AGING AND LONG TERM CARE COMMITTEE
Monday, July 7, 2008
Lakeview Health Center – Board Room
10:00 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Roger Plesha, Ann Fisher, John Medinger, Andrea Richmond, Audrey Kader (exc/arr @10:22)
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Jerry Sebranek, Brad Pfaff, Margaret Wood
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
GUESTS & STAFF: Pam Semb, Pete Eide, Noreen Holmes, Steve O’Malley, Jim Speropulos, Wanda Plachecki, Deb Strand, Janet Loy-Minor, Cheryl Stephen
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Being a quorum was not present at 10:00 a.m., general agreement to start with agenda items that do not require committee action. At this time, introductions were made as additional Lakeview staff was present.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None requested.
AGING UNIT
Find a Ride Update – Noreen Holmes gave an update and distributed business-type cards that included the “800” phone number, as well as the statewide website that has links to various counties. She also played the radio ad “jingle” that is currently being used on two radio stations which will be expanded to other stations over time. She noted this as a regional program with the neighboring counties as well as into southwest Minnesota and northeast Iowa. Gundersen Lutheran is interested in the program as it will assist their patients in finding rides for their appointments.
Rural Public Transit Update/Shared Ride Expansion Report – Noreen noted the Shared Ride Program was expanded into the Villages of Rockland and Bangor and Town of Holland; since the expansion in mid March 2008, total of 159 rides to these three areas over 2.5 month period. A year-to-date statistical informational sheet was sent with the agenda. Gundersen Lutheran also interested in this program for their patients as it is least expensive ride next to MTU.
Volunteer Recognition Celebration – August 14th at the Baus Haus – Noreen briefly noted the upcoming Volunteer Recognition Celebration planned for August 14th; formal invitations will be sent to the committee members.
Making Medicare Work for You Presentations – Noreen noted two presentations/sessions relating to “What is Medicare” are planned for August 5, 2008, at Bethany Riverside. The morning session is geared toward health care providers and professionals and afternoon session is geared toward consumers, older adults and families. No charge and open to the public.
Fuel Escalator Clause re Mini Bus Program – Noreen noted fuel escalator clause is in the MiniBus contract, and due to fuel increases, this clause has been implemented in order to cover increased costs for gasoline.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Richmond/Fisher to approve minutes of June 9 and 19, 2008. Motion carried unanimously; Sebranek, Pfaff, Wood excused.
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Medinger/Richmond to accept the following consent agenda items:
· Commission on Aging minutes of June 3, 2008
· Transportation Coordinating Committee and Transit Coordinating Council minutes of May 9, 2008
· Ripples & Waves – Lakeview Newsletter (handed out)
AGING UNIT (cont.)
Proposal to Change name of the County Aging Unit – Noreen noted the name change of “Senior Services” in place of Aging Unit was approved by the Commission on Aging due to Aging & Disability Resource Centers as required for the new MCO; reason for change is for less confusion between regional and county services. This committee has referred this agenda item from their May and June meetings for further review and discussion. MOTION by Kader/Richmond to approve the name change of County Aging Unit to Senior Services. Noreen noted La Crosse County will be added to the beginning or end of the name – wherever most logical. Steve O’Malley suggested a resolution be considered at the next committee meeting. Motion carried unanimously; Sebranek, Pfaff, Wood excused.
UNEXPECTED “CERTIFIED PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AWARDS” FOR HILLVIEW AND LAKEVIEW
Pam Semb recently attended a Wisconsin County Homes Association Board meeting in which county homes were informed that, in addition to their expected supplemental payment, (formerly known as IGT ) county homes in Wisconsin will receive an additional payment of 17.6 million in certified public expenditure funds (CPE). For Lakeview, this means a direct care payment of $578,886 and a family care payment of $134,204 for a total of $713,090. For Hillview, the direct care payment is $430,721 and the family care payment is $111,408 for a total of $542,129. This unexpected “windfall” is great news for La Crosse county nursing homes.
RESOLUTION RE CREATION OF SUPERVISING ACCOUNT CLERK POSITION AT LAKEVIEW
Copies of the resolution were sent with the agenda; Pam distributed copies of Lakeview’s organizational chart for its Finance Dept. Due to increases in workload relating to the new Mississippi Valley Health Services (MVHS), two recently added adult family homes, CBRF, assisted living at Whispering Pines, and sheltered workshop, an additional full-time Supervisor Account Clerk is being requested. Steve noted normally new positions are considered at budget time, but due to the workload relating to MVHS, there is critical need to hire the position as soon as possible; it will require a 2/3 vote of the County Board. MOTION by Plesha/Kader to approve the resolution. Motion carried unanimously; Sebranek, Pfaff, Wood excused.
DISCUSSION RE ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING FACILITY STUDY FOR LAKEVIEW
Jim Speropulos and Steve O’Malley reviewed. There are funds in Lakeview’s 2008 budget for new boiler and HVAC work. In addition, due to age of the building, roof issues, parking lot needs, it was determined that an overall study, including architectural and engineering (two categories), needs to be done. Quotes for services were solicited and two firms selected – one for each phase. Informational; no action needed.
DISCUSSION ON MASTER PLAN AND ASSISTED LIVING FOR LAKEVIEW
Committee Chair Plesha gave a brief overview of Lakeview’s history, noting farm operation up until late 1980’s. Since that time, parcels have been sold off to various other organizations, including housing authority, school district, and to the County Economic Development Fund for a business park. He expressed his concerns for future expansion. Jim Speropulos noted 260 acres of rented farmland still remains. Pam noted assisted living and additional CBRF licensing are being discussed by Lakeview staff.
DISCUSSION ON MASTER PLAN AND ASSISTED LIVING FOR HILLVIEW
Pete noted assisting living also being looked at by Hillview staff; it needs to be cost efficient. Also looking at converting some of Carroll Heights into assisted living. Discussion by committee members relating to gaps in care, future needs, and benefit of assisted living facility next to Hillview. Again, Committee Chair Plesha suggested “what ifs” for the future.
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
Per Committee Chair Plesha, assisted living and master plans for Lakeview and Hillview.
NEXT MEETING
Monday, August 11, 10:00 a.m. at County Administrative Center.
TOUR LAKEVIEW FACILITY
Committee members and staff were invited to tour Lakeview facility.
There being no further business, Committee Chair Plesha declared the meeting adjourned at 11:14 a.m.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder