Board Minutes December 2006

BOARD MINUTES
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Meeting of December 8, 2006
Union Grove, Wisconsin
Board Members Present Others Present

Mack Hughes Connie Allord, via video conference
Pete Moran, via teleconference Russ Alsteen, Navy Club
Marv Freedman Nick Benzinger, Shawano CVSO
Kathy Marschman Scott Berger, Marathon CVSO
Walter Stenavich Phyllis Bertoff
Don Heiliger Paul Bialk, Marine Corps League
Ken Wendt Cleon Brown, USSVWWII
Joe Campbell
WDVA Present Rick Cherone, MOPH
John A. Scocos, Secretary Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSO
Bill Kloster, Deputy Secretary Rob Cramer, DOA
Anthony Hardie, Executive Assistant Mike Demske, VVA President
Bill Crowley, Commandant-King Jim Duff, Milwaukee CVSO
Tom Rhatican, Division Administrator Roger Fetterly
Andrew Schuster, Communications Mark Grams, Dodge CVSO
John Rosinski, Chief Legal Counsel Glen Grippen, VAMC
Julie Van Metre, Executive Staff Assistant Jesse Haro, CWV
Present Via Video Conference: Naomi Horwitz
Ken Black, Division of Veterans Benefits Bill Hustad, WVV
Ken Abrahamsen, Budget Director Claude Hutchison
Colleen Holtan, Financial Officer Greg Jacobs
Seth Perelman, Division of Administration Maurice Jackson, DAV
Lynne Wolfe, Veterans Museum Michael Jackson, CVSOA President
Union Grove Staff Kevin Kavanaugh
Glen Brower, Commandant-Union Grove John Kusko, VVA Chapter 34
Michelle Adamek, Assistant to Commandant Steve Lawrence, VFW Adjutant
Pat Shaughnessy, Deputy Commandant Eric Lawson
Gary Wistrom, Admin of Support Services John Lewandowski
Clyde Allen, Accounting Manager Jon LiDonne, Waupaca CVSO
Deb Canak, Director of Activities Tom Lois, Kenosha CVSO
Dave Carroll, Facilities Manager Rocky Marcoux, Milw. Dept. of City Development
Joan Clark, Dir. Of Admissions & Discharge Bud Mautz, American Legion
Karen DeCamillis, Nursing Supervisor Robert Morzenti, Iron CVSO
Terry Hume, Human Resources Director Ted Mynyk, Iowa CVSO
Mike Plautz, Custodial Supervisor Charles Neidhoffer
Brenda Strueder, Food Service Manager Renee Oshinski, VISN 12
Cory Freeman, Nursing Supervisor Nick Paczkowski
Racheal Harris, Human Resources Assistant Walter Peterson, Am ExPOWs, via videoconference
Patricia Holmes, CNA Vera Roddy, UWV
Gail Waldron, CNA Lee & Dar Schuff, MOPH Commander & President
Chad Sorce, WNSA
Norb Beiby, WNSA
John Mosel, WNSA
Don Hansen, WNSA
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Larry Smerling, Winnebago CVSO
Clif Sorenson, Eau Claire CVSO
Dan Steffans, DOA
Ann Stenavich
Clarence Stoel, DAV
Jack Stone, PVA
Bill Stys
Tim Thiers, Manitowoc CVSO
Alan Walker
Joe Zimmerman, VISN 12
1. Roll Call and Introductions

The 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 the
following key staff at the Wisconsin Veterans Home—Union 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; Brenda
Strueder, Dietary; and Cory Freeman, Nursing Supervisor.
Secretary Scocos presented plaques of appreciation to the following staff: Michelle

Adamek; Clyde Allen; Deb Canak; Dave Carroll; Terry Fox; Racheal Harris; Patricia
Holmes; Mike Plautz; Gail Waldron; and Gary Wistrom. The Secretary and Chairman of the
Board presented the Pearl Harbor Proclamation Plaque to Glen Brower. The Wisconsin State
Council 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 Meeting

It was certified that proper notification of the meeting occurred.
3. Approval of Minutes
It 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 minutes
of 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 in
Platteville; and December 13-14 in Union Grove.
It was moved by Mr. Freedman, seconded by Mr. Moran and carried unanimously on
a 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 vote
to accept the December 7th reports of the meetings of the Councils and Committees.
6. VISN 12 and 23 Reports

