Minutes for August 9, 2001

Meeting Location:  Midway Sheraton, St. Paul

Present:  Connie Lee Berg, Rand Stenhjem, Cory Heit, Lois Johnson, Sharon Johnson, Terry Graff, Janiece Duffy, Bryan Jensen, Bill Bauer, Cara Ruff, Karen Larson, Phyllis Coppess, David Skilbred, Linda Lingen, Ann Zick.

Absent:  Rosemary Laberge (excused), Roseann Faber, Rick Cardenas, Joe Ascheman, Mary Pennington (excused), Hulet Sherry (excused). 

Guests:  Ted Seibert, ASL Interpreters

Call to Order:  The August 9, 2001 meeting of the SILC was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Connie Lee Berg, Chair.  Introductions followed.

Approval of Agenda and Minutes:  There were several additions to the August agenda, which included a memorial to Jay Johnson, Bill on SILC Congress request, task force report, SILC sponsorship of Bryan Jensen, and the cancellation of the CIL report.  The revised agenda was approved by consensus. 

There were two revisions requested for the June minutes.  Ann Zick was not listed as present, and Janiece Duffy was not listed as excused. There were no additional revisions, and the June minutes were approved, as revised, by consensus. 

In Memory of Jay Johnson:  Rand opened the tribute to Jay Johnson, who passed away on July fourth in an ATV accident.  A card for Jay's widow, and one for the staff at Options CIL was circulated for signatures.  Contributions from SILC members were gathered, which will be sent as a donation to Options CIL.  Several SILC members shared their memories of Jay, and Connie announced that there will be a celebration of Jay's life on Friday, August 10, from noon to four p.m.  It was also announced that there is a plan to construct a gazebo at Rydell Refuge in memory of Jay.  Lois requested the SILC's approval to deposit the cash collected for Options in her personal checking account, and submit a check to the CIL.  The request was approved by consensus. 

State Rehabilitation Council Report:  Lois reported that there have been three SRC meetings in which the restructuring of MDES was the primary topic of discussion.  Lois announced that there has been no vote on the matter to date. 

MACIL Report:  Cara opened with comments on Jay Johnson.  Under Jay's direction, Option's specialty was advocacy, and Cara asked that we all remember what "Jay stood for."  Randy Sorensen is serving as acting director.  

Cara next reported that David Schwartzkopf recently resigned as executive director of SEMCIL.  Dave felt it was time to step back a bit.  Laurie Brownell is serving as acting director of the Center.  Cara suggested that the SILC send Dave a card to thank him for his efforts. 

Cara reported that MACIL has a retreat planned for September to consider priorities and goals.  Cara stated that there were questions from MACIL members regarding the recent RFP; e.g., what are the expected impacts?  Cory replied that there are many buildings and houses that could have been constructed utilizing "universal design" principles.  As to the PAS RFP, the sky is the limit - whatever you feel you can do with that amount of cash. 

Cara asked the SILC to keep in mind Centers' need for support from the SILC in terms of generating funds for the provision of core-services.  Specifically, the SILC's requests for proposals are not furthering the Centers' mission of IL core-services.  Rand replied that the RFP was in accordance with the SPIL, which was based on consumer input statewide.  Rand added that he did not recall anyone discussing Cara's concern at any of the consumer forums over the past three years.  Cory commented that the RFP priorities were discussed at the May meeting, and that there was neither discussion nor debate on the matter.  Sharon stated that although she recognizes the incredible demand for IL core-services, she would hate to give up opportunities to explore new services.  Cara asked that the SILC form a committee to develop a plan to assist Centers in raising funds for core-services.  Connie recommended that MACIL invite SILC members and the IL Director to MACIL meetings.  Karen stated that if there is such a significant shortage of funds for IL core-services, the SILC should have heard this topic in the past -- both at SILC meetings and during statewide consumer forums or public hearings.  Karen stated that she has not once heard this matter raised in seven years, and the SILC must develop RFP's in accordance with the SPIL; furthermore, there are Centers that are not billing for services from which fees could be generated.  A rather heated discussion ensued.

Bill commented that he vividly recalled his eleven years of serving as an executive director, and that it invariably becomes the E.D.'s “job one” to make certain that there are sufficient funds to keep the Center's doors open.  Bill offered Cara a caveat in the matter of the SILC's involvement in Centers' operations.  In response to a request from a CIL director, Bill reminded SILC members that it is not their responsibility to involve themselves in the day-to-day operations and/or management of any CIL, and that the establishment of policies and direction of a CIL is solely the responsibility of a Center's governing board.   

As to fund-raising, SILC members may, as consumers/service-providers/interested parties, certainly support efforts such as the "Drive for Seventy-five." 

Rand moved, Sharon seconded, that the SILC and the MDES IL Section form a committee to work with MACIL members on fund-raising and fee development.  There was no further discussion, and the motion carried.  Cara thanked all for their support.  This new committee will be invited to the September 19-20 MACIL retreat.  Lois, Bryan, Cory, and Rand volunteered to represent the SILC on this committee; Bill will represent MDES.  Cory recommended that the committee be limited to a total of four people.  Connie will send an announcement to the three SILC members selected by her to serve on this committee. 

Restructuring Update:  Barbara Yates, Department of CFL, reported that the transition process is somewhat behind, due to the special session.  Legislation was ultimately passed to establish a transition team, which will make recommendations, which are due December first, on the restructuring of MDES and DTED.  Although this is no longer a "two tier" process, Barb stated that the transition team wants to hear every council's recommendations.  She added that the transition team has not yet been appointed.  Barb will continue her process of going from council to council.  There will also be a web-site developed to keep everyone current on the progress of the restructuring process.  Barb will provide the internet address ASAP.  Barb stated that all council recommendations are due on or before October first.  Barb reported that she also met with MACIL. 

Ann asked if any recommendations had been received to date.  Barb said that the American Council of the Blind had done so, but that she did not feel comfortable releasing specifics on the ACB's recommendations.  In response to a question, Barb stated there was no set format for these recommendations; all that is being asked is what department?  Rand asked if it was essential for the councils to provide more than one recommendation.  Barb stated that if the SILC were going to recommend a separate department for all disability services, you may want to provide a second recommendation.  In response to a question, Barb stated that eleven councils would be providing recommendations.  Barb also stated that the Department of Labor and Industry is no longer in the restructuring legislation; some DOLI programs, however, could be moved.  MDES will be abolished on July 1, 2002.  Barb reported that the transition team will consist of twelve members - six appointed by Governor Ventura, three from the house, and three from the senate. 

Parents with Disabilities Conference:  During the June SILC meeting, Bryan requested that the SILC sponsor his participation in the International Parents with Disabilities conference, which will be held in the San Francisco area in October.  The total cost is $1517.  Cara commented that neither parenting nor children are matters that have been addressed by the SILC.  Cara moved, Karen seconded, that the SILC reimburse Bryan's expenses for this conference for up to $1517.  There was no further discussion, and the motion carried with Bryan abstaining. 

State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind Report:  Linda reported that there was much discussion on the restructuring matter.  The DHS, CFL, Administration, and DTED representatives have been invited to the next SRCB meeting.  The SRCB has developed a list of questions. 

A controversial topic under consideration is SSB's charging fees for services; e.g., billing schools for brailling.  No date has yet been set for the September SRCB meeting. 

Linda commented that the SRCB would like the legislature to establish a separate funding stream for SSB's communications Center. 

121 Project Report:  Connie reported that the former director of the Red Lake 121 Project, Don Lussier, lost his four year battle with cancer in July. 

Connie announced that the annual performance report indicated that Red Lake's successful VR closures doubled from last year's.  The Red Lake 121 Project received an

additional $140,000 from RSA, which will be distributed through years three, four and five.  These additional dollars will all be applied to direct services. 

Connie is addressing American Indian IL needs with the Consortia of Administrators of Native American Rehabilitation. 

The 121 Projects nationwide have developed a list serve.  There are six such projects in region five.  Connie will be meeting with Chairman White Feather to develop a statewide conference to instruct tribes on applying for 121 funds.  Connie will also be preparing a report, to be submitted to Congress, on the Red Lake 121 Project’s collaborations with public and private organizations/agencies. 

Connie advised everyone that Janelle White Feather is the new secretary at the Red Lake 121 office. 

Connie will be providing a presentation on diversity at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. 

Lois thanked Connie for hosting the June outstate meeting. 

SILC Congress Request:  Bill reported that he received a request from the Region V SILC Congress planning committee for $500, which will assist in defraying some of the costs of the January 2002 Congress.  Discussion followed.  Rand Moved, Lois seconded, that the SILC contribute $500 for SILC Congress 2002.  The motion carried.  Discussion followed on which SILC members would attend the Congress.  Connie tabled this matter until the October meeting.

Nominations and Elections of SILC Officers:  Descriptions of the various officer positions were read from the by-laws.  Phyllis nominated Connie for Chair, and Karen seconded.  Terry then moved that nominations for Chair be closed.  Karen seconded, and the motion carried.  Connie was elected unanimously.  Connie then opened nominations for Vice Chair.  Karen nominated Lois for Vice Chair.  Sharon seconded.  The Chair made three requests for additional nominations, and there were none.  Lois was unanimously elected Vice Chair.  Nominations for Treasurer were opened by the Chair.  Lois nominated Cory, and Karen seconded.  Followed were three additional requests for nominations.  In that there were none, nominations were closed.  The Council unanimously elected Cory as Treasurer.  Nominations were then opened for Secretary.  Sharon nominated Karen, Lois seconded.  There were no additional nominees following three requests from the Chair, and nominations for Secretary were closed.  The Council unanimously elected Karen as Secretary.  Nominations for Member at Large were opened by the Chair.  Lois nominated Phyllis, and Karen seconded.  Rand nominated Bryan for Member at Large, and Sharon seconded.  After three requests and no additional names offered, nominations were closed.  Ballots were distributed, and Phyllis was elected.  Connie thanked Rand, Joe and Roseann for their efforts last year as SILC officers. 

Committee Reports:  Rand discussed the work of the restructuring task force.  He read the mission statements of DHS and DTED.  Rand reported that the task force is recommending that a separate Department on Disability Services; to include IL, EE, VR, DDS, and SSB; be formed.  This new department would include all corresponding councils.  Rand stated that one of the advantages of such a department would be a "one stop" shop for disability services, which would make it easier for people with disabilities to receive one or more services.  Also, disability-related matters would have a voice in the Governor's cabinet.  With one strong organization, disability matters would have a more powerful voice.  In addition, there may be greater interaction between all disability service-providers.  On the down side, there may be a "power struggle" at first.  It was the task force's opinion that DHS was too large.  The task force was unanimous in the decision to recommend a separate department. 

The task force's second recommendation is to form a branch of all disability-related services in the new DEWD. 

Sharon moved, Karen seconded, that the SILC recommend that a new department consisting of all disability services be formed and, if no new department is an option, that a disability services branch, including all disability agencies, be formed in the new DEWD.  Discussion followed, and the motion carried.  Rand and the task force will draft a formal "position paper" on the restructuring to be submitted to the transition team.  As promised earlier in the day, Rand will also contact Barb Yates to advise her of the SILC's recommendations.

Cory reported for the Finance Committee.  The 2002 RFP's were prepared in accordance with the committee's guidelines, and mailed.  Karen asked if the selection committee was formed.  Cory replied that the grant application review process was defined in the SPIL.  Karen and Terry volunteered to serve on the selection committee.  Rand moved, Sharon seconded, that the RFP retroactively be approved.  There was no further discussion, and the motion carried unanimously. 

Ann reported that the Education Committee reviewed the SPIL.  Possible locations for the next outstate meeting were discussed.  The committee discussed finding someone to conduct "fee for service" training.  Cory recommended that Ann get confirmations on the CIL presentations at future meetings.  Lois thanked Ann and her committee for the outstanding work they did in planning and implementing the June outstate meeting.  It was recommended that future outstate trainings be videotaped.  Sharon volunteered to bring a VCR to the next outstate training. 

Visitors' Comments:  There were no comments.

Issues, Correspondence, Announcements:  SILC members were reminded that there is no September meeting. 

SILC Meetings 2002:   October 18, 2001 will be the next SILC meeting, at the Midway Sheraton.  There is no November 2001 meeting.  December 13, 2001 at the Midway Sheraton.  There is no January 2002 meeting.  There will be a regular meeting on February 14, 2002; location to be announced.  March 14, 2002 regular meeting, at a location to be announced.  There will be no April 2002 meeting, but if the February or March meeting is cancelled due to bad weather, there will be an April 11 meeting.  There is no May 2002 meeting.  June 13-14, 2002 is set for the outstate meeting.  There is no July 2002 meeting.  There will be an august 8, 2002 meeting, at a location to be announced.  There will be a September 12, 2002 meeting. 

Next meeting, Adjournment:  The next regular meeting of the SILC will be October 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Midway Sheraton.  The August 9 meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.