Rockford Sun

Winnebago County Board met Sept. 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Present:

Jim Knutson, Chairperson

Frank Perrecone, Vice Chairperson Trent Brass

John Butitta

Jay Ferraro

Teresa Gobeli

Bob Nieman

Absent:

Bernice Marinelli

Others Present:

Joseph Chiarelli, County Board Chairman

Patrick Thompson, County Administrator

Steve Schultz, Chief Financial Officer

Debbie Crozier, Human Resources

Karen Elyea, Sr. Executive Assistant

Danielle Grindle, Communications Director

Paul Michalsen, Interim Administrator

AGENDA:

A. Call to Order

B. Roll Call

Laura Schaffer, Asst. Administrator, River Bluff Nursing Home Mary Ann Wigtion, Office Manager, River Bluff Nursing Home Thim Harris, Admission Specialist, River Bluff Nursing Home

C. Approval of August 15, 2023 Minutes

D. Public Comment– This is the time we invite the public to address the Finance Committee with issues and concerns. We ask you to limit your comments to three minutes. Personal attacks or inappropriate language of any sort will not be tolerated. We will allow a maximum of five speakers on a first come basis with sign up at the meeting. Speakers may not address zoning matters which are pending before the ZBA, the Zoning Committee or the County Board. Personnel matters or pending or threatened litigation may not be addressed in open session. An individual may speak a maximum of three times per calendar year on the same topic. This prohibition shall include the repetition of the same topic in a statement on what is purported to be a different topic. After acknowledgement by the Chairman, please stand and state your name. Thank you.

E. Discussion Item – Administrators Report (Paul Michalsen)

1. Census

F. Discussion Item – Financial Report (Steve Schultz and Mary Ann Wigtion)

1. Updated Financial Statements (see attachment)

2. HMO Status

G. River Bluff Administrator Appointment

H. Other Matters

I. Adjournment

Call to Order

Chairperson Knutson called the meeting of the River Bluff Board of Directors to order at 3:00 pm.

Roll Call

Chairperson Jim Knutson yes, Frank Perrecone yes, Jay Ferraro yes, Trent Brass yes, Bob Nieman yes, Teresa Gobeli yes, John Butitta yes.

Approval of August 15, 2023 Minutes

Motion: Mr. Nieman. Second Mr. Butitta.

Chairperson Knutson called for any discussion, corrections or additions. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

Public Comment

Chairperson Knutson omitted reading the Public Comment Section of the Agenda due to no one present to speak.

River Bluff Administrator Appointment

Mr. Michalsen spoke about the search for a new administrator. Ms. Schaffer was named the acting Administrator.

• Discussion followed.

Mr. Thompson called for a motion to make the Recommendation to Chairman Chiarelli and the Winnebago County Board to place the Appointment of Ms. Schaffer as the acting Administrator of River Bluff Nursing Home on the County Board Agenda. Motion: Mr. Perrecone. Second: Ms. Gobeli.

Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

Discussion Item – Administrators Report (Paul Michalsen)

1. Census

Current census is 143 and it was reported the majority of referrals are from the community. Insurance contracts should be completed by October 1, 2023. Administration is following up on the applications.

• Discussion followed.

Discussion Item – Financial Report (Steve Schultz and Mary Ann Wigtion) 

1. Updated Financial Statements (see attachment)

Mr. Schultz directed the Board to the Summary Page and discussed the financials through July 31, 2023 and called for questions. Ms. Wigtion shared an update on the accounting staff’s work.

• Discussion followed.

2. HMO Status

No update.

Other Matters

• Discussion took place on exploring the possibility of providing dialysis care for residents and the ramifications of providing this care and a discussion on providing dementia care.

• Ms. Grindle gave an update on the new River Bluff Nursing Home website and encouraged board members to visit the site. Ms. Doise will continue to do hands on events and engage staff and residents. Ms. Grindle will handle internal communications and press releases. Marketing vendor KMK will continue to manage the website and absorb some social media duties. Ms. Grindle shared upcoming events planned for River Bluff.

• Agenda Item – Possible leniency in private pay billed amounts for those denied Medicare Advantage coverage after admittance.

• Interim Administrator, Paul Michalsen was thanked by Mr. Nieman and the Board for his expertise and contributions in the short time he has been at River Bluff Nursing Home.

Adjournment

Chairperson Knutson called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.

Motion: Mr. Nieman. Second: Mr. Butitta.

Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

https://wincoil.gov/images/River_Bluff_Brd_09.19.23.pdf