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DeKalb County, Illinois |
Minutes of the
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Board Members Present: Maureen Russell, Norm Gilbert, Mary Petruchius ,
Bob Krogman, Regina Parker, Julia Fullerton, Doug Fraley and Opal Zitka Board Members Absent: None Other Persons Present: Staff: Jerry Lane and Sue Halbrader The Community Mental Health Board meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President Maureen Russell. AGENDA Motion to approve the agenda was made by Mr. Gilbert, seconded by Ms. Parker. INTRODUCTIONS None MINUTES Mr. Gilbert moved to approve the January 15 minutes, as corrected, seconded by Ms. Petruchius. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Lane brought Board members up-to-date on the Governor’s plan to change agencies’ methods of being paid by the state from grants in aid, paid at the beginning of each month, to purchase of service, paid for after they have been delivered. This plan is to go into effect on the first of July, a very brief time frame for implementing a change of this magnitude. To convert the system without too many problems would require at least a year. In addition, this plan would result in the Walmartization of social services. When social services are auctioned off in the public arena, it becomes easy for fly-by-night agencies spring up and underbid the experienced, established local providers. When they find they cannot deliver mental health services with no money they close up and leave town, abandoning those who need the services. It would be disastrous for all social service agencies. Our hope is that clearer heads prevail and this bill never comes up for a vote:
The staff attended a legislative forum sponsored by NAMI in Kane County on March 19, at which the need for mental health courts were discussed. Mr. Lane took the opportunity to educate some of the legislators in attendance, when one remarked that it is the responsibility of interested persons, consumers and advocates to educate the community and other legislators. He explained that for over three decades mental health services have been severely underfunded in Illinois, even during the 1990's when the state was awash in money! It is not up to us to "educate" anyone, they know the facts. It is up to legislators to display political leadership by speaking in behalf of and publically supporting these critical mental health services. Mr. Lane thanked Board members for their efforts in behalf of the jail referendum, for which the Board worked and voted to support. Even though the initiative was voted down, the efforts were appreciated by those who understood the issue. Ms. Halbrader attended the Queer Youth Summit in Rockford, a day-long seminar and workshop for professionals to educate them about the problems and needs of gay, lesbian, transgendered, bisexual and questioning youth. It was conducted by Gary Hollander, PhD., Executive Director of Diverse and Resilient, headquartered in Milwaukee, WI. Mr. Lane stated that the County’s Legislative Agenda for 2004 was passed by the County Board. Mr. Lane announced the preliminary audit for the Mental Health Board has been completed, and shows us in the black. Mr. Lane announced that staff hosted a Library Partnership luncheon on Monday, April 5, at which all the public libraries in the county were presented with two books each on mental health issues of interest to families of persons with mental illnesses. The electronic press was in attendance, and excerpts from the interview with Mr. Lane were heard on WNIU and WDKB. In addition to the donation of books, other agency brochures and information was distributed to libraries for the public.
FINANCE REPORTS Mrs. Parker moved approval of the February agency claims as submitted; seconded by Mrs. Zitka. On a roll call vote the motion passed unanimously. Mrs. Parker moved approval of the February office claims as submitted; seconded by Mr. Gilbert. On a roll call vote the motion passed unanimously. Mrs. Parker moved approval of the March agency claims as submitted; seconded by Mr. Krogman. On a roll call vote the motion passed unanimously. Mrs. Parker moved approval of the March office claims as submitted; seconded by Mrs. Fullerton. On a roll call vote the motion passed unanimously. Mrs. Parker moved approval of the April agency claims as submitted; seconded by Mr. Gilbert. On a roll call vote the motion passed unanimously. Mrs. Parker moved approval of the April office claims as submitted; seconded by Mrs. Zitka. On a roll call vote the motion passed unanimously. COMMUNITY INPUT None COMMITTEE REPORTS Mrs. Russell attended the Youth Provider meeting and will bring materials from it to the Board’s next meeting on May 17, due to the abbreviated agenda this evening, the start of the first of four Grant Proposal Hearings. Mr. Lane included a State Budget update on the agenda, however, Mike Madigan and the Governor are in the midst of hammering out several details. Once the issues are settled we will have a report. OLD BUSINESS Mr. Lane drew attention to the letter requesting a transfer of ownership of the Ben Gordon Center from the Board to BGC . This will be discussed with the state’s attorney and must also have County Board approval. Discussion will be tabled until a more thorough cost-benefit analysis is completed, and the matter will be discussed at the next meeting. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Lane announced that the request for funds for the Consumer Advocacy Council’s Special Project, travel and accommodations at the annual NAMI conference, need to be considered at this time. Mrs. Petruchius moved approval of the request in the amount of $3,100 for CACDC; second by Mrs. Parker. On a roll call vote the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Lane announced that Safe Passage may request Special Project funding from the Board, as they are in the process of planning a two day conference on domestic violence, negotiating with Jackson Katz to do one presentation at the event, one at NIU, and run a day-long workshop. Since no a dollar amount is known at this time, the announcement is only for your information. Discussion will follow when the Board has the necessary details. Mrs. Petruchius moved to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Parker. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
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