HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 19911
EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 1991
(Minutes approved)
Members Present: Marcia Nelson, Carol Henes, Florence Winfield, Art
Diers, Nicki Pearson, Ald. Gene Feldman, Ann Graff
Presiding: Art Diers, Chairperson
Staff: Jeanne Fox, Harvey saver, Lisa Boulden
Community
Representatives: Barbara Cleveland, Joanne Harford (Mental Health
Association of Evanston); Lois Mazor (SHORE:
Community Services), Phyliss Arist (League of Women
Voters)
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Diers called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m.
II. INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY COMMENTS
The members of the audience introduced themselves.
Ms. Graff reported that, at its Annual Dinner Meeting, PEER Services
awarded its 1990 Chairman's Award to the Evanston Mental Health Hoard
(MHB) for providing leadership and coordination in the community for
substance abuse and prevention work. Ms. Graff presented the award
to the MHB. The MHB graciously accepted the award and directed a
letter of thanks be sent to PEER Services.
A1d. Feldman reported that St. Francis Hospital is develao'_ng a
new day care program with 120 slots for children. He said t^at the
hospital has reported that they will earmark 20 of the slots for
Title XX guideline children if it obtains all of the slots. In a
consensus decision, the MHB agreed to send St. Francis Hospital a
Letter commending it for providing additional day care slots,
especially those for children who are eligible for Title XX.
III. MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 6 AND NOVEMBER 10, 1990
Ms. Henes moved and Ald. Feldman seconded a motion to approve the
minutes of the November 6, 1990 meeting as presented. Motion passed
unanimously 7 aye - 0 no.
Ms. Henes moved and Ald. Feldman seconded a motion to approve the
minutes of the November 10, 1990 meeting as presented. Motion passed
unanimously 7 aye - 0 no.
January, 1991 %,1HB Meeting Minutes Pace =
IV. EVALUATION OF MENTAL HEALTH BOARD FUNDING GUIDELINES
The MHB reviewed the evaluation of the Funding Guidelines in the 1990
allocation process for purchased services. There was general
discussion about board member comments in the evaluation regarding
the process of making the allocations. Ald. Feldman emphasized that
the MEB allocation process should also be an educational process for
the community priorities should be discussed and the deliberations
and discussion about policy should be shared with the community. Ms.
Pearson expressed concern that, as a result of: no new funds
available, the committee meeting that made the recommendations to the
MHB may have reduced the amount of discussion at the MHB meeting.
Ms. Nelson moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to have the
Funding Guidelines Committee reconvene to recommend changes and/or
revisions in the Funding Guidelines for the 1991 allocation process
for funding in FY1992-93. Motion passed unanimously 7 aye - 0 no.
Mr. Diers appointed the following to the Committee: Jack Lynch
(chair), Marcia Nelson, Ann Graff, Nicki Pearson.
V. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED DIALOGUE WITH THE
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF EVANSTON
Barbara Cleveland, Executive Director of the Mental Health
Association of Evanston (MHAE), joined the Board. Ald. Feldman
asked how much coordination and cooperation exists between staff of
the MHB and MHAE on advocacy, lobbying, public education, monitoring,
and research for mental health issues. Ms. Fox said that previously
there was cooperation, but the amount of coordinated activity was
limited when the MHAE director was half-time. Now that the director
is full-time there is a unique opportunity for both groups to jointly
work on projects. The goal of a discussion with the MHAE would be to
look at ways both groups could work together without duplicating
efforts and expenses. Ald. Feldman said that he thought it was a
positive step for the MHB to coordinate efforts with any group that
would be able to provide additional research, knowledge and creative
ideas, and particularly from a group of local citizens that had
banded together for that purpose. He said that he was eager to go
forward with the idea, but said that the MHB could not abdicate its
legal responsibility and statutory role in the community. Ms.
Cleveland discussed the questions she and Ms. Fox had raised that_ had
prompted the idea for a joint meeting - overlap, duplicatioi► and
confusion about organizational roles; duplication of staff efforts
and costs; which organization is potentially most effective in
providing which functions. Ms. Graff supported the idea of being
able to spin off some of the areas where t.-, ?s duplicatic- (e.g.,
:monitoring and analysis of legisla_ion). T`;is would enatle both
groups to be more productive.
. ? d . Feldman resvonded to Ms. Cleveland's memo to _ .e ;r' - ward o'
directors describing the :[HB' s d_sc::ss_on o; ` '-iAE' s ? _ 99 _ -a (,=ding
request to the �1HB. He expressed _::e :,-iB's appreciation for _'ne work
and role of the MHAE _n the comma: y. He zlso said _ha_ =ne remarks
made durirc� he funding process were recc5ni tior. th�a- , ��_h ;.heir
current p an ing and reorganiza__c::, was rac__._-c an
crgan? zat_on w:th grea_er
January, 1991 'UiB Meeting Minutes page
Ms. Nelson moved and Ms. Henes seconded a motion that Art Diers,
Ellen Browne and Nicki Pearson represent the MHB in discussions with
the Mental Health Association of Evanston. Motion passed unanimously
7 aye -- 0 no.
(Ald. Feldman left the meeting at 7:35 p.m.)
VI. REVIEW OF POLICY GUIDELINES FOR
MENTAL HEALTH BOARD CONTRACTS
Ms. Winfield moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to approve the
Policy Guidelines Governing Purchase of Service Agreements as
presented for use with contracts for the period March 1,
1991-Febraury 28, 1992.
Ms. Henes moved and Ms. Nelson seconded a motion to amend the
original motion to read "Individual agencyprogram evaluation
results, the extent to which the agency meets its proposed outcome
obi ectives and on -site visits..." in Section 6.0. The amendment was
approved unanimously 6 aye - 0 no. The original motion was approved
unanimously 6 aye - 0 no.
VII. REVIEW OF 4C'S DAY CARE BUDGET HEARINGS PROCESS
Ms. Fox discussed changes in the 4C's hearings for Title XX day care
providers. She said that Lisa Boulden would be providing staff
support for the hearings and developing the staff analyses.
VIII. DISCUSSION OF MAYOR'S SPECIAL TASK FORCE ON SUBSTANCE
ABUSE AND THE ROLE OF THE MENTAL HEALTH BOARD
Ms. Graff discussed the Mayor's Special Task Force on Substance Abuse
(TF) Report. She said that, as the THB's representative to the TF,
she was impressed with the level of commitment and creativity
displayed by the group in trying to do something about substance
abuse in the community. She said Mayor Barr has a number of
references to make to various boards and commissions, including the
MHB, for study and implementation.
Ms. Graff talked about the D.A.R.E. Program, a substance abuse
prevention program for 5th and 6th graders, which is being conducted
by two Evanston Police Officers assigned to School District 4r65. She
reported that :.he City's proposed budget for FY1991-92 eliminates one
of the D.A.R.E. positions. It tad been expected that there wou''d be
money available from the State _o assist in :he i plemenzation of
D.A.R.E. in tte current fiscal year, but t"he State funds were not
available. Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion that a
letter be sent to Mayor Barr and Aldermen urging them to do all that
is possible to maintain two Evanston Police Officers in the D.A.R.E.
program, and to negotiate with school District 465 to fund one of the
positions. Motion approved unanimously 6 aye - 0 no.
January, i99I rEiB :leeting Minutes Page I
Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion that a letter be
sent to the superintendent and board of School. District #65, and to
the mental health chairs of the school PTAs, thanking them for #65's
cooperation with the D.A.R.Eproggram in the classrooms and urging
them to do all that is possible to work with the City In order to
maintain two Evanston Police officers in the D.A.R.E. program,
including cooperation with the City in funding and scheduling the
positions. Motion approved unanimously 6 aye - o no.
IX. UPDATE ON CILA ISSUES; STATEWIDE VOLUNTEER MONITORING
PROJECT; DEVELOPMENT OF CILAS IN EVANSTON
Ms. Henes reported on the meeting of the CILA/Zoning Committee. She
said that the committee is looking at the changes in the Zoning
ordinance related to group homes being proposed by the Zoning
Commission. The Committee decided it is not prepared to make
recommendations by March to Human Services committee (HSC) regarding
the proposed changes. The committee is beginning to identify and
analyze the following issues involved prior to makin their
recommendations: distance between homes; definition of " amily";
definitions of "group homes"; oversight based upon functioning level
of residents; and, levels of licensing or monitoring. The Committee
also recommended that the MHB should consult with agencies and
advocacy groups before making its final recommendations. Ms. Henes
said that the Committee agreed to a tentative schedule:
March - status report and discussion about issues with HSC
April - ublic review of MHB's recommendations
May - .inal recommendations to HSC about
Zoning commission report
Ms. Henes moved and Ms. Nelson seconded a motion to adopt the
CILA/Zoning Committee's proposed schedule for the PM to respond to
the Zoning Commission's recommendations related to group homes.
Motion approved unanimously 6 aye - 0 no.
Mr. Saver presented a side -by -side draft analysis of the current
Zoning ordinance and the Zoning Commission's recommendations related
to group homes.
Ms. Fox discussed the activities of community groups which are
currently involved in reviewing the Zoning Commission's oronosed
changes. JoAnne Harford of the Mental. Health Association of Evanston
discussed its board's initial response to distance and licensing
issues in the Zoning Co,-unission's oroaosed ordinance.
Ms. Fox updated the MHB on progress with the Illinois CP?tES proposal
for volunteer monitoring of C: As. Ms. Pearson asked that the
September minutes be revised to reflect that MHAE "was interested in
discussing the possibility of conducting volunteer monitoring for
CILAs", rather than that they had already agreed to do the volunteer
monitoring. There was consensus to reflect the changes in the
record.
January, 1991 :lHB meeting minutes page
X. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
>>> Mr. Diers reminded the `MHB that the City Council' budget
meetings are scheduled for January 12 and 19 at 9:00 a.m. In
addition, there is a public hearing scheduled for Monday, a
February 4 at 7:30 p.m.
