lopez shared some updates regarding the Behavioral Health
Division. Lopez informed of the hiring of Stephanie Greier as a Behavioral Health
Supervisor and Kristen Eckman as a Behavioral Health Nurse. Lopez also shared about
the difficulty in recruiting for substance use counselor positions. When HHS is unable to
provide immediate care for substance use or behavioral health needs, they are referring
to community providers. Lopez also reviewed the current grants that they are utilizing to
support consumers with various recovery housing needs. Lastly Lopez reported on the
increasing need and complexity in the Adult Protection area. They have seen a 487%
increase in financial exploitation of the elderly from 2020-2023.
Questions asked and answered.
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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE
Chair Tellijohn recognized Dr. Anwar for serving on this committee, his service was appreciated.
HHS Director Rohret announced that Public Health (PH) Administrator Kelli Engen has
moved on from SCC. We want to thank her for her contribution to St Croix County,
especially during the pandemic when they were under a huge strain. She worked long hours
to try and protect the health and well - being of St Croix County residents. We wish her
well. With that, Rohret announced that PH Epidemiologist Elle Klasen has accepted the
position as the Interim Health Officer and PH Administrator. She has a Master of Science
degree in Public Health, has worked in many countries and shown her skills and knowledge
the last few years. She will be a good leader and is a good fit for this position. Rohret
informed that there will be recruitment for a permanent replacement starting soon.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
February 21, 2024 @5:00 PM in the Government Center Boardroom, Hudson
ADJOURN
Chair Tellijohn called this January 17, 2024 meeting of the Health and Human Services Board
adjourned at approximately 5:45.