Meetings and Minutes

Members present: Lewis Atkins, Dave Benjamin, Janet Dorsey, Ben Johnson, Jenny McKenzie, Karen Michalski-Karney, Bill Ward, Bonita Reid, Dave Harris,
Ex officio:Theresa Preda, Jane Ward-Solomon

Members absent: Doug Nunnally, Alan Schlank

Staff: Lisa Grubb

Guests:Sandra Wagener, Eleanor Williams, Phil Sieck, Gwen Gillenwater, Betty Bevins, Fritz Knapps, Debbie Johnson, Greg Morrell, Charley Barry, Donna Buckland, April Crout, Eddie Jones

The meeting began with scheduled guest presentations:

A conference call was placed to Commissioner Jim Rothrock. Commissioner Rothrock provided the council with an update on the current budget situation stating that Virginia has a 1,500,000,000 deficit. Governor Warner will address the result of that deficit tonight. Vice-Chair Karen Michalski-Karney and the SILC were commended for their work with the State Advisory Group along with Center for Independent Living (CIL) Director Michael Cooper. The Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) presented to the Governer the method to cut various percentages of the budget along with different scenarios. The percentages ranged from 7% to 11% to 15%. If cuts are made at 15% there would be a significant impact on the CILS. The goal is to protect core services such as Independent Living and to consider Vocational Rehabilitation, and partnership with Employment Services. Commissioner Rothrock suggested the SILC to consider how Part B funding could be reengineered. The Governor will present the budget on December 20, 2002. At present federal Part B monies are secure. Chair Janet Dorsey questioned if we needed to look at the Part B Community Action Specialists (CAS) contracts that were just renewed. Eleanor shared that the award will be in quarterly allotments. Commissioner Rothrock closed by stating that the economy may not bounce back until 2006 due to the war and other factors. Chair Dorsey thanked Commissioner Rothrock for providing the council with this update.

Chair Dorsey welcomed all and opened the meeting by thanking Appalachian Independent Center (AIC) for hosting the SILC. At that time the meeting was turned over to Executive Director Greg Morrell. Morrell began by introducing AIC's staff that were present for the meeting - Charley Barry, Program Director, Donna Buckland, Operations Director, and April Crouch, Administrative Assistant. Packets were distributed that included the history of AIC, AIC's brochure, AIC pen, and a regional guide to lodging and restaurants. Morrell shared AIC's mission statement and the coverage area that included 6 counties and 2 cities. AIC has the 2nd largest geographical area in the state to cover. Support group information was shared along with program services to include core services, contract for transportation services, Benefits Planning for Social Security, WW Rehab Mobile Clinic, Personal Assistant Services (PAS), and Consumer Director Personal Assistant Services (CDPAS). Morrell pointed out the boards in the conference room proudly reflects the consumer groups that AIC sponsor. These bulletin boards are a source for community education and also provide the groups with a sense of ownership within the center.

Chair Dorsey introduced Ms. Wheelchair Virginia Debbie Johnson. Johnson thanked the council for allowing her to speak. She shared the mission of Ms. Wheelchair Virginia stating that it recognized the accomplishments of women in wheelchairs. Anyone 21 - 60 years of age can participate. Johnson shared information about the upcoming pageant and encouraged everyone to spread the word and encourage participation. The next pageant will be the 3rd week of March and will be held in Richmond. For additional information you can visit the web site at www.msva.com Cassette tapes were distributed that shared events of Johnson's life.

Central Virginia Independent Living Center's Executive Director Sandra Wagener provided the council with an update on the Community Action Specialist (CAS) project. Wagener shared that we are one year into the project. The new Coordinator was introduced, Fritz Knapps and continued the CAS updates. Knapps distributed a handout and discussed the long range goals of the CAS project. Those goals included transportation, housing, and Medicaid reform. At present 75% of the action items have been completed. A training workshop will be held in Richmond on November 13-15 with special guest speakers such as Michael Allen. Allen's presentation will be videotaped and will be shared with the CILS. Council Member Jenny McKenzie requested the option of closed captioning be pursued. Treasurer Bill Ward requested the CAS be trained on the State Plan so they can assist with the future development of the State Plan. Staff Lisa Grubb will provide all CILS with the most recent State Plan. Council Member Bonita Reid is the SILC representative for the CAS project. Member Reid commended the last training and will continue to attend the training provided to the CAS employees.

Chair Dorsey opened the general meeting by introducing the following guests: Executive Director for the Junction Center for Independent Living Gwen Gillenwater; Betty Bevins and Eddie Jones with Clinch Independent Living Services. Chair Dorsey welcomed the guests at the public meeting and opened the floor for public comment. There being none Chair Dorsey opened the floor to discuss the Secretary's report on behalf of Secretary Heather Harris who was unable to attend due to family illness. Chair Dorsey asked the council if they had reviewed the minutes dated July 16, 2002 for the previous meeting held in Richmond. Council Member Lewis Atkins moved to approve the minutes as submitted, Treasurer Ward 2nd the motion. There being no discussion the council voted to approve the minutes as submitted.

Staff Grubb distributed financial reports and DRS Staff Eleanor Williams discussed the financial reports on behalf of Treasurer Ward. Part B summaries were discussed; All monies were spent for Fiscal Year (FY) 2001, FY 2002 has a carryover of $5,108. The Executive Committee voted to move the carryover to FY 2003 for CAS training. FY 2003 had an unobligated amount of $7,000. That amount was also approved for the CAS training. The CAS trainings still need approximate $8,000 to conduct their trainings. Williams will address banks for sponsorship. Williams was also advised to contact AT&T for sponsorship. The operating budget (006) for June 1, 2002 - June 30, 2003 was reviewed. Williams will provide the council with a final report for 2002. She estimated a balance of $200. A 5% increase was awarded for 2003.

Williams thanked the SILC members that volunteered for the upcoming CIL site reviews. Volunteers are being selected based upon geographical location to minimize expenses. Member Atkins will be assisting at the Junction Center. Member McKenzie will be assisting in Manassas.

Chairperson Dorsey opened the floor to discuss committee reports. The following committees met and shared their report with the council.

Council Member Ben Johnson provided the council with the Housing Committee Report. Johnson reported that due to low attendance he received no report out on assigned duties. Everything will be held over to the next meeting. Chair Dorsey suggested giving the committee members a time line to report back. Johnson shared that a housing commission has been put together. Knapps will report out about the housing study. Vice-Chair Michalski-Karney reported that she attended the housing conference. If anyone is interested in serving on the Virginia Housing and Development Authority (VHDA)