| Board
Meeting Minutes - March 14, 2005 |
 |
| 800 Preston Avenue Charlottesville, Virginia Members Present Susan Garrett, Chairman
Michael W. Kelley Others Present Philip Campbell, Executive Director
I. CALL TO ORDER II. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS III. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC IV. SPECIFICATION OF OTHER ITEMS TO BE ADDED TO THE AGENDA VI. APPROVAL OF THE February 14, 2005, BOARD MEETING MINUTES ON A MOTION BY MR. BELAIR, SECONDED BY MS. HAMMOND THE MINUTES OF THE February 14, 2005 BOARD MEEETING WERE VOTED UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AS CORRECTED. Ms. Garrett introduced Ms. Ronelia Smith, the new Administrative Assistant to Mr. Campbell. VII. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT Ms. Barrett asked Mr. Campbell how Dr. Braddock profiled Virginia. Mr. Campbell stated that Virginia’s fiscal effort to support individuals in institutions was 96% of the average effort for the nation. In contrast, the support of people in the community was substantially less. Mr. Campbell stated that as the states closes institutions, both
mental health hospitals and training facilities, we have to be willing
to face the tough questions raised regarding the possibility of
a rise in unemployment within the area. The State of Massachusetts
tracked the unemployment claims and found that there were very few
claims filed. Although jobs had ended at one facility more were
created within other facilities and these individuals were able
to transfer because they were State employees. Mr. Stern asked Mr. Campbell if he knew of any systematic studies that talk about what happens to people who move out of these institutions? Mr. Campbell stated that Massachusetts hired outside independent researchers to do consumer satisfaction follow-ups with people who were diagnosed with both mental retardation and mental health needs. The satisfaction level went up even though these individuals may have been happy within these facilities. Mr. Stern asked Mr. Campbell to provide some references associated with these findings. Mr. Campbell stated that he might have a copy of this study in his files and offered to provide them. He referred to a study from the 70’s showing matched pairs of individuals both remaining in facilities and moving out of facilities. The matched pairs were tracked over time to look at differences in their skill acquisition and growth as individuals. An invitation to have Dr. Braddock speak at a board meeting should be extended. Mr. Belair stated there needs to be a strong understanding on clients’ wishes versus their family wishes. The client may feel it is time to move on away from the facility whereas the family is resistant because these facilities are convenient for them and the families do not have to deal with the client on an everyday basis. With respect to a new topic, Mr. Campbell stated that the total population of the area served by Region Ten is approximately 213,000 people based upon the statistical profile of the jurisdictions. The growth rate for Charlottesville was –.4%, and Fluvanna’s was 4.6%. The poverty level was pretty significant: the poverty level in Charlottesville was approximately 26%, Fluvanna’s was less than 6%, and Nelson’s was approximately 12%. Mr. Campbell stated that CBS 19 anchorwoman Lisa Ferrari, had adopted Region Ten with some encouragement from Mary Miller. Ms. Miller has been promoting the 12th annual softball game. Ms. Garrett asked Mr. Campbell what it meant to be adopted? Mr. Campbell stated that Ms. Ferrari wants to support Region Ten by doing 30 second segments about Region Ten when possible, also announcing and covering future events hosted by Region Ten. This is a good way to get the Region Ten name out to the community. VIII. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
Ms. White pointed out that elected officials would be prevented, by statute, to sitting on such a board. Mr. Belair was asked if there was anything that prevents Region Ten Inc. from setting up an advisory committee to advise the proposed new board. Mr. Belair stated that Region Ten in Louisa has handled almost everything on its own thus far, and it has had very little community involvement and the advisory committee may be able to assist them in that area. Ms. Garrett asked Mr. Belair if he would be willing to set-up an advisory committee. Mr. Belair stated that he would be willing to assist in setting up an advisory committee. Mr. Campbell stated that Mr. Belair's suggestion might provide an opportunity for family members who may or may not be in Louisa to have a voice and be a voice within the advisory committee, as well as encourage others within the community to become a part of Region Ten in assisting those with mental health, mental retardation or substance abuse. Mr. Belair stated that there are members within the Louisa clubhouse capable of talking to and for their community and would be the ideal candidate(s) to serve on such a board. It was stated that there is a Friends of Blue Ridge clubhouse that works wonderfully and there should also be a Friends of Louisa clubhouse. Ms. Garrett stated that another item that came up in the Executive
Committee Report was the Mountainwood Property. Mr. Campbell stated
that he would be meeting with the involved parties on Tuesday, March
15th and it appears that everything is in order. But he and Mr.
Caruso Brown still need to speak with the lending institutions. Ms. Barrett stated that she and some of the board members are going to the conference and she would hope some of the staff members would attend. Ms. Barrett stated that she had a copy of the final budget draft on behalf of the V.A.C.S.B., which was forwarded, to the governor’s office. They received well below what they asked for but there were no major cuts. Ms. Barrett was asked what happened with the proposal to try and enhance Medicaid eligibility and how far did this proposal go before failing. Ms. Barrett stated that the proposal made it through a few committee discussions before being killed. Ms. Garrett asked Ms. Barrett if Medicaid was going to be cut? Ms. Barrett stated that she keeps hearing the term “block grant” but she really wasn’t sure if it would be cut or not. Mr. Belair asked Ms. Barrett to explain the final budget comparison
sheet. Ms. Barrett stated that the first column is the budget request
and the second column explains what went through to legislators
and is now in the governor’s hands XI. OTHER BUSINESS ON A MOTION MADE BY MR. BELAIR AND SECONDED BY MR. SHERAS TO PASS THE RESOLUTION GIVING MR. CAMPBELL AUTHORITY TO SIGN GRANT APPLICATIONS ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD. XII. ADJOURNMENT ON A MOTION MADE BY CAROL JOHNSTON AND SECONDED BY ANGELA HAMMOND TO SUSPEND THE REGION TEN BOARD MEETING AND ENTER INTO THE REGION TEN BOARD INC. MEETING. BOARD MEETING MINUTES Members Present Susan Garrett, Chairman
Michael W. Kelley Others Present Philip Campbell, Executive Director
II. REGION TEN INC. Mr. Belair wanted more time to think over the Pine Ridge residence issue. ON A MOTION MADE BY MS. WHITE AND SECONDED BY MS. HAMMOND, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 7:20PM. |
