Present: David Alderman, Bert Lund, Mary Poretti, LaVerne Sandberg, Laurel Stusek, and Jeffrey Schinzing.

Others Present: Carol Larson, Laura Warndahl Neve, Rob Rudiger, Lois Taylor, Kris Thompson, and Jeanne Young.

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by chair, Mary Poretti.

There were no appearances by the public.

A motion was made by Laurel Stusek, seconded by Jeff Schinzing, to approve the meeting minutes for October 14, 2003 with the correction under Economic Support as follows: “There are pregnant women in jail with no M.A. coverage and delivery costs ‘may be’ part of the jail budget; motion carried.

The next meeting date is December 9, 2003 at 1:30 p.m.

Director’s Report:

Rob Rudiger gave the director’s report in the absence of Dan Brown due to a family medical appointment. Rob reported Dan had checked regarding private home care agencies and found that the private agencies can limit whom they serve.

Personnel Report: Carol Larson will give a recruitment update for the Environmental Health position. Betty Olson, R.N., Public Health, has resigned her position effective January 20, 2004 with her last day being January 2, 2004. A motion was made by Laurel Stusek, seconded by Bert Lund, to authorize recruitment for a replacement for this position in Public Health; motion carried.

An updated organizational chart was distributed to committee members.

Financial Report: Jeanne Young presented the Financial Report stating all units are on target. An explanation was given regarding M.A. personal care expenses in the Long Term Support Unit. Jeanne reported the Finance Committee is recommending a $10,000 reduction in the 2004 Health and Human Services budget; this decrease will be adjusted in the juvenile correction area of Children and Families Unit.

Program Reports:
Aging: Lois Taylor updated the committee on the Oliver Packaging System. She reported Chippewa County has implemented this same packaging system; clients like it much better, and it saved the county money. Lois has the distribution of food routes established and tray pick-up from the previous day is not needed. She reported the state is looking into a state purchasing plan as more counties are now interested in this system. The first year aging must commit to 32 cases but after that no minimum purchase is required. The original budget was $5000 for this system; however, the present cost is estimated at $2900. Lois stated she would like to place an order for the Oliver Packaging System. Jeff Schinzing stated for the record “this committee gives Lois approval to proceed with purchasing this system”.

Lois discussed the nutrition liquid supplements for elderly persons. The Nestle Company, Plymouth, Mn., sells “ New Basics” which can be obtained for $15.00 per case, compared to Ensure for $33.00 per case. Glytrol is available for diabetic clients. Orders placed Friday will be delivered on Monday. A mini grant is being written with a deadline of November 14, 2003, for $2500 with Interfaith Caregivers, pursuing a billboard advertisement. If the grant money is received it would pay for the printing of the advertisement and the use of the billboard would be free.

Benefit Specialist: Continues to be busy with fuel assistance.

AODA/Mental Health: Rob Rudiger updated the stat report for October with 2 IDP’s and 28 On-Calls. Dan recently attended a meeting regarding Parkview Group home (22 bed facility) going out of business in Rice Lake. There will be a follow-up meeting on Friday with Barron, Washburn, Polk, Rusk, Chippewa and Burnett counties to discuss the possibility of using that facility for social detox, screening emergency detentions etc. Rob reported one client would be coming out of Trempealeau County Health Care Center and another one is waiting to get in. Dr. Kliese from Northwest Counseling & Guidance has resigned due to health concerns so recruitment will begin to replace him.

Children & Families: Kris Thompson reported juvenile referrals are increasing. Vandalism and criminal damage seems to be the number one offense. A referral was received that a juvenile tortured and killed a cat. Kris explained the restitution procedure, the community service program and the HUGS programs.

Home Care: There were no questions on the home care report.

Public Health: Carol Larson reported there was a confirmed case (human) of West Nile Virus in Burnett County and three birds tested positive in 2003. She reported interviewing was done for the Environmental Health position with the first and second choice person declining the offer. An ad will be placed again for the Environmental Health position.

Long Term Support: Laura Warndahl-Neve reported their unit is audited every other year with the auditor spending about a week reviewing files, determining if eligibility requirements are being met, she meets with clients without worker or providers present and completes a satisfaction outcome. She meets with the auditor and they review the system, billing procedure and the auditor prepares a list by social worker when she is unable to locate appropriate paperwork in the client’s file. A “Participant Satisfaction Survey Results” report was distributed to committee members showing the results of the clients assessed. The “Burnett County Profile September 23, 2003” was also distributed. Bonnie Prazek, who is interning until spring, was introduced. Laura reported on the Loan Closet equipment (walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, commodes, etc.) that can be loaned to elderly county residents with no eligibility requirements. Donated equipment in good condition is accepted and some equipment was purchased with elder abuse funds.

W-2/Economic Support: Caseloads are increasing. The W-2 plan has been approved. The Economic Support workers have been swamped with fuel appointments.

A motion was made by David Alderman, seconded by LaVerne Sandberg, to approve the vouchers in the amount of $254,658.10; motion carried.

With no other business, the meeting was adjourned.