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

Also Present: Jeff McIntyre, Jeanne Young, Rob Rudiger,

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 LaVerne Sandberg, seconded by Bert Lund, Jr., to approve the minutes of the November 16, 2005 meeting; motion carried.

The next Health and Human Services Board meeting will be Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at 1:30 pm in Room 165.

Director's Report:
Personnel Report: Starr Warndahl continues her medical leave with Samantha Olson as a half-time temporary.

Jeff has been meeting with unit supervisors to discuss 2006 goals for the agency.

Financial Report: Jeanne Young reported on the budget as of the end of the October fiscal period. Some of the units have exhausted the available state aids and are now relying on their budgeted county levy. Overall, the Department remains within budget and some equipment will be purchased before the end of the year to take advantage of this current surplus.

Aging / Benefit Specialist: A written report was presented. A proposal has been made to cut back one day per week of the daily routes to deliver meals, although participants will continue to receive the same number of home delivered meals weekly.

Mental Health / AODA: A written report was presented. Rob Rudiger was present to discuss outpatient services. Access has obtained a suite at Southwinds Center and has a phone number. Northwest Counseling is referring clients to Access.

The drug court planning commission has not yet replied to our request to participate.

A recent meeting on combating methamphetamine use resulted in information regarding additional resources that are available in the area.

The State has identified an under-served adolescent population in the area of AODA treatment throughout the state, and is working to address this issue.

Mental Health agencies are working to receive a grant to provide additional crisis services, and response to suicidal individuals.

Children and Family Services: A written report was presented.

Home Health Care: A written report was presented.

Public Health: A written report was presented.

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

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

Jeff discussed the need for a credit card for the Health & Human Services department. Jeff Schinzing made a motion to approve the Department obtaining a credit card with a policy to limit charges to $300 or less per occurrence with charges to be paid in full monthly; Norman Bickford seconded; motion carried.

Long term care reform was discussed. This is a state sponsored initiative to reduce waiting lists for long term care services, or provide at least some services to these clients while they remain on the waiting list. Burnett County is joining a consortium with eight other counties to study the Department's involvement in Long Term Care redesign.

The State has proposed an initiative to coordinate all Medicaid transportation within the Northwest region. North Country Independent Living has been interested in transportation issues and may be involved in discussions on this program.

Jeff discussed the Environmental Health / Sanitarian position for Burnett County. Because of the county hiring freeze, the Department is unable to hire for this position. The position is currently contracted, and notice has been received that funding from the State will end on December 31, 2005 rather than continuing through 2006 as was previously planned.

Kris Thompson was present to discuss collaboration with the tribe on child welfare issues. One family situation has been of particular concern, and a meeting is planned with a member of the tribal court to discuss it.

Crystal Bock was present to discuss the Burnett County Clean Air Policy. The intent is to replace the current Ordinance 99-41 with this policy. Dr. Blaise Vitale made a motion to approve the Burnett County Clean Air Policy as written; Jeff Schinzing seconded; after much discussion, motion passed with Norman Bickford, Bert Lund, Jr. and Christopher Sybers opposed.

Norman Bickford made a motion to abolish Ordinance 99-41 Clean Indoor Air Ordinance; LaVerne Sandberg seconded; motion passed with Christopher Sybers opposed.

Norman Bickford made a motion to approve the monthly payment vouchers; Bert Lund, Jr. seconded; motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned.