Commission on Aging

Commission on Aging December 7, 2022 Multi-Purpose Room, Commission on Aging Call Meeting to Order: Diane Albrecht called the meeting to order at 1:00 PM. Members Present: Diane Albrecht; Rod Adams; Paula Dubiak; John Hein; Ga il Helmert: Donna Hrdina; Sandra Rizzi; Cindy Wojcik, Joyce Peterson Members Absent: none Other Attendees: Jenn Viergutz, Commission on Aging; Amber Fallos &Kari Leech BRI Approve Minutes: Hein moved to approve the minutes of the November 9, 2022, meet ing; Seconded by Helmert. Ayes 8/ Nays 0. Motion carried. Approve Agenda: Rizzi moved to approve the agenda with 12 items; Seconded by Wojcik. Ayes 8/ Nays 0. Motion carried. Review/Approve New Committee Member Recommendation: Four applicants applied for the vacant position left by Richling. Interviews were held last week by a subcommittee. The Subcommittee would like to recommend Joyce Peterson to fill the vacant seat. Adams moved to approve Joyce Peterson to the open seat on the Commission on Aging Committee. Seconded by Hrdina. Ayes 8/ Nays 0. Motion carried. Aging & Disability Resource Center Update: The ADRC will be seeking a new auditor as the current auditor resigned. They will be looking into longevity increases for employees under 5 years. Office needs a computer and printer. Public Input: Amber from BRI stated they are now serving over 150 people. Their in-home care program for seniors is currently on a wait list only. She stated they are starting to feel the effects of the staffing shortage and are looking to recruit more employees. Next year will be their 50 th Anniversary Celebration of being in our community. Award Contracts for Provision of Meals in 2023: Viergutz reviewed by site the current rate verses the bid received. After much discussion the awards are as follows. Gilman: Dubiak moved to award the Gilman site bid to BRI, second by Wojcik. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Jump River: Helmert moved to award the Jump River site bid to Jump River Community Center, second by Adams. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Stetsonville: Dubiak moved to continue the current practice of cooking on site at the Stetsonville Senior Dining Center, second by Adams. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Goodrich: Hein moved to award Lynn’s Catering the Goodrich si te, second by Adams. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Rib Lake : Adams moved to accept the proposal from Lynn’s Catering for the Rib Lake site, second by Hein. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Westboro: Peterson moved to accept the proposal from Lynn’s Catering for t he Westboro site, second by Helmert. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Medford Site: Peterson moved to accept the proposal from BRI to provide meals to the Medford Senior Dining Cente r without the delivery fee. Jenn to discuss with site manager to make arrangements to pickup meals from BRI. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Medford home delivered meals : Hrdina moved to accept the proposal from Lynn’s Catering for the Medford Home Delivered meals second by Peterson. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Delivery of the meals will remain unchanged by contracting through BRI. Director’s Report: As of January 1, 2023 we will no longer have funding to support carryout meals. A loophole around this is if an individual wanted to take a carryout meal home, they could come to the site with their own containers and they could be served. It is a possibility that we would be able to come up with a price for the carryout containers at the sites. Family Health Center (FHC) has donated plenty of Covid test kits and will be distributed to all of the sites. There will be an upcoming training/discussion regarding Deterra m edication disposal kits that we may be able to obtain for our sites and home bound participants. Stetsonville will host Christmas Party next Tuesday with Stetsonville e lementary students singing. Dinner and a movie next Wednesday in Medford. Review/Approve Monthly Director & Other Expenditures: Dubiak moved to approve the monthly Expenses totaling $34,516.45 and Director’s Expenses of $107.19. Seconded by Hein. All Ayes. Motion carried. Other Business: none Next committee Meeting: The next meeting of the Commission on Aging will be Wednesday January 11 at 1:00 pm , in the Multi-purpose room. Adjournment: With no further business, Hein moved to adjourn the meeting; Wojick seconded. All Ayes. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 2:12 pm Secretary, Paula Dubiak Jenn Viergutz, Director Commission on Aging November 9, 2022 Multi-Purpose Room, Commission on Aging Call Meeting to order: Albrecht called the meeting to order at 1 PM. Members Present: Diane Albrecht; Rod Adams; Paula Dubiak; John Hein; Gail Helmert; Donna Hrdina; Sandra Rizzi; Cindy Wojcik Members Absent: None Other Attendees: Jenn Viergutz and Barbara Koch, Commission on Aging; Amber Fallos an d Kari Leech, Black River Industries (BRI). Approve Minutes: Helmert moved to approve the minutes of the Oct ober 12, 2022, meeting; Seconded by Hrdina. Ayes 8 / Nays 0. Motion carried. Approve Agenda: Wojcik moved to approve the agenda with 10 items; Ada ms seconded. Ayes 8 / Nays 0. Motion carried. Aging & disability Resource Center Update: Dubiak stated that two positions have been filled. Beth Ann Rekowski has accepted the position of Dementia Specialist. She was at the Senior Health Fair. Jessica Camp bell has accepted the full -time position for ADRC Specialist. She is finishing her training before accepting clients. Public Input: Amber Fallos from BRI stated they have been extremely busy and now serve over 150 clients. One of the new services they are providing is bus service to Merrill as that facility closed. Good news on the horizon: one of the three buses they ordered through the 5310 Grant is now in production and should be arriving soon. Though BRI is currently meeting the needs of the individuals/community they serve, they are looking for drivers. Starting wage is $15/hr without a CDL license and more with a CDL license. Director’s Report: • Viergutz provided an overview of the Senior Health Fair held October 21, 2022. She stated they believed over 400 