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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil on Aging-Disabilities 03-21-02ST. CROIX COUNTY NOTICE OF COMMITTE MEETING TO: Thomas Dorsey, Chairman St. Croix County Board FROM: Richard Peterson, Chairman COMMITTEE TITLE: Council on Aging DATE: Thursday March 21, 2002 TIME: 8:30 a.m. LOCATION: County Board Room CALL TO ORDER AND INTRODUCTIONS OF NEW MEMBERS ROLL CALL ADOPTION OF AGENDA DATE OF NEXT MEETING: April 18, 2002 ACTION ON PREVIOUS MINUTES INTRODUCTIONS UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Budget Concerns SAMS Update NEW BUSINESS: 9:00 Big Brothers /big Sisters -Pat Milfeldt AAA Update - Dianne Rhein Senior Farmers' Market Summary Census Data Staff Reports Site /Center Updates ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE POSSIBLE AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING: ADJOURNMENT (Agenda not necessarily presented in this order) SUBMITTED BY: Sandy Gehrmann DATE: March 7, 2002 COPIES TO: COUNTY BOARD OFFICE COUNTY CLERK NEWS MEDIA /NOTICE BOARD COMMITTEE MEMBERS COUNCIL ON AGING MEETING March 21, 2002 St. Croix County Government Center CALL TO ORDER Vice Chairman, John Mortensen, called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. ROLL CALL Members present were: John Mortensen, Dr. Glenn Hoberg, Margaret Wolske, Irene Burch, Marguerite Sumner, Carolyn Weisenburger, Mary Lou Smith, Florence Patrick, Bette Norman, and Ralph Bader. Also present were: Barb Blaisdell, Sandy Gehrmann, Tracy Davis, Sylvia Heller, Janice Thompson, Betty Jordahl, Gladys Ellefson, Donna Lamson, Karen Wells and Cindy Ahrens. Rich Peterson and Doris Teigen were excused. Introductions were made. Shirley Grinley was given a warm welcome as the new Caregiver Support Coordinator. Dianne Rhein from AgeAdvantage was also welcomed. ADOPTION OF AGENDA: A motion was made by Marguerite Sumner, and seconded by printed; motion carried. Florence Patrick to adopt the agenda as DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be held on Thursday April 11, 2002. ACTION ON PREVIOUS MINUTES A motion was made by Marge Wolske and seconded by Ralph Bader to approve the minutes as printed; motion carried. Council on Aging Page 1 07/15/02 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Budget Concerns: According to the State, 2000 and 2001 St Croix County Nutrition Program allocations had mistakenly included part of the Sauk County's allocation. A correction this year, coupled with proposed shared revenue cuts, would result in an approximate $10,000 reduction to Nutrition Program funding. There has been some indication at the state level, that St. Croix County's 2002 allocation may remain at the amount received in the two previous years. Information addressing potential loss of state shared taxes through levy allocation reductions was distributed for review. These reductions may be delayed to begin in 2003 as 2002 is an election year. St Croix County's reduction is less than most other counties in Wisconsin. All Department on Aging staff are urged to stay within allocated hours. Copies of an Op Ed /Letter to the Editor written by the Wisconsin County Executives and Administrators Association were distributed for discussion. The letter addresses the facts vs. the myths about what is really driving up the State's budget. The Governor's proposed budget repair would cut funding to human services. Cuts to county and local government will have direct and indirect impacts on the Nutrition Program. Senior Farmers' Market: Wisconsin's loss of the USDA Senior Farmer's Market Grant this year was discussed and clarified. The grant request of $612,000 was denied when the courier service delivered the grant request 22 days late. In 2001 the Department on Aging assisted West Cap in Council on Aging Page 2 07/15/02 distributing 52 $100.00 produce vouchers to qualified St. Croix County seniors. Those present were encouraged to contact the appropriate officials at the state level to voice their dismay. Big Brothers /Big Sisters: Pat Milfeldt, the St. Croix /Pierce County representative explained the various program options for pairing the "littles" in this area with caring, supportive adults. Literature and applications were distributed. As little as one to two hours per week could make a big difference in a "little" life. SAMS Update: The SAMS Program has been installed on 5 Department on Aging computers and networked on an available server. However, access to the program via these computers has been unsuccessful to date. Computer Services is continuing to work on the installation problems. This issue will remain on the agenda until resolved. NEW BUSINESS: AAA Update- Dianne Rhein: The Senate Budget Committee held a public hearing on March 20'' at the UW Eau Claire campus. Dianne Rhein testified that the proposed shared revenue budget cuts would have "direct and immediate cuts" to aging programs. Proposed cuts also include the elimination of two nursing home ombudsman positions. She reiterated that cuts would not likely begin in 2002 but in 2003. She predicts continuing troubles with the state budget over the next three years beginning 2003. She commended Wisconsin Aging Departments for doing a wonderful job on very tight budgets while recognizing the tremendous impact that any cuts would Council on Aging Page 3 07/15/02 have on these programs. The State of Wisconsin is in the process in developing an elder abuse intervention team consisting of human service, medical, legal, financial, clergy, and aging agency personnel. Training in recognizing elder abuse, including self - neglect will be provided in this area in the near future. One of fourteen cases of elder abuse is reported nationwide. Training on information and assistance will take place on April 30` in Eau Claire. Two departmental staff are registered to attend. The Center for Independent Living in coordination with 28 other agencies in the area are holding a transportation summit on June 28 at UW Stout in Menomonie. They will be examining the challenges of rural transportation. Council members with an interest in this issue are encouraged to attend this invitation only event. On May 22 a conference held by UW Stout, UW Eau Claire, and CVTC in Eau Claire hopes to educate employers on the needs of caregiver's and the elderly employees in the work place. Melinda Storey, the Interfaith Volunteer Caregiver Program Coordinator at the State level will