HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BOARD
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Administrative Center – Room 3220
6:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharon Hampson, Jill Billings, Tammy Gamroth, Margaret Wood, Dr. James Glasser, David Trapp, Robert Erickson, Loren Kannenberg (arr @6:35)
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Bill Brockmiller
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Huber, Doug Mormann, Dean Ruppert, Jane Klekamp, Sara Koopman, Al Graewin, Mary Ellen Prinsen, Connie Eide, Fran Hegenbarth, Sue Conard, Gary Ingvalson, Steve O’Malley, Cheryl Stephen, news media
GUESTS PRESENT: Ann Quinlisk, Jodi Widuch, John Burgess, Jeanne Meyer, Arthur Sexhauer, Gustave Sexauer, Ann Kappauf, Carri Kolmen, Judi Zabel, Jennifer Manderfeld, media
CALL TO ORDER
HHS Board Chair Sharon Hampson called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
September County Board Action – No action required by the County Board.
Need for Coordinated Community Health Education at All Ages – At the request of HHS Board Member David Trapp, an article from the Wisconsin Medical Journal (2008 Vol. 107, #3), entitled “Public Views on Determinants of Health, Interventions to Improve Health, and Priorities for Government”, was included with the agenda packets. Mr. Trapp noted the effects of social and economics on health issues and the importance for continued health education. Jerry Huber noted an additional handout from The Open Minds Circle, entitled “The Market Effects of Parity” relating to behavioral health and social service field.
Board Members Report on Conferences/Meetings/Workshops – Board Chair Hampson noted public meetings are taking place relating to the search of a permanent location for the women’s community-based housing; this involves many agencies and citizen members; held two meetings thus far. Plan to tour four available homes on October 10th at 4 pm and another meeting is planned for October 14th at 6:30 pm HHS Board Members are welcome.
Western Wisconsin Cares Managed Care Organization Open House 1407 St. Andrew St., Vernon Room, October 7th from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
John Burgess, Director of Family & Children’s Center and Co-Chair of Family Policy Board, distributed copies of letter addressed to the HHS Board on behalf of the Family Policy Board, signed by Rose Mary Boesen (United Way), Jodi Widuch (Family Resources), Ann Quinlisk (Domestic Violence Intervention Project), and John Burgess (Family & Children’s Center). The letter encourages continued funding for families and children prevention programs. For 30 years, Mr. Burgess has been a part of the human services delivery system and noted its importance, including the array of community agencies; question is, who should pay for these services. If there is local support, this enables better support from state and federal agencies. He encouraged continued support of the four agencies that are losing County funding support.
Jeanne Meyer (Stepping Stones) – noted it as a prevention program vital to the community in so many ways; children need safe places and structure; it’s an investment in our children and our children are our future.
Ann Quinlisk (DVIP) – This program relates to domestic homicide prevention; have not had an intimate partner homicide in the County since 1999, so something is working; not so true for comparable sized counties. The program brings in over $300,000 in grant dollars.
Ann Kappauf (New Horizons) – From Jan.-Sept. 2008, provided shelter for 847 nights; in addition provide food and clothing, assistance in housing, employment, medical, etc. The shelter as provided is usually their last resort for help.
Carri Kolmen (Boys & Girls Club/Hamilton School Project) – For 2007, served approximately 5,000 children; thus far for 2008, seeing attendance growing. Need community support in order to receive support from state and federal agencies.
RESOLUTIONS/ORDINANCES
Ordinance to Repeal and Recreate s. 11.53 to be entitled “Elimination of Smoking in All Workplaces and Public Places, including Restaurants and Bars (100% Smoke-Free)” of the General Code of La Crosse County, Wisconsin – Doug Mormann briefly reviewed, noting the Analysis Page (cover page) spells out the purpose of the ordinance. The main purpose is to protect the public health and welfare by prohibiting smoking in public places and places of employment and to guarantee the right of non-smokers to breathe smoke free air. The ordinance will apply to all public places and places of employment within the unincorporated areas of the County; the 4 Villages and 2 Cities are exempt and need to enact their own ordinances. MOTION by Glass/Wood to approve the ordinance as presented.
