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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD MINUTES 02.03.2021 SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD MINUTES February 3, 2021 The Grant County Department of Social Services Board meeting was held via Zoom due to COVID, with some board members appearing via zoom (z). The meeting was called to order by Chairperson John Beinborn at 9:00 AM. Roll Call was taken with Dale Hood, Greg Fry (z), Don Splinter, Lester Jantzen, Robert Scallon, Dwight Nelson (z) and John Beinborn present. Also present was Fred Naatz, Director, Robert Keeney (z), County Board Chairman, Shane Drinkwater IT Director and Garry Pluemer, Maintenance Supervisor. The meeting was found to be in compliance with the open meeting laws. Lester Jantzen made a motion to approve the agenda. Robert Scallon seconded, the motion carried. Minutes of December 2, 2020 meeting: Don Splinter made a motion to approve the November 2nd minutes. Dale Hood seconded the motion, the motion carried. PERSONNEL: Garry Pluemer updated the Board on the Community Services Building, highlighting a few issues with the tile flooring in the main lobby and some brass fitting in the plumbing. There is another crack that runs across several tiles, and Garry is tracking it to determine if the crack is changing, getting larger. He also shared that several brass fittings have developed pin hole leaks, and seem to be tied into the changed that have been made over the years in the manufacturing of them. It was discussed that with the amount of fill they used during the building of the structure, it is doubtful that the floor cracks are related to a poor foundation/support issue. Probably more related to expansion and contraction. Will continue to monitor, EPIC has indicated they will stand behind the product. Naatz presented that Michele Fishnick submitted her retirement notice, and the department wishes to refill the position. Splinter made a motion to refill, Fry seconded and the motion carried. Fry asked about the timing of rehiring, and questioned if it is an on-going position that is included in the budget, are there delays in waiting for board approval. Beinborn stated that Naatz had already approach the Chair and received approval to start the recruitment process, and this was just the formal approval. The department is not waiting until board approval to start the process. Keeney shared that there is county policy to review any position through a LEAN lens to ensure that any position is still needed. FINANCIAL REPORTS: The board reviewed the vouchers summarized in two Accounts Payable Reports, one printed 12.07.2020 and one 01.21.2021. Don Splinter made a motion to approve/accept both reports, seconded by Scallon. The vouchers were approved. The 2020 DSS Management report was reviewed, with out-of-home care expenses again being the driving expenses. Final numbers have not been entered, especially in the revenue side. It is looking like these expenses will be over budget by at least $300,000 again. Nelson made a motion to approve the Administrative Report, seconded by Fry, the motion carried. There was no training cost summaries presented. CORRESPONDENCE: None ADMINISTRATION – GENERAL: Intensive In home therapy and supervised visitation proposal – Naatz summarized the two programs, and the option of developing a local program for these services in collaboration with Unified Community Services. Jeff Lockhart indicated he would be open to pursing a joint venture. The department is looking at funding options, and has identified several funding options: The Targeted Safety Support Funds and the Safe and Stable Families being two options. Advantages of developing something internal is having more control over the services as well as not needing to fund travel costs and administrative costs of a contracted agency. Currently, contracted staff is driving from Madison area, and travel time is included in the costs. The board was supportive of the department looking into the option, and requested more detail regarding expenses and funding of the positions. 2020 Annual Report- Naatz reported that the department staff is working on the 2020 Annual Report, with the draft being completed by the end of February. The plan is to bring the draft to the March DSS Board meeting for review. Targeted Safety Support Funds 2020 Report. Social Work Supervisor Krystle Lorenz completed and submitted the 2020 report: due to the severe restrictions under the COVID protocols/requirements, we were very limited in the usage of these funds. The in-home intensive therapy program basically did not occur, as therapists were not doing face to face meetings, and it was felt that families would not benefit from a virtual offering. Out of the $51,000 award, the department only spent about $8,000 Director’s Report- Naatz shared that the department did enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the O’Rourke Dementia Stabilization Unit in Green County. Staff from several counties has been working on this for the last couple years; Green County received some grant funds to support the development of it. It will be a 6 bed CBRF, and when running, will be designated as the emergency protective placement facility for Grant County. Naatz also updated that department social workers and service support specialist were included in the 1a. Group of people eligible to receive the COVID -19 vaccine. The department is not requiring staff to receive the vaccine, and is not tracking who receives it, as at this point, the vaccine is being regarded as similar to any flu vaccine, which we do not require or track. Not sure when the rest of staff will be eligible to receive the vaccine, as the Income Maintenance staff and Support staff are currently not included in the 1b. Group. Wisconsin did add anyone 65 or older is currently eligible. CITIZEN COMMENT- None ADJOURMENT- At 10:20 AM, Nelson made a motion to adjourn until March 3, 2021, which was seconded by Splinter. Jantzen shared that the County Board room will be used during that time for another committee, and that he will not be able to attend. It was suggested we look at using the South Room at the Youth and Ag Building. The motion carried, the meeting was adjourned .