HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BOARD
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Administrative Center – County Board Room
6:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Tara Johnson, Sharon Hampson, James Glasser, Anita Froegel, Margaret Wood, Jill Billings, Loren Kannenberg (arr @6:38), and Brad Pfaff (arr @8:48)
MEMBERS EXCUSED: None
MEMBERS ABSENT: Patrick Schippers
GUESTS AND STAFF PRESENT: Doug Mormann, Jerry Huber, Dean Ruppert, Pat Killeen, Jane Klekamp, Davita Molling, James Fox, Mandy Kupietz, Heather Werner, Larry Winter, Mary Ellen Prinsen, Wayde Anger, David Steinberg, Bill Adams, Harvey Geary, Ron Berg, James Steinhoff, Chris Sander, Mary Ellen Paudler, Melissa Gilbert, Heather Kujak-Coon, Steve O’Malley, WTC students: “Social Welfare Programs & Policies” (Jerry Huber’s class), and Cheryl Stephen
CALL TO ORDER
Tara Johnson, Board Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. She noted this as first meeting in which the Board is trying paperless agenda packet.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Board Chair Johnson made the following announcements:
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Hampson/Glasser to approve the following consent agenda items:
Minutes
· Health and Human Services Board of 3/6/07
· Coulee Region Public Health Consortium of 3/7/07
· Dental Care Advocacy Coalition of 2/26/07
· Health and Human Services Labor/Management of 2/27/07
· Care Management Organization Advisory Committee of 3/13/07
· Criminal Justice Management Council of 3/21/07
· Management Council of Family Policy Board of 3/15/07
· Consumer Advisory Council of 2/16/07 and 3/16/07
Fiscal
· 2007 Summary of Contract Approvals
· Vendor Audit Policy Update
· Vendor Contract Rate Increases over 2%
· Care Management Organization Fiscal Report
Department Reports
· Health Director’s Written Report
· Human Services Director’s Written Report
Miscellaneous comments and questions on some of the above items. Supervisor Billings questioned letter sent to Board Chair Johnson from the Consumer Advisory Council re Adult Family Homes. Board Chair Johnson noted it was too late to add to this month’s agenda and will include it in the May packet. Jerry Huber noted upcoming Wisconsin County Human Services Association Spring Meeting on May 9-11 in Milwaukee; information was handed out and if a HHS Board member wishes to attend, to contact his office. Doug Mormann noted Russian Scholars will be at the Health Dept. on May 22 and 24; they are learning how government operates in the U.S. Doug also noted April 25 as “Day at the Capitol; he and Sharon Hampson will be attending and others are also welcome. Motion carried unanimously; Pfaff and Schippers absent.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None requested.
BOARD EDUCATION
Policy, Practice, People of Juvenile Justice and
Continuum of Care Model in Juvenile Justice Unit - Wayde Anger, Mary Ellen Prinsen and David Steinberg gave an overview of juvenile justice in La Crosse County; this was referred from the March meeting for more clarification. Wayde reviewed 2006 statistics noting the following: 1160 referrals, 292 1st time offenders, 638 referrals were closed/dismissed, 366 on-call decisions by Social Workers and breakdown by type of offense, overall secure detention usage including bed days and average stay. Miscellaneous questions and answers. Wayde noted first priority of on-call decision is to protect the public, and next is protection of the juvenile and family members. There are limited options for placement; have been negotiating with a group home with a plan for a guaranteed bed, but that option is too costly, and foster homes also not available. Bottom line is need for additional funds for non-secure placement.
Wayde shared results of survey that is given to first-time users of the County Delinquency Unit and their experience with staff. All responses were positive and Wayde expressed appreciation of the staff.
Next, Wayde briefly reviewed current day reporting program. The first year was a learning experience for staff as there were ups and downs. There was a 79% reduction in police referrals and 21% of the youth remain crime free. In attendance, a mother and son presented their usage of the system. Both praised the program and the assistance given by JDF employees.
Board Chair Johnson asked members for input or direction. Supervisor Wood suggested optional placements. Supervisor Billings suggested the use of Carey Group; need to continually look at making it better. General agreement by HHS Board to continue in same direction. Jerry will discuss with Mark Carey various options for consultation and bring this information back to a future HHS Board meeting.
Policy, Practice, People of Laboratory – Ron Berg, James Steinhoff and Harvey Geary were present to review the usage and need of the Health Dept. Lab. Harvey works for Town of Shelby Public Works/Water Dept. He noted a crisis when one of the town wells went down due to power outage; once that happens, the DNR requires a water sample test; the event happened on a Friday and an employee of the dept. tested the sample late on Saturday in her home and the well was back up and running within 18 hours. He praised staff for offering this testing service on a weekend which would most likely not happen if it were a privately owned lab. James Steinhoff noted the importance of having a local public laboratory; not only for responsiveness but also as support for other public entities. Ron Berg distributed information regarding “Wisconsin’s Local Public Health Laboratories”.
Cost Analysis for Paperless HHS Board Packet – Heather Kujak-Coon of IT Dept. reviewed the cost analysis information as sent with the agenda. To place 11 laptops in conference room 3220, including access point and software, it has a one-time cost of $23,312; in addition software license costs at $2,002 yearly. The average cost to print and mail the HHS Board agenda packets is currently $162/month or $1,932/year. So basically there is no cost savings. There was a suggestion to view it as convenience. Other options were considered. General agreement by HHS Board members to place the Consent Agenda items on “share point”, print and distribute the other agenda items and hold the May meeting in the County Board room.
Planning for Day in the Life – Board Chair Johnson asked for input from the members. General agreement to hold the event and best optional date is May 21 or possibly June 4 as a second option. Some members shared previous positive experiences as possible options. Direction was given to staff to bring back options.
