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K:\Agendas and Minutes\DHS Board\Minutes\2026 DHS Board Minutes\2026-05-28\DHS Board Minutes 5-28-26 - DRAFT 1 BAYFIELD COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES BOARD MEETING EOC and Virtual Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 4 p.m. Committee Members Present: Jim Crandall, Jeff Holte, Donna Lundin, Marty Milanowski, Amy Nigbor, Sue Rosa, Jamie Tucker Members Not Present: Teri Hanson, Jeremy Oswald (excused) Others Present: Tom Croteau, Stephanie Eder, Jo Beth Gonzalez, Christopher O’Dell, Jeanine Spuhler, Brynna Watters-Moffitt, Hayley Weyers Call to order: Crandall called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Welcome and Introductions: Introductions were made. Public Comment: There were no public comments. Discussion and Possible Action: Review and Approval for the April 23, 2026, Meeting Minutes Program Presentation: Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) Program Overview by Hayley Weyers  Weyers provided a presentation to the board, providing handouts (links to handouts are included). o The Wisconsin Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) Program is a Medicaid- funded program that helps children with disabilities and their families live, grow, and thrive at home and in their communities. o As a home and community-based waiver program, CLTS allows Wisconsin to use Medicaid funds for a wide range of supports not typically covered. The goal is simple: to help children remain in their homes rather than in institutional settings, while supporting their individual needs and family goals. o Children and youth under age 22 may be eligible if they have developmental, physical, or emotional disabilities and meet functional and financial criteria. o One of the handouts introduces functional eligibility screening process, to help families understand what kinds of questions will be asked about their child. The activities of daily living, like eating, mobility, and communication, are a big part of this. (Handout P-03061 https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/library/collection/p- 03061) o At the heart of CLTS is a team-based, family-centered approach. Families partner with their local county agency and a Support and Service Coordinator (SSC), who FINAL: Approved at June 25, 2026 , DHS Board meeting. Motion by Milanowski, seconded by Rosa, to approve April 23, 2026, meeting minutes. All in favor. Motion passed. K:\Agendas and Minutes\DHS Board\Minutes\2026 DHS Board Minutes\2026-05-28\DHS Board Minutes 5-28-26 - DRAFT 2 help guide the process—from application through service planning and connection. Families bring expertise about their child, while SSCs provide knowledge of CLTS policy and available support. Together, they make decisions using Wisconsin’s “Deciding Together” approach. Deciding Together keeps service planning focused on a child’s outcomes, and what they need to live their best lives. (Handout P-02246 https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/library/collection/p- 02246) o Services are individualized and flexible, based on each child’s strengths, needs, and goals. A key strength of CLTS is continuous enrollment, which allows children to begin receiving services as soon as they are found eligible—helping families access support without long waits. There are many different services available in CLTS, which are summarized in 5 main categories: Support Services, Teaching and Skills Development, Management and Coordination, Physical Aids, and Housing Related Services. (Handout P-02570 https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/library/collection/p-02570) o CLTS focuses on what matters most:  Supporting children to be part of their families and communities  Building independence and life skills  Helping families care for their children at home o Through the Bureau of Children’s Services, which manages CLTS at the state level, there is also a quarterly newsletter that is sent to all families connected to CLTS. It helps keep everyone updated to major changes and even offers stories and successes in CLTS from across the state. (Handout All in for Kids Spring 2026 https://share.google/jd99NC3vXEn66t2Qh) o Through strong partnerships between families, counties, providers, and the state, CLTS works to ensure every child has the opportunity to live their best life in Wisconsin.  Holte asked how children are referred to the program. Weyers explained there are many ways, such as family members, other county or community programs, medical providers, etc.  Rosa asked to what extent family caregivers are supported. Weyers answered that there are some services that are primarily for caregivers that can provide training and resources to help them support their child. They are offered respite opportunities to provide a break.  Rosa asked if these are taken advantage of. Weyers stated she does not believe they are because it is difficult to find respite workers in Bayfield County.  Milwanowski asked where the children go after they age out of the program. Weyers explained that when they turn 18, they can be transferred to the ADRC if they qualify. If they do not qualify, they will still provide support until they turn 22, which is the cut- off age.  Crandall asked what the average cost is, and if there are those that would be considered “high-costs.” Weyers was no sure of the average range, but she stated that about half would be considered “high-cost.”  Croteau asked Weyers to give some examples of things that are provided to the children. Weyers explained there could be accessibility features added to homes, adaptive equipment, or even going to summer camp.  Crandall asked who determines eligibility. Weyers explained there is a functional screening process that determines if they meet the criteria. K:\Agendas and Minutes\DHS Board\Minutes\2026 DHS Board Minutes\2026-05-28\DHS Board Minutes 5-28-26 - DRAFT 3  Crandall asked how fraud within the program is dealt with. Weyers stated there are quarterly teleconferences and counties are instructed on how to spot and report fraud.  Nigbor asked how many people in the CLTS unit are functional screeners. Weyers answered that all four of the CLTS workers are and there are four in the CCS program who are also able to provide the screenings.  Crandall asked how long the program has been in existence. Weyers stated she believes approximately 20 years. Monthly Section Report: Support Services-Stephanie Eder:  Eder stated that Support Services is busy, as always. They are preparing for the yearly audit. The first is on June 17, and the second part will be in July.  They are preparing to work on the Annual Report.  Wisconsin Medicaid cost reporting has started.  Reconciliation of CLTS, B-3, and CCOP is completed.  We are currently accepting bids for the budget. Aging and Disability Services-Brynna Watters-Moffitt:  Watters-Moffitt announced they are working with Public Health to plan a senior empowerment day on June 18 from 9:30 to 2. There will be presentations on multiple topics and a demonstration for Tai Ji Quan. They are also hoping to provide a free luncheon and a Q&A for presenters and vendors.  Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15. They will be putting out pinwheels on the front lawn of Washburn City Hall. Each pinwheel represents an APS investigation. There are 116 this year.  Watters-Moffitt stated that the APS workers and ADRC workers are overwhelmed with continuous referrals. She stated there might be a need for more workers for those areas.  Watters-Moffitt announced there will be an ADRC-N meeting on June 3. The ADRC-N will be closed so that all staff can attend.  Rosa asked if the rise in APS cases is related to the lack of caregivers. Watters- Moffitt stated it might be part of the issue, but it is not the main cause. She continued that it is mostly due to self-neglect and the fear that APS will remove them from their homes.  Milanowski asked how a new hire is funded. Croteau responded that it will mostly be by county levy. Croteau and Watters-Moffitt explained that while the services they provide are mandated, the number of workers to cover these areas is not.  Nigbor stated that it has been her experience that Summer is a busy time because families come to visit and realize there is a need for APS involvement. Watters-Moffitt added that holidays are also a busy time. Economic Support Services-Jeanine Spuhler: K:\Agendas and Minutes\DHS Board\Minutes\2026 DHS Board Minutes\2026-05-28\DHS Board Minutes 5-28-26 - DRAFT 4  Spuhler stated Economic Support staff stayed busy this month continuing to provide support to households while also working on consortium initiatives and planning for upcoming program changes.  Some highlights from this month include: o Staff attended the Northern Income Maintenance Consortium all-staff meeting. During the meeting, Aaron Kalmon was recognized for the outstanding work he has been doing in his Lead Worker role for the consortium. o Two staff members volunteered to work overtime this month to help manage workload demands and keep customer service moving smoothly. o The consortium recently received positive findings from the Management Evaluation Review (MER), which is completed to ensure compliance with FoodShare program requirements. The review team recognized the consortium for strong customer service and program accuracy. We appreciate the feedback received during the review and continue to look for ways to strengthen and improve program delivery. o The Northern Income Maintenance Consortium is also gauging interest from staff for upcoming Quality Assurance Agent positions funded through Act 116 and required by DHS. These positions focus on completing detailed FoodShare and precertification case reviews, identifying errors, and providing feedback to staff to help strengthen accuracy and consistency across the consortium. These are very analytical positions and provide a great opportunity within our region. If someone from our section is selected for one of these roles, we will need to look at