community members and vendors came to the health fair, and they also served meals to over 300 people. Many people, vendors included, filled out the survey with many positive comments. We are looking to implement a few changes for next year from both staff and participant comments. • Viergutz also gave an overview of the meal Bid Process currently taking place along with the dates that were pertinent to the process. This will be discussed at our next meeting. Hrdina asked questions about what they bid o n, and Viergutz provided clarification for the board. • She also gave an update on the C ommittee member replacement. A notice was posted on our FB page as well as an ad in The Star News. Deadline is 11/15/2022. • Viergutz also proved a Nutrition Update. She s tated that we served 36,300 meals in the county from 1/1/21 to 12/31/21; this includes carry-outs, home -delivered, and congregate meals. She also reminded the committee that the sites were closed for a good portion of that period. The meal cost tool was co mpleted and sent to GWAAR. The cost for the upcoming year is based on the totals from 2 021. The report showed the following costs: carry-outs - $10.54; home-delivered - $12.18; and congregate - $10.43. These amounts are more in line with the current national average. • On the horizon is a Vaccine Clinic co -sponsored by the Health Department an d Taylor County Human Services set for 11/26/22, focusing on the Hispanic community. Information was provided to the committee members following their questions. Along with this, there is training taking place for the plain community, one for providers and one for community members. Viergutz stated these tie into the diversity part of the Aging Unit Plan, so we serve the whole county and not just parts of it. Review/Approve Monthly Director & Other Expenditures: Helmert moved to approve the monthly Expenses totaling $36,911.29 and Director’s Expenses of $ 167.92. Seconded by Rizzi. Ayes 8 / Nays 0; Motion carried. Other Business: Adams asked about the Deer Hunting meal an d Viergutz stated the themed meal will be at the Stetsonville site on 11/17/22. All people are to wear orange or camouflage items. Activities will be part of the theme. She also stated that Dinner and a Movie was going well after a question concerning tha t was asked. Viergutz stated that the pat rons select the movie for the following month. They are also served popcorn during the movie, just like at the theater. Next Committee Meeting: The next meeting of the Commission on Aging will be December 7, 2022, at 1 PM. Adjournment: With no further bu siness, Dubiak moved t o adjourn the meeting; Hrdina seconded. Ayes 8 / Nays 0; Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 1:28 PM. Taylor County Commission on Aging October 12, 2022 Medford Public Library – Large Conference Room Call Meeting to Order: Albrecht called the meeting to order at 1 PM. Members Present: Rod Adams; Diane Albrecht; Paula Dubiak, John Hein; Gail Helmert; Donna Hrdina; Marney Richling; Sandra Rizzi; Cindy Wojcik Members Absent: None Other Attendees: Jennifer Viergutz and Barbara Koch, Commission on Aging Approve Minutes: Adams moved to approve the minutes of the September 14, 2022, meeting. Seconded by Rizzi. 9 Ayes/ 0 Nays. Motion carried. Approve Agenda: Wojcik moved to approve the age nda with 13 items; Hrdina seconded. 9 Ayes/ 0 Nays. Motion carried. Aging & Disability Resource Center Update: Dubiak stated that all training was completed. She provided clar ification on the different options with the ADRC given to her by GWAAR representative. Viergutz commented that the Dementia Care Specialist position was filled, and the candidate was undergoing training. Viergutz also stated that the o pen position of ADRC Specialist was also filled, and the candidate will be on site starting October 26th. Public Input: None Committee Membership: Richling stated this will be her last meeting as she now lives outside Taylor County. She stated she is looki ng for someone to f ill her vacant position for the committee to interview. Her term ends in 2024. A dams moved to fill vacant position effective 10/13/2022. Seconded by Wojcik. 8 Ayes/ 0 Nays/ 1 Abstention. Motion carried. Senior Health, wellness & Safety Fair Planning: The health fair is scheduled for October 21, 2022, from 9 AM to 1:30 PM. Viergutz stated that almost all things are in place. Just working on last minute items. She provided information on the booths and stations available. She informed the committee on the pr omotional items done for the health fair . The committee members offered assistan ce for the day of the Health fair. Hrdina moved to approve closing the COA office from 8 AM until 3 PM during the health fair. Seconded by Richling. 9 Ayes/ 0 Nays. Motion carried. Albrecht stated she wanted a phone number for people to reach the office on the notice with the office closure. Senior dining Meal Bids: Viergutz reported on the process needed. She stated has scheduled a meeting with the GWA AR representative on the issue coming up. A discussion from the questions from committee members ensued. Director’s Report: • Nutrition Update: Still looking for a substitute manager for the Gilman site. A small amount of advertising is being done to fill th is position. Oktoberfest at the Stetsonville site was a success. Many people attended and enjoyed the me al and festivities. A big thank you to Rod Adams for assisting at the site. The Fall Color Tour will be held on Thursday October 13, 2022. Looking to do the Fall Color Tour ear lier next year. Viergutz stated that ideas are in the works for Thanksgiving and hunting season meal themes. • Senior Health Fair: Discussed earlier in the meeting. Albrecht asked about volunteers wearing name tags. Viergutz stated she would investigate this. • Health Promotion: We sponsored ten openings in the “Eat Smart, Move More, …” of which nine openings are filled. Viergutz stated that one of the sessions has already started on October 10th. The next session is due to start November 7th and we anticipate filling the last opening. • Transportation Update: Viergutz stated that Tran sportation committee met and approved an increase in the price of the bus fare. The last increase was 2009. The committee also approved for flexibility for the 5th Friday of the month. Currently, the 5 th Friday involves a trip to Appleton, but with the app roval from the committee, which is subject to change to offer a variety of destinations. Viergutz also stated the Transportation Committee also approved the purchase of a minivan for the transportation program when the number of riders is low or do not have mobility issues to aid in the reduction of fuel costs. Review/Approve Monthly Director & Other Expenditures: Dubiak moved to a pprove the monthly expenditures. Seconded by Wojcik. 9 Ayes/ 0 Nays. Motion carried. Other business: Dubiak asked for a newsletter mailing update. Viergutz described the process. Richling provided statement to add postal requirements to the newsletter. Viergutz also stated that they are struggling with delivery drivers for the Stetsonville area. She stated she and Jenny Coleman are working together to deliver the meals on the routes. Next Committee Meeting: the next meeting of the commission on Aging will be November 9, 2022, at 1 PM in the Multi-purpose Room. Adjournment: with no further business, Adams moved to ad journ the mee ting; D ubiak seconded. 9 Ayes/0 Nays. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 1:48 PM. Barbara Koch Commission on Aging TAYLOR COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING Wednesday, September 14, 2022 – 10:00 A.M. Multi-Purpose Room, 845 E. Broadway Ave., Medford, WI 54451 Members Present: Adams; Albrecht; Dubiak; Hein; Helmert; Richling; Rizzi; Wojcik; Hrdina Members Absent: None Also Present: Jenn Viergutz and Barbara Koch, Commission on Aging. Meeting called to order by Chairperson Albrecht at 10:02 A.M. Approve Minutes: Motion by Rizzi, 2nd by Hein to approve the Minutes of the Taylor County Commission on Aging meeting of August 10, 2022. Ayes – 9; Nay – 0; Motion carried. Approve Agenda: Motion by Hein, 2nd by Wojcik to approve the agenda with 11 items. Ayes – 9; Nay – 0; Motion carried. Aging & disability Resource Center Update: Questions had come up w ith Taylor County going on its own and not being partnered with any county for the ADRC. Dubiak and Helmert provided information that it recommended at this time to continue with the combining of the ADRC of both Taylor and Forest Counties. Public Input: Adams asked if the Finance Co mmittee approved the substitute site manager for Stetsonville. Viergutz stated the site manager was approved. COA 2023 Budget : Motion by Adams, 2nd by Dubiak to approve 2023 COA Budget. Ayes – 9; Nay – 0; Motion carried. Director’s Report: • Transportation: o Software: Use of the software is going well. Used about 50% of the time. Looking at adding Meals on Wheels in the future. o Rider Code of Conduct: As of September 1, 2022, we started enforcing the “Rider Rules of Conduct.” Viergutz provided the committee a recount of incident on September 2, 2022, and the outcome of the incident. BRI was informed of incident and provided the outcome , as well as Transportation Committee Chair, Mike Bub. • Nutrition Update: o Nutrition Site Assessments: According to Pam VanKampen from GWAAR, these are do ne every three years. S he will be here in November to conduct our assessments. o Site Manager Training: The Fall session will be starting. A virtual part will be completed here at the multi -purpose room with individual in -person training conducted. o Nutrition Advisory Council: Next meeting is set for September 22, 2022, at the Jump River nutritional site. This is the second attempt to restart this since Covid closed the sites down. T he council is made up of representatives from eac h dining site and a representative from home-delivered meals. o Rib Lake Event: John Hein will be providing music at the Rib Lake nutr ition site on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, during the meal. Partici pants for the meal are encouraged to eat at the site. o Oktoberfest – Stetsonville Site: On October 11, 2022, G eorge Dums will be providing entertainment. Jean is working on the menu. o Dinner and a Movie – Medford: This will be on September 21, 2022. The movie will be Grumpy Old Men. o Meal Cost Tool – Awaiting information to finish this but should be completed by the end of the week. o Stetsonville MOWs – A delivery person on the Stetsonville rout e is needed. Looking into a radio ad, a Facebook post, and a possi bility of having a local business sponsor a route for a specific day(s). • Senior Health Fair: The senior Health fair will be on Friday, October 21, 2022. Nestle will provide the meal and ente rtainment. We currently have over 20 booths/vendors scheduled. For the informational sessions, the Medford Police Department will provide information on scams and Aspirus Hospital will provide information on signs of a stroke. The health department will have flu shots available. Masks will be available for attendees. • Health Promotion: Powerful Tools for Caregivers instructors need recertification, so we are working on that. Also, we have 10 spots open for a 15-week session starting October 10, 2022. Clien ts will meet weekly online with a Registered Dietitian. COA will cover the $235 fee per participant. Review/Approve Monthly Director & Other Monthly Expenditures: Following a review and discussion a Motion by Adams, 2nd by Hrdina to approve the monthly August COA expenditures of $61,228.71. Ayes— 9; Nays— 0. Motion carried. Other Business: The next meeting of the Taylor Count y Commission on Aging will be October 12, 2022, at 11:30 AM in the COA Multi-Purpose Room in Medford. Adjournment: With no further business, Motion by Adams, 2nd by Wojcik to adjourn at 11:52 AM. Ayes— 9; Nays— 0. Motion carried. Barbara Koch, Accounting Specialist Commission On Aging TAYLOR COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING Wednesday, August 10, 2022 – 10:00 A.M. Multi-Purpose Room, 845 E. Broadway Ave., Medford, WI 54451 Members Present: Adams; Albrecht; Dubiak; Hein; Helmert; Richling; Rizzi; Wojcik; Hrdina Members Absent: None Also Present: Jenn Viergutz and Barbara Koch, Commission on Aging. Meeting called to order by Chairperson Albrecht at 10:00 A.M. Approve Minutes: Motion by Hein, 2nd by Helmet to approve the Minutes of the Taylor County Commission on Aging meeting of July 13, 2022. Ayes— 9; Nays— 