Present: David Alderman, Norman Bickford, Bert Lund, Sharon Menke, LaVerne Sandberg, Jeff Schinzing, Chris Sybers, Laurel Stusek, Dr. Vitale

Also Present: Dan Brown, Jeanne Young, Rob Rudiger, Lois Taylor

This meeting is a Public Hearing for Health and Human Services Budget concurrent with Health and Human Services Board Meeting.

The meeting was called to order by Dave Alderman, chair, at 1:30 p.m.

There were no appearances from the public.

A motion was made by Bert Lund, seconded by LaVerne Sandberg, to approve the minutes of the July 13, 2004 meeting; motion carried. A motion was made by LaVerne Sandberg, seconded by Jeff Schinzing to approve the minutes of the August 3, 2004 meeting; motion carried.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, September 14, 2004 at 1:30 p.m.

Director's Report:

Personnel Update: The director reported one vacancy in the Economic Support unit has been filled, however, an Economic Support worker posted to the Benefit Specialist position, therefore, creating another vacancy in the Economic Support unit. A motion was made by Laurel Stusek, seconded by Norman Bickford, to authorize and recruit a replacement for the Economic Support position; motion carried.

Financial Report: Jeanne Young was present and reviewed the preliminary 2005 budget for Health & Human Services, explaining each unit's projected expenses and revenues. The budget shows no salary increases at this time until negotiations are completed. A l5% health insurance increase is projected. The Health & Human Services' budget is showing a 3.48% increase over last year's budget. The 2005 requested levy is $1,463,292 for our total agency.

A motion was made by Bert Lund, seconded by Sharon Menke, to approve the 2005 Health & Human Services proposed budget and forward the budget to the finance committee; motion carried.

Program Reports:
Aging Report: Lois reported a member of the Siren Senior Center Board called and was upset with the rumors circulating and has asked Lois to attend a meeting. NuBasics sales have been increasing. Lois is waiting for the final inspection of the Danbury Tribal Hall meal site as they have expressed willingness to negotiate senior meals.

Community Programs: Rob Rudiger reported Burnett, Washburn, Barron and Rusk Counties will be getting a 5 year $100,000 grant to improve crisis services and develop diversion options. Budget projection for the CSP will remain the same as last year; currently we are serving 26 adults. Rob distributed the "Billing for Community Support Services" policy (for non MA) and discussion followed. Suggested effective day would be December 2004 as clients will need to be informed of the billing for Community Support Services they receive. The committee suggested adding "periodic reviews and/or yearly reviews" to allow for inflation adjustments.

Children & Families: Kris Thompson had compiled information on "Children and Families Unit Programs and Services" for the Judge and a copy was sent to each committee member which was very informative. Monthly placement expenses for July were $33,923.

Home Care: The caseload is increasing.

Public Health: Jail nursing is increasing.

Long Term Support: No changes as reported.

Economic Support: The caseload is about the same. New worker training is being scheduled for persons filling the two vacancies.

A motion was made by Bert Lund, seconded by Norman Bickford to approve the vouchers in the amount of $291387.42; motion carried.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.