DeKalb County, Illinois
	Minutes of the COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH BOARD May 21, 2001

Board Members Present: Mary Petruchius, Opal Zitka, Norm Gilbert, Bob Krogman, and Sue Franz

Board Members Absent: Denny Sands, Regina Parker, and Maureen Russell

Other Persons Present: Jerry Lane, Sue Halbrader

The Community Mental Health Board meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by President Mary Petruchius

There were no changes or amendments to the agenda.

No introductions

Mr. Gilbert moved to approve the April minutes; Seconded by Mr. Krogman. The motion carried unanimously.

 

Agencies responded to the letter requesting they prioritize programs according to the impact of losing funding from the 708 Board. Agencies stated that, to some degree, the loss of funds would compromise their mission. Some agencies would lose whole programs, would be forced to reduce direct service staff and support staff, and many clients would not be served. Available numbers were used to create charts to illustrate the ratio of services, full-time employees and hours retained to those that would be lost. Safe Passage (and others) would lose their matching funds from other sources in proportion to what is lost from diminished 708 funding. Agencies who procure monies through grant writing know those sources are not dependable annually. Copies of the letters sent by agencies explaining their positions were distributed to Board members.

Mr. Lane read portions of the letters from agencies expressing thanks to the Board for the supplemental grant to assist in paying for increasing insurance, utilities and fuel.

Mr. Lane told the Board about mediating a misunderstanding between Ben Gordon Center and Hope Haven.

Mr. Lane read the letter from Ben Gordon Center thanking the Board for its financial support in replacing the parking lot lighting.

Mr. Lane discussed some behind-the-scenes activity in Springfield, where the state budget is being reworked. According to the electronic newsletter, Capitol Fax, the Governor is revising his budget proposal with no word at this time on cost of living or cost of doing businesses increases in the area of human services. Community providers and persons with mental illness, substance abuse problems and developmental disabilities have very little political voice.

Mr. Lane announced that a press conference is to be held on Tuesday afternoon, May 22, 2001, at Ben Gordon Center at 2:00 p.m. The conference, proposed by Ben Gordon Center, includes the heads of several local social service agencies. A panel, consisting of people from agencies, will make statements on the Illinois budget and the lack of funding for social services, then will answer questions from media representatives.

Mr. Lane announced the retirement of Bill Peters after 32 years with DCSEA. He circulated the invitation to attend the party on Sunday, June 10, at the Indian Oaks Country Club in Shabbona, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m.

Mr. Lane announced that the next State Association meeting will be held Thursday, June 7, 2001, in Springfield. Board members are invited to attend.

Mr. Lane and Mrs. Petruchius talked about the conference on Law and Mental Health they attended in Chicago. The Conference covered a number of issues, including the legal implications of making a no-suicide contract with a patient, a common practice among psychiatrists and psychologists; why "notes" do not equal a chart from the standpoint of the court; why continuing education is a must; why explaining exceptions of confidentiality to clients is critical; why one does no sidewalk consultations or bad-mouths colleagues and the necessity to use service contracts for consultations. Guardianship and advocacy, powers of attorney, and the standard for health care specific for mental health treatment were also discussed. Mrs. Petruchius and Mr. Lane found the information valuable and stimulating.

Mrs. Petruchius attended a Juvenile Justice Commission meeting about domestic violence - as a system - which explored the mental health implications of juvenile violence. She suggests the Board sponsor a training for local interested persons.

FINANCE REPORTS

Mrs. Zitka moved acceptance of the April office claims as submitted, seconded by Mr. Krogman. On a roll call vote, the motion passed unanimously.

None

COMMITTEE REPORTS

None

Individual Care Grant Guidelines were suggested by Mr. Lane, submitted in writing to Board members. He proposed implementing the ICG program as a pilot project to be evaluated during next year’s grant process. He asked for feedback on the guidelines.

Mr. Lane presented his grant year 2002 funding recommendations. Board members agreed that the first priority for local tax dollars is to maintain the existing service network. Accordingly, a 2.7% increase to existing grants to maintain their present purchasing power was recommended. Expansion grants included an increase for the Consumer Advocacy Council’s advocacy program, Elderly Care Services’ case management program and VAC’s transportation service. Mr. Lane indicated that these requests could be accommodated from this year’s increase in the levy. Finally, Mr. Lane reviewed new requests from DeKalb County Special Education Association. He noted that this is really a partial restoration of a program the Board previously funded. He recommended re- allocating contingency funds for these programs as that fund was established in part from the original DCSEA funding. Discussion followed.

Mr. Gilbert moved to adopt the recommended allocations as presented; Second by Mrs. Franz. On a voice vote the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Lane presented a request from Ben Gordon Center to help fund a capital project. The BGC parking lot is deteriorating and needs resurfacing. A single quote on the project was included. After brief discussion, Board members agreed to table the parking lot project to the June meeting so that other quotes can be seen.

Mrs. Petruchius reminded Board members that next months’ meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Canterbury Place. Board members will meet for a tour of the facilities before the 7:30 meeting in their meeting room.

The motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Gilbert, second by Mrs. Zitka. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

_________________________________
Opal Zitka
Secretary/Treasurer

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