AGING AND LONG TERM CARE COMMITTEE
Monday, June 11, 2007
Hillview Health Care Center
9:00 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Roger Plesha, Jim Ehrsam, Ann Fisher, Ray Ebert, Sharon Hampson, Lyell Montgomery (arr @9:22)
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Jason Gillett and Jerry Sebranek
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
GUESTS & STAFF: Pam Semb, Noreen Kuroski, Pete Eide, Mary Hennen, Wanda Plachecki, Jim Speropulos, Steve O'Malley, John Medinger, James Grenison, John Pederson, Cheryl Stephen
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Roger Plesha, Committee Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m. He noted that staff has provided food and refreshments for today’s meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Ehrsam/Fisher to approve minutes of May 7, 2007. Motion carried unanimously; Gillett and Sebranek excused; Montgomery excused.
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Ehrsam/Fisher to receive and place on file the following consent agenda items:
Motion carried unanimously; Gillett and Sebranek excused; Montgomery absent.
PUBLIC COMMENT
As members of the Citizens for Better Government, John Pederson and James Grenison addressed the committee regarding Lakeview’s budget deficit. They said it’s time relieve the taxpayers from this burden; staff and committee need to focus on private pay, downsizing, or privatization. Comments from committee members and staff in reply: (1) Supervisor Hampson noted the partnership plan with other counties and she also noted the County’s responsibility for most of these patients; (2) Supervisor Ehrsam noted the deficit and strategies have been looked at and discussed for the past 6-7 years; (3) Pam Semb noted 90% of Lakeview’s residents are court-ordered placements and if placed elsewhere, it would be more costly. Committee Chairman Plesha said this is not on the agenda for discussion so he requested comments be ended and noted this topic will be on future agendas.
UPDATE ON VOLUNTEER DRIVER ESCORT PROGRAM
Noreen Kuroski noted since May 11th, the Volunteer Driver Escort Program was contracted with Bethany Lutheran Homes/Causeway. It was a smooth change over and all is going well. Ridership is down as that was expected as some riders are not eligible and are now using the Mini Bus.
UPDATE ON SENIORCARE
Noreen noted Wisconsin federal legislators added an amendment to a federal bill relating to the Iraq war that incorporated extension/continuation of the WI SeniorCare Program. The bill was vetoed, but since has passed the legislature that included the amendment. SeniorCare is now in effect until December 31, 2009. Current members should renew their membership and new applications are being accepted. Supervisor Hampson suggested a thank you letter be sent to the WI federal legislators thanking them for their efforts in supporting the program. Committee Chairman Plesha concurred.
CARROLL HEIGHTS BLACKTOP REPLACEMENT
Pete Eide noted one bid received, that being from Mathy Construction in amount of $49,910. Supervisor Ebert asked why the County Highway Dept. did not bid. Pete said they assisted in writing the specifications for the bid; he noted it as a lot of handwork, using small machinery and maybe it was a timing issue. MOTION by Ehrsam/Ebert to approve the bid from Mathy Construction in amount of $49,910 to do Carroll Heights blacktop replacement. Motion carried unanimously; Gillett and Sebranek excused.
ASSISTED LIVING FEASIBILITY STUDY ON HILLVIEW CAMPUS
Pete noted a lot of interest in pursing an assisted living facility on Hillview campus. Hillview has contracted with Wipfli to do feasibility and market study at a cost of $12,000; results are expected back in August, 2007. This is informational and does not need committee approval based on dollar amount.
UPDATE ON 5/24/07 EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE’S JOINT COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
Pete noted the Governor has proposed a 2% increase to Medicaid. Nursing home staff and associations are hoping for more. Some discussion on the fact that over the years, $13.8 million was taken from the state nursing home fund and put in General Fund; associations are pushing for its replacement.
UPDATE ON 2005 SURVEY APPEAL – LAKEVIEW
Pam Semb reviewed noting at that time in 2005, the state issued $126,000 in fines. In the meantime, Corporation Counsel and a hired attorney appealed with good results. The fines are now reduced to $30,000. In addition, the dates of violation were reduced from 26 to 6 days. Supervisor Ebert asked the cost of the outside attorney. Pam noted between $12,000-15,000. Pam also noted corrective measures were done as well as continual quality monitoring.
UPDATE ON LAKEVIEW COLLABORATION
Steve O’Malley reviewed noting counties of Monroe and Vernon Counties have approved the concept with only Jackson County refusing. He continues to discuss with the Jackson County Board Chair with hope of changing their stand. Other highly interested counties are Crawford and Juneau. Staff and some County Board Members will continue to meet with potential counties.
APPROVAL TO PROCEED WITH BUDGETED COMMUNITY-BASED RESIDENTIAL FACILITY
Jim Speropulos and Pam reviewed. The plan is to take a portion of “A” wing at Lakeview and convert it to CBRF facility; costs to remodel range from $300,000-325,000. This committee and the County Board will decide if feasible and how to fund – bond or borrow from the General Fund. Supervisor Ehrsam questioned if portion of Lakeview facility could be used for female inmates. Discussion followed. Pam noted regulatory issue.
MOTION by Hampson/Ehrsam to authorize staff to proceed with getting bids on CBRF facility at Lakeview. Motion carried unanimously; Gillett and Sebranek excused. Supervisor Ebert requested information on all the facts to run such a facility, including costs to remodel, staffing, etc.
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA
Monday, July 9th at 9:00 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Ehrsam/Ebert to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously; Gillett and Sebranek excused. The meeting adjourned at 9:47 a.m.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder