Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
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Others Present
Jim Fonte, Union Grove Member Council
Rock Larson, Wood CVSO
Mrs. Joseph (Patty) Maehl
John Margowski
Tom Ludka, Waukesha CVSO
Chris Jordan, Walworth CVSO
Colin Moten, VAF
Ray McClone
Dale Peterson, AMVETS Post 911
Randall Dvorch, Shemanski Hall
Beth McErlean, Adm. Asst Walworth Co.
Ed Slovak, VFW & Korean War Vet
Dave Hart, VFW Post 2751, Somers
The briefing session to Board, Council and Committee members was called to order at 11 a.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Approval of Briefing Minutes of August 19, 2010 and October 14, 2010
It was moved by Mr. Moran, seconded by Mr. Freedman and carried on a voice vote to
approve the briefing minutes of August 19, 2010.
It was moved by Mr. Moran and seconded by Mr. Freedman to approve the briefing minutes of
the October 14, 2010 meeting. Mr. Naylor asked that a correction be made to page 2, Legislative
Report—the Office of the State Public Defender has applied for a grant; not the District Attorney.
The motion carried on a voice vote with one abstention.
4. Legislative Report
Secretary Black introduced Executive Assistant, Max Dulberger. Mr. Dulberger reported on
the following:
In January, Republicans will hold a majority in both houses of the Legislature.
The Assembly Committee on Veterans & Military Affairs will be chaired by Representative
Richard Spanbauer from Oshkosh.
The Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs will be chaired by Senator Randy Hopper from
Fond du Lac.
Once the legislative session officially commences, the Department will begin tracking veteran-
related legislation and publishing updates on the Department’s website.
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It is likely that the outgoing Legislature will convene a Special Session prior to the holiday
break to review state labor contracts.
Federal lawmakers are finalizing legislative action on expiring programs and appropriations
prior to the end of the 111th Congress. On January 3, 2011, the 112th Congress will convene.
The 112th Congress will take up the appropriations bill for the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs and legislation to enhance the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
It is unlikely that federal lawmakers will pass legislation to upgrade the Post 9/11 GI Bill
before the end of the year. The House and Senate are considering legislation which would give
veterans more money for private college tuition, extend current benefits to on-the-job training
programs, and provide a housing stipend for distance learners.
President Obama signed the Veterans Benefits Act of 2010 on October 13th. This legislation
also directs the USDVA Cemetery Administration to increase plot allowances from $300 to
$700 effective October 1, 2011.
On September 30, 2010 President Obama signed the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living
Adjustment Act. Although the legislation came into effect on December 1st, the Consumer
Price Index did not record an increase that would trigger an increase in the cost-of-living
adjustment for veterans. Accordingly, it is unlikely veterans will receive an increase in their
rates of compensation under this legislation.
New presumptions of service connection for three specific illnesses associated with Agent
Orange exposure during Vietnam era military service—veterans exposed to herbicides and
disabled by chronic b-cell leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, or ischemic heart disease may begin
receiving disability benefits on approved claims.
The USDVA published a proposed rule on November 17th clarifying functional gastrointestinal
disorders associated with Persian Gulf War service fall within the scope of existing
presumption of service connection for medically unexplained multi-symptom illnesses. The
proposed policy is open for comment until December 17, 2010 and could be implemented early
next year.
Mr. Naylor asked if we know how the plot allowance increase will impact our Department and
the related budget. Ms. Holtan said the Department has not yet produced an updated revenue and
balance form for the appropriation. The change goes into effect October 1, 2011 and it will impact
our fiscal year 2012 revenue projection, and a paper will be prepared for the State Budget Office
sometime in January.
Mr. Naylor asked about the per diem payments to the Veterans Homes for the 70% service-
connected veterans. Mr. Dulberger said, according to Senator Kohl’s office, it does not appear the
legislation will move forward before the end of the 111th Congress; it is something being
considered for the next legislative session and an issue for which the Department will actively
advocate.
Mr. Naylor spoke about a program called Veterans in Piping—a joint effort with DWD and the
Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters for a funded 20 week training program for recently
returned veterans. He asked that WDVA support this effort as well.
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Options for the Wheelchair Shop are: building a new wheelchair shop; fundraising efforts with
other veterans service organizations and their involvement; having an architect/engineer on
call through a selection process with the Department of Administration. Mr. Freedman asked
about the current status of the Wheelchair Shop. Mr. Marshall said it will continue to operate
while the DAV reviews a list of issues and concerns presented along with the draft MOU.
The Admissions Process Action Team (PAT) was formed July 10, 2009; and the charter was
developed July 16, 2010 for the purpose of standardizing the Homes admission process. The
PAT has finalized all documents and is in the approval process for the admission forms which
have been changed.
There are new admission checklist requirements for birth certificates. Mr. Naylor asked for a
follow up on the applicant admission checklist after implementation.
Medicare Part A for the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King—at this time it is unknown what
the effect will be when the new rates for the expanded Resource Utilization Groups (RUGS)
are implemented. Mr. Moran asked about the timeline for a cost benefit analysis. Mr.
Marshall’s goal is to have it by the next Board meeting.
The Department has begun restructuring discussions regarding assisted living facilities at the
Veterans Home in Union Grove. The Department is looking for ways to operate more
efficiently in order to maintain affordability for our members. Changes will be coming to the
assisted living facilities in the next couple of months and will be reported to the Board at the
February meeting.
The following is used to target veterans to WDVA vacancies: (1) all vacancies are posted to
Wisc.Jobs, the official employment website for Wisconsin State Government and, (2) all
recruitments are sent via emails to CVSOs, the Department of Workforce Development’s Veterans
Employment and Training Services, the federal DVA vocational rehab counselor and other WDVA
business partners. Diversity and recruitment activity also takes place to notify minority groups of
WDVA employment activities through community organizations in the Madison, King and Union
Grove geographic regions. These organizations include but are not limited to the Urban League of
Madison, Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha, the NAACP—Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay,
Racine and Kenosha chapters, the Great Lakes Inter Tribal Council, the Latino Support Network,
the Hmong Chamber of Commerce as well as the Waushara Hispanic Coalition.
Pete Moran said all technical colleges should be notified of WDVA employment opportunities.
Mr. Naylor discussed the differences between the OSER record keeping and the Department’s
record keeping with part of it being which definition of veteran is used. It was requested for the
February meeting to have a clarification and side-by-side comparisons for review by the Board.
Mr. Naylor would like a discussion on recruiting veterans who are disabled and if there are other
areas we could be pursuing.
8. Finance Report
Ms. Holtan summarized financial statements as of the month ending October 31, 2010.
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Mortgage Loan Repayment Fund
Total assets in the Mortgage Loan Repayment Fund were $278 million as of October 31st. That
is $37 million less than in October 2009. Mortgage loans have decreased $44.3 million, real estate
owned has increased $121,500 and advances to other funds increased $454,000. Bonds payable
have decreased $28,275,000 since October 31, 2009 to $250,110,000, and do not reflect the
extraordinary redemption of $27,365,000 on November 1, 2010. Year-to-date investment earnings
have totaled $35,000. The October, November 2010 State Investment Fund earnings rate was
0.23%. The October 31st cash balance was $65 million and the insurance reserve requirement of 4%
of the outstanding primary mortgage loan principal balance has been met.
Statistical Reports
The delinquency rate for the Personal Loan Program for October 2010 was 2.94%. The
delinquency rate in the Primary Mortgage Loan portfolio for the month of October was 2.34%. No
Primary Mortgage Loan applications were received in October due to the continued fund outage.