>>> Ms. Fox discussed problems with K Unit at Chicago Read Zone
Center. she said that there had been staff shortages over the
holiday period, residents reassigned and dispersed to other
units, budget reductions and problems with staff. she said
that the MI Coalition had been successful in negotiating to
have K Unit restored. The group is still working on some of
the other problematic client care issues.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Q-;:71� lam. �4t
J7ne M. rox
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January, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page
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EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14 1991
(Minutes recorded, not yet approved)
Members Present: Ellen Browne, Carol Henes, Art Diers, Nicki Pearson,
Ann Graff
Presiding: Art Diers, Chairperson
Staff: Jeanne Fox, Harvey Saver
Community
Representatives: Phyliss Arist (League of Women Voters), Rate Mahoney
(PEER Services), JoAnne Harford (Mental Health
Association of Evanston)
[I] CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Diers called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
(II) MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 1991
Ms. Henes moved and Ms. Graff seconded a motion to approve the
minutes of the January 10, 1991 meeting as presented. Motion passed
unanimously 5 aye - 0 no.
[III_] CILA COMMITTEE REPORT: ZONING ISSUES FOR GROUP HOMES
Ms. Henes reviewed the draft recommendations from the CILA/Zoning
fC/Z} Committee. Ms. Pearson said that the C/Z Committee had
initiated a meeting with representatives from the Mental Health
Association of Evanston (MHAE) and the Human Relations Commission
(HRC) to begin a dialoue about each group's respective issues and
concerns related to t9e proposed Zoning Ordinance revisions. She
said that some areas of initial agreement and disagreement have
already been identified. Ms. Pearson said that the Committee was
going to meet to reconsider some of its recommendations based upon
the discussion with MHAE and HRC. Ms. Henes said that the Committee's
work plan had been revised. Final draft recommendations will be
presented to the MHB at the March meeting. The Mental Health Board
(MHB) will meet with the Human Services Committee in May, after the
election, to provide education about CILAs and other issues related
to group homes. The MHB accepted the C/Z Committee's revised work
schedule by consensus.
February, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes page 1
[IV] DISCUSSION OF REFERENCES TO THE MENTAL HEALTH BOARD FROM
THE MAYORIS SPECIAL TASK FORCE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Kate Mahoney, Director of PEER Services, joined the MHB. She
announced that PEER Services had recently been awarded a grant for
substance abuse prevention by the Department of Alcohol and Substance
Abuse (DASA). she thanked the Board for the support of MHB staff in
advocating with RASA for the grant, and said that there had been a
number of legislators, city staff and community organizations which
had written to DASH in support of PEER's local efforts. This is the
first time that an Evanston agency has received money from DASA for
prevention programming. The details have not yet been worked out
about grant implementation and funding. Ms. Mahoney said that DASA's
prevention plan is based upon a communit� organizing model. she will
e grant. Mr. Diers asked
if there was any additional support the MHB could provide to PEER
Services for their grant. Ms. Mahoney asked that the MHB continue to
provide coordination in the community for prevention services during
the early stages of the organization of PEER's prevention program.
Ms. Graff and Ms. Mahoney led a discussion about the Report from the
Mayor's Special Task Force on Substance Abuse (MSTFSA). Ms. Graff
said that they would take MHB feedback to the Task Force about the
tasks it was assigned in the references from the MSTFSA Report. Ms.
Mahoney said that the implementation of PEER Services' Prevention
Grant would fit very well with the implementation of References #1,
#2 and #3 to the MHB. Ms. Graff recommended that PEER Services and
the MHB to consider coordinating their respective efforts in
prevention. Ms. Browne moved and Ms. Graff seconded a motion that
the Mental Health Board allocate staff time to work closely with PEER
Services to implement the DASA Prevention Grant and the Prevention
references from the Report from the Mayor's Special Task Force on
Substance Abuse. Motion passed unanimously 5 aye - 0 no.
Ms. Mahoney said that Reference #4 also relates to agencies that have
"...working with youth..." in their mission but do not have substance
abuse as one of their service areas. The 14HB discussed the need to
develop awareness in those agencies to support substance abuse
prevention and to integrate a prevention message in the normal
routine of their work. Ms. Henes moved and Ms. Graff seconded a
motion to include as a Mutual Endeavor in FY91-92 contracts
collaborative work with M1113-funded agencies on the implementation of
the recommendations from the Report from the Mayor's Special Task
Force on Substance Abuse. Motion passed unanimously 5 aye - U no.
Ms. Browne said there is a problem with substance abuse by nursing
aides in nursing homes who are caring for the vulnerable elderly.
She said that there is actual substance abuse going on in the work
place. In addition, in some cases aides take the medications or pain
relievers from their elderly patients who may not be able to advocate
for themselves. Ms. Browne moved and Ms. Graff seconded a motion to
submit a recommendation to the MSTFSA that an objective or task be
developed in the Task Force Report about substance abuse problems in
the work place and in nursing homes for the elderly. Motion passed
unanimously 5 aye - 0 no.
February, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 2
J
Mr. Saver said that, in regards Reference #5 there is an existing
referral system for substance abuse programs in Evanston. It is an
informal one which is not coordinated and up-to-date and
comprehensive information is not always available. Ms. Mahoney said
that, in addition, the system does not always have an effective
referral which can be made because the services are either
inaccessible because of the travel distances involved, or unavailable
to individuals without adequate insurance. Ms. Browne said that
those agencies which are not substance abuse providers also need to
be able to identify where substance abuse is a problem based upon
their work with clients, and know haw to confront it when it is
discovered. Ms. Browne moved and Ms. Graff seconded a motion that
the MHB include as a Mutual Endeavor in FY91-92 contracts the
development of education and training for community professionals in
the identification of substance abuse problems in their clients and
information about appropriate referrals to deal with those problems.
Motion passed unanimously 5 aye - 0 no.
In response to a question Ms. Fox and Mr. Saver discussed work by a
community planning group which is looking at the needs of individuals
who are homeless and substance abusers. Ms. Browne moved and Ms.
Pearson seconded a motion to recommend to the MSTFSA that dual
diagnosis for persons who are homeless be addressed as a problem in
the Task Force's Report. Motion passed unanimously 5 aye - 0 no.
By consensus, the MHB recommendeded that the MSTFSA's
recommendations about the development, maintenance or support for
programs always refer to "effective programs."
IV] REPORT OF DIALOGUE WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MENTAL
HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF EVANSTON
Ms. Pearson discussed the meeting between MHB representatives and
members of the Board of Directors from the Mental Health Association
of Evanston (MHAE). Each group discussed its own mission and goals.
The entire group talked about how the organizations are similar, how
they are different and where they overlap. They considered areas
where MHB and 14iAE could cooperate to avoid duplication and achieve
better results, and had staff develop an letter of agreement to
formalize the relationship. Ms. Browne said that the MHAE sees
itself as free to be an advocate, while the MHB, as an agent of the
City, is sometimes a little more constrained in its role as an
advocate. Currently, the MHB and MHAE work together and collaborate
based upon the relationship between their executive directors. This
Memorandum of Understanding formally puts the MHB behind the
relationship. Ms. Pearson moved and Ms. Browne seconded a motion to
ratify the Memorandum of Understanding Between the Mental Health
Board and the Mental Health Association of Evanston as amended.
Motion passed unanimously 5 aye - 0 no.
February, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 3
[VI] APPROVAL OF MENTAL HEALTH BOARD OBJECTIVES FOR FY1991-92
Ms. Fox ied a discussion about the proposed Mental Health Board
Objectives for FY1991-92. In response to a question she said that
without additional funding it would be impossible to do a needs
assessment as the MHB has discussed. At this point, none of the
local funders (e.g., MHB, CDBG, Health and Human serviceshas
received any additional funds to enable them to pursue this activity.
Ms. Henes moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to amend Goal IV,
Objective 2 to read "To document the provision of technical
assistance to 4 agencies for the development of 2 outcome objectives
for each of their programs and 'to seek reports an data/outcomes from
current outcome objectives of funded agencies. .(February, 1992)"
Motion passed unanimously 5 aye - 0 no.
Ms. Browne moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to adopt the
Mental Health Board Objectives for FY1991-92 as amended. Motion
passed unanimously 5 axe - 0 no. The MHB accepted the
recommendations for the objectives for the Director's evaluation in
FY1991-92.
[VIIJ INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Ms. Fox pointed out the information in the packet from SHORE about
the.purchase of a facility outside of Evanston for their vocational
training, placement and employment programs.
Meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeanne M. E'ox
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February, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 4
EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1991
(Minutes approved)
Members present: Carol Henes, Art Diers, Nicki Pearson, Ann Graff,
Marcia Nelson, Jack Lynch, Florence Winfield, Ellen
Browne
Presiding: Art Diers, Chairperson
Staff: Jeanne Fox, Harvey Saver, Lisa Boulden
Community
Representatives: Phyliss Arist (League of Women Voters), JoAnne
Harford (Mental Health Association of Eva -stun),
Delores Holmes (Family Focus), Bill Logan (Evanston
Township High school)
[I] CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Diers called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. and asked members
of the audience to introduce themselves.
[II] MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 14, 1991
The minutes of the February 14, 1991 meeting were approved as
corrected, 7 aye - 0 no.
[III] DISCUSSION X30UT INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
Delores Holmes, Director of Family Focus/Our Place and Bill Logan,
Director of Safety at Evanston Township High School joined the Mental
Health Board (MHB) to discuss a proposed intergovernmental agreement
(the Agreement) to establish an "intergovernmental and interagency
system to improve the coordination and delivery of social services to
Evanston fanalies-11
Mr. Logan presented background on the development of the Agreement
(included in the MHB meeting packet). He said that last year, in
May, a number of individuals in local government, the schools and
service agencies came together to talk aoout an increase in
disruptive, destructive and/or illegal behavior an the streets and in
schools by youth in the community. An At Risk Youth Committee (the
Committee) was formed to plan a response to the concerns being
presented. The group discussed a wide range cf issues and concerns
which were perceived to have exacerbated the problems, e.g., 7ack c,
sufficient, affordable, recreational programs; drugs; c:;ts in agency
services; inadequate employment opportunities. To respond to one of
the concerns last summer the Recreational Department allowed 30
Evanston youth to attend programs with the fees waived. �L. Logan
said that the Committee has been studying the need for a Community
Youth Services Coordinator, the Police Department (PD) programs which
serve youth, parental involvement and the role that the courts play
March, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 1
a"
with youth problems in the community. In response to the need for;
improved communications between the PD and the schools regarding
juveniles, the Committee talked to the Chief Judge of the Juvenile
Court who subsequently issued an order to the City, school Districts
#65 and #202 and the PD which allows the Police to share information
regarding juvenile gang members with the schools. The order was then
amended to allow community agencies to obtain information but not the
original source documents.