Ms. 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. The
budget for both VISNs is under a continuing resolution with the federal government. It
expires 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 than
what they spent last year at the same point in time. In Network 23 the budget increase is
estimated 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 June—three in North
Dakota, one in Nebraska, one in Iowa and one in western Wisconsin. They currently have a
proposal out for bid in Sawyer/Barron County area and the proposals were due back from the
bidder at the end of November. Minneapolis is a poly-trauma center so they have about
12,000 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 brain
injuries are being diagnosed. In VISN 23 they have fairly good specialty care waiting times
for new patients, although there are some wait times in cardiology, gastroenterology, eye
care 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 is
the 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. The
Network has eliminated the primary care wait list. They had 2,393 patients on the waiting
list 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 improving
efficiency in outpatient clinics so that people don’t have to wait as long; how to make sure
that people are getting appropriate treatment in the hospital and then finding other venues of
care when they don’t need hospital care any longer. The VISN is emphasizing telehealth and
making 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 are
some experts in this video conferencing health method and next week they will expand a
facilitiy 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 at
the 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 awaiting
service at one of 50 specialty clinics.
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Q: What is VISN 12’s response to the GAO report relating to spending on the mental
health strategic plan initiative? VISNs 12 and 23 were not subjects in that report but
apparently 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 of
the strategic planning conference. Part of the problem in not spending 100% of the funding
is 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 National
Guard and Reserve returnees from the theater that are kept on active duty so that we can take
care of their medical condition but who are diagnosed with PTSD and/or traumatic brain
injury. These types of soldiers are eligible for VA care even though they don’t have their
DD214 at this point in time. It is difficult to get these combat veterans into vocational
rehabilitation because of all the red tape and hurdles that are put in place by VA employees
down 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 are
currently offering mental health services to Wisconsin veterans. Also, could we be advised
as 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 being
built now?
A: It will be in Minneapolis. It has been approved, groundbreaking is scheduled and
an opening date of 2008 is anticipated. There is a pending request for a spinal cord injury
unit 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. Oshinski
said that window surprises her although it is difficult to get fee basis colonoscopies because
there 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 virtually
impossible to split.
A: There is a process where you can ask for a waiver from the formulary. The
primary 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 and
Surrounding 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 the
process of the enhanced use lease (EUL) which is a unique tool granted to VA by Congress
to make better use of its assets. As health care has developed over time, those assets are not
necessarily consistent with the way health care is delivered today and therefore there are
substantial 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 to
provide 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 overcome
by time and it allows increased revenue from redeploying those assets. The legislation
allows in-kind services or cash contributions. Over the 15 years that this program has been
in 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 USDVA
Secretary.
From the private sector perspective EUL provides site control. It provides property
interest necessary to secure financing, provides access to VA and to local market
opportunities, uses local codes and standards, provides the opportunity to buy or sell services
through “piggy-backed” sharing agreements, generates tax revenue and creates jobs in the
local economy. Enhanced use authority allows the VA to sell leased property at a later date
should it no longer be needed for the long term requirement of the VA mission and the
proceeds go back to the USDVA.
Enhanced use leasing works from the VA’s perspective because it maximizes the
return from underutilized properties, reduces maintenance costs, utilizes private dollars
versus VA appropriations, encourages economic development of otherwise underutilized
lands 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, adult
day 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 veterans
as possible. For the past 20 years Mr. Grippen and his predecessors have been looking for
solutions, trying to find partners who would help with underused land and buildings so that
more money would go directly into patient care. He recognizes that the land and buildings
are hallowed so they have to make sure that they find the appropriate partner who will
support veterans programs and veterans. Part of the EUL concept is that a request for
proposal is put out. About a year and a half ago the Mayor of Milwaukee talked with the
USDVA 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 that
identifying the perfect relationship is extremely difficult and we can never please everyone
but 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 with
the veterans who have been reaching out to the City and the federal VA to be heard. Have
we met the needs of those veterans out there trying to talk to the City and the VA about their
concerns, are we working with them?
A: In the beginning we did not include the veterans community to a satisfactory
level. 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 many
people.
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 to
approve an enhanced use lease. As we continue to work on a draft, we try to get veteran
input and certainly Mr. Marcoux has been out trying to show the veterans groups that he is
also changing proposed plans for the VA. There are plans in the works, but nothing has been
approved.
Mr. Freedman expressed concern about the current short-term enhanced use lease and
its process as well as whether there is a long term plan. There is property that surrounds the
historic district, some of which is not included in the discussions with the City of Milwaukee
and the Milwaukee veterans community. Mr. Freedman has been informed about two
principal 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 isn’t consideration being given to
expansion of Wood cemetery.
Mr. Grippen said they have tried to preserve the historic district. There are some
pieces of land away from the historic district which may be available to be used and would
not 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 is
another concern over which the Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs was made aware. The
policy of the Memorial Affairs Office has been to continue to look at sharing with the state
programs. 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 the
Secretary would want.
Q: It was stated that one of the purposes of an enhanced use lease is to increase
patient care availability and options on the campus of the VA Hospital. Under the current
enhanced use lease that has been discussed with the City of Milwaukee, could you explain
what increases in patient care would result in that EUL?
A: First of all, a lot of money is spent maintaining empty buildings. That money
could be reallocated to direct patient care. There are also many buildings needing much
repair. If a project was submitted to renovate historic buildings, it would compete with the
ward 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 who
filled out registration slips and each person was given three minutes to make comments or
ask questions of Mr. Grippen. The following individuals came forward:
9 John Kusko, President of Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 324, Milwaukee
9 Joe Campbell, Chairman, Veterans Board of Directors, Milwaukee County
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9 Bill Stys, War Memorial Board of Trustees, Veterans Board of Direcors, Allied
Veterans Council, VAVS Zablocki Medical Center
9 Greg Jacobs, Vice President of Vietnam Veterans #1; Commander of MOPH #96
9 Charles Neidhoffer, First Vice President of the SE Wisconsin Chapter of the Military
Officers Association of America
9 Jim Duff, Acting Director, Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office
9 John Lewandowski, Milwaukee American Legion Post 18 Commander
9 Rocky Marcoux, Department of City Development, City of Milwaukee
9 Mark Grams, Dodge County Veterans Service Officer
Q: What is the dilemma that you have with the historical buildings? How much
money are you putting into the historical buildings now to maintain them that could be going
into VA health care? What are your options with those buildings?
A: Mr. Grippen said the historical buildings cannot be torn down; they are under the
protection of the National and State Historical Society. Anything done to the exterior of
those buildings has to be approved by the State Historical Society. We expend
approximately 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 millions
of 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 construction
project to renovate a building, he would have to put on a lower priority a project to renovate
a 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 that
allow for transitional living for veterans, assisted living as well as a spinal care unit. They
are looking at the possibility of devoting some of the land for a burial methodology that
would accomplish some of the goals heard today. The City of Milwaukee has taken off the
table most of the land that they originally earmarked. They are willing to agree that any
future participation will not put that land back on the table. The city is no longer interested
in buying the land, they are happy with the 75 year lease and they do believe that the entire
site should be planned out in a public planning process. He thanked the veterans for
challenging the City to come up with a better plan, a plan that protects the veterans. Mayor
Barrett has said that the City will not put its plan forward in any final form unless there is
concurrence 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 and
accept 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 this
process.
Q: Is there a timeline to report out a plan and how soon can the organizations expect
some resolve?
A: Mr. Marcoux said he has a piece of the negotiation that he is expecting some
word on in the next two weeks that would allow the Department of City Development to go
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back to the veterans organizations. The plan would be a proposal to the veterans for further
refinement and then justified to the taxpayers of the City of Milwaukee who will be putting
up the money.
It was moved by Mr. Stenavich, seconded by Mr. Wendt and carried unanimously on
a voice vote to recess for the 11:00 dedication ceremony of Maurer Hall. The Board
reconvened at 11:45 a.m.
Chairman Hughes gave Mr. Grippen and Mr. Hutchison an opportunity to conclude
their presentation. Mr. Grippen thanked the Board for the invitation to speak to veterans.
Mr. Freedman requested that the Mayor’s office send WDVA a copy of the proposal that Mr.
Marcoux stated would be available in the next two weeks. Once there is a contract proposal
what is the process within the EUL process for additional comments by the public? Mr.
Hutchison said that once the enhanced use lease has been negotiated it is subject to a 45-day
waiting period while the appropriate committees and the Congress have a chance to consider
it. There is no open and shut period of time for outside input or thoughts into the process.
Before the proposal is laid on the table there will have been sufficient discussion with
stakeholders and interested parties so that what comes forth has support in an enthusiastic
manner from the respective stakeholders.
At this time the Board adjusted its agenda and took up agenda item 9. Presentation on Future
Headquarters and Museum Building
Mr. Eric Lawson, President of Potter Lawson, an architect and engineering company
in Madison, gave a presentation on a proposed new complex for the Wisconsin Department
of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) administrative offices, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum
(WVM) and the Wisconsin Historical Museum (WHM). This is a planning idea to provide a
permanent home for the WDVA administration and Museum which is now in a leased
facility on the Capitol Square. The proposal assumes that the WDVA and the WVM will
remain collocated, that no changes will be made to the governance, mission or mandate of
either the WDVA/WVM or WHM, and that the complex should be located on the Capitol
Square. The mission is to provide leadership, resources and management to identify the
needs of veterans, implement and sustain the programs to meet the immediate and future
needs of all Wisconsin veterans, and acknowledge, commemorate and affirm the role of
Wisconsin veterans in America’s past by means of instructive exhibits and other educational
programs.
The WDVA needs space to accommodate and care for collections, space to
accommodate new collections, space to accommodate educational programs and new
exhibits, space for temporary exhibitions, display galleries sized for the growing task of
telling the stories of Wisconsin veterans, administrative space for WDVA programs and
operations, a board room, theater style education center, distance learning classroom and
secure veterans records facility. The WHM needs space for its collections, exhibitions and
programming. The synergies between WVM and WHM include being audience centered,
visitor services, and common areas. However, common spaces and collaboration do not
suggest any form of merger.
An analysis of the space needs has been completed and is pending final approval by
the Department of Administration. The total area needed is approximately 241,000 gross
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square feet and 19% of that square footage is common area, 13% is WDVA administrative
offices, 31% would be the WVM and 37% would be the WHM. The Veterans Museum
exhibit space will double. The Potter Lawson firm developed attendance projections and
operating revenue and expense projections using existing and potential market analyses. If
the two museums operated completely separated not only would capital cost requirements be
higher, 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 complex
would provide not only more exhibition and other public spaces, but also better capabilities
to enable both institutions to adopt new technologies and better serve residents of and
visitors 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 future
process of a new building. We would like to move forward with this process and continue to
look at our options. We will have a series of stakeholders meetings with our veterans as to
continuing the legacy of our veterans.
Q: The complex would combine which entities?

A: It includes the Historical Society Museum, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and
WDVA administrative offices. It does not include the Historical Society administrative
offices.
Q: Does this facility have to be in Madison?

A: It doesn’t 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 downtown
Madison.
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 sources
you’re 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 headquarters
and Museum must be collocated and remain as an autonomous organization. The Board
further recommends that the Department continues its collaborative effort with Potter
Lawson, DOA, and the State Historical Society to find a reasonable solution to matters
regarding the new office space for the Department that increases space for the Wisconsin
Veterans Museum. The motion was seconded by Mr. Moran and carried unanimously on a
voice vote.
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7. Suggested Modifications to the Board Rules of Procedure for Resolutions Received—
John Rosinski.
Mr. Rosinski said the Board and the Legislative and Program Review Committee had
a discussion at their last meeting dealing with veterans service organization resolutions that
are brought to the Committee and the Board. At the Board meeting several members asked
for 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 will
ultimately want to go with this issue. A prudent next step would be to bring this before the
Stakeholder’s conference in February.
Mr. Freedman asked to include for discussion purposes the ability of the Committee
and the Board to continue to retain the option and the right that they have currently to take
whatever positions or recommendations they want including making their own positions on
subjects brought up through a resolution that might not move forward. Mr. Rosinski said
that with appropriate notice the Board currently has the authority and could take action on its
own. If the desire is to have an amendment to the Board Rules, something can be drafted and
brought back to the Board.
Mr. Jackson asked that stakeholders get a copy of the suggested modifications before
the February meeting so that the document can be reviewed for possible feedback.
8. CVSO Resolutions F001-06 Veterans Education Grant Delimiting Date; F002-06

Veterans Education Grant Pre-Enrollment Requirement; F003-06 Veterans Education Grant
Income Limit; and F004-06 Aid to Needy Veteran Grant Improvement Recommendations
The Legislative and Program Review Committee decided upon the following course
of action. Resolution F001-06 will be the subject of a Process Action Team to explore other
alternatives 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 most
likely to use this program as returning veterans would be included as members or advisors to
the PAT. The three remaining resolutions were referred to the Department for the
preparation of fiscal impact statements for discussion at the February Board meeting. The
Committee also further requested that by no later than January 15th that the CVSO
Association of Wisconsin will provide specific figures that it would like to see considered for
the Aid to Needy Veteran Grant improvement recommendations that are contained in their
resolution. Finally, the Committee recommended placement of all four of these resolutions
on 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 Complex
There 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 USS
Edson to the City of Sheboygan
Chad Sorce, Museum Director of the Wisconsin Naval Ship Association, Inc. along
with Norb Beiby, John Mosel and Don Hansen, talked about their project. WNSA is
attempting 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 to
1988. She is 418 feet long, 45 feet wide, weighs just over 2,800 tons, had a crew of just
fewer than 300 and her armament consisted of just guns and torpedoes. She is listed on the
National Historic Place. From 1989 until 2004, the Edson was on display in New York at the
Intrepid Air and Space Museum. In 2004 she was returned to the Navy and is currently in
Philadelphia 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 on
a voice vote to support (in a non-monetary way) the movement to bring the USS Edson to the
City of Sheboygan.
13. Secretary’s Matters

Secretary 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 our
need for capital improvements and improve overall efficiency to ensure the long-term
solvency 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 right
sizing our Homes. Right sizing includes the combination of assessing our current and future
operations, to include adapting to a changing demographic and changes in he long-term care
industry to determine the number of veterans that we can best serve. Together with the
optimum census we will be considering the capital projects and infrastructure necessary to
support our veterans.
The Secretary noted that both Homes drafted separate five-year plans that will be
merged into one consolidated business plan. One plan will provide a uniform format,
consistent with industry standards for assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. It will
include uniform assumptions about critical information such as VA per diem, MA
reimbursement, personnel costs, and other major sources of revenue or expenses. One of the
major benefits of doing a business plan is that it provides baseline financials for future
strategic and budgetary planning leading eventually to right-sizing. The projected
completion date for the five-year plan is late December and the Secretary will brief the Board
on the plan at the February meeting.
WDVA will continue to use process action teams to address and remedy issues that
can be resolved in a short amount of time, using expertise within the Department.
The third component of the planning process is the operational assessment. The
major 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 into
the operational assessment and the results of the assessment will be used to update the
business plan. In order to conduct an effective operational assessment, assistance is needed
from accounting or consulting firms with experience in the operation of assisted living and
skilled nursing facilities. We will be looking at staffing levels, admissions procedures and
administrative functions, all with an eye toward industry standards and with the goal of
improving our operations to better serve our members and take care of our employees.
11
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 operational
assessment but will be started at the same time. The plan will require the establishment of a
baseline plan assuming the status quo in terms of bed capacity at each Home, but at the same
time 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 Halls
will be considered for major renovations, or possible replacement, with the goal of right
sizing.
The last component of the planning process is right-sizing the Homes. First, we will
be evaluating the changing long-term care needs of our veterans, and identifying the
optimum census and support staff to serve our members at three locations—King, Union
Grove and Chippewa Falls. Next, we will be matching our census goals and staffing levels
with the capital projects needed to meet our anticipated census levels. In order to meet the
changing long-term needs of our veterans we need to know the census level at which we can
provide 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 create
a consolidated business plan, a plan that mirrors industry standards. We are looking 5, 10
and 20 years out as we undertake a comprehensive review of our long-term plans for the
Veterans Homes.
Mr. Freedman said he found the presentation yesterday on Mission Welcome Home
to be exceptional. The Potter Lawson and business plan presentations were helpful also. He
asked 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 that
have been helpful and supportive during her tenure on the board. This has been an honor and
humbling 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 with
combat veterans in a six state region in the upper Midwest. She works with VA offices in
these 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 of
Veterans Affairs. On November 10th Mr. Wendt was the MC at the Sturgeon Bay High
School for their Veterans Day Program and he also attended the Veterans Day Program at the
Wisconsin Veterans Home at King.
Mr. Stenavich was the MC of the Pear Harbor Day event on December 7th. He
thanked Glen Brower, Andy Schuster and Debbie Canak for their support.
12
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 Board
and wished her best of luck in her active duty assignment. Chairman Hughes echoed those
statements.
16. Next Meeting Date and Location

The next meeting of the Board will be February 20-21 in Madison.
17. Adjournment
It 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 Hughes
Chairman
13
MINUTES
CVSO ADVISORY COUNCIL
December 7, 2006
Members Present Others Present

Mark Grams, Dodge Connie Allord, via videoconference
Ted Mynyk, Iowa Russ Alsteen, Navy Clubs
Jim Young, Vernon Scott Berger, Marathon CVSO
Michael Jackson, Dane Cleon Brown, Submarine Vets WWII
Nick Benzinger, Shawano Joe Campbell
Mike Haley, Chippewa Rick Cherone, MOPH
Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSO
Members Excused Mike Demske, VVA President
Holly Hoppe, Oconto Jim Endres, AMVETS
John Solis, Rock Marvin Freedman, Board Member
Don Lander, Clark Jim Gausmann, La Crosse CVSO
Lewis Harned
WDVA Present Don Heiliger, Board Member
John A. Scocos, Secretary Bill Hustad, WVV
Bill Kloster, Deputy Secretary Chris Jordan, Walworth CVSO
Anthony Hardie, Executive Assistant Ken Koon
John Rosinski, Chief Legal Counsel Chris Kornkven
Tom Rhatican, Division Administrator Steve Lawrence, VFW Adjutant
Bill Crowley, Commandant, King Home Jon LiDonne, Waupaca CVSO
Glen Brower, Commandant, Union Grove Home Tom Lois, Kenosha CVSO
Andy Schuster, Communications John Margowski, VVA
Julie Van Metre, Executive Staff Assistant Bud Mautz, American Legion
Present via Video Conference: Mary Meyer
Ken Black, Division of Veterans Benefits Bob Morzenti, Iron CVSO
Mel Brandl, Regional Coordinator Jerry Polus, Brown CVSO
Colleen Holtan, Financial Officer Vera Roddy, UWV
Seth Perelman, Division Administrator William Sims, NABV
Mike Smith, ARC
Clarence Stoel, DAV
Jack Stone, PVA
Walter Stenavich, Board Member
Tim Thiers, Manitowoc CVSO
Alan Walker
Ken Wendt, Board Member
Paul 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. A
quorum was present at the WDVA briefing and upon reconvening at 3:00 p.m. The Pledge of
Allegiance was recited.
2. Certification of Notice of Meeting.

So noted.
1
3. Approval of Minutes of October 19, 2006
Mr. 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 are
getting the “Montgomery G.I. Bill” and VetEd Program message. Mr. Kloster said the proper
statement should have been the “Wisconsin G.I. Bill”. It was moved by Mr. Young, seconded by
Mr. Haley and carried on a voice vote to approve the minutes of the October 19th CVSO
Advisory Council meeting.
4. Announcements and Introductions

Introductions included: VVA President Mike Demske, VFW Adjutant Steve Lawrence,
VFW Sr. Vice Commander Bill Hustad, Jose Leon from Senator Herb Kohl’s office, CVSO
Association President Michael Jackson, Walworth County Veterans Service Officer Chris
Jordan, and Kenosha County Veterans Service Officer Tom Lois.
5. CVSO Resolutions F001, F002, F003 and F004

Secretary Scocos met with the CVSO Association President regarding the above
resolutions. It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Grams and carried unanimously on
a voice vote that the Council goes on record asking that these four Resolutions be forwarded to
the Legislative and Program Review Committee for its concurrence and to seek the concurrence
of the Board of Veterans Affairs.
6. CVSO Grant—Classes of Counties

Mr. 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 way
above the minimum scales that the old language represented. The need for the existing
Administrative Code language has gone away. Mr. Rosinski said the Administrative Rule
dealing 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 to
eliminate that provision or the Department would have to amend the rule in some way to come
up 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 a
voice vote to eliminate those portions in the Administrative Code relating to salary levels for
CVSOs. The Department will begin the Rule change at the February meeting.
7. Waive Employment Testing for Accredited CVSOs

The issue is County Veterans Service Officer’s who are currently employed and who
have been accredited by the VA to represent veterans that they not have to take the employment
test again if they apply for a vacancy in another county. The Department requested time to do
research but noted that Wis. Statute 45.82 requires that the grant can only be provided to
counties in which the CVSO was hired after taking the test. The item will be placed on the
February agenda.
8. Secretary’s Matters
Secretary 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 budget
and 90% is our Veterans Homes. We will change somewhat the format of the Salute to the
Legislature to include a stakeholder’s conference in the morning, followed with appointments
with Legislators and staff at the Capitol, and finally a social hour at the Salute Reception. The
2
recent elections have given us new Veterans Committee Chairs and we look forward to working
with them.
Mr. Kloster responded to three questions from the last meeting of the Council. We
reported that 291 VetEd applications there were denied because of some pre-application
irregularity. We checked back and refined that number to 194 denials by removing the denials
for people who filed multiple pre-applications. The amount of those denials was about $225,000
based upon the average disbursement amount of all the ones approved. Of the 194 denials, 42
appeals were submitted to the Department—of those 42 appeals 18 appeared for hearing and 24
did not appear or withdrew their appeal before their scheduled appearance. Thirteen applications
were reversed. Nine of the 13 were granted because they were for pre-applications that were
submitted early and the other four were granted because we accepted sworn testimony from the
student that the pre-application was submitted by mail or fax (but the Department did not have
any record of receiving the document). Mr. Jackson asked that if the denied amount of $225,000
had been granted would that have an adverse affect on the budget. Mr. Kloster said that we are
projecting that the VetEd Program for this fiscal year will go over the budgeted amount. In the
budget request we anticipated we would overdraw the VetEd account and asked for additional
funding 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 tuition
assistance 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 Reserve’s funding source.
9. Public Input
Mr. 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 of
the CVSO position and the civil service exam does address things other than accreditation such
as 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 on
the 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 WDVA
Bulletin #763. They requested copies to hand carry to their local media outlets that would be
happy to run it for free. Bulletin #765 issued on 7 December provided the requested
information.
Mr. Grams addressed issues with VBATS, the computer program that the Department has
that CVSOs are able to look at DD-214, grave registrations, that sort of thing. He looked up a
veteran whose character of discharge on VBATS didn’t match what he received. When Mr.
Grams called the Department he was told that option wasn’t there and he felt that computer
programmers would want to make that an option. The other question Mr. Grams had was who
has access to grave registrations? If the Department has the grave registration in question, the
3
person inquiring is told that it will be sent to the CVSO and the CVSO will give out the
information. Mr. Grams did not feel CVSOs should be the conduit for providing that
information—doesn’t that fall under public records and confidentiality? Mr. Rosinski asked for
a summarization of the case so that he could research it.
Mr. Kloster said that VBATS, Veterans Benefits Application Tracking System, is not
available to the public. The only people who see that are Department staff and CVSOs and those
tribal 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 sent
to the CVSOs.
11. Next Meeting Schedule

The schedule for 2007 will be determined by the Board tomorrow.
12. Adjournment
It 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
4
MINUTES
LEGISLATIVE AND PROGRAM REVIEW COMMITTEE
Committee Present Others Present

Marvin Freedman Connie Allord, via videoconference
Lewis Harned Russ Alsteen, Navy Clubs
Bill Hustad Nick Benzinger, Shawano CVSO
Vera Roddy Scott Berger, Marathon CVSO
Jim Young Cleon Brown, Sub-Vets WWII
Steve Lawrence Joe Campbell
Tim Thiers Rick Cherone, MOPH
Bud Mautz Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSO
Paul Weprinsky Mike Demske, VVA President
Jim Endres, AMVETS
Committee Excused Jim Gausmann, LaCrosse CVSO
Kathy Marschman Mark Grams, Dodge CVSO
Josh Sniegowski Mike Haley, Chippewa CVSO
Duane Miskulin Don Heiliger, Board Member
Michael Jackson, Dane CVSO
WDVA Present Chris Jordan, Walworth CVSO
John A. Scocos, Secretary Ken Koon
William Kloster, Deputy Secretary Chris Kornkven
Anthony Hardie, Executive Assistant Mary Meyer
Tom Rhatican, Division Administrator Robert Morzenti, Iron CVSO
Bill Crowley, Commandant, King Ted Mynyk, Iowa CVSO
Glen Brower, Commandant, Union Grove Jerry Polus, Brown CVSO
John Rosinski, Chief Legal Counsel William Sims, NABV
Andy Schuster, Public Affairs Director Mike Smith, ARC
Gary Wistrom, Adjutant Larry Smerling, Winnebago CVSO
Pat Shaughnessy, Deputy Commandant Clif Sorenson, Eau Claire CVSO
Julie Van Metre, Executive Staff Assistant Walter Stenavich, Board Member
Present via Video Conference: Jack Stone, PVA
Colleen Holtan, Financial Officer Alan Walker
Ken Black, Division of Veterans Benefits Ken Wendt, Board Member
Seth Perelman, Division of Administration

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 the
WDVA briefing. A quorum was present at the WDVA briefing and upon reconvening at 4:05
p.m.

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.
1
4. CVSO Resolutions F001-06 Veterans Education Grant Delimiting Date; F002-06 Veterans
Education 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 over
until the February meeting. He asked the Department to prepare fiscal impact statements with
regard to each of these three resolutions. Resolution F004 asks to improve the Aid to Needy
Veterans Grant Program by raising the income level to meet the needs of more veterans, to raise
the 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 on
specific recommendations. With respect to that, the Committee requests that the CVSO
Association 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 with
respect to the Veterans Education Grant pre-enrollment requirement. Discussion followed on
whether 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 a
way to grant a benefit, it does so but it can only act within the confines of the law. At the same
time it is becoming clear that the law itself is too restrictive. Mr. Freedman liked the suggestion
of 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 out
different alternatives on how the needs of the Department and the needs of the veteran can be
balanced 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-application
would be to require statutorily that the colleges and universities in the State of Wisconsin
disclose to every incoming student at registration the fact that this benefit exists and that there is
a pre-application requirement. Mr. Scocos suggested the formation of a Process Action Team on
the pre-application process. Mr. Freedman asked if the team could include CVSOs, and recently
returned veterans as part of the process.
5. Secretary’s Matters.
The Secretary said a letter asking for support of the Department’s budget was sent out
recently and many veterans groups have been very forthcoming with letters of support. We are
asking for general purpose dollars in this budget and we will need the support of Wisconsin
veterans. The Department will continue to look at other legislative items after the budget or
adding to the budget as it moves along in the process. Our budget now is based on assumptions
if general purpose dollars are passed and that will get us out to 2024. Phase One right now gets
us out to 2012.
6. Public Input.
None.
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 know
the cost of it and how to get on the panel. Mr. Scocos said the AMVETS Commander and
Adjutant 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 organization
on whether or not it can participate in events with other service organizations.
2
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 Freedman
Chairman
3
MINUTES
LONG TERM CARE COMMITTEE

Ken Wendt Connie Allord, via videoconference
Walter Stenavich Russ Alsteen, Navy Clubs
Chris Kornkven Nick Benzinger, Shawano CVSO
Ken Koon Scott Berger, Marathon CVSO
Jerry Polus Cleon Brown, US Sub Vets WWII
Robert Morzenti Joe Campbell
Mary Meyer Rick Cherone, MOPH
Alan Walker Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSO
Mike Demske, VVA President
Committee Excused Jim Endres, AMVETS
Jerry Rabetski Marvin Freedman, Board Member
Arnold Miller Jim Gausmann, LaCrosse CVSO
Dave Gough Mark Grams, Dodge CVSO
Kevin Kavanaugh Mike Haley, Chippewa CVSO
Don Heiliger, Board Member
WDVA Present Bill Hustad, WVV
John A. Scocos, Secretary Michael Jackson, CVSOA President
William Kloster, Deputy Secretary Chris Jordan, Walworth CVSO
Anthony Hardie, Executive Assistant Steve Lawrence, VFW Adjutant
Tom Rhatican, Division Administrator Jon LiDonne, Waupaca CVSO
Bill Crowley, Commandant, WVH-King Bud Mautz, American Legion
Glen Brower, Commandant, WVH-Union Grove Ted Mynyk, Iowa CVSO
John Rosinski, Chief Legal Counsel Vera Roddy, UWV
Andy Schuster, Public Relations Director William Sims, NABV
Pat Shaughnessy, Deputy Secretary Larry Smerling, Winnebago CVSO
Julie Van Metre, Executive Staff Assistant Mike Smith, ARC
Present Via Video Conference: Jack Stone, PVA
Colleen Holtan, Financial Officer Tim Thiers, Manitowoc CVSO
Ken Black, Division of Veterans Benefits Paul Weprinsky, JWV
Seth Perelman, Division of Administration Jim Young, Vernon CVSO

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 quorum
was present at the Briefing and upon reconvening at 4:30 p.m.

1
It was moved by Mr. Koon, seconded by Mr. Walker and carried unanimously on a voice
vote 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 at
Union Grove
Commandant Crowley said the Work Therapy Program has been in place at the
Wisconsin 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. Work
Therapy Program workers can earn up to $1,700 per year in that program. This $1,700 is not
counted as income for the purpose of reporting for Medical Assistance. It is a work-therapy
program and possibly more of an emphasis on therapy although they do productive work. In
fiscal year 2006 the work therapy payroll was $273,200 or an average of $107 per month for the
213 people that were participating in the program. The change made by the Board at the June
meeting could raise the total payroll into the area of $300,000 on an annual basis.
A member’s doctor must recommend him or her for the program. The purpose of the
program is to provide and restore self esteem to the members, to stimulate a desire to remain
physically active by providing cash compensation for work performed and to help members
recognize their own capabilities. Participation is voluntary and jobs are specifically designed to
meet the member’s individual ability and therapeutic need. The Work Therapy Program
provides members with financial, psychosocial and physical benefits. The overall quality of life
for the members is improved with the involvement in the Work Therapy Program and the money
that 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 other
members and the program allows members to have a routine activity to look forward to on a
daily basis. Members involved in the program have a great deal of ownership and pride in
having 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 between
buildings, mail delivery between buildings, answering phones, visiting and reading to other
members, and assisting with the tugger service.
Commandant Brower said that he sees much value in the program. The acuity level of
the members at Union Grove is very high and most of the members are so sick that they would
not be interested in such a program. Furthermore, priorities today are getting the nursing home
up and running and getting systems in place. The Commandant sees this program being
beneficial 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 person’s spending and VA pension $90, does the Work Therapy income affect those
payments?
A: No it does not impact on that, it is above and beyond that. Also, the program is self
funded by the Veterans Home at King out of program revenue.
Q: Is this extended to the VAP program too?
2
A: No, this is strictly for members of the Home. The VAP has other programs designed
to meet the needs and abilities of their members who are at a higher skill level. The VAP is
using 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 recognize
the members who participate in the Work Therapy Program. It is a good time for the members
of 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).
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 meet
the 21st Century needs of our veterans and our budget.
The Secretary said that our nursing home administrator, Donna Warzynski has made a
great 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 the
existing buildings. Some of the buildings are outdated and we are competing against new, state-
of-the-art facilities. By 2015 the veteran’s population in Wisconsin will go from a half a million
down to 213,000. We’ll look at rehabilitative care at King, adding Medicare, and creating
inviting living quarters to attract members.
6. Public Input.
None.

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 skilled
nursing 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 for
possible conversion of some of the double rooms into larger single rooms. Ms. Meyer said that
as we look at footprints for future facilities to make sure that there is flexibility in the design so
that 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 King
and Union Grove.
8. Next Meeting Schedule.

The schedule for 2007 will be determined by the Board of Veterans Affairs tomorrow.
9. Adjournment.
3
It was moved by Mr. Walker, seconded by Mr. Polus and carried unanimously on a voice
vote to adjourn the meeting; the time was 4:55 p.m.
Ken Wendt
Chairman
4
MINUTES
FINANCIAL COMMITTEE

Don Heiliger Russ Alsteen, Navy Club
Mike Demske Nick Benzinger, Shawano CVSO
Jim 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 O’Brien Chris Jordan, Walworth CVSO
Bill Bottoms Steve Lawrence, VFW Adjutant
Al Kochenderfer Bud Mautz, American Legion
Mary Meyer
WDVA 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 CVSO
Ken Black, Division of Veterans Benefits
Colleen Holtan, Financial Officer
Seth Perelman, Division of Administration

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.

Notice of meeting was certified.
This item will be placed on the February agenda due to lack of a quorum to conduct
business.
1
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 Department’s 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.

None.

The schedule for 2007 will be determined by the Board tomorrow.
8. Adjournment.
The Committee adjourned at 5:03 p.m.
Don Heiliger
Acting Chairman
2
MINUTES
COUNCIL ON VETERANS PROGRAMS
Members Present WDVA Present

Russ Alsteen, NCUSA John A. Scocos, Secretary
Paul Bialk, MCL William Kloster, Deputy Secretary
Pat Brown, USSVWWII (arrived 8:45) Tom Rhatican, Division Administrator
Rick Cherone, MOPH Bill Crowley, Commandant, WVH-King
Jesse Haro, CWV Glen Brower, Commandant, WVH-UG
Bill Hustad, WVV John Rosinski, Chief Legal Counsel
Chris Kanios, VFW Andrew Schuster, Communications Director
Jon LiDonne, CVSO Association Pat Shaughnessy, Deputy Commandant
Bud Mautz, Am. Legion Julie Van Metre, Executive Staff Assistant
Walter Peterson, Am. ExPOW (videoconf) Present Via Video Conference:
Vera Roddy, UWV Colleen Holtan, Budget Office
Mike Smith, ARC Ken Black, Division of Veterans Benefits
Clif Sorenson, WACVO Seth Perelman, Division Administrator
Clarence Stoel, DAV
Jack Stone, PVA Others Present
Tim Thiers, AMVETS Connie Allord, via videoconference
Paul Weprinsky, JWV Joe Campbell
Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSO
Members Excused Nick Benzinger, Shawano CVSO
Paul Fine, ANU Phyllis Bertoff
John Margowski, VVA Mike Demske, VVA President
Jerry Rabetski, PLAV Roger Fetterly
Ron Rutkowski, VVAW Mark Grams, Dodge CVSO
William Sims, NABV Mack Hughes, Board Chairman
WWI vacancy Maurice Jackson, DAV
FCDV vacancy Michael Jackson, CVSOA President
Steve Lawrence, VFW Adjutant
Bob Morzenti, Iron CVSO
Ted Mynyk, Iowa CVSO
Jerry Polus, Brown CVSO
Walter & Ann Stenavich, Board Member
Alan Walker
Ken Wendt, Board Member
Jim 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.

1
Ms. Roddy introduced Phyllis Bertoff who is the Commander of the American Legion
Women’s Post in Milwaukee. The Chairman welcomed Board Member Ken Wendt and
television guests from Madison.
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, the
Chairman received an invitation to attend training at Parkside in Kenosha in January. The
training is in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Mr. Thiers presented two checks from AMVETS Post 99 for the King VAP television
fund. One check is for $250.00 from the Post and the other is for $50.00 from the Post 99 Ladies
Auxiliary.
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 the
Dragon” on the Vietnam War in the I-Corps. The Veterans Museum is partnering with the
University of Wisconsin History Department to do several lectures. The Golf Outing fundraiser
is scheduled for July 17, 2007. The website for the Museum will be redesigned. The Museum is
also 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 Homeland
Security, Veterans and Military Affairs and Government Reform Chair and Assembly Veterans
Affairs 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 don’t
have members who are non productive. A conclusion was reached to have legislation drafted to
add two organizations to the Council’s membership and delete two organizations from the
membership. 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, the
Military 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 Federation
of Minority Veterans Inc. Mr. Sorenson wanted the legislation brought before the Council at its
February meeting.
Mr. Alsteen thought the legislation should be introduced before February, even if the
proposal 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 the
Federation for Culturally Diverse Veterans but in the Statutes, the organization is listed by its
former title, Federation for Minority Veterans. Mr. Sorenson said the drafters of the bill have
made an error so there is nothing for the Council to act on at this meeting.
2
Mr. Sorenson called for a vote to hold this item over until the February meeting. The
ayes prevailed.
Secretary Scocos welcomed everyone to Union Grove. The Secretary will brief the
Board on the Department’s five-year business plan. The Council’s support during the last
biennium is appreciated by the Department. Mr. Sorenson said he is looking forward to the
upcoming budget process. A Women Veteran Forum is scheduled for December 13th at
Department headquarters in Madison. Today we will honor former Secretary Maurer with a
building 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 this
building purchase proposal through every step in the process.
The Secretary said he has received many letters from different veterans groups in support
of the Department’s budget. It was moved by Mr. Hustad, seconded by Mr. Weprinsky and
carried unanimously on a voice vote that the Council go on record in support of the
Department’s 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. Grams
that a one-time grace period be instituted. On a positive note, the CVSO Executive Committee
has reviewed the WDVA budget proposal and is supporting it.
11. New Business.

Mr. Alsteen asked that an amendment to the Council’s 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 inactive
organization on the Council were (1) no representative appointed by the Organization President
or 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 the
Protocol. Mr. Hustad did not think it was necessary to formalize in the Protocol the process to
delete an organization from membership on the Council. Mr. Sorenson said the matter will be
placed on the February meeting agenda.
12. Activities within the Veterans Community.

• Mission Welcome Home is working extremely well. Another program was sponsored by
DAV 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 10th.
• 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 this
year.
• The Elks Organization is collecting deer hides that will be turned into fingerless gloves
for veterans in wheelchairs. Mike Demske is the contact point in Manitowoc
3
• Wal Mart supports veterans with matching donations. Sprint Cell Phone Company gives
a 15% discount off monthly bills to veterans.
• At the November 11 Milwaukee County War Memorial Banquet Joe Campbell was
selected as Veteran of the Year.
• The third weekend in January the American Legion will be holding its Mid-Winter
Conference at Paper Valley Motel in Appleton.
• The National Veterans Wheelchair Games formed a veterans service organization
alliance to raise over $100,000. As of 11/28 pledges in the amount of $101,000 have
been received from the veterans service organizations and a total of $336,000 in pledges
and in-kind donations have been received. Volunteers are also needed.

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 Sorenson
Chairman
4
EXHIBIT 1
WDVA Briefing of December 7, 2006
Board Members Present WDVA Staff Members Present
Mack Hughes John A. Scocos, Secretary
Marv Freedman Bill Kloster, Deputy Secretary
Walter Stenavich Anthony Hardie, Executive Assistant
Ken Wendt Bill Crowley, Commandant, King
Don Heiliger Glen Brower, Commandant, Union Grove
John Rosinski, Chief Legal Counsel
Legislative & Program Review Members Present Tom Rhatican, Division Administrator
Marv Freedman Andrew Schuster, Communications Director
Vera Roddy Pat Shaughnessy, Deputy Commandant
Lewis Harned Kathleen Scholl, Communications
Bill Hustad Jeff Johnson, Mission Welcome Home
Steve Lawrence Donna Warzynski, Nursing Administrator King
Bud Mautz Gary Wistrom, Adjutant
Jim Young Julie Van Metre, Ex. Staff Assist
Tim Thiers Present via Video Conference
Paul Weprinsky Colleen Holtan, Budget Office
Ken Black, Division of Veterans Benefits
Long Term Care Committee Members Present Seth Perelman, Division Administrator
Walter Stenavich
Ken Wendt Council on Veterans Programs Present
Chris Kornkven Russ Alsteen, NCUSA
Robert Morzenti Paul Bialk, MCL
Ken Koon Cleon Brown, USSVWWII
Mary Meyer Rick Cherone, MOPH
Jerry Polus Bill Hustad, WVV
Alan Walker Chris Kanios, VFW
Jon LiDonne, CVSOA
Financial Committee Members Present Bud Mautz, Am. Legion
Don Heiliger John Margowski, VVA
Connie Allord (via videoconference) Walter Peterson, Am ExPOWs (videoconference)
Jim Gausmann Vera Roddy, UWV
Jim Endres William Sims, NABV
Joe Campbell Mike Smith, ARC
Mike Demske Clif Sorenson, WACVO
Clarence Stoel, DAV
CVSO Advisory Council Jack Stone, PVA
Mark Grams, Dodge CVSO Tim Thiers, AMVETS
Ted Mynyk, Iowa CVSO Paul Weprinsky, JWV
Jim Young, Vernon CVSO
Michael Jackson, Dane CVSO Others Present
Nick Benzinger, Shawano CVSO Donna Chrzas, Columbia CVSO
Mike Haley, Chippewa CVSO Chris Jordan, Walworth CVSO
Cletus Rataichek, AMVETS Commander
Tom Lois, Kenosha CVSO
Scott Berger, Marathon CVSO
Jose Leon, Senator Herb Kohl’s Office
The briefing session by WDVA staff for Board, Council and Committee members
commenced at 1:30 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
1. Certification of Notice of Meeting and Roll Call

1
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, 4
members excused. Quorum present.
Roll call of Long-Term Care Committee members: 8 members present; 4 members
excused. 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 members
excused, and 2 vacancies. Quorum present.
2. Legislative Report
Mr. Hardie reported that the new Chair for the Senate Military and Veterans
Affairs, Biotechnology and Financial Institutions Committee will be Senator-Elect Jim
Sullivan from Wauwatosa. The Assembly has not yet named its Committee Chair. The
members of the Joint Committee on Finance members have been appointed and we
look 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 a
continuing resolution for funding the federal government through today with a probable
extension into January. Because of the new make-up of Congress from both Houses
being controlled by the Republicans to both Houses controlled by the Democrats, it is
unclear what the VA Appropriations Act might look like for January and February. We
will continue to advocate on behalf of our Homes and cemeteries funding. The WDVA
continues 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 stakeholder’s 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 Report—Ken Black

Mr. Black said six new bulletins were issued: Bulletin #757 addresses the appeal
process; Bulletin #758 addresses additional requirements of the University and
Technical Colleges in regards to Wisconsin GI Bill application; Bulletin #759 addresses
the new interest rates for the HILP and PLP; Bulletin #760 clarifies the requirement for
VetEd pre-applications; Bulletin #762 addresses academic credit for military experience;
and Bulletin #763 notifies the CVSO community of the radio campaign promoting the
PLP during the Christmas holiday.
2
Cemetery Report: Veterans Day ceremonies were conducted at all of the
cemeteries, the turnout was lower than previous years due to weather conditions. The
SWVMC celebrated its ten year anniversary. WDVA is working with the state approved
architect to refine the Master Plan for the Southern Cemetery. Upon completion of the
Master Plan, we will forward it to the USDVA for approval. It will include the FY 2008-09
expansion project at the Southern Cemetery. The maintenance storage building
expansion project at the Northern Cemetery was completed this month. The contract
for the burial garden expansion project has now been awarded to a vendor and
construction will begin this winter. The contract for the columbarium expansion at
Northern should go out for bid solicitation in January.
Veterans Assistance Program: Approval of the federal grant to start up the

Veterans’ Homeless Program at Chippewa Falls was recently received. The
Department is currently moving forward to establish a 30-bed Veterans’ Homeless
Program on the grounds of the Northern Wisconsin Center in Chippewa Falls. We
continue to work on the renovations to Cottage 16 at the Union Grove veterans
homeless 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 and
processed after the end of the term in late December. Since July 1, over $611,500 has
been disbursed. Future improvements to the VetEd will focus on an easier transition
from the pre-application to the application when filing on-line. The new changes will
take affect in January 2007. WDVA staff is visiting all active, approved VetEd schools.
To date about 60 schools have been visited and we’ve answered questions, provided
informal training, and otherwise insured that they give the best possible service to the
veterans using our educational programs.
Loans and Grants: Loan volume in the Mortgage Loan Program was $4.5 million
in 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 will
receive an additional $4.4 million once the conversions occur and an additional $10
million later this year. Loan volume in the Personal Loan Program was $546,850 in
October and $232,000 in November. The Veterans Trust Fund delinquency rate was
2.23% in October, up slightly from 2.15% in September, still well below the 3%
standard. The County Transportation Grant deadline was November1. We have
received 38 applications. Grant checks will be issued to the counties before the end of
January.
Women Veterans: The Women Veterans Conference is December 13th at the

WDVA Central Office in Madison.
4. Veterans Homes Report

Commandant Brower said that as of November 30, 2006 the skilled nursing
facility has 35 members with 7 pending applications. The assisted living building has
108 members. The Union Grove Home has 87 full time employees, 46 part time
employees and 11 LTEs for a total of 144. The projected new positions yet to be hired
will add 118 positions. The Skilled Nursing Facility is completed and under normal
operational status. The first member was admitted on September 6th. VA per diem
authorization was received effective October 3, 2006. The Union Grove Home received
Medicare authorization effective December 1st. Candidates are being interviewed for
3
future staffing positions in the next 40-bed expansion scheduled to begin in January
2007. Approximately 65% of the cost of Boland Hall has been paid for by the federal
VA. Maurer Hall contains administrative offices and member activity areas. To date
there are some minor issues to correct before the members are able to occupy the
activity center in Maurer Hall. Also contained in Maurer Hall is the food service
operation. On November 27th the transport of food from King began and for the most
part the feedback has been positive. The Fairchild Shemanske remodeling project to
convert 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 these
room 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
response—some 25 to 30 applicants that need to be culled down to 10 or 12 for
interviewing.
Commandant Crowley reported that the King Home census was 712 at the end
of November. Applications are being received, screened and processed on a daily
basis with 61 pending applications. The average time from receipt of application to date
of admission is 19 days. The acuity of care level remains high with no significant
change. The average age at admission during the month of November was just a little
over age 77.
The Home Exchange operation had no significant changes to report. In the

months 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 expenditures
from that account: $17,479 for a net gain of $20,441.
The construction of the underground steam and condensate line has now been
completed. The switchover to the new steam line will take place in the spring. The
grounds 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 held
on Father’s Day, it will be held on August 12th. The Commandant thanked all the
veterans organizations for the King Days they sponsor throughout the course of the
year.
Q: As far as a comparison between King and Union Grove—at King a hair cut or
visit to the beauty shop is free and at Union Grove there is a cost. If a veteran is on VA
pension but they are not eligible for aid and attendance, they can go to King but they
cannot go to Union Grove if they needed assisted living. King has 8 categories of costs
and Union Grove has 3. Could you explain why there are the differences and are there
any other differences? Could you also elaborate on the nursing offset and domiciliary
offset?
A: These are topics that need more time to properly address. At the CVSO
spring and fall conference there is some education time available and this would be a
4
proper forum for that. Commandant Crowley would welcome an invitation to any of the
regional meetings of the CVSOs to address this topic.
AMVETS State Commander, Cletus Rataichek presented a check for $800 for
two televisions at the Union Grove Home and $1,700 for the King Recreation Fund.
Commandant Crowley introduced Donna Warzynski who is the Nursing

Administrator at the Veterans Home-King. She was recently recognized by the
Wisconsin Nurses Association with the Vivian DeBeck Award. Secretary Scocos
presented Donna with a certificate of recognition from the Wisconsin Department of
Veterans Affairs.
5. Financial Report—Colleen Holtan

Ms. 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 time
period in fiscal year 2006. The factors contributing to the positive change are a
significantly higher medical assistance “upper limit” or reimbursement rate and Medicare
Part D revenues, which the Home was not receiving in October 2005, both of which
increased revenue at a faster rate than the increases in operating expenses.
Fund equity as of October 31st was $42,507,725, a decrease of $1,426,401

since the start of the fiscal year, but $20,459,880 greater than the balance as of October
31, 2005, balance.
The cash balance has increased $5,326,994 since June 30th and $17,353,673
since October 30th, 2005. The increase in both equity and cash is due to the receipt of
retrospective medical assistance payments for fiscal years 2002 through 2006.
Union Grove’s 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, plant
and equipment and long-term debt from the construction of the skilled nursing facility
and 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 decrease
from $15.7 million at June 30th to $13.9 million on October 31st. Cash uses have
exceeded receipts by $1.5 million for fiscal year 2007. The ending cash balance for the
WVH-Union Grove is $(1,159,284).
Assets in the Veterans Trust Fund have decreased nearly $7.9 million over the
past 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 through
October 31st, a $659,000 improvement from the $(5.7) million year-to-date loss in fiscal
year 2006. A reduction in operating expenses and increase in non-operating revenues
contributed to the improvement. The cash balance in the MLRF was $106,565,085 at
October 31st, which is $(104,487) less than October, 2005, but $2,282,794 greater than
the June 30th balance. It should be noted that both the operating results and cash
5
balance reflect the $13.2 million remitted to the bond security redemption fund to pay
principal and interest due to bond holders on November 1st.
Ms. Holtan also explained that on December 1, the State used its remaining 2006
Qualified Veterans Mortgage Bond volume cap to issue tax exempt extendible municipal
commercial paper. The 2006 volume cap remaining is $4,445,684.95. It is expected
that Capital Finance will issue 30-year bonds to replace the commercial paper in 2007
at the same time bonds are issued to exhaust the 2007 QVMB volume cap of $10
million.
The Veterans Trust Fund loan portfolio delinquency rate for October was 2.23%,
overall. The Personal Loan Program delinquency rate was slightly lower at 2.21%. The
PML program delinquency rate for September was 0.62%. Twenty-five applications
were received for the PML Program for October 2006, contrasted with 9 in 2005 and 8
in 2004.
6. Overview on the Mission Welcome Home Program.

Jeff Johnson explained the Mission Welcome Home Program. The mission is to
research and identify the needs of transitioning veterans; to assist in developing policy,
and to make contacts and build relationships with people and organizations in state and
local government, community service organizations and business to promote and foster
programs to assist transitioning veterans. The goal is that every new returning
Wisconsin veteran receives the state and federal benefits for which he or she is entitled,
receives information on ways to enhance his/her everyday life; returns home to a
community of active support.
Q: Do you ever have anything to do with communities that might have some
reluctance to support returning troops?
A: No, not in Wisconsin.
Q: Is there any sort of thing that Mission Welcome Home does for the children of
those who are called up--children who may harbor resentment for their parent leaving
them.
A: That is a very real problem in which psychological treatment may be
necessary. We need this ability to get feedback to help with policy. The VA health care
network wasn’t aware that this was such a big issue. The American Legion has some
programs going. A family support coordinator or family assistance counselor is always
nearby who knows the programs locally and can make a referral.
7. Recess/Adjournment
The Legislative and Program Review Committee, the Long Term Care
Committee, the Financial Committee and the CVSO Advisory Council recessed and will
reconvene later as indicated in their meeting notices.
It was moved by Mr. LiDonne, seconded by Mr. Alsteen and carried on a voice
vote that the Council on Veterans Programs adjourn.
It was moved by Mr. Wendt, seconded by Mr. Heiliger and carried on a voice
vote that the Board of Veterans Affairs adjourn. The time was 2:45 p.m.

Board Minutes December 2006

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Board Minutes December 2006

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BOARD MINUTES

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Board Members Present Others Present

1. Roll Call and Introductions

Secretary Scocos presented plaques of appreciation to the following staff: Michelle

2. Certification of Notice of Meeting

4. Board Members’ Matters

5. Board Action from Committee and Council Meetings

6. VISN 12 and 23 Reports

Q: Will telemedicine work with mental health and PTSD?

Q: The complex would combine which entities?

Q: Does this facility have to be in Madison?

Q: Is the revenue for this complex through state appropriations?

Q: Where is the location?

8. CVSO Resolutions F001-06 Veterans Education Grant Delimiting Date; F002-06

13. Secretary’s Matters

14. Public Input.

15. Other Matters (Not Subject to Adoption).

16. Next Meeting Date and Location

Members Present Others Present

1. Call to Order and Roll Call.

2. Certification of Notice of Meeting.

4. Announcements and Introductions

5. CVSO Resolutions F001, F002, F003 and F004

6. CVSO Grant—Classes of Counties

7. Waive Employment Testing for Accredited CVSOs

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

11. Next Meeting Schedule

Committee Present Others Present

1. Call to Order and Roll Call.

2. Certification of Notice of Meeting.

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

Committee Present Others Present

1. Call to Order and Roll Call.

2. Certification of Notice of Meeting.

Q: Is this extended to the VAP program too?

Q: What do you mean by right-sizing the Homes?

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

8. Next Meeting Schedule.

Committee Present Others Present

1. Call to Order and Roll Call.

2. Certification of Notice of Meeting.

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

7. Next Meeting Date.

Members Present WDVA Present

1. Call to Order and Roll Call of Members.

2. Certification of Notice of Meeting.

3. Introduction of Guests and Announcements.

6. Museum Foundation Report.

7. Review of Outstanding Issues from Special Committee; and,

Q: What is the status of purchasing the building?

10. Old Business.

11. New Business.

12. Activities within the Veterans Community.

13. Next Meeting Date.

1. Certification of Notice of Meeting and Roll Call

3. Programs Report—Ken Black

Veterans Assistance Program: Approval of the federal grant to start up the

Women Veterans: The Women Veterans Conference is December 13th at the

4. Veterans Homes Report

The Home Exchange operation had no significant changes to report. In the

Commandant Crowley introduced Donna Warzynski who is the Nursing

5. Financial Report—Colleen Holtan

Fund equity as of October 31st was $42,507,725, a decrease of $1,426,401