Ms. Holtan provided an update on the special redemption in the amount of $27,365,000 and
completed on November 1, 2010. Following this call, the amount of outstanding bonds payable is
more closely aligned with the revenue producing mortgage loan. A fixed rate economic refunding
was undertaken on outstanding bonds which are subject to redemption. It is not likely to be
completed prior to the end of December due to recent unfavorable changes in the market that limited
the size of the potential refunding and also due to available resources in the Capital Finance office.
This is strictly an economic refunding; we will not be generating new lendable proceeds.
Ms. Holtan provided a veterans homes accounts receivable PowerPoint briefing. The Veterans
Home at King payor source as of the end of October amounted to $7.3 million. The Medicaid
portion represented 47.6% of the accounts receivable balance; Per Diem represented 36.6%; and
private pay was 6%. The 30 day and the 60 day balances total approximately $6.2 million or 85% of
the accounts receivable balance at the King Home. The 365 day plus category is approximately 4%
of the balance and is mostly Medicaid payments. The assisted living at Union Grove accounts
receivable as of October 31st was $330,690. Of that amount, 50% was USDVA Per Diem. Private
pay represented 28% and the next largest category was outpatient at 10%. The combined category
of 30 day and 60 day balances is 65% of the total or $215,000. Union Grove skilled nursing
accounts receivable is $5,032,000. Private pay of $2.6 million represents 51.2% of the total.
Medicaid is 15.5% and the Medicare Advantage A is about 8.6% of the receivables. Of the $5
million outstanding, $1,037,000 is current; $473,000 is at 30 days and $159,000 is at 60 days. The
180 day to 364 day category and the 365 day plus category represents 58% of the accounts
receivable balance for a total of about $2.9 million.
Ms. Holtan said the amount recorded as uncollectible as of June 30th at Union Grove was
$560,000--$25,000 in assisted living and the remainder for skilled nursing. The uncollectible
amount estimated as of June 30th for King was $85,500.
Mr. Freedman asked what the disparity is between the admissions policy of skilled nursing at
Union Grove and King which causes this accounts receivable disparity. Ms. Holtan said one of the
reasons for the admissions and revenue cycle PAT was to have a consistent admission standard and
obtain the same information upon admission and handle the processing of financial information the
same for each facility so we would get better control over what ultimately becomes our accounts
receivable.
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9. Wisconsin Veterans Museum Report
Museum Director Michael Telzrow highlighted the following:
On November 17th the State Building Commission approved the 35% design report for the
construction of a 99,258 gross square foot Preservation and Storage Facility for the Wisconsin
Historical Society and the Wisconsin Veterans Museum for an estimated total cost of
$28,250,000.
Attendance for October totaled 9,080 visitors and attendance for November totaled 7,763
visitors. Year to date attendance total was 37,643.
Two notable acquisitions are the William R. Temple Collection of WWI memorabilia, and
materials used by Corporal Ray Sherman of Belleville, Wisconsin during WWII.
The Museum Foundation fundraising goal for 2011 is $100,000. The foundation will host a
corporate/individual donor luncheon at the WVM on December 14th.
The 2010 Annual Appeal letters were mailed in mid-November.
The Museum submitted a Rotary Foundation Community Grant on November 30th for design
and construction support of a new flag exhibit case.
Joining the Museum staff are Andrea Hoffman, Collections Manager and Andrew Baraniak,
Processing Archivist.
Museum Store Sales: October FY 2011 sales gross profit was $3,616 as opposed to October
FY 2010 gross profit of $2,857. The November FY 2011 gross profit was $4,767 as compared
to November FY 2010 gross profit of $2,162.
Museum gifts and bequests cash balance to date is $24,867.75.
Mr. Naylor said the Office of Public Defender received grant approval and they are preparing
for the next application. There is training scheduled in March for a judge in Racine County.
Milwaukee is working with the county jail to identify veterans as well as working with Dryhootch
to connect with mentors. LaCrosse started a veterans court last month.
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difficult but those decisions have brought WDVA back into compliance with the law, corrected
fundamental flaws in management and oversight and established an enhanced level of efficiency so
the mission to serve veterans can be fulfilled long into the future.
The Claims Department cleared last winter’s backlog and we moved qualified people into
place to make sure we don’t have that problem.
Just a few weeks away from putting into place a unified admissions policy at the Homes.
The outreach team has identified innovative new methods to reach veterans on the issues that
matter most—suicide, mental health, unemployment and homelessness.
We have identified the gap in program areas and we are forging a new, targeted model for
service delivery.
We landed a national Women’s Veterans Conference to be held this spring and we have
renewed and strengthened our relationships with the VA.
Lenny Shier spoke about the DAV Wheelchair Shop at King. Several concerns were
highlighted in a report produced by Mr. Shier. Mr. Moen said the Long Term Care Committee
will take up the issue of the Wheelchair Shop at King.
Tom Ludka, Waukesha CVSO, spoke about the Warrior Summit. Up until this week, no one
from Dryhootch, WDVA or the VA has ever contacted his office regarding the Summit. He has
the contacts in the community and with the Southeast CVSO Association. The next meeting of the
SE CVSO Association is January 14th and they will accommodate anyone who could speak about
the Warrior Summit.
Joseph Maehl said we are here today to take care of veterans. His concern is that WDVA is
one of the best kept secrets. To enhance Museum attendance he suggested the creation of another
committee. Mr. Telzrow added that the Department has established the State Civil War
Sesquicentennial Commission and he will be talking with Mr. Maehl about becoming involved.
Bruce Markert noted that CVI was awarded the contract for the homeless program at Chippewa
Falls. He asked if the Veterans Assistance Foundation was given the opportunity to bid on this
contract. James Bond said the Department had an agreement in place for CVI to provide
transitional services in King and at Union Grove. Part of that contract provision allowed for them
to take over the Chippewa Falls site as well. The current contract ends in 18 months at which time
it will be opened up for rebidding.
Mr. Markert asked if there were referrals made by DWD, DVOPs and LVERs for the WDVA
vacancies. Tony Cappozzo said for some of the vacant positions there were no applicants referred.
Anthony Hardie introduced himself as a two-time combat veteran of the Gulf War and
Somalia, 100% total and permanently disabled veteran, active on veterans’ issues and Gulf War
veterans’ health issues, helping to represent his fellow Gulf War veterans primarily in our Nation’s
Capitol for the last 15 years on a series of issues. He is a life member of the Disabled American
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Veterans. He spoke to the Board members and attendees at the Briefing about it being a time for
change at the state’s Veterans Agency.
Mary Shepherd, Executive Board Local 892, spoke on the restructuring of assisted living
facilities. She questioned the cost of care at Union Grove and why these costs are being passed
along to the members. Other areas of concern: many staff vacancies remain open, the utilization of
outside agency RNs to cover vacations while salaried RNs sit idle, contracting outside vendors when
staff could be used instead. The overtime for CNAs is extremely high.
15. Recess/Adjournment
It was moved by Mr. Freedman, seconded by Mr. Moen and carried on a voice vote to adjourn
the meeting of the Board.
It was moved, seconded and carried on a voice vote that the CVSO Advisory Council stand in
recess.
It was moved by Mr. Rock, seconded and carried on a voice vote that the Legislative &
Program Review Committee stand in recess.
It was moved, seconded and carried on a voice vote that the Long Term Care Committee stand
in recess.
It was moved by Mr. Walker, seconded by Mr. Roloff and carried on a voice vote that the
Finance Committee stand in recess.
It was moved, seconded, and carried on a voice vote that the Council on Veterans Programs
stands in recess.
The time was 1:45 p.m.
11
MINUTES
CVSO ADVISORY COUNCIL
December 9, 2010
Union Grove, Wisconsin
Members Present Others Present (not all inclusive)
Scott Berger, Marathon George Banda, AGIF
Yvonne Duesterhoeft, Jefferson Dave Boetcher, Board Member
Rick Gates, Polk Mike Furgal
Kathy Gausmann, Monroe Mike Gourlie, WACVO
Dale Oatman, Langlade Jesse Haro, CWV
Robert Stone, Winnebago Ed Healey
Tony Tyczynski, Sauk Bill Hustad
Rock Larson, Wood CVSO
Members Excused Tom Ludka, Waukesha CVSO
Andrew Clark, Outagamie Joseph & Peggy Maehl
Derrell Greene, Kenosha John Margowski
Bruce Markert
WDVA Staff Duane Miskulin
Kenneth B. Black, Secretary Dan Naylor, Board Member
Donna Williams, Deputy Secretary Dale Peterson
Max Dulberger, Executive Assistant Robert Piaro
Sara Stinski, Communications Director Al Richards
Jimmy Stewart, Chief Legal Counsel Ken Rock
Micabil Diaz, Legal Counsel Chuck Roloff, AL
Colleen Holtan, Budget Director Lenny Shier, TREA
Tony Cappozzo, Division Administrator Clif Sorenson, Eau Claire CVSO
James Bond, Division Administrator Jack Stone, PVA
Pat Shaughnessy, Acting Commandant—UG Tim Thiers, AMVETS
Jackie Moore, Acting Commandant—King Alan Walker
Michael Telzrow, Museum Director Charles Young
Brian Marshall, Division Administrator
Mark Mathwig, Bureau of Veterans Cemeteries
Julie Van Metre, Executive Staff Assistant
Jim McGarvey, BOIS Union Grove
Russell Peck, Claims Office
Colleen Roemer, WVH-King
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4. Announcements and Introductions
None.
6 Secretary’s Matters
The Secretary had no items to report to the Council.
Rick Gates said CVSOs had a question on CVSO Bulletin #949 with respect to the change
in the burial and plot allowance benefit. There is some confusion as to whether or not it is
$700 for both the plot and the burial allowance. The change doesn’t take effect until October
2011 and further guidance is expected from the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
Northland Honor Flight is up and running; Pete Moran is one of the leaders in that effort.
Robert Stone publicly thanked Mr. Naylor for his participation in the Pearl Harbor Day
program held in Oshkosh.
8 Public Input
None.
10 Adjournment
It was moved by Mr. Stone, seconded and carried on a voice vote to adjourn the CVSO
Advisory Council meeting, the time was 1:55p.m.
Rick Gates
Chair
2
MINUTES
LEGISLATIVE & PROGRAM REVIEW COMMITTEE
WISCONSIN BOARD OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Meeting of December 9, 2010
1
3. Approval of Minutes of October 14, 2010 Meeting
It was moved by Mr. Rock, seconded and carried on a voice vote to approve the minutes
of the October 14th Legislative & Program Review Committee meeting.
Mr. Boetcher asked the Committee to review the initiatives provided by Mr. Markert to
see if any of them could be included with the seven high priority items. Mr. Boetcher asked
the Executive Assistant to check on the cost of allowing up to three months of unemployment
payable to all returning veterans and waiving the requirement that they have to be available
and look for work during this reintegration time. After reviewing the initiatives, Mr. Boetcher
recommended creating a Veterans Employment Act where four or five items are rolled
together rather than trying to put them in the budget bill. Mr. Dulberger was tasked with
contacting DWD, DOR and the Technical Colleges and UW to provide dollar figures numbers
for Mr. Markert’s initiatives.
Regarding the creation of a veterans marketing program to raise awareness of benefits and
services available for veterans and their families, Ms. Stinski said the Department’s current
biennial budget request includes $100,000 for a marketing campaign to promote veterans
benefits.
5. Secretary’s Matters
The Secretary had no matters to come before the Committee.
6. Public Comment
Rock Larson, CVSOA Legislative Chairman, went over the CVSO Association’s
legislative priorities which coincided with the Committee’s high priority items. The CVSOA
is fully behind the Department on the bed tax exemption and the disabled veterans license
plates.
Tim Thiers said last session quite a few bills passed the Assembly but were never
introduced on the floor of the Senate. What can veterans do to get legislation through both
houses of the Legislature? Mr. Moen said about 20% of the bills introduced become law. It’s
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just getting legislative members to push a bill through. You need to contact your local
representatives both in the Senate and the Assembly.
Mark Grams, Dodge County Veterans Service Officer, talked about the restoration of the
Wisconsin GI Bill. Those veterans forced to go to Chapter 33, federal law, can’t go back to
any other benefit. Is there any talk about restoring the credit-for-credit offset? Is there going
to be a provision where the veteran has a choice, either take a supplemental payment and the
credit offset or restore that credit so they can use it in the future? Mr. Boetcher
recommended adding the years on after doing the 9/11; let the credits wait until your four
years are completed under 9/11.
Mr. Grams asked what is the current income stream into the Trust Fund? Ms. Holtan said
the Personal Loan Program and some run-off portfolios that were transferred from the
Mortgage Loan Repayment Fund many years ago. Non operating sources are the tax check-
offs and license plate fees.
9. Adjournment
It was moved by Mr. Christensen, seconded by Mr. Rock, and carried on a voice vote to
adjourn the meeting; the time was 3:05 p.m.
Dave Boetcher
Chair
3
MINUTES
LONG TERM CARE COMMITTEE
WISCONSIN BOARD OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Meeting of December 9, 2010
1
Tony Tyczynski, Sauk CVSO
Al Walker
Ken Wendt, PLAV
4. Briefing and Committee Discussion on Cash Flow for King Skilled Nursing and Union Grove
Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Facilities
Ms. Holtan said the cash flow was briefed at the consolidated briefing meeting earlier in
the day. Clif Sorenson asked why there are write-off procedures as opposed to aggressive
collection activity. Ms. Holtan said the write-off of uncollectible debt is one policy the
Revenue Cycle PAT is working to finalize. The PAT has also been working on policy with
respect to the collection activity for each payor source, putting into place milestones at which
they will take different types of actions. Mr. Marshall said there are six policies and
procedures and having those in place will allow for more efficiency in operations and will be
beneficial moving forward. Ms. Moore said WDVA is working with the Department of
Revenue in collection efforts as well.
5. Committee Discussion and Action on the Fire Department at the Wisconsin Veterans Home-
King
Jackie Moore said the Wisconsin Veterans Home-King is situated on 320 acres in rural
Waupaca County, Wisconsin and provides a home for 671 elderly members who sleep in
multi-story buildings. The Home has a customized Security Department to handle the unique
needs of the facility. The officers are all certified as both first responders and fire fighters.
The officers patrol the grounds throughout the day and night. They use a highly visible
security vehicle to make their presence known and to discourage vandalism. They patrol on
foot and bicycle. They cover the cemetery, the grounds and the tunnels on an ongoing basis.
Security officers are key staff on PM and night shifts when there is only one nursing
supervisor responsible for the entire facility.
Maintaining a fire department at the WVH-King is just one aspect of the security officers’
job. It costs about $2.59 per patient day for the entire security and fire department. The
Home is covered by the Waupaca Fire Department which is a volunteer fire department and
takes about 20 minutes to get to the WVH facility and in the meantime, the Home’s officers
respond immediately.
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Committee member Dave Benson has worked in safety and security and visited King on
November 8th to review the program and determine future operational standards and needs.
He felt this program is functioning at a high degree of efficiency. The Safety/Security
positions were developed with foresight and fiscal responsibility.
It was moved by Mr. Healey and seconded by Ms. Roddy to table Committee discussion
and action on the fire department at King until the February meeting. He wants to know how
much it costs to have the fire department at King and how much it would cost to use the
Waupaca County fire department. Mr. Moen wants a more detailed report on the fire
department at King and the process used at Union Grove. Motion carried on a voice vote.
6. Briefing and Committee Discussion on the Status of Hiring Commandants for the Wisconsin
Veterans Homes at King and Union Grove and the Timeline for Final Action on Hiring
Brian Marshall reported at the consolidated briefing that as of November 29th WDVA is
interviewing and setting up appointments for the Commandants at King and Union Grove. It
is a high priority for the Department but a specific timeline for final action on hiring is not
possible until the chosen candidate accepts the position and final background checks are made.
Secretary Black said there is probably three to four weeks left in the process.
7. Briefing, Committee Discussion and Action on Status of Location and Operation of the DAV
Wheelchair Operation
The DAV Wheelchair shop was briefed at the consolidated meeting earlier today. Clif
Sorenson said the veteran’s community will be watching this issue very closely.
8. Follow-up on Requirement to Provide Certified Birth Certificate upon Applying for Admission
to the Homes
Brian Marshall said the issue was briefed at the consolidated meeting. There were no
Committee questions or comments.
9. Secretary’s Matters
Secretary Black had a question for clarification on agenda item number 5. Information
was provided on King’s fire and security department. He understands the Committee would
like a comparison between King and Union Grove on the response times and the cost at King
now versus if we went to Waupaca’s coverage. Ms. Moore said the King Home is still
covered by Waupaca which responds any time 911 is dialed. Our staff on the grounds will
respond first and they are trained to work with the elderly and they are trained in high rise
buildings. Waupaca will follow up and put the fire out, however our people will be there
much quicker. She added that the cost for security, fire and safety program at King is
$646,008.80 per year.
Mark Grams, Dodge County Veterans Service Officer, spoke on the birth certificate
issue—to make things more streamlined in the admissions process. What about the DD-214
having to be certified, why is that a requirement? Mr. Stewart said the Administrative Code
dealing with DD-214’s does not have the same exception as birth certificates. It says original
or certified copy of the DD-214.
The Homes sometimes contact a CVSO for an applicant’s DD-214 when that document is
in the Department’s VBATS computer file. If the DD-214 is within the Department’s
records, why can’t the Homes access that information as a first request? Ms. Moore said the
Homes have access to the VBATS and they are now able to get the DD-214 directly from
Madison.
13. Adjournment
It was moved by Mr. Sorenson, seconded by Mr. Benson and carried on a voice vote to
adjourn the meeting; the time was 3:45 p.m.
Rod Moen
Chair
4
MINUTES
FINANCE COMMITTEE
WISCONSIN BOARD OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Meeting of December 9, 2010
5. Update, Committee Discussion and Action on Public Affairs Plan to Increase the Use of the
Veterans Trust Fund Tax Check-Off
Sara Stinski said the goal is to build awareness and educate the general public about the
Veterans Trust Fund and the tax check-off as a way to support it.
Use PR strategies to create a buzz about the tax check-off being a simple, affordable way
to show support for veterans during the tax preparation season.
Take advantage of electronic communications as a way to reach our most highly
involved/committed audience: veterans and their families.
Explore relationships with organizations that either have the potential to reach or influence
a large number of people, or reach smaller groups most likely to be receptive.
Mr. Freedman has a problem with focusing on veterans and their families—it should be
non veterans and their families who make contributions. Secondly, he suggested going to the
State Commanders and the Council on Veterans Programs and ask their members to send
letters to the editors about the check-off and what a difference it would make if each family
contributed. Also, it would seem a good idea to reach out to the Regulation and Licensing
Board that oversees CPAs. It was requested that Ms. Stinski generate a seed letter that could
be sent out to the Commanders of veterans organizations.
7. Status Report and Committee Discussion on a Demand Analysis, Right-Sizing Plan, and a
Business Plan for the King and Union Grove Veterans Homes
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Ms. Holtan said the presentation will take place Friday at the Veterans Board meeting.
All Committee members have received a copy of the slides which are going to be briefed. The
business plan is one the Department will undertake internally and we have identified the need
to do some restructuring of the operations at Union Grove. Part of the timing will be
impacted by how long it takes to get outside consultants to provide certain pieces of an
assessment with respect to options we would want to evaluate. We anticipate it being rolled
out in the spring timeframe.
Robert Stone said he was told if a veteran lives at the Home with his spouse, and then he
passes away, the wife cannot stay at the Home unless she requires some sort of medical
assistance which will be paid for. Mr. Stone said a younger spouse cannot go into King
concurrently with the veteran if she is not eligible for medical assistance or some other payor
source. Brian Marshall will look into the situation further.
8. Status Report, Committee Discussion and Action on a Cost-Benefit Analysis Regarding the
King Medicare Title 18 Issue
Mr. Marshall spoke on this topic at the consolidated briefing and will report back to the
Finance Committee at the February meeting. Mr. Freedman asked if there will be a specific
yes or no about whether or not we’ll have the same kind of Medicare eligibility we have at
Union Grove and what the costs savings would be and the challenges, if any, for
implementation. Mr. Marshall said the analysis will be as detailed as possible.
9. Briefing and Status Update on any WDVA Related s.13.10, s.16.50-5, s.16.515 and/or
Building Commission Proceedings Since the August 2010 Board Meeting
Colleen Holtan reported that no GPR or SEG position authority or budget authority
requests have been submitted for consideration at a quarterly meeting of the Joint Committee
on Finance (JCF) under s.13.10. No program revenue position authority or related budget
authority requests have been submitted for 14-day passive review by the JCF under s.16.505.
No program revenue budget authority requests have been submitted for 14-day passive review
by the JCF under s.16.515. No segregated revenue budget authority requests for the ANVG
Program have been submitted for 14-day passive review by the JCF under s.45.40(5). The
State Building Commission approved the transfer of 48.31 acres of surplus vacant land at the
Northern Wisconsin Center in Chippewa Falls from the Department of Health Services to the
Department of Veterans Affairs for construction of a skilled nursing facility. The State
Building Commission approved the following:
Design report for the Chippewa Falls Wisconsin Veterans Home facility and provided
authority to construct the 72-bed skilled nursing facility for an estimated total cost of
$20,000,000.
Request of the DOA on behalf of the Wisconsin Historical Society and Wisconsin
Department of Veterans Affairs for the release of Building Trust Funds Planning in the
amount of $1,375,000 for programming and planning of the State Museum Complex in
Madison.
Design Report and provided authority to construct a 99,258 GSF Preservation and
Storage Facility for the Wisconsin State Historical Society and the Department of
Veterans Affairs—Wisconsin Veterans Museum for an estimated total cost of
$28,250,000.
3
Pete Moran asked that this report be given at every Board meeting.
10. Briefing and Committee Discussion on Internal Audit Changes Put into Effect in Response to
2009 Holtan Memo Pertaining to Unauthorized Expenditures at the Wisconsin Veterans
Home at King and Resulting Internal Audits
Tony Cappozzo gave a 2009 audit report—status of internal audit changes. Three internal
audit changes were recommended in Ms. Holtan’s 2009 audit report. The first one was to
attach the “Training/Conference Approval Request” as supporting documentation to payment
vouchers for tuition and training. Effective March 2010 this change was implemented.
Recommendation number two dealt with the Bureau of Fiscal Services expanding its financial
audit procedures for selecting payment vouchers for testing to judgmentally review direct
charge payment vouchers in the amount of $5,000 or more for compliance with state and
agency purchasing policies and procedures. This judgmental sampling started in March 2010.
Third, the Bureau of Fiscal Services should expand its financial audit procedures to
judgmentally select payment vouchers paid with no invoice number for compliance with basic
standards for financial transactions. The expanded compliance review procedures were
started in March 2010.
Mr. Freedman understands that the Secretary has reduced the signature authority for a
number of senior managers. He asked what kind of internal audits are conducted now to
identify a non-budgeted or unauthorized expenditure as soon as possible. Ms. Holtan said
those expenditures are identified as a result of a budget review process implemented by the
Bureau of Fiscal Services. Those procedures require different program areas within the
agency to quarterly report on their budgeted expenditures and meet with the Secretary’s office
to review what has been purchased and look at the adequacy of their remaining budget
authority to get them through the remainder of the fiscal year.
Ms. Holtan said there are five QVMB states, Alaska, Oregon, Texas, California,
Wisconsin. The financial position of the mortgage loan repayment program in each of those
states is significantly different. The mechanism under which those programs are operated in
the other states may also be different. In California they use a housing authority for their
program. Wisconsin administers it directly through our Department of Veterans Affairs.
4
Most significant is the financial position of the program and Wisconsin’s program is not in a
very good financial position. We have a very low equity position in the program, having
transferred out a significant amount of assets to the Veterans Trust Fund in the past. At the
time of the transfers, it was thought the Mortgage Loan Repayment Program would continue
to be robust, grow and easily regain the equity that had been transferred away. Economic
conditions have changed in that growth did not occur and the program is in a state of decline
as loans are paid off. There isn’t the equity in the program that would allow us to issue a
bond at a coupon rate above which the market would support a mortgage. We do not have
the equity to buy down the cost of making a loan with bond proceeds.
Mr. Freedman asked for a summary on the amounts that were transferred into the Trust
Fund from various accounts within the mortgage funds since 1990.
15. Adjournment
It was moved by Mr. Walker, seconded by Mr. Miskulin, and carried on a voice vote to
adjourn the meeting; the time was 4:35 p.m.
Pete Moran
Chair
5
MINUTES
COUNCIL ON VETERANS PROGRAMS
Meeting of December 9, 2010
3. Oath of Office
As the Ad Hoc Committee was working on the Council’s Rules of Procedure it was
discovered that individual Council members are required to take an Oath of Office as provided
for in the state statutes. Each member signed a prepared Oath of Office and returned it to the
WDVA Legal Counsel for notarization and filing. Board of Veterans Affairs members are
also required to take an Oath of Office; other committee members are not required under
statute to take an oath. Council Chair Roloff asked Secretary Black to have the Department
record and file the signed Oaths of Office of Council members.
6. Council Communications
None.
Mr. Van Thiel said there are still a few buildable sites left on the VA grounds. Any
building will have to go through the preservation office because this new construction will be
close to historical buildings. Mr. Alsteen asked that consideration be given to locate the
Fisher House near the spinal cord injury center. Mr. Wendt felt that Council members should
get their organizations to draft a resolution in support of the Fisher House. Mr. Grams asked
that the Fisher House subject be put on the agenda for the next Council meeting for discussion
and action on endorsing the project. Mr. Hardie asked for a sample resolution that the
Council members could work from to craft their own resolution language.
11. Comments & Questions on Report Given on Status of Wheelchair Shop at King
Mr. Hardie, DAV, appreciates every effort toward resolving this issue. The goal of DAV
is to continue to volunteer to assist veterans by providing wheelchairs and wheelchair repair
and would like to do it in the most seamless, transition-free manner as possible.
It was moved by Mr. Alsteen, seconded by Mr. Fine and carried unanimously on a voice
vote to again go on record in support of the DAV Resolution and ask the Council Chair to
bring it before the Board on Friday.
3
The following counties in Wisconsin have these court systems: Rock, LaCrosse,
Waupaca, and Eau Claire Counties. The point of contact for Eau Claire County is Judge Ben
Proctor and in Rock County it is Judge Daley. Mr. Sorenson will report back in February his
findings on getting a case transferred to jurisdiction with an active veterans treatment court.
15. Discussion and Action on Ad Hoc Committee Recommendation on Proposed By-Laws and
Rules of Procedure to Govern the Council on Veterans Programs
The Chair asked for authorization to continue the Ad Hoc Committee until the completion
of an acceptable Rules of Procedure document. It was moved by Mr. Hustad, seconded by
Mr. Stenavich and carried on a voice vote to authorize the continuance of the Ad Hoc
Committee. It was moved by Mr. Fine, seconded by Mr. Piaro and carried on a voice vote to
authorize the Council Chair to ask the Board to task WDVA Office of Legal Counsel with
reviewing the draft document and preparing written commentary before its February meeting.
Mark Grams asked which benefits impact the Trust Fund. The Home Loan and the Home
Improvement Loan proceeds come from the home loan repayment fund with minimal impact
to the Trust Fund. Ms. Holtan said the salaries of people who work on the Home Loan
Program might be split against the Veterans Trust Fund, and a portion to the Mortgage Loan
Repayment Fund. There are a number of employees with multiple splits, including allocations
to the Home.
4
Mark Mathwig talked about the Bureau of State Veterans Cemeteries which consists of
cemeteries, military funeral honors and the Veterans Assistance Program. The Military
Funeral Honors stipend budget of $246,600 is general purpose revenue from the state.
Mr. Hardie said the Legislature will be interested in knowing how much it costs to run the
programs and the number of full time equivalents which are needed to run the programs.
Mr. Grams summarized for the clarification of the Council members—The Trust Fund
pays for the ANVG Program, the Retraining Grant Program, County Transportation Services
Grant, Wisconsin Disabled American Veterans Grant, Personal Loan Program (also an income
source), the VetEd Reimbursement Grant. The State Approval Agency and the Troops to
Teachers are federally funded
The CVSO Grants are funded in a split manner, the largest portion from the Trust Fund
and a portion from the Mortgage Loan Repayment Fund and a portion from the Homes. The
Tribal VSO Grants are from the gaming fund. Military Funeral Honors stipend is GPR funded
while the staffing for the team is funded from the Trust Fund. The majority of the cemetery
operations are Trust Fund or Program Revenue and a portion is also funded by the federal
plot allowance. The Veterans Assistance Program is funded from the Trust Fund with a
portion funded with federal Per Diem.
Max Oleson, ARC, said this is a critical time of the year for the American Red Cross in its
need for blood. The annual blood drive is December 23rd at the Alliant Energy Center,
Madison. Disaster trailers have been established around the state and stocked with goods to
help disaster victims.
20. Adjournment
It was moved by Mr. Thiers, seconded by Mr. Fine and carried on a voice vote to adjourn;
the time was 6:25 p.m.
Charles Roloff
Chair
5
BOARD MINUTES
WISCONSIN BOARD OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Meeting of December 10, 2010
Union Grove, Wisconsin
1
Alan Walker
Ken Wendt, PLAV
Owen Williams, USSVWWII
Russ Alsteen presented Museum Director Michael Telzrow with a check from the Navy Club
and a personal check from Mr. Alsteen for the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Sesquicentennial
programs.
3. Approval of Minutes
a. Board Meeting of October 15, 2010
MOTION #1: It was moved by Mr. Moran, seconded by Mr. Freedman and carried on a voice
vote (one abstention) to approve the minutes.
Dave Boetcher has been working on setting up the lobbying training as a way to make sure
veterans can get a strong message to the Legislature in this budget cycle.
Rod Moen gave a Veterans Day speech and was a part of the firing squad.
Dan Naylor participated in the Veterans Day ceremony at King; he attended the NE CVSO
Association Regional meeting; he visited and toured Dryhootch in Milwaukee and attended the
2
Milwaukee Allied Veterans Council meeting. Mr. Naylor was a part of the Winnebago County
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day at the EAA.
Legislative & Program Review Committee. Dave Boetcher said the Committee discussed the
WDVA seven point legislative agenda and went over alternatives for possible action on those
items. There was no action taken for Board consideration.
Finance Committee. Pete Moran said the items of business included: a status report and
discussion of the Veterans Homes Accounts Receivables , a status report on the public affairs plan
to increase the use of VTF check-off on tax forms; a status report on the availability of financial
data on the Department’s enhanced web site; a written report on a demand analysis, right-sizing
and business plan in Union Grove; a status report on the cost-benefit analysis regarding King
Medicare Title 18 issue; a briefing on a variety of state statutes relating to bonds and funds
transfers to the Department from the State of Wisconsin; and a briefing on the internal audit
changes put into effect with regard to internal auditing procedures for the Veterans Home at King.
The Committee did not address business items requiring Board action.
Long Term Care Committee. Rod Moen said there were no items addressed which require
Board action. One item discussed at length dealt with the Fire Department at King and Committee
members asked for additional information to include the process of fire protection at Union Grove.
Council on Veterans Programs. Chuck Roloff said the ad hoc committee reviewed the
Protocols and By-Laws of the Council and learned that Council members are required to take an
Oath of Office which was accomplished at the meeting. The Council heard a briefing on the Fisher
House; Veterans Courts, and all WDVA benefits. The ad hoc committee of the Council was
empowered to continue its work on the By-Laws. The Council is requesting authorization by the
Board for WDVA Legal staff to review the draft By-Laws and make commentary before the
February meeting. Statutory changes will have to be made to bring in line some of the common
practices of the Council.
MOTION #3: It was moved by Mr. Freedman, seconded by Mr. Moran and carried on a voice
vote that the Board of Veterans Affairs requests the Office of Legal Counsel to advise the Board
by its February 2011 meeting of the legal sufficiency of the Council on Veterans Programs’ current
draft By-Laws and Rules of Procedure as well as any recommendations the Office of Legal Counsel
deems appropriate.
3
There will be more case managers for homeless veterans and more HUD-VASH vouchers to
find people housing.
Adding resources to Patient Aligned Care Teams. When someone is assigned to a primary care
team they have the appropriate people in place to get questions answered and appointments
made.
Putting resources aside to build out the Green Bay CBOC.
Telehealth has been implemented in many rural CBOCs.
All veterans seeking a mental health appointment within 7 days of their initial contact occurs
94% of the time and 92% for OIF/OEF veterans. Currently, the VISN is scheduling 86% of
new primary care appointments within 14 days and 93% of specialty care clinics within 14 days.
VA’s transparency program reports VA health care goals, successes and opportunities to
improve. The VISN 12 information can be accessed at
http://www.hospitalcompare.va.gov/ReportsVISN12.asp
Looking at expanding the size of the Loyal CBOC in Clark County and in the beginning stages
of assessing space needs at Kenosha.
In addition to Veterans Courts, VISN 12 has health care for re-entry veterans—people who
have been incarcerated and who are looking to make the leap back into the community.
8. Board Discussion and Action on Commencing a National Search for the Selection of the
Department Secretary
MOTION #4: It was moved by Mr. Moen and seconded by Mr. Moran that the Board remove
item 8 from the agenda. Roll call: Naylor, no; Boetcher, aye; Moran, aye; Moen, aye; Freedman,
aye—Motion carried.
9. Board Discussion and Action on Proposed Amendments to Sections 2.03, 3.04, 5.05, 5.06, and
6.03 of the Board of Veterans Affairs Rules of Procedure
Mr. Freedman said changes to the Board’s Rules require ten-day advance notice to every Board
member. On November 29th Mr. Freedman sent by email proposed changes to the Board of
Veterans Affairs Rules of Procedure. Chief Legal Counsel advised the Board Chair and Mr.
Freedman of a potential conflict between two opinions of the prior Attorney General. On the
advice of Council the Board Chair and Mr. Freedman requested the current Attorney General to
reconcile what appears to be a potential conflict. For that reason the motions offered today will be
limited to draft amendments for Sections 3.04, 5.05 and 6.03.
4
Section 3.04 refers to the responsibilities of the Chair and references previous Addenda to the
Board Rules which no longer exist because they were previously incorporated into the body of the
Rules themselves.
MOTION #5: It was moved by Mr. Freedman, seconded by Mr. Moen and carried
unanimously on a roll call vote to adopt the proposed change to Section 3.04.
Section 5.05. Quorum. Currently four Board members constitute a quorum. When originally
drafted, because seven Board members are authorized, it was assumed there would always be seven
Board members serving on the Board. Such is not the case at this point in time. The standard for
determining quorums is a majority of members serving. The proposal recommends striking the
reference to four Board members and substituting the words, “a majority of”.
MOTION #6: It was moved by Mr. Freedman, seconded by Mr. Moran and carried
unanimously on a roll all vote to adopt the proposed change to Section 5.05.
Section 6.03 deals with establishment and termination of Board committees, subcommittees and
councils. The proposed change authorizes the Board Chair to establish informal advisory and
working groups consisting of less than a majority of Board members. The current language allows
a working group to consist of three members and since only five Board member seats are filled at
this time, a quorum of the Board would be met and it would no longer be an informal working
group.
MOTION #7: It was moved by Mr. Freedman, seconded by Mr. Moran and carried
unanimously on a roll call vote to adopt the proposed change to Section 6.03.
11. Briefing, Board Discussion and Action on Department’s 2011-13 10% Budget Reduction
Submission
Colleen Holtan provided a PowerPoint presentation on the budget reduction plan. The
Governor’s budget reduction plan required a 10% permanent base reduction. The State Budget
Office offered some exclusions of budgetary base subject to reduction—the operation of the
Veterans Homes and Veterans Memorial Cemeteries; appropriations used to make loans; federal
appropriations; sum-sufficient appropriations; debt service, and gifts and bequests appropriations.
After those exclusions, they came up with a required reduction of $3,230,040 biennially, $1,615,020
annually. The plan was submitted by the Department to the Department of Administration with the
notation that it was subject to approval of the Board. In the plan was a program reduction of $1.5
million annually in the Personal Loan Program; and, administrative reduction of $115,020 annually
in foreclosure loss payments appropriation.
5
Mr. Freedman raised a point of concern that the above information was brought to the Board for
its approval a month after it was actually submitted. It is the responsibility of the Secretary that
matters requiring Board approval should be received by the Board in a timely fashion and not after
the fact.
MOTION #8: It was moved by Mr; Moran, seconded by Mr. Moen and carried unanimously
on a voice vote to approve the Department’s budget reduction plan as submitted to the Department
of Administration.
12. Board Discussion and Action on Veterans Homes Accounts Receivables, Including an Estimate of
Necessary Write-Offs
Ms. Holtan said the briefing was provided at the Finance Committee yesterday. Mr. Moran said
the Board will have a follow-up report in February.
13. WDVA Briefing on a Demand Analysis, Right-Sizing Plan, and a Business Plan for the King and
Union Grove Veterans Homes
Ms. Holtan said a business plan will be forthcoming for the Union Grove Veterans Home. Jeff
Baumann, Program and Planning Analyst in the Office of Policy, Planning and Budget, prepared
demand projections and presented a PowerPoint briefing to the Board.
Mr. Bauman said the analysis addresses skilled nursing only, not assisted living or domiciliary.
He began with demographics for the King and Union Grove Veterans Homes, population trends
and the demand analysis for King, Union Grove and Chippewa Falls. The conclusions taken from
the study were: usage rates at state veterans homes declines with distance; a declining state veteran
population and reduced skilled nursing facility usage will cause the census at King to be reduced to
half of the current level by 2030; there is excess demand in the Union Grove market; and there will
be excess demand in the Chippewa Falls market beginning in 2014. (The entire briefing is posted
on the Department’s web site.)
Mr. Naylor said the demand analysis for Union Grove should be briefed to the Board in
February.
Mr. Moen noted from the presentation it is very clear that distance is a major factor, and
possibly smaller is better. He would like the Long Term Care Committee to have this topic on its
agenda for the February meeting in Madison. Mr. Boetcher asked if there is a way for us to know
whether the private market is looking at the similar drop offs and whether we are in competition
with them. Mr. Baumann said the private sector is going to look more for private pay people, most
of our members are Medicaid. The King Home is about 80% Medicaid; we do not compete
directly with private nursing homes. Mr. Naylor asked for Mr. Baumann’s background research
comparison information. How does the forecast look for a private nursing home and how do we
compare with the industry, not just from the veterans’ perspective.
Mr. Freedman sees this as a significant first step toward the process of identifying right-sizing
the Veterans Homes for the future. The numbers received today underscore how important it is to
move forward effectively, prudently and quickly.
14. Briefing, Board Discussion and Action on Status of Proposed WI Veterans Home at Chippewa
Falls
6
Colleen Holtan said the Department is on schedule with respect to the planning for the
Chippewa Falls Veterans Home. The final planning review documents are to be to the Division of
State Facilities (DSF) from the Architect and Engineering firm today. The DSF will complete its
final review by the middle of January. By February 10th the DSF will issue bidding documents for
the project. Bids will open mid March in time for us to submit the remaining requirements to the
USDVA in order to get the federal grant for the project. Construction is anticipated to begin in
April; a groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively set for May 20, 2011. We expect substantial
completion in October 2012 and occupancy in November 2012.
15. Briefing, Board Discussion and Action Regarding WDVA Reorganization and Implementation
Timeline
Secretary Black’s presentation consisted of about 30 PowerPoint slides (found on the
Department’s web site). The Secretary gave an overview of how the Department will potentially
look and requested Board approval to continue to move forward as we look at reorganization and
transformation of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The reorganization plan maps out specific
steps to operate more efficiently, increase outreach, address key issues and utilize our workforce
more productively. With the strategic plan objectives in mind proposed changes are being sought
to evaluate programs and services, increase utilization of programs and services, modify existing
programs and services to meet changing needs and identify, develop and implement new programs
and services. Key transformations:
Strengthen outreach, sharpen geographic focus, synchronize outreach to the needs of veterans
and streamline benefits and services operations.
Strengthen communication throughout the organization, including: Division of Veterans
Homes, Division of Veterans Benefits, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and Office of Public
Affairs.
Enact structural changes for operational effectiveness of the Homes and identify operational
efficiencies such as consolidate internal functions and eliminate duplication of functions
Maximize skills and expertise of the current workforce, identify gaps in skills and expertise,
reallocate existing personnel to areas and assignments that most need manpower, and hire, if
necessary.
Pete Moran and Marv Freedman said the Board needs some time to digest this reorganization
plan. Mr. Freedman asked the Chair to consider holding a special Board meeting no later than
January 15th so the Board can discuss the reorganization plan in more detail and provide input and
recommendation from the Board prior to any action taken. He understands there are constraints
and challenges throughout the Department. He has been an advocate about the need to reorganize
the entire structure of the Veterans Homes and requested that the Homes section to be flushed out
in greater detail. Mr. Freedman asked why all Finance and Audit functions of the Department are
not consolidated within the Office of Policy, Planning and Budget. He said the reality is the
incoming Governor and Legislature are not going to be favorable to new hires, but there could be
realignments. What’s missing is data on the cost savings to be realized through attrition; are there
places in top and middle management that can be restructured. Mr. Freedman asked that the Board
be provided with a detailed diagram of the current structure of the Department indicating how many
staff members are in each bureau and any sub-sets at the bureau level. Finally, he recommends to
the Board Chair that implementation of this plan be held until the Board has a chance to do a more
intensive review, make recommendations and take appropriate action. Mr. Boetcher thought an
important part would be to look at staffing levels for the last two budgets and what the proposed
staffing level is for the next budget cycle. He feels serious consideration needs to be made in regard
7
to duplication at the Homes in the Commandant, Deputy Commandant and Administrator positions.
Statutory changes can be made to rectify this.
Mr. Naylor said the need for coordination and collaboration has been identified. In the areas of
specialty expertise, outreach—he would like to see some reference made as to how we coordinate
with public or private organizations. The potential for duplication is one we cannot afford. What
are we doing to ensure we are not duplicating efforts in the community but filling gaps in a needed
role?
At this point in the meeting, Board Member Moen had to depart for a previous commitment.
16. Briefing, Board Discussion and Action on any Related s.13.10, s.16.505, s.16.515 and/or Building
Commission Proceedings Since the August 2010 Board Meeting
Ms. Holtan said only the Building Commission took action since the August Board meeting. It
approved the transfer of vacant land at the Northern Wisconsin Center at Chippewa Falls from
DHS to DVA for the Chippewa Falls Veterans Home. At that same meeting they approved the
design report and gave WDVA authority to construct the Chippewa Falls Veterans Home. On
November 17th the State of Wisconsin Building Commission approved a DOA request on behalf of
the Historical Society and the Veterans Museum for the release of building trust funds for the
purpose of planning the state museum complex. They approved the design report and provided
authority to construct the Preservation Storage Facility which will be shared jointly by the
Historical Society and the Department of Veterans Affairs but owned by DOA.
17. Briefing, Status Update and Board Discussion Regarding all Current WDVA Process Action Teams
(PATs) and all PATs that Completed their Work since the October Board Meeting
Mr. Moran said the report was heard at the consolidated briefing yesterday.
MOTION #9: It was moved by Mr. Freedman, seconded by Mr. Moran and carried on a voice
vote that Board members be provided copies of all final Process Action Team reports within fifteen
days of the completion of such reports and their transmittal to the Department Secretary.
18. Briefing, Board Discussion and Action on the Status of Hiring Commandants for the Wisconsin
Veterans Homes at King and Union Grove and the Timeline for Final Action on Hiring
Mr. Naylor said the Board heard the report at the meetings conducted yesterday. Mr. Boetcher
asked if the Board could make a motion to freeze hiring of Commandants until the conclusion of
the reorganization analysis. Mr. Stewart said we are in an already approved budget cycle where
not only both positions have been authorized but they have been funded through the budgetary
process. Mr. Boetcher reiterated his concern that the rates charged to the members are reflected in
expensive management costs at the Homes.
19. Status Report, Committee Discussion and Action on a Cost-Benefit Analysis Regarding the King
Medicare Title 18 Issue
Mr. Moran said the report was heard at the consolidated briefing yesterday.
20. Briefing, Board Discussion and Action on the Status of Location and Operation of the DAV
Wheelchair Operation
Mr. Freedman was encouraged to see the Department actively engaged with principles in trying
to resolve the status and location of the DAV wheelchair operation. When might the Department
expect an MOU among affected veterans’ organizations on this subject? Brian Marshall said an
8
MOU has been drafted and discussions are occurring. The next meeting is scheduled for January
10-2011. The DAV is looking at proposed locations of building a new facility. Mr. Freedman
asked if other organizations, other than DAV, have expressed the level of concern and desired
involvement in some fashion with this process. Have the representatives on the Council on
Veterans Programs supported DAV’s efforts to get this resolved and are they looking to DAV to
be the lead? Mr. Roloff said the DAV has been running point on this issue and the Council is in
support of their position. Mr. Freedman asked how things will be handled as far as location of the
shop, the parking, the keys, the computers—in the interim between now and when the MOU is
completed? Ms. Moore said the wheelchair shop will be operating in the same location until
something is resolved. Some safety concerns will be worked through with the DAV.
Charles Vandenplas, DAV, said the Department has been willing to work with the DAV on the
parking and safety issues. The proposed MOU is being looked over by DAV state legal counsel
and the State Commander. The DAV will maintain the facility at King and will move forward and
have a great relationship with WDVA in the future.
21. Update, Board Discussion and Action on Public Affairs Plan to Increase the Use of the Veterans
Trust Fund Tax Check-Off
Mr. Moran said the Finance Committee received the public affairs plan yesterday.
Matthew Bills, representing DAV 2nd District, spoke on the topics of the WDVA proposed
reorganization , the Veterans Trust Fund in 2013 and WDVA’s hiring of veterans. Mr. Naylor said
the Board will be given a report on veterans’ employment at its next meeting.
Mike Gourlie, representing WACVO, serves on the Council on Veterans Programs and the
Finance Committee. He spoke about veteran hiring and the Council’s resolution on that subject.
Does the Department have any mandatory objective and written criteria which are used when the
Department makes a decision not to hire a veteran? Secretary Black said the question will be
researched. Mr. Gourlie is a 30 year state employee and during a period of time he managed an
operations section which had 150 employees. It was an administrative directive within his
department to pay special attention to various under-represented positions. Whenever he did not
hire within one of those under-represented positions for which he had a candidate, he had to write a
justification consistent with the benchmarks established for the position. As part of the review
being done for the DAV, he asked this be considered and be a priority when taking a look at
veteran hiring in the future.
9
Mr. Gourlie said the Board heard a presentation by Ken Grant of Workforce Development in
which he stated some of the challenges with veteran hiring within the Department have to do with
the need for so many skilled care positions at the institutions. Mr. Grant said they have access to
vocational rehabilitation services and all WDVA has to do is partner with DWD. Mr. Gourlie
requested research into this statement and an answer be provided to both the DWD and DVA that
they could agree upon. Mr. Stewart said it’s difficult to say if DWD will agree with the answer we
arrive at, but we can provide an answer that we agree on.
Scott Berger, Marathon County Veterans Service Officer representing the CVSO Association
spoke on WDVA outreach and reorganization which he understands to be similar to the
Department’s Regional Coordinator positions of the past. He is concerned the outreach teams may
be duplicating what CVSOs already do. Mr. Berger thought the CVSO Association could have
been approached about this proposal and had some input as to what an outreach specialist could do
in each CVSO region.
Mark Grams, Dodge County Veterans Service Officer, spoke on reorganization and the
Veterans Trust Fund. The gaps are in dental care, veterans can’t pay their rent, can’t pay their
mortgage, can’t buy food, they’ve lost their jobs, and they can’t provide for their families. That’s
where they need the help. The benefits funded by the Veterans Trust Fund are—Assistance to
Needy Veterans Grant, Retraining Grant, CVSO grants, County Transportation Services Grant,
Wisconsin Disabled American Veterans Grant, Personal Loan Program funded by the Trust Fund
but also an income source to the Trust Fund, Veterans Education Reimbursement Grant, Veterans
Cemeteries, funeral honors and the Veterans Assistance Program. Mr. Grams said we need to put
more money into the gaps for our veterans as opposed to more personnel.
Yvonne Duesterhoeft said there have been some proactive WDVA employees who are looking
for a way to make a difference and fill the gaps. She would like to be able to visit every nursing
home in her county and find out if there are veterans on Medicaid who should be getting a $90 a
month federal pension. She has a plan for Jefferson County in which service officers from
individual veterans service agencies are engaged to help do some footwork; she is not sure putting
more people in outreach positions at WDVA is the answer.
Paul Fine spoke on the Home’s fire department and security. He feels strongly about not
eliminating these services on the grounds of the Veterans Home at King. He personally knows
about the importance of a quick response to 911 calls.
10
December 8 and 9 in Union Grove. Mr. Moran is a strong advocate for having the October
meeting in Prairie du Chien or LaCrosse. The motion carried on a voice vote.
26. Adjournment
MOTION #11: It was moved by Mr. Moran, seconded by Mr. Boetcher and carried on a voice
vote to adjourn the meeting; the time was 12:55 p.m.
Dan Naylor
Chair
11
Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs
Veteran Lifetime Achievement Award
Proclamation
WHEREAS, Chester A. Caine was born January 8, 1930 in Lowell, WI and was raised in rural Lowell. He was drafted and
entered the United States Army on May 15, 1951 in Milwaukee, WI; and he took basic training and advanced Infantry training at
Fort Leonard Wood, MO; and
WHEREAS, he completed combat engineer and leadership courses, taught small arms fire distribution, prepared demolitions
for Infiltration Course training and was promoted to Corporal at Fort Leonard Wood. In early spring of 1952, he shipped-out to
Korea with 6,000 other military members aboard the USS General Brewster. He arrived at Inchon, Korea during Easter in April
1952; and
WHEREAS, he was assigned as an Infantryman to Company B, 1st Battalion, 160th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division
in Komwa Valley, a part of the Iron Triangle. After a couple of months on-line as an Infantryman, he was reassigned to
Headquarters Company as a Parts Specialist, Truck Driver, and Disabled Vehicle Retriever and he routinely made vehicle
recoveries from unsecured areas of the battlefield, including Heartbreak Ridge. He received ten months combat pay during his
twelve month tour of duty and in April 1953 he was shipped home with 6,000 others, including a large contingent of Canadian
Military. He was discharged from active duty on May 1, 1953 at Camp Carson, CO with the rank of Corporal (Technical), and
returned to Wisconsin as an Army Reservist, receiving his final discharge on October 16, 1956. His military decorations include
the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, the Combat Infantry Badge, the
Syngman Rhee Meritorious Unit Citation, and he is authorized to wear two Overseas Bars; and
WHEREAS, after the war, he bought a new truck with his combat pay savings and continued Caine Transfer, the trucking
business he started at age seventeen. He subsequently opened Caine Petroleum & Equipment and Reeseville Agri Center,
acquired the Reeseville Canning Company, and started Caine Warehousing. His enterprises currently employ over one hundred
people and have a continuing positive impact on the economy of Dodge County; and he continues to be an active driver with
Caine Transfer; and
WHEREAS, he is a Life Member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, a member of the Combat
Infantryman’s Association, and a member of the Disabled American Veterans Association. As a member of Lowell VFW Post
9392 he played a prominent role in acquiring the Post Headquarters building and, also, in the establishment of its military
museum by purchasing, restoring, and donating twelve military vehicles from World War II through the current era, which are
used in local parades and to promote veterans events. He also serves the VFW Post as its Drill Squad and Funeral Honors Team
Commander, participating in four to five parades and twenty funerals annually. He is President of the 160th Military Regiment
Association and serves on the Leadership Council of the 40th Infantry Division Association of Korean War veterans, participates
annually in the 40th Infantry Division Reunion, and attended the dedication of the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C.
and the 40th Division Memorial at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. He is the current Chair and twenty-two year
member of the Dodge County Veterans Service Commission; and
WHEREAS, he has served as a member of the Lowell Village Board for 47 years and donates his Board pay to the Fire
Department. He is a 24-year member of the Dodge County Board of Supervisors, currently serving as Vice Chair of the County
Highway Committee. He is the past President of the Lowell/Reeseville First Responders and a past member of the Lowell Fire
Department. He is a Life Member of the National Rifle Association; and
WHEREAS, he is a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church and a Life Member of the Knights of Columbus. He and
his wife, Barbara, have six sons, one daughter, and twenty-four grandchildren. He and Barbara reside in the same home they
purchased early in their marriage fifty-seven years ago.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Daniel J. Naylor, Chair of the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs, proclaim CHESTER A.
CAINE the recipient of the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs Veteran Lifetime Achievement Award on this 10th day of
December 2010.
______________________________________
DANIEL J. NAYLOR
Board Chair
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