Note*** There was no audio recording of the meeting due to an equipment malfunction, recording will resume next meetingNEW YORK STATE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL
March 11, 2011
Full Council Meeting/Public Hearing
Council Members Present: Doug Usiak, Ken Stewart, Melanie Shaw, Ralph Giordano, Bruce Darling, Lauren LeFebvre, Jerrie Gamble-Henderson, Wendy Strobel-Gower, Lynn Drucker, Susan Storms, Shelley Klein, Chad Underwood, Brad Williams (NYSILC Executive Director) and, Denise Figueroa
Ex Officio Members Present: Julie Cardone
Members Absent: Michael Peluso (Ex Officio), Lawrence Carter-Long, Brett Eisenberg, Anthony Richardson, David Whalen, and Luis Montalván
Others Present: Patty Black and Joe Adler (NYSILC staff), Bob Gumson (ACCESS), Greg Jones, Joe Bravo, Lindsay Miller and Alan Krieger (Potential SILC Evaluator)
PUBLIC HEARING Bruce Darling, SPIL Committee Chair, called the Public Hearing to order at 9:05 am and stated the purpose of the hearing was to solicit public comment regarding the use of the unspent Part B money ($164,000) with regard to how these funds could be best utilized.
Joe Bravo-Mr. Bravo felt the funds should not be spent now, if it were possible to do that. If it is not, then the funds should go to Objective #11 of the current SPIL and be awarded to innovative projects that did not get selected for this objective.
Doug Usiak-Doug felt that funds could be allocated to creation of a web based database.
Wendy Strobel-Gower-Wendy felt that support for Benefits Counseling would be a good use of the funds.
Chad Underwood—Chad stated that Access Toward Independence has submitted written support of allocating the funds to Objective #11.
Bruce stated written comment would be accepted until the close of business on March 15, 2011.
Bruce closed the public hearing at 9:18am.
CALL TO ORDER
Doug called the full council meeting to order at 9:19am and stated a quorum was present.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 19, 2010 MINUTES
Minutes were approved as presented. W. Strobel-Gower, D. Figueroa (m/s/p) all aye
GOVERNOR'S PROPOSED BUDGET
Bruce explained the negative impact the proposed budget will have on people with disabilities in NYS. Melanie Shaw moved, second by Jerrie Gamble-Henderson, NYSILC oppose the budget cuts and proposals to change the Medicaid system that will adversely affect people with disabilities in New York State. All voted in favor.
NYSILC will submit correspondence to the Governor's Office stating NYSILC's opposition.
Brad reviewed his written reports contained in the member meeting packets. Four responses have been received for the SPIL Evaluation. Doug, Denise, Jerrie and Brad attended SILC Congress in Atlanta.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Denise reviewed the fiscal reports contained in the member meeting packets. NYSILC did utilize the line of credit because of the contract delays. The Finance Committee met with the CPA firm that conducted NYSILC's audit. The Finance Committee moved that a separate account be established for the restitution funds in order to generate interest. Use of these funds will be determined at a later date. Second by Ken. All voted in favor. A copy of the audit will be provided to all council members.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
Bruce reviewed the correspondences contained in the member meeting packet between NYSILC, ACCESS and RSA. Two additional letters have been sent to ACCESS regarding NYSILC's involvement in the RFP process and procedure and/or wavier process required for Minority and Women Owned Business budget required allocation in ACCESS contracts. The Executive Committee voiced concern regarding the significant negative financial impact this requirement has and will have on Centers.
3rd Party Position Papers-The Executive Committee has reviewed the draft policy on 3rd party positions papers created by the Public Policy Committee and moved that the draft be accepted. Second by Lauren. All voted in favor.
COMMITTEE SIGN UP
Wendy-Recruitment Chair
Shelley-Public Policy Chair
Lynn-Personnel Chair
Chad-Finance, Consumer Satisfaction (Older Blind) and, Needs Assessment
Susan-Emergency Preparedness
Ken-Emergency Preparedness
Ralph-Outreach
Committee with no chair-Youth Leadership
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Travel-Wendy reported the committee is collecting content for a website.
Consumer Satisfaction-Doug reported that the reporting instrument has been sent to consumers and the committee is looking at the return rate. Surveys should be returned to NYSILC by the end of the month.
Emergency Preparedness-Brad reported the committee is looking at a FEMA funding proposal for Emergency Preparedness.
Outreach-Susan reported the committee's focus is Veterans.
Public Policy-Brad reported the committee is working on a Public Policy agenda.
Needs Assessment-Doug reported the committee is waiting on information from Susan Dooha.
Recruitment-The committee will begin recruiting for the vacancies in 121, Youth, Advocate and Other.
NYSILC staff will put the committee’s conference call schedules on the website. Individual Committees will determine if they will allow the public to call in.
ACCESS SRC-Wendy reported that Debra Brown-Johnson reported that RSA has determined that NYS will be reviewed in 2012. Governor Cuomo is recommending level funding for ILC's.
ACCESS-In Michael Peluso's absence, Bob Gumson reported the Capacity building RFP is under review. The Get Out the Vote RFP had no respondents. ACCESS has sent out emails to possible applicants to inquire as to why they did not apply. Four have responded. Several council members stated they did not receive that inquiry. Bob will find out what email list the inquiry was sent to and have it sent again to include all ILC's. The SSAN Coordination RFP is under revision. The ACCESS website is being overhauled and IL will be part of ACCESS VR. Debra Brown-Johnson and Kevin Smith are visiting field and district offices as well as ILC's across the state.
CBVH-Julie reported on the proposed new legislation regarding the Business Enterprise Program in which first bids go out to vendors who are blind. The proposed legislation will expand the program, making more stands available. CBVH's Youth Leadership conference had 50 participants. Prior CBVH recipients also attended. The 7 ARRA projects are coming to an end. Loan closets have been established in Buffalo and Westchester. The purpose of these is to close the gap and decrease the barrier to employment by reducing employment related expenses. The Vision Institute will be held May 3-4.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Doug adjourned the meeting at 2:45.
Lauren LeFebvre, Secretary
NYSILC
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