Minutes for August 10, 2000

Meeting Location:  Midway Sheraton, St. Paul

Present:  Connie Lee Berg, Cory Heit, Cara Ruff, Hulet Sherry, Caryl Wattman, Ann Zick, Marty Bergland, Judy Sanders, Carl Bryngelson, Brad Westerlund, Bill Bauer, Kim Rezek, Roseann Faber, Terry Graff, Sharon Johnson, Rosemary Laberge, Rick Cardenas, Joe Ascheman.

Absent:  Maureen Pranghofer (excused), Rand Stenhjem (excused).

Guests:  Candy Robertson, David Hancox, ASL interpreters Patty McCutcheon and Candi Shannon. 

Call to Order: The August 10, 2000 meeting of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Connie Lee Berg, Chair.  Introductions of members and guests followed.

Approval of June Minutes and August Agenda:  Marty requested time in the morning to provide a committee update.  Ann also requested time on the agenda.  Caryl asked for an ADA Celebration update.  The August agenda was approved, as revised, by consensus.  

As to the June minutes, Joe stated that there may have been an interpreter error regarding his reported comments on MCIL’s financial situation.  He stated that his program is not in danger of being cut.  Caryl stated that her name was not included in the “Present” section of the June minutes.  Sharon stated that “Leech Lake” was misspelled in one of the two times it was written.  Joe asked that the italicized “Note to New Members” be removed from the minutes, and a discussion followed.  Sharon commented that the SILC’s minutes are not a transcript of the meeting, but an executive summary; thus, explanatory notes should be acceptable.  Terry stated that explanatory notes can be footnoted, and not be considered as part of the official minutes.  Joe moved that explanatory notes not be placed in future minutes, and that the “Note to New Members” portion of the June minutes be removed.  Following additional discussion, the motion failed due to the lack of a second.  Marty then moved, Caryl seconded, that this matter be tabled until information is gathered on how explanatory notes can be appropriately placed in the minutes.  The motion carried. 

ACT Video:  SILC members were reminded that ACT has a new edition of the organization’s training video, and it was recommended during the June meeting that the SILC purchase a copy or copies for distribution to the Centers.  The price per video is $150.  Discussion followed regarding whether the SILC has a library, whether all eight Centers would want copies, and one member expressed concerns regarding the notion of a “disability culture,” when what many, if not most, people with disabilities want is to simply be viewed as a person first.  Cory moved, Marty seconded, that one copy of the ACT video be purchased for the SILC’s training needs.  Following additional discussion, the motion carried.  Cory then moved that a letter be sent to MACIL requesting whether all eight Centers would like a free copy of the video, and explain how the Centers wanting a copy would use the video.  Discussion followed, and a “friendly amendment” to the motion was suggested.  Cory amended the motion to state that a letter would be sent to each Center’s director asking if s/he would like the SILC to purchase a copy for her/his Center.  Caryl seconded, and the motion carried with Joe and Cara abstaining. 

Farewell to Dr. Bergland: Marty announced that this would be her last meeting, due to some health matters.  She stated that she would be working at home, and that she may contact the SILC regarding future projects.  She included a summary of her last SILC project, which was interviewing Centers regarding unmet disability needs.  She reported that all eight of the Centers’ directors were interviewed.  Marty reported that Connie contacted SSB and other organizations with the same interview questions.  Marty also has questions to which she would like SILC members to respond.  The questions are: 1) What populations or disability issues in your area/s of interest or services are not currently receiving IL assistance? 2) Which disability-related issues are not currently receiving adequate support or attention? and 3) Other than providing money, how could the SILC support the needs or issues you have stated above?  Marty sent her thanks to everyone for their efforts.  Marty said that she would now be working with IL and aging issues.  Connie, Bill and the entire Council sent their thanks to Marty for her dedication to IL and people with disabilities. 

Free CD’s:  Ann Zick provided free copies to all Council members that look at disability from the state hospitals to now.  These free discs were provided by the DD Council.

SRC Update:  Due to Maureen’s absence, there was no SRC report. 

Public Hearing Update:  Bill reported that the statewide public hearing for the SILC-approved CIL funding distribution plan and SPIL amendments would be held on August 17, 2000 at MDES from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Bill announced that he has been receiving phone calls and e-mail comments regarding the plan.  Formatted materials, ASL interpreters and real-time captioning will be at the site, and the latter will provide a transcript of the hearing. 

SRCB Update:  Roseann reported that the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind had planned to meet on August 2, but the meeting was postponed until September 7, which will provide SRCB members an opportunity to compile all of the results from the statewide focus groups.  Representatives from the focus groups will be meeting with MDES administrators prior to the September 7 meeting.

Section Eight Application and Report:  Connie stated that it is the Chair’s responsibility, from time to time, to review and sign various funding-related documents.  She reported that the annual “Section Eight” application and report, which maintains Minnesota’s 723 status, was completed by Bill.  Connie stated that she had reviewed these materials, and that she would be signing this annual application and report. 

RSB, SSB Updates:  Howard and Bonnie were unable to attend the August SILC meeting. 