be in Eau Claire on May 25 She is inviting people from Western Wisconsin that may be interested in applying in applying for funds from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Dianne has been appointed to a state level committee to Council on Aging Page 4 07/15/02 examine the issue of what constitutes quality services for those with dementia. Suggestions and concerns were solicited. On April 10 the Alzheimer's Association will be holding a focus group on dementia from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in St. Croix County Boardroom. The Alzheimer's Association is also on this think tank committee. Dianne has also been appointed to a state level committee that serves an advisory council on long term care and community options program issues. The results of the survey provided by the Bureau on Aging and Long Term Care revealed that the costs of prescription drugs is the number one concern of the seniors polled in this area. Though the state is still proceeding with the Senior Prescription Drug Program, funds will be limited and seniors are cautioned not to cancel any existing prescription drug coverage they may have. Summary Census Data: Copies of the informational overview of St. Croix County's older population derived from the 2000 census were distributed for review. STAFF REPO Barb's Report: The 2002 Site Transportation Route Policy, 2000 -2001 Route Stat Comparisons, and the driver's hours /rate for 2002 were distributed and reviewed and explained. A motion was made by Ralph Bader, seconded by Marge Wolske to adopt the Route Policy as presented. Following discussion on the need to record all van mileage, and to adhere to budgeted hours; motion carried. Council on Aging Page 5 07/15/02 Notices will be sent to all individual site staff, nutrition and transportation, to remind them of their regularly scheduled maximum hours per week and hourly rate of pay. Any extension to the regularly scheduled hours per week must be authorized. Extra hours for Center Board and Council on Aging need not be authorized. Barb thanked everyone for the thoughts, prayers, cards and gifts that she has received during this difficult time. The current standings in the card tournament were announced. Woodville will host the Hudson tournament on May V. Sandy's Report: The Volunteer Recognition Dinner will be held at Garfield's on April 25 . Senior Celebration will be held at the Faith Community Church in Hudson on May 9 ffi . The new Outstanding Senior Nomination Forms were distributed. The entertainment scheduled for this day was announced. The Federal policies addressing leftovers and homemade /homegrown contributions were reviewed. A fundraising request received from Metro Meals on Wheels of the Twin Cities area was shared. Several present had received similar requests. The executive director of this organization was contacted. A food package for homeless and needy people was on display. The Department has purchased ten for emergency situations. Council on Aging Page 6 07/15/02 . All site staff were encouraged to send a thank you to Melissa Weiss from WestCap for the donated turkey products. This year is the 30'' anniversary of the Federal Nutrition Program. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson extolled the success of the program. The cost of a one -year supply of home delivered meals is equal to the cost of a one -day stay in the hospital. The order of priorities as determined by the completed Bureau of Aging and Long Term Care survey completed by site personnel revealed that the cost of prescription was the number one concern. This was followed by concerns about nutrition program funding, the need for more home health, the need for more rural transportation, and the need for affordable, low cost housing. Easter cards created by the Junior Leaders of the St. Croix County 4H clubs were handed out for distribution to home delivered meal participants. SITEXENTER REPORTS BALDWIN Cards and bingo continue to go well. A Valentine's parry complete with a king a queen was held last month. DEER PARK A Valentine's Parry was held with assistance from the homemaker's club. The first card tournament held yesterday was a success. 72 card players participated. GLENWOOD CITY: The foot care clinic, cards and bingo are going well. Springfield Homemakers made centerpieces for St. Patrick's Day. A trip to the Emerald Dairy is being planned in Council on Aging Page 7 07/15/02 I April. HAMMOND /ROBERTS Special bingo prizes were given on Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day. Martha Mabis visited on March 7 t h. A trip to the Oakwood Mall in Eau Claire is planned for Saturday, March 23r Regular shopping trips to Hudson are planned for the first Thursday's and second Tuesday's of each month. HUDSON A shopping trip to Herberger's Senior Day took place on March 6 A Valentines party was held. Chair exercises and music continue. NEW RICHMOND Martha Mabis visited recently. There have been many volunteer helpers. 55 Alive class to be held on the 15 and 18 of April. Cards and bingo continue to go well. RIVER FALLS: Bette Norman shared a recent article about Rhoda Wood that was published in a Pierce County newspaper. Presently Rhoda is presently residing at the Lutheran Home. Foot Clinic was held yesterday. Cards and pool continue. SOMERSET Martha Mabis visited recently. Spring Bonnet Days was held on the 20 of this month and enjoyed by all. A lunch out at Charlie's took place in February. Another lunch out is planned for April 19 A wooden hand built wagon was donated and being raffled to raise money for the purchase of a new van. Tickets are available at the office. WOODVILLE Bingo continues. AARP tax clinic was held at the site on March 20 Participants recently visited the Woodville library to view a video created by local residents. The Disability Coalition has trips planned for May 11, May 28 June 9" and July 26 27 and the 28 t h. A motion was made by Marge Wolske , seconded by Florence Patrick, to approve the van trips for March and April; motion Council on Aging Page 8 07/15/02 f carried. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CORRESPONDENCE A happy Easter was wished to all. Ideas for future agenda items were solicited. POSSIBLE AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING: A motion was made by Marge Wolske and seconded by Florence Patrick to adjourn the meeting; motion carried. 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