Meeting Minutes for September 16, 1999

Location:  Midway Sheraton, St. Paul.

Present:  Rand Stenhjem, Lois Johnson, Karen Larson, Cory Heit, Terry Graff, Marty Bergland, Connie Lee Berg, Rosemary Laberge, RoseAnn Faber, Cara Ruff, Richard Davis, Mick Coleman, Bill Bauer, Judy Sanders, Brad Westerlund, Carl Bryngelson, Ted Siebert.

Absent:  Maureen Pranghofer, Rick Cardenas, Joan Harris Stephan, Laurie Weih, Cliff Miller, Ann Zick.

Guests:  Dave Hancox.

Call to Order

The September 16, 1999 meeting of the Statewide Independent Living Council was called to order at 9:05 a.m. by Rand Stenhjem, Chair.  Introductions of Council members and the guest followed.

Approval of August Minutes and September Agenda

The Chair requested that the wording in the August minutes regarding two absentee members be revised to reflect that a letter would be drafted to the governor requesting the removal of one member, with a second letter being drafted to another SILC member requesting either this member's attendance, or resignation. The revised August minutes were approved  by consensus.  Revisions to the September agenda included moving Connie's 121 Project update to the afternoon, and the videotape moved to the morning.  The agenda revisions were approved by consensus. 

Nairobi Embassy Bombing Videotape

This videotape was a Nightline broadcast on the one year anniversary of the bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi.  As a result of the bombing, 200 individuals lost their lives, and another twenty lost their vision.  The focus was on Ellen - an American who was an embassy employee blinded as a result of the bombing.  The video described Ellen's life during her first year of living with blindness.

State Rehabilitation Council-VR Update

Maureen was absent from the meeting and no SRC report was available.

State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind Update

RoseAnn reported that there was no SRCB meeting in September.

Correspondence, Announcements, Issues

Karen reported on the "Remembering with Dignity" ceremony, during which the first three grave stones at the West Cemetery were to be placed.  Unfortunately, the engraving had not been completed in time for the ceremony.  She reported that there are sufficient funds to complete 400 markers for the Faribault RTC West Cemetery, and 400 at Willmar; after which, additional fund-raising will be necessary to continue the project in the state's other cemeteries.

Karen also announced that ARC of Rice County received $225 from Northfield United Way.  The Knights of Columbus in New Prague contributed $660 to the Arc of Rice County for "vacations" for people with developmental disabilities.  The Arc of Rice County also conducted a benefit breakfast in August that raised $700.  The Arc state convention will be held in Bemidji on October 1-2.  Several dignitaries will be attending this annual conference.  The Arc of Rice County will be receiving an award from the Arc Minnesota for being the chapter that had the greatest membership increase.

Karen briefly discussed issues she is attempting to remedy concerning her son's latest Individualized Education Plan.  She reported that her son is currently integrated into two classes.  Karen feels very strongly that the school is not concerned with her son's future IL needs and abilities, and has retained legal counsel.  Discussion followed.

Rand commented on SILC annual reports from New York and Idaho, as well as the Ohio SILC's newsletter.  He also commented on an article in the ILRU (Independent Living Research Utilization) newsletter regarding SILC/DSU/Center relationships in other states.

Bill reported on the outstanding achievements of two of Minnesota's Centers - SEMCIL and ILICIL.  Bill related SEMCIL's success in freeing a person with quadriplegia who had been institutionalized, by family members, for three years in a Florida nursing home.  SEMCIL, in record time, acquired accessible subsidized housing, furnishings, housewares and arranged for Medical Assistance and PAS for this person.  In addition, SEMCIL paid for two airline tickets out of Florida.  Upon arriving in Rochester, this consumer was immediately checked into the Mayo Clinic for treatment.  This consumer's story will be featured in the next edition of The Mouth, as will SEMCIL's work in removing this individual from what proved to be a life-threatening situation.  The Mouth will be  designating SEMCIL as one of the nation's "Best Centers."  Bill sent his thanks to David Schwartzkopf, Laurie Brownell, and the SEMCIL staff for, without hesitation, taking Bill's referral of this consumer, and for service above and beyond the call of duty.  As to The Mouth award, congratulations, SEMCIL, for a job done rapidly and well!

Bill also reported on ILICIL's annual meeting, which was conducted on August 12 in St. Cloud.  Bill commented on the high number of consumers and community members in attendance, which was in the neighborhood of 120 people - this on a rainy evening at a meeting conducted outdoors.  Strong community support was also apparent through the amount and value of merchandise and services donated by area businesses for ILICIL's "door prize" drawings; in fact, the number of prizes was sufficient for every person present to have his/her number drawn.  Cara announced that the Center served 574 unduplicated consumers during state fiscal year 1999.  Bill expressed his thanks to Cara and her staff for their extraordinary efforts.

State Services for the Blind Update

Dick commented on the planning process for the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).  The Federal goal is for each state to have a more integrated plan.  At this time, RSA has not completed the new regulations , which makes the planning process more challenging.  Dick reported that WIA's  Title I (Job Training Partnership Act or JTPA) has completed a draft of the Title I (JTPA) state plan, which can be reviewed on the MDES internal web.  Dick reported that the site is accessible.  Public comments on the draft plan will be accepted for the next thirty days.  Dick stated that there may be some new funding opportunities for Centers under title I, and Dick encouraged Council members and Centers to review this draft and to submit comments.  Dick estimated that the Rehabilitation Services state plan would be completed in about six months.  He added that he is not anticipating major changes in the Rehabilitation Services regulations.

Dick reported that the Minnesota Job Bank's telephone access was recently upgraded. He also reported that the increase in state funding for SSB was in place, and that SSB will continue efforts to eliminate order of selection; e.g., some of SSB's rehab services consumers have been moved onto the IL caseload.  In response to a question, Dick explained that IL consumers are not on order of selection, and that the $800,000 increase in state funding will bring additional dollars into IL.

Quarterly Meeting

Rand reported that during his meeting with Mick and Dick, discussion focused on IL fund distribution.  Meetings on this matter will continue.

Task Force Update

Rand announced that Cory will now serve as Chair.  Rand reported that he asked Marty to join the task force, which she has consented to do.  In addition to Marty and Cory, the Attachment 14 Task Force consists of Connie, Cara, David Hancox, and Rand.

RSB Update

Mick reported that a meeting was held with Commissioner Earl Wilson regarding IL fund distribution.

Mick stated that there is a mini cabinet site on the net, and an additional site on the Governor's Workforce Development initiatives.  Mick also reported that the Red Lake 121 Project received a new five year grant, and he expressed his pleasure with this award.

121 Project Update

Connie reported that she will be attending the Region V Rehabilitation Continuing Education Project (RCEP) Conferenceon September 16-18, and was the keynote speaker at today's kick-off.  She is pleased that Minnesota was selected as the site for the first 121 Project RCEP Conference.  Connie reported that she will be Treva Roanhorse, President of the Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation  (CANAR) will be present, as well as representatives from New York, Montana, South Dakota, Illinois, Minnesota, Washington and Wisconsin.  Connie announced that she will be in Seattle during the second week of October for CANAR and other business.

Connie provided several comments on her 121 Project grant award.   Her application received a score of 100% in the peer review process.  (Congratulations Connie!)  Funding will be $275,000 during the first year; in addition, a 3.8% cost of living increase was awarded.

Connie reported on the RSA review of her 121 project; which went very well. She thanked SSB and  RSB employees for their attendance, comments and support during the review process.  Chairman Whitefeather also sent thank-you letters for the state's assistance.  Connie stated that she felt very fortunate to have a strong and positive working relationship with state VR and IL.

Connie announced that she recently attended a forum and board meeting at Options, as well as the Freedom CIL annual meeting.  She reported that she will be serving on a Workforce Investment Board.  Connie will also be serving as an advisor to Leach Lake on developing a 121 Project.  There are currently fifty-one 121 Projects nationally, with Minnesota having six of these projects.

FFY 2000 SILC Calendar

Discussion preceded the setting of the upcoming SILC calendar.  Regarding the attainment of SPIL goals, Lois and Rand will meet next week to work on committee assignments.  FFY 2000 meeting dates are as follows:  October 14, November 18, December 9, no January meeting, February 10, no March meeting, April 13, no May meeting, June 8, no July meeting, August 10, and September 14.  A discussion ensued on evening and weekend meetings.  Cory moved that one evening and one Saturday meeting be conducted during FFY 2000.  Lois seconded, and the motion carried.  The Education Committee will determine the out state meeting, which will most likely be conducted on a Friday and Saturday.

SILC Congress 2000

Rand reported that the next SILC Congress will be held on January 3-6 in San Diego.  He noted that delegates will need to be authorized by each state's SILC to vote on behalf of their respective Councils.  Rand stated that he would like two representatives from the Minnesota SILC to attend.  Cara so moved, naming Rand and Cory as Minnesota's delegates, and Connie seconded.  The motion carried.  Karen and Lois volunteered to serve as alternates.

Committee Reports

Cara reported for the Advocacy Committee.  Brad has found a designer for the SILC web site.  This web will include numerous resource links, but the committee is still open to suggestions.  Marty will continue her research on outreach via technology.  The SILC site will include minutes and an application.  A new logo is under consideration, which may also become the logo for the SILC's letterhead.  The site will also have a hit counter.

Cory reported for the Finance Committee.  A conference call was conducted for discussion regarding the fifteen proposals received in response to the SILC-MDES RFP.  Cory announced that the Finance Committee had two recommendations for grants. Cory first recommended a $25,000 grant be awarded to SMILES for the expansion of rural outreach via technology.  Lois so moved, and Terry seconded.  The motion carried with Cara abstaining.  Cory next recommended that $25,000 be awarded to Metro CIL for outreach to the Latino/Hispanic communities.  Lois so moved, and RoseAnn seconded.  The motion carried, with Cara abstaining.

Connie commented on the grant review process, stating that she felt it was "very democratic." 

Lois reported on SPIL Committee activities.  The four public hearings were conducted as planned, but not all the minutes were completed at this time.  She added that Connie, Terry, Cory and she will be reviewing all notes and minutes to determine future assignments in response to consumers' comments.  She stated that next year's public hearings will be conducted at Metro CIL, SMILES, SEMCIL, and CILNM.

Cory announced that the next meeting of the "Attachment Fourteen Task Force" will be on October 13, from6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Midway Sheraton.

Next Meeting, Adjournment

The next meeting will be on October 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Midway Sheraton.  The September meeting of the SILC adjourned at 2:30 p.m.