Minutes for September 21, 2000

Location:  Midway Sheraton, St. Paul

Present:  Rand Stenhjem, Cory Heit, Roseann Faber, Hulet Sherry, Rosemary Laberge, Bonnie Elsey, Howard Glad, Sharon Johnson, Ann Zick, Kim Rezek, Judy Sanders, Bill Bauer, Brad Westerlund, Cara Ruff, Rick Cardenas, Joe Ascheman.

Absent:  Connie Berg (excused), Terry Graff (excused), Carl Bryngelson (excused), Phyllis Coppess. 

Guests: Candi Roberts, David Hancox, Ted Siebert, ASL interpreters Mark Alan English and Cori Giles.

Call to Order:  The September meeting of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Rand Stenhjem, Vice Chair.  Introductions of guests and members followed.

Approval of August Minutes and September Agenda:  Roseann requested that, under the August SRCB Update, the words “Provide Public Strategies the opportunity to compile information from the focus groups,” be added as an explanation for the postponement of the September SRCB meeting.  She further requested a deletion of the sentence reading “Representatives from the focus groups...” and replace with, “Staff from SSB will be meeting to discuss the outcomes of Public Strategies efforts.”  The minutes stood as revised.  Revisions to the September agenda included the January 3-6 SILC Congress.  The revised agenda was approved by consensus.

Rehabilitation Services Branch (RSB) Update:  Howard reported that there was a great deal of activity at RSB, which has been focused on funding matters.  He reported that the demand for VR services exceeds the resources by almost twenty percent.  Consumers are asking VR to do more of what VR does, because of the program’s successful outcomes.  He stated that the workforce shortage must be addressed, and moving people with disabilities into jobs and careers will greatly assist with this problem.  He reminded SILC members that VR received a reduction in Federal funding of approximately $660,000.  Howard reported that a series of statewide forums are presently being conducted to discuss these issues and possible solutions, which include raising the bar.  Howard stated that, to date, a great deal of positive input has been received from these hearings.  Howard reported that unused VR funds must be redistributed by RSA, and the six states that received cuts, such as Minnesota, will be first in line for the redistribution process.  Minnesota’s VR Program received approximately $140,000 in the first round of this year’s redistribution process.  He stated that there may be additional dollars available soon and that Minnesota will again be one of the six states eligible for the first shot at these funds.  It is hoped that, after the second round of redistribution, Minnesota’s VR Program will be back or close to where it was last year.  Howard added that additional funds will be sought from the Minnesota Legislature.

Cory asked how much additional funding might become available during the second round.  Howard replied that rumor has it that roughly $9.0 million may be redistributed.  Howard discussed the mandated cost-of-living increase, which can be as high as  3.5%, which does not cover the rising costs resulting from consumer demand.  This year, Minnesota’s cost-of-living increase was only 2%.  Howard commented that Massachusetts lost almost $2.0 million this year.  He stated that there are about fifteen other states that are going onto an order of selection.  Howard stated that more “proactive” arguments would be utilized in seeking additional dollars for VR.  It was mentioned that the COLI was built into the law, but Congress has the authority to adjust these annual increases.  Howard again explained the criteria utilized in determining the level of each state’s VR funds.  Howard, in response to a question, stated that when there are insufficient resources, those with the most significant disabilities must first be served.  Under consideration is raising the bar from the present one to two or three significant functional limitations.  He added that no decisions have been reached, and that those involved with this process are moving ahead with open minds, but are preparing for the worst case scenario. 

State Services for the Blind (SSB) Update: Bonnie reported that the September State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind meeting was postponed to September 7, in order for the vendor, Public Strategies, to tally the focus groups input.  Bonnie stated that an overview of the data indicated that, among other matters, SSB needed to expand marketing efforts, and improve communications with referral sources.  Public Strategies also found that the older blind population was more aware of the available services than those who were eligible for SSB’s rehabilitation services.  The vendor found that there was room for improvement in the area of positive employment outcomes. It was recommended that the utilization of more technology could assist in getting blind or visually impaired people into the workforce.  A universal comment was that SSB’s counselors are very knowledgeable, but there is little consistency in the types of services provided. 

Bonnie reported that SSB was reorganized as a result of Public Strategies’ findings.  Chuck Hamilton now directs the business units.  A Workforce Development section is being created, as well as a Self-sufficiency Section.  One of these new sections will focus on getting people either back, or into the workforce.  Bonnie stated that SSB will be doing more fund-raising, and utilizing providers such as vision clinics whose fees can be paid through Minnesota’s Medical Assistance program.  Bonnie stated that the Administrative Services unit will be developing a case review process, revising policies, and improving the data system.  All of these efforts are aimed at utilizing public dollars more effectively and efficiently.  Bonnie reported that there will be a strategic planning session on October 26-27.

Cory asked how SSB’s budget compared with the twenty-seven other states who were on the lower end of the employment outcomes scale.  Bonnie stated that this question was currently being researched.  In response to another question, Bonnie stated that the restructuring was being implemented immediately.  When asked how the cut in VR funds would impact SSB, Bonnie replied that, like VR, the best that could be hoped for was to be at the same funding level as last year with redistributed dollars.  Bonnie added that SSB is off of the order of selection right now, and hopes to remain off.  As to Federal VR dollars, eighty-two percent of these Federal funds go to VR, and the remaining eighteen percent goes to SSB’s VR Program.  Discussion followed, which included an explanation of the Governor’s “”Challenge Pool.” 

State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) Update:  Due to Maureen’s absence, there was no SRC report. 

State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind (SRCB) Update:  Roseann stated that Bonnie had provided the SILC with most of the information.  She added that there were some concerns regarding the heightened application of technology, and the hope was that people are not led to believe that all of their needs can be met with technology.  Roseann reported that the next SRCB meeting will be on October 12.

SILC Congress 2001:  Rand announced that the 2001 SILC Congress will be held in San Diego on January 3-6.  This year’s Congress will focus on SPIL preparation.  In the past, the SILC Chair and Chair of the SPIL Committee have attended.  Cara moved, Hulet seconded, that the Chair and SPIL Committee Chair be sent to the 2001 SILC Congress.  Discussion followed, and the motion carried.  Cory will serve as an alternate.

By-laws Amendment:  Rand announced that he would entertain a motion to accept the “conflict of interest” amendment to the by-laws.  Sharon so moved, and Cara seconded.  The motion carried.  It was asked when someone from the Office of the Attorney General would be providing a presentation on “conflict of interest.”  It was explained that arrangements were underway.  Ann stated that information concerning “conflict of interest” would be included in the SILC’s new orientation packet.

Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living (MACIL) Update:  Cara reported that the directors met for a retreat near East Grand Forks.  Matters ranging from MACIL’s legislative agenda to internal relations were discussed.  Cara stated that MACIL members wanted to be more proactive in their relationship with the SILC.  She reported that MACIL will be submitting a Part B proposal.  MACIL members asked Cara to convey that a one year grant cycle sets programs up for failure, and the SILC is asked to consider multi year grants.  Cara reminded the SILC that Steve Thovson is now the president of MACIL. 

Rand asked what MACIL’s plans were for receiving an increase in state funds.  Cara responded that there is presently no concrete plan in place.  MACIL is waiting to see with whom they’ll be dealing prior to formalizing the legislative agenda.

Visitors’ Comments:  There were no comments from the visitors. 

Education Committee Training:  Ann asked Council members if there were any particular topics on which they would like to receive training.  The topic remaining in the SPIL is invisible disabilities.  Ann again discussed development of the orientation packet for new SILC members.  She reminded the Council that the next out-state meeting will be held either in or near Red Lake.  Ann commented that a presentation by a representative from the Disability Law Center may be a positive addition to the training roster.  Bill recommended advocacy training.  Cory requested training on the differences between Parts B and C funds.

2001 SILC Calendar: October 19, 2000; regular SILC meeting -  agenda to include approval of the Part B proposals for FFY 2001.  There will be no November 2000 meeting, and no December 2000 meeting.  January 11, 2001; agenda to include preliminary discussions on the new SPIL, and Committee meetings dedicated to SPIL planning.  February 8-9, 2001; first day regular SILC business second day dedicated solely to SPIL development.  There will be a one day SILC meeting on March 8, 2001.  There will be no April 2001 meeting.  There will be a May 10, 2001 meeting; agenda to include full Council approval of new SPIL.  June 14-15 out-state training, Red Lake; first day training, second day regular SILC business.  There will be no July 2001 meeting.  August 9, 2001 regular SILC meeting.  There will be no September 2001 meeting. 

Committee Reports:  Ann reported for the Education Committee.  Next month’s training will be on “conflict of interest.”  She stated that it does not appear that the SILC and State Council on Disability will be able to conduct a joint meeting; as a result, a representative from the SCD will address the SILC on the SCD’s duties and responsibilities.  Hulet will be e-mailing all of the Centers information on assisting people with speech difficulties to communicate on the telephone.  Planning will begin in January for the June out-state training.  She stated that a list of acronyms will be compiled for the SILC orientation packet.  She asked each committee chair to prepare a one paragraph summary of his/her committee’s duties and responsibilities.  These paragraphs will be included in the orientation packet.  Brad will prepare a generic “Non Employee Expense Report,” which will also be in the orientation packet.  Bill will prepare a summary on the various funding sources for IL.  Brad updated members on the web-site, which is in the process of being posted.  The address is: www.mnsilc.org.  If you attempt to view the site during the day, you may get an “Under Construction” message but, as a rule, you can see what’s been accomplished to date after 3:00 p.m.  The SILC’s web-site has links to the eight Centers, and the Centers are asked to add a SILC link to their web sites.  Brad will contact Marty to follow-up on the senior survey. 

Cory reported for the Finance Committee.  The part B and C applications were the primary topics of discussion during the finance meeting.  Cory, Connie, and Roseann will be evaluating the Part C applications, and a conference call will be held on Wednesday, September 27 to review and summarize findings.  Cory, Rand, Connie, Roseann and Bill will be reviewing and scoring the Part B applications for FFY 2001.  Cory, as Finance Committee Chair, will serve as the tie-breaker for the Part B applications.  Cory reported that the SILC is projecting a carry-over of FFY 2000 funds somewhere between five to seven-thousand dollars. 

The SPIL Committee began planning on how the new SPIL would be put together.  The committee will be reviewing the comments from the public hearing to be held at four Centers in November. 

Public Hearing Comments:  Bill reported that the August 17 public hearing for comments regarding the amendments to the SPIL’s Attachment Fourteen (expansion of the IL network) was well-attended, with approximately forty consumers, Center staff and Board, and other service-provider staff participating.  Bill stated that, in a nutshell, two opposing views were provided, which can be summarized as urban verses rural.  The public hearing comments were in a virtual lockstep with the written comments and phone calls received prior to the hearing.  Bill stated that the public hearing provided “no surprises.”  Discussion followed regarding the Federally-mandated requirement for such hearings. 

Public Forums: Rand announced that he would entertain a motion for public forums/hearings to be conducted at Metro CIL, SEMCIL, CILNM, and SMILES.  Rand also recommended that a $100 stipend be provided to these Centers to cover some of the costs.  Rand then turned the meeting over to Cory, since public forums/hearings are the responsibility of the Chair of the SPIL Committee.  Rand then so moved, and Roseann seconded.  The motion carried.  Sharon then moved that the four Centers be reimbursed for reasonable interpreting and formatting expenses.  Rand seconded, and the motion carried.  Bill will contact the four Centers and get times, dates and places. 

Correspondence, Issues, Announcements:  MCIL will be conducting its annual meeting on October 27at the Sheraton Midway, five to eight p.m.  Contact MCIL for more information. 

Brad stated that he has not received all of the biographical sketches, which were to be completed by all of the SILC’s members.  He reported that he would distribute the completed forms to all SILC members, once all of them have arrived. 

Region V IL Conference: Cory launched a discussion on whom from the SILC would be attending the October 8-10 Region IL Conference in Rochester, and whether the SILC would provide reimbursements for travel expenses.  Hulet may attend, Bill plans to attend on the ninth, and Bill advised the Council that Rick stated that he was interested in going if the SILC would reimburse his expenses.  Rand announced that he would entertain a motion for the SILC to reimburse Region V IL Conference expenses for those SILC members who planned to attend.  No one so moved. 

Part C Applications: In that four existing Centers (CILNM, SMILES, Freedom CIL, ILCIL) are designated in the SPIL to become Part C Federally-funded, a discussion was begun on prior approval of these applications.  This would be necessary to have the Part C contracts in place in early October.  Sharon moved, Roseann seconded, that the Finance Committee, on behalf of the full Council, be authorized to approve these applications.  The motion carried.

Next Meeting, Adjournment: The next meeting will be on October 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, on the corner of Minnesota Street and Sixth Street.  The September meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m.