Minutes for May 23, 2002

Meeting Location:  Four Points Midway Sheraton, St. Paul

Present:  Connie Lee Berg, Lois Johnson, Cory Heit, Karen Larson, Sharon Johnson, Ann Zick, Janiece Duffy, Bryan Jensen, Mary Pennington, Mark Eggen, Bill Bauer, Brad Westerlund.

Absent:  Joe Ascheman (excused), Roseann Faber (excused), Phyllis Coppess (excused), Linda Lingen (excused), Clarence Jones (excused), David Hancox (excused). 

Call to Order, Introductions:  The May 23, 2002 meeting of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) was called to order at 9:10 a.m. by Connie Lee Berg, SILC Chair.  Introductions and brief biographies of the members present followed, and Mark Eggen was welcomed to the SILC by Connie.  She also announced the appointment of the other new members - Clarence Jones and David Hancox.  Connie reminded council members of Terry Graff’s and Hulet Sherry’s recent resignations. 

Approval of May Agenda and December, February Minutes:  The MCIL presentation was cancelled due to David’s absence.  A discussion of the 2002 SILC Congress resolutions was added to the agenda.  In response to a request from Bryan, Connie added a report on the May parents’ conference to the “announcements” portion of the agenda.  The revised May agenda was approved by consensus.  Cory requested that Ted Siebert’s absence be noted in the May minutes. 

Lois moved, Karen seconded, that the December 2001 minutes be approved as written.  There was no discussion, and the motion carried.  Lois moved, Karen seconded, that the February 2002 minutes be approved as written.  The motion carried with no discussion. 

Opening Remarks from the Chair:  Connie announced that she recently participated in a training in Bloomington for 121 Project directors.  Focusing on the matters of operating issues for tribal VR, there were no administrators present, which permitted the directors’ concerns and issues to be discussed freely. 

Connie reported that everyone working for the Red Lake 121 Project now has a copy of the program’s budget.  This has assisted the staff members to have a better idea of project expenditures. 

There was a recognition dinner for special education staff, teachers, students and employers.  A Bemidji business provided gift certificates to all students in attendance.  The Red Lake Tribal Council purchased the food for this event. 

Connie reported that Chairman White Feather’s health was good following a recent, serious illness, and she provided a brief update on some of his work in Red Lake. 

Connie announced that she was recently selected to serve on the newly formed Community Consumer Quality Initiatives Commission.  The first meeting of this commission will be on June tenth.

Visitors’ Comments:  There were no comments.

Disability Awareness/Sensitivity Training:  Karen reported on her awareness trainings at a Minnesota college.  She stated that the students ask many questions during her most recent (third) training.  She discussed her training approaches, and how some students expressed their fears and concerns in the matter of teaching students with significant disabilities.  Karen commented that many individuals still have incorrect beliefs about people with disabilities. In conclusion, the myths and stereotypes surrounding people with disabilities remain, and there are soon-to-be teachers who do not want to work with people with disabilities.  Discussion followed concerning VR counselors, community verses sheltered employment, and housing issues. 

By-law Amendment:  The presentation and discussion of the proposed by-law amendment regarding what constitutes a quorum was conducted.  Both the current and amended versions of the by-law were read aloud.  This amendment will be voted on during the June meeting. 

Executive Order Regarding Out-of-state Travel:  Connie discussed the Governor’s executive order prohibiting non essential out-of-state travel for council members.  Connie reiterated that there would be no out-of-state travel for SILC members.  She reported that there was an executive committee conference call held in April regarding the matter, and the decision was that expenses could not be reimbursed for Bryan’s Oakland conference.  Lois commented that the State Rehabilitation Council had reached the same conclusion on the subject of travel, because the executive order could not be ignored irrespective of the fact that Federal funds are generally utilized for out-of-state travel.  Sharon commented that appearances are critical at this time.  Discussion followed.  Connie repeated that there would be no SILC members travelling out-of-state on SILC business until the ban is lifted. 

Cory stated that he took issue with two e-mails sent by a SILC member regarding travel, and who controls the SILC.  An explanation of the April meeting’s cancellation followed. 

The matter of canceling and rescheduling meetings was next discussed.  Sharon suggested that we no longer cancel meetings.  (The April meeting was cancelled due to a significant snowstorm.)  She added that once the revised “quorum” by-law is passed, there would be no need to cancel.  If members can get to the meeting, they come, if not, the meeting goes on with those present.  Discussion followed regarding the number of SILC meetings held annually, and the council’s workload.  Connie stated that the April meeting was cancelled because she would not place anyone in harm’s way for a meeting.  Lois moved, Mark seconded, that the SILC table the addition of a “no cancellation” by-law until the matter is researched.  There was no further discussion and the motion carried.   Brad will check with other councils to determine whether they have by-laws regarding the cancellation of meetings.

SILC Congress 2002 Resolutions:  Connie provided the highlights of this year’s resolutions.  She commented that she had concerns regarding “informed choice;” specifically, Connie had difficulties with SILC’s nationwide educating VR counselors on IL and matters pertaining to employment.  This resolution was tabled.

Bryan commented on resolution six.  Where would the SILC get the financial resources to pursue deinstitutionalization?  Connie read David’s e-mail message regarding the $400,000 for Olmstead implementation. 

Cory moved, Lois seconded, that the Minnesota SILC accept the 2002 resolutions.  There was further discussion and the motion carried. 

NCIL Position Paper on the 2003 Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act:  A copy of the National Council on Independent Living’s (NCIL) position paper on reauthorization of the Act was included in the May mailing.  Connie briefed council members on the Rehab Act now being Title IV of the Workforce Investment Act.  Lois commented on the State Rehabilitation Council’s (SRC) concern surrounding VR counselors’ failure to provide uniform messages to consumers.  Discussion followed.  Lois also provided several other SRC recommendations for reauthorization. These recommendations regarding WorkForce Center accessibility and transportation appeared to have come from the NCIL position paper.  Lois read the SRC’s recommendations regarding access.  Discussion followed on consumer participation on local workforce boards.   There was also a discussion regarding NCIL's stand that a majority of VR staff, counselors and managers must be qualified people with disabilities within five years.  Connie expressed her appreciation of NCIL’s focus on the education of children with disabilities and leadership development.  There was next a discussion on VR eligibility determinations in relation to NCIL’s recommendation. 

Comments must be submitted to Commissioner Joann Wilson by June thirtieth.  There was no motion for the SILC to submit any recommendations on reauthorization of the Act. 

Committee Assignments:  Connie read aloud the current standing committees’ rosters.  New SILC members will be allowed time to sit in on various committees and advise Connie where they would like to be appointed. 

Committee Reports:  Cory reported that all of the FFY 02 contracts are in place, and there are no additional funds available until FFY 03.  He noted that MACIL had requested funding after the 02 RFP process, but there is nothing available for this request.  Bill will send the final program progress reports for all of the Federal (Parts B and C) grants to the finance committee. 

Sharon reported for the Education and Advocacy Committee.  She reminded council members that the out-state meeting will be June 27-28 in Rochester.  The agenda is finalized; training will be on the twenty-seventh all day, and there will be a half-day business meeting on the twenty-eighth.  She announced that Randy Sorenson will come to some future SILC meeting; either August or September: to report on his housing grant.  Ann will send Randy an invitation. 

Sharon reported that five Center for Independent Living (CIL) directors responded to the SILC’s survey.  Sharon will follow-up with the remaining three directors.  Sharon will report on the survey results in August. 

Lois reported for the SPIL Committee.  In accordance with the state plan, four consumer forums will be conducted in September. Lois will be seeking SILC volunteers to attend these forums.  The SILC will provide each CIL facilitating these forums up to $100 for refreshments and will reimburse all reasonable formatting and ASL interpreter costs. 

Issues, Announcements, Correspondence:  Scott Rostrom was introduced to the council.  Scott is now working part-time for MACIL. 

Connie announced that Cory is seeking an appointment to the National Council on Disability, and that he requested a letter of support from her.  Connie asked council members if she could provide such a letter as Chair of the SILC.  Sharon so moved, and Karen seconded.  There was no discussion and the motion carried with Cory abstaining. 

Bryan announced that he attended the Oakland Parents with Disabilities conference.  He stated that it was a “very good” conference, and that he learned a great deal concerning advocacy for parents with disabilities; e.g., removing discriminatory language in laws pertaining to child custody.  Bill will review the language in Minnesota’s child custody laws. 

Ann announced that the DD Council has a new book titled, “It’s My Choice.”  The book can be obtained free of charge.  Bill will contact Colleen Wieck for copies, and will send these to council members in a future mailing or, if possible, via e-mail. 

Next Meeting, Adjournment:  The next SILC meeting will be held on June 27-28, 2002 in Rochester.  The May 23, 2002 meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.