Present: David Alderman, Mary Klar, Bert Lund, Mary Poretti, LaVerne Sandberg, Jeff Schinzing, Laurel Stusek, and Dr. Vitale
Others present: Dan Brown, Roxanne Kroells, Carol Larson, Rob Rudiger, Kris Thompson and Jeanne Young.

The meeting was called to order by Mary Poretti, chair, at 1:30 P.M.

There were no appearances by the public.

A motion was made by Mary Klar, seconded by Bert Lund, to approve the March 9, 2004 minutes; motion carried.

The next meeting will be May 11, 2004, in room 165.

Mary Poretti advised the committee a representative would need to be appointed at the May meeting to serve on the Northern Agency on Aging Board.

Mary Poretti and Mary Klar have expressed interest in serving on the Health and Human ServicesBoard as a community member if a vacancy occurs.

Director's Report:
Personnel: Dan reported Roger Carlson, Public Health Registered Sanitarian, (contracted) would begin April 19, 2004.

Financial Report: Dan reported 30-day mental health assessments are now ordered for juveniles and the assessment fees are charged to the Children & Families unit (not included in the budget). Bert Lund questioned the CSDRB (Community Services Deficit Reduction Benefit) and Jeanne Young explained the cost reporting system for Home Care. Jeanne reported the final report has not been completed but the auditor was here and agreed on the revenues. The 2003 budget should show $96,000 unspent allocation dollars. Dan reported accounts receivable were at $319,403 compared to the current $316,453 amount. We are expecting $2,047 in tax intercept money coming soon.

Program Reports:
AGING: Invitations to the Volunteer Recognition Banquet, April 22nd at 11:30 a.m. at the Siren Community Center were distributed to committee members. Brian Snow has resigned his position as Director of the Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Program effective April 9, 2004.

BENEFIT SPECIALIST: Dan stated the Benefit Specialist position is a very important position in every county. Mary Poretti stated Jean Francis should not be doing Homestead Taxes as she is receiving wages and the homestead taxes should be completed strictly by volunteers and Jean should be advising people that volunteers are available for homestead tax assistance.

CHILDREN & FAMILIES: Dan reported Children & Families Unit expenses have increased considerably in March due to the assessment charges. Without the assessment charges, the unit would be within budget. Kris Thompson was present and explained assessments are needed since information is not know about these children, what issues are a concern and the danger level to themselves or others. Children with Mental Health issues have been on the increase this year with one Emergency Detentions in January, four in February, and two in March. Winnebago charges approximately $600/day vs. the Assessment Center charging approximately $220/day. Bert Lund suggested contacting Mark Pettis and Sheila Harsdorf to suggest the county receive the difference between the costs of treatment at Winnebago vs. treatment at the Assessment Center. Neither insurance nor M.A. will cover costs of assessment costs at the Assessment Center; however Winnebago and Mendota can bill M.A. for the assessments. More treatment foster homes are needed in the county that can handle these children; we presently have one treatment foster home.

The meth problems are increasing in the county as well as increasing use in high schools. Dr. Vitale informed the committee of the problems the medical field encounters with meth users. If a person uses Meth once, they become addicted.

Rob Rudiger reported the county is looking into purchasing equipment for video conferencing which could be hooked up here in three locations. Another meeting is scheduled for May.

AODA/MENTAL HEALTH: Rob reported we are continuing to develop residential resources for adult mentally ill people; we are working with providers and quality assurance. The psychiatrist position at Northwest Counseling and Guidance has not been filled. Jill Chaffee has increased the level of training for emergency on-call staff. They have put together a manual on how to triage concerns and interface with law enforcement. Rob suggested adding a line item to the budget for mental health assessments.

HOME CARE: The admit numbers are up from January and February last year. Questions were asked as to what "DOR" is under diagnoses.

PUBLIC HEALTH: Mary Poretti stated Siren School is having a Tobacco Coalition meeting on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. They need adults to work with the kids in each school district. Laurel Stusek plans to attend the Legislative Breakfast April 19, 2004 in New Richmond and anyone planning to attend can contact Laurel for a ride. Carol Larson was present and reviewed her report. Rural Dental Health from Menomonee will be coming to Siren and Webster (K-6th grade) and will provide dental care for approximately 60 M.A. eligible kids; they will also do a clinic in Grantsburg next fall. Carol updated the committee on the Farmer's Market coming soon which will be located in the Hockey Rink parking lot in Siren. Carol expressed thanks to Mary Poretti and Mary Klar for their support and encouragement with public health programs during the years they served on the Health & Human Services committee.

LONG TERM SUPPORT: The waiting list has increased. At present, money is not available to serve more clients.

ES/W-2: The March caseload has dropped by four cases.

The "NewsBrief " brochures were distributed to committee members.

Dan stated the Wisconsin Counties Health Services Association Conference will be held at the Ho-Chunk Casino, May 5-7, 2004, at Wisconsin Dells.

A motion was made by Bert Lund, seconded by LaVerne Sandberg, to approve the vouchers in the amount of $356,949.41; motion carried.

Dan expressed thanks to Mary Poretti and Mary Klar for their dedication and support to our programs, and for their many years of service on the Health & Human Services committee.

With no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned at 3:16 p.m.