Some HHS Board Members spoke in favor while Supervisor Erickson spoke against noting freedom of choice. Supervisor Wood noted the Aging & Long Term Care Committee at their Monday meeting unanimously voted to have Lakeview Health Center exempt. MOTION by Billings/Erickson to table the ordinance for 30 days. Supervisor Billings noted the timing is not good; currently too many items on County Board agenda, such as 2009 budget, ambulance service, women’s community-based facility, LEC project. Al Graewin noted the ordinance was reviewed with officials of the villages and cities including a request for them to enact similar ordinance. Motion failed on 2 to 6 vote; Billings-yes, Erickson-yes, Hampson-no, Wood-no, Gamroth-no, Kannenberg-no, Glasser-no, Trapp-no, Brockmiller excused.
General agreement that more information is needed from Lakeview and from Corporation Counsel. HHS Board Member Kannenberg questioned if it is enforceable and by whom. MOTION by Billings/Erickson to amend by removing (8)(b): “In outdoor seating or serving areas of restaurants and within 20 feet thereof” – as stated under Prohibition of Smoking in Outdoor Areas. Supervisor Billings expressed concern for small coffee shops who offer seating outdoors. Pointed out that this would then relate to restaurants. MOTION FAILED on 4 to 4 vote: Billings-yes, Erickson-yes, Kannenberg-yes, Wood-yes, Hampson-no, Glasser-no, Trapp-no, Gamroth-no; Brockmiller excused.
MOTION by Billings/ (no second) to refer for 30 days. Board Chair Hampson did not accept noting it as same motion as previously made (to table for 30 days).
MOTION by Billings/Kannenberg to amend by removing (7)(a): “All private and semi-private rooms in nursing homes” – as stated under Prohibition of Smoking in Enclosed Residential Facilities. Motion carried on 6 to 2 vote: Billings-yes, Kannenberg-yes, Wood-yes, Gamroth-yes, Erickson-yes, Trapp-yes, Hampson-no, Glasser-no; Brockmiller excused.
MOTION by Billings/Erickson to amend by removing (5)(j): “Health Care Facilities” – as stated under Probibition of Smoking in Enclosed Public Places. Motion carried on 6 to 2 vote: Billings-yes, Kannenberg-yes, Wood-yes, Gamroth-yes, Erickson-yes, Trapp-yes, Hampson-no, Glasser-no; Brockmiller excused.
Doug questioned the applicability of (4) as it may relate to nursing home/health care facilities exemptions. It reads: “Application of Section to County-owned facilities. All enclosed facilities, including buildings and vehicles owned, leased or operated by the County of La Crosse shall be subject to the provisions of this Section.” Suggestion to have Corporation Counsel check this out as well as any other areas in the ordinance that relates to nursing homes/health care facilities exemption. Board Chair Hampson suggested a special HHS Board meeting prior to the start of the County Board meeting on October 16th. At that time, HHS Board could review more information from Lakeview and Corporation Counsel, and possibly consider additional amendments or reconsider those already approved. Original motion as amended carried on 7 to 1 vote: Erickson-no; Brockmiller excused. Discussion on effective date of ordinance; noted that it usually occurs after date of publication.
Resolution re Acceptance of Safe Havens Grant – Jerry Huber reviewed. Human Services and DVIP collaboratively applied for a federal Safe Havens Grant; received confirmation that the grant will be awarded in amount of $366,078.57 for the period October 1 2008 through September 30, 2011. The scope of the grant is to expand existing safe exchange services of children for parents who are in situations involving domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. Human Services plans to contract out the planning and implementation phases of the grant to DVIP and Family Resources. MOTION by Wood/Glasser to approve the resolution. Motion carried on 7 to 1 vote; Erickson-no; Brockmiller excused.
BOARD EDUCATION
Ideas to Shorten HHS Board Meetings
Discussion on the above considerations/suggestions. Jerry noted Human Services and Health are two of the largest departments of the County so seems reasonable to have lengthier meetings. Most board members did not like the 6:00 p.m. start time; while others suggested meetings not longer than two hours. General agreement that board education is beneficial; general agreement to do one education session per month alternating between the two departments; another suggestion is to have department information included in the agenda packets and staff should not reiterate the same information at the meeting; need to eliminate duplication. Discussion on putting a time limit on policy decisions; noted that some take longer than others. Board Chair Hampson will do her best to include appropriate and adequate timeframes.
