Minutes for May 15, 2003

Meeting Location: Four Points Midway Sheraton, St. Paul

Present: Lois Johnson, Mark Eggen, Karen Larson, Sharon Johnson, Phyllis Coppess, Bryan Jensen, RoseAnn Faber, Ann Zick, Linda Lingen, Bill Bauer, Brad Westerlund.

Absent: Janiece Duffy (excused), Cory Heit (excused), Mary Pennington, Clarence Jones.

Guests: Christina Tollefson, Terry Nye, Gene Boyington, Carol Flesner, Dave Sams, Locky Johnson, Cara Ruff, Melissa Grerems, Heather Carstensen, Angie Cunningham, Kim Jahnke, Karen Thielman, Jody Euteneuer.

Call to Order

The May 15, 2003 meeting of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Lois Johnson, chairperson. Introductions of council members and guests followed.

Approval of April Minutes and May Agenda

David Hancox questioned the use of the words "purely symbolic" in the April minutes. Discussion followed. The April minutes were approved as written. The only revision to the May agenda was to move visitors' comments to the top of the agenda. The May agenda was approved as revised.

Visitors Comments

One individual commented on CIL support services and the need for funding from all possible sources. The Marshall Center's ramp project was praised. The same person warned everyone of the negative outcomes of a thirty percent cut in State IL dollars. This individual also discussed the legislature's question regarding CIL's duplicating services, and concluded with the need for all to be united in our support of Centers. Three visitors commented on how CIL services assisted them to become and remain independent. One visitor discussed the on-the-job training she received from a CIL, and how the Center assisted her in moving into her own apartment. One visitor commented on how Centers are frequently the "watchdogs" of other service-providers.

Cara Ruff stated that the SILC member's use of the words "purely symbolic" during the April 2003 meeting was a "slap in the face." Ms. Ruff added that she hoped the SILC would stand behind the Centers efforts to recapture state dollars, and the Council's own vote concerning the use of Part B dollars. She questioned where people with disabilities would receive services should State IL funds be significantly decreased. Sharon Johnson stated that all of the Part B dollars cannot be turned over to the Centers solely by a vote of the SILC. She added that the SILC has adopted a "wait and see" approach on the matter until everything is finalized in the legislature. Karen Larson commented that it is her impression that the Center directors appear to think that council members have no idea what Centers and Center services are about. Ms. Larson advised the Center directors that such thoughts are incorrect. She added that she will do everything in her power to ensure that IL services continue, and that Minnesotans with disabilities continue to be deinstitutionalized.

Bryan Jensen initiated a discussion regarding Centers becoming "just another service-provider." Bill Bauer stated that this concern has become a topic of debate nationwide.

Lois Johnson thanked the visitors for their comments.

State Rehabilitation Council Update

Lois Johnson reported that the SRC submitted a letter of support for CIL services to key legislators. She stated that the SRC is interested in learning what the cost to the State will be if IL funds are cut. David Hancox referred Ms. Johnson to MACIL's "Attachment B." Lois Johnson stated that she would pass a copy of this attachment to the SRC.

State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind Update

RoseAnn Faber reported that the last meeting of the SRCB was held on April 3. MDES commissioner Harry Mares was in attendance. The new SRCB chairperson, Rod Howard, reviewed SRCB's roles and responsibilities as described in the Act. Some new committees are under consideration. As with the other councils in the state, new SRCB members have not been appointed to date. It was discovered that telephone participation by council members is not permitted under law. The SRCB will be seeking an exemption to this rule.

Developmental Disabilities Council Update

Ann Zick provided the DD Council report.

Bengt Nirje came to Minnesota, and the DD Council provided him with an award for his work on deinstitutionalization.

Thirty-five people attended a Partners graduate workshop on the Minnesota Data Practices Act. Don Gemberling and Katie Engler were the presenters -- both are with the Information Policy Analysis office of the Department of Administration. Don & Katie are interested in offering this workshop to other groups. This workshop is highly participatory and it works well with adult learners.

The DD Council sent a letter to the National Governor's Association regarding the newly appointed Medicaid Reform Commission of NGA. Several ideas were offered on changes needed to ensure that Medicaid supports individuals with disabilities in the most integrated setting.

The DD Council has been actively involved in generating a response to the House version of IDEA. One of the DD Council's grant recipients hosted a meeting of three minority communities to discuss IDEA concerns with Senator Dayton's staff.

Legislative Update

David Hancox commented on the success the Centers have experienced during this session. Several legislators have dubbed the $1.325 million reinstated in the house budget for Centers as the "MN Miracle." Mr. Hancox praised the thousands of consumers statewide who either wrote letters or traveled, generally at their own expense, to St. Paul to provide testimony. Eight-thousand letters statewide were sent by consumers to the house and senate. In addition, so many consumers attended one senate hearing that the Sergeant at Arms was required to distribute tickets. MACIL participated in the "CCD Day." Consumers also were present at airports as Governor Pawlenty traveled around the state. Mr. Hancox stated that this turnaround (from $00 to $1.325 million) would not have happened but for the support of consumers. Center executive directors also made numerous trips to the capitol. Centers collaborated with MDES as requests for information came from committees. David Hancox reported that there was support from Governor Pawlenty's staff, and he reported that at least one of these staff stated that nobody wants to see the Centers "go away," and, "If anyone messes with you, we want to hear about it."

Mr. Hancox reported that both human services bills from the two houses require a joint study by MDES, the Centers and DHs to determine means for maximizing Federal dollars. A written report on these findings will be submitted to the legislature. Mr. Hancox stated that he was assured that the intent behind this study is to ensure IL funding continues in the future.

David Hancox reported that there is another amendment to the house health and human services bill by representative Abler. Another study is required to "create more efficient government." The participants in this study are the SCD, DD Council, Centers et alia to identify greater collaboration through office sharing. David Hancox reported that a side-by-side chart was developed by the above-named entities that identified functions, missions, populations served and funding; nonetheless, representative Abler went ahead with his amendment.

A question was asked regarding Centers' ability to bill Medicaid for IL services. David Hancox stated that this was generally not the case.

David Hancox commented on the importance of networking with legislators. SILC members were again encouraged to write to their legislators.

Publicizing the Out-state Meeting

Council members were reminded that the annual out-state training meeting will be June 12-13, 2003 at the Radisson Hotel, St. Cloud. The June 12 training session will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Day two will be the SILC business meeting starting at 9:00 a.m. and concluding at noon. Council members were reminded to advise Brad Westerlund whether they will be attending, what their hotel room needs are, and of any other required accommodations. Bill Bauer and Brad Westerlund will prepare a flyer to be sent to the Centers for posting to publicize this two day meeting. Cara Ruff will be inviting consumers from her Center's service-area.

Preliminary Remarks on the FFY 2005-2007 SPIL

Lois Johnson commented that data from the statewide IL needs survey will be compiled and analyzed prior to the planning and writing of the new SPIL. Bill Bauer emphasized the importance of "Attachment One's" goals and objectives, and that this is the Council's greatest challenge. He encouraged members to be creative and innovative in the planning phases, and to consider some new approaches. Ms. Johnson stated that there will be a two day meeting, most likely in January, to begin planning. Discussion followed regarding the possible elimination of the RFP process. Ms. Johnson advised council members that there will be several two day meetings between January and June 2004.

Announcements, Issues, Correspondence

Lois Johnson drafted a thank you letter for Connie Lee Berg, but the council does not have a forwarding address. It was recommended that this letter be sent to Ms. Berg's PO Box. Brad Westerlund will follow-up. A letter was also drafted, signed and submitted to the NGA task force on Medicaid reform.

A question was raised as to whether a letter from the SILC in support of maintaining Center funding was sent. The letter was drafted by Connie Lee Berg, signed and sent to the governor and key legislators in February.

Comments on the new SILC letterhead were sought. Karen Larson moved, Mark Eggen seconded that the revised letterhead be approved as submitted. Discussion followed, and Sharon Johnson recommended removing the "C/O," utilizing the seal of Minnesota as a watermark, and adding a space before the "creating a future for IL," as well as a space before the address. Karen Larson and Mark Eggen approved the amendment to their motion, which is that the SILC letterhead, with the recommended revisions, be approved. The amended motion carried.

SILC members were advised that the mileage reimbursement rate has changed. The automobile rate is .36 cents per mile. The accessible van rate remains at .50 cents per mile.

Absentee Member

Lois Johnson opened a discussion concerning a council member who has missed more than three consecutive meetings. Council members were advised that this absentee member receives both voice mail and written reminders concerning meetings, but fails to respond. Karen Larson moved, Mark Eggen seconded, that this absentee member be notified in writing to either attend meetings, or resign from the council. There was no further discussion and the motion carried. Bill Bauer will draft and submit this notice.

Committee Reports

Karen Larson reported for the finance committee. The 2004 RFP will seek proposals for creative/innovative outreach services, which may include outreach to businesses for improving accessibility, or outreach to new parents of infants with disabilities, or outreach services pertaining to culture, age, disability or unserved/underserved areas of the state. The finance committee proposes that two grants for up to $30,000 be awarded for FFY 2004. Sharon moved, Phyllis seconded, that the FFY 04 RFP focus on outreach as described above, and that two grants for up to $30,000 be awarded. There was no further discussion and the motion carried.

Karen Larson further reported that the finance committee discussed eligible applicants for the FFY 04 RFP. The finance committee revisited the original purposes for initiating the RFP process, which specifically included a means to encourage innovations in IL. These were to be twelve month grants to test such innovations in IL services in a limited geographical area. The finance committee determined that RFP applications should be restricted to single non profit organizations and that applications submitted by trade groups would not be reviewed. Sharon so moved and Phyllis seconded. There was no discussion and the motion carried. Bill Bauer will attempt to have the first draft of the FFY 2004 RFP materials completed prior to the June 12-13 out-state meeting.

Sharon Johnson reported for the education and advocacy committee. Committee members discussed alternate speakers and the time of day to conduct the tour of ILICIL during the June 12 out-state meeting. The committee determined that if one or more of the planned speakers was unable to attend the June meeting, alternate speakers would be sought in the area of services for older individuals.

Lois Johnson reported that the SPIL committee discussed some initial plans for the FFY 2005-2007 state plan. The bottom-line being there is no reason why the new SPIL cannot be viewed by other states as a "model plan."

Needs Survey Update

Bill Bauer reported that there was a lengthy process and numerous delays surrounding the development of the contract for the University of Minnesota's Survey Center. The process is finalized and the survey is underway.

Next Meeting, Adjournment

The next meeting of the SILC will be the out-state training on June 12-13, 2003 at the St. Cloud Radisson. The May 15 meeting adjourned at 2:05 p.m.