HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD MINUTES 11-07-2022
SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD MINUTES
November 7, 2022
The Grant County Department of Social Services Board meeting was called to order by Chairperson Don
Splinter at 9:00 AM. Roll Call was taken with Don Splinter, John Beinborn, Robert Scallon, Diane Nelson,
Adam Day (z), Brian Lucey (z), Tonya White (z). Also present Fred Naatz, Director, Robert Keeney, County
Board Chairman, Shane Drinkwater, Director of IT, Lori Reid, ADRC Director, LeaAnne Smith, Office &
Financial Coordinator (z), Joyce Roling, Personnel Director (z), Amanda Degenhardt, Finance Director (z),
David (z). Absent was Brandon Snyder. The meeting was found to be in compliance with the open
meeting laws. John Beinborn made a motion to approve the order of the agenda, second by Diane
Nelson, motion carried.
Minutes of September 7, 2022 meeting: Bob Scallon made a motion to approve the minutes; Diane
Nelson seconded the motion, the motion carried.
Citizen Comments- None
FINANCIAL REPORTS:
Summary of Vouchers: The board reviewed the Vouchers Accounts.
Administrative Report 2022: The 2022 DSS Management report was reviewed
Training Costs: The Board reviewed the training costs.
John Beinborn made a motion to approve the reports, seconded by Diane Nelson. The motion was
approved.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Fred stated he received a positive email from a foster parent and shared it.
ADMINISTRATION – GENERAL:
LEAN project: organizational review process/assessment of human services structure – Fred stated with
certain Department head retiring, it is being relooked at becoming Human Services; there have been a
few meetings. Fred explained right now Grant County and Iowa County are Social Services.
Targeted Safety Support Funding: Krystle Lorenz explained what the grant is and stated this is the third
year applying and receiving the grant. Krystle stated this is used for families when children are unsafe, at
risk of removal from their home and reduces trauma to children by keeping children safely in their
homes with family. These families do have to qualify under the requirements of the grant and an
assessment has to be done. The funds have been used for purchasing alcohol monitoring devices to
monitor parents drinking, there is a report received daily. It has been used to provide respite services for
kids who parents are struggling with mental health concerns and need a break and don’t have family to
help out, hygiene products, dumpsters for those families who have hoarding issues, daycare services
and gas cards. Pest control services have been provided with the grant. We have contracted with Orion
to provide safety services. This year we have received an expansion on the grant as of September 1st.
Foster Parent Grant Opportunities: Fred explained there are two opportunities to apply for a foster care
grant. Morgan and Amber are working on the first one focused on Kinship Care. The second one is for a
certain group of kids are high needs.
Diane made a motion to apply for the two foster parent grants; Bob Scallon seconded the motion, the
motion carried.
Safety Update: Fred explained front door is not locked any more as the front desk requested to unlock
the front door. They felt it was unsafe to get up and have to let people in. The glass at the front desk
will be replaced with glass at the same level as they have in the jail. Fred checked with Garry where it
was at and he said the supplier was still trying to get the glass. The Department is brainstorming as what
to do if a high risk client comes in that has threatened a worker. A couple times DSS has asked if the
Sheriff’s Department come over and search the person for weapons before seeing the worker. We were
informed they are not going to do this anymore as if someone came in and did not do something wrong
and the Sheriff searched them, they could come back and say it was an unreasonable search. If
someone comes in wanting to see a worker and would raise their voice it could be asked if a Sheriff
comes over and sit in, but Fred stated he believes there is not enough staff available for that.
Directors Report: - Fred explained he wrote to be a part of a pilot project that the state is doing to
improve interviewing skills for the workers doing adult protective services. Fred stated he received an
email that Epione nursing home in Cuba City is closing. Fred believes we have five clients who are
receiving adult protective services who reside there. Fred shared he was asked to be part of an
organizational effectiveness training. The initial training will be three hours, after that an hour a month
via zoom.
ADJOURMENT- At 10:35 AM, Bob Scallon made a motion to adjourn until December 7th, 2022, which
was seconded by John Beinborn. The motion carried, the meeting was adjourned.