board minutes december 2006

8/8/2019 Board Minutes December 2006

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

Meeting of December 8, 2006Union Grove, Wisconsin

Board Members Present Others Present

Mack Hughes Connie Allord, via video conferencePete Moran, via teleconference Russ Alsteen, Navy ClubMarv Freedman Nick Benzinger, Shawano CVSOKathy Marschman Scott Berger, Marathon CVSOWalter Stenavich Phyllis BertoffDon Heiliger Paul Bialk, Marine Corps LeagueKen Wendt Cleon Brown, USSVWWII

Joe CampbellWDVA Present Rick Cherone, MOPHJohn A. Scocos, Secretary Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSOBill Kloster, Deputy Secretary Rob Cramer, DOAAnthony Hardie, Executive Assistant Mike Demske, VVA President

Bill Crowley, Commandant-King Jim Duff, Milwaukee CVSOTom Rhatican, Division Administrator Roger FetterlyAndrew Schuster, Communications Mark Grams, Dodge CVSOJohn Rosinski, Chief Legal Counsel Glen Grippen, VAMCJulie Van Metre, Executive Staff Assistant Jesse Haro, CWVPresent Via Video Conference: Naomi HorwitzKen Black, Division of Veterans Benefits Bill Hustad, WVVKen Abrahamsen, Budget Director Claude HutchisonColleen Holtan, Financial Officer Greg JacobsSeth Perelman, Division of Administration Maurice Jackson, DAVLynne Wolfe, Veterans Museum Michael Jackson, CVSOA PresidentUnion Grove Staff Kevin Kavanaugh

Glen Brower, Commandant-Union Grove John Kusko, VVA Chapter 34Michelle Adamek, Assistant to Commandant Steve Lawrence, VFW AdjutantPat Shaughnessy, Deputy Commandant Eric LawsonGary Wistrom, Admin of Support Services John LewandowskiClyde Allen, Accounting Manager Jon LiDonne, Waupaca CVSODeb Canak, Director of Activities Tom Lois, Kenosha CVSODave Carroll, Facilities Manager Rocky Marcoux, Milw. Dept. of City DevelopmentJoan Clark, Dir. Of Admissions & Discharge Bud Mautz, American LegionKaren DeCamillis, Nursing Supervisor Robert Morzenti, Iron CVSOTerry Hume, Human Resources Director Ted Mynyk, Iowa CVSOMike Plautz, Custodial Supervisor Charles NeidhofferBrenda Strueder, Food Service Manager Renee Oshinski, VISN 12

Cory Freeman, Nursing Supervisor Nick PaczkowskiRacheal Harris, Human Resources Assistant Walter Peterson, Am ExPOWs, via videoconferencePatricia Holmes, CNA Vera Roddy, UWVGail Waldron, CNA Lee & Dar Schuff, MOPH Commander & President

Chad Sorce, WNSANorb Beiby, WNSAJohn Mosel, WNSADon Hansen, WNSA


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Larry Smerling, Winnebago CVSOClif Sorenson, Eau Claire CVSODan Steffans, DOAAnn StenavichClarence Stoel, DAVJack Stone, PVABill Stys

Tim Thiers, Manitowoc CVSOAlan WalkerJoe Zimmerman, VISN 12

1. Roll Call and IntroductionsThe meeting of the Board of Veterans Affairs was called to order at 9:00 a.m. A

quorum was present after roll call of members. Commandant Brower introduced thefollowing key staff at the Wisconsin Veterans HomeUnion Grove:Michelle Adamek, Assistant to the Commandant; Pat Shaughnessy, Deputy Commandant;Phil Tremain, Health Care Administrator; Gary Wistrom, Administrator of Support Services;Clyde Allen, Accounting Manager; Deb Canak, Director of Activities; Dave Carroll,

Facilities Manager; Joan Clark, Director of Admissions and Discharges; Karen DeCamillis,Nursing Supervisor at Fairchild Hall; Susan Dupor, Nursing Supervisor at Shemanske Hall;Terry Hume, Director of Human Resources; Mike Plautz, Custodian Program Supervisor;Terry Staefining, Nursing Supervisor; Michele Sommers, Nursing Supervisor; BrendaStrueder, Dietary; and Cory Freeman, Nursing Supervisor.

Secretary Scocos presented plaques of appreciation to the following staff: MichelleAdamek; Clyde Allen; Deb Canak; Dave Carroll; Terry Fox; Racheal Harris; PatriciaHolmes; Mike Plautz; Gail Waldron; and Gary Wistrom. The Secretary and Chairman of theBoard presented the Pearl Harbor Proclamation Plaque to Glen Brower. The Wisconsin StateCouncil of the Vietnam Veterans of America presented the Distinguished Achievement

Award to John A. Scocos for service to Wisconsin veterans.

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

3. Approval of MinutesIt was moved by Mr. Freedman, seconded by Mr. Heiliger and carried unanimously

on a voice vote to approve the minutes of the October 19-20 Board meetings and the minutesof the Board teleconference of November 3, 2006.

4. Board Members Matters

The following meeting dates were proposed: February 20-21 in Madison; April 19-20 in Sturgeon Bay; June 21-22 in King; August 16-17 in Milwaukee; October 18-19 inPlatteville; and December 13-14 in Union Grove.

It was moved by Mr. Freedman, seconded by Mr. Moran and carried unanimously ona voice vote to approve the schedule of meetings for calendar year 2007.

5. Board Action from Committee and Council Meetings


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It was moved by Mr. Stenavich, seconded by Mr. Wendt and carried on a voice voteto accept the December 7th reports of the meetings of the Councils and Committees.

6. VISN 12 and 23 ReportsMs. Oshinski said that Rob McDivitt, who usually presented the VISN 23 report, was

selected as the Director at Fargo, North Dakota. Ms. Oshinski said VISN 23 has a small

increase in workload in the number of patients treated and in their outpatient visits. Thebudget for both VISNs is under a continuing resolution with the federal government. Itexpires today and Congress is expected to pass a continuation until the middle of February.Regardless of what the budget may be the VISNs do not have authority to spend more thanwhat they spent last year at the same point in time. In Network 23 the budget increase isestimated to be about 8%. In Network 12 the increase is expected to be about 5% to 6%.VISN 23 has 25 new CARES approved CBOCs that were announced in Junethree in NorthDakota, one in Nebraska, one in Iowa and one in western Wisconsin. They currently have aproposal out for bid in Sawyer/Barron County area and the proposals were due back from thebidder at the end of November. Minneapolis is a poly-trauma center so they have about12,000 returning OIF/OEF veterans who are enrolled in VISN 23. Traumatic brain injury is

getting a lot of attention because of a higher incidence of this type of injury than in the past.All primary care givers and specialists are being trained to make sure that traumatic braininjuries are being diagnosed. In VISN 23 they have fairly good specialty care waiting timesfor new patients, although there are some wait times in cardiology, gastroenterology, eyecare and orthopedics. They have 335 new enrollees who are waiting for an appointment;however 264 of those are waiting for a specific CBOC. The primary construction project isthe 30-bed spinal cord injury center with a completion date for the fall of 2008.

Ms. Oshinski said VISN 12 is seeing a slight increase of 2% in patients treated. TheNetwork has eliminated the primary care wait list. They had 2,393 patients on the waitinglist just over a year ago. There is a backlog in the specialty care area. Mr. Roseborough has

made it a top priority to improve mental health programs. They are looking at improvingefficiency in outpatient clinics so that people dont have to wait as long; how to make surethat people are getting appropriate treatment in the hospital and then finding other venues ofcare when they dont need hospital care any longer. The VISN is emphasizing telehealth andmaking sure people can get access to VA care when they need it.

Q: Will telemedicine work with mental health and PTSD?A: There may be some initiative to see if that might work.

Mr. Kloster said he has been working with a group at the Madison VA hospital. There aresome experts in this video conferencing health method and next week they will expand afacilitiy at King so that the Madison VA facility can talk to the residents over this system and

conduct mental health. Mr. Kloster also proposed that a briefing on telemedicine be given atthe next Board meeting.

Q: How many are currently on the waiting list? When it comes to specialty care,how do the numbers look as compared to last year?

A: We have zero on the waiting list for primary care. About 1,400 are awaitingservice at one of 50 specialty clinics.


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Q: What is VISN 12s response to the GAO report relating to spending on the mentalhealth strategic plan initiative? VISNs 12 and 23 were not subjects in that report butapparently in 2005 the VA spent 88% of that extra funding and in 2006 spent 79%.

A: Ms. Oshinski said that is one of the reasons they made mental health a priority ofthe strategic planning conference. Part of the problem in not spending 100% of the fundingis that it takes too long to hire people. Some of it is issues about how money flows from

headquarters out to the field and the timeliness of disbursements. The goal is to spend 100%this year.

Some of the difficulty that Ms. Marschman sees day in and day out is recent NationalGuard and Reserve returnees from the theater that are kept on active duty so that we can takecare of their medical condition but who are diagnosed with PTSD and/or traumatic braininjury. These types of soldiers are eligible for VA care even though they dont have theirDD214 at this point in time. It is difficult to get these combat veterans into vocationalrehabilitation because of all the red tape and hurdles that are put in place by VA employeesdown at the user level. Ms. Oshinski expressed an interest in following up with Ms.Marschman on this issue.

Q: Could we as a Board receive a summary of the VA hospitals and CBOCs that arecurrently offering mental health services to Wisconsin veterans. Also, could we be advisedas to the wait time to see mental health specialists for follow up in those clinics?

A: Ms. Oshinski said she will report back to Secretary Scocos.

Q: Where is the 30-bed spinal cord injury unit that you mentioned and is it beingbuilt now?

A: It will be in Minneapolis. It has been approved, groundbreaking is scheduled andan opening date of 2008 is anticipated. There is a pending request for a spinal cord injuryunit replacement at Milwaukee and we await House and Senate agreement.

In answer to concern about a two and a half year wait for a colonoscopy Ms. Oshinskisaid that window surprises her although it is difficult to get fee basis colonoscopies becausethere is a backlog in the communities as well. It has to be prioritized.

Q: Who can be contacted about a pill splitting issue? Some pills are virtuallyimpossible to split.

A: There is a process where you can ask for a waiver from the formulary. Theprimary care provider can do that or go to the VA patient representative.

At this time the Board adjusted its agenda and took up agenda item 12. Briefing by USDVA

on Master Plan for Short-Term and Long-Term Development of the Historical District andSurrounding Areas on the Grounds of the Zablocki VA Hospital in Milwaukee

Claude Hutchison, Director of Asset Enterprise Management with the U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, DC was the presenter. He described theprocess of the enhanced use lease (EUL) which is a unique tool granted to VA by Congressto make better use of its assets. As health care has developed over time, those assets are notnecessarily consistent with the way health care is delivered today and therefore there aresubstantial inventories of under-utilized property. In order to augment appropriated funds,the Congress has asked the VA to look at where adjustments could be made, in terms of


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taking fallow, under-utilized assets, putting them into reuse and reinvesting dollars toprovide more services to veterans. The primary technique is leasing land for up to 75 years.This allows reduction in operating expenses associated with assets that have been overcomeby time and it allows increased revenue from redeploying those assets. The legislationallows in-kind services or cash contributions. Over the 15 years that this program has beenin effect, 45 projects have been done around the country, over 100 initiatives have been

studied, and there are over 40 projects that are currently on active review by the USDVASecretary.

From the private sector perspective EUL provides site control. It provides propertyinterest necessary to secure financing, provides access to VA and to local marketopportunities, uses local codes and standards, provides the opportunity to buy or sell servicesthrough piggy-backed sharing agreements, generates tax revenue and creates jobs in thelocal economy. Enhanced use authority allows the VA to sell leased property at a later dateshould it no longer be needed for the long term requirement of the VA mission and theproceeds go back to the USDVA.

Enhanced use leasing works from the VAs perspective because it maximizes thereturn from underutilized properties, reduces maintenance costs, utilizes private dollarsversus VA appropriations, encourages economic development of otherwise underutilizedlands and it retains cash proceeds for local use.

The opportunities are limitless, such as: VA office co-locations, energy facilities,skilled nursing facilities, assisted care living centers, SRO/transitional or temporary housing,consolidations, medical, research facilities, parking garages, child development centers, adultday care facilities, golf courses and other recreational facilities.

Mr. Grippen talked about his responsibility to care for the medical center and the

patients at the VA Milwaukee. He has the challenge to spread resources to as many veteransas possible. For the past 20 years Mr. Grippen and his predecessors have been looking forsolutions, trying to find partners who would help with underused land and buildings so thatmore money would go directly into patient care. He recognizes that the land and buildingsare hallowed so they have to make sure that they find the appropriate partner who willsupport veterans programs and veterans. Part of the EUL concept is that a request forproposal is put out. About a year and a half ago the Mayor of Milwaukee talked with theUSDVA Secretary about the possible use and tax benefits of renovating the VAMC grounds.A conclusion has not been reached; we still look at options weekly. We recognize thatidentifying the perfect relationship is extremely difficult and we can never please everyonebut the goal is to find programs that would support veterans and expand the services at

Zablocki. We recognize that the veterans are very concerned about the historic district.Town hall meetings have been conducted to hear their concerns.

Q: Secretary Scocos asked if the VA and the City of Milwaukee were working withthe veterans who have been reaching out to the City and the federal VA to be heard. Havewe met the needs of those veterans out there trying to talk to the City and the VA about theirconcerns, are we working with them?

A: In the beginning we did not include the veterans community to a satisfactorylevel. A major town hall meeting was held on August 8th and since that date we have been


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trying to interact with more groups. The City has been very aggressive in talking with manypeople.

Q: Is there an enhanced use lease with terms that have already been drafted?A: Absolutely not. The Mayor has presented public proposals. We have been using

those proposals as a starting point and we have developed numerous drafts of a potential

enhanced use lease. We have not come to any closure; the USDVA Secretary would have toapprove an enhanced use lease. As we continue to work on a draft, we try to get veteraninput and certainly Mr. Marcoux has been out trying to show the veterans groups that he isalso changing proposed plans for the VA. There are plans in the works, but nothing has beenapproved.

Mr. Freedman expressed concern about the current short-term enhanced use lease andits process as well as whether there is a long term plan. There is property that surrounds thehistoric district, some of which is not included in the discussions with the City of Milwaukeeand the Milwaukee veterans community. Mr. Freedman has been informed about twoprincipal concerns: One is maintaining the integrity of the park-like atmosphere that has

certain recuperative options available to veterans who are being treated at the VAMC; and,secondly, why, as part of any enhanced use lease, there isnt consideration being given toexpansion of Wood cemetery.

Mr. Grippen said they have tried to preserve the historic district. There are somepieces of land away from the historic district which may be available to be used and wouldnot impact the campus-like feeling that you have with Lake Wheeler in the historic district.They are trying to absolutely work with that concern. The expansion of the cemetery isanother concern over which the Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs was made aware. Thepolicy of the Memorial Affairs Office has been to continue to look at sharing with the stateprograms. However, it was taken into consideration as a plan was developed to make sure

that there could be a cemetery option, depending upon what the wishes are and what theSecretary would want.

Q: It was stated that one of the purposes of an enhanced use lease is to increasepatient care availability and options on the campus of the VA Hospital. Under the currentenhanced use lease that has been discussed with the City of Milwaukee, could you explainwhat increases in patient care would result in that EUL?

A: First of all, a lot of money is spent maintaining empty buildings. That moneycould be reallocated to direct patient care. There are also many buildings needing muchrepair. If a project was submitted to renovate historic buildings, it would compete with theward renovation project. Mr. Grippen has to prioritize those choices and to date four wards

have been renovated in the last four years. If we can get some revenue stream for the long-term future or something back in-kind, then it basically is another add-on to the budget.

Board Chairman Hughes opened up the meeting to individuals in the audience whofilled out registration slips and each person was given three minutes to make comments orask questions of Mr. Grippen. The following individuals came forward: John Kusko, President of Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 324, Milwaukee Joe Campbell, Chairman, Veterans Board of Directors, Milwaukee County


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Bill Stys, War Memorial Board of Trustees, Veterans Board of Direcors, AlliedVeterans Council, VAVS Zablocki Medical Center

Greg Jacobs, Vice President of Vietnam Veterans #1; Commander of MOPH #96 Charles Neidhoffer, First Vice President of the SE Wisconsin Chapter of the Military

Officers Association of America Jim Duff, Acting Director, Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office

John Lewandowski, Milwaukee American Legion Post 18 Commander Rocky Marcoux, Department of City Development, City of Milwaukee Mark Grams, Dodge County Veterans Service Officer

Q: What is the dilemma that you have with the historical buildings? How muchmoney are you putting into the historical buildings now to maintain them that could be goinginto VA health care? What are your options with those buildings?

A: Mr. Grippen said the historical buildings cannot be torn down; they are under theprotection of the National and State Historical Society. Anything done to the exterior ofthose buildings has to be approved by the State Historical Society. We expendapproximately a million dollars a year to maintain the buildings and the grounds. That

money would be saved if we had an agreement with a partner. Those buildings need millionsof dollars of repairs. The VA is trying to find partners who would help restore the buildings,make them useful and also save dollars so that the hospital can see more veterans.

Q: Over the years was there money appropriated to maintain these old buildings?A: Mr. Grippen said there is no special money. One pot of money comes from the

federal VA for drugs, patients, salaries for employees, etc. If he put forth a constructionproject to renovate a building, he would have to put on a lower priority a project to renovatea ward.

Mr. Marcoux said that the City has modified the historic district proposal so that they

are no longer looking at any type of office or adaptive reuse. They have modifications thatallow for transitional living for veterans, assisted living as well as a spinal care unit. Theyare looking at the possibility of devoting some of the land for a burial methodology thatwould accomplish some of the goals heard today. The City of Milwaukee has taken off thetable most of the land that they originally earmarked. They are willing to agree that anyfuture participation will not put that land back on the table. The city is no longer interestedin buying the land, they are happy with the 75 year lease and they do believe that the entiresite should be planned out in a public planning process. He thanked the veterans forchallenging the City to come up with a better plan, a plan that protects the veterans. MayorBarrett has said that the City will not put its plan forward in any final form unless there isconcurrence by a majority of the veterans. Resolutions against commercial development

cannot stand. If the City is to move forward the veterans groups have to understand andaccept and work with the City on a plan. If that is not acceptable to the majority of veterans,the City of Milwaukee and the $30 million it is putting on the table will withdraw from thisprocess.

Q: Is there a timeline to report out a plan and how soon can the organizations expectsome resolve?

A: Mr. Marcoux said he has a piece of the negotiation that he is expecting someword on in the next two weeks that would allow the Department of City Development to go


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square feet and 19% of that square footage is common area, 13% is WDVA administrativeoffices, 31% would be the WVM and 37% would be the WHM. The Veterans Museumexhibit space will double. The Potter Lawson firm developed attendance projections andoperating revenue and expense projections using existing and potential market analyses. Ifthe two museums operated completely separated not only would capital cost requirements behigher, but the staffing and other operating costs would be larger while attendance and

income levels would be lower than projected in this study. A new purpose-built complexwould provide not only more exhibition and other public spaces, but also better capabilitiesto enable both institutions to adopt new technologies and better serve residents of andvisitors to Wisconsin while maintaining the distinct identity of each museum.

Secretary Scocos said this is just a first step in how we are looking at the futureprocess of a new building. We would like to move forward with this process and continue tolook at our options. We will have a series of stakeholders meetings with our veterans as tocontinuing the legacy of our veterans.

Q: The complex would combine which entities?

A: It includes the Historical Society Museum, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum andWDVA administrative offices. It does not include the Historical Society administrativeoffices.

Q: Does this facility have to be in Madison?A: It doesnt have to be. Some of the assumptions that were made for the operating

revenue projections were done that way. A lot of school groups move between the Capitol,the historical society museum and the veterans museum which forms a triangle in downtownMadison.

Q: Will there be two curators, one for the historical society and one for the veterans

museum?A: Yes, there will be two. The administrative staffs of the two museums would be

completely separated.

Q: Is the revenue for this complex through state appropriations?A: The revenue that was projected included revenue that could be gained by meeting

room spaces being charged out. The projections heard today include what revenue sourcesyoure getting from the state right now.

Q: Where is the location?A: Part of the study was to look at it as being on the Capitol Square in Madison.

It was moved by Mr. Hughes that the Board resolves that the WDVA headquartersand Museum must be collocated and remain as an autonomous organization. The Boardfurther recommends that the Department continues its collaborative effort with PotterLawson, DOA, and the State Historical Society to find a reasonable solution to mattersregarding the new office space for the Department that increases space for the WisconsinVeterans Museum. The motion was seconded by Mr. Moran and carried unanimously on avoice vote.


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7. Suggested Modifications to the Board Rules of Procedure for Resolutions ReceivedJohn Rosinski.

Mr. Rosinski said the Board and the Legislative and Program Review Committee hada discussion at their last meeting dealing with veterans service organization resolutions thatare brought to the Committee and the Board. At the Board meeting several members askedfor a memo dealing with this specific issue. No action is necessary; this is the second step in

the process of reviewing the Board Rules of Procedure to determine where the Board willultimately want to go with this issue. A prudent next step would be to bring this before theStakeholders conference in February.

Mr. Freedman asked to include for discussion purposes the ability of the Committeeand the Board to continue to retain the option and the right that they have currently to takewhatever positions or recommendations they want including making their own positions onsubjects brought up through a resolution that might not move forward. Mr. Rosinski saidthat with appropriate notice the Board currently has the authority and could take action on itsown. If the desire is to have an amendment to the Board Rules, something can be drafted andbrought back to the Board.

Mr. Jackson asked that stakeholders get a copy of the suggested modifications beforethe February meeting so that the document can be reviewed for possible feedback.

8. CVSO Resolutions F001-06 Veterans Education Grant Delimiting Date; F002-06Veterans Education Grant Pre-Enrollment Requirement; F003-06 Veterans Education GrantIncome Limit; and F004-06 Aid to Needy Veteran Grant Improvement Recommendations

The Legislative and Program Review Committee decided upon the following courseof action. Resolution F001-06 will be the subject of a Process Action Team to explore otheralternatives to include looking at some form of an exemption for failure to file a pre-application on a one-time basis only. The PAT will try to ensure that there is significant and

appropriate involvement by CVSO representatives and those younger veterans who are mostlikely to use this program as returning veterans would be included as members or advisors tothe PAT. The three remaining resolutions were referred to the Department for thepreparation of fiscal impact statements for discussion at the February Board meeting. TheCommittee also further requested that by no later than January 15

ththat the CVSO

Association of Wisconsin will provide specific figures that it would like to see considered forthe Aid to Needy Veteran Grant improvement recommendations that are contained in theirresolution. Finally, the Committee recommended placement of all four of these resolutionson the Committee agenda for the February meeting.

10: Village of Union Grove Request for Land on the Campus of SWC for use as a

Recreation and Athletic ComplexThere was no presentation by the Village. The item was deferred to another agenda if

the Village would like to make a presentation.

11. Wisconsin Naval Ship Association, Inc. Requests Board Support for Bringing the USSEdson to the City of Sheboygan

Chad Sorce, Museum Director of the Wisconsin Naval Ship Association, Inc. alongwith Norb Beiby, John Mosel and Don Hansen, talked about their project. WNSA isattempting to bring the destroyer, the USS Edson to Sheboygan to open up as a veterans


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memorial, a museum, and a way to show navy life. The Edson saw service from 1959 to1988. She is 418 feet long, 45 feet wide, weighs just over 2,800 tons, had a crew of justfewer than 300 and her armament consisted of just guns and torpedoes. She is listed on theNational Historic Place. From 1989 until 2004, the Edson was on display in New York at theIntrepid Air and Space Museum. In 2004 she was returned to the Navy and is currently inPhiladelphia awaiting her next assignment. The Naval Ship Association is contracting a

professional fundraising company to raise the estimated $8 million that will be needed.

It was moved by Mr. Wendt, seconded by Mr. Freedman and carried unanimously ona voice vote to support (in a non-monetary way) the movement to bring the USS Edson to theCity of Sheboygan.

13. Secretarys MattersSecretary Scocos reviewed how the business plan for the Homes fits into the long

term plan to improve and streamline our operations, find optimum staffing levels, review ourneed for capital improvements and improve overall efficiency to ensure the long-termsolvency of our Veterans Homes as we move toward construction of a new Home in

Chippewa Falls. The five-year business plan is the first stage of a process leading to rightsizing our Homes. Right sizing includes the combination of assessing our current and futureoperations, to include adapting to a changing demographic and changes in he long-term careindustry to determine the number of veterans that we can best serve. Together with theoptimum census we will be considering the capital projects and infrastructure necessary tosupport our veterans.

The Secretary noted that both Homes drafted separate five-year plans that will bemerged into one consolidated business plan. One plan will provide a uniform format,consistent with industry standards for assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. It willinclude uniform assumptions about critical information such as VA per diem, MA

reimbursement, personnel costs, and other major sources of revenue or expenses. One of themajor benefits of doing a business plan is that it provides baseline financials for futurestrategic and budgetary planning leading eventually to right-sizing. The projectedcompletion date for the five-year plan is late December and the Secretary will brief the Boardon the plan at the February meeting.

WDVA will continue to use process action teams to address and remedy issues thatcan be resolved in a short amount of time, using expertise within the Department.

The third component of the planning process is the operational assessment. Themajor objective is to identify ways to provide existing services more efficiently while

improving the quality of care.

The findings from the business plan and the action team process provides input intothe operational assessment and the results of the assessment will be used to update thebusiness plan. In order to conduct an effective operational assessment, assistance is neededfrom accounting or consulting firms with experience in the operation of assisted living andskilled nursing facilities. We will be looking at staffing levels, admissions procedures andadministrative functions, all with an eye toward industry standards and with the goal ofimproving our operations to better serve our members and take care of our employees.


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Together with the operational assessment, we will be undertaking a review of our 20-

year capital projects master plan. This planning process is independent of the operationalassessment but will be started at the same time. The plan will require the establishment of abaseline plan assuming the status quo in terms of bed capacity at each Home, but at the sametime we will need to consider major replacement or renovation projects to accommodate

operational needs over the next 20 years. At Union Grove, Fairchild and Shemanske Hallswill be considered for major renovations, or possible replacement, with the goal of rightsizing.

The last component of the planning process is right-sizing the Homes. First, we willbe evaluating the changing long-term care needs of our veterans, and identifying theoptimum census and support staff to serve our members at three locationsKing, UnionGrove and Chippewa Falls. Next, we will be matching our census goals and staffing levelswith the capital projects needed to meet our anticipated census levels. In order to meet thechanging long-term needs of our veterans we need to know the census level at which we canprovide the best combination of staff and services, in the best possible facility and still

remain fiscally sound.

The Department has been working with Virchow Krause for advice on how to createa consolidated business plan, a plan that mirrors industry standards. We are looking 5, 10and 20 years out as we undertake a comprehensive review of our long-term plans for theVeterans Homes.

Mr. Freedman said he found the presentation yesterday on Mission Welcome Hometo be exceptional. The Potter Lawson and business plan presentations were helpful also. Heasked to routinely receive copies of the actual slides before the presentation begins.

14. Public Input.None.

15. Other Matters (Not Subject to Adoption).Board member Marschman anticipated that this will be her last meeting and she

thanked the Department, fellow board members and members of the veteran community thathave been helpful and supportive during her tenure on the board. This has been an honor andhumbling appointment for Ms. Marschman and an experience for her that will last a lifetime.Ms. Marschman has been serving on active duty for the last couple of years, working withcombat veterans in a six state region in the upper Midwest. She works with VA offices inthese six states and she can say without reservation that the people in Wisconsin that are

working to serve veterans are second to none.Mr. Wendt said that on October 11 he went before the Door County Veterans Council

and gave a presentation on the functions and make-up of the Wisconsin Department ofVeterans Affairs. On November 10th Mr. Wendt was the MC at the Sturgeon Bay HighSchool for their Veterans Day Program and he also attended the Veterans Day Program at theWisconsin Veterans Home at King.

Mr. Stenavich was the MC of the Pear Harbor Day event on December 7th. Hethanked Glen Brower, Andy Schuster and Debbie Canak for their support.


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Secretary Scocos thanked Kathy Marschman for an outstanding job as a member of

the Board of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Moran thanked Kathy for her contribution to the Boardand wished her best of luck in her active duty assignment. Chairman Hughes echoed thosestatements.

16. Next Meeting Date and LocationThe next meeting of the Board will be February 20-21 in Madison.

17. AdjournmentIt was moved by Mr. Wendt, seconded by Mr. Stenavich and carried on a voice vote

to adjourn the meeting at 12:55 a.m.

Mack HughesChairman


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M I N U T E S

CVSO ADVISORY COUNCIL

December 7, 2006Union Grove, Wisconsin

Members Present Others Present

Mark Grams, Dodge Connie Allord, via videoconferenceTed Mynyk, Iowa Russ Alsteen, Navy Clubs

Jim Young, Vernon Scott Berger, Marathon CVSOMichael Jackson, Dane Cleon Brown, Submarine Vets WWIINick Benzinger, Shawano Joe CampbellMike Haley, Chippewa Rick Cherone, MOPH

Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSOMembers Excused Mike Demske, VVA PresidentHolly Hoppe, Oconto Jim Endres, AMVETSJohn Solis, Rock Marvin Freedman, Board MemberDon Lander, Clark Jim Gausmann, La Crosse CVSO

Lewis HarnedWDVA Present Don Heiliger, Board MemberJohn A. Scocos, Secretary Bill Hustad, WVV

Bill Kloster, Deputy Secretary Chris Jordan, Walworth CVSOAnthony Hardie, Executive Assistant Ken KoonJohn Rosinski, Chief Legal Counsel Chris KornkvenTom Rhatican, Division Administrator Steve Lawrence, VFW AdjutantBill Crowley, Commandant, King Home Jon LiDonne, Waupaca CVSOGlen Brower, Commandant, Union Grove Home Tom Lois, Kenosha CVSOAndy Schuster, Communications John Margowski, VVAJulie Van Metre, Executive Staff Assistant Bud Mautz, American LegionPresent via Video Conference: Mary MeyerKen Black, Division of Veterans Benefits Bob Morzenti, Iron CVSOMel Brandl, Regional Coordinator Jerry Polus, Brown CVSOColleen Holtan, Financial Officer Vera Roddy, UWV

Seth Perelman, Division Administrator William Sims, NABVLarry Smerling, Winnebago CVSOMike Smith, ARCClif Sorenson, Eau Claire CVSOClarence Stoel, DAVJack Stone, PVAWalter Stenavich, Board MemberTim Thiers, Manitowoc CVSOAlan WalkerKen Wendt, Board MemberPaul Weprinsky, JWV

1. Call to Order and Roll Call.The meeting of the CVSO Advisory Council was called to order at 1:30 p.m. to hear a

WDVA briefing (see Exhibit 1). The Committee stood in recess after the WDVA briefing. Aquorum was present at the WDVA briefing and upon reconvening at 3:00 p.m. The Pledge ofAllegiance was recited.

2. Certification of Notice of Meeting.So noted.


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3. Approval of Minutes of October 19, 2006Mr. Jackson noted that on page 2 of the Briefing minutes it states that Department staff

will visit every University and Technical College in order to ensure that veterans officials aregetting the Montgomery G.I. Bill and VetEd Program message. Mr. Kloster said the properstatement should have been the Wisconsin G.I. Bill. It was moved by Mr. Young, seconded byMr. Haley and carried on a voice vote to approve the minutes of the October 19 th CVSOAdvisory Council meeting.

4. Announcements and IntroductionsIntroductions included: VVA President Mike Demske, VFW Adjutant Steve Lawrence,

VFW Sr. Vice Commander Bill Hustad, Jose Leon from Senator Herb Kohls office, CVSOAssociation President Michael Jackson, Walworth County Veterans Service Officer ChrisJordan, and Kenosha County Veterans Service Officer Tom Lois.

5. CVSO Resolutions F001, F002, F003 and F004Secretary Scocos met with the CVSO Association President regarding the above

resolutions. It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Grams and carried unanimously ona voice vote that the Council goes on record asking that these four Resolutions be forwarded tothe Legislative and Program Review Committee for its concurrence and to seek the concurrence

of the Board of Veterans Affairs.

6. CVSO GrantClasses of CountiesMr. Jackson explained that apparently there has been a change to the statute regarding

county sizes and a portion of the grant that the CVSO receives. CVSOs hired today go wayabove the minimum scales that the old language represented. The need for the existingAdministrative Code language has gone away. Mr. Rosinski said the Administrative Ruledealing with the grant sets out classes of counties and salary levels (VA 8.01 and VA 8.03(1)).That pay range no longer exists in the state system so we cannot update it. We either have toeliminate that provision or the Department would have to amend the rule in some way to comeup with some new measuring system. The grant applications for the coming year will stay the

same.

It was moved by Mr. Grams, seconded by Mr. Jackson and carried unanimously on avoice vote to eliminate those portions in the Administrative Code relating to salary levels forCVSOs. The Department will begin the Rule change at the February meeting.

7. Waive Employment Testing for Accredited CVSOsThe issue is County Veterans Service Officers who are currently employed and who

have been accredited by the VA to represent veterans that they not have to take the employmenttest again if they apply for a vacancy in another county. The Department requested time to doresearch but noted that Wis. Statute 45.82 requires that the grant can only be provided tocounties in which the CVSO was hired after taking the test. The item will be placed on theFebruary agenda.

8. Secretarys MattersSecretary Scocos thanked the CVSO Association for its letter of support for the WDVA

budget. The Trust Fund and the Mortgage Loan Repayment Fund are about 10% of our budgetand 90% is our Veterans Homes. We will change somewhat the format of the Salute to theLegislature to include a stakeholders conference in the morning, followed with appointmentswith Legislators and staff at the Capitol, and finally a social hour at the Salute Reception. The


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recent elections have given us new Veterans Committee Chairs and we look forward to workingwith them.

Mr. Kloster responded to three questions from the last meeting of the Council. Wereported that 291 VetEd applications there were denied because of some pre-applicationirregularity. We checked back and refined that number to 194 denials by removing the denialsfor people who filed multiple pre-applications. The amount of those denials was about $225,000based upon the average disbursement amount of all the ones approved. Of the 194 denials, 42

appeals were submitted to the Departmentof those 42 appeals 18 appeared for hearing and 24did not appear or withdrew their appeal before their scheduled appearance. Thirteen applicationswere reversed. Nine of the 13 were granted because they were for pre-applications that weresubmitted early and the other four were granted because we accepted sworn testimony from thestudent that the pre-application was submitted by mail or fax (but the Department did not haveany record of receiving the document). Mr. Jackson asked that if the denied amount of $225,000had been granted would that have an adverse affect on the budget. Mr. Kloster said that we areprojecting that the VetEd Program for this fiscal year will go over the budgeted amount. In thebudget request we anticipated we would overdraw the VetEd account and asked for additionalfunding in the next biennium.

Q: Are there any special provisions for a Reserve or Guard person denied on a pre-application that got in late because he or she was applying for the Reserve or Guard tuitionassistance and were told they ran out of money?

A: The best advice you can give that person in that particular instance is to make the pre-application first if you are unsure about the Reserves funding source.

9. Public InputMr. Smerling said a problem with the pre-application is the fact that it initially by-passes

the CVSO but when there are problems, it comes back to us. He asked how many pre-applications were approved and what the percentage of denials versus approvals was.

Mr. Smerling said every CVSO is accredited. Accreditation and claims are only part ofthe CVSO position and the civil service exam does address things other than accreditation suchas interviewing and office management. The civil service test needs to be upgraded.

Mr. LiDonne commented that the Mission Welcome Home is a worthy program but onthe other hand we are not doing the right thing by veterans and the pre-application situation.

10. Council Members Matters (Not Subject to Adoption)Mr. Jackson reported that there was concern and frustration on the part of many CVSOs

in northern Wisconsin about not having access to the media release as addressed in WDVABulletin #763. They requested copies to hand carry to their local media outlets that would behappy to run it for free. Bulletin #765 issued on 7 December provided the requestedinformation.

Mr. Grams addressed issues with VBATS, the computer program that the Department hasthat CVSOs are able to look at DD-214, grave registrations, that sort of thing. He looked up aveteran whose character of discharge on VBATS didnt match what he received. When Mr.Grams called the Department he was told that option wasnt there and he felt that computerprogrammers would want to make that an option. The other question Mr. Grams had was whohas access to grave registrations? If the Department has the grave registration in question, the


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person inquiring is told that it will be sent to the CVSO and the CVSO will give out theinformation. Mr. Grams did not feel CVSOs should be the conduit for providing thatinformationdoesnt that fall under public records and confidentiality? Mr. Rosinski asked fora summarization of the case so that he could research it.

Mr. Kloster said that VBATS, Veterans Benefits Application Tracking System, is notavailable to the public. The only people who see that are Department staff and CVSOs and thosetribal service officers. The public does not see any aspect of the Wisconsin grave registration

data bases. Secretary Scocos said the issue would be clarified and an explanation would be sentto the CVSOs.

11. Next Meeting ScheduleThe schedule for 2007 will be determined by the Board tomorrow.

12. AdjournmentIt was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Grams and carried on a voice vote to

adjourn the CVSO Advisory Council meeting, the time was 4:00 p.m.

Ted Mynyk

Acting Chair


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

Meeting of December 7, 2006

Committee Present Others PresentMarvin Freedman Connie Allord, via videoconferenceLewis Harned Russ Alsteen, Navy Clubs

Bill Hustad Nick Benzinger, Shawano CVSOVera Roddy Scott Berger, Marathon CVSOJim Young Cleon Brown, Sub-Vets WWIISteve Lawrence Joe CampbellTim Thiers Rick Cherone, MOPHBud Mautz Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSOPaul Weprinsky Mike Demske, VVA President

Jim Endres, AMVETSCommittee Excused Jim Gausmann, LaCrosse CVSOKathy Marschman Mark Grams, Dodge CVSOJosh Sniegowski Mike Haley, Chippewa CVSODuane Miskulin Don Heiliger, Board Member

Michael Jackson, Dane CVSOWDVA Present Chris Jordan, Walworth CVSOJohn A. Scocos, Secretary Ken KoonWilliam Kloster, Deputy Secretary Chris KornkvenAnthony Hardie, Executive Assistant Mary MeyerTom Rhatican, Division Administrator Robert Morzenti, Iron CVSOBill Crowley, Commandant, King Ted Mynyk, Iowa CVSOGlen Brower, Commandant, Union Grove Jerry Polus, Brown CVSOJohn Rosinski, Chief Legal Counsel William Sims, NABVAndy Schuster, Public Affairs Director Mike Smith, ARCGary Wistrom, Adjutant Larry Smerling, Winnebago CVSOPat Shaughnessy, Deputy Commandant Clif Sorenson, Eau Claire CVSO

Julie Van Metre, Executive Staff Assistant Walter Stenavich, Board MemberPresent via Video Conference: Jack Stone, PVAColleen Holtan, Financial Officer Alan WalkerKen Black, Division of Veterans Benefits Ken Wendt, Board MemberSeth Perelman, Division of Administration

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

1:30 p.m. to hear a WDVA briefing (see Exhibit 1). The Committee stood in recess after theWDVA briefing. A quorum was present at the WDVA briefing and upon reconvening at 4:05p.m.

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

3. Approval of Minutes.It was moved by Mr. Hustad, seconded by Mr. Harned and carried on a voice vote to

approve the minutes of the October 19, 2006 meeting.


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4. CVSO Resolutions F001-06 Veterans Education Grant Delimiting Date; F002-06 VeteransEducation Grant Pre-Enrollment Requirement; F003-06 Veterans Education Grant Income Limit;and F004-06 Aid to Needy Veteran Grant Improvement Recommendations

Mr. Freedman proposed that the Committee set resolutions F001, F003 and F004 overuntil the February meeting. He asked the Department to prepare fiscal impact statements withregard to each of these three resolutions. Resolution F004 asks to improve the Aid to NeedyVeterans Grant Program by raising the income level to meet the needs of more veterans, to raisethe Health Care Aid lifeline cap above $5,000 and increase individual program spending caps,

and to raise the Subsistence Aid Grant maximum benefits. However, the resolution is silent onspecific recommendations. With respect to that, the Committee requests that the CVSOAssociation submit specific recommendations to the Department no later than January 15th.

Mr. Freedman said that there has been a great deal of discussion already today withrespect to the Veterans Education Grant pre-enrollment requirement. Discussion followed onwhether or not a Committee position with a recommendation to the Board should be adopted.The reality is that the Department is bound by State Statute. When the Department can find away to grant a benefit, it does so but it can only act within the confines of the law. At the sametime it is becoming clear that the law itself is too restrictive. Mr. Freedman liked the suggestionof a one-time only exemption. He asked that legal counsel take into consideration the various

suggestions during the meeting of the CVSO Advisory Council and this Committee and lay outdifferent alternatives on how the needs of the Department and the needs of the veteran can bebalanced here in a way that would be fair and not create a disadvantage to either one. Mr.Freedman suggested that one of the ways of addressing some of the problems on pre-applicationwould be to require statutorily that the colleges and universities in the State of Wisconsindisclose to every incoming student at registration the fact that this benefit exists and that there isa pre-application requirement. Mr. Scocos suggested the formation of a Process Action Team onthe pre-application process. Mr. Freedman asked if the team could include CVSOs, and recentlyreturned veterans as part of the process.

5. Secretarys Matters.

The Secretary said a letter asking for support of the Departments budget was sent outrecently and many veterans groups have been very forthcoming with letters of support. We areasking for general purpose dollars in this budget and we will need the support of Wisconsinveterans. The Department will continue to look at other legislative items after the budget oradding to the budget as it moves along in the process. Our budget now is based on assumptionsif general purpose dollars are passed and that will get us out to 2024. Phase One right now getsus out to 2012.


7. Committee Members Matters (Not Subject to Adoption).Mr. Thiers said that AMVETS would like to be one of the major sponsors of the Salute to

the Legislature along with the American Legion, the DAV and the VFW. He would like to knowthe cost of it and how to get on the panel. Mr. Scocos said the AMVETS Commander andAdjutant are working with Andy Schuster of the Department to set up a meeting to work that out.Mr. Hardie said that the American Legion has had some challenges with its national organizationon whether or not it can participate in events with other service organizations.


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8. Next Meeting Date.

The schedule for 2007 will be determined by the Board of Veterans Affairs tomorrow.

9. Adjournment.It was moved by Mr. Thiers, seconded by Mr. Lawrence and carried on a voice vote to

adjourn the meeting, the time was 4:25 p.m.

Marvin FreedmanChairman


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M I N U T E SLONG TERM CARE COMMITTEE

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRSMeeting of December 7, 2006

Committee Present Others PresentKen Wendt Connie Allord, via videoconference

Walter Stenavich Russ Alsteen, Navy ClubsChris Kornkven Nick Benzinger, Shawano CVSOKen Koon Scott Berger, Marathon CVSOJerry Polus Cleon Brown, US Sub Vets WWIIRobert Morzenti Joe CampbellMary Meyer Rick Cherone, MOPHAlan Walker Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSO

Mike Demske, VVA President

Committee Excused Jim Endres, AMVETSJerry Rabetski Marvin Freedman, Board MemberArnold Miller Jim Gausmann, LaCrosse CVSO

Dave Gough Mark Grams, Dodge CVSOKevin Kavanaugh Mike Haley, Chippewa CVSO

Don Heiliger, Board MemberWDVA Present Bill Hustad, WVVJohn A. Scocos, Secretary Michael Jackson, CVSOA PresidentWilliam Kloster, Deputy Secretary Chris Jordan, Walworth CVSOAnthony Hardie, Executive Assistant Steve Lawrence, VFW AdjutantTom Rhatican, Division Administrator Jon LiDonne, Waupaca CVSOBill Crowley, Commandant, WVH-King Bud Mautz, American LegionGlen Brower, Commandant, WVH-Union Grove Ted Mynyk, Iowa CVSOJohn Rosinski, Chief Legal Counsel Vera Roddy, UWV

Andy Schuster, Public Relations Director William Sims, NABVPat Shaughnessy, Deputy Secretary Larry Smerling, Winnebago CVSOJulie Van Metre, Executive Staff Assistant Mike Smith, ARC

Clif Sorenson, Eau Claire CVSOPresent Via Video Conference: Jack Stone, PVAColleen Holtan, Financial Officer Tim Thiers, Manitowoc CVSOKen Black, Division of Veterans Benefits Paul Weprinsky, JWVSeth Perelman, Division of Administration Jim Young, Vernon CVSO

1. Call to Order and Roll Call.The meeting of the Long Term Care Committee was called to order at 1:30 p.m. to hear a

WDVA briefing (see Exhibit 1). The Committee stood in recess after the briefing. A quorumwas present at the Briefing and upon reconvening at 4:30 p.m.


3. Approval of Minutes.


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It was moved by Mr. Koon, seconded by Mr. Walker and carried unanimously on a voicevote to approve the minutes of the October 19th Committee meetings.

4. Overview of the Work Therapy Program, How it is Funded and if it will be Incorporated atUnion Grove

Commandant Crowley said the Work Therapy Program has been in place at theWisconsin Veterans Home at King for a number of years and in June of 2006, I brought a request

to the Board for an increase in the compensation rate for Work Therapy Program workers. WorkTherapy Program workers can earn up to $1,700 per year in that program. This $1,700 is notcounted as income for the purpose of reporting for Medical Assistance. It is a work-therapyprogram and possibly more of an emphasis on therapy although they do productive work. Infiscal year 2006 the work therapy payroll was $273,200 or an average of $107 per month for the213 people that were participating in the program. The change made by the Board at the Junemeeting could raise the total payroll into the area of $300,000 on an annual basis.

A members doctor must recommend him or her for the program. The purpose of theprogram is to provide and restore self esteem to the members, to stimulate a desire to remainphysically active by providing cash compensation for work performed and to help members

recognize their own capabilities. Participation is voluntary and jobs are specifically designed tomeet the members individual ability and therapeutic need. The Work Therapy Programprovides members with financial, psychosocial and physical benefits. The overall quality of lifefor the members is improved with the involvement in the Work Therapy Program and the moneythat they earn from it. Overall the members report increased feelings of belonging, helpfulness,unity and respect. They enjoy interacting with the various staff of the Departments and othermembers and the program allows members to have a routine activity to look forward to on adaily basis. Members involved in the program have a great deal of ownership and pride inhaving a Work Therapy job.

The types of jobs are: cutting scratch paper, stamping scratch paper, folding towels and

bibs, working in the coffee shop, the engraving shop, the library, being a courier betweenbuildings, mail delivery between buildings, answering phones, visiting and reading to othermembers, and assisting with the tugger service.

Commandant Brower said that he sees much value in the program. The acuity level ofthe members at Union Grove is very high and most of the members are so sick that they wouldnot be interested in such a program. Furthermore, priorities today are getting the nursing homeup and running and getting systems in place. The Commandant sees this program beingbeneficial for members in the assisted living facility sometime in the future.

Q: If they are in Work Therapy and they are receiving Medical Assistance which allows

$45 for a persons spending and VA pension $90, does the Work Therapy income affect thosepayments?

A: No it does not impact on that, it is above and beyond that. Also, the program is selffunded by the Veterans Home at King out of program revenue.

Q: Is this extended to the VAP program too?


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A: No, this is strictly for members of the Home. The VAP has other programs designedto meet the needs and abilities of their members who are at a higher skill level. The VAP isusing a federal program where they can be hired and paid for with federal dollars.

Commandant Crowley added that every spring the staff at King put on a skit to recognizethe members who participate in the Work Therapy Program. It is a good time for the membersof the staff who support the program and it is a good time for the members (probably because

they usually play some kind of prank on the Commandant).

5. Secretarys Matters.Secretary Scocos commented that tomorrow he will be briefing the five-year business

plan of the two Homes, an operational assessment and coming up with a master plan for right-sizing the Homes. We need to come up with a plan for the future of the Homes in order to meetthe 21st Century needs of our veterans and our budget.

The Secretary said that our nursing home administrator, Donna Warzynski has made agreat difference at King. She is effective with staff and has brought down some of the overtime.They have made tremendous strides under her leadership.

Q: What do you mean by right-sizing the Homes?A: Right-sizing would be a capital project plan that meets the needs of the 21st Century.

The Department will look at improvements to King by analyzing the physical structure of theexisting buildings. Some of the buildings are outdated and we are competing against new, state-of-the-art facilities. By 2015 the veterans population in Wisconsin will go from a half a milliondown to 213,000. Well look at rehabilitative care at King, adding Medicare, and creatinginviting living quarters to attract members.


7. Committee Members Matters (Not Subject to Adoption).Ms. Meyer asked how many rooms couples take up at Union Grove and what the future

potential is for occupancy by couples. Mr. Brower said there is one couple residing in the skillednursing facility. There are 110 single rooms and 5 double rooms in the skilled nursing facility.In the assisted living facility there 12 double rooms. Market studies indicate the need forpossible conversion of some of the double rooms into larger single rooms. Ms. Meyer said thatas we look at footprints for future facilities to make sure that there is flexibility in the design sothat walls could be easily manipulated to meet the needs of its occupants.

Mr. Polus asked that the February agenda of the Long Term Care Committee include a

follow up from Mr. Grams comments on the rate cost comparison and differences between Kingand Union Grove.

8. Next Meeting Schedule.The schedule for 2007 will be determined by the Board of Veterans Affairs tomorrow.

9. Adjournment.


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It was moved by Mr. Walker, seconded by Mr. Polus and carried unanimously on a voicevote to adjourn the meeting; the time was 4:55 p.m.

Ken WendtChairman


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M I N U T E S

FINANCIAL COMMITTEE

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Committee Present Others Present

Don Heiliger Russ Alsteen, Navy Club

Mike Demske Nick Benzinger, Shawano CVSOJim Endres Cleon Brown, USSVWWII

Jim Gausmann Rick Cherone, MOPH

Joe Campbell Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSO

Mark Grams, Dodge CVSO

Committee Excused Mike Haley, Chippewa CVSO

Pete Moran Bill Hustad, WVV

Connie Allord Michael Jackson, CVSOA President

John OBrien Chris Jordan, Walworth CVSO

Bill Bottoms Steve Lawrence, VFW Adjutant

Al Kochenderfer Bud Mautz, American Legion

Mary MeyerWDVA Present Ted Mynyk, Iron CVSO

John A. Scocos, Secretary Jerry Polus, Brown CVSO

William Kloster, Deputy Secretary Vera Roddy, UWV President

Anthony Hardie, Executive Assistant William Sims, NABV

Bill Crowley, Commandant, WVH-King Larry Smerling, Winnebago CVSO

Glen Brower, Commandant, WVH-Union Grove Mike Smith, ARC

Tom Rhatican, Division Administrator Clif Sorenson, Eau Claire CVSO

John Rosinski, Chief Legal Counsel Alan Walker

Andy Schuster, Public Relations Director Ken Wendt, Board Member

Julie Van Metre, Executive Staff Assistant Paul Weprinsky, JWV

Present Via Video Conference: Jim Young, Vernon CVSOKen Black, Division of Veterans Benefits

Colleen Holtan, Financial Officer

Seth Perelman, Division of Administration

1. Call to Order and Roll Call.

The meeting of the Financial Committee was called to order at 1:30 p.m. to hear a

WDVA briefing (see Exhibit 1). The Committee stood in recess after the WDVA briefing. A

quorum was present at the briefing but not upon reconvening at 5:00 p.m.

2. Certification of Notice of Meeting.Notice of meeting was certified.

3. Approval of Minutes.

This item will be placed on the February agenda due to lack of a quorum to conduct

business.

4. Secretarys Matters.


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Secretary Scocos will brief the operational capital budget planning and the five year

business plan at the Board meeting tomorrow. The Secretary was appreciative of veterans

groups who are sending in letters of support for the Departments budget. As Colleen Holtan

reported, the Department has made significant steps in the Trust Fund financials in the past three

years.

5. Public Input.

None.

6. Committee Members Matters (Not Subject to Adoption).

None.

7. Next Meeting Date.

The schedule for 2007 will be determined by the Board tomorrow.

8. Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 5:03 p.m.

Don HeiligerActing Chairman


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M I N U T E S

COUNCIL ON VETERANS PROGRAMSWISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Members Present WDVA Present

Russ Alsteen, NCUSA John A. Scocos, Secretary

Paul Bialk, MCL William Kloster, Deputy SecretaryPat Brown, USSVWWII (arrived 8:45) Tom Rhatican, Division AdministratorRick Cherone, MOPH Bill Crowley, Commandant, WVH-KingJesse Haro, CWV Glen Brower, Commandant, WVH-UGBill Hustad, WVV John Rosinski, Chief Legal CounselChris Kanios, VFW Andrew Schuster, Communications DirectorJon LiDonne, CVSO Association Pat Shaughnessy, Deputy CommandantBud Mautz, Am. Legion Julie Van Metre, Executive Staff AssistantWalter Peterson, Am. ExPOW (videoconf) Present Via Video Conference:Vera Roddy, UWV Colleen Holtan, Budget OfficeMike Smith, ARC Ken Black, Division of Veterans Benefits

Clif Sorenson, WACVO Seth Perelman, Division AdministratorClarence Stoel, DAVJack Stone, PVA Others PresentTim Thiers, AMVETS Connie Allord, via videoconferencePaul Weprinsky, JWV Joe Campbell

Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSO

Members Excused Nick Benzinger, Shawano CVSOPaul Fine, ANU Phyllis BertoffJohn Margowski, VVA Mike Demske, VVA PresidentJerry Rabetski, PLAV Roger FetterlyRon Rutkowski, VVAW Mark Grams, Dodge CVSO

William Sims, NABV Mack Hughes, Board ChairmanWWI vacancy Maurice Jackson, DAVFCDV vacancy Michael Jackson, CVSOA President

Steve Lawrence, VFW AdjutantBob Morzenti, Iron CVSOTed Mynyk, Iowa CVSOJerry Polus, Brown CVSOWalter & Ann Stenavich, Board MemberAlan WalkerKen Wendt, Board MemberJim Young, Vernon CSO

1. Call to Order and Roll Call of Members.The meeting of the Council on Veterans Programs was called to order by Chairman

Sorenson at 8:00 a.m.


3. Introduction of Guests and Announcements.


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Ms. Roddy introduced Phyllis Bertoff who is the Commander of the American LegionWomens Post in Milwaukee. The Chairman welcomed Board Member Ken Wendt andtelevision guests from Madison.

4. Approval of Minutes.It was moved by Mr. Weprinsky, seconded by Mr. LiDonne and carried unanimously on

a voice vote to accept the minutes of the October 19-20 meetings.

5. Council Communications.Mr. Sorenson received notification from the Department that Wisconsin received a

$116,000 federal grant for the new homeless program in Chippewa Falls. Secondly, theChairman received an invitation to attend training at Parkside in Kenosha in January. Thetraining is in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Mr. Thiers presented two checks from AMVETS Post 99 for the King VAP televisionfund. One check is for $250.00 from the Post and the other is for $50.00 from the Post 99 LadiesAuxiliary.

6. Museum Foundation Report.

Mr. Hustad said the Foundation last met on October 12th. The Museum Gala raised$9,000 which was down due to fewer attendees. There is a new exhibit called Belly of theDragon on the Vietnam War in the I-Corps. The Veterans Museum is partnering with theUniversity of Wisconsin History Department to do several lectures. The Golf Outing fundraiseris scheduled for July 17, 2007. The website for the Museum will be redesigned. The Museum isalso looking to partner with eight other Madison museums to do cooperative advertising.

7. Review of Outstanding Issues from Special Committee; and,8. Discussion of Legislation from Special Committee to be sent to the Senate HomelandSecurity, Veterans and Military Affairs and Government Reform Chair and Assembly VeteransAffairs Chair

Chairman Sorenson said the Special Committee has been meeting on a regular basis.One of the items discussed was making sure that the Council is a viable entity and that we donthave members who are non productive. A conclusion was reached to have legislation drafted toadd two organizations to the Councils membership and delete two organizations from themembership. A final draft is not available because there were errors that needed to be corrected.The legislation would amend Chapter 15.497(a) to create two additions to this chapter, theMilitary Officers Association of America (MOAA) and The Retired Enlisted Association(TREA) as well as the removal of Veterans of World War I of the USA Inc. and the Federationof Minority Veterans Inc. Mr. Sorenson wanted the legislation brought before the Council at itsFebruary meeting.

Mr. Alsteen thought the legislation should be introduced before February, even if theproposal the Council presents is in a rough draft format for refinement by a legislative office.Mr. Alsteen wanted to act today on the rough draft of a bill to be sent to the Representatives.The problem with the bill draft was in the name of one organization that is known now as theFederation for Culturally Diverse Veterans but in the Statutes, the organization is listed by itsformer title, Federation for Minority Veterans. Mr. Sorenson said the drafters of the bill havemade an error so there is nothing for the Council to act on at this meeting.


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Mr. Sorenson called for a vote to hold this item over until the February meeting. Theayes prevailed.

9. Secretarys Matters.Secretary Scocos welcomed everyone to Union Grove. The Secretary will brief the

Board on the Departments five-year business plan. The Councils support during the lastbiennium is appreciated by the Department. Mr. Sorenson said he is looking forward to theupcoming budget process. A Women Veteran Forum is scheduled for December 13th at

Department headquarters in Madison. Today we will honor former Secretary Maurer with abuilding dedication in his honor.

Q: What is the status of purchasing the building?A: The Board will hear a briefing from a contracting group today on options they see for

the future. All our stakeholders will have the opportunity to review and have input in thisbuilding purchase proposal through every step in the process.

The Secretary said he has received many letters from different veterans groups in supportof the Departments budget. It was moved by Mr. Hustad, seconded by Mr. Weprinsky andcarried unanimously on a voice vote that the Council go on record in support of the

Departments 2007-09 biennial budget.

10. Old Business.Mr. LiDonne expressed his displeasure at putting together a process action team on the

VetEd issue of pre-application requirement. There was a good proposal put forth by Mr. Gramsthat a one-time grace period be instituted. On a positive note, the CVSO Executive Committeehas reviewed the WDVA budget proposal and is supporting it.

11. New Business.Mr. Alsteen asked that an amendment to the Councils protocol be an agenda item for the

next meeting. The amendment would include the steps involved to delete an organization from

the Council. The three criteria previously voted on by the Council to become an inactiveorganization on the Council were (1) no representative appointed by the Organization Presidentor Commander, (2) not filing the required biennial activities and membership report , and (3)accumulating three unexcused absences. Mr. Alsteen thought this should be spelled out in theProtocol. Mr. Hustad did not think it was necessary to formalize in the Protocol the process todelete an organization from membership on the Council. Mr. Sorenson said the matter will beplaced on the February meeting agenda.

12. Activities within the Veterans Community.

Mission Welcome Home is working extremely well. Another program was sponsored byDAV in the tri-county area to host new returning veterans from OIF OEF.

MOPH will host a Christmas Party at Gates Hall on Sunday, December 10 th. VFW is the sponsor of the Salute to the Legislature on February 20th. The CVSO Association is actively putting together a program to host the 2007 National

Association Conference and will accept donations to help defray the expenses.

AMVETS wants to become one of the major sponsors of the Salute to the Legislature thisyear.

The Elks Organization is collecting deer hides that will be turned into fingerless glovesfor veterans in wheelchairs. Mike Demske is the contact point in Manitowoc


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Wal Mart supports veterans with matching donations. Sprint Cell Phone Company givesa 15% discount off monthly bills to veterans.

At the November 11 Milwaukee County War Memorial Banquet Joe Campbell wasselected as Veteran of the Year.

The third weekend in January the American Legion will be holding its Mid-WinterConference at Paper Valley Motel in Appleton.

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games formed a veterans service organizationalliance to raise over $100,000. As of 11/28 pledges in the amount of $101,000 havebeen received from the veterans service organizations and a total of $336,000 in pledgesand in-kind donations have been received. Volunteers are also needed.

13. Next Meeting Date.The Board will set the 2007 meeting schedule later today.

14. Adjournment.It was moved by Mr. Thiers, seconded by Mr. Mautz and carried on a voice vote to

adjourn. The time was 8:45 a.m.

Clif SorensonChairman


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EXHIBIT 1WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

WDVA Briefing of December 7, 2006Union Grove, Wisconsin

Board Members Present WDVA Staff Members PresentMack Hughes John A. Scocos, SecretaryMarv Freedman Bill Kloster, Deputy SecretaryWalter Stenavich Anthony Hardie, Executive Assistant

Ken Wendt Bill Crowley, Commandant, KingDon Heiliger Glen Brower, Commandant, Union Grove

John Rosinski, Chief Legal CounselLegislative & Program Review Members Present Tom Rhatican, Division AdministratorMarv Freedman Andrew Schuster, Communications DirectorVera Roddy Pat Shaughnessy, Deputy CommandantLewis Harned Kathleen Scholl, CommunicationsBill Hustad Jeff Johnson, Mission Welcome HomeSteve Lawrence Donna Warzynski, Nursing Administrator KingBud Mautz Gary Wistrom, AdjutantJim Young Julie Van Metre, Ex. Staff AssistTim Thiers Present via Video ConferencePaul Weprinsky Colleen Holtan, Budget Office

Ken Black, Division of Veterans BenefitsLong Term Care Committee Members Present Seth Perelman, Division AdministratorWalter StenavichKen Wendt Council on Veterans Programs PresentChris Kornkven Russ Alsteen, NCUSARobert Morzenti Paul Bialk, MCLKen Koon Cleon Brown, USSVWWIIMary Meyer Rick Cherone, MOPHJerry Polus Bill Hustad, WVVAlan Walker Chris Kanios, VFW

Jon LiDonne, CVSOAFinancial Committee Members Present Bud Mautz, Am. LegionDon Heiliger John Margowski, VVA

Connie Allord (via videoconference) Walter Peterson, Am ExPOWs (videoconference)Jim Gausmann Vera Roddy, UWVJim Endres William Sims, NABVJoe Campbell Mike Smith, ARCMike Demske Clif Sorenson, WACVO

Clarence Stoel, DAVCVSO Advisory Council Jack Stone, PVAMark Grams, Dodge CVSO Tim Thiers, AMVETSTed Mynyk, Iowa CVSO Paul Weprinsky, JWVJim Young, Vernon CVSOMichael Jackson, Dane CVSO Others PresentNick Benzinger, Shawano CVSO Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSOMike Haley, Chippewa CVSO Chris Jordan, Walworth CVSO

Cletus Rataichek, AMVETS Commander

Larry Smerling, Winnebago CVSOTom Lois, Kenosha CVSOScott Berger, Marathon CVSOJose Leon, Senator Herb Kohls Office

The briefing session by WDVA staff for Board, Council and Committee memberscommenced at 1:30 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

1. Certification of Notice of Meeting and Roll Call


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Roll call of Board members: 5 members present; 2 members excused. Quorum present.Roll call of CVSO Advisory Council members: 6 members present; 3 members excused.Quorum present.Roll call of Legislative and Program Review Committee members: 8 members present, 4members excused. Quorum present.Roll call of Long-Term Care Committee members: 8 members present; 4 membersexcused. Quorum present.Roll call of Financial Committee members: 6 members present; 4 members excused.

Quorum present.Roll call of Council on Veterans Programs members: 16 members present, 6 membersexcused, and 2 vacancies. Quorum present.

2. Legislative ReportMr. Hardie reported that the new Chair for the Senate Military and Veterans

Affairs, Biotechnology and Financial Institutions Committee will be Senator-Elect JimSullivan from Wauwatosa. The Assembly has not yet named its Committee Chair. Themembers of the Joint Committee on Finance members have been appointed and welook forward to working with them.

On the federal side, only two appropriations bills were passed by Congress,Homeland Security and the Department of Defense Appropriations Act. There is acontinuing resolution for funding the federal government through today with a probableextension into January. Because of the new make-up of Congress from both Housesbeing controlled by the Republicans to both Houses controlled by the Democrats, it isunclear what the VA Appropriations Act might look like for January and February. Wewill continue to advocate on behalf of our Homes and cemeteries funding. The WDVAcontinues to work with the other four QVMB states.

Events: The Dedication of Maurer Hall on December 8th at 11:00 a.m.

January 17, Second Annual Gulf War Veterans Annual Recognition Day. February 20, Salute to the Legislature with a day-long stakeholders legislative

conference. The next issue of Forward Veterans is due out in January. The BO100 Guide to Veterans Benefits is due out in the next few weeks. May 15th is the deadline for CVSO grant applications. The Secretary continues his Home Town Heroes Column and he is open to any

candidate suggestions from around the state. WDVA participated in the DVOP LVR Conference this fall.

3. Programs ReportKen Black

Mr. Black said six new bulletins were issued: Bulletin #757 addresses the appealprocess; Bulletin #758 addresses additional requirements of the University andTechnical Colleges in regards to Wisconsin GI Bill application; Bulletin #759 addressesthe new interest rates for the HILP and PLP; Bulletin #760 clarifies the requirement forVetEd pre-applications; Bulletin #762 addresses academic credit for military experience;and Bulletin #763 notifies the CVSO community of the radio campaign promoting thePLP during the Christmas holiday.


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Cemetery Report: Veterans Day ceremonies were conducted at all of thecemeteries, the turnout was lower than previous years due to weather conditions. TheSWVMC celebrated its ten year anniversary. WDVA is working with the state approvedarchitect to refine the Master Plan for the Southern Cemetery. Upon completion of theMaster Plan, we will forward it to the USDVA for approval. It will include the FY 2008-09expansion project at the Southern Cemetery. The maintenance storage buildingexpansion project at the Northern Cemetery was completed this month. The contractfor the burial garden expansion project has now been awarded to a vendor and

construction will begin this winter. The contract for the columbarium expansion atNorthern should go out for bid solicitation in January.

Veterans Assistance Program: Approval of the federal grant to start up theVeterans Homeless Program at Chippewa Falls was recently received. TheDepartment is currently moving forward to establish a 30-bed Veterans HomelessProgram on the grounds of the Northern Wisconsin Center in Chippewa Falls. Wecontinue to work on the renovations to Cottage 16 at the Union Grove veteranshomeless site. Occupancy is anticipated in late January 2007.

VetEd Programs: The summer grants have been processed and we are about

two weeks from the end of the fall term. The bulk of the fall grants will be received andprocessed after the end of the term in late December. Since July 1, over $611,500 hasbeen disbursed. Future improvements to the VetEd will focus on an easier transitionfrom the pre-application to the application when filing on-line. The new changes willtake affect in January 2007. WDVA staff is visiting all active, approved VetEd schools.To date about 60 schools have been visited and weve answered questions, providedinformal training, and otherwise insured that they give the best possible service to theveterans using our educational programs.

Loans and Grants: Loan volume in the Mortgage Loan Program was $4.5 millionin October and $4.2 million in November. At the end of November there was

approximately $45 million remaining of the original $61 million QVMB issue. We willreceive an additional $4.4 million once the conversions occur and an additional $10million later this year. Loan volume in the Personal Loan Program was $546,850 inOctober and $232,000 in November. The Veterans Trust Fund delinquency rate was2.23% in October, up slightly from 2.15% in September, still well below the 3%standard. The County Transportation Grant deadline was November1. We havereceived 38 applications. Grant checks will be issued to the counties before the end ofJanuary.

Women Veterans: The Women Veterans Conference is December 13th at theWDVA Central Office in Madison.

4. Veterans Homes ReportCommandant Brower said that as of November 30, 2006 the skilled nursing

facility has 35 members with 7 pending applications. The assisted living building has108 members. The Union Grove Home has 87 full time employees, 46 part timeemployees and 11 LTEs for a total of 144. The projected new positions yet to be hiredwill add 118 positions. The Skilled Nursing Facility is completed and under normaloperational status. The first member was admitted on September 6th. VA per diemauthorization was received effective October 3, 2006. The Union Grove Home receivedMedicare authorization effective December 1st. Candidates are being interviewed for


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future staffing positions in the next 40-bed expansion scheduled to begin in January2007. Approximately 65% of the cost of Boland Hall has been paid for by the federalVA. Maurer Hall contains administrative offices and member activity areas. To datethere are some minor issues to correct before the members are able to occupy theactivity center in Maurer Hall. Also contained in Maurer Hall is the food serviceoperation. On November 27th the transport of food from King began and for the mostpart the feedback has been positive. The Fairchild Shemanske remodeling project toconvert six double rooms in each of the buildings is on hold pending re-evaluation.

Application is being submitted to the federal VA in the amount of $710,000 for theseroom conversions.

Q: What is the status of the ethanol plant proposed for the Town of Dover?A: Mr. Scocos said he sent a letter of concern over building an ethanol plant in

the general vicinity of the Veterans Home.

Q: For each staff position how many applications are you getting?A: For the most part every professional position has had a tremendous

responsesome 25 to 30 applicants that need to be culled down to 10 or 12 forinterviewing.

Commandant Crowley reported that the King Home census was 712 at the endof November. Applications are being received, screened and processed on a dailybasis with 61 pending applications. The average time from receipt of application to dateof admission is 19 days. The acuity of care level remains high with no significantchange. The average age at admission during the month of November was just a littleover age 77.

The Home Exchange operation had no significant changes to report. In themonths of October and November there were receipts of $37,288 with a net loss of$143.78. The goal is not to make a profit but to break even and we are working on that.

The Gifts and Bequests total revenues since the last report: $37,920 and expendituresfrom that account: $17,479 for a net gain of $20,441.

The construction of the underground steam and condensate line has now beencompleted. The switchover to the new steam line will take place in the spring. Thegrounds crew has undertaken major projects in terms of tree removal and replanting.

For the first time in over 50 years the American Legion King Day will not be heldon Fathers Day, it will be held on August 12th. The Commandant thanked all theveterans organizations for the King Days they sponsor throughout the course of theyear.

Q: As far as a comparison between King and Union Groveat King a hair cut orvisit to the beauty shop is free and at Union Grove there is a cost. If a veteran is on VApension but they are not eligible for aid and attendance, they can go to King but theycannot go to Union Grove if they needed assisted living. King has 8 categories of costsand Union Grove has 3. Could you explain why there are the differences and are thereany other differences? Could you also elaborate on the nursing offset and domiciliaryoffset?

A: These are topics that need more time to properly address. At the CVSOspring and fall conference there is some education time available and this would be a


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proper forum for that. Commandant Crowley would welcome an invitation to any of theregional meetings of the CVSOs to address this topic.

AMVETS State Commander, Cletus Rataichek presented a check for $800 fortwo televisions at the Union Grove Home and $1,700 for the King Recreation Fund.

Commandant Crowley introduced Donna Warzynski who is the NursingAdministrator at the Veterans Home-King. She was recently recognized by the

Wisconsin Nurses Association with the Vivian DeBeck Award. Secretary Scocospresented Donna with a certificate of recognition from the Wisconsin Department ofVeterans Affairs.

5. Financial ReportColleen HoltanMs. Holtan reported that fiscal year-to-date, King had an operating loss of $(1.7)

million, which is a 27% improvement over the net operating loss for the same timeperiod in fiscal year 2006. The factors contributing to the positive change are asignificantly higher medical assistance upper limit or reimbursement rate and MedicarePart D revenues, which the Home was not receiving in October 2005, both of whichincreased revenue at a faster rate than the increases in operating expenses.

Fund equity as of October 31st was $42,507,725, a decrease of $1,426,401since the start of the fiscal year, but $20,459,880 greater than the balance as of October31, 2005, balance.

The cash balance has increased $5,326,994 since June 30th and $17,353,673since October 30th, 2005. The increase in both equity and cash is due to the receipt ofretrospective medical assistance payments for fiscal years 2002 through 2006.

Union Groves assets increased $11.5 million from October 31, 2005 to 2006,and liabilities and fund equity increased $6 million and $5.5 million, respectively, in the

same time period. The increases are primarily the result of additions to property, plantand equipment and long-term debt from the construction of the skilled nursing facilityand activities center, the difference between which is net assets or fund equity.

The fiscal year-to-date loss of $(1.78) million has caused fund equity to decreasefrom $15.7 million at June 30th to $13.9 million on October 31st. Cash uses haveexceeded receipts by $1.5 million for fiscal year 2007. The ending cash balance for theWVH-Union Grove is $(1,159,284).

Assets in the Veterans Trust Fund have decreased nearly $7.9 million over thepast year as the rate at which outstanding loans are paid off exceeds the rate of

issuance of new personal loans. The net operating loss through October 31st was$(1,501,352), virtually unchanged from fiscal year 2006. The ending cash balance of$28,508,756 represents a decrease of $535,784 since the start of the fiscal year.

The Mortgage Loan Repayment Fund had a net loss of $(5) million throughOctober 31st, a $659,000 improvement from the $(5.7) million year-to-date loss in fiscalyear 2006. A reduction in operating expenses and increase in non-operating revenuescontributed to the improvement. The cash balance in the MLRF was $106,565,085 atOctober 31st, which is $(104,487) less than October, 2005, but $2,282,794 greater thanthe June 30th balance. It should be noted that both the operating results and cash


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balance reflect the $13.2 million remitted to the bond security redemption fund to payprincipal and interest due to bond holders on November 1st.

Ms. Holtan also explained that on December 1, the State used its remaining 2006Qualified Veterans Mortgage Bond volume cap to issue tax exempt extendible municipalcommercial paper. The 2006 volume cap remaining is $4,445,684.95. It is expectedthat Capital Finance will issue 30-year bonds to replace the commercial paper in 2007at the same time bonds are issued to exha

board minutes december 2006

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