Minutes for April 13, 2000

Location: Midway Sheraton, St. Paul

Present: Rand Stenhjem, Cory Heit, Caryl Wattman, Hulet Sherry, Ann Zick, Joe Ascheman, Cliff Miller, Connie Berg, Judy Sanders, Bill Bauer, Brad Westerlund, Carl Bryngelson, Howard Glad, Kim Rezek, Roseann Faber, Rosemary Laberge, Marty Bergland, Sharon Johnson.

Absent: Rick Cardenas, Terry Graff (excused), Cara Ruff (excused), Bonnie Elsey (excused), Maureen Pranghofer (excused), Phyllis Coppess. 

Guests: Candy Robertson, Patti Gordon, Susan Boinis, Ted Siebert, David Hancox, David Schwartzkopf.

Call to Order

The April 13, 2000 meeting of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) was called to order at 9:10 a.m. by Rand Stenhjem, Chair. Introductions of SILC members and guests followed.

Approval of February Minutes and April Agenda

The February 11-12, 2000 meeting minutes were approved as written.  Revisions to the April agenda included the addition of a discussion regarding the DSU - SILC administrative agreement.

121 Project Update

For the benefit of the Council's new members, Connie provided an explanation of what a 121 Project is, and informed these members that Red Lake's 121 Project was the first such program to be established in Region V.  Connie reported on her appreciation dinner, which was conducted on March twenty-ninth in Red Lake. The dinner was a celebration of the Red Lake 121 Project's successes, a show of respect to tribal elders and student volunteers, a tribute to the Red Lake Nation's year of cultural renewal, and a thanks to the many individuals and organizations with whom the 121 Project networks and collaborates.

Connie announced that she has hired a new VR Counselor, Meagan Hart, and that one of her counselors will soon be recognized for five years of service to the 121 Project.  She also announced that Chairman White Feather signed a collaboration agreement with State VR services on March thirtieth.  Connie reported that she was recently appointed to the Headwaters Regional Development Commission.  She also recently participated in a SSA/PASS training, and conducted a presentation at the St. Cloud Civic Center.

Connie reported that she has been communicating with Development Associates, Inc., which is a government consulting firm for RSA.  She reported that the Red Lake 121 Project's close collaboration with the Rehabilitation Services Branch is unique, and receiving national attention; thus, Development Associates, Inc. will be studying and emphasizing this positive working relationship.

State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) Update

Due to Maureen's absence, there was no SRC report this month.

State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind (SRCB) Update

Roseann reported that the SRCB met on April first, and that there were some new appointees to the Council.  The SRCB continued work on committee restructuring, and a new committee has been created to work specifically with children.

Bonnie Elsey provided her first presentation as Acting Assistant Commissioner to the SRCB.  The SRCB raised a number of concerns with Bonnie regarding the "Mini Cabinet" report; specifically, the issue was the placement of State Services for the Blind (SSB) Independent Living (IL) services.  In brief, no one on the SRCB supported moving IL to another department.

Visitors' Comments

There were no comments this month from the SILC's audience.

State Services for the Blind (SSB) Update

In Bonnie's absence, Judy provided a brief biography on SSB's Acting Assistant Commissioner.  She reported that Bonnie has been studying the numerous services for people who are blind or partially sighted.  Judy reported on an interesting turn of events in Nebraska. It appears that Nebraska's unicameral legislature created an independent department for blind services.  She also reported that the "Twenty-first Century Plan" recently received a significant ($200,000) grant from the Bigelow foundation, which now brings the plan to the half-way mark for matching funds.

Upcoming IL Conferences

Bill announced that he recently received a preliminary agenda for this year's National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) annual national conference, which will be conducted during the last week of July in Washington, D.C.Bill stated that, to date, the agenda appears to be largely "IL 101," but he will advise the SILC of any revisions to the conference's agenda.  Bill also reported that Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) with the Texas Institute on Rehabilitation Research in Houston, and NCIL will be conducting a two day workshop in August on State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) development. Bill stated that work will need to begin in January 2001 for Minnesota's new SPIL, and that he plans to attend this ILRU-NCIL workshop, which will focus on providing the "best" practices from all of the current state plans.  (Why reinvent the Wheel?)  The workshop will be held in New Orleans.

SILC Sponsorship of "Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Tenth Anniversary"

To mark the tenth anniversary of the ADA, a celebration is planned for this June.  The event's planners; which include Metro CIL, the Courage Center, the State Council on Disability, the Epilepsy Foundation, ARC Minnesota; are seeking sponsors.  This one day event will be held in the Metro area, and will be telecast statewide.  Ted Kennedy, Jr. has been signed as the event's keynote speaker. David Hancox, Executive Director of the Metro Center for Independent Living, asked if the SILC would be interested in providing a $1000 sponsorship.  The event will be conducted on July twenty-sixth, and the Courage Center will serve as fiscal agent. In response to a question, Hancox stated that sponsorship dollars will be utilized for Kennedy's "speaker's" fees, entertainers' stipends, occupancy, and other related expenses.  Vendors will be paying display fees.  Hancox reported that the total cost for this event is budgeted at $28,000.  There are no admission fees.   Questions, answers and discussion followed.  Cory expressed concerns that $1000 might better be used to provide direct services to consumers.  Caryl moved, Sharon seconded, that the SILC contribute $1000 to the ADA ten year anniversary event.  Discussion followed. In response to a question as to what the SILC would receive vis a vis visibility for a $1000 contribution, Hancox stated that the SILC's name would be displayed on a "sponsors board," and would appear or be heard in all radio, television and print promotions; the $1000 contribution would not, however, include a display table, which would cost the SILC an additional $150.  Sharon asked to amend the original motion to include, for the $1000 contribution, free table space for the SILC to provide information on the Council's activities.  The motion was thusly amended, and carried.

DSU-SILC Administrative Agreement

Rand noted that the written DSU-SILC administrative agreement has not been reviewed, revised and signed since 1997.  (A copy of this agreement is enclosed for Council and DSU members' review.)  The SILC will discuss revision proposals and vote on this agreement during the June meeting. 

SILC Secretary

Rand stated the, with Karen's term recently being completed, the SILC presently does not have a Secretary.  An ad hoc committee consisting of three SILC members was formed during the February meeting, and was assigned the task of compiling a list of nominees for the positions of Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and Member at Large. Rand commented that although Bill has written the minutes for over four years, the by-laws require a secretary.  Rand turned the decision over to SILC members as to whether the Council would continue to have a secretary. Discussion followed, which included Connie's observation that while the Secretary is busy taking minutes, he or she may not be able to fully participate in Council matters and discussions.

Rehabilitation Services Branch (RSB) Update

Howard Glad, RSB Assistant Commissioner, announced that he was pleased to be working with the SILC, and looked forward to getting to know all of the Council's members.  Howard provided a brief biography, which included his work; e.g., Chief Operating Officer of a Minneapolis law firm, retired Navy Officer, and Assistant Commissioner of the Workforce System.  One of Howard's areas of expertise is organizational development.  Howard commented that Rehabilitation Services has become a real leader in Minnesota's one-stop system.  He stated that he looks forward to becoming a participating member of the SILC.

Howard reported that he had just returned from a Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) conference, which was conducted in Washington D.C. He noted that CSAVR's stand, in the past, has been to resist any collaborative/cooperative service provision in the delivery of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services, but those days are reaching an end.  In fact, the conference's keynote speaker was not with VR.  Howard provided a summary of this opening speech.  (Please see CSAVR enclosures.)  The keynote speaker's bottom-line message was to get all of the partners in one room and give them room to operate.  Howard also provided a summary of Fred Schroeder's CSAVR presentation.  (See enclosure.) Schroeder's primary point was that there has never been a time as good as now to be a person with a disability who is looking for a job.

Howard also commented on the longitudinal study of VR programs/services.  (For a summary of the draft papers, please see the enclosure.)  Howard commented that Minnesota has a workforce shortage, and there is more of a demand for VR services than we can afford to provide.  Unfortunately, Minnesota's public VR program is now confronted with a 1.2% decrease in funding, or approximately $601,000, and those states that received an increase got less than a cost of living allowance.

Howard reported that there was nothing to announce, at this time, regarding the CIL funding distribution formula.  He stated, however, that we are getting close, and the Department's perspectives would be provided well in advance of the June SILC meeting.

A question and answer session followed, and Howard explained why Minnesota's VR program, and five other states, received cuts.  Funding criteria include population growth or decline, and per capita income.  Minnesota has one of the nation's highest per capita incomes, but no significant population increase.  Howard stated that there is presently an initiative before the U.S. Senate to restore VR funding to those states receiving cuts; however, there is no such initiative on the House side.  Discussion followed.

Southeastern Minnesota Center for Independent Living (SEMCIL) Presentation

David Schwartzkopf, Executive Director of SEMCIL, distributed information on the organization, and announced that SEMCIL will be celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year.  David stated that there are three parts to SEMCIL. The first is the Center for Independent Living.  The second is Personal Assistance Services (PAS).  The third is the home health-care program, which is a separate not-for-profit organization.  The total revenue of these three units is approximately $4.0 million annually with most of that revenue being generated by PAS.  SEMCIL is also a United Way organization.

SEMCIL provides the mandatory core IL services (advocacy, peer counseling, IL skills training, information and referral assistance), as well as ADA technical assistance, accessibility/home modifications (through Community Development Block Grant funds), technology training and housing referrals.  David stated that the technology program has trained forty people with disabilities to date, and that the training is provided by people with disabilities.

Rand asked why SEMCIL has more money than any other CIL in the state, and David replied it was through fees for services.  SEMCIL has roughly 320 staff, of which twenty-seven are CIL employees.  SEMCIL has branch offices in Winona and Red Wing.  SEMCIL will soon have its own domain on the web: www.SEMCIL.org.

Marty spoke positively about SEMCIL's assistance with her IL Bachelor degree program, that SEMCIL's PAS is considered a national model, and of the organization's past leadership.  Bill commented on the astronomical cost of providing PAS, and the initial problems with billing that PAS providers always encounter, which can make PAS a highly risky business if it is initiated with insufficient capital.

Nominations and Elections of SILC Officers

Nominees for Chair were Rand and Connie.  Rand withdrew from the race, and called three times for nominations from the floor.  Roseann moved, Rosemary seconded, that nominations for Chair be closed, and that Connie be elected Chair by acclimation.  The motion carried.

Nominees for Vice Chair were Marty Bergland and Caryl Wattman.  There followed three calls for nominations from the floor. Cory nominated Rand.  There were no other nominations from the floor.  Caryl requested that her name be withdrawn from the list of nominees.  It was moved and seconded that nominations for Vice Chair be closed. Rand then requested that Connie Chair the meeting during the election of the Vice Chair.  Rand was elected Vice Chair.

Nominees for Treasurer were Terry and Cory, and the Chair called three times for nominations from the floor.  Hearing no additional nominations from the floor, nominations for Treasurer were closed.  Cory was elected Treasurer.

Rand called three times for floor nominations for the position of Secretary.  Joe Ascheman nominated himself, and was elected.

Member at Large nominees were Cara and Roseann.  After three calls, there were no nominations from the floor.  Roseann was elected Member at Large.

Committee Reports

Ann reported for the Education Committee, which began with an evaluation summary of the February training.  According to these evaluations, the training was successful.  Ann reported that efforts were continuing to conduct a joint SILC - State Council on Disability meeting.  Plans for this joint session include thirty minute presentations on precisely what these two councils do.  Ann announced that she will be receiving materials from all eight Centers regarding the services each CIL provides beyond the required core services.  She reported that an orientation program for new SILC members is planned for the evening of June seventh; i.e., the night prior to the regular June meeting.  Cory recommended that all SILC committee chairs attend this orientation to inform new members of each committee's responsibilities.  It was also recommended that Bill provide a history of the IL Movement during this orientation.  Ann reported that Hulet will be joining the Education Committee.

Caryl reported on the activities of the Advocacy Committee.  The SILC web site is nearing completion, which will include SILC members' names, Minnesota CIL links, as well as links to numerous other organizations and information regarding disability-related matters.  Caryl reported that Marty is continuing her research on IL services in Minnesota, and will soon be interviewing staff from SSB and the Developmental Disabilities Council.  Work will begin in July or August on senior issues.  Caryl announced that the Advocacy Committee would welcome additional members.  Rand stated that Connie will have the authority to move committee members wherever she wants them.

Cory reported for the Finance Committee.  He stated that the SILC may have as much as $20,000 in carry-over funds this year, and recommended that these dollars remain in the SILC account until decisions are made during the upcoming RFP process.  Bill cautioned Cory and the Council on this figure - noting that some significant bills had not yet been posted as of the March 1 date of the financial report.  Bill added that the $20,000 could be less or more by the end of the Federal Fiscal Year, and depended upon the outcomes of the Part B grants.  Cory next discussed a request from Bob Zimmerman for $1005.50 which would be utilized for the application fee to get the Minnesota Ramp Project's modular ramp design nationally  certified.  Such a certification would eliminate "red tape" at modular ramp construction sites nationally.  Sharon moved Caryl seconded, that the SILC award $1005.50 for national certification of Minnesota's modular ramp design.  Rand again asked Connie to assume the responsibilities of Chair, and a lengthy discussion ensued.  A roll-call vote followed: Joe Ascheman, no; Roseann Faber, yes; Cory Heit, yes; Sharon Johnson, yes; Rosemary Laberge, yes; Hulet Sherry, yes; Rand Stenhjem, no; Caryl Wattman, yes.  The motion carried.

Cory reported on the task force, and announced that there was consensus among all members.  A public hearing on new Centers, the proposed distribution formula, and the required SPIL amendments will be conducted in May.  All council members will be receiving the distribution plan in the next mailing, and a vote will be taken during the June meeting.  The distribution plan will also be sent to MACIL members for written comments.  Cory announced that base funding for all eight Centers will be $500,000, but the next new CIL will be placed in the Metro area.

Sharon reported for the SPIL Committee.  Connie and Terry will assist Bill with this year's on-site compliance reviews and monitorings.  Planning for the new SPIL (FFY 2002-2004) was begun and, as has been the practice in the past, input will be sought from the eight Centers early in the process.  The upcoming public hearing was also discussed.

Announcements

On April 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. the "Aware Fair" will be conducted at the Maple Wood Mall.  There will be booths, displays and representatives from organizations serving people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

With the SILC elections and new members, it was announced that a new SILC roster will be included in the next mailing.  Brad asked all Council members to inform him ASAP if there were any changes in telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, or mailing addresses.

Next Meeting, Adjournment

The next regular meeting of the SILC will be Thursday, June 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, 11 East Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul.  (Please note this change in hotels.) Rand extended his thanks to the SILC for their assistance throughout his tenure as SILC Chair.  The April meeting adjourned at 2:35 p.m.