POLICY ISSUES
2009 Budget
Discussion on Alcohol Prevention Program – Jerry and Al Graewin met with the director and Task Force group of the Medical/Health Science Consortium. Jerry had previously offered $15,000 be taken from the amount given to Coulee Council on Addiction (they would receive $15,000 less for 2009). The $15,000 would then be used for the Health Educator position as part of the prevention treatment block grant that would maintain the coalition work with Medical & Health Science Consortium. This funding would be temporary, while the consortium seeks grants from other sources. MOTION by Billings/Wood to recommend to the County Board that $15,000 be taken from the 2009 Alcohol Prevention budget in Human Services, in particular from the Coulee Council on Addiction, and given to the Medical/Health Science Consortium to cover cost of the Health Educator position. Motion carried on 4 to 3 vote: Billings-yes, Wood-yes, Trapp-yes, Hampson-yes, Kannenberg-no, Gamroth-no; Erickson-no; Glasser abstained; Brockmiller excused.
MOTION by Glasser/Wood to recommend to the County Board the allocation of $25,000 from the Health Dept. Undesignated Fund Balance to be used toward the 2009 dental health initiative/services. Motion carried on 7 to 1 vote: Erickson-no; Brockmiller excused.
Doug noted additional revenue in amount of $5,000 per a contract with UW Colorado for doing additional mosquito research. MOTION by Glasser/Wood to approve the addition of $5,000 in revenue for 2009 Health Dept. Vector Control budget. Motion carried unanimously; Brockmiller excused.
A subgroup of HHS Board made up of Board Chair Hampson and Supervisors Billings & Wood, including staff, reviewed the four prevention programs in which funding was eliminated, those being: (1) Boys & Club/Hamilton School Project, (2) Stepping Stones/Family & Children’s Center, (3) Domestic Violence Intervention Project (DVIP), and (4) New Horizons. After much discussion, debate and the need to make a difficult decision, the subgroup decided to prioritize; general agreement to recommend funding from the Human Services Undesignated Fund Balance for DVIP as it’s very important to the community relating to domestic abuse advocacy and coordination; and as a 2nd priority is New Horizons as needed shelter for domestic violence victims. The two remaining prevention programs (Boys & Girls Club and Stepping Stones) are under the umbrella of other state and national agencies. Mary Ellen Prinsen noted all funding for these prevention programs was intended as donations and not meant to be long term; due to budget constraints, cuts needed to be made. MOTION by Billings/Kannenberg to recommend to the County Board the 2009 funding of $25,071 to DVIP from the Human Services Undesignated Fund Balance. Motion carried on 6 to 2 vote; Glasser-no, Erickson-no; Brockmiller excused.
At this time, Jane Klekamp distributed copies of memo that she sent to County Administrator on October 3, 2008, in which she explains her request to eliminate the Community Service Program Coordinator position. She noted the scope of community service has changed since the closing of the Huber facility in 2005. The purpose of the program was intended to reduce bed days which saves jail costs. Reduced bed days for 2005 were 4,000 as compared to estimated 300 for 2008; the Community Service Program Coordinator position is no longer cost effective and she recommends the oversight be done by multiple Justice Sanctions staff, including the agencies that are receiving the benefit of community service. The County Administrator and Personnel Dept. will assist the individual to possibly find work in another area. Informational. In addition, the County Administrator made a suggestion for Justice Sanctions to consider a 1-year celebration for their graduates as well as staff recognition; could possibly be a fundraiser.
Jerry briefly noted some issues with transition of CMO to Western Wisconsin Cares. There are some affiliated court related costs that may become County expenses, those relating to Watts Reviews and Corporate Guardian; there is conflict as to who is liable for payment; working with the State to resolve.
DIRECTORS REPORTS
Health Dept. Written Director’s Report
Human Services Written Director’s Report
Board Chair Hampson asked for questions or concerns. Doug noted rabies vaccine is difficult to get; he asked for assistance and support of the board – possibly via a legislative resolution; state and federal health boards are working on the same issue. Board Chair Hampson requested that if a County resolution is pursued, to include the Legislative Committee as part of the committee process.
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Wood/Kannenberg to receive and file the following Consent Agenda items. Motion carried unanimously; Brockmiller excused.
Minutes:
· Health & Human Services Board of 9/9/08
· Coulee Region Public Health Consortium of 9/3/08
· Aging & Disability Resource Center of Western Wisconsin Advisory Board of 8/26/08
· West Central Consortium Steering Subcommittee of 8/13/08
· Criminal Justice Management Council of 9/17/08
· Criminal Justice Management Council Executive Committee of 9/10/08
Fiscal:
· October 2008 Vendor Contract Approvals
· Vendor Audit Policy Update
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
None requested.
NEXT REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
Tuesday, November 4th at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Glasser/Kannenberg to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously; Brockmiller excused. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Disclaimer: the above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next board meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder