board minutes august 2007

8/8/2019 Board Minutes August 2007

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WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRSWDVA Briefing of August 16, 2007

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Board Members Present WDVA Staff Members PresentPeter Moran Bill Kloster, Acting SecretaryMarv Freedman Anthony Hardie, Executive AssistantRodney C. Moen Bill Crowley, Commandant, King

Jackie Guthrie Jimmy Stewart, Chief Legal CounselWilliam Andersen Ken Abrahamsen, Budget DirectorWalter Stenavich Mike Diaz, Division of Veterans Homes

Pat Shaughnessy, Deputy Commandant, UGLegislative & Program Review Members Present Gary Wistrom, Acting Commandant, WVH-UGMarv Freedman Ken Black, Division of Veterans BenefitsVera Roddy Seth Perelman, Division of AdministrationSteve Lawrence Nate Nez, Regional CoordinatorDuane Miskulin Dennis Bohen, Division of ClaimsJim Young Julie Van Metre, Executive Staff AssistantTim ThiersMike Furgal Council on Veterans Programs PresentScott Berger Russ Alsteen, NCUSA

Don Heiliger Paul Bialk, MCLBud Mautz Cleon Brown, USSVWWIIPaul Weprinsky Rick Cherone, MOPH

Jesse Haro, CWVLong Term Care Committee Members Present Paul Fine, ANURod Moen Bud Mautz, ALJackie Guthrie Jon LiDonne, CVSOLewis Harned John Margowski, VVARick Scollon Walter Peterson, Am ExPOWsJerry Polus Vera Roddy, UWVDr. Charles Allen William Sims, NABVChristine Jordan Jerry Rabetski, PLAVKen Wendt Clif Sorenson, WACVO

Clarence Stoel, DAVFinancial Committee Members Present Tim Thiers, AMVETSBill Andersen Paul Weprinsky, JWVWalter StenavichAl Richards Others PresentMike Demske Holly Hoppe, Oconto CVSOJim Gausmann Yvonne Duesterhoeft, Jefferson CVSOJoe Campbell David Kurtz, WI American LegionAl Kochenderfer Kathy Gausmann, Monroe CVSO

Robert A. Cocroft, CVI, Inc.CVSO Advisory Council Carter J. DoeringMark Grams, Dodge CVSO Naomi Horwitz, WAC VeteransTed Mynyk, Iowa CVSO Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSOMichael Jackson, Dane CVSO Lois O’Keefe, Congresswoman Moore’s Assistant

Nick Benzinger, Shawano CVSO Jim EndresRobert Stone, Rusk CVSO Jim Duff, Milwaukee CVSOFred Kaiser, Waushara CVSO

The briefing session by WDVA staff for Board, Council and Committee memberscommenced at 12:30 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

1. Certification of Notice of Meeting and Roll CallIt was certified that the meeting was properly noticed.

Roll call of Board members: 6 members present for a quorum.



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Roll call of CVSO Advisory Council members: 6 members present for a quorum.Roll call of Legislative and Program Review Committee members: 11 members present fora quorum.Roll call of Long-Term Care Committee members: 8 members present for a quorum.Roll call of Financial Committee members: 7 members present for a quorum.Roll call of Council on Veterans Programs members: 17 members present for a quorum.

Chairman Moran called upon Joe Campbell who introduced Mr. Carter Doering ofBrookfield, a veteran responsible for getting the City of Brookfield to fly the POW flag 24-7and for bringing the Vietnam Memorial Wall to Brookfield. Acting Secretary Klosterrecognized Milwaukee County Acting CVSO, Jim Duff; Robert A. Cocroft, Center forVeterans Issues; Dennis Bohen, Bureau Director of the Claims Office in Milwaukee; andJimmy Stewart, WDVA Chief Legal Counsel.

2. Board Committee AppointmentChairman Moran appointed Board member Jackie Guthrie as the Vice Chair of

the Long Term Care Committee.

3. Programs Report—Ken BlackMr. Black reported on his Division programs:• CVSO Bulletin Updates: #794 announced the new underemployed income limits

for the Retraining Grant; Bulletin #795 announced the new maximum home loanamount of $400,000; Bulletin #797 announced the upcoming summer marketingcampaign for the three loan programs; and Bulletin #798 announced theavailability of the County Transportation Grant application.

• Cemetery expansion continues at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans MemorialCemetery in Spooner with a completion date estimated by the end of September2007. The Department continues to work with the State Cemetery GrantsProgram for another large expansion at the Southern Cemetery in Union Grove.

Fifty percent of burials at the cemeteries in FY 2006 were cremation. TheSouthern Cemetery in Union Grove is rated the seventh busiest state cemetery inregard to burials and Wisconsin is rated number six regarding total burials.

• The Department coordinates honors from the central office and has a MilitaryFuneral Honors (MFH) team located at each of the state veterans cemeteries.Training or refresher training, ammunition, M1 clips, funeral honors coin andother services are all available by contacting the honors program at 1-877-944-6667. The MFH stipend program still provides a stipend of either $25 or $50 tothose veterans organizations who provide or assist with honors. The TAPSstudent voucher program still provides a $25 certificate for students towards theirtuition each time they sound TAPS at a veterans service.

• The Women’s Veterans Conference is scheduled for September 28-29 at Ft.McCoy.

• The Department recently placed on its website, under State Veterans Benefits,the webpage of “Medals and Records”.

• The newest homeless program for veterans located at the Northern WisconsinCenter in Chippewa Falls is projected to open in the November timeframe. TheCenter for Veterans Issues (CVI) took over the operational control of the veteransassistance center at King on May 1, 2007. The homeless program at UnionGrove will relocate from Cottage 1 to Cottage 16 which will reduce operating



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costs for the 30 bed program and will also include the addition of eight rooms forveterans under single room occupancy (SRO).

• For the spring semester, through July 31, the Department received 1,512veterans education grant applications, approved 1,023, denied 210, and 279 arestill being worked.

• The Personal Loan Program (PLP) volume was $428,710 in June and $911,809in July.

• Volume in the Home Improvement Loan Program (HILP) was at $128,300 inJune and $232,891 in July.

• The Home Loan Program volume was $6.8 million for June and $7.5 million forJuly—up from $4.7 million in the month of May.

• The Veterans Trust Fund (VTF) delinquency rate was at 2.20% in June and2.18% in July.

• Mr. Black is in the process of putting together a process action team for theAssistance to Needy Veterans Grant Program.

Mr. Moen asked that of the 1,512 VetEd applications, how many were graduateor undergraduate. It was noted that the program is for undergraduates only. Mr. Moen

asked for reasons why 210 were denied. Mr. Black said the major reason was preapplication.

Mr. Andersen asked if there is an increase in home loans because of the interestrates. Mr. Black said yes, along with the Department’s aggressive marketing plan. Mr.Black said if we continue to distribute the bonding funds at the current rate, we will beout of money in the program by October. The Acting Secretary and the Office of Budgetand Planning have met with Capital Finance to work on plans to try to recycle orrefinance some of the current bonds and utilize the prepayments from those bonds.

4. Veterans Homes Report

Mr. Diaz said that the Division of Veterans Homes conducted a survey of its foodservice operations during the week of July 9-13. The bid for the King Koach wasannounced on July 19 by the Department of Administration with a due date of August22nd. The operational study is progressing with bidders touring both homes on July 19th.The federal appropriation for the State Home Construction Grant Program will be in therange of $165-$250 million for federal fiscal year 2008. It is unlikely that funds will beset aside for the Chippewa Falls Veterans Home project; however, if a similar amount isappropriated in federal fiscal year 2009, the project may receive some funding.

Commandant Crowley reported that the King Home census was 707 at the endof July. There are 42 vacancies and of that number, 18 vacancies are in the historic

cottage district. There are 71 pending applications in various stages of development.The average time from receipt of application to date of admission is 63 days. The acuityof care level remains high.

The Home Exchange operation had no significant changes to report. In themonths of June and July there were receipts of $42,519.14 with a net gain of $581.74.There was a net gain in the past 12 months of $1,809.30. The Gifts and Bequests totalrevenue since the last report amounts to $36,525.91 and expenditures from that fundwere $94,315.51 for a difference of ($57,789.60).



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Construction Projects at King: The water supply well production project (well #2)is in the process of drilling. It is anticipated that well #2 will come on line in July 2008and at that time the Home will discontinue its reliance on water from Rainbow Lake.The resident ceiling lifts project is approaching the 35% point on the design. This willallow for patient lifts for members in need of assistance and make it safer for thecaregiver. The grant application is on the VA’s priority list; however, the funds have notyet been set aside. The Olson Hall domestic water piping replacement project is at the

35% point on the design. The grant application is on the VA’s priority list; the grantwould be approximately $975,000, however, funds are not currently set aside. Otherprojects being considered are the replacement of the windows in Olson Hall and thewandering resident monitoring system.

Major functions at the King Home: June 24, DAV King Day; July 4, MemberCouncil Independence Day Celebration; July 22, VFW King Day; August 11, the annualGreen Bay AMVETS King Bicycle Tour; August 12, American Legion King Day(changed from their traditional Father’s Day visit).

Mr. Crowley said that a bill was passed in December and signed into law by the

President authorizing the federal VA to pay for the full cost of care for veterans whohave a 70% or greater service-connected disability rating and are residing in stateveterans’ homes. The federal VA is in the final stages of writing rules to cover per diempayment for these severely service-connected disabled veterans to be able to reside instate veterans homes and have their cost of care paid by the federal VA.

Ms. Hoppe asked about the special care unit and its high demand. Can that unitbe expanded if we go for federal funding at the VA level? Mr. Crowley said theAlzheimer’s and special care unit are typically full with a waiting list for admission. Thatis one of the things that will be addressed in the operations report and he will reportback in the not too distant future.

Acting Commandant Wistrom said that as of August 16, 2007 the Union Grovecampus census is 163. The skilled nursing facility has 58 members with 19 applicantsfully processed and waiting for admittance. Due to preparations for the upcoming roomconversion in Fairchild and Shemanske, the overall assisted living census hasdecreased from 110 to 105. Union Grove continues to admit members into Gates Halland continues to accept new applications. The average length of time to processapplications for both the skilled nursing facility and assisted living is about 21 days fromthe time a person first applies, but can be as short as 24 hours for hospital admissions.

The Union Grove Home currently has 191 employees with 81 positions yet to be

filled. When filled, 62%, or 168 of 272 total positions, will be direct care positions.

The Home is working with the Department of Workforce Development’s visuallyimpaired operators to contract out the deli and the bar. The deli will open later thismonth and the pub should open sometime in the fall.

Bids are out for ten double rooms to be converted into 15 single rooms inFairchild and Shemanske Halls. All newly converted rooms, as well as the remainingdouble rooms will be fitted with ADA compliant bathrooms and all the windows in bothbuildings will be replaced. The construction could last nine to eighteen months. The



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replacement of hot water heaters, water softeners and air handling units is scheduled aswell and a new grant amount is being submitted to the federal VA.

The above-ground building connectors at Union Grove are classified as otherprojects presently being considered by VA for funding in fiscal year 2008.

The annual Division of Quality Assurance survey for assisted living facilities was

completed: Gates—no citations; Shemanske—two minor deficiencies which have beencorrected, and Fairchild—awaiting final report but a verbal report indicates no citations.

The Home at Union Grove is fortunate to have two licensed administrators. PatShaughnessy is the Deputy Commandant/Administrator. Pat has over 20 yearsexperience in healthcare, including nine years as a Nursing Home Administrator. PhilTremain is the Administrator of Health Services. Phil has 19 years experience as anAdministrator and nine years as a Director of Nursing.

5. Legislative ReportMr. Hardie highlighted Assembly Bill 370 with regard to commercial driver license

testing for military license holders. There was a hearing on the bill this morning. TheDepartment testified on several bills that were before the Assembly VeteransCommittee. Assembly Bill 270, changing the members of the Council on VeteransPrograms passed the Assembly and had a hearing in the Senate Veterans AffairsCommittee.

The majority of the Department’s budget was passed by Joint Finance and wasnot controversial among the Senate and Assembly. Mr. Hardie took some time todiscuss the variables of the budget as passed by the Joint Committee on Finance, theAssembly and the Senate. Seven veteran related items have yet to be determined bythe budget conference committee:

1. The Wisconsin GI Bill tuition remission2. The Korean War Memorial refurbishment of $165,000 general purpose revenue3. The feasibility study for a state veterans cemetery in the Fox Valley4. Burial of non resident service members that would allow for service members

killed in action regardless of their residence to be buried in the state’s veteranscemetery

5. Gold Star License plate expanded eligibility6. The Council on Veterans Programs membership (which is also a separate bill)7. Nursing home rates and bed assessment increases

As clarification relating to the Wisconsin GI Bill, Mr. Hardie explained that it is atuition remission. The veteran receives an upfront tuition waiver, a remission as it iscalled. There is no reimbursement to the veteran. The reimbursement is from theHigher Education Aids Board to the University of Wisconsin System and the WisconsinTechnical College System for costs that they would incur. Mr. Jackson felt that it isimportant for us to tell people that this is not a lifetime benefit because it’s limited by thenumber of credits taken. If one does four straight years, 128 credits, he or she is done.

Mr. Hardie reiterated that the Conference Committee has not come to anagreement on the budget nor does it have a final version of the budget. To this point



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the Committee has only agreed on 571 items which did include the essence of most ofWDVA’s budget items except for the seven items listed above.

Upcoming events: The Badger Salute on September 1st; Veterans BenefitsInformation Fair at Ft. McCoy on September 7th; the Military Order of the Purple HeartDay at King is on September 9th; a stand down by Project Reach Out on September15th; AMVETS Day at King on September 15-16; National POW-MIA Recognition Day is

on September 21st

; a stand down in Milwaukee on September 22nd

; WDVA’s firstWomen Veterans Conference is at Ft. McCoy on September 29th; the CVSO FallConference in Madison on September 24-28; the National Guard Retiree Day at Ft.McCoy on October 6th; and a Supermarket of Veterans Benefits coming up at the Ho-Chunk Casino in Baraboo on October 23rd and the final Supermarket will be inWaukesha on November 5-7. The Department had a successful Purple HeartRecognition Day at the State Capitol.

Mr. Thiers presented a State Legislative Advocacy Award plaque to AnthonyHardie from the AMVETS Department of Wisconsin for his work on the budget to makesure Wisconsin veterans have the most outstanding benefits in the country.

Ms. Guthrie asked if there has been any discussion about utilizing federal GIbenefits. If you are going to school and it is already completely paid for by your federalbenefits, do you still get to tap into the state benefits. Can you get tuition remission andthen collect your Federal GI Bill for living expenses? Mr. Hardie said that the WisconsinGI Bill was never intended to mirror the Federal GI Bill; it was intended to help pay forthe full cost of education. The Wisconsin GI Bill currently waives the full cost of tuitionand fees at UW or Vocational Technical Colleges. If the veteran is still eligible forFederal GI Bill benefits, that allows them to be able to pay for their living expenses andfor their books.

6. Financial ReportMr. Abrahamsen reported that operating revenues for the King Home haveexceeded expenses resulting in an operating income of $1.7 million for the fiscal year.As compared to fiscal year 2006, operating revenues were $18.2 million less, whichincludes a $19.8 million decrease in Medical Assistance revenue and $1.4 millionincrease in Medicare Part D revenue. Operating expenses were $4.4 million morewhich is primarily due to increased personnel costs. Almost all of the decrease inMedical Assistance payments is due to the fact that the King Home received $20.3million in retro payments in fiscal year 2006 and only $541,100 in fiscal year 2007.

The $6.9 million “transferred out” includes two significant transfers that have

previously been discussed with the Board. First at the June 2007 Board meeting theBoard of Veterans Affairs approved the transfer of up to $1.2 million from InstitutionalOperations to the Veterans Trust Fund. The actual amount transferred was$1,131,149.51. The Department had estimated that it expected to transfer up to $6.4million of funds from the King Home to the Union Grove Home at the close of the 2007fiscal year. The actual amount of that transfer was $5,777,842.59. As a result of thetransfer, fund equity for the King Home decreased by $4.9 million to $47.5 million. TheJune 30, 2007 cash balance was $17,747,387, an increase of $2.5 million over thefiscal year 2006 balance.



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Operating expenses for Union Grove totaled $12.5 million; an increase of $5.4million over 2006 expenses and preliminary 2007 operating revenues totaled $6.3million, an increase of $2.9 million over 2006. The preliminary net operating loss forfiscal year 2007 was $6.2 million.

Total revenue of $5.7 million was transferred in from the King Home to offsetnegative appropriation balances, as calculated on a statutory basis. The decrease to

Fund Equity after transfers was $679,234 for an ending balance of $21,644,430. Thepreliminary year-end cash balance for the Union Grove Home, after transfers was($194,076).

Assets in the Veterans Trust Fund (VTF) were $71.3 million as of June 30, 2007,which is $6.5 million less than the balance as of June 30, 2006. The preliminary fiscalyear 2007 net loss before transfers was $7.89 million, which is $1.1 million less than the$9 million loss for fiscal year 2006. Decreases in aids to individuals and organizationsof $900,000 and increases in investment earnings of $300,000 contributed to theimproved results. “Transfers in” totaling $1,320,974 included $1,131,149.51 transferredfrom the King Home’s institutional operations pursuant to 2005 WI Act 468. The net

decrease to Fund Equity after transfers for 2007 was $6.6 million--$2.4 million less thanin fiscal year 2006. Cash uses exceeded cash receipts by $1.8 million for the fiscal yearresulting in a preliminary year-end cash balance of $27,231,649 which is about $3.5million higher than the latest Veterans Trust Fund cash flow projections presented to theBoard in June.

Assets in the Mortgage Loan Repayment Fund (MLRF) totaled $411.8 million atfiscal year end, which is a decrease of $6.5 million since June 30, 2006. Fund equitydecreased $2,266,331 as the result of a net operating loss of $7.9 million that wasoffset, in part, by non-operating income of $5.6 million. The net loss was $2.4 millionless than the fiscal year 2006 loss for the fund. The cash balance in the MLRF was

$123,073,745 as of June 30, 2007, an $18.8 million increase over the fiscal year 2006ending balance. The increase is due primarily to loan prepayments on hand. An $8million special redemption, or prepayment call, of taxable bonds is now scheduled forOctober 1.

The Veterans Trust Fund loan portfolio delinquency rate for July was 2.18%overall, and 2.21% for the Personal Loan Program. The Primary Mortgage Loandelinquency rate for June was 0.79%. Forty-five Primary Mortgage Loan applicationswere received in July.

7. Recess/Adjournment

It was moved by Mr. Stenavich, seconded by Mr. Freedman and carried on avoice vote that the Board Adjourn until 9:30 a.m. on August 17.It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Stone and carried on a voice

vote that the CVSO Advisory Council stand in recess.It was moved by Ms. Roddy, seconded by Mr. Heiliger and carried on a voice

vote that the Legislative and Program Review Committee stand in recess.It was moved by Mr. Wendt, seconded by Mr. Walker and carried on a voice vote

that the Long Term Care Committee stand in recess.It was moved by Mr. Gausmann, seconded by Mr. Richards and carried on a

voice vote that the Financial Committee stand in recess.



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It was moved, seconded and carried on a voice vote that the Council on VeteransPrograms adjourn until 8:00 a.m. on August 17.

The time was 2:00 p.m.



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M I N U T E S

CVSO ADVISORY COUNCIL

August 16, 2007

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Members Present Others Present

Nick Benzinger, Shawano Russ Alsteen, NCUSA

Mark Grams, Dodge Scott Berger, Marathon CVSO

Michael Jackson, Dane Cleon “Pat” Brown, USSVWWIIFred Kaiser, Waushara Joe Campbell

Ted Mynyk, Iowa Rick Cherone, MOPH

Robert Stone, Rusk Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSO

Mike Demske, VVA President

Members Excused Carter Doering

Andrew Clark, Outagamie Yvonne Duesterhoeft, Jefferson CVSO

John Solis, Rock Paul Fine, ANU

Mike Haley, Chippewa Marvin Freedman, Board Vice Chair

Mike Furgal

WDVA Present Jim Gausmann, LaCrosse CVSO

Bill Kloster, Acting Secretary Kathy Gausmann, Monroe CVSO

Anthony Hardie, Executive Assistant Jackie Guthrie, Board MemberJimmy Stewart, Chief Legal Counsel Lewis Harned

Bill Crowley, Commandant, WVH-K Jesse Haro, CWV

Gary Wistrom, Acting Commandant, WVHUG Don Heiliger

Pat Shaughnessy, Deputy Commandant, UG Holly Hoppe, Oconto CVSO

Mike Diaz, Division Administrator Naomi Horwitz, WAC

Ken Abrahamsen, Budget Director Chris Jordan, Walworth CVSO

Donna Warzynski, Nursing Administrator Steve Lawrence, VFW Adjutant

Ken Black, Division of Veterans Benefits Jon LiDonne, Waupaca CVSO

Seth Perelman, Division of Administration John Margowski, Waukesha CVSO

Nate Nez, Regional Coordinator Bud Mautz, American Legion

Dennis Bohen, Claims Division Mary Meyer

Julie Van Metre, Executive Staff Assistant Duane MiskulinRod Moen, Board Member

Pete Moran, Board Chair

Lois O’Keefe, Cong. Moore’s Office

Walt Peterson, Am. Ex-POWs

Jerry Polus, Brown CVSO

Jerry Rabetski, PLAV

Al Richards

Very Roddy, UWV

Rick Scollon

Clif Sorenson, WACVO, Eau Claire CVSO

Walt Stenavich, Board Member

Clarence Stoel, DAVTim Thiers, AMVETS

Alan Walker

Ken Wendt

Paul Weprinsky, JWV

Jim Young, Vernon CVSO

1. Call to Order and Roll Call



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The meeting of the CVSO Advisory Council was called to order at 2:10 p.m. A quorum

was present.

2. Certification of Notice of Meeting

So noted.

3. Approval of Minutes of June 14, 2007

It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Kaiser and carried on a voice vote to

approve the minutes of the June 14 CVSO Advisory Council meeting.

Mr. Jackson offered the following corrections to the previously approved CVSO

Advisory Council minutes of April 19, 2007:

• Jim Young, Vernon CVSO, was no longer a member of the CVSO Advisory

Council in April.

• The special election portion should read--Mr. Stone nominated Mr. Solis for

Chair and the nomination was seconded by Mr. Grams.

• On page 2, second paragraph, “Mr. Jackson said that the issue is a matter of trust

and that WDVA currently receives forms that may have been altered.” The

essence of Mr. Jackson’s message was that if in fact WDVA receives forms that

are altered, it probably is a matter of trust and WDVA should contact those people

who sent in the forms. Mr. Jackson said he has no way of knowing what WDVA

receives.

It was moved by Mr. Stone, seconded by Mr. Benzinger and carried on a voice vote to amend

the previously approved April 19th CVSO Advisory Council minutes as noted above.

4. Announcements and Introductions

Lois O’Keefe from Congresswoman Gwen Moore’s office was introduced. Ms. O’Keefe

reported that the Congresswoman is very actively involved in monitoring concerns,

complaints and issues arising within the veterans community. A number of service members

currently coming out of the military have been discharged for personality disorders. There is

legislation working its way through the Veterans Affairs Committees in both the House and

the Senate and Congresswoman Moore has offered an amendment which would, at a

minimum, stop these personality disorder discharges and secondly, order a review of all

current personality disorder discharges.

5. WDVA Form 2045 Update--Verification of Illness or Disability

Ken Black said he met with Michael Jackson and John Solis and several members of the

WDVA staff to discuss Form 2045. The Form is the medical evidence required for the ANV

veterans grant health care aid portion. The form comes to WDVA directly from the

physician and the CVSO community wants the form to go directly to them. It was

determined that immediately upon receipt by WDVA, Form 2045 would be faxed to theCVSO. Mr. Mynyk said that would allow CVSOs to have a complete package for their files.

6. VetEd Process Action team Update

Acting Secretary Kloster said he received the Process Action Team report. Both the

Legislative and Program Review Committee and the Board of Veterans Affairs will discuss

the VetEd grant and a statement of scope on the pre application for the VetEd grant. The

intent is to amend the code by changing the date when pre applications are due so that

veterans are no longer penalized for not filing a pre application. This eliminates a reason for

denial but it does not go to the root of the problem which is the inability of the Department,



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CVSOs, schools, everyone involved in this process to communicate with veterans so that

they understand what the requirements are and once informed of these requirements to follow

through.

Mr. Jackson said that the CVSO Association position is that pre applications should be

eliminated. Mr. Kloster said that is the ultimate goal. The requirement for the pre

application is legislative and we would have to go forward with legislation to have it

removed from the statutes. WDVA has the ability to meet the goal through the

administrative code and that is the way we will proceed.

7. Discussion on Ken Black Letter of July 24 Regarding Assistance to Needy Veterans Grant

There was a letter sent out to all CVSO Advisory Council members addressing the

percentages as well as the code associated with the calculation of the subsistence piece. The

two issues were (1) income earned but paid after the disabling situation to apply for the ANV

grant, and (2) the specific reason for denials of ANV grants.

Mr. Black noted that he has been directed by Acting Secretary Kloster to convene an

Assistance to Needy Veterans (ANV) Grant process action team to relook the program and

determine what is needed to make it more user friendly. Mr. Mynyk recommended selecting

CVSOs from high activity counties that have seen many applications and denials to serve onthe process action team. Mr. Jackson asked that the leadership of the CVSO Association be

consulted when selecting CVSOs to serve on the process action team.

8. Assistance to Needy Veterans Grant Requirements

Mr. Kloster said that CVSOs brought up several requirements that need to be met in

order to get this grant. The following requirements were listed, along with Mr. Kloster’s

comments:

1) Requirement for the veterans to go to the VA in Madison for glasses. Response: That is

only a requirement for those veterans who reside in the catchment area of the VA

Hospital in Madison because we have a special sharing agreement with that hospital.

2) Requirement to apply for VA health care even if not service connected and therefore not

eligible for eyeglasses, hearing aid, dental from the veterans health administration.

Response: Understand that the veteran cannot be denied if they don’t apply.

3) Requirement to apply for Medical Assistance. Response: Refer to the statutes under

45.40(1)(a)—no payment may be made under this sub-section if the veteran has other

assets or income available to meet basic assistance needs or if the veteran is eligible to

receive aid from other sources to meet those needs.

4) Requirement to apply for assistance from the County Veterans Service Commission.

Response: The same as covered under Medical Assistance.

5) Limitations of care because of cost; for example, getting teeth pulled but waiting 12

months to get dentures. Response: That particular problem was addressed by the

Department in our budget where we took the cap off the dentures.

6) Requirement to apply for food stamps. Response: That requirement is under the

subsistence portion of the grant--other aid that is available to the individual. Mr. Grams

asked if there is a time limit from the time they have to apply for the food stamps from

when they become disabled. Mr. Stewart said the shortest grant that the Department

makes is 30 days and the Department has adopted policy-wise a 30 day period to make

that application.

7) Requirement of verification of injury to be signed by a licensed physician. Response:

Any denial could end up in County Circuit Court and because of that we require a



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physicians signature because that is the only thing that will hold up in the court system;

reference Chapter VA 2.01(1)(o).

8) Requirement for the Form 2045 to be sent to WDVA and not the CVSO and income

earned but not received by time of application. Response: Addressed in previous agenda

item.

9) Requirement for veteran to obtain an exam from the VA hospital. Response: If you

cannot get a hospital appointment within a very short period of time that is waived.

Mr. Grams asked if it would be possible to reflect the discussion on point number twobecause it may take a while for the PAT to complete its study. Mr. Kloster will ask for a

Bulletin to be distributed to reflect that it is not a requirement to apply for VA health care in

order to receive the grant.

9. Accreditation of Service Officers through the National County Veterans Service Officer

Association

Mr. Perelman said that the Department agreed with the CVSOs and published a

procedure that would implement the decision that if people get National CVSO Association

training, then they will be accredited to WDVA.

10. What are CVSOs Doing to Provide Service to Transitioning Soldiers—John SolisMr. Mynyk said that all the CVSOs he polled at his southwest regional meeting do spend

time with these transitioning soldiers. Mr. Gausmann, Mr. Grams and Mr. Stone added

comments regarding the agenda item. Mr. Jackson suggested deferring the report by Mr.

Solis until he is able to attend the CVSO Advisory Council meeting. Mr. Jackson provided a

copy of the Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs “Fast Letter

07-09” with the subject matter: Claims Filed by Service Members Prior to Discharge.

Questions about the fast letter should be submitted to the

VAVBAWAS/CO/PREDISCHARGE mailbox.

Mr. Mynyk read the following results of a poll done by Mr. Solis: “We assist military

personnel in transition, normally on terminal leave, with information, completion of

applications for benefits, referrals, etc. and explain the VA process and how it will only go so

far until the certified copy of the discharge is provided. We do not refuse to assist personnel

who transition because they don’t have a discharge.”

11. Secretary’s Matters

Mr. Kloster asked for advice back from the Advisory Council in regards to the Home

Improvement Loan (HILP). The HILP has a great interest rate, it is a very good program,

and he does not understand why it is not being utilized more. He asked for suggestions on

things that WDVA may be able to work on to make the HILP a more viable program.

Mr. Kloster said the Administrative Rule regarding the CVSO classes of counties that

listed the outdated pay ranges was made official and distributed by the Division of

Administration. That change is now in effect.

The Acting Secretary said that the US Department of Veterans Affairs published a

suicide prevention hotline letter and that letter with information about the hotline was

provided to the Councils and Committees. Everyone in the veterans community should

publish that information through its various publications. Ms. Hoppe asked for a Bulletin on



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the suicide prevention hotline. Mr. Kloster said the information will be on the front page of

the Department’s publication, “Forward Veterans.”

12. Public Input

None.

13. Council Members’ Matters (Not Subject to Adoption)

Mr. Jackson said that the Dane County Board of Supervisors will be voting on Resolution

79-07-08 regarding, Opposing Cuts to the Wisconsin GI Bill.

Mr. Grams had a question on WDVA Form 2030--Request for Certification for

Wisconsin G.I. Bill Benefits and Residency for Tuition Purposes. Why is it necessary to ask

for a Social Security Number? Mr. Perelman said that was included through a request of the

two school systems. Mr. Perelman will investigate that issue and get back to Mr. Grams.

14. Election of Officers

Mr. Stone nominated John Solis for Chairman. Mr. Benzinger seconded the nomination.

Mr. Mynyk asked for any other nominations for the position of Chairman. Mr. Mynyk

announced that there was a motion and a second to close the nominations and cast a

unanimous ballot for John Solis as the CVSO Advisory Council Chair. The motion carried.

Mr. Jackson nominated Mark Grams for Vice Chairman. Mr. Stone seconded the

nomination. Mr. Mynyk asked for any other nominations. It was moved by Mr. Jackson and

seconded by Mr. Kaiser that the nominations be closed and that a unanimous vote be cast for

Mark Grams for Vice Chairman. The motion carried.

15. Next Meeting Schedule

The next meeting will be held in conjunction with the CVSO State Conference. The date

for the Advisory Council meeting will be September 27, 2007 at the Clarion Suites in

Madison.

16. Adjournment

It was moved by Mr. Grams, seconded by Mr. Benzinger and carried on a voice vote to

adjourn the CVSO Advisory Council meeting, the time was 3:20 p.m.

Ted Mynyk

Vice Chairman



1

M I N U T E SLEGISLATIVE AND PROGRAM REVIEW COMMITTEEWISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Meeting of August 16, 2007

Committee Present Others Present

Marvin Freedman Dr. Charles Allen

Scott Berger Russ Alsteen, NCUSAMike Furgal Bill Andersen, Board MemberDon Heiliger Paul Bialk, MCLSteve Lawrence Cleon “Pat” Brown, USSVWWIIBud Mautz Joe CampbellDuane Miskulin Rick Cherone, MOPHVera Roddy Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSOTim Thiers Mike Demske, VVA PresidentPaul Weprinsky Carter DoeringJim Young Yvonne Duesterhoeft, Jefferson CVSO

Paul Fine, ANUWDVA Present Jim Gausmann, LaCrosse CVSO

William Kloster, Acting Secretary Kathy Gausmann, Monroe CVSOAnthony Hardie, Executive Assistant Mark Grams, Dodge CVSOJimmy Stewart, Chief Legal Counsel Jackie Guthrie, Board MemberBill Crowley, Commandant, WVH-K Lewis HarnedGary Wistrom, Acting Commandant, WVH-UG Jesse Haro, CWVPat Shaughnessy, Deputy Commandant, UG Holly Hoppe, Oconto CVSOMike Diaz, Division Administrator Naomi Horwitz, WACKen Abrahamsen, Budget Director Michael Jackson, Dane CVSOKen Black, Division Administrator Christine Jordan, Walworth CVSOSeth Perelman, Division Administrator Fred Kaiser, Waushara CVSONate Nez, Regional Coordinator Kevin KavanaughDennis Bohen, Claims Division Jon LiDonne, Waupaca CVSO

Donna Warzynski, Nursing Administrator, WVH-K John Margowski, Waukesha CVSOJulie Van Metre, Executive Staff Assistant Mary MeyerRod Moen, Board MemberPete Moran, Board ChairmanTed Mynyk, Iowa CVSOWalter Peterson, Am. Ex-POWJerry Polus, Brown CVSOJerry Rabetski, PLAVAl RichardsRick ScollonClif Sorenson, WACVO, Eau Claire CVSOWalter Stenavich, Board Member

Clarence Stoel, DAVRobert Stone, Rusk CVSOAlan WalkerKen Wendt



2

1. Call to Order and Roll CallThe meeting of the Legislative and Program Review Committee was called to order at

3:25 p.m.; a quorum was present.

2. Certification of Notice of MeetingIt was noted that proper notice of the meeting occurred.

3. Approval of MinutesIt was moved by Mr. Heiliger, seconded by Mr. Miskulin and carried on a voice vote to

approve the minutes of the June 14, 2007 meeting.

Board Chairman Moran took this opportunity to present a plaque to Don Heiligercommending him for his term as a member of the Board of Veterans Affairs.

4. Discussion and Action on the Pre-Application Requirement Process Action Team Report andCVSO Resolution F002-06 Veterans Education Grant Pre-Enrollment Requirement

Mr. Freedman noted that the number of the CVSO Resolution should be F001-06. It wasmoved by Mr. Thiers, seconded and carried on a voice vote that the Committee endorse the

CVSO Resolution F001-06 Veterans Education Grant Pre-Enrollment Requirement and referit to the Board.

5. Proposed Administrative Rule Change Regarding the VetEd Pre-ApplicationMr. Stewart explained that the Statement of Scope is the first step in developing

Administrative Rule. The Statement of Scope merely identifies that the Department isconsidering making an amendment to a particular Administrative Code provision—VA2.02(3)(b). After publication in the Wisconsin Administrative Register, the Departmentcould move forward with this rule within ten days. At that point Mr. Stewart would look atthe viable options to pursue promulgation of an emergency rule.

It was moved by Mr. Mautz, seconded by Mr. Heiliger and carried on a voice vote torecommend to the Board of Veterans Affairs that the Department be authorized to proceedwith the rule making process consistent with the Statement of Scope.

6. Action on DAV Resolutions 2007-02 Tax Exemptions for Goods and Services; 2007-04Divorce and Compensation; 2007-05 Disabled Veterans Reduced Fees; 2007-07 StateLottery Scratch Off Ticket “GI Dough”, and 2007-09 Wisconsin Veterans and SurvivingSpouse Property Tax Credit

It was moved by Mr. Lawrence, seconded by Mr. Weprinsky and carried on a voice voteto receive and file DAV Resolution 2007-02—Tax Exemptions for Goods and Services.

It was moved by Mr. Berger, seconded by Mr. Furgal and carried on a voice vote toreceive and file DAV Resolution 2007-04—Divorce and Compensation.

It was moved by Mr. Weprinsky, seconded by Mr. Lawrence and carried on a voice voteto receive and file DAV Resolution 2007-05—Disabled Veterans Reduced Fees.



3

It was moved by Mr. Mautz, seconded by Mr. Heiliger and carried on a voice vote toreceive and file DAV Resolution 2007-07—State Lottery Scratch Off Ticket “GI Dough”.

It was moved by Mr. Lawrence, seconded by Mr. Mautz and carried on a voice vote toreceive and file DAV Resolution 2007-09—Wisconsin Veterans and Surviving SpouseProperty Tax Credit.

7. Discussion and Action on the 2007-2009 State BudgetThis item was placed on the agenda by Mr. Freedman in the event there was activity by

the Budget Conference Committee. No action has yet been taken by the ConferenceCommittee.

8. Discussion and Action on the Need for Additional USDVA Vet Centers in WisconsinMr. Freedman said that this is an issue that has come up in meetings with the

Department’s Advisory Panel on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Wisconsin hastwo Vet Centers, one in Madison and one in Milwaukee. The Central part of Wisconsin isnot well served as far as proximity to a Vet Center. Four is the average number of VetCenters for a state the approximate size and veteran population of Wisconsin. Mr. Freedman

asked that Committee members give some thought to the statistics provided to them and beready to discuss this issue in a more informed manner at the October meeting of theLegislative and Program Review Committee. He would also like to discuss the possibility of what would happen if a Vet Center was placed in Brown County and another in theLaCrosse, Eau Claire area.

9. Discussion and Action on the Alleged Misuse of Personality Disorder Discharges by the U.S.Department of Defense

Mr. Freedman said that they heard earlier from Congresswoman Moore’s aide that thereare legislative initiatives being introduced to deal with the issue of personality disorderdischarges by the U.S. Department of Defense. There was a letter written by a bi-partisan

group of 31 members of the U.S. Senate calling upon the Secretary of Defense to have anindependent investigation conducted regarding the use of personality disorder discharges.Defense Department records indicate that over 22,500 personality disorder discharges havebeen processed within the past six years. Being discharged on that basis has precluded mostof these veterans from being able to avail themselves of either DOD or VA medical care orcompensation.

Mr. Freedman will put this issue back on the agenda for the October meeting now that weknow there is legislation pending.

10. Discussion of Proposed State of Illinois Traumatic Brain Injury Testing Program for

VeteransMr. Freedman said this agenda item is for informational purposes. It is to apprise

Committee members of the program that has been proposed in the State of Illinois by boththe Governor and the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Veterans affairs. A testingprogram was created to determine whether or not Illinois veterans are suffering fromtraumatic brain injury as a result of their service in the military.



4

11. Secretary’s MattersMr. Kloster reported that the Museum Golf Fundraising Outing generated over $25,000

for Museum programs. The Museum was awarded a $3,000 grant from Dane CountyCultural Affairs for the Museum’s Forest Hills Cemetery tour in Madison. The Museumcompleted its 7-7-7 Program, a noon lecture program by the archival staff. Programs havebeen taped and are available to view on the WisconsinEye website. The Museum alsoreceived a $3,700 donation from the Black Cat Club of the 13

thEvacuation Hospital.

Mr. Kloster informed the veterans community that as set forth in the minutes of the 22February 2006 Board meeting, once WDVA formally opens the new Northern WisconsinCenter Veterans Assistance Program building, a ceremony will be conducted to rename thatbuilding Klein Hall in honor of Bill Klein a former employee and friend of the Department.

12. Public InputNone.

13. Committee Members’ Matters (Not Subject to Adoption)Mr. Berger said that the Northeast CVSO Association met with Congressman Kagen and

received a Congressional update. Secondly, Mr. Berger heard that planning for aSupermarket of Veterans Benefits and Job Fair in Wausau was underway for early next year.The Department said no plans are in the works for Supermarkets in 2008. Mr. Berger waswilling and eager to work in partnership with the Department on a Supermarket in his area if that should be scheduled.

14. Next Meeting DateOctober 18, 2007 in Platteville at the National Guard Armory.

15. AdjournmentIt was moved by Mr. Thiers, seconded by Mr. Lawrence and carried on a voice vote to

adjourn the meeting; the time was 4:20 p.m.

Marvin FreedmanChairman



1

M I N U T E S

LONG TERM CARE COMMITTEE

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS



Rod Moen Russ Alsteen, NCUSA

Jackie Guthrie Bill Andersen, Board MemberCharles Allen Scott Berger, Marathon CVSO

Christine Jordan Paul Bialk, MCL

Kevin Kavanaugh Cleon “Pat” Brown, USSVWWII

Jerry Polus Joe Campbell

Rick Scollon Rick Cherone, MOPH

Lew Harned Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSO

Mary Meyer Mike Demske, VVA President

Alan Walker Carter Doering

Ken Wendt Yvonne Duesterhoeft, Jefferson CVSO

Paul Fine, ANU

WDVA Present Marvin Freedman, Board Vice ChairmanWilliam Kloster, Deputy Secretary Mike Furgal

Anthony Hardie, Executive Assistant Jim Gausmann, LaCrosse CVSO

Jimmy Stewart, Chief Legal Counsel Kathy Gausmann, Monroe CVSO

Bill Crowley, Commandant, WVH-K Mark Grams, Dodge CVSO

Gary Wistrom, Acting Commandant, UG Jesse Haro, CWV

Pat Shaughnessy, Deputy Commandant, UG Holly Hoppe, Oconto CVSO

Donna Warzynski, Nursing Administrator Naomi Horwitz, WAC

Mike Diaz, Division Administrator Michael Jackson, Dane CVSO

Ken Abrahamsen, Budget Director Al Kochenderfer

Ken Black, Division Administrator Steve Lawrence, VFW Adjutant

Seth Perelman, Division Administrator Jon LiDonne, Waupaca CVSONate Nez, Regional Coordinator Bud Mautz, American Legion

Dennis Bohen, Claims Division Duane Miskulin

Julie Van Metre, Executive Staff Assistant Pete Moran, Board Chairman

Ted Mynyk, Iowa CVSO

Jerry Rabetski, PLAV

Al Richards

Vera Roddy, UWV

Clif Sorenson, WACVO/Eau Claire CVSO

Walter Stenavich, Board Member

Clarence Stoel, DAV

Robert Stone, Rusk CVSOTim Thiers, AMVETS/Manitowoc CVSO

Jim Young, Vernon CVSO



2


The meeting of the Long Term Care Committee was called to order at 4:25 p.m., a

quorum was present.


It was certified that proper notice of the meeting occurred.

3. Approval of MinutesActing Secretary Kloster noted changes to comments made by Ms. Holtan and Mr. Moen

that are reflected on Page 2 in the second paragraph of Agenda Item 7 of the Long Term Care

Committee minutes. It was moved by Mr. Walker, seconded by Ms. Meyer and carried

unanimously on a voice vote to approve the corrected minutes of the June 14, 2007

Committee meetings.

4. Fire Safety at King

Mr. Kloster provided a memo that addressed questions submitted by Mr. Moen with

regard to a report listed on the Medicare website indicating several fire safety deficiencies at the

Wisconsin Veterans Home, King. All deficiencies listed in that website have been corrected.

Regarding citations indicating that documents were not provided for testing, it should be notedthat the problem was the location of the records at the time of the inspection. The records were

not gathered into one binder and available in the Fire Station. Staff at King has worked closely

with the surveyor to organize the records in one binder as requested and now the documents are

delivered to the Fire Station upon notification of inspection. With regard to citations indicating

the absence of smoke detectors, Code interpretation has changed requiring the placement of

additional smoke detectors in certain areas where they were not required before. The additional

detectors were installed by the staff.

5. King Home Staffing Ratios

Mr. Crowley provided background information to address the staffing at King. The

levels of care at King by building determine the staffing that is required by law. We meet theminimum staffing requirements seven days a week. Seventy percent of the members at King

are at the SNF level or higher and 30% in the lower ICF levels. The cottages are considered

domiciliary, not skilled nursing care and are therefore not included in the report. Ms.

Warzynski, WVH-King Director of Nursing, said all skilled nursing facilities are required to

staff based on providing a minimum number of hours of care per person per day. The

intensive care level is 3.25 hours of care, skilled is 2.5 hours and the intermediate is 2 hours

of care per member per day.

Mr. Crowley said the request in the budget for additional staffing that was approved by

the Secretary’s office and by the Board and forwarded to the Governor sought to address this

situation so that we could be staffed somewhat above the minimum requirement. This wouldaccomplish, hopefully, the elimination of forced overtime and minimize the cause of

voluntary overtime for the staff at King. There are no vacancies in the RN positions, one

vacancy in the LPN position, and 28 CNA positions are currently open; however, 16 people

were recruited for orientation the Tuesday after Labor Day.



3

Mr. Crowley will bring a report to the Long Term Care Committee’s next meeting on the

actual overtime worked in each of the nursing categories.


Mr. Kloster said the operational study is a critical item that the Department has been

trying to accomplish for some time. A Request for Proposal for an assessment of the Homes

operations and future operations at Chippewa Falls was issued on July 9 to over 380 vendors.

Tours of the Veterans Homes have been conducted for prospective vendors and questionssubmitted by those vendors have already been answered. Proposals are due August 23rd. A

panel will evaluate those proposals, score them and the top scorers will be invited to an

interview. After the interviews the Department will give a notice of intent to award with an

expected start date on the contract of October 1st.

Mr. Wendt asked if the per diem payments from the VA to Union Grove from September

to May had ever been solved. Mr. Kloster said is has not yet been resolved by the federal

VA. However, we did not count that money in the financial report—it is a little over a half a

million dollars of potential loss because of a new interpretation. If notified that we are not

going to get that money, we intend to pursue any means available to appeal that decision.

Mr. Wendt’s second question was regarding VA per diem for 70% disabled veterans and

Mr. Kloster said that Deputy Secretary Mansfield is using all of his authority to get the rules

written to cover per diem payments for veterans who have a 70% or greater service-

connected disability rating and are residing in state veterans’ homes to have their cost of care

paid by the federal VA. The bill that was signed into law by the President says that the

effective date has to be retroactive to March 2007. It was announced that Jackie Moore was selected to fill the position as the Deputy

Commandant of the Wisconsin Veterans Home-King.

7. Public InputYvonne Duesterhoeft, Jefferson CVSO, said that Union Grove has two licensed nursing

home administrators and only one at King. Mr. Crowley said that only one can be the

licensee of record and Jackie Moore is the licensee of record at King. There are two others

on the staff who are fully licensed as nursing home administrators. Ms. Duesterhoeft noted

that in Jefferson County the Administrator of the facility is the one with the license, how did

we come to the position where the Commandant isn’t the license holder? Mr. Moen said

there is nothing in the law that requires the Commandant to hold a nursing home

administrator’s license. Mr. Kloster said that the Commandant also has many constabulary

duties on the campus which is unique to our situation.

8. Committee Members’ Matters (Not Subject to Adoption)Mr. Moen had a comment on the Veterans Home Citation Report. Mr. Crowley said that

some citations result from self reporting as opposed to coming out of the required annual

surveys. Mr. Moen noted that it is required by Administrative Code that citations be self-

reported.



4

Board Chairman Moran and Acting Secretary Kloster presented a plaque to Ken Wendt,

commending him for his term as a member of the Board of Veterans Affairs.

9. Next Meeting Schedule

October 18-19 in Platteville at the Wisconsin Army National Guard Armory, 475 N.

Water Street.

10. AdjournmentIt was moved by Mr. Kavanaugh, seconded by Mr. Walker and carried unanimously on a

voice vote to adjourn the meeting; the time was 5:10 p.m.

Rod Moen

Chairman



1

M I N U T E S

FINANCIAL COMMITTEE

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS



Bill Andersen Russ Alsteen, NCUSA

Walter Stenavich Cleon “Pat” Brown, USSVWWIIAl Richards Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSO

Jim Gausmann Marv Freedman, Board Vice Chair

Joe Campbell Mike Furgal

Al Kochenderfer Jackie Guthrie, Board Member

Mike Demske Jesse Haro, CWV

Holly Hoppe, Oconto CVSO

Committee Excused Michael Jackson, Dane CVSO

John O’Brien Steve Lawrence, VFW Adjutant

Bill Hustad Bud Mautz, American Legion

Bill Bottoms Duane Miskulin

Pete Moran, Board ChairmanWDVA Present

William Kloster, Acting Secretary

Anthony Hardie, Executive Assistant

Jimmy Stewart, Chief Legal Counsel

Bill Crowley, Commandant, WVH-K

Mike Diaz, Division Administrator

Ken Abrahamsen, Budget Director

Seth Perelman, Division Administrator

Nate Nez, Regional Coordinator

Julie Van Metre, Executive Staff Assistant


The meeting of the Financial Committee was called to order at 5:15 p.m.; a quorum was

present.


It was certified that proper notice of the meeting occurred.

3. Approval of Minutes

It was moved, seconded, and carried unanimously on a voice vote to approve the minutes

of the June 14, 2007 Financial Committee meeting.

4. State Contracting Process

Mr. Andersen said he requested this report because the Financial Committee needs to

better understand how discretionary spending is done at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mr. Perelman explained to the Committee the procurement process prior to contract,

involving a contract, post contract, the payment process and the fact that all procurement



2

transactions are subject to audit. His briefing covered both procurement and payment and in

the context of those two items he talked about contracting and consulting contracts.

Committee members received a handout of the slide presentation (copy attached to these

minutes).

Mr. Perelman was asked how much the Department has paid in prompt payment penalties

for failure to pay an invoice in a timely manner, and what discounts were earned for early

payment. He did not have that information at hand. Mr. Andersen asked that Mr. Perelmanreport in October on the audits and internal controls from the fiscal side of the house.

5. WDVA Consulting Contracts

Mr. Perelman gave a slide presentation on consulting contracts for fiscal year 2007 and

pending, and noted past expenditures for consulting contracts (copy of the slides attached to

these minutes).


Mr. Kloster said that the Department reviewed the loan interest rates and, based on the

marketing survey, will maintain the current interest rates for the Personal Loan Program and

the Home Improvement Loan Program.

The Acting Secretary met with Capital Finance to discuss remedies for the potential

outage in the Primary Mortgage Loan Repayment Fund. They are working on various

options to come up with a resolution.

7. Public Input

In answer to a committee member’s question, it was reported that the current rate of

interest earned on our investments with the State of Wisconsin Investment Board is 5.3%.

8. Committee Members’ Matters (Not Subject to Adoption)

None.

9. Next Meeting Date

October 18-19 in Platteville at the Wisconsin Army National Guard Armory at 475 N.

Water Street.

10. Adjournment

It was moved by Mr. Campbell, seconded by Mr. Stenavich and carried unanimously on a

voice vote to adjourn the meeting; the time was 5:40 p.m.

Bill Andersen

Chairman



Wisconsin Depa

Vetera

The Contrac ting

Augus



WDVA Procuremenand Payment Proc e

• Proc urement Process(Per WDVA FS-211)

• Payment Proc ess(Per WDVA FS-211 and FS



Proc urement Proc ess Prior to

Completion of the Requisition• With Assistanc e of DVA Purc hasing Coord

Contrac t Manager Determines Vendor, It

• DPC c ertifies requisition

• Approva l Authority for Requisitions (<$5K &

• Exc eptions to Requirement for Requisition

(P-Card, Training Request, Direc t Charges



Procurement Process Involving a C

Considerations in Contrac ting• State Contrac ts• Best Judgment Purc hases• Simplified Bids• Consolidated Agenc y Purchasing Servic es (C

Negotia ting the Contrac t•

Primarily the responsibility o f Contrac t Managassistanc e of CAPS when appropriate.

• All c ontrac ts must be reviewed and a pprovedCounsel and the Administrator of the Division to signature.

• Sunshine Ac t Reporting: Solic itations and

Contrac ts over $10K



Procurement Process PosProc essing the Purchase Order (PO)

• Required for a ll one-time purchases over $5vendor requires and/ or blanket orders for p

• WISMART Entry Spec ia list (WES) enters data o• Enc umbers funds on State Accounting Syste• WES returns copy 4 of the requisition, vendor

requester copy o f PO to requester (Contrac t• Div Administrator or designee reviews and s• Requester sends copy to vendor• WES forwards original requisition, supporting

and two c opies of PO to Ac c ounts Payable (• Accounts Payable reviews the requisition an

DVA po lic ies and proc edures have been pro• BOFS reta ins all rec ords for review by SBOP

• BOFS retains the original contrac t in a loc kb



Payment Proc essDirec t charges and Invoices with or without Purchas

• All Invoices are c onveyed to Acc ounts Payable,stamped and logged.

• Invoices rec eived elsewhere must be initialed, dreported to Ac counts Payable to be logged.

• Ac counts payable routes to Contrac t Manager fof rec eipt and ac ceptanc e o f goods and service

• Contrac t Manager has three days to approve threturn it to Accounts Payable for payment. Ac coreviews the log daily and follows up on any over

• If Contrac t Manager does not approve invoice fohe/ she must work with Ac counts Payable to file NGood Faith Dispute within 10 days of rec eipt of in

• Once Accounts Payable rec eives the approved key it into WISMART within 3 days.

• If the invoice is not paid timely, WDVA will berequired to pay a prompt payment penalty.



Audit

All Procurement Transac tions are subjec t to:• Pre-audit by BOFS (as noted above)

• Period ic audits by the State Comptroller (

• Spot reviews by SBOP (DOA),

• Legislative Aud it Bureau (LAB) audits as d

the Legislature• Internal audits by the Office of Plans, Prog

Budget (OPPB) as d irec ted by the Sec reta



Comments?

Questions?



Wisconsin Depa

Vetera

Consulting C

Augus



Consulting Contracts FVendor Purpose FY 07

Expenditures ($)

ContractManager

J

Donald Campbell andCompany

FundraisingCounsel

3,354 Seth Perelman Lack of neconcernin

Flaherty and Assoc CommunicationsConsulting

23,570 AndrewSchuster

Required e.g. IOU, W

Colleen Morris MedicareConsulting

2,788 PatShaughnessy

Conductedskilled nu

OrganizationalDevelopmentConsulting

Consulting onWVH King MgmtSurvey

8,300 Tom Rhatican Required aof WVH m

Virchow Krause and Co. King NursingStudy (AcctngConsulting)

19,595 Colleen Holtan Required key assumand formanursing neBiennial Bplans.

Linda Gobis Legal Consulting

Services

3,250 Bev Warzynski Required

charting bongoing.



Pending Consulting Co

Unknown (RFP Pending) Operational &Financial

Assessment ofWis VeteransHomes

250,000 Colleen Holtan Provide indnursing ho

for FY 09/1

Vendor Purpose ProjectedExpenditures

($)

ContractManager

J



Past Expend itures for Consultin

• FY 03 $24,16

• FY 04 $22,77

• FY 05 $54,39

• FY 06 $82,66

• FY 07 $60,85



Comments?

Questions?



1

M I N U T E S

COUNCIL ON VETERANS PROGRAMSWISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Members Present Others Present

Russ Alsteen, NCUSA Bill Andersen, Board MemberPaul Bialk, MCL Nick Benzinger, Shawano CVSOPat Brown, USSVWWII Jean Bromley, VAMC MilwaukeeRick Cherone, MOPH Joe CampbellPaul Fine, ANU Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSOJesse Haro, CWV Mike Demske, VVA PresidentChris Kanios, VFW Carter DoeringJon LiDonne, CVSO Association Roger Fetterly, MOAAJohn Margowski, VVA Marvin Freedman, Board Vice ChairBud Mautz, American Legion Mike FurgalWalter Peterson, Am. Ex-POWs Jackie Guthrie, Board Member

Jerry Rabetski, PLAV Tom HeffronVera Roddy, UWV Holly Hoppe, Oconto CVSOClif Sorenson, WACVO Michael Jackson, Dane CVSOClarence Stoel, DAV Fred Kaiser, Waushara CVSOTim Thiers, AMVETS Al KochenderferPaul Weprinsky, JWV Steve Lawrence, VFW Adjutant

Dr. Kenneth Lee, Zablocki VAMC

Members Excused Duane MiskulinMark Foreman, VVAW Pete Moran, Board ChairBill Hustad, WVV Ted Mynyk, Iowa CVSOWilliam Sims, NABV Lois O’Keefe, Congresswoman Moore’s Aide

Mike Smith, ARC Al RichardsJack Stone, PVA Rick ScollonWWI vacancy Walter Stenavich, Board MemberFCDV vacancy Mercedes Stewart

Robert Stone, Rusk CVSOWDVA Present Jim Tratz, AMVETS CommanderWilliam Kloster, Acting Secretary Cathy Tratz, AMVETS Auxiliary PresidentAnthony Hardie, Executive Assistant Alan WalkerJimmy Stewart, Chief Legal Counsel Ken WendtKen Abrahamsen, Budget Director Jim Young, Vernon CVSOSeth Perelman, Division of Administration

Ken Black, Division of Veterans BenefitsMike Diaz, Veterans HomesBill Crowley, Commandant WVH-KGary Wistrom, Acting Commandant, UGPat Shaughnessy, Deputy CommandantDennis Bohen, Claims DirectorAndrew Schuster, Public RelationsNate Nez, Regional CoordinatorJulie Van Metre, Executive Staff Assistant1. Call to Order and Roll Call of Members



2

The meeting of the Council on Veterans Programs was called to order by ChairmanSorenson at 8:00 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

2. Certification of Notice of MeetingIt was certified that proper notice of the meeting occurred.

3. Introduction of Guests and Announcements

Introductions included: Bill Andersen, Veterans Board member; Lois O’Keefe, Aide toCongresswoman Moore; Jackie Guthrie, Veterans Board member; Jim Tratz, AMVETSCommander; Cathy Tratz, AMVETS Auxiliary President and Mike Demske, President of Vietnam Veterans of America.

4. Approval of Minutes of June 14-15 MeetingsIt was moved by Mr. Margowski and seconded by Mr. Fine to accept the minutes of the

June 14-15 meetings. Mr. Kanios noted that on page 2 in the last paragraph it should readIraqi and Enduring Freedom. The motion to accept the corrected minutes carried.

5. Council Communications

Chairman Sorenson reminded all organizations to submit their 2005-07 Activities andMembership Report to the Department of Veterans Affairs before September 30, 2007.

6. Museum Foundation ReportActing Secretary Kloster reported that the museum’s golf outing raised over $25,000 for

museum programs. The Museum was awarded a $3,000 grant from Dane County CulturalAffairs for the annual Forest Hills Cemetery tour conducted in Madison. The museum hasbeen doing a series of noon lectures by the archival staff. One program was videotaped andis available for your viewing on line through WisconsinEye News Network. The Black CatClub of the 13th Evac Hospital gave the museum $3,700 for programs.

7. Kenneth Lee, MD, Chief of Spinal Cord Injury, Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical CenterDr. Lee thanked the Council for its help in getting Congress to pass a $32 million funding

bill for a new spinal cord injury center in Milwaukee. Meetings have begun with thearchitects and engineers to design the initial phase. There was a groundbreaking ceremonyon June 19th during the Wheelchair Games. On September 25th there will be a forum at theMatousek Auditorium where the architects will show the public the space design. TheNational PVA sends two architects to each meeting to represent the veterans’ side. Dr. Leethanked Congresswoman Moore who has led the way. The USDVA would like the project tobe move-in ready by December 2009.

Mr. Thiers suggested that Dr. Lee come to the veterans organizations for any “wish list”

items that the budget falls short on covering. The veteran community may be able to raiseadditional funds on behalf of the spinal cord injury center. Dr. Lee said there is a shell of 1,000 square feet for which he may ask support to build the interior for the benefit of allveterans.

8. Take Action on Veterans Assistance Foundation Request to Become a Member of theCouncil on Veterans Programs

It was moved by Mr. Fine, seconded by Mr. Margowski and carried unanimously on avoice vote to support the efforts of the Veterans Assistance Foundation to become a member



3

of the Council on Veterans Programs by sending a letter to the Chairs of the Senate andAssembly Veterans Committees showing support of their membership.

9. Discussion/Action on Distribution of Council on Veterans Programs’ Draft MinutesIt was moved by Mr. Alsteen and seconded by Mr. Cherone that the Council on Veterans

Programs take a position consistent with the Board of Veterans Affairs and not authorizedistribution of its draft minutes until they have been approved by the body. After discussion

a roll call vote was taken. Alsteen-aye; Bialk-aye; Brown-aye; Cherone-aye; Fine-aye; Haro-no; Stoel-aye; Kanios-aye; LiDonne-no; Margowski-no; Mautz-no; Peterson-aye; Rabetski-aye; Roddy-no; Thiers-no; Weprinsky-aye; Sorenson-abstain. There were 10 aye votes, 6 novotes and 1 abstention. The motion carried.

10. Secretary’s MattersActing Secretary Kloster explained that the Board, Committee and Council proceedings

are recorded digitally. The draft minutes are a synopsis of the proceedings; they are not averbatim transcript. Those minutes then go to the various Division Administrators and staff personnel in the Department for their review and input to make sure that what they said wasaccurately interpreted. The Acting Secretary edits them for readability. Once that is taken

care of, all the members of the Committees, Councils and Board receive the draft minutes.No one is trying to suppress anything; we are trying to make sure that the final minutes thatare printed include any changes that may be made at the time of their adoption.

Mr. Kloster advised that he has an electronic copy of the US Department of VeteransAffairs document announcing a 24-hour Suicide Prevention Hotline if anyone would like acopy. The number is 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). Mike Diaz has done an unofficialtranslation of that document into Spanish if that is needed.

On February 22, 2006, the Board formally approved the naming of the new VeteransAssistance Center building in Chippewa Falls as Klein Hall. Once that facility is up and

running, the Department will be announcing a time for its dedication.

11. Old BusinessDiscussion/action on support of the Wisconsin GI Bill remaining in its original form.

Mr. Alsteen provided a letter he drafted to the Conference Committee members regardingsupport of the Wisconsin GI Bill in its original form. It was moved by Mr. Alsteen,seconded by Mr. Fine and carried unanimously on a voice vote to approve and send the letterto the Conference Committee members under the Chairman’s signature.

12. New BusinessMr. Alsteen said he testified on behalf of the Council at the Senate hearings regarding the

inclusion of MOAA and TREA to the Council on Veterans Programs.

13. Activities within the Veterans CommunityJon LiDonne, CVSO, suggested that Council members remember who they represent.

Many members could serve in dual capacities and at the last meeting CVSO Associationissues were covered by another member.

Vera Roddy, UWV, thanked everyone for their generous donations to the clothing drivefor the Women Veterans Clothing Room. There will be an open house of the Clothing room



4

at the VA on September 20th. Secondly, a Women Veterans Conference is being held onSeptember 28-29 at Ft. McCoy.

Tim Thiers, AMVETS, said the AMVETS annual King weekend is September 14-15.Also, the AMVETS Convention recognized Anthony Hardie with its State LegislativeAdvocacy Award. The AMVET of the Year was Rich Calcut.

Paul Bialk, MCL, said that a project of the Veterans Board of the War Memorial is toconstruct a memorial for the Purple Heart people from the State of Wisconsin; donations arewelcome. Secondly, the USO is undergoing a transition to the National Organization. TheUSO will be able to help with a Fisher type house at the Milwaukee VA grounds.

Jerry Rabetski, PLAV, reminded everyone that the National Medal of Honor SocietyConvention is being held in Green Bay, Wisconsin this September. They could use financialsupport from all organizations. Mr. Alsteen said a fishing trip is being planned for theseMedal of Honor recipients and because of the fact that they are not residents of Wisconsin;they will have to buy out-of-state resident fishing licenses. He asked if there is a way to havethe Department of Natural Resources waive those fees for one day.

Rich Cherone, MOPH, said their King Day is September 9th. He also thanked theWDVA for helping MOPH put on the Purple Heart Day ceremony on August 7th.

Bud Mautz, American Legion, will be attending the National Convention in Reno. TheAuxiliary will be electing a lady from Waunakee, Wisconsin as its National AuxiliaryPresident, Jan Pulvermacher-Ryan.

Walter Peterson, American Ex-POWs, said they will hold their state convention onAugust 22-23 at Plover.

14. Public InputMr. Carter Doering brought attention to a program that he does not think is being

publicized to veterans, cemetery directors or the public at large. And, that is the placementof government issued burial markers in public cemeteries. Some of the markers do fall apartafter many years and/or have errors in the script. There is a program for a replacementmarker and a veteran or family member needs to go to a veterans service officer to initiatethis process. Mr. Sorenson said if the family does not have the wherewithal to place themarker, then they should contact their County Veterans Service Officer to help defray thatexpense.

Mr. Campbell brought to the attention of the Council some important new developments

with the enhanced use lease at the VA grounds in Milwaukee. The City of MilwaukeeCommon Council three weeks ago suggested that sexual predators should be placed on theVA grounds. It was fortunately tabled. Mr. Campbell said that the surgeon’s quarters wasrestored two and a half years ago and houses 12-14 veteran preference individuals. It is not aveteran housing project. There is a proposal asking the Wisconsin Senators andCongressional Delegation to consider making Milwaukee a regional trauma center. Theyasked for the cemetery to be expanded, not reopened. There are 37 acres of land whichwould take care of over 15,000 new graves.

15. Next Meeting Date



5

October 18-19 in Platteville at the Wisconsin Army National Guard Armory, 475 WaterStreet.

16. AdjournmentIt was moved by Mr. Thiers, seconded by Mr. Mautz and carried on a voice vote to

adjourn, the time was 9:20 a.m.

Clif SorensonChairman



1

B O A R D M I N U T E SWISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Meeting of August 17, 2007Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Board Members Present Council on Veterans Programs Members Present

Peter J. Moran Russ Alsteen, Navy ClubMarvin J. Freedman Paul Bialk, MCLRodney C. Moen Cleon “Pat” Brown, USSVWWIIWilliam H. Andersen Rick Cherone, MOPHJackie Guthrie Paul Fine, ANUWalter M. Stenavich Jesse Haro, CWV

Chris Kanios, Sr., VFWBoard Members Excused Jon LiDonne, CVSO AssociationMack E. Hughes John Margowski, VVA

Bud Mautz, American LegionWDVA Present Walter Peterson, Am Ex-POWBill Kloster, Acting Secretary Jerry Rabetski, PLAV

Anthony Hardie, Executive Assistant Vera Roddy, UWVBill Crowley, Commandant-King Clif Sorenson, WACVOJimmy Stewart, Chief Legal Counsel Clarence Stoel, DAVMike Diaz, Division of Veterans Homes Tim Thiers, AMVETSKen Abrahamsen, Budget Director Paul Weprinsky, JWVSeth Perelman, Division of AdministrationKen Black, Division of Veterans Benefits Others Present

Gary Wistrom, Acting Commandant-UG Scott Berger, Marathon CVSOPat Shaughnessy, Deputy Commandant-UG Jean Bromley, VAMC-MilwaukeeAndy Schuster, Communications Director Joe CampbellNate Nez, Regional Coordinator Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSOFernando Rodriguez, VAP Specialist Mike Demske, VVA

Dennis Bohen, WDVA Claims Office Carter DoeringJulie Van Metre, Executive Staff Assistant Roger Fetterly, MOAAMike “Gunner” Furgal

CVSO Advisory Council Present Tom Heffron, WI Technical College SystemNick Benzinger, Shawano CVSO Holly Hoppe, Oconto CVSOMichael Jackson, Dane CVSO Al Kochenderfer, VFWFred Kaiser, Waushara CVSO Jon LiDonne, Waupaca CVSOTed Mynyk, Iowa CVSO Connie Ligman, Forward ObserverRobert Stone, Rusk CVSO John Margowski, Waukesha CVSO

Duane Miskulin, AMVETS Nat’l Finance OfficerRenee Oshinski, VISN 12Al Richards, Financial Committee member

Rick ScollonMercedes StewartCathy Tratz, AMVETS Auxiliary PresidentJim Tratz, AMVETS Dept. CommanderVictor Vela, WI American GI Forum CommanderAlan Walker, Long Term Care Committee memberKen WendtJim Young, Vernon CVSO

1. Roll Call and Introductions



2

The meeting of the Board of Veterans Affairs was called to order at 9:40 a.m. ThePledge of Allegiance was recited followed by a moment of silence. A quorum wasdetermined present after roll call of members.

A plaque of recognition was presented to Mr. Tom Heffron of the WisconsinTechnical College System for contributing greatly to smooth, amicable relations between

the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and the Wisconsin Technical CollegeSystem in jointly administering the Wisconsin GI Bill.

2. Certification of Notice of MeetingIt was certified that proper notification of the meeting occurred.

3. Approval of MinutesIt was moved by Mr. Moen, seconded by Mr. Andersen and carried on a voice vote to

approve the minutes of the June 14-15 meetings.

It was moved by Mr. Stenavich, seconded and carried on a voice vote to approve the

minutes of the July 17, 2007 teleconference meeting of the Board.

4. Board Members’ MattersChairman Moran’s activity report: Attended the June 19th groundbreaking ceremony

for the spinal cord injury center building at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center.Attended the opening ceremony for the 27th National Wheelchair Games. Toured theNorthern Center at Chippewa Falls and the Cemetery improvements in Spooner on June21. Met with Governor Doyle in Superior during his budget tour on July 16th.Participated in the Board’s teleconference on July 17th to discuss the 2007-09 statebudget. The outcome of that meeting was a letter to the budget conference committeeregarding the Wisconsin GI Bill, Veterans Property Tax Relief, Nurse Staffing Levels at

the King Home and PTSD. Chairman Moran receives regular emails from SecretaryScocos expressing the challenges that he and his comrades are facing in Iraq. On August15th Mr. Moran met with Governor Doyle’s Policy Advisor for Veterans Affairs.

Vice Chairman Freedman’s activity report: Attended the June 19th

groundbreakingceremony of the Milwaukee VA Spinal Cord Center and the PVA National WheelchairGames opening ceremony. Represented the Board at a press conference on July 18

thheld

by the Lt. Governor in Madison concerning the GI Bill. Attended the Change of Command ceremony for the Wisconsin Adjutant General on August 3

rd. Col. Don

Dunbar will be taking over for General Wilkening on September 1st. On August 5

th

WDVA did a presentation to Aleta Mercer, broadcasting coordinator for the Brewers.

Mr. Kloster and Mr. Freedman presented her with a plaque as the Mission WelcomeHome Coordinator for the year. Attended the August 7th Purple Heart Day 2007ceremony in Madison. Mr. Freedman and Mr. Hardie co-chaired a meeting of theWDVA’s PTSD Advisory Panel on August 10th and they hope to have reports andrecommendations filed by the October Board meeting.

Mr. Moen requested that the Chairman and Vice Chairman look at a more efficientand economical way to provide the Board with information that it needs for the meetings.



3

Members spend much time organizing the various papers that get mailed and emailed tothem.

Ms. Guthrie thanked Mike Diaz for the tour of the Union Grove Veterans Home. InJuly Ms. Guthrie represented the Board at a press conference with the Green Bay Packerswhere they announced the sale of military support caps this year. She also attended

General Wilkening’s change of command ceremony. Ms. Guthrie is a member of thePTSD panel. She will be attending the Women’s Veterans Conference in Ft. McCoy atthe end of next month.

Mr. Stenavich attended two state conventions. He is part of a funding committee tobring submarine veterans of WWII to Green Bay in 2009.

5. Board Action from Committee and Council MeetingsMr. Mynyk said that the CVSO Advisory Council took no action that would require

Board consideration. The Council held its election of officers—John Solis, Chair andMark Grams, Vice Chair. The next CVSO Advisory Council meeting will be September

27 during the CVSO Conference in Madison.

Mr. Freedman said the Legislative and Program Review Committee met and took action items which are also agenda items 9, 10, 11, 13 and 14 of the Board. Mr.Freedman will bring the recommendations from the Committee to the Board duringdiscussion on those agenda items.

Mr. Moen said the Long Term Care Committee met and took no action that wouldrequire Board consideration today. Mr. Moen said the committee heard reports onconcern about fire safety and a report on the staffing ratio. Mr. Moen received a report of a couple of incidents which were self reported as required by state Administrative Rules.

Mr. Andersen said the Financial Committee met and took no action that wouldrequire Board consideration today. The Committee heard two information briefings, oneon the contracting process and another on consulting contracts that are pending. For thenext Financial Committee meeting Mr. Andersen has asked for another informationbriefing on the scheduled or unscheduled audits of financial documents.

Mr. Sorenson said the Council on Veterans Programs took no action that wouldrequire Board consideration. The Council supported the Veterans Assistance Foundationeffort to become a member of the Council on Veterans Programs. The distribution of theCouncil’s draft minutes will remain the same as the Board’s policy for distribution of

minutes.

6. VISN 12 and VISN 23 ReportsMs. Oshinski congratulated and thanked Wisconsin for hosting the wonderfully

successful Wheelchair Game Events for 2007.

Ms. Oshinski said that there has been publicity lately about the new 1-800 nationalsuicide prevention hotline. That can be accessed from anywhere in the country by anyveteran who may have ideas about hurting themselves or others.



4

The VA is taking strong steps to try and eliminate medication resistant infections that

can be acquired in hospitals. Since June 1st every person coming into the ICUs of veterans’ hospitals in VISN 12 gets their nose swabbed for an immediate test to see if they have any kind of medication resistant infection. Beginning October 1st anyone beingadmitted to a VA hospital in VISN 12 will have their nose swabbed.

VISN 23 is opening a new CBOC in Bemidji, MN and they have opened theHayward, Wisconsin clinic that provides service to 250 veterans five days a week. Theyare hoping that the Rice Lake Clinic will be open some time this fall.

VISN 12 has had significant turnover in its directors. Mr. Grippen and Mr. StanJohnson have moved, Janice Boss went to Wilksbury and Mr. Geraths went to Hines.Debra Thompson has rejoined the Network and is at Madison. They are currentlyinterviewing candidates from around the country at Tomah and there is a pendingnomination for Iron Mountain.

Ms. Oshinski introduced Jean Bromley, who has been active with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the homeless programs, long term care and King. She is the VISN 12lead for the OIF OEF Program. In that capacity she works not only in Wisconsin butacross the Network to make sure that the full array of services are offered for ourreturning veterans. Ms. Bromley gave a brief update on some new programs that areprovided for returning veterans. In VISN 12 they continue to expand the number of combat veterans seen and in the first two quarters of FY 2007 they saw as many combatveterans as in all of FY 2006. They have added additional case managers and programmanagers at all of the facilities. All returning combat veterans receive traumatic braininjury screening. Each site now has poly trauma teams so that if a veteran does screenpositively for being exposed to brain injury they then receive a full evaluation. There are

special training programs on eating disorders, particularly for women veterans. Anothernew initiative is the implementation of quarterly focus groups throughout the VISN to getfeedback from returning combat veterans and their families about the services they are orare not receiving.

Ms. Bromley said an electronic veteran’s record tracking mechanism is going to beimplemented. The elimination of wait lists has been a priority for all veterans. The goalis that all veterans are seen within 14 days for mental health appointments and 30 daysfor all other appointments. Ms. Oshinski added that the VISN is probably 97% at 30days or less, they are not at 14 days. They are continuing with the push to bring on moremental health professionals. Vera Roddy, UWV, said that the Women Veterans Program

Manager position has been empty since last winter, is there a new manager coming soon?Ms. Bromley said they are recruiting for that position.

Mr. Freedman was gratified to know about the establishment of the National SuicidePrevention Hotline. He thanked Ms. Oshinski and Dr. Petzel for providing informationabout the new mental health positions and breakdown. He asked if inpatient PTSDtreatment programs such as the one at Tomah only exist at 27 VA Hospitals nationally.Ms. Oshinski said yes, and that most of that work is done outpatient. Mr. Freedman saidthat the need for this type of a program is much greater than is evidenced by the



5

commitment of so few specialized PTSD inpatient treatment centers in the United States.Do VISN 23 and 12 provide input and recommendations with regard to the need for newVet Centers within their respective VISNs and what role do they have with respect tomaking recommendation on staffing? Ms. Oshinski said VISNs try to coordinate withVet Centers when they do training. Vet Centers are a completely separate function andbudget within the Veterans Health Administration. Mr. Freedman asked, with respect to

the wait list for mental health appointments—how are aggravated cases handled, wheresomeone needs immediate attention, is there a triage mechanism utilized in VISN 12?Ms. Oshinski said if somebody walks in and needs help, they can be seen immediately.There is no waiting when a person is in a situation where they may harm others orthemselves.

Mr. Campbell asked what VISN 12 is hearing about the enhanced use lease situation.Ms. Oshinski said it has been very quiet since the City of Milwaukee pulled back. Mr.Campbell said the VA has started a six or seven week program for Operation IraqiFreedom and their families that is conducted in the evenings, which is very convenientfor the veterans.

7. Report on the Cook-Chill Food ServiceActing Secretary Kloster provided the Board members with a memo about the history

behind when the cook-chill effort began in 1992. Mr. Diaz provided an executivesummary of the food service survey as part of a request from the Board of VeteransAffairs. The survey was conducted the week of July 9-13, 2007 at both homes. The totalparticipation of the survey was 573 residents reflecting a 67% participation rate. Thesurvey measured the appearance, temperature and flavor of the meals. It also attemptedto measure the level of satisfaction of the resident with respect to their most and leastsatisfying meal.

Results: Favorable responses were received by 88% of the residents at King and 87%of the residents at Union Grove. Food was rated excellent or very good by 21% of theresidents at King and 23% of the residents at Union Grove. The majority of residents atboth homes found breakfast to be their most satisfying meal of the day. A plurality of theresidents identified supper as their least satisfying meal of the day. Food was rated poorby 12% of the residents at King and 13% of the residents at Union Grove. Thetemperature of the food was rated poor by 14% of the residents at Union Grove and 3%of the residents at King.

Mr. Freedman asked to receive a copy of the survey itself. He also wanted a memo orsummary of the methodology used with the survey. Mr. Diaz said that Union Grove was

surveyed fairly quickly because of the smaller census, however this is an additional dutyfor the staff to capture the responses, collect the surveys and tabulate them. Having thesurvey done at the same time for the same meal is very time consuming. Mr. Freedmansuggested the need for an independent survey where it is not being conducted by staff and management but by a neutral third party.

Mr. Andersen liked the idea that the survey would be done a couple of times a yearbut it should be done by someone outside the Department. His understanding of acreditable survey was at least 90% to 95% compliance. Mr. Diaz said our Department



6

statistician felt that our return rate of 67% was about what he expected from our fragilepopulation.

Mr. Moen talked about the rating “fair” and where does that fit on a scale of 1-10,about a five? Mr. Diaz said the Department looked at “fair” as meeting standards. Mr.Kloster said that each individual has their own standard for what they eat, however to

have over 850 standards, one for each resident; will never get us to an acceptable place.There are a lot of choices available to each of us, however in an institutional setting; onegets to eat what is being served for that day. We need to agree to have an acceptablestandard by which to measure what we’re doing.

Mr. Scollon added that the main meal of the day for nursing home residents is lunch.He was impressed with the rate of return received with the WVH food survey. He notedthat the percent of the meal eaten should also be recorded.

8. Report on the Assistance to Needy Veterans Grant ProgramActing Secretary said that the health care portion of the Assistance to Needy Veterans

Grant provides hearing aids, dental work and eyeglasses. At close out of fiscal year 2007the Department either obligated or disbursed all but $3,000 of the $650,000 budgeted forthat grant. We are spending the money that is allocated for that program. On theSubsistence Aid portion, we had approximately $50,000 to $60,000 out of $172,000 thatwas either not obligated or disbursed. Mr. Kloster has given Ken Black the authority toform a process action team with some very specific guidelines to follow. This team hasthe responsibility of long-term meetings to work through the program and come up with acomplete package at the end, and if any changes are necessary, it will come before theBoard to be a budget item a year from now.

Mr. Freedman asked if there will be CVSO involvement in the process action team.

Mr. Kloster said he has asked Mr. Black to come back with resources he needs to do this job and County Veterans Service Officers will be a part of the team. Mr. Freedmansuggested that selection of CVSOs to serve on the process action team be made by theAssociation.

9. Discussion and Action on the Pre-Application Requirement Process Action Team Reportand CVSO Resolution F001-06 Veterans Education Grant Pre-Enrollment Requirement

The detailed report of the Pre-Application Requirement Process Action Team foundthat there were other ways to accomplish what the pre-application requirement set out todo in theory. The conclusion was that the pre-application requirement was no longernecessary. The challenge that is faced is that to completely do away with the pre-

application requirement would require statutory action better initiated after the currentbudget passes. The issue would be better addressed now by Administrative Rule.

As recommended by the Legislative and Program Review Committee, Mr. Freedmanmade a motion that the Board of Veterans affairs adopt as its position the positionreflected in CVSO Association Resolution F001-06 Veterans Education Grant Pre-Enrollment Requirement which calls for the removal of the pre-application requirementfrom the VetEd Program. Mr. Andersen seconded the motion. Ms. Guthrie asked whatpurpose did the pre-enrollment serve and what will the Board be eliminating with this



7

motion. Mr. Freedman said they are eliminating what was anticipated to be a way of projecting costs of the VetEd Program. What the Process Action Team determined wasthat there are other, more effective ways to estimate those costs and that the pre-application requirement was not a desirable way to calculate those projections. Mr.Kloster added that the essence is to eliminate the number of veterans who are disqualifiedfrom receiving the grant because of the requirement of a pre-application and that is

addressed in the next agenda item of the Board. The motion carried unanimously on avoice vote.

Mr. Freedman added that there have been hundreds of veterans denied reimbursementbecause of this pre-application requirement, just because they didn’t file. Mr. Klostersaid that this program is one of the most expensive grant programs that the Departmenthas. In order to stay on budget, the Secretary was given the authority to adjust thereimbursement rate on this grant to make it something less than 100%. Considering thatall schools do not start at the same time and without a forecasting tool, the Departmentfaces the dilemma of when to make that adjustment.

10. Proposed Administrative Rule Change Regarding the VetEd Pre-ApplicationChief Legal Counsel Jimmy Stewart explained that the Statement of Scope of

proposed rules is the first step in promulgating an Administrative Rule change. It goes tothe Reviser of Statutes and then is published. The Department cannot work on theStatement of Scope for at least ten days following the publication of the item. Mr.Freedman said that this matter came before the Legislative and Program ReviewCommittee where they passed a motion recommending that the Board authorize theDepartment to proceed with the development of a rule consistent with the Statement of Scope. It was moved by Mr. Freedman, seconded by Mr. Andersen and carried on avoice vote that the Board authorize the Department to begin the process of developing arule consistent with the Statement of Scope for this proposed rule.

11. Action on DAV Resolutions 2007-02 Tax Exemptions for Goods and Services; 2007-04Divorce and Compensation; 2007-05 Disabled Veterans Reduced Fees; 2007-07 StateLottery Scratch Off Ticket “GI Dough”; and 2007-09 Wisconsin Veterans and SurvivingSpouse Property Tax Credit

Mr. Freedman said these DAV Resolutions came before the Legislative and ProgramReview Committee. The first four resolutions were identical to DAV resolutions offeredin August of last year and both the Committee and the Board received and filed them atthat time and the Committee voted to receive and file them again this year. The fifthresolution is a new resolution that was received and filed by the Committee for the reasonthat the position reflected in this resolution, although it would expand the existing

veterans and surviving spouse property tax credit for the State of Wisconsin, reflects anarrower scope than the position previously taken by both the Board and the Department.

It was moved by Mr. Freedman, seconded by Mr. Stenavich and carried on a voicevote to receive and file all five of the DAV resolutions.

12. Discussion and Action on the 2007-2009 State Budget



8

This item was included on the Board’s agenda in the event that the Legislature wouldhave completed its work on the budget. The budget has not passed, therefore, this agendaitem is moot.

13. Discussion and Action on the Need for Additional USDVA Vet Centers in WisconsinMr. Freedman said this item was also on the agenda for the Legislative and Program

Review Committee. The Committee placed the subject matter on its next meeting agendafor more detailed discussion. Background information was provided to the Committeeand the Board in their meeting packets. Wisconsin currently has two Vet Centers andconsidering its veteran population and number of square miles, it should have twoadditional Vet Centers. There were 23 new Vet Centers created nationally by the USDepartment of Veterans Affairs and with the exception of Michigan, the Midwest did notfare particularly well in receiving new Vet Centers. Mr. Freedman would like a more in-depth discussion at the Board’s October meeting.

14. Discussion and Action on the Alleged Misuse of Personality Disorder Discharges by theU.S. Department of Defense

Mr. Moran said that Mr. Freedman and the Legislative and Program ReviewCommittee will be doing additional work on this matter and will report to the Board at itsnext meeting. Mr. Freedman added that there are various forms of legislation in theprocess of being introduced such as H.R. 3167: Fair Mental Health Evaluation forReturning Veterans Act to impose a temporary moratorium on the discharge of membersof the Armed Forces for personality disorder, except in certain specified cases.

15. Board of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Recognition AwardChairman Moran explained a proposal to establish a Board of Veterans Affairs’

award to recognize a veteran within the region where the Board is meeting. The awardwould underscore the Board’s commitment to taking veterans affairs issues out to where

veterans live, work, and enjoy the freedoms of our great country. This award wouldrecognize a veteran who has compiled a record of exemplary service as a militarymember, a veterans’ advocate, and a citizen. The award would be in the form of aplaque, supported by a proclamation signed by the Board Chairman. A Board sub-committee, appointed by the Chair, would select the recipients whose nominations wouldbe solicited via the Department’s website from CVSOs, VSOs and the community. Theaward would be presented during the “Board Matters” portion of the Board’s agenda andthe first award presentation will be made in Platteville at the October meeting of theBoard.

It was moved by Mr. Moen, seconded by Mr. Andersen and carried on a voice vote to

adopt the establishment of a Board of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Recognition Award.

16. Secretary’s MattersActing Secretary Kloster advised the Board that in September he will be traveling to

Annapolis, MD to the National Association of State Directors of Veterans AffairsConvention. He will take two major items to that Convention for discussion: fullpayment from the federal VA for the 70% service-connected disabled veterans whoreside in state veterans homes, and secondly, a resolution regarding the expansion of existing state veterans cemeteries.



17. Public Input

None

18. Other Matters (Not Subject to Adoption)There were no other matters that came before the Board.

19. Next Meeting Date and LocationOctober 18-19 in Platteville at the Wisconsin Army National Guard Armory, 475 N.

Water Street.

20. AdjournmentIt was moved by Mr. Moen, seconded by Mr. Andersen and carried on a voice vote to

adjourn the meeting; the time was 12:07 p.m.

Pete MoranChairman

board minutes august 2007

Documents