ADA Tenth Anniversary:  It was reported that the local ADA Tenth Anniversary Celebration was also a recognition of the twenty-fifth anniversary of IDEA.  This local event, conducted on July 26, was coordinated by several organizations, with the State Council on Disability taking the lead.  The event was held at the Ann Sullivan School, which is fully accessible and has a large number of students enrolled with disabilities.  Ted Kennedy, Jr. was the keynote speaker, and there was a variety of informational booths, activities, and entertainment. 

Cara commented that the event was very eclectic, and included some unexpected vendors and groups; e.g., Northwest Airlines sponsored an employment information booth. 

A summary of ADA-related litigation was provided.  It was also discussed that, according to a recent Harris poll, thirty-eight percent of people with disabilities do not register to vote. 

Legislative Update:  David Hancox reported that Minnesota is leading the nation in the number of people with disabilities returning to work.  The Federal government recently initiated a “Return to Work” web at www.ssa.gov/work.  The phone number for technical assistance regarding disability and work in Minnesota is (651) 297-2666, or TTY (651) 296-3900, or (800) 328-9095. 

There is a measure working its way through Congress that would add $75 million to the CIL’s nationwide.  Although not much will be decided regarding this increase before autumn, Council members were asked to contact their Representatives via phone, e-mail, fax or letter supporting these additional dollars.  Discussion followed. 

David stated that MACIL has not yet developed a legislative agenda for State Fiscal Years 2002-2003. 

Caryl moved, Cara seconded, that the SILC submit a letter of support for the CIL $75 million increase.  Discussion followed, and the motion carried.  Connie and Bill will draft the letter. 

Visitors’ Comments:  It was reported that the September MCIL newsletter will include photos from the recent ADA Tenth Anniversary celebration. 

Cara stated that MACIL has not met recently, but has been conducting conference calls.  She reported that Steve Thovson is now the MACIL president.  Cara added that MACIL will be holding a retreat in East Grand Forks sometime in September.

By-law Amendment:  The Federal definition of “conflict of interest” was provided to all Council members in the June mailing.  A discussion followed in which differing opinions regarding the adoption of the Federal definition were aired.  Cory moved, Terry seconded, that the SILC adopt the Federal definition of “conflict of interest” for the by-laws, and that training on “conflict of interest” be arranged for a future meeting.  The motion carried with three members abstaining. 

SILC Committees:  Connie requested a verbal report on who is presently sitting on what committee/s, and in what capacity.  It was reported that Cory is Chair of the Finance Committee; Caryl is chairing Advocacy with  Marty, Rick, Cara, and RoseAnn as members; Ann is the Chair of the Education Committee with Hulet, and Rosemary as members; Rand Chairs the SPIL Committee with Joe and Sharon as members.

Committee Reports:  Cory, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported that the unsolicited SEMCIL proposal for $2000 to provide consumer stipends for the October 8-10 Region V IL Conference, to be held in Rochester, was recommended for approval by the Finance Committee.  Sharon moved, Rick seconded, that $2000 be awarded to SEMCIL for up to twenty-five consumer stipends.  There was no discussion, and the motion carried.  Cory reported that MACIL requested$8000 for travel.  Cory stated that the Finance Committee did not recommend that this grant be approved.  A request from MCIL for the Center’s GLBT Support Group was also not approved; however, MCIL could submit a proposal for this program through the upcoming RFP process.  Options requested $10,000 for recreational equipment, and the Finance Committee also recommended that Options pursue funding for this program through the RFP process.  Cory announced that SILC’s FFY 2001 RFP would be mailed on August 11.  This year, up to four grants will be awarded ranging from $5000 to $25,000.  A discussion followed, and Connie advised Council members to carefully review the guidelines established in Attachment Nine of the SPIL. 

Ann reported that the Education and Advocacy Committees conducted a joint meeting.  Discussions focused on the next outstate training, which is to be held in Bemidji, and will include a tour of the Red Lake VR Program.  October 10-11 was considered, but dismissed due to the October 8-10 Region V IL Conference.  Ann will work with Bill on some prospective dates for this training.  Ann also reported that Terry will be contacting the Office of the Attorney General for SILC training on conflict of interest.  The committee also discussed methods of “working” the media regarding disability issues.  The two committees are considering an “orientation package” for new SILC members.  Ann reminded SILC members that their profile sheets are due by August 31.  The two committees are also attempting to coordinate a joint meeting with the State Council on Disability.  Ann said that the Education and Advocacy Committees would like to continue with the thirty minute training sessions at every SILC meeting.  Caryl reported that the senior survey results will be utilized for the next SPIL, and that she will continue to work with Marty on this matter.  It was recommended that the orientation materials include a glossary of acronyms. 

Sharon reported for the SPIL Committee.  Sharon stated that there were a number of questions surrounding the preparation of the new SPIL.  Bill will contact Sharon. 

Administrative Agreement:  Connie entertained a motion to sign the revised MDES-SILC administrative agreement.  Cory moved, Caryl seconded, that Connie sign this agreement.  There was no discussion, and the motion carried. 

Correspondence, Issues, Announcements:  Judy announced that UBANK is holding an open house on August 20at 10:00 a.m. to unveil the Twin Cities’ first talking ATM. 

Next Meeting, Adjournment:  The next regular meeting of the SILC will be held on September 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Midway, St. Paul.  The August tenth meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.