Planning for Retreat – Board Chair Johnson asked for input. General agreement to hold another Retreat and date to consider is evening of May 21, following the Day in the Life.
POLICY ISSUES
Emergency On-Call Crisis Support – Chris Sander and Larry Winter were present to review the RFP as solicited and received for the emergency no-call crisis support services. Two vendors responded which were evaluated by a 6-member team (1 parent and 5 employees). Evaluations were based on: proposal narrative & philosophy, organization capabilities, staff qualifications, evaluation/documentation, price proposal, contract revisions/program cost, and budget form request. During this evaluation process, it became apparent that one vendor (Stein Counseling & Consulting) was not qualified due to conflict of interest per Corporation Counsel. The other vendor was qualified and the review team recommends approval of Lutheran Social Services as the service provider. MOTION by Hampson/Wood to approve Lutheran Social Services as the emergency on-call crisis support provider starting April 16, 2007 through December 31, 2007 at an approximate cost of $41,750. Motion carried unanimously; Pfaff and Schippers absent.
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Model for the West Central Consortium – Dean Ruppert gave an update. Because of the large area of the 7 counties, the group is looking at having two ADRC’s – north and south. In the south, La Crosse County may be the lead entity with 3 other counties (Jackson, Monroe and Vernon). Our County employees would remain La Crosse County employees and services and staff from the other 3 counties would be under contract in order to meet ADRC performance contract from the State. A draft color-coded chart was provided in the agenda packet that showed all department relationships with the County ADRC, including identified staff/sections and each of their responsibilities. The plan for La Crosse County ADRC is to be self sufficient (no tax levy requirement). Jerry praised Dean for his lead role and many extra hours in working out the details for the West Central Consortium including the ADRC planning.
Governing Board Composition for Family Care Expansion – Supervisor Billings expressed concern of each county having equal voting rights; she noted La Crosse County having 50% of the client population and suggested weighted vote. Doug Mormann noted the one vote per county is similar to Public Health Consortium which works well. Steve O’Malley said if the weighted vote were considered, other counties may not be willing to participate in this particular consortium. Jerry Huber concurred. Discussion on the governing board makeup, noting one-fourth needs to be consumers which most likely would be a family member or guardian, as well as business representatives; there is no requirement for County Board Supervisors to be appointed.
RESOLUTIONS/ORDINANCES
Resolution Re Authorization for Care Management Organization to Adjust 2007 Budget for Space and Equipment Needs – MOTION by Billings/Glasser to approve the resolution. Pat Killeen reviewed the need for the additional space and equipment based on recent hires and client expansion; he noted currently 1,762 clients. Motion carried unanimously; Pfaff and Schippers absent.
Draft Resolution re Enabling Family Care Expansion - Copies of draft resolution were distributed. Melissa Gilbert was present to answer questions; she noted this resolution will be reviewed and hopefully finalized at tomorrow’s (4/11/07) West Central Steering Committee meeting. All counties are scheduled to bring in their resolutions during their May meeting cycle. Again, discussion on the MCO Governing Board makeup. Concern raised on the following statement within the resolution: “Except for county-specific appointees, no proposed member may serve in a voting capacity until approved by each participating county board of supervisors, county executive or county administrator, as directed under s. 46.2895(3).” Concern that it may take a long time for all counties to actually do this; there was a suggestion to consider a majority. General agreement by the HHS Board to move forward with the resolution and bring in final format for the May HHS Board meeting; any additional comments could be sent to Melissa ASAP.
Resolution re Get America’s Kids Health Insurance Coverage – Doug Mormann reviewed, noting similar resolution was approved last year but there is new legislature in place and it was recommended to resend. MOTION by Hampson/Kannenberg to approve the resolution. Motion carried unanimously; Pfaff and Schippers absent. Supervisor Hampson suggested copies be sent to other counties for them to prepare similar resolution, if they wish.
Resolution re State of Wisconsin Support for Public Health Preparedness – Doug reviewed, noting the reason for the resolution is to encourage the State to provide sufficient matching funds for public health emergency preparedness. MOTION by Wood/Froegel to approve the resolution. Motion carried unanimously; Pfaff and Schippers excused.
Resolution re Support Smoke-Free Workplace and Tobacco Tax Increase – MOTION by Glasser/Wood to approve the resolution. Board Chair Johnson offered friendly amendment to add the word “Legislation” at the end of the resolution title and to also include it in the first Whereas paragraph. Friendly amendment accepted. Motion carried unanimously; Pfaff and Schippers excused.
Doug noted attached to the resolution is a flyer and survey asking for support to increase tobacco tax by $1.25. Question is would it be considered lobbying if La Crosse County Health Dept. was noted as the return address/distributor. Doug noted per Corporation Counsel, this is not considered lobbying and OK to do. Another option was suggested that being the La Crosse Area Health Initiative group be the distributor or at least comment on the matter. Loren Kannenberg said he definitely views this as lobbying even though he agrees with the proposed tax increase. Board Chair Johnson asked Doug to take this to the next LAHI group meeting and report back to HHS Board in May.
Update on Clean Air Ordinance Hearing/Smoke Free Campus – Discussion on whether to hold a public hearing or not. Supervisor Hampson said the issue is with the parks. Board Chair Johnson noted that the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee plans to make an amendment on the County Board floor that would eliminate the parks under sections c. and d. of the ordinance. More discussion followed. MOTION by Billings/Wood to table the ordinance. Motion carried unanimously; Schippers absent. Supervisor Hampson suggested staff focus more on smoke-free workplace and enforcement of the current ordinance.
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
Board Chair Johnson requested an update on Holmen’s fluoride issue.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Committee Chair Johnson declared the meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder