Health Care Center Committee

PRESENT: Arthur Carlson; Larry Volz; Linda Borleske; Tom Bychinski; Valerie McAuliffe; Jill Archambo, Administrator; Catherine Georgeson, Business Office Manager; and Katie Pope, Personnel Manager. Ron Birdd, Environmental Services Manager was present for a portion of the meeting.

  1. Called to order at 8:30 a.m. by Art Carlson. The open meeting law requirements were met.
  2. Motion by Bychinski, second by McAuliffe to adopt the amended agenda. Motion carried.
  3. Motion by McAuliffe, second by Volz to approve the minutes. Motion carried.
  4. Correspondence. Jill received letters from staff and community members in support of the Health Care Center from Paul Endres. The letters were to be read at the last County Board meeting, however were forwarded to the relevant committees instead. Copies will be forwarded to the Finance Committee. Several members of this committee commended staff on becoming involved and giving informative verbal/written comments to the County Board at the last meeting.
  5. Discussion and consideration of purchasing replacement furniture. Ron discussed the bids received for this purchase and indicated areas where replacement furniture is needed.
    Motion by Bychinski, second by Borleske to approve the expense to purchase replacement furniture. Motion carried
  6. Report on the LaCrosse, WI conference. Art Carlson reported on the WCA Convention he attended in which the future of Long Term Care was one of the items discussed. The speaker indicated tough times are ahead for facilities and numbers are shrinking. By trying different strategies and using sound financial management nursing homes can survive and continue to provide this invaluable service to their communities. Some suggestions were; establishing adult daycare programs, increasing private donations and implementing other ways of increasing revenue. We must put a high value on caring for our elderly. Hopefully things will improve in the near future.
  7. Discussion and consideration of increase in private pay rate for care. Jill discussed the need for the increase comparing our rates to other facilities in the area.
    Motion by Borleske, second by Volz to approve the increase in the private pay rate for care. Motion carried.
  8. Discussion and Consideration of possible budget related recommendation/communication to Finance Committee. Art posed the question of what they as a board could do to show support for the Health Care Center. The facility has previously made cuts in staff and operational costs. The committee needs to take a stand and support our nursing home and the staff. Not only is a valuable service provided to the county, but our nearly 175 employees have an economic impact on the surrounding communities as well. All aspects of the Health Care Center are run in an efficient, caring manner and all employees do a wonderful job. The County should be proud and supportive of the HCC. A memo summarizing these ideas will be composed and signed by our board to be sent to the Finance Committee.
    Jill shared some of the alternatives she has been looking at including outsourcing laundry and housekeeping. We have looked into starting an adult daycare program comparing services offered, rates etc. with several established programs. There is a rising need for this service in the area. The board enthusiastically supported looking further into the adult daycare area.
  9. Review and consideration of recent donations. Jill read the donations received for last month.
    Motion by Carlson, second by Borleske to approve the donations for September in the amount of $5805.00. Motion carried.
  10. Administrator's report. Jill indicated that we are purchasing smoke alarms to put in resident rooms. The Sauk County HCC Retirees will be here for lunch today. FDD Family night served about 38 guests. We will be having a Community Safe Trick or Treat here on October 26th from 1 - 3:00. Looking for donations of $50 to sponsor a resident door. Employee Appreciation is set for the 16th. One internal investigation was done and no employee misconduct was found. Our Medical Director waiver has been approved. We recently received a memorial of $2,000 in memory of Dr. Vergara which will be used to purchase a defibrillator. We have sent out 13 notices for consultant proposals which are due on October 30th. Maintenance is repairing a wall on 2EN and then will proceed with the floor replacement.
  11. Personnel Department Report. Katie reviewed the status of job vacancies and employee recruitment activities that have occurred over the past month. She also highlighted other general personnel activities. The results of the Employee Survey will be given to the Personnel Committee as soon as they compile the focus group results. Information will be shared with the HCC Committee also.
  12. Review and Approval of Vouchers/Receipts Review. Catherine reviewed the invoices and receipts for the month, highlighting items of interest.
    Motion by Borleske, second by Volz to approve the invoices in the amount of $212,501.96. Motion carried.
  13. Review and Consideration of Financial Statements. Catherine reviewed the financial statements for the past month highlighting items of interest.
  14. Business Office Report. Catherine has been busy working on the usual and customary.
  15. Next Meeting . November 6, December 4 and January 8, 2004 all at 9:00 a.m.
    Motion by Bychinski, second by Borleske to adjourn. Motion carried.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

Arthur Carlson, Chairperson