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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-11-2023 Council on Aging and Disabilities Minutes MEETING MINUTES COUNCIL ON AGING AND DISABILITIES August 11, 2023 8:30 AM St. Croix County Service Center-Rm 171 & 172 1752 Dorset Lane, New Richmond, Wisconsin CALL TO ORDER Council on Aging and Disabilities (COAD) Chair Brunner called the Aug. 11, 2023 meeting of the COAD to order at approximately 8:30 AM. ROLL CALL Attendee NameOrganizationTitleStatusArrived Paulette AndersonSt. Croix CountyCouncil MemberPresent Paul AdamsSt. Croix CountySupervisorRemote Carol HajicekSt. Croix CountyCouncil MemberPresent Cathy LeafSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent Dave OstnessSt. Croix CountySupervisorExcused Maureen BrunnerSt. Croix CountyCouncil MemberPresent Amy SchneiderSt. Croix CountyCouncil MemberPresent Bonnie RichertSt. Croix CountyCouncil MemberPresent Nancy E. MeyerSt. Croix CountyCouncil MemberPresent Roxanne M. WakeenSt. Croix CountyCouncil MemberPresent Martha MabisSt. Croix CountyCouncil MemberExcused Others in attendance: Aging and Disabilities Resource Center (ADRC) Administrator Kristin Newton, ADRC Caregiver Support Coordinator Tara Murdzek, Finance Manager Fay Stenke, Health and Humans Services (HHS) Director Bob Rohert, Veterans Services Officer (VSO) Phil Landgraf APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.Council on Aging and Disabilities Regular Meeting June 9, 20238:30 AM Council on Aging and Disabilities-Regular Meeting-June 9, 2023 8:30 AM RESULT: ACCEPTED PUBLIC COMMENT Vice Chair Brunner opened the floor for public comment, hearing none she proceeded with the meeting. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Aging Disability and Resource Center Financial Reports Fay Strenke, HHS Fiscal Manager, reviewed the July 2023 ADRC Financial report. Discussion and questions followed. RESULT: DISCUSSED 2. Veteran Outreach Benefit Expo Veteran Service Officer, Phil Landgraf spoke to the group about the upcoming Benefit Expo event (Sept.13-14) relating Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. There will be Veteran Exhibits at the Armory in New Richmond to include Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability, VA healthcare, State of Wisconsin benefits, and outreach from multiple other VA services and other non-profits in the area. There will also be an event going at the same time at the American Legion in New Richmond. The legion will have concessions for a free will donation, breakout sessions, entertainment, as well as speakers. Landgraf also spoke about the Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT) law which was just recently passed. The new law expands VA healthcare and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, agent orange, and other toxic substances. Landgraf stated that since the passing of this PACT law they have seen an increase in Veterans coming to the office seeking services. Discussion and questions followed RESULT: DISCUSSED 3. Caregiver Support Overview Tara Murdzek, Caregiver Support Coordinator for ADRC shared an overview of the Caregiver Support programming. This program offers education, resources, and support to those living in the community caring for loved ones 60 years and older or caring for loved ones with Dementia at any age. Murdzek shared that 578,000 families are providing family caregiving at home, valued at 7 billion dollars. This is 538 million hours of care, just in the state of Wisconsin. The services that Murdzek provides to families, helps keep their loved ones in their homes longer. Murdzek shared that she offers two support groups, provides caregiver classes, and supervises the Dayaway Program. She also works closely with the Dementia Care Specialist and partners with the Western Wisconsin Health, Stepping On Program as well as plans the annual Caregiver Conference, which is Sept. 22, 2023. There are several other programs and classes offered, so if you or your family need assistance in caring for your loved one please reach out to the ADRC at 715-386-4360 or sccwi.gov to find out more about these services. Discussed and questions followed. RESULT: DISCUSSED 4. Aging Disability Resource Center Newsletter ADRC Administrator Kristin Newton gave an update regarding the newsletter. Newton informed that 4500 copies of the newsletter are mailed out each month and the ADRC is currently working to revise the mailing list. Newton stated that the public has been informed of this process via the newsletter, asking to provide their current address or to remove themselves if they wish. In 2024 the plan is to be working from the updated mailing list. Newton also shared that there are other challenges due to the location of the print service and the bulk mailing permit, as well financial and staff time concerns regarding the pickup and drop off of the newsletter. Due to this, the bulk drops to the various apartment buildings will be discontinuing. The newsletter will continue to be available at the senior centers, government buildings, libraries, and the YMCA in Hudson. The cost to do the newsletter yearly is $45,000. People receiving the newsletter are not required to pay for a subscription but there is a contribution request of $10.00. HHS Director Rohret added there is a need for being good stewards of the cost and hours put into the newsletter and we are working to compromise with the public in an efficient way. Discussed and questions followed. RESULT: DISCUSSED 5. 2023 St Croix Fair Summary ADRC Administrator Newton thanked volunteers for their time and efforts at the 2023 St. County Fair. 20 volunteers donated 137 hours staffing the building and staff used 74 hours coordinating the fair and setup. Newton also informed that there were some challenges on the final Sunday afternoon due to weather conditions and items being allowed to be taken home early, this will be addressed with the fair board. Discussed and questions followed. RESULT: DISCUSSED REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Vice Chair Brunner asked if there were any suggestions for future agenda items. *Chairman Meyer spoke about wanting to organize stories from people about the services they have received. She also informed that 1260 letters were sent out to the local Assemblymen and Senators asking for additional support for the aging programs. ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE ADRC Administrator Newton announced: The ADRC has received grant money to start a new pilot program called Independent Living Support. Jo Anne Fridell will be managing this program. This program will provide short term, flexible support to individuals that are at risk of entering Medicaid long-term care. There are 50 consumers already signed up. Supervisor Amy Roemhild is working on the Human Service Transportation Coordination Plan. The Federal Transit law requires this update, and will help coordinate transportation services for all living with disabilities or people with some type of transportation disadvantage in the community. Newton also updated the council members on some concerns shared by recipients regarding the meals at the New Richmond Senior Center. The New Richmond Senior Center has the highest amount of home delivered in the county, but has very low congregate dining. Newton stated that the food for New Richmond, Somerset and Deer Park is now being catered by Ready Randy's and she has already heard positive feedback on the food provided. Lastly, Newton shared that ADRC is currently hiring for 3 positions. They are currently looking for a Nutritional Program Manager for River Falls Senior Center, a Dayaway Coordinator and a Transportation driver for Baldwin. HHS Director Rohret shared: HHS is hoping to make a big impact on legislators regarding the need of support for ADRC and Mental Health programs. Rohret stated that work continues on the County budget as everyone tries to determine the greatest needs in each department. He shared that the ADRC has a need for a volunteer coordinator, and an Information & Assistance (I&A) Specialist. Rohret mentioned that St Croix County did receive additional tax funding through the State. This is shared revenue and will primarily go to public safety. The St Croix County Administrator Ken Witt will designate money to the county departments. Rohret will keep the COAD informed and should have more information in November after the county board approves the budget. Council Member Richert shared information regarding the North Hudson Pepper Fest. Hudson Senior Center will have a booth at Village Hall and will be selling baked goods to raise money for the Senior Center. ADJOURN Vice Chair Brunner called the meeting adjourned at approximately 9:45 AM. DATE OF NEXT MEETING September 8, 2023 @ 8:30 a.m. at the SCCSC in New Richmond.