Mr. Logan said that the Agreement is being proposed between The City
of Evanston, Evanston Township,Evanston Mental Health Board,
Evanston Township Ai h School District #202 and Evanston School
District #65. The anticipated outcomes of the Agreement would be
improved services, removal, of the gaps in the service system and a
savings in tax dollars. In order to avoid a duplication of effort,
it would allow a sharing of information about who is working with
which clients and families and what services are being provided, and
an opportunity for discussion about which agency should be handling
the case. Mr. Logan said that Districts #65 and #202 have already
passed the agreement. There was a meeting to introduce the Agreement
to agencies which serve youth. The agencies raised concerns with
issues of confidentiality and that a "stick" was being used to get
agencies' compliance and participation.
Mr. Logan said there are still several issues to be worked out. He
indicated the committee agreed that a review of financial records
identified in the Agreement would not be necessary but would be
useful to have in order to understand services being provided to
youth. Agency attorneys will be reviewing the Agreement and talking
to the attorneys from the school districts about their concerns. It
is hoped that a consensus can be reached among all of the groups by
late April or early May so a community plan can be presented for
services to be provided to youth. An Executive Committee which will
include agencies will be established to make decisions about what
agencies should be doing in relation to the Agreement.
Ms. Holmes said that several recommendations from the Committee have
already been put into effect. In addition, the Agreement has the
teeth the Youth Advocacy Program (YAP) did not have to enable the
community to make better use of the resources and services which are
available. Ms. Holmes said that a family who did not agree to sign a
release of information could still be served by an agency but the
services the family received would continue to be fragmented. It
would be up to the agency to encourage the Lazuly to agree. Ms.
Pearson said that this was not made clear in the documents presented
to the MHB. She also said that it was not clear how youth or"amilies
would be identified for this Agreement. Ms. Graff said that it was
not clear whether the schools, which have the greatest constraints on
sharing information, would also share information with other parties
to the Agreement. Ms. Holmes said that the schools would also be
involved in a reciprocal arrangement wit all participants. In
response to questions Ms. Holmes provided the following: the
information shared by agencies would be about the types of services
and resources being provided to the family and the types of problems
being encountered, and not the actual records; any inior:nation shared
would have to be about an individual and roT be "blanket snaring" of
information about groups of kids; the Execut-ve Committee would have
at least 15 people, but more could be added.
March, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 2
Mr. Diers said that it appears the Executive Committee identified in
the Agreement would be the central coordinating center for all high
risk youth cases, but this is not stated. Ms. Graff said that the
roles in the Committee were not very clear, but that it appeared to
have a lot of power. Ms. Holmes said it was intended to have power,
the stick which YAP did not have. The stick would be used with
agencies towards better coordination needed for successful services.
Mr. Logan said that the stick was intended to be in the membership
criteria, and that those agencies which don't want to participate
would not get funding. (Ms. Browne joined the meeting at 8:20 p.m.)
Mr. Diers said that this could cause other problems because the
agencies have a lot of other clients to whom they are responsible and
for whom they receive funding fora specific purpose. He added that
the Agreement might give the illusion that we can do something
through information sharing and coordination which is impossible
without enormous amounts of new resources, e.g., a family
preservation unit, additional concrete services. He said that we
need to struggle with what the community can and cannot do without
using a stick to force the agencies to anticipate in the Agreement.
Ms. Holmes said that the funders wou d have to look at whether
agencies are networking, sharin information and cooperating to do
the best job that they can do or families. Ms. Henes pointed out
that the assessment would require an evaluation and a value judgment.
The MHB responded very favorably to the concept proposed in the
Agreement to share information and provide better coordination of
services to high risk families. They said they were particularly
pleased with the agreement to share information between the two
school districts, and asked how the MHB's comments and suggestions
were going to be used. Ms. Holmes said that the Committee is working
to get input and to broaden the perspective on the Agreement. Mr.
Logan said the MHB's comments will be taken back to the committee to
help clarify and further refine the proposal. It will be brought
back to the MHB to consider for support.
[IV] REPORT ON DAY CARE BUDGET HEARINGS
Ms. Winfield reported on the 4C's day care budget hearings. She
commended Lisa Boulden for the development and compilation of all the
staff analyses for the meetings, and said that Ms. Boulden's report
on the day care hearings was excellent. Ms. Winfield said that the E
panel seemed to be fam liar with and have a good understanding of the
strengths and weakness of each of the centers. in response to a
question Ms. Winfield said that it is difficult to project a specific
Humber of families who are Title ',CX eligible but not able to obtain
day care for their kids. in some cases, while a center may nor- have
an available Title XX slots, t`:e eligible families are receiving
scholarship f:;nds or are _Paying fees on a slid_::c scale. Ms.
Winfield said :C • s a: .c::nced tna: response to 3,.:cceting,
they h_:l begin to look for acd_ _cna a' teZ7nat_•:e _,_n c_n g :or day
care. T ey will also explore ways that they can assure at all
available Title XX s: ots wIl l be f_' led . Ms. Boulder said ::a t t is
thought t:ie Title XX cw_de? _nes w;'_1 be changing t..e 'w The
revisions may allow for a person. meeting Title Celigibility
guidelines to put aside some money when t:iey go back :3 work _ . order
to catch up fi^a^cially as they begin to pay their own way. -tj s is
especially important for those indiv_idua's whose inconne puts them
March, 1991 tr_gB Meeting xin_tes Page 3
only slightly over the guidelines when they go back to work. Ms.
Bou den added that the increase in the state rate for infant care has
closed the gap between the actual cost to the centers for this
service and what they receive in reimbursement. As a result the
centers providing infant care have not reduced their requests for
Title XX slots. A problem arises when the rate for older kids is
below the centers' actual cost of day care. Because of this 4C's is
not always able to find agencies that are willing to take a Title XX
slot when it is available because they have to do additional
fundraising to cover their costs. Ms. Boulden announced that 4C's
will be conducting a special program on May 23 about the ways in
which social workers can be used in day care.
(V] CILA/ZONING COMMITTEE REPORT
Mr. Lynch presented the CILA/Zoning Committee's end revision of their
draft recommendations. He said that the Committee met with a number
of advocacy groups and discussed each group's ideas for the Zoning
Ordinance. In response to the discussion the Committee modified some
of their recommendations. The MHB reviewed and commented upon the
recommendations and directed the CILA/Zoning Committee to continue
refining their position for the Board.
(VI] MENTAL HEALTH BOARD BUDGET/CONTRACTS
Amendments to the Contract Poli,cv Guidelines.
rLynch moved and Ms. Browne seconded a motion to revise Section-
M of the FY1991-92 Contract Policy Guidelines to read "...marital
status, sexual preference, economic status or disability..." Motion
passed unanimously 8 aye - 0 no.
Mr. Lynch moved and Ms. Browne seconded a motion to add Section 3.4
to the FY1991-92 Contract Policy Guidelines to read, "PROVIDER shall
have on file and maintain a policy and procedure for determining the
residency of clients related to the conditions specified in Section
1.0." Motion passed unanimously 8 aye -- 0 no.
Line Item Transfers.
Mr. Lynch moved and Ms. Winfield seconded a motion to approve the
planned budget line item transfers in the FY1990-91 budget. Motion
passed unanimously 8 aye - 0 no.
Funding Guidelines.
Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Browne seconded a motion to mstablish an ad
hoc committee to review the MHB Funding Guidelines and the funding
process. Motion passed 7 aye - 0 no - I abstain (Lynch). :fir. Diers
appointed Ms. Pearson, his. Graff, Ms. Nelson and Ms. Henes to the
committee.
(VIII INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
ifs. Fox said that the State xecutive Budget for FY1991-92 proposes
to cut out funds through the Title X{ Donated Funds ,nitiative.
Locally this will have an effect upon ACOFLN, Y.o.U., day care and
social services funded through Evanston Township General Assistance.
March, 1991 MHB Meeting M::nutes Page 4
R
In addition, with some minor exceptions all CILA slots have been
frozen in the current year, and will be severely cut back in FY91-92.
Ms. Graff announced that funding for the second D.A.R.E. Officer was
restored -in the FY1991-92 City Bud et. Ms. Pearson moved and Ms.
Graff seconded a motion to write a Vetter to Mayor Barr to thank her
for supporting the position for the D.A.R.E. Officer and for casting
the vote to break the tie to include the position in the City Budget.
Motion passed unanimously 8 aye - 0 no.
Ms. Browne moved and Ms. Winfield seconded a motion to go into closed
session to consider a personnel matter. Motion passed unanimously 8
aye - 0 no. The Mental Health Board convened in Executive Session at
9:30 p.m.
The Mental Health Board went out of Executive Session at 10:15 p.m.
Having no further business the Mental Health Board adjourned at 10:15
p.m.
March, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes
Respectfully submitted,
aap,�] . /qt
anne M. Fox
Page 5
�I
EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, APRIL 111 1991
(Minutes recorded - not yet approved)
Members Present: Carol Henes, Art Diers, Nicki Pearson Ann Graff,
Marcia Nelson, Jack Lynch, Florence Winfield,
Presiding: Art Diers, Chairperson
Staff: Jeanne Fox, Harvey Saver
Community
Representatives: JoAnne Harford
Evanston)
[I] CALL TO ORDER
(Mental Health Association of
Mr. Diers called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. He announced that
the items on the agenda were going to be handled in a different
order to allow sufficient time for discussion about the MHB's
recommendations for the Zoning Ordinance.
[II] INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY COMMENTS
JoAnne Harford said that the Mental Health Association of Evanston
(MHAE) met on April 9 and received the Memorandum of Understanding
between MHAE and the MHB. The MHAE will review it at their May
meeting. on behalf of the MHAE, Ms. Harford also thanked Jack Lynch
for his years of dedicated service on the Mental Health Board.
[III] BOARD MEMBER RECOGNITION
Mr. Diers made the following remarks in recognition of Jack Lynch's
work with the MHB: "Tonight the Mental Health Board is recognizing
Jack Lynch for his service on the Board from 1966 to the present. As
we say good-bye and thank you to ,lack we want to review his
contributions to the Board and to the community.
"Jack's first Mental Health Board assignment was as the Board's
representative to the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Task Force an Homelessness
which met weekly for a period of three months. What an initiation!
"In addition, Jack joined the Funding Guidelines Committee and
initiated the development of weighted criteria for use.by the MHB
for making funding allocation decisions with agencies. These
Funding Guidelines Committee meetings not only demonstrated the need
for the MHB to become computer literate, but also that brownies and
chocolate chip cookies with milk were essential elements of a good
meeting. Therefore these treats are available for him tonight.
"Jack remained on the Funding Guidelines Committee and served as
the Chairperson for the past three years. He will be remembered for
his ability to clearly identify problems, to offer options for
consideration and to summarize complex issues for the Board. His
leadership in the development and utilization of the Funding
Guidelines has resulted in other funding bodies considering the use
of objective criteria for making funding allocations.
April, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 1
"Jack has served as Vice Chairperson of the Board for two years and
as Chairperson of the CILA/Zoning Committee. He participated
actively on the Unified Budgeting Panel and you could always count
on Jack to ask the hard questions: should we be providing this
service; are the services bein provided to Evanston residents; is
this a problem the Mental Heal?h Board should be dealing with; what
is the outcome of the service being provided?
"Jack always liked to have meetings that were short and to the point -
unless he was eating brownies. He also liked earlv committee
meetings ... we got him to compromise (1) to 7:30 a.m. At meetings he
was very good at keeping a discussion focused and at sorting out the
administrative and policy issues.
"Jack, we will miss you - your contributions have created a firm
foundation for our work. Because this is your last Mental Health
Board meeting we are asking you to help us review and analyze a
problem which Harvey discovered in our Funding Guidelines. It needs
your attention (distribute computer printout that "evaluates" Jack's
contribution to the MHB). Please look at the criteria across the
top and see if these rankings are appropriate (laughter and
frivolity shared by all).
"Please accept this gift as a token of our thanks and our esteem.
It's a quartz clock with an inscription which reads: "Jack, may you
chip your way onto the greens of success - from the Mental Health
Board 1986-1991."
Ms. Fox added the following remarks from the MHB staff: "Jack, we
have appreciated your help and support throughout the last five
years. We could always count on you. If you said you would do
something it got done. Your help was invaluable in bringing us into
the computer age and it will remain a part of our root directory.
We know we have competed with your golf game so here is a gift with
a wish for a hole in one. Many thanks for all of your hours."
[IV] MINUTES OF MARCH 14, 1991
Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Nelson Seconded a motion to approve the
minutes of the March 14, 1991 meeting as corrected. Motion passed
unanimously 7 aye - 0 no.
[V) INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
<> Ms. Fox reported that the MHB and the Mental Health Association
of Evanston agreed to plan an orientation for new aldermen about
community mental health issues. The orientation/dinner will be
on May 6, before Council Committee meetings.
<> Ms. Fox reported that new re ulations from the Illinois
Department of Public Aid (IDPA� about Specialized Services
provided an opportunity for the MHB to make a choice about
whether or not to participate in the regulation of long term care
for people with mental health problems. It would be possible to
develop a definition for ICF/MI and require that this type of
facility also be regulated by Evanston ordinance. A meeting will
be held with Charlene Bennett, Bureau Chief at IDPA, to explore
April, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 2
M
�f!
how the state proposes to relate to the City and the Long Term
Care Ordinance. Ms. Fox said that she would be making
recommendations for evaluation by the MHB.
<> Ms, Graff talked about problems which were identified in December
in long term care facilities serving the MHB's target
populations. She recommended that the MHB explore ways to
shorten the reportingtime for violations, particularly A
violations. it was pointed out that the Health Department (HD)
also has to deal with the reporting timelines of other
investigative units which are involved with the follow-up on any
reported incident. These are out of the control of the HD. There
is a deadline for the period between a reported incident and
investigation. However, there is no timeline specified for the
completion of an investigation. This is dependent upon which
entity is doing the investigation. A report of findings cannot
be issued until an investigation is completed. It was the
consensus of the MHB to explore ways in which the reporting time
for Class A violations could be shortened.
<> Ms, Graff said that Carolyn Wanner, the Ombudsman from the
Commission of Aging (COA), had been very involved in arranging
127 interviews for the discharge planning process for residents
from the Kensington plan who are being moved out of the nursing
home due the Kensington closure plan.The MHB directed that a
letter be sent to the COA expressing its gratitude and thanks to
Ms. Wanner and the COA for providing aggressive leadership in
planning and implementing this procedure.
<> Ms. Fox said that the MHB had been fortunate to have Cindy
Pantazis, a student from Roosevelt University{ doing an
internship during the winter Semester. She said that Ms.
Pantazis had provided invaluable assistance with the contracting
process with purchase of service agencies. Ms. Fox said that
there had been a number of other priority projects for the MHB
and the COA which had been taking up an extraordinary amount of
time. Without students this year, the MHB would not have been
able to complete its tasks. The MHB directed that a letter be
Bent to Ms. Pantazis expressing its appreciation and thanks for
her assistance in helping the MHB complete its work during the
Winter Semester.
[VI) FUNDING COMMITTEE REPORT
Ms. Nelson reported that the Funding Committee had decided to have an
annual board orientation, just prior to the beginning of Unified
Budget Process, about the Funding Guidelines and the MHB's annual
service priorities. At that time, the MHB will also review the
Service Area/Mandated Population priorities for possible revisions.
The Committee will consider whether a smaller committee should meet
after the final UBP hearing to make the initial funding
recommendations to the entire Board. It was thought that this might
be a way to encourage more discussion at the Board meeting about
funding decisions. It was noted that all meetings are open to the
public and are posted as such in a timely manner. The Committee will
also consider whether the MHB's priorities should be coordinated with
the UBP priorities. At the next meeting the Funding Committee
will begin to discuss funding issues as they relate to information
April, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 3
about state funding cuts for agencies.
[VII] REVIEW OF YEAR END REPORTS
Mr. saver reviewed the end -of -the -year reports about the MHB budget,
and about agency contracts. The MHB accepted the reports as
presented.
[VIII] INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
Ms. Fox reported that the High Risk Youth Committee (Committee)
has been meeting to discuss applying for a federal planning grant to
develop the youth system. This is the the Committee which
developed and wants to implement the Intergovernmental Agreement
(Agreement). She said that schools have adopted in principle the
sharing of information which is the essential component of the
Intergovernmental Agreement, but have not yet adopted the Agreement.
The Committee discussing the grant application has agreed in
principle to the idea, but is still in t3�e process of developing a
shared vision of what the project should be. Ms. Fox said that she
had been asked to coordinate the development of the proposal. While
it will require a considerable amount of time, it is consistent with
Objectives from the MHB's 1990 Triennial Review: "To continue to
advocate and provide leadership to improve the quality and
accessibility or treatment services for youth, and to empower
families to help thenselves." Ms. Fox said that her role would bo to
outline the tasks involved with developing the project and
coordinating the process of developing the grant proposal. Mr. Diers
expressed concern that the planning group should decide what it is
actually trying to accomplish through the Agreement. He added that
he thought there were problems in relying upon coordination as a
"fix --it" for the problems in the system. Ms. Graff moved and Ms.
Henes seconded to a motion to support the participation of the
Director in representing the concerns of the MHB in the development
of the Agreement, and in facilitating the development of a grant
proposal to implement the concepts of the Agreement. Motion passed
unanimously 7 aye-0 no.
[IX] CILA/ZONING COMMITTEE REPORT
Mr. Saver reviewed the background, and the MHB's goals and _process,
for the development of recommendations for the revised Zoning
Ordinance related to group homes. Ms. Henes provided an overview of
the CILA/zoning Committee's recommendations. she then presented each
of the specific recommendations and rationale for discussion. After
discussion and ratification of individual recommendations the MHB
adopted the CILA/Zoning Committee's recommendations for the Zoning
Ordinance by acclamation.
(Mr. Lynch left the meeting at 9:55 p.m.)
Ms. Henes moved and Ms. Graff seconded a motion that the MHB request
that an interim City requirement be adopted for all group homes not
currently covered under the current Zoning Ordinance or Group and
Residential Care Home Ordinance participate in an administrative
registration process to provide basic information about the agency
providing services, the client population to be served and the
services to be provided. Motion passed unanimously 6 aye-0 no.
April, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 4
Ms. Henes moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion that the MHB begin
negotiations with DMHDD to be permitted access for monitoring
purposes to all DMHDD-funded residential programs in Evanston through
the DMHDD contract for services. Motion passed unanimously 6 aye-0
no.
Ms. Fox said that the Illinois CARES proposal to initiate a volunteer
monitoring process for quality assurance was not funded. Ms. Henes
moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion that the MHB begin to explore
the development of a volunteer monitoring role for homes for people
with mental health problems with the Mental Health Association of
Evanston, and for people with developmental disabilities with the
ARC/Illinois. Motion passed unanimously 6 aye-0 no.
[X] MORE INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
<> Ms. Nelson read a letter she had received from Shelley
Kjellenberg praising the work, dedication and professionalism of
Jeanne Fox, and expressing appreciation for her leadership on
mental health issues in the community.
<> Mr. Saver provided information about The Lighthouse, a new
substance abuse program in the community. He said that they have
been providing support groups, prevention prograrmning,
educational programs and leadership training for adolescents and
yyouth. They are also offering a help -line which has been staffed
by volunteers. The Lighthouse has been working closely with PEER
Services, Dr. George Busiel from School District #65 and the
Memtal Health Association of Evanston. Recently, The Lighthouse
has been hosting the monthly Evanston substance Abuse Prevention
Council meetings.
Mr. Saver said that Dr. George Busiel is initiating a student
substance abuse prevention council, with representatives from all
of the schools in the community. He said that he has been
providing some support in working with small groups in the
planning process. District #65 will be using the student group
to help with the development of its substance abuse prevention
activities, the annual prevention rally and leadership skil'_s in
the student population.
<> The group discussed concerns with H.O.M.E.'s proposed site for a
residential program for people with mental health problems. Ms.
Graff moved and Ms. Henes seconded a motion to send a letter to
the Housing commission if after investigation by a Board
committee, it was found that H.O.M.E.'s proposed site is
considered unsafe for this population. Motion passed unanimously
6 aye-0 no.
Having no further business the Mental Health Board adjourned at 10:35
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
April, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 5
EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, MAY 91 1991
(Minutes approved)
Members Present: Carol Henes, Art Diers, Nicki Pearson Ann Graff