New York State Independent Living Council

Full Council Meeting
Albany Marriott
September 11, 1998

Present:

Members: Chris Rosa, Vice Chair; Charles McGrady, Treasurer; Anne Pavlak, Secretary; Frances Pizzola, Member-at-Large; Sally Johnston; Doug Usiak; Marianne Williams; Georg Fleischer; Gisela Distel; Bob Shepherd; James Billy; Myrta Cuadra; Cheryl Pivorunas; Ralph W. Shields; Jack White.

Ex Officio: Sharon Flom, CBVH; Bob Gumson, VESID; Bob Boehlert, Advocate's Office.

Staff: Alyssa Pfleging, NYSILC Communications Outreach Coordinator; Stephanie Lawton Office Manager.

Guests: Tina Willard, SCOIL; Doug Hovey, Newburgh CIL/COIL Chair; Fred Ayers.

Absent Barbara "Bobbi" Linn, Chair; Michele Greene; Patricia Bruno, OMRDD.

Chris Rosa called the meeting to order at 9:10 AM by welcoming everyone in attendance and taking roll call. The meeting began with a quorum present.

The Chair requested a motion on the minutes of April 22, 1998 and June 15, 1998, and if there were any corrections, additions or changes. Motion carried unanimously.

Director's Quarterly Report: Interim Director Doug Usiak reporting--The June and July reports are in the packet of materials. Glens Falls site review has been completed. T.K. Small has resigned from the Council. NYSILC financial reports have been re-worked. The calendar of meetings for 1998-1999 is in the packet. Budget amendment received from VESID for $3,000 for sponsorship of Annual Conference. Budget for 1998-1999 has been received, signed and returned to VESID. Due to an error by the payroll service, NYS Unemployment taxes were not paid for 6 months, this situation has been corrected and the service is compensating NYSILC for penalties paid.

Alyssa Pfleging reported on NYSILC’s Regional Forums and the Fair Housing Act Workshop (November 4-5, 1998, 9am-4pm in Syracuse).

Doug Usiak reported on the RRCEP meeting: It was noted that Council members that are representatives to other councils should bring back minutes/other relevant information to inform Council members of activities, training, etc.

Accounting system changed from MAS 90 to Quick Books Pro.

Regional Forums - Oct. 19 date conflicts with AILCNY and COIL’s Disability Action Summit. This was discussed and upon motion by Bob Shepherd, second by Ralph W. Shields the Regional Forum in Queens on Oct. 19^th will be held and an additional meeting within the New York City area will be scheduled. Motion carried 13-1.

Treasurer’s Report: Charles McGrady reported June and July 1998 financials, cash flow explanation and cash flow projections for 1998-1999. Explanation of dues, subscriptions and memberships were given - NCIL, Ability magazine, ABA Disability Journal, Legislative Gazette, MOUTH magazine.

Charles McGrady moved, seconded by Ralph Shields, that the budget and projections be accepted. Motion carried unanimously.

Charles McGrady moved, seconded by Marianne Williams, that Roth, DeChants, Fuglien & Johnson be appointed as the Council’s new auditor. Motion carried.

Executive Committee Report: Chris Rosa reporting. The June 5^th minutes Executive Committee meeting are in the packet. The Executive Committee Meeting on July 6th was a conference call regarding the resignation of David Arocho, Executive Director. A transition plan was put in place with Doug Usiak agreeing to act as Interim Executive Director.

The July 24^th Executive Committee meeting set up the search procedures for finding a new Executive Director and set an advertising budget for the same of $3,500. The tasks remaining to satisfy the State Plan were reviewed. It was agreed that a facilitator be sought for the first 1999 Full Council meeting to help us do some "visioning" on the Council’s role in the State. With Bob Gumson, Chris Rosa is working on a book of accomplishments and goals for the Centers. Marianne Williams was asked to be a signer on the checks.

The 1998-1999 schedule of meetings was reviewed and amended. FFY 1999 contract was received. Reimbursement of Council member expenses was reviewed. State guidelines for reimbursement will be distributed. Regional Forums dates and locations were reviewed. The Web site is being re-vamped. The Executive Committee voted to continue participation in "Points of View", cable access discussion on disability issues. The Committee also reviewed future activities such as a possible membership campaign for NYSILC, or a possible participation in the celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the ADA and the 25^th anniversary of the IDEA.

State Plan is at RSA. Only 7 of the 8 vacancies on the Council will be filled.

Correspondence: On August 19, the Executive Committee received T.K. Small’s resignation from the Council. AILCNY and COIL have requested $2,000 support a Disability Action Summit on October 19-20, 1998. Doug Hovey, COIL Chair, explained and identified invitees and goals/objectives/agenda of the summit. Sally Johnson moved to approve the request for $2,000 towards the cost of the conference, seconded by James Billy. Motion carried unanimously.

Search Committee: Chris Rosa reported on the advertising budget for the Executive Director position, diversity of search area and venues. Search period of 08/23-09/23/98 was identified. Eighteen applications, not including e-mail submissions, have been received to date. The Committee also reviewed Executive Director job description and changed the salary range to attract a better qualified candidate. A rating form will be developed for Search Committee to use. Target date for new ED to be in place is December, but January is more realistic. Position will remain a contract position.

Public Policy Committee: Fran Pizzola updated the Council on the recommendations and actions of the Committee. The committee developed a satisfaction survey to see if their accessibility needs are met at whatever location Council meetings are held. Regarding the Work Incentive Improvement Act of 1998 (S 1858) the committee recommended that letters be sent to Senators Moynihan and D’Amato highlighting key points. House bill has passed. Senate bill coming up for vote. The Committee reviewed least restrictive environment versus most integrated setting for persons with disabilities and health insurance coverage (Medicaid). A letter was sent to Ann Clemency Kohler, Director of Medicaid Services requesting a written copy of the Self-Evaluation Plan of the ADA policy.

Monitoring Committee: James Billy reported that the Cultural Diversity Workshop was a resounding success. He also voiced concern about the role of the NYSILC in monitoring IL centers. What is the protocol for centers that are in trouble? Could NYSILC step in with technical assistance when there is a problem?

VESID Report: Bob Gumson reported that VESID would exercise the "no cause" clause in its contract with the Amsterdam ILC after investigation by the Commission on Quality of Care. Plans for interim services to the Fulton and Montgomery Counties are in the works. The VESID survey has turned out to be a disappointment, data collection and processing is still in process. RSA will be looking for an addendum to the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) identifying a process for determining customer satisfaction. Two of the three site reviews have been completed. An orientation program will be provided for SILC personnel participating in the site reviews. Title VII Part B money expenditures have been identified. Lifelong services database is in development. Rehab Act was signed by the President (now called the Workforce Improvement Act). The appointing authority for Council members has been identified as the Governor, not VESID or the Regents. A technical amendment is in process to change this, but won’t be available for 3-4 months.

CBVH Report: In final stage of review of children services, working with the State Education Dept. The need for Braille training and the shortage of Braille teachers is a concern. In 1999 a review will be conducted relative to elderly blind citizens. First CBVH annual report has been completed and disseminated. CBVH will be hiring a Director for the Bureau of Field Operations and Implementation. They are meeting with ILCs to work more closely with them.

Open Forum: The Harlem Center has received a grant from AmeriCorp to station 24 individuals throughout the centers in NYC to learn IL philosophy, community development and work, etc.

Bob Shepherd reported that the Transition services are under Federal review.

Department of Health’s Fifth Annual Best Practices conference is scheduled for Oct. 6, 1998.

Public Policy Committee to contact OMRDD to present information at the next meeting regarding the "New York Cares" Initiative.

"Joint Council Meeting" - CBVH RAC has been solicited to participate. What measurable outcomes were there from last year? What is expected for this year? NYSILC has been solicited to supply two people from the NYSILC - Fran Pizzola and Bob Shepherd volunteered.

Meeting adjourned until November 20, 1998.