Health & Human Services Board Meeting
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Burnett County Government Center
Room 165

Present: David Alderman, Norman Bickford, Sharon Menke, Jeff Schinzing, LaVerne Sandberg and Dr. Vitale.

Also Present: Jeff McIntyre, Jeanne Young, Carol Larson, Ruth Tripp, Laura Warndahl-Neve, and Cathryn Sundquist.

The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by Chair David Alderman.

There were no appearances by the public.

A motion was made by Norman Bickford, seconded by Jeff Schinzing, to approve the minutes of the June 14, 2005 meeting; motion carried.

The next meeting date is August 9, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 165.

Director's Report:
Personnel Update:
Two vacancies are open in the Department at this time. One is the position of Tobacco Control Coordinator that is planned as a contracted position; the other is the Home Health Care Nurse position vacated by Joanne Susens, hourly as needed.

A motion to approve filling the Home Health Care Nurse vacancy was made by Jeff Schinzing, seconded by Norman Bickford; motion carried.

A motion to approve filling the contracted Tobacco Control Coordinator position was made by Sharon Menke, seconded by Jeff Schinzing; motion carried.

Jeff M. has asked the supervisors to submit goals to him for their units, so that he may combine them into a set of goals for the Department.

The topic of purchasing a vehicle for Departmental use was discussed; at this time, it appears to be cost-prohibitive.

A motion to approve remodeling the reception area of the Department to improve security was made by Norman Bickford, seconded by Jeff Schinzing; motion carried.

Discussion occurred regarding a plan to obtain 6 additional Departmental cellular phones; the board expressed their approval of this plan.

Jeff M. presented a resolution opposing legislation by the State of Wisconsin limiting the power of local governing boards to establish policies that control tobacco use.

Financial report: Jeanne Y. reports that the budget is still within limits despite an increase in Emergency Detentions and institutional inpatient stays. She also reported on the Department's progress integrating with the new county financial software. The 2004 annual report will be presented at the August meeting.

Community Programs: Rob Rudiger was unable to be present, so her written report was reviewed and discussed. Rob will expand on some of these topics at the next meeting.

Long Term Support: Laura reported on a protective placement that occurred due to increasingly violent behavior by the client. The client has successfully moved to a new placement.

ICF-MR clients being relocated out of state institutions have been historically under-funded in their new placements. The State is currently working on placement and budgetary plans for these clients, three of which are the financial responsibility of Burnett County. Recent revisions in the state plans have allowed the LTS Unit more time to look at appropriate placement options for these clients.

Children and Families Unit: Jeff M. discussed the Teen Court as it relates to the St Croix Tribal involvement in this process. In the absence of Kris T., the board reviewed her written report.

Jeff M. gave an update on the shared juvenile court intake position. Lance H. of the Children and Families Unit has been meeting twice weekly with Judge Gableman to discuss cases needing action. The development of additional community service projects was discussed.

Economic Support /W-2: Karla is working with Jeff M and Jeanne Y to draft a four-year plan and contract with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development for the Wisconsin Works (W-2) program.

Public Health: Carol Larson reported that her request for Professional Development has been delayed while the Personnel Committee revises the information required from employees.

West Nile Virus continues to be a concern with 5 dead birds testing positive for infection in 4 counties; fortunately this has not been in Burnett County or adjoining counties.

Environmental Health: Carol reported on the public forums that have been held regarding the Agent Status. Attendance has been low, and discussion has focused on the potential increase in fees. She will be meeting with the Tavern League to discuss the proposed changes.

Complaints have been received regarding a premise that has been a problem for several years. Some complaints are currently being handled regarding sub-standard housing and an uninhabitable home. A report of a bat bite was received, and the family started prophylaxis before testing of the animal was completed. Three reports of chipmunk bites were received and investigated.

Tobacco Control: Ruth Tripp, the current coordinator, will be relocating at the end of the contract period. The position will potentially be continued as a contracted position. The Wisconsin Wins program has reported that the minors who have participated in the compliance check program have been the brunt of some very disrespectful behavior by a small number of business owners and employees. Work continues on a new smoking / tobacco products use ordinance for all properties of Burnett County.

Aging Programs: Lois T. has been working diligently to establish a senior dining site in the Danbury area, and continues to explore several options.

A motion to approve vouchers in the amount of $ 185,871.98 was made by Sharon Menke, seconded by Jeff Schinzing; motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned.