| Board Meeting Minutes- Dec. 8, 2003 |  |
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Meeting held at Members Present Susan Garrett, Chairman Members Absent Roxanne White Others Present James R. Peterson, Executive Director Reed Banks, Director, Rehabilitation Services Ms. Garrett, chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
Ms. Garrett welcomed Mr. Michael Kelley who has applied to the
Nelson County Board of Supervisors for membership on the Region
Ten board. Ms. Garrett said that the board was also saying goodbye
to “our wonderful Irene Rebholz,” who is relocating
to Harrisonburg. Ms. Garrett said that Ms. Rebholz is intelligent,
calm at the center, and kind, and the board appreciates every moment
she has given. Ms. Rebholz responded that she recalled that she
was first appointed in 1996, and when she originally approached
the Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors, she was told to go attend
some Region Ten board meetings first to learn what it was all about,
and so she attended for a year prior to her actual appointment.
Ms. Garrett presented Ms. Mr. Kelley noted that his appointment was not official yet, that the board of Supervisors would take up the appointment tomorrow.
Ms. Garrett asked if there were any comments from the public. There were none.
Ms. Garrett asked if there were other items to add to the agenda. Mr. Peterson said that a bank resolution was needed in order to open an account in Lovingston. Ms. Wernstrom asked if the search committee for executive director had met yet, and Ms. Garrett responded that it had. Ms. Wernstrom said she would like to get a report from the committee.
Ms. Garrett deferred any further remarks at this time.
Ms. Wernstrom said that the minutes did not reflect all of the comments she had made with regard to the role of the executive committee. Mr. Peterson requested that she provide some language to add to the minutes. ON A MOTION BY MR. BELAIR, SECONDED BY MR. TRIPPEL, THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 10, 2003, BOARD MEETING WERE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AS CORRECTED.
Ms. Barrett described the purpose and history of the Coalition and read the extensive list of member organizations which includes the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards (VACSB). The Coalition was founded in 1989 and its first campaign was, “Make Waves, Virginia,” which resulted in the largest ever increase in state funding for community-based services. Now, even though the budget outlook remains bleak, the Coalition will be requesting additional funding from the administration and legislature because the needs remain so great. It would require $430 million to eliminate the waiting lists for basic community services. The Coalition’s legislative agenda would address 27 percent of the documented waiting lists. The Coalition is asking the Governor and General Assembly to make Virginians with disabilities a top priority. Ms. Barrett reviewed each of the Coalition’s budget proposals and distributed copies of the “Draft Legislative Agenda” (see attached). Copies of the VACSB’s annual report had also been distributed, and this included the budget proposals of the Association. Mr. Belair pointed out that the proposals from the Coalition were more than that of the Association. Ms. Garrett said that the Coalition as an advocacy organization comes out very strongly to more fully address the identified needs, and they will once again hold the annual rally in Richmond on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 19. Ms. Wernstrom asked what the chances were for getting additional funding, and Ms. Barrett responded that no one knows what the Governor has included in his budget which will be released December 17, but the Senate Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Committee will once again hold a series of public hearings to receive input on the Governor’s proposed budget. The hearing for this area will be held at the Augusta County Government Center in Verona beginning at 12:00 noon on January 6. Ms. Barrett will be unable to attend due to a previously scheduled commitment, but she encouraged other board members to attend. Even if they choose not to speak, their presence will be a show of support for needed services.
Ms. Garrett said that the report on Region Ten’s rural services that had been planned for this meeting was postponed because of the length of the agenda. Ms. Garrett called the members’ attention to the four reports that must receive annual review in accordance with CARF requirements: Accessibility Plan; Outcomes Management Report; Insurance Coverage; and Use of Technology in Management. At this point Ms. Wernstrom suggested a round of introductions in consideration of this being Mr. Kelley’s first meeting. Mr. Kelley said that he has been an active member of NAMI (the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill), that he has a family member with mental illness, and that three years ago he retired from work with computers. Ms. Garrett suggested that this interlude would be a good time to cut the cake in honor of Ms. Rebholz’s retirement. The meeting was resumed and Ms. Garrett asked if any members had any questions of Mr. Banks regarding the Outcomes Management Report. She noted that the IAPSRS (International Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services) Outcomes Toolkit identifies eight domains, and she asked if these applied only to employment services or to other Region Ten services. Mr. Banks replied that these measures have been applied for eight years for the psychosocial and employment programs for 120 consumers at Blue Ridge House. In response to a comment by Ms. Rebholz, Mr. Banks reviewed the demographics of the participants in the employment program. Ms. Garrett noted that with respect to the insurance report, the premiums for Workers Compensation, almost $272,000, is a very substantial amount. Mr. Brown said that the basis of how Region Ten is rated was changed from that of a social services agency to one heavily involved in residential, and this moved the rating way up. Ms. Wernstrom asked if more claims had also affected the rate, and Mr. Brown responded that it had somewhat, but the main factor was the basis for the rating. Mr. Murphy reiterated the point about the claims, and Mr. Brown said that experience also drives the costs. Ms. Garrett asked if there were any more comments on the four reports, and if not she would call for a motion. ON A MOTION BY MS. REBHOLZ, SECONDED BY MS. JOHNSTON, THE ANNUAL REPORTS ON THE ACCESSIBILITY PLAN, OUTCOMES MANAGEMENT REPORT, INSURANCE COVERAGE, AND USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN MANAGEMENT, WERE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. Ms. Garrett said that the Executive Committee had also looked at the draft of the strategic plan update and that she was doing some reformatting for consideration by the board in January. Ms. Wernstrom said that she had submitted an annotated version of the draft plan but has heard nothing back. Ms. Garrett said that all of this will be taken into account by the full board as it moves ahead with the process. The annual staff recognition and holiday party will be held on Saturday, December 20, 7:00 p.m., at the Monticello Events and Conference Center. Mr. Peterson said that all board members and their guests were invited, but he would like to get an actual count of who will be attending. Mr. Belair pointed out that this is not just a party, but rather it was an event established to show the board’s appreciation for the staff. Seven of the members present said they planned to attend, and one with a guest. The next meeting of the VACSB will be the annual Legislative Conference to be held at the Richmond Marriott, Tuesday, January 20 - Wednesday, January 21, preceded by the Coalition’s rally on Monday, January 19 at 9:00 a .m. Again, Mr. Peterson said he needed to know who would be attending for what portions of the conference, and who would need lodging. Six members will be attending some or all of the conference, and Ms. Barrett and Mr. Belair also plan to attend the rally.
Mr. Brown said that the committee had two tasks, one to revise the current (FY 2004) budget, and the second to propose an initial FY 2005 budget for the board’s consideration. A revision of the current budget is made at this time of the year for two reasons, first because the actual amounts of the grant revenues is now known, and also the programs have had three months of operating experience and so it is more meaningful to get a fix on the actual status; and second because the refined figures are used as a springboard for the planning of the next year’s budget. With regard to the proposed FY 2005 budget, Mr. Brown said that the budget proposed by staff to the Finance Committee fell $200,000 short of being in balance, and that in previous years, this would have been submitted to the localities showing a revenue line item of “Unfunded balance.” The committee members felt that a balanced budget should be submitted to the localities, and so the projected shortfall should be eliminated by increasing the projected revenues. Mr. Brown also pointed out that there has not been an increase in the salary scales for three years, and so this proposed budget includes a 3.2 percent increase in the salary scales, and the increase to bring everyone onto scale in February is annualized for the full year. Mr. Murphy calculated that the salary increases represented closer to 10 percent, and Mr. Peterson said that the increase was due to the new Medicaid funded positions primarily for children’s day treatment and psychosocial rehabilitation. Mr. Murphy asked what the increase was for health insurance, and Mr. Brown replied that the extended contract that was negotiated with MAMSI meant that there would be no rate increases for all of FY 2005. Ms. Garrett asked if the members were ready to vote on the proposed FY 2005 budget, and if so, the motion did not need a second because it was brought by the committee. IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE INITIAL PROPOSED FY 2005 BUDGET AS RECOMMENDED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
Ms. Rebholz said that the committee had reviewed the policies on Risk Management and Standards of Content which included minor revisions, and the committee approved the revised policies. The committee also discussed Ms. Rebholz’ relocation and the need to fill the board vacancy and committee vacancies. Ms. Rebholz has spoken to a Fluvanna resident who was interested in appointment to the board and had indicated she might try to attend tonight’s meeting. There was concern that since the meeting was held at Meadowcreek rather than Preston, the person may have gone to Preston instead.
Mr. Peterson referred to the minutes in the board packet and noted that at the request of the ARC of the Piedmont, the committee had served as the independent review body (as required by the health department) for behavioral plans for the ARC’s new Intermediate Care Facility for Persons with Mental Retardation. However, the committee will not likely fill this function in the future because the number of plans that will have to be reviewed will be significant, and also the meetings will need to be scheduled on very short notice which LHRC has found it difficult to do.
Ms. Miller said that with her planned departure scheduled for the end of February, it has been an interesting and awkward time for many of the staff in her division. She also asked all board members to reserve Wednesday, February 25, 12:00 noon, for her farewell party that will be held at the Fourth Street station. Mr. Pezzoli said that he was very pleased to report that the family education and support program MESA (Mutual Education Support and Advocacy) which was discontinued during the time of the David Lloyd process, will be resumed. It is a very valued program that provides support for individuals who have family members with mental illness, and Ms. Kathy Hughes, who ran the program before, will once again take it on. Ms. Garrett added that the Blue Ridge Family Alliance has been asking for this program to be resumed. Mr. Pezzoli said he wanted to thank both Ms. Garrett and Ms. Sally Rinehart of the Alliance for their support and persistent encouragement. Mr. Belair asked for an update on the transportation situation, and Mr. Pezzoli responded that it had improved, but just very recently it has been seen as again worsening not only here but state-wide, and that a state-wide advocacy effort has been mounted seeking a permanent solution. Mr. Belair asked about the pharmacy services situation, and Mr. Pezzoli said that the arrangement with Advanced Pharmacy Solutions was barely remaining even though the need for medications for indigent patients is still just as strong. Instead, Region Ten’s nurses, psychiatrists and support staff have been giving special effort to see that the pharmacy needs are met. Ms. Maltais said that Kroger and Timberlakes are giving exceptionally good service. Mr. Pezzoli added that since almost all of the consumers with mental retardation have Medicaid, the continuing indigent problem is for persons with mental illness or substance use disorders. Dr. Moody reported that he had some very good news, that Janssen Pharmaceutica has been promising for two years the release of an injectable form of Risperdal, and now it will be out soon. It is long acting (two weeks) and is particularly helpful for consumers who cannot manage their medications with consistency. Ms. Wernstrom asked if it would be more costly, and Dr. Moody thought that it would. Ms. Maltais reported on a pilot study from the University of Minnesota that will provide web-based training to impact on direct care staff. The training will comprehensively address all of the high needs areas with the latest information. Dr. Sheras suggested that this would be excellent to bring to the board.
In addition to the information on the VACSB Legislative Conference in January, Ms. Barrett reported that the VACSB has committees working on administration, finance, public policy, professional development, regulatory issues, mental health, mental retardation, and substance use disorders councils, and task forces on children and emergency services. She said that the board members could see that a lot is going on at the state level, and she encouraged board members to get involved. Ms. Barrett also distributed copies of the VACSB “Suggested Implementation Process for Strategic Planning Process” (see attached) which outlines a preliminary set of goals. Board members should give their input to Mr. Peterson who will convey it to the Executive Directors Forum working on the plan.
Ms. Rebholz reported that she had taken some of her household items to Friendly Oaks. Mr. Belair said that he and Ms. Hammond, along with Mr. Peterson and Mr. Pezzoli, attended the Friendly Oaks Thanksgiving luncheon, and he made a presentation of an IAPSRS award--one of only two in Virginia--to a member of Friendly Oaks. It was wonderful to hear his story, how he progressed from drug addiction to eventually become a leader in the club and making a great contribution to the clubhouse operations. Mr. Pezzoli pointed out that Mr. Banks had served on the national board of IAPSRS and also as state chair. Mr. Belair also reported on the presentation made to the Louisa County Board of Supervisors by Ms. Hammond and himself, and board members were provided with copies of the extensive newspaper coverage of the presentation. Ms. Wernstrom reported that she and Ms. Barrett had attended the monthly HPR-I (Health Planning Region for Northwestern Virginia consisting of seven Community Services Boards and the recent addition of the Central Virginia Community Services Board in Lynchburg for a total of eight) in Culpeper, but she didn’t find the meeting very useful for herself. She also reported on the plant and bake sale held at the Meadowcreek Center the previous Tuesday, and that she had met a parent who was unaware of the event. She discussed this with Ms. Maltais, and now Ms. Maltais is establishing an e-mail listing that will help to communicate with parents. Mr. Murphy said that it was good that board members were visiting programs, but that when reporting on the visits, it would be best if consumers were not identified by name. Ms. Barrett said that she would like to go back to Ms. Wernstrom’s earlier report and clarify that the state is divided into five Health Planning Regions, and that the executive directors of the Community Services Boards meet monthly to go over regional issues (like those for Western State Hospital), and that the bantering that is in evidence is a positive sign of the working relationships and camaraderie of the directors, although she could see where it could be off-putting to persons visiting the group. Rev. Cameron said that he, Mr. Peterson and Mr. Pezzoli attended the wonderful Thanksgiving luncheon at Horizon House, and that the Christmas dinner is coming up next. Ms. Hammond said that Friendly Oaks is looking for volunteers to help out with their Christmas Party. Ms. Barrett reported that she and Mr. Peterson took Mr. David Wyatt, the newly elected member of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, on a tour of Region Ten facilities, and Mr. Wyatt seemed to get a lot out of the visits and is also very knowledgeable about the community. Mr. Ken Boyd, the other new member of the Board of Supervisors, will get a tour Friday afternoon and then will attend the annual Blue Ridge House Employment Dinner from 4:30 to 6:00. Ms. Barrett and Dr. Sheras will join with Mr. Boyd for the tour and the dinner. Ms. Wernstrom said that Mr. Boyd had come to her neighborhood during the campaign, and that she would have participated Friday except that she will be out of the state. Ms. Garrett asked if there was any other business, and Ms. Wernstrom said that she would like to see minutes of the Search Committee meetings. Ms. Garrett said that there would be reports. Ms. Deeds commented that there are only 31 members of Blue Ridge House who are yet to be adopted by someone to purchase a gift for them. She has brought the wish lists with her, and asked any board members who are interested in participating to see her after the meeting. The Christmas dinner will be held at noon on Christmas day. Mr. Peterson referred the members to copies of the December 3 issue of The Observer with a front page, top of the fold, color picture story about the Thanksgiving dinner at Blue Ridge House. Ms. Garrett read an excerpt from the text: First Presbyterian member Dave Goodwin, who has been part of the shared meal for 26 years, says that he keeps coming because “this is what Thanksgiving is all about...sitting down and being part of the community.” He said the other reason that has kept him coming is the fact that “Region Ten’s Blue Ridge House is the best use of tax dollars he has ever seen, this place (Blue Ridge House) works. Everyone in town should come and see the way this program is a community that really helps people help themselves.” Ms. Miller commented that Mr. Goodwin is very community minded, that he has supported Fourth Street Station and also arranged for the burial of an indigent consumer served by mental retardation services.
Mr. Peterson referred to the copies of the bank resolution from Guaranty Bank required for Region Ten to open an account in Lovingston. ON A MOTION BY DR. SHERAS, SECONDED BY DR. KIBLER, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADOPT THE BANK RESOLUTION FROM GUARANTY BANK TO ESTABLISH AN ACCOUNT IN LOVINGSTON. The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 p.m. Respectfully submitted,
REGION TEN COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING January 5, 2004 Committee Members Present Susan Garrett, Chairman James Peterson, Executive Director
Committee members reviewed the minutes of the of the December 8 board meetings and the proposed agenda for the January 12 meeting.
Ms. Garrett reported that the committee has decided to engage a consulting firm to assist in conducting a wide recruitment for the position of executive director. Initial indications are that the cost of the consultant would not exceed the costs of advertising that would be incurred without the services of a consultant.
The earlier recommendation from the Personnel Committee that the employment contract with the executive director be extended to September 30, 2004, will be taken up for action at the January board meeting.
The Personnel Committee will develop a section pertaining to personnel issues, and the Finance and the Mental Retardation Advisory Committee will be asked to contribute sections relevant to their areas of interest (see attached draft prepared by Ms. Garrett). The Quality Management Council will develop a set of suggested goals for consideration by the Executive Committee at its March 1 meeting for presentation to the board on March 8. Ms. Johnston said it would be helpful if the extensive listing of service needs were reformatted to identify programs and the associated costs. There was also discussion about inherent limitations of establishing priorities among all of the services when some enhancements can be accomplished with modest resources yet benefitting a larger population, while other priorities may require very costly programs to implement.
The rally will begin in Richmond at 9:00 on Monday, January 19, and the VACSB conference the following morning. Several board members and staff from Region Ten will attend the rally, and five board members and five staff will attend the conference.
Ms. Garrett distributed copies of an e-mail from Rev. Cameron that included a listing from Ms. Downing Miller of the many contributions made by David Goodwin, and inquiring how proper recognition could be given for his extensive volunteer service. It was suggested that Rev. Cameron send a letter to the editor of The Daily Progress drawing on the points raised by Ms. Miller.
Ms. Garrett referred to the editorial that appeared in The Daily Progress supporting the need for a mental health court. Mr. Pezzoli reported that a local committee comprised of representatives from Region Ten, the Public Defender’s office, Legal Aid, consumers and others has been working on developing a program here.
Ms. Garrett noted that the 2020 plan developed by the Jefferson Area Board for Aging identifies service needs, and she asked if Region Ten is actively involved in planning for aging clients. Region Ten staff have been a part of the 2020 process, and also Dr. Sheras noted that there are really two very different issues, those relating to services for persons who are older and services for persons who develop needs as a result of other conditions associated with aging.
The next meeting of the Executive Committee will be held on Monday, February 2, 12:00 noon, at the Hardware Store Restaurant, 316 East Main Street, Charlottesville. The meeting was adjourned. December 8, 2003, BOARD MEETING MINUTES Members Present Susan Garrett, Chairman Members Absent Roxanne White Others Present James R. Peterson, Executive Director Michael W. Kelley
Ms. Garrett, chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:39 p.m.
On a motion by Rev. Cameron, seconded by Ms. Hammond, the minutes of the November 10, 2003, board meeting were unanimously approved as distributed.
Mr. Peterson reported that Finnegan & Associates has issued its first research report which identifies nine potential grants, most of which are for modest amounts that typically Finnegan would not pursue, but Region Ten could apply directly if they seemed of interest. Finnegan is continuing to research major grants, and is waiting for the federal announcements for 2004.
In response to feedback from staff and others, the architect has expanded the size of the proposed Lovingston facility and incorporated other design changes. The plans are complete, and site plan approval will be sought from the Lovingston Planning Commission within the next two months. The meeting was adjourned at 7:43 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Carol Johnston
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