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Home My WebLink About03-08-2024 Council on Aging and Disabilities Minutes MEETING MINUTES COUNCIL ON AGING AND DISABILITIES March 8, 2024 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 Ostness called the March 8, 2024 meeting of the COAD to order at approximately 8:30 AM. ROLL CALL Attendee NameOrganizationTitleStatusArrived Paulette AndersonSt. Croix CountyCouncil MemberPresent Paul AdamsSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent Carol HajicekSt. Croix CountyCouncil MemberPresent Cathy LeafSt. Croix CountySupervisorExcused Dave OstnessSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent Maureen BrunnerSt. Croix CountyCouncil MemberPresent Amy SchneiderSt. Croix CountyCouncil MemberExcused 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:Health and Human Services (HHS) Director Bob Rohret, Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Administrator Kristin Newton, Public Health Interim Administrator Elle Klasen (remote), Fiscal Manager Fay Strenke, and Lead Finance Specialist Lisa Shuh, ADRC Specialist Jackie Osling, ADRC Social Worker Joanne Friedell, and Kaytlin Kassens with Special Olympics WI (remote) APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Council on Aging and Disabilities Regular Meeting December 8, 2023 8:30 AM Council Chair Ostness asked if there were any corrections, additions, or deletions to the minutes. With nothing noted Chair Ostness accepted the minutes as written. RESULT: ACCEPTED PUBLIC COMMENT Council Chair Ostness opened the meeting to public comment for items on or off the agenda. No public comment today. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Aging and Disability Resource Center Financial Report Fiscal Manager Fay Strenke introduced Lead Finance Specialist Lisa Shuh, as she would likely fill in for Fay if she was out. Strenke then reviewed the monthly financials with the Council. The packet shows the numbers from Dec. 2023. There appears a negative balance in the miscellaneous revenues line, but this is actually an over collection from the selling of equipment, so is a good thing. But, in the expenses, the purchased services line shows a negative due to increased costs in food and catered meals. At year end the budget shows a negative balance of $37,000 but as of today the budget is at $3000 in the positive. Questions and discussion followed ADRC Administrator Newton shared that one van is still on order from last year, which is paid for by CIP funds. There will likely be an additional one for this year as well. RESULT: DISCUSSED 2. Communicable Disease Update Interim Public Health Administrator Elle Klasen provided a Communicable Disease update. Klasen shared some updates on respiratory diseases as well as updated Covid-19 guidance. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) changed its guidelines, due to the spreading of Covid-19 doesn't have as dire of consequences and the prevalence is also decreasing slowly. These updates are available on the county website. Regarding influenza, there continues to be an increase across WI and is quite prevalent. Be sure to continue the vigilance of covering coughs, washing hands, and staying home if you are sick. Questions asked and answered. RESULT: DISCUSSED 3. Special Olympics Wisconsin Presentation Kaytlin Kassens, Athletic Director for Regions 2 & 3 for Special Olympics Wisconsin shared information regarding Special Olympics including their mission, vision, and values. She informed on the variety of sports and events they have athletes participating in for each season. Corn Hole and Bowling are couple of the most popular. It is currently "Spread the Word" week for Special Olympics, to encourage creation of communities of respect for people with intellectual disabilities. Questions and discussion followed. RESULT: DISCUSSED 4. Independent Living Supports Pilot Program Update Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Social Worker Joanne Fridell shared information on the Independent Living Supports pilot program. This is a new program funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and is slowly getting up and running. It is f unds of up to $7200 for eligible individuals to use for independent living needs. This includes services and help that isn't covered by any insurance. It also allows people with a bit higher income to qualify for some assistance. The funds are handled by a fiscal agent, and they provide payment for the services or adaptive devices approved for the consumer. The goal is to assist in keeping people in their homes longer. So far approximately 100 people have been contacted, 56 have completely enrolled, and 20 are up and running and receiving their services. Those enrolled are very happy and appreciative for this assistance. Enrollment has been extended and will continue until the end of June. The funds will need to be spent by March of 2025. Plans are in the works to do presentations about this program at the nutrition sites in the coming months. Discussion and questions followed. RESULT: DISCUSSED 5. Introduction of new ADRC Specialist, Jackie Osling ADRC Administrator Kristin Newton introduced the new ADRC Specialist Jackie Osling. This is a new position through the budget process, and she comes with lots of experience and is a great addition to the team. Welcome! RESULT: DISCUSSED REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chair Dave Ostness asked if there were any suggestions for future agenda items. * Possibly invite teachers to this meeting to help educate them with "what's next" for youth as they transition to adulthood. ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE *Supervisor Adams asked a question about the SCC wage grid changes and how that is going with staff. HHS Director Rohret shared that it varied initially but is settling as it is being worked through. ADRC Administrator Kristin Newton informed: * The volunteer banquet is coming up on May 3rd at Ready Randy's. Invitations coming soon * Glenwood City nutrition site hired a new program manager for that site, but now another location is looking to fill their program manager position * There are a couple of upcoming openings for council members. Martha Mabis stepped down and then Maureen Brunner's term will end this April. Let Kristin know of any people you would suggest or who may be interested * The current Dementia Care Specialist, Kim Bauer has transitioned to a new position as of the end of March. Recruitment to fill the position has started with big shoes to fill * Newsletter changes are being considered involving a new vendor that prints in color, for free, and can provide newsletter digitally. They also serve other area ADRC's HHS Director Bob Rohret announced: * In January previous Public Health Officer Kelli Engen moved on from St. Croix County, which led to Epidemiologist's Elle Klasen becoming Interim Health Officer. Currently in the process to fill the position. Hope to be completed by May * Public Safety referendum is up for consideration on the April ballot * A new HHS Board member Dr. Kathleen Findley is filling the position vacated by Dr. Ahnwar * 3rd Annual Mental Health Symposium coming on May 1st 5:30-7:30 with a focus on emerging adults affected by mental health and addiction. Likely will be held @ St. Croix Central High School * 2023 HHS Annual Report coming in May and goes to the County Board in June Chair Ostness shared: * When in Madison with DHS staff he received compliments of our ADRC program and staff DATE OF NEXT MEETING April 12, 2024 @ 8:30 a.m. in the St Croix County Service Center, New Richmond. ADJOURN Chair Dave Ostness called this March 8, 2024 meeting of the Council on Aging and Disabilities (COAD) adjourned at approximately 10:05 AM.