backfilling their current position. o I completed the final Program Services reviews for Program Year 2026 (PY26) Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). Final year- end numbers are still being finalized. o WHEAP applications continue to be processed through both Energy Services Inc. (ESI) and County staff. County processing reflected a 1% caseload increase compared to a 37% decrease for ESI. Overall, the program is currently down 5% from last year, compared to a statewide decrease of 13%. Red Cliff caseloads are down 9%. o Planning is already underway for PY27, including County processing of online applications. An additional worker is also being trained in the Energy Assistance program to help strengthen staffing coverage and program continuity. o Work has also started on collecting and compiling the data needed for the 2025 annual report.  Spuhler provided a breakdown of the WHEAP households assisted: o Total Households Applied for Energy Assistance: 691 o Total Households Paid for Energy Assistance: 615 o Total Households Paid a Crisis Benefit: 115 o Total Households Paid an HVAC Benefit: 70 o Total Households Paid a Water Conservation Benefit: 7 K:\Agendas and Minutes\DHS Board\Minutes\2026 DHS Board Minutes\2026-05-28\DHS Board Minutes 5-28-26 - DRAFT 5  Rosa asked what accounts for the statewide drop. Spuhler stated it is believed to be, in part, due to non-citizens or households with non-citizens choosing not to apply. Behavioral Health and Community Program-Jo Beth Gonzalez:  Gonzalez stated that two months into her position as Behavior Health and Community Programs Manager, she continues to deepen her understanding of the complexities surrounding behavioral health, mental health, substance abuse, and coordination with community providers. At the same time her previous parallel experience in related systems has helped provide important context and a broader perspective.  Gonzalez discussed the 988 Crisis Line, stating that Senator Baldwin is working hard to restore funding for it, and she is reaching out because we are looking for statements to help justify the funding, and/or stories that highlight the importance of it. She further discussed how often the Crisis Line was used by Bayfield County Residents.  Gonzalez discussed the Regional Crisis Line, which is provided by Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin and how many times it was utilized by Bayfield County Residents.  Some helplines that might be useful: o 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Everyone may call or text 988 or chat at http://www.988lifeline.org to speak with a trained counselor for any issue. o Veterans Crisis Line – Veterans and their families may call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat at http://www.veteranscrisisline.net to speak with a trained counselor for any issue. o HOPELINE – Everyone may text HOPELINE to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor for any issue. o Farmer Wellness Helpline – Wisconsin farmers may call 888-843-4564 to connect with a trained counselor for any issue. o The Trevor Project – LGBTQ young people may call 866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or chat at http://www.thetrevorproject.org to speak with a trained counselor at any time. o Disaster Distress Helpline – Everyone may call or text 800-985-5990 to connect with a trained counselor about stress caused by natural or human-caused disasters.  Gonzalez discussed Behavior Health Workers: o Settlement and Commitments remain steady-days vary o Voluntary outreach, check in and follow up. o Connection to resources, referrals, treatment as well BH/MH/SUD. o Great resource and support for our staff o CCS Service Array Staff o Also involved in FS and assist in OC, YJ/CPS case management  Gonzalez discussed CCS: o Four Service Facilitators (carry ~15 participant case load), one Mental Health Professional-clinical aspects and supervision o Met for our weekly staffing meeting as we continue coordinating participant care and program needs. K:\Agendas and Minutes\DHS Board\Minutes\2026 DHS Board Minutes\2026-05-28\DHS Board Minutes 5-28-26 - DRAFT 6 o The program is currently holding relatively steady at approximately 60 participants, with some natural ebb and flow, and we currently have 11 incoming referrals. (two upcoming discharges due to out-of-county moves) o We continue to evaluate staff caseloads and discuss the appropriate timing for adding an additional Service Facilitator position to support program growth and participant needs. o Contracted providers assisting with the service array also continue to remain steady, allowing for increased participant choice in rehabilitative services and supports. o Vanessa Sowl shared in a follow up comprehensive assessment for a youth that has been working with the program for a while how they know they will be ready for discharge: “I would probably feel good to know that I had people to help me along the way."  Gonzalez discussed the partnership with Avel: o Red Cliff Police Department (RCPD) expressed interest in partnership and utilization of this service for their interaction and work with the community. o In process of working that out and development of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sheriff Department and RCPD. o Hoping to meet with both as we follow up with this soon. o Avel continues to be a valuable support tool assisting law enforcement and crisis response efforts in the field.  Gonzalez discussed the collaboration with Sawyer County for the county certification process.  Gonzalez stated that CSP has 12 contracted slots, which are full at this time. There are two participants who are likely to be discharged due to relocation.  Rosa asked if there are a proportionate number of clients who reside in the southern part of Bayfield County. Gonzalez and Croteau stated that all parts of the county are represented.  Crandall asked about program changes between different counties. Gonzalez stated that for CCS, there are some differences between counties. However, there are ways to help with those transitions. Family Services-Hayley Weyers:  Weyers provided the following Family Services updates: o Continuing to implement the section’s restructuring across Child Welfare Programs. o Supervisors Melissa Berthiume (CPS County Lead) and Brittany Anderson (YJ County Lead) are settling into their new responsibilities, in addition to their existing duties within the section o Weyers is beginning to build her own foundation in the Child Welfare world. Including meeting with JoBeth Gonzalez week for ongoing mentorship and knowledge sharing. Also starting her first round of WiLearn training June 1. K:\Agendas and Minutes\DHS Board\Minutes\2026 DHS Board Minutes\2026-05-28\DHS Board Minutes 5-28-26 - DRAFT 7 o Becky Benton in Youth Justice is trying to work through the transition planning process with a few families whose youth have been placed in institutional settings for many months, sometimes years. o Elaina Majetich continues to bridge Social Worker Aid duties as well as Family Specialist. She’s also getting a couple of trainings: 1) to be a certified car seat technician for the county and 2) in additional formal strategies in providing real-time ongoing parent coaching type of services. o Elaina and Brittany also held the annual foster care appreciation luncheon on Saturday, May 23. o Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) is working through four referrals, in addition to our current 62 enrolled, case managed by the current team of Alice Wilson, Sierra Pugh, and Michelle Arganbright. o Next week, for CLTS our county will attend a hearing with an administrative law judge. This part of a parent exercising their right to appeal a decision was made. Families always have the right to appeal. As a smaller county, we don’t work through this process as often as larger counties, but appeals hearings are essentially always occurring across the state. o CLTS had an extremely successful annual file review this spring. Final results will be issued tomorrow, but initials results were already a glowing 91.6%, showing excellent compliance with program requirements. o Birth to 3 is known for being a beast when it comes to billing Medicaid and other insurance. But Ann Ehler, Technology Clerk, found a helpful breakthrough to streamline some of it, which made our contracted Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, and Speech Therapist very happy as well. o For vacancies and hires, Ivy Ray will be coming to join the section June 15th as our full-time CPS case manager. Remaining vacancies are a full- time CLTS case manager, and a part-time social worker aide.  Rosa was interested in learning more about the Foster Care Program. Croteau suggested setting up a meeting with Anderson to discuss this program. Monthly Reports: Financial: The board reviewed the financial reports and budgets. Training: The board reviewed the overnight training. Discussion and Possible Action: Consider Proposed Committee Recommendation to Appoint Jacqueline Rae-Ledin to the Aging and Disability Advisory Committee. Milanowski made a motion to appoint Jacqueline Rae-Ledin to the Aging and Disability Advisory Committee. Rosa seconded the motion. No discussion. All in favor. Motion passed. K:\Agendas and Minutes\DHS Board\Minutes\2026 DHS Board Minutes\2026-05-28\DHS Board Minutes 5-28-26 - DRAFT 8 Discussion and Possible Action: Consider Proposed Committee Recommendation to Appoint Carol Radtke, Marilyn Jenkins, and Sandy Galer to the Nutrition Advisory Committee. Other (Information Items): Staff appreciation email-Vanessa (Ness) Pierce  Gonzalez discussed this with the board. 2026 Meeting Dates: June 25, 2026 (Public Hearing) August 4, 2026 (July/August meeting) September 24, 2026 Adjournment: Crandall adjourned the meeting at 5:26 p.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Christopher O’Dell Rosa made a motion to appoint Carol Radtke, Marilyn Jenkins, and Sandy Galer to the Nutrition Advisory Committee. Holte seconded the motion. No discussion. All in favor. Motion passed.