Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council"Creating the future of Independent Living through guidance and direction from people with disabilities"
January 22nd, 2009
Meeting Location: Minneapolis Gateway Hotel
Members Present: Ann Zick, Connie Lee Berg, Roberta Cich, Judy Sanders, Jeffrey Nurick, Larry Lura, James Oneill, Barbara Chromy, Julia Washenberger, Vicki Dalle Molle and Ann Roscoe.
Members Absent: Hulet Sherry.
Staff Present: Brad Westerlund, Gail Lundeen and Linda Lingen.
Approval of December 2008 Minutes and January 2009 Agenda
Roberta Cich asked if there were any revisions to the December 11, 2008 minutes. Linda Lingen was present at the meeting, but her name was not listed. Judy Sanders moved to approve the minutes as revised. Vicki Dalle Molle seconded. The motion carried. Roberta asked if there were any changes or additions to the January agenda. Judy asked that the visitor's comments be moved to the announcements section of the agenda. Vicki moved that the January agenda be approved as revised. Connie seconded. The motion carried. There was no further discussion.
Issues, Announcements, and Correspondence
Anne Roscoe mentioned that the Disability Aging Summit will take place on March 5th and 6th, 2009. The summit will take place at the River Center in St. Paul. The two-day event will focus on the challenges facing aging and disability. Invitations will be sent to those members who request one. Anne asked that members contact her regarding attendance to the summit.
Linda Lingen invited members to the 40 year anniversary celebration of the "Talking Book." The celebration will take place on February 4th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.
The event will include a showing of the history of the talking book. Judy and Linda stated that Minnesota was the first state to have this type of service available to the public.
Westerlund supplied the Council with a handout of member start dates, term limits, and present openings. Lundeen will broadcast member opening information to community resources and submit an article to Access Press.
SILC members were given a packet of SILC information and encouraged personally invite people to apply for the SILC.
Connie Lee Berg mentioned that Red Lake is working on their 121 project grant reapplication. There is a May 12 deadline.
Review of 2009 Meeting Dates
Brad reminded members of the upcoming meeting dates of the SILC. The following is the current list of dates for 2009. This schedule has been posted in the state register, and has also been distributed to the SILC and Centers.
| DATE | LOCATION | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| October 9th | Minneapolis Gateway Hotel | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| November 13th | Minneapolis Gateway Hotel | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| December 11th | Minneapolis Gateway Hotel | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| January 22nd and 23rd | Four Points Sheraton | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
| February | No Meeting | |
| March 12th | Minneapolis Gateway Hotel | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| April 9th | Minneapolis Gateway Hotel | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| May 14th and 15th | Mankato | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
| June 11th | Minneapolis Gateway Hotel | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| July | No Meeting | |
| August 13th | Minneapolis Gateway Hotel | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| September 10th | Minneapolis Gateway Hotel | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
Roberta mentioned that she has contacted Alan Augustin, SMILES Executive Director, and has discussed meeting arrangements with him. Alan was pleased that the SILC had chosen Mankato as the location of their two day out-state meeting. Roberta will follow up with him to discuss whether the SILC will meet at the Center or the hotel. Brad will contact the hotel in Mankato and make the necessary room reservations.
Discussion followed regarding the current SILC meeting location, and whether or not the SILC should look into other possible hotel facilities. Council members have noticed a decline in the cleanliness of the hotel and wonder if it is time to look at other options for meeting space. Brad informed members that they have a contract with the Gateway hotel that runs until the end of June. At that time, the SILC could choose another hotel. Brad and Linda will look into other hotels in the area and will report back to the full council in March.
Financial Update
Ann Zick reported that $31,961 remains in the current Operating budget, $4,676 in the Education/Training budget, and $12,000 in the SPIL/Outreach budget. Discussion followed regarding financial reports, and how often the SILC would like to receive and review budget documents.
Vicki moved that the council receive quarterly budget reports in writing, and to also include last year's budget as a reference. Discussion followed.
Jim asked for an amendment to the motion, to include budget information from the past two year's reports. Vicki and others commented that they do not believe this would show much as far as a trend, and would not be necessary to add this as part of the motion. Jim withdrew his amendment to the original motion. The motion carried, with one opposed.
SILC Membership and Recruitment
Brad discussed the current SILC composition and informed members of current vacancies and who was up for reappointment this year. Brad informed members that he will be meeting with the Governor's office in February, and reminded the SILC that they need to start recruiting new members. Roberta mentioned rural areas should be a strong focus in our SILC member recruitment efforts. Connie mentioned we need to look at gaps geographically and by representation.
Ann Roscoe mentioned the importance of cultural diversity. The following is the current status of SILC membership and vacancies:
Vicki: Reappointed to second term.
Connie: Reappointed to second term.
Judy Sanders: Reappointed to a second term.
Parents: Legal Guardian: vacant
Advocate: Hulet is awaiting second term appointment.
Advocate: Ann Zick reappointed
Advocate: Larry Lura will serve through June 30th and will be off the council for at least one year, before he can reapply.
Advocate: Vacant
Chair: Roberta's term expires 1/09 but will continue either until replaced or reappointment
Julia (NEEDS TO RESUBMIT as term ended 1/09)
Barbara: Reapplying to second full term.
Other: vacancy
Business: vacancy
Ex Officio: Ann Roscoe expires 2011
Gail Lundeen will email out recruitment information previously discussed, via email.
704 Discussion
Brad asked if the council wanted the entire 704 read, or just the sections that were emailed out prior to the meeting, including comments for each section. The SILC agreed that just the emailed sections should be read.
Moved by Judy accepted in its entirety as our 704 report. Seconded by Jim O'Neill. Motion carried.
Brad will complete revisions tonight and will send to all SILC members via email. Final date for comment is Monday.
Motion made to adjourn by Jim O'Neill. Motion seconded by Jeffrey Nurick. Motion opposed by Connie.
Discussion regarding committee meetings. Committee meetings were called opposite of this meeting. Committee reports will be done tomorrow morning. Motion carried to adjourn.
Agenda items remaining will be addressed on 1/23.
Visitor's Comments
There were no visitor comments at the January 22nd meeting.
Adjournment
The January 22nd, 2009 meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
January 23rd, 2009
Meeting Location: Minneapolis Gateway Hotel
Members Present: Ann Zick, Connie Lee Berg, Roberta Cich, Jeffrey Nurick, Larry Lura, James Oneill, Barbara Chromy, Julia Washenberger, and Ann Roscoe.
Members Absent: Hulet Sherry, Vicki Dalle Molle, Judy Sanders and Julia Washenberger.
Staff Present: Brad Westerlund, Gail Lundeen and Linda Lingen.
704 Report Follow-up and Approval
Brad reminded members that the 704 report is due to RSA on January 31, 2009. Brad told members that the changes that were discussed yesterday, will be made to the final report and submitted to the SILC for final review. Brad will email out the report to the council, and they will need to provide feedback by Monday, January 26th. Brad will be meeting with Kim Peck and Chuk Hamilton to discuss the changes made to the 704. Kim and Chuk will sign off on the report next week.
DEED Update
Brad reminded members that David will not be able to attend today's meeting, and that David sends his hello to everyone. Brad provided the following DEED report.
The Extended Employment (EEBASIC) RFP was published in October 2008 and proposals were due on December 5th. The decision criteria for the RFP emphasize providing supported employment services to unserved/underserved geographic areas and populations.
DEED received a total of eight proposals from current EE providers. A summary of these proposals follows:
FUNCTIONAL INDUSTRIES: Supported employment services to transition age youth in rural Wright and Sherburne Counties and bordering rural areas of Meeker, McLeod and/or Hennepin Counties.
Collaborating RAM: Skip Wittrock
Funding requested: $64,800
GOODWILL EASTER SEALS OF ST. PAUL: (1) Supported employment services in Big Stone, LacQui Parle, and Swift Counties; and (2) supported employment services Kandiyohi County targeting transition age youth, people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI), and people with criminal histories.
Collaborating RAM: Kris Tone
Funding requested: $103,500
MRCI: Single site supported employment services to Waseca and Steel Counties.
Collaborating RAMs: Dick Graff, Jeanne Witty
Funding requested: $72,000
RESOURCE, INC: Supported employment services to Lake County for people with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), cognitive disabilities, and mental health disabilities.
Collaborating RAM: Roland Root
Funding requested: $62,899
RISE INCORPORATED: Supported employment services to youth and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders, especially Asperger's syndrome in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, primarily Hennepin County.
Collaborating RAM: Thant Pearson
Funding requested: $76,140
TASKS UNLIMITED: Supported employment services for persons with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) with significant criminal histories resulting from poor mental health symptom management. Services to be provided in Hennepin County, primarily Minneapolis, with service availability in Ramsey, Anoka, and Dakota Counties.
Collaborating RAM: Ken Lundquist
Funding requested: $71,820
STATEWIDE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL MEMBERS
RE: Update on EEBASIC Request for Proposals (RFP) Process
WACOSA: Supported employment services delivered via service hub in Paynesville to include parts of Meeker, Kandiyohi, and Stearns Counties targeting persons currently not receiving services in Paynesville area including transition age youth and adults with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, traumatic brain injury and Asperger's Syndrome.
Collaborating RAM: Skip Wittrock
Funding requested: $58,320
WINONA ORC INDUSTRIES: Supported employment services to Wabasha County focusing on persons with mental illness.
Collaborating RAM: Jodi Yanda
Funding requested: $72,000
An RFP review group will meet on Wednesday and Thursday, February 25th and 26th at DEED headquarters in the 1st National Bank Building, 332 Minnesota Street, St. Paul. The EE Rule requires that the review group include members who represent Vocational Rehabilitation staff, EE providers, County Social Service agencies, racial and ethnic minorities, and advocacy organizations that do not have a conflict of interest in reviewing the proposals. We anticipate that decisions on the proposals will be finalized with contracts in place by mid-March.
If you have any questions about the EEBASIC RFP please contact Wendy Keller by phone at 651-259-7376 or via email at Wendy.Keller@state.mn.us.
RS Management made a decision to fund 2nd year of the RS-IL collaboration at the first year level. Department staff will conduct site visits with each of the Centers to participate in discussion and dialogue with local collaborators.
IL Update
RS Management made a decision to fund 2nd year of the RS-IL collaboration at the first year level. Department staff will conduct site visits with each of the Centers to participate in discussion and dialogue with local collaborators.
Kim Peck communicated the funding decision and recommendation for site visits in an email to Center Directors.
SILC Congress
Westerlund, Cich, Nurick, and Oneill attended the SILC Congress in January. The focus of the Congress was the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act. New members found the ‘SILC 101' training very useful. They suggested that, in the future, experienced Council members attend the SILC 101 training in order to explain some the topics discussed.
Committee Notes
The SILC annual report and conference committee notes are included as attachments to the minutes.
Announcements
Roberta reminded SILC members that they need to be mindful when talking to legislators, that any comments or opinions expressed are those as an individual, and not as a representative of the SILC.
Red Lake is currently working on a grant application to RSA. The deadline for the application is May 12th, 2009. Red Lake has met with RS and SSB to demonstrate their collaborative efforts. Connie Lee Berg will be taking grant writing classes in Flagstaff, San Diego and Las Vegas. Red Lake has set an earlier target date for submitting the grant application. Connie also mentioned that Red Lake has been asked to give a presentation in Alaska regarding their 121 project. Ann Zick asked Connie if at some point she would be willing to present to the SILC on this topic.
Barb Chromy informed the SILC that she hasn't been receiving emails from the council. Brad will check her email address and will also send paper copies of all SILC materials.
Visitor's Comments
There were no visitor comments at the January 23rd meeting.
Adjournment
The January 23rd, 2009 meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m.
ATTACHMENT 1: SILC Conference Committee (1/22/2009)
ATTACHMENT 2: SILC Conference Committee (1/23/2009)
ATTACHMENT 3: SILC Annual Report Committee
