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

Also Present: Jeff McIntyre, Rob Rudiger, Jeanne Young, Carol Larson, Lois Taylor, and County Supervisor Eldon Freese.

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 Jeff Schinzing, seconded by Sharon Menke, to approve the minutes of the August 9, 2005 and August 15, 2005 meetings; motion carried.

The next Health and Human Services Board meeting will be Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 1:30 pm in Room 165.

Supervisor Eldon Freese addressed the Board regarding a meeting entitled The Challenge of an Aging Society Statewide Summit which he attended regarding future population trends which are projected to have a significant impact on the need for Health and Human Services in the community, while budgetary problems continue to increase. He also expressed a need for flexibility in dealing with the changing workforce dynamics in the future.

Director's Report:
A document outlining the Departmental goals was presented to Board members for review. These goals will be evaluated quarterly, and as part of the Employee Evaluation process.

Personnel Report: The Department currently has two vacancies: a Public Health Educator / Tobacco Control Specialist, and a Home Health Care Aide. Both positions have been advertised and interviews are scheduled.

Financial Report: Jeanne Young reported that the budget remains on track as of the end of the July fiscal period. The Basic County Allocation has increased slightly due to additional state funding. The County has transferred money from the county levy to cover salary increases that have occurred.

Aging / Benefit Specialist: Lois Taylor was present to discuss gas prices and the effect that has on the Department's client transportation programs. In response to the increased gas prices, the IRS has increased the allowable mileage rate to $0.485 from $0.405. This does not change the Medical Assistance transportation rates that are regulated by the State of Wisconsin under a federal waiver. Some money is available from the Department of Transportation grant funds to supplement the Medical Assistance mileage rate for clients age 60 and over at this time.

Norman Bickford made a motion to allocate a portion of available DOT grant funds to supplement mileage rates for transportation of clients age 60 and over, Bert Lund Jr. seconded; motion carried.

Mental Health / AODA: Rob Rudiger was present to discuss the outpatient clinical needs in 2006 for Mental Health / AODA clients. Aurora Community Services, Inc. d.b.a. ACCESS, Inc, submitted a proposal to provide these services on a contract basis. Rob, Jeff and Jeanne have met to analyze how appropriately the proposal meets the needs of the Department. Some issues regarding Crisis Intervention / Emergency On-Call and the provision of Psychiatry services still remain to be negotiated.

Sharon Menke made a motion that the Department pursue contracting with ACCESS, Inc. to provide Mental Health / AODA outpatient services, Jeff Schinzing seconded; motion carried.

Rob presented information on the proposed Drug Court, which includes intensive treatment programs. She would act as the coordinator, and training is available on a national basis regarding this program.

The client utilization statistics were presented to the Board. A recent drop in utilization was noted. Emergency detention outcomes were discussed.

Children and Family Services: Kris Thompson was present to update the Board on collaborations with the St. Croix Tribe of Ojibwa. She reported many positive interactions have occurred between Indian Child Welfare and her unit. She mentioned an effort to provide a Family Support Worker that would be conversant with the cultural needs of Native American families.

Protocols have been provided to the unit on the handling of Hurricane Katrina evacuees that may come to our area. Foster care licensing has been on the increase, resulting in more choices for appropriate placement of children who must be removed from the home. The Juvenile Justice program, including the shared court intake worker, has already brought positive results.

Home Health Care: A written report was presented.

Public Health: A written report was presented. It was noted that a bat had tested positive for rabies.

Long Term Support / Birth to Three: A written report was presented.

Wisconsin Works / Economic Support: A written report was presented.

The electronic lock has been installed on the Department's main door. Access is controlled from the reception desk. The glass for the reception window has not yet been delivered.

The Department is looking into the contract with the State of Wisconsin regarding the Environmental Health / Sanitarian position.

Jeanne Young presented a variance to the approved budget regarding the Mental Health / AODA outpatient services. Changes were made to reflect the receipt of finalized state aid figures. Changes were made in the timing of the proposed equipment purchases to ease pressure on the 2006 equipment budget.

Jeff Schinzing made a motion to approve the amended budget as presented, LaVerne Sandberg seconded; motion carried.

Jeff Schinzing made a motion to approve the Department vouchers, LaVerne Sandberg seconded; motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned.