Laserfiche WebLink
CASS HUMAN SERVICE ZONE BOARD MEETING <br />May 15, 2023 <br />MINUTES <br />With quorum present, Chair Bollinger called the meeting to order at 1 :00 p.m. <br />Present: <br />Absent: <br />Presenter: <br />Commissioner Tony Grin dberg; Rick Steen; Julie Haugen; Dan Madler; Carey Fry; <br />Brian Hagen; Michelle Kommer (via Teams); Gail Bollinger <br />Gail Bollinger, Zone Director; <br />I. Approval of Minutes <br />Commissioner Grindberg made a motion to approve the April 3, 2023 Meeting minutes. <br />Mr. Steen seconded . Motion carried. <br />II. North Dakota 68th Legislative Session Review <br />Chair Bollinger reviewed legislation impacting the Zone. <br />Senate Bill 2012, DHHS budget bills which includes Human Service Zone budgets included <br />annual performance-based increases (effective July 1, 2023) for Zone employees of up to <br />6% in year one and up to 4% in year two. Senate Bill 2012 also provided $3.75 M to <br />address Zone equity needs statewide. The Zone is awaiting guidance which will be <br />provided by DHHS. Late in the session an amendment was introduced to require state <br />employment of all Zone personnel. The amendment failed . <br />House Bill 1046 provided new definitions for indirect costs, allows county to vacate a zone <br />and enter a new zone or change host county, provides for a grievance process if DHHS <br />takes formal action against a zone and provides a 60-day prior notice for the annual <br />reporting to of the county wide cost allocation information. If not reported in the required <br />timeline the county would be penalized. <br />House Bill 1091 supports foster care payments for approved kinship placements. <br />Senate Bill 2139 provides a uniform rate of $3,500 for all general assistance burials with <br />cremation as a default unless attestation of religious objection. <br />Ill. Zone Board Member Appointment Recommendation <br />Senate Bill 2012 requires Zone Advisory Boards to have at least one legislator appointed <br />to their Board. Chair Bollinger invited board members to provide suggestions. Board <br />members suggested Senator Ky le Davison as he has shown interest in Zone programs and <br />services. It was also suggested to consider having two legislative representatives. Any <br />new appointments to the Zone Board would need to be approved by the Commissioners. <br />Chair Bollinger indicated she will connect with Commissioner Grindberg to reach out and <br />provide the Board recommendation in July.