Tuesday, August 20, 2013

8/20/13 Human Services and County Board Meetings: GO Team Public Meetings, Capital Purchases, Board Process Training

Cook County Human Services Board
Board Chair Sue Hakes and Board Members Heidi Doo-Kirk, Garry Gamble, Jan Hall, Carla LaPointe, Jerry Lilja and Bruce Martinson were all in attendance at today's Human Services Board meeting.  Also present were Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) Director Sue Futterer, Income Maintenance & Fiscal Supervisor Jan Parish, and Case Aid/Office Support Allison McIntyre were also present.  Sue Futterer introduced Jennifer Friest, the recently hired Eligibility Worker.

Committee Reports
The following committee reports were given.  For further information and more detail, contact the County Board representative on that committee.

Arrowhead Health Alliance - Sue Hakes
Arrowhead Regional Corrections - Jan Hall and Garry Gamble
Community Health Board - Jan Hall
Health Care Planning Committee - Bruce Martinson

Wilderness Chemical Dependency Outpatient Treatment Program Update
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LACD), Greg Barnier, came before the Human Services Board to present the work being done in the Wilderness CD Outpatient Treatment Program by himself and Lori Hommerding, ADC.  Barnier provided statistics of the Cook County program participants compared to the State participants, it was interesting.  Barnier also answered questions about the primary substance of abuse (alcohol), as well as use of other drugs including marijuana, hashish, opiates, synthetics, methamphetamine, and heroin.  Over the past 5 years, the Wilderness Outpatient Treatment Program is seeing an increase in clients, as well as a steady increase of female clients.

Alcohol and drug addiction has been identified by the Community Health Board as a top concern for Cook County.  The work being done by the patients and staff in this program is truly making a difference in people's lives.

July Financial Report
Income Maintenance and Fiscal Supervisor, Jan Parish gave the July Financial Report noting that the current fund balance is down to $662,305, but should be back to ~$800,000 by year end.

Director's Report, Sue Futterer
As requested by the County Board, Sue Futterer and Jan Parish provided a list of potential cuts should their budget be reduced by 5%.  The proposed cuts were painful to even consider as they negatively impact children, families and seniors.  In addition, cutting programs in mental health and home care is more likely to increase overall costs as opposed to reduce costs.  It is my personal recommendation and sincere hope that the County Board find the majority of the necessary budget cuts elsewhere.

Futterer presented the MN Department of Human Services Waiver Review Initiative. The primary goal of this Initiative is to assure compliance by lead agencies (Counties, Tribes, Managed Care Organizations) in the administration of Minnesota's Home and Community-Based Service programs.  Cook County's strengths included compliance with Federal and State requirements, case manager relationships with waiver participants and families, client-centered/friendly care and strong connections between other service providers.  Some corrective actions were required and have already been done by PHHS staff. Overall, the report was extremely favorable.

Futterer advised the Board of the impact to the In Home Support Program resulting from 245D Legislation.  Currently, the County provides training and insurance for In Home Support, as well as identifying clients in need of these services.

Futterer made the Board aware of the upcoming submission of the 2014-15 Biennial Service Agreement for the Minnesota Family Investment Program.

Futterer gave the Board an update on the Region 3 Redesign efforts for Child Support Electronic Document Management System (EDMS).

Board Action 
The Board approved a Purchase of Service Agreement between Cook County and AEOA for Home Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels) through 2013.

The Board approved a Purchase of Service Agreement between Cook County and Hill Haven for Adult Foster Care through 2013.

The Board approved the PHHS abstracts and bills.

Cook County Board of Commissioners
County Board Chair Janice Hall, along with Commissioners Heidi Doo-Kirk, Garry Gamble, Sue Hakes and Bruce Martinson were all present for today's County Board meeting.  Also present were Auditor-Treasurer Braidy Powers, County Attorney Tim Scannell, and Bev Wolke.

Public Comment
No member of the Public opted to come before the Board.

Office of Planning and Zoning (OPZ)
The Board authorized the purchase of one used semi trailer for $4500 (to replace an older non DOT certified trailer) as requested by OPZ Director and Solid Waste Officer, Tim Nelson.  This capital purchase was planned and is in the 2013 Budget.

Information Systems
The Board authorized the purchase of (14) PCs and (3) laptops as part of the long term life cycle management for IT equipment.  The PCs being replaced are between 4-8 years old. Total cost of this purchase is $17,004.91; State pricing was used.

Building Maintenance
Maintenance Director Brian Silence requested new carpet for the Assessor's Office.  After the remodel, there are gaps in the carpeting.  The Board directed Silence to wait until he knows what other spaces may need new carpet/carpet repair and then get quotes.  No decision was made on carpet repair/replacement.

Miscellaneous, Auditor-Treasurer Braidy Powers
- The Board approved the Claims.
- Powers asked the Board about attendance at the December AMC Conference so that reservations may be made.  The Conference fills up fast.

Cook County Community YMCA
Local Y Director Emily Marshall came before the Board for approval to purchase the Analog Camera System and VoIP Phone System for the new Y facility.  These purchases are part of the approved $300,000 FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment) budget.  The Board approved these purchases (4-1 Gamble opposed) and discussed what the approval process for FF&E should be.

Wade Cole of ORB Management updated the Board on the progress being made in obtaining the contract, bond, contract drawings and material orders from KBB.  He also informed the Board on progress being made with KJohnson to resolve and repair problems with the ice rink slab.

GO COOK COUNTY!
Commissioner Hakes asked the County Board to participate in the upcoming Public Meetings held by the GO Cook County Team that has been working over the past year to find ways to improve the local economy.  Hakes reported that the centerpiece of the work has been around 100 personal interviews with local businesses, as well as an on line survey in which 400 county residents participated.  The next important step is obtaining Public feedback on the survey results and analysis. Meetings are scheduled as follows:

Wed 9/4 1:00 pm Schaap Community Center (Gunflint mid-trail Fire Hall)
Wed 9/4 7:00 pm St. John's Catholic Church in Grand Marais
Thur 9/5 1:00 pm Grand Portage Community Building in Grand Portage
Thur 9/5 7:00 pm Birch Grove Community Center in Tofte

ALL ARE WELCOME & ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE in these meetings!  For more information go to:  www.gocookcounty.blogspot.com

County Board Process Training
In an effort to be more effective as a County Board Commissioner Hakes suggested the County Board seek training about Robert's Rules of Order, Public Hearings, Open Meeting Law, etc.  A motion was made and passed to ask County Attorney Tim Scannell to investigate getting some training from MCIT.

Tennis Courts
On behalf of the County Board, Commissioner Bruce Martinson sent a letter requesting the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) waive facility and hookup fees for water (and sewer if necessary) with the installation of a water fountain.  Although the water fountain will be located near the tennis courts, it may be used by any/all players and spectators of baseball, soccer, softball, etc.  Garry Gamble will represent the County at tomorrow's PUC meeting when the request will be discussed.

County Personnel Classification System
The MAT Team (County Department Heads) passed a unanimous motion at their August 12 meeting to recommend the County Board direct the new County Administrator to prioritize the research, review, and implementation of a new job classification system.  The County Board supports this.

Meeting Minutes
A copy of the final meeting minutes may be obtained by contacting Auditor's Office at 218/387-3640 or by going to the Cook County website.  A video of this meeting may be viewed by going to Boreal.TV.