0. Motion carried. Approve Agenda: Motion by Adams, 2nd by Rizzi to approve the agenda with 13 items. Ayes — 9; Nays —0. Motion carried. Aging & disability Resource Center Update: Dubiak and Helmet stat ed they attended a meeting at the end of July. The room in the COA building is “on hold” now. It was decided it would meet the needs it was intended for. A candidate is being sought to fill the Dementia Specialist position. Public Input: Board member Rich ling inquired about activities for the over 60 group . Viergutz provided information about the funding of these activities and is loo king into this in the future as current funding does not allow for this with the grants and monies currently in use. She stated she wanted to target active groups of seniors and will be looking at avenues to make this happen. Substitute Site Manager Request: Motion by Hein, 2 nd by Hrdina to approve a substitute site manager for Stetsonville and Gilman . Ayes – 9; Nay – 0; Motion carried. Viergutz stated county employees cannot t ake time off for vacations and sick leave and this will allow us to keep the site open. She stated she was seeking a casual employee to allow for staff to take their vacation days or sick days without having to close the site down due to unavailability of staff. Review of Aging Unit Plan: This is a three-year plan that needs to be r eviewed yearly to determine if the goals are progressing as stated in the plan , and if not changing them to reflect this. A video and verbal presentation was given: the focus area she was looking at was Title III -B program. Committee members enquired about some of the changes and clarification of changes was given. COA Logo: Motion by Helmert, 2nd by Dubiak to approve the second logo option for use. Ayes – 9; Nay – 0; Motion carried. Two options were provided to be voted on. Director’s Report: • Nutrition Advisory Council: The nutrition advisory council did not hold their recent meeting due to not having a quorum present. The meeting was resched uled for September 22, 2022, in Jump River. Viergutz stated one member from each site sits on the council. • Star News Article: Viergutz stated a correction article was printed and explained in the newsletter. She informed the committee on approaches about this in the future. • Stetsonville Home-Delivered Meals: Viergutz stated this was started in June and was being tried for three months at three days/week. It is going well with two of the three days being covered by volunteers. This is keeping the cost of the service down presently. • GWAAR 3-year Assessment: Viergutz stated we are due this . She wants to touch base with sites on an informal basis. Inspections, fire drills, basic first aid, and severe weather are subjects to discuss. • Transportation Software: This has started bein g used. The iPad s are with IT to be programmed. As soon as those come back from IT, they will be given to the BRI drivers for them to obtain their schedules. Our office has also been testing the group voice messaging feature in preparation for winter. Review/Approve Monthly Director & Other Monthly Expenditures: Following a review and discussion a Motion by Hein, 2nd by Richling to approve the monthly June COA expenditures of $35,815.94 and the June Director’s Expenditures in the amount of $ 16.66. Ayes— 9; Nays— 0. Motion carried. Other Business: Wojcik stated she didn’t receive her committee packet in the mail. Her address was confirmed. Rizzi stated that the Little Store needs newsletters. Viergutz stated she would see to it that some were delivered. Set Next Meeting D ate: The next meeting of the Taylor County Commission on Aging will be September 14, 2022, at 11:00 AM in the COA Multi-Purpose Room in Medford. Adjourn Meeting: With no further business, Motion by Wojcik, 2nd by Helmert to adjourn at 10:55 AM. Ayes— 9; Nays— 0. Motion carried. Barbara Koch, Accounting Specialist Commission On Aging TAYLOR COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING Wednesday, July 13, 2022 – 1:00 P.M. Multi-Purpose Room, 845 E. Broadway Ave., Medford, WI 54451 Members Present: Adams; Albrecht; Dubiak; Hein; Helmert; Richling; Rizzi; Wojcik Members Absent: Hrdina Also Present: Jenn Viergutz, Barbara Koch, Commission on Aging and Emily Gojmerac, reporter for the Star News. Meeting called to order by Chairperson Albrecht at 1:00 P.M. Approve Minutes: Motion by Adams, 2nd by Rizzi to approve the Minutes of t he Taylor County Commission on Aging meeting of June 1, 2022. Ayes—8; Nays—0. Motion carried. Approve Agenda: Motion by Dubiak, 2nd by Wojcik to ap prove the agenda with 11 items. Ayes—8; Nays—0. Motion carried. Aging & disability Resource Center Update: Dubiak provided an updat e on the ADRC. Looking for a person for a part-time position to do home visits mostly, but some office work will be needed. They are looking to use a room in th e COA building that is currently a storage room belonging to the ADRC. Public Input: None Catering Request: Motion by Adams, 2nd by Hein to approve the $ .50/meal increase to begin July 1, 2022, through the end of the catering contract from Lynn’s Catering out of Rhinel ander, WI due to rising inflationary costs of supplies and fuel. Roll Call Vote: Adams-yes; Albrecht-yes; Dubiak-yes; Hein-yes; Helmert-yes; Richling-yes; Rizzi-yes; Wojcik-yes. Motion carried. Director’s Report: • Accounting Position Updat e: Barb Koch was introduced to the committee as the new Accounting Specialist. She began Monday, July 11, 2022. • Senior Health Fair Update: It is being held at the Medford Senior High School on Friday, October 21, 2022, from 9 AM to 1:30 PM. Nestle is donat ing funds for th e meal and entertainment. Entertainment is being provided by Red Higgins from 12:30-1:30 PM. • Nutrition Update: Viergutz stated she will be starting up the Nutrition Advisory Council again on July 26, 2022 . This will be their first meeting s ince Covid. They will be meeting quarterly. The Advisory Council is made up of a representative from each nutrition site and a representative from home delivered meals. They will be reviewing Bylaws and expectations at their first meeting. Viergutz also stated that she will be attending the summer nutritional director’s training in Arcadia on August 3, 2022. • Transportation Update: Viergutz stated they will be having their meeting in a month or two. Items for discussion are a vehicle, ridership, and schedules. Already approved is the transportation software that will be used in the next month. It wil l he lp greatly with scheduling, sending invoices and receiving payments. It comes from Rochester, MN. There is the possibility to add MOW (home services) to this at some point. • Taylor County Health Department: Working with a member to obtain a new logo. Working to clean up the Facebook page. Also starting soon again is the Health Promoti on. We received monies from Title 3D an d this money will be used to provide in-person health promotion classes. Also looking into an online program that we will register p eople for, but it can be done in the privacy of their own home. Review/Approve Monthly Director & Other Monthly Expenditure s: Following a review and discussion a Motion by Hein, 2nd by Helmert to approve the monthly May COA expenditures of $35,030.59 and the May Director’s Expenditure s in the amount of $98.72. Ayes—8; Nays —0. Motion carried. Other Business: Richling questioned if Viergutz was still on the Board of Directors for BRI, as it could be viewed as a conflict of interest. Viergutz explained that this was discussed when she took the position. Court Council state d it would be okay for her to continue the Board of Directors for BRI, however, Viergutz voluntarily resigned her board position. Set Next Meeting Date: The next meeting of the Taylor Count y Commission on Aging will be August 10, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. in the COA Multi-Purpose Room in Medford. Adjourn Meeting: With no further business, Motion by Hein, 2nd by Wojcik to adjourn at 1:45 P.M. Ayes—8; Nays—0. Motion carried. Barbara Koch Accounting Specialist, COA TAYLOR COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING Wednesday, June 1, 2022 – 1:00 P.M. Multi-Purpose Room, 845 E. Broadway Ave., Medford, WI 54451 Members Present: Adams, Albrecht, Dubiak, Hein, Helmert, Hrdina, Richling, Rizzi, Wojcik Members Absent: None Also Present: Jenn Viergutz, Michelle Brehm, Commission on Aging and Amber Fallos, Black River Industries, Emily Gojmerac, The Star News Call Meeting to Order: Chairperson Albrecht called the meeting to order at 1:01 P.M. Approve the Minutes of the May 11, 2022: Hein moved to approve the minutes of the Taylor County Commission on Aging meeting of May 11, 2022 as corrected; second by Adams. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Approve the Agenda: Dubiak moved to approve the agenda with fourteen items; second by Helmert. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Aging & Disability Resource Center Update: The Dementia Specialist vacancy in Taylor County remains open. Office space is still needed. A large part of the position involves home visits away from the office , bu t an office base is necessary. Options at the courthouse and multi-purpose building are being considered. Public Input: Director Amber Fallos reported BRI has hired 10 summer help employees and is fully staffed. A new summer program for children ages 13-21 with disabilities will be offered this summer. The program focuses on recreation and independent living skills. Over 5,000 annual reports were m ailed with the S tar News Shopper. BRI is hoping to reach seniors in their homes needing help and make them aware of services offered. Election of Officers: Dubiak nominated Hein as Vice Chairperson, second by Richling. Richling nominated Dubiak as Board Secretary, seco nd by Hein. Hein moved to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot, second by Adams. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Approve Nutrition Policies: Director Viergutz reviewed Nutrition Policies and Proced ures for Frozen Meals, Waiting Lists for Home Delivered Meals, Home Delivered Meal Test Trays, Dining Site Meal Reservations, Carry Out Meals, Staff and Guest Meals and Counting and Depositing Money at Senior Dining Centers. Following discussion, Richling moved to approve Nutrition Policies and Procedures as corrected, second by Wojcik. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Home Delivered Meal Driver Reimbursement Rate – Action Required: Director Viergutz stated she would like to increase the mileage reimbursement rate for home delivered meal drive rs to the federal r ate of $.58 per mile as an incentive to retain drivers. Currently volunteer drivers receive $.50 per mile reimbursement. Wojcik moved to match the IRS mileage reimbursement rate, currently $.58 per mile for home delivered meal drivers, second by Helmert. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Temporary Home Delivered Meals Contract – Action Required: Director Viergutz asked the committee to approve a temporary home delivered meals contract with Black River Industrie s to deliver meals in the Stetsonvil le area. Current ly, the Programs Specialist delivers meals two days per week and is out of the o ffice between 2 and 3 hours per day. With current staff vacancies this will create a hardship in the COA office. Fallos stated BRI is willing to assist with mea l delivery until the COA is fully staffed. Following discussion, Adams moved to contract Stetsonville meal delivery with Black River Industries, two days per week at a cost of $21.00 per hour and $.74 per mile for 3 mon ths and revisit at that time, second by Hrdina. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Director’s Report: - Gilman Update: As of May 23 rd, Black River Industries has been providing meals to Gilman. Feedback from participants regarding meal quality has been good. - Nutrition Update: Meal temperatures hav e improved and a re in range. Meals will be tested monthly going forward. Site Managers participated in a training by Pam Van Kampen from GWAAR on May 20th. - Transportation Update: Director Viergutz stated she is collab orating with Po lk County regarding t he purchase of b us and volunteer driver software approved for purchase by the Transportation Committee. - Accounting Position Update: Applications will be accepted for the position until June 16 th. Currently two appl ications have b een received. Larry Brandl, Taylor County Accountant will be present for interviews. Review / Approve COA and Direc tor’s Monthly Expendi tures: Following review and discussion, Adams moved to approve May COA Monthly Expenditures in the amo unt of $34,286.18 and April Director’s Expenditures in the amounts of $ 129.94; second by Hein. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Other Business: None Set Next Meeting Date: The next meeting of the Taylor County Commission on Aging will be July 13th, 1:00 P.M. at the Multi-Purpose Room in Medford. Adjourn Meeti ng: With no further business, Hein moved to adjourn; second by Hrdina. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Meeting adjourned at 1:58 P.M. TAYLOR COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING Wednesday, May 11, 2022 – 1:00 P.M. Large Conference Room, Medford Public Library, 400 N. Main Street, Medford, WI 54451 Members Present: Adams, Albrecht, Dubiak, Hein, Helmert, Richling, Wojcik Members Absent: Hrdina, Rizzi Also Present: Jenn Viergutz, Michelle Brehm, Commission on Aging and Amber Fallos, Black River Industries Call Meeting to Order: Chairperson Albrecht called the meeting to order at 1:01 P.M. Approve the Minut es of the April 13, 2022 : Dubiak moved to approve the minutes of the Taylor County Commission on Aging meeting of April 13, 2022; second by Adams. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Approve the Agenda: Wojcik moved to approve the agenda with 13 items; second by Richling. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Aging & Disability Resource Center Update: Dubiak reported time reporting was higher last month. Numbers had recently been down due to new hires still learning their roles. A part-time Dementia Specialist has been hired in Forest County but the position in Taylor County remains vacant. This in part is due to no available office space fo r the position. The ADRC rents the c urrent office space from Taylor County for $800 per month. The ADRC is working with building and gro unds to find a location for the position. Public Input: Director Amber Fallos reported that BR I continues to grow and serve senior s. Requests for supportive home care and transportation services continue to increase. Currently BRI is fully staffed with 87 employees. Discussion regarding FTE’s within Department and Request to Fill Accountant Position: Michelle Brehm’s last day with Commission on A ging is June 8 th. Director Viergutz had considered moving the position to a .75 status and increasing the Program Specialist position to full time but after discussion with the County Finance Manager agreed to keep positions as they are. Following discussion, Hein moved to approve filling the COA Accounting Specialist position as it is currently 1.0; second by Helmert. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Change in Gilman Caterer: The Gilman IGA gave notice they wi ll no longer prepare and deliver mea ls to the Gilman Senior Center after May 20th. After reaching out to several local options in t he Gilman area, Director Viergutz presented the board with three options to provide meals to the Gilman Site: - Long Shot at Miller Dam: $17.30 per meal delivered - BRI: $6.77 per meal plus $75.00 per day delivery (averages out to $10.52 / meal) - Stetsonville Dining Site: Approx imately $6.00 per meal but the challenge is transportation of the food to Gilman. Staff would also nee d to increase to provide the additional meals. Director Viergutz stated that Gilman serves approximately 20 meals per day, which includes 12 to 15 home delivered. She suggested the site go from serving five days per week down to four. Following discussion, Dubiak moved to approve Black R iver Industries providing meals to the Gilman Senior Dining Site, 4 days per week for the remainder of the year at a cost of $6.77 per meal plus $75.00 per day delivery, second by Helmert. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Director’s Report: - Covid-19: Five participants at the Me dford Senior Site have tested positive for Covid-19. The Taylor County Health De partment was contacte d. Medford and Stetsonville Dining Sites were closed and bus services cancelled for the week. - Taylor County Health Department: The Taylor County Health D epartment has purchased AED’s for all county senior dining sites. Training will be provided at each site. The Health Department Grapevine education presentation scheduled for May 12 th at the Medford Senior Dining Site has been postponed due to the Covid-19 outbreak, it will be rescheduled. - Farmer’s Market Distribution : The Commission on Aging will onc e again participate in the Wisconsin Senior Farmers ’ Market Nutrition Program. Eligible seniors can receive $25 in coupons to purchase produce from certified farmers. Coupons will be distributed in the multi-purpose room mid-June. - Senior Health Fair: Save the Date! The Senior Health Fair is scheduled to take place on October 21st at the Medford Area Senior High School. Nestle will again sponsor the event an d Black River Industries will assist with preparing the meal. The Taylor County Health Department and Aspirus are also on board to participate. - Nutrition Update: Director Viergutz reported after challen ges achieving correct temperatures on both bulk and home delivered meals, there has been improvement with meals testing in the corre ct r ange. Additional equipment was purchased to aide in solving the problem. Pam Van Kampen from GWAAR will be at the Commission on Aging on May 20th to review temperatures and provide training to site managers. - Transportation Update: A transportation committee meeting was held on May 9th. Action taken by the committee included: - Approval of the updated rider code of conduct - Increasing the volunteer driver reimbu rsement to the federal rate, currently $.58 per mile. - Allocating up to $20,000 in 85.21 trust funds to Black River In dustries to provide the required 20% match for the 5310-grant to cover the purchase of a bus to provide COA transportation. - Spending up to $20,000 from th e 85.21 trust fund to purchase bus software and iPads to help streamline bus routes and transportation services offered. Aging Unit Plan 2022 -2024: Director Viergutz stated an area of the Aging Unit Plan will be addressed at each meeting t o discuss progress and action steps. This meeting’s focus is Title III -C & Person-Centered Services. One of the action steps is to offer two meal choices at a senior dining site. After discussion with the Stetsonville Site Manager and the challenges of of fering two meal choices other ideas were discussed. One idea was to include a theme meal once p er month voted on by site participants. The plan is to first try theme meals at the Stets onville Dining Site and add other s ites in the future. Review / Approv e COA and Direc tor’s Monthly Expenditures: Following review and discussion, Adams moved to app rove April COA Monthl y Expenditures in the amount of $35,031.09 and F ebruary and March Director’s Expenditures in the amounts of $56.76 and $285.51 respectively; second by Wojcik. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Other Business: None Set Next Meeting Date: The next meeting of the Taylor County Commission on Aging will be June 1, 2022, 1:00 P.M. at the Multi-Purpose Room in Medford. Adjourn Meeting: With no further business, Adams moved to adjourn; second by Wojcik. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Meeting adjourned at 1:52 P.M. TAYLOR COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING Wednesday, April 13, 2022 – 1:00 P.M. Multi-Purpose Room, 845 E. Broadway Ave., Medford, WI 54451 Members Present: Adams, Albrecht, Dubiak, Hein, Helmert, Hrdina, Richling, Wojcik Members Absent: Campos Also Present: Jenn Viergutz and Michelle Brehm, Commission on Aging Call Meeting to Order: Chairperson Albrecht called the meeting to order at 1:00 P.M. Approve the M inutes of the March 9, 2022 : Adams moved to approve the minutes of the Taylor C ounty Commission on A ging meeting of March 9, 2022 ; second by Hein. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Approve the Agenda: Dubiak moved to approve the agenda with sixteen items; second by Hrdina. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Introduction of Gail Sauerman, Elder Benefit Specialist: Gail Sauerman, the new Commission on Aging Elder Benefits Specialist introduced herself and was welc omed by the committee. JoAnn Slaga, Administrative Assistant and Jenny Niemitz -Coleman, Program Specialist also introduced themselves to the committee and gave an overview or their roles. Aging & Disability Resource Center Update: Dubiak reported that although ADRC funding from time reporting is down due to new hires and insurance costs, additional revenue is available because the current director is part time. Public Input: None Service Recognition: This is the official last meeting for Board Member Al Campos. Director Viergutz will present him with a card and certificate at the Jump River Dining Site to thank him for his service. Review / Approve New Committee Member Recommendation: The interview committee met last week and following interviews wit h two potential candidates, recommended Sandra Rizz i as the new committee member. Following discussion, Helmert moved to recommend Sandra Rizzi to the County Board for appointment to the co mmittee; second by Wojcik. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Review Home Delivered and Site Meal Satisfaction Survey Results: Director Viergutz handed out and reviewed the surveys. Results show social ization is an important part of why participants attend din ing sites. Home Delivered meals was important to have the interac tion and sense of security and consi stency. Other comments included requests for more meal variety and special holiday meals. Aging Unit Plan 2022 -2024: Director Viergutz stated an area of the Aging Unit Plan will be addressed at each meeting to discuss progress and action steps. This me eting’s focus is Community Engagement. One of the action steps is to hold a board meeting outs ide of a county owned office one time per year. Following discussion, the committee agreed to hold the May COA meeting at the Frances Simek Public Library in Medford. Another focus area is COA committee members visit ing senior dining sites. Director Vie rgutz will notify members when going to sites for anyone wishing to join her. It was mentioned not to have too many board members at one time that would form a quorum. Medford Open House – April 20th: At the request of Medford Dining Site participants, a n Ope n House at the M edford Senior Dining Site will take place on Wednesday, April 20 th from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Nicolet Bank will have volunteers on site to help with earth day activities. All are encouraged to come! Director’s Report: - Good Friday: The COA office will close at noon, senior dining sites will be closed, and there will be no bus service on Good Friday, April 15th. - United Way Application: The United Way Grant ap plication in the amount of $7,000 was submitted to help with home delivered meal delivery costs. - Volunteer Recognition: Commission on Aging volunteers (75 in total) received a $10 Medford Chamber card and certificate to honor and thank them for their service. We look forward to resuming the Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner next year. - Nutrition Update : Director Viergutz stated there are areas of the nutrition program not in compliance. An action plan is in place and has been accepted by GWAAR. Corrections to date by Viergutz include training for site managers and home delivered meal vol unteer drivers o n how to correctly and timely take food temperatur es and reaching out to an Aspirus dietician who agreed to serve as a local resource to approve menus and provide required nutrition education . Pam Van Kampen from GWAAR will come in May to follow up on these areas. - Transportation Update: A transportation committee meeting will be scheduled in the near futur e. Items on the agenda will include increasing volunteer driver mileage reimbursement, required spending of the S.85.21 Trust , and updating the rider c ode of conduct. Review / Approve COA and Director’s Monthly Expenditures: Following review and discussion, Adams moved to approve March COA Monthly Expen ditures in the amount of $27,568.81, second by Hrdina. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Other Business: - Hein stated following contact with Wisconsin Public Television about changing the airing of Classical S tretch to a later time, he received a phone call fr om Dom Johnson from PBS acknowledging Hein’s letters and agreeing to look into the matter. Set Next Meeting Date: The next meeting of the Taylor County Commission on Aging will be May 11, 2022, 1:00 P.M. at the Frances Simek Public Library, 400 N. Main Street, Medford. Adjourn Meeting: With no further business, Dubiak moved to adjourn; second by Hein. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Meeting adjourned at 2:07 P.M. TAYLOR COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING Wednesday, March 9, 2022 – 12:45 P.M. County Board Room, Third Floor, Taylor County Courthouse Members Present: Adams, Albrecht, Dubiak, Hein, Helmert, Hrdina, Richling, Wojcik Members Absent: Campos Also Present: Jenn Viergutz and Michelle Brehm, Commission on Aging and Ted Wojcik, Public Call Meeting to Order: Chairperson Albrecht called the meeting to order at 1:00 P.M. Jenn Viergutz, the new Commission on Aging Director introduced herself and was welcomed by the committee. Approve the Minut es of the December 20, 2021 M eeting: Hein moved to approve t he minutes of the Taylor County Commission on Aging meeting of December 20, 2021; second by Richling. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Approve the Agenda: Wojcik moved to approve the agenda with eleven items; second by Helmert. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Public Input: None Review / Approve COA and Director’s Monthly Expenditures: Following review and discussion, Adams moved to approve December, January and Feb ruary COA Monthly Expenditures in the amou nts of $36,917.50, 32,529.38 and $36 ,197.77, Director’s December Expenditures totaling $17.86 and Accounting Specialist January and February Expenses totaling $31.02 and $19.02 respectively, second by Richling. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Director’s Report: - Gail Sauerman has been hired as the Elder Bene fit Specialist. Director Viergutz stated she is excited for Gail to start. Her first day of employment will be March 21st. - Nail care at the senior dining sites is resuming. It is scheduled every other month at Gilman, Medford, Rib Lake, Stetsonville and possibly Goodrich in the future if there is interest. - AARP tax preparation will continue through March. It has been well received with only a few openings left. - The United Way and Medford Area Middle S chool have partnered to donate 32 decorated bags fi lled with toiletry items and small activities for home delivered meal recipients. The bags will be distributed throughout the county. - In coordination with the Hom e Sho w there will be a Taylor County Healt h & Safety Fair on March 26 th at Med ford Area Senio r High School. The Commission on Aging will have a booth highlighting services offered. - The Gilman I GA which provides meals for the Gilman Senior Dining Site has closed. Director Viergutz spoke with the owner who said the store is for sale but the goal is to continue to provide meals until the end of the year. One backup plan is for the Stetsonville si te to provide meals for Gilman on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Director Viergutz has also reached out to Clark County for ideas as well. - The Commission on Aging Facebook page has been updated. The goal is to post once per week to highlig ht pr ograms and volun teers. The Rib Lake site has recently been featured. - Director Viergutz has completed the Serve Safe training. She has visited all seven nutrition sites and has completed rounding with each site manager . Her goal is to visit each site once per month. - There is concern about losing dri vers due to gas prices. Driver guidelines and expectations also need to b e revised. The s.85.21 trust is at the maximum amo unt allowed. Ideas to spend the excess need to be addressed. - The 2021-year end financials are close to being completed. It has be en challenging. Committee Member Recruitment: Director Viergutz stated there is one open position for a COA committee board member. Ads to recruit a new member have been place d in the newsletter and The Star News. The dead line to apply is March 3 1, 2022. Although Helmert’s term ends this year, Campos stated in an email that he wishes to end his time on the co mmittee. Follo wing discussion and approval from Helmert, Dubiak moved to approve Helmert completing Campos’s term ( 1 year); second by Richling. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Albrecht requested a thank you card and certif icate be sent to Campos to thank him for his service. Continuation of Virtual Meetings: Discussion took place regarding the contin uation of virtual Com mission on Aging committee meetings. Hein moved to suspend vi rtual meetings and resume committee meetin gs at the Multi-purpose Room, 845 East Broadway, Medford: second by Hrdina. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Other Business: - An Aging and Disability Resource Center update was given by Dubiak: ● Director Terese Poe has retired and John Bersinger is currently filling the position part time. ● ADRC funds are running low. This is due in part to new hires and health insurance costs. They are hopeful the state will help cover any deficits. ● The Potawatomi Tribe i s considering leaving the ADRC to go on their own. More should be known following a meeting later this month. - Hein spoke about Classical Stretch that airs on Public Television. He said he enjoys the program and has been in conta ct with the station askin g if the show can be aired later in the day. Hein also talked about a discussion with the Rib Lake Police Department regarding snow on village sidewalks and the possibility of high school students helping with snow removal and other tasks. - Adams thanked members who served on the interview committee to hire a director. - Director Viergutz asked the committee to acknowledge Michelle, JoAnn and Jenny in the office for covering and continuing great customer service. Set Next Meeting Date: The next meeting of the Taylor County Commission on Aging will be April 13, 2022, 1:00 P.M. at the Multi-Purpose Room in Medford. Adjourn Meeting: With no further business, Helmert moved to adjourn; second by Hrdina. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Meeting adjourned at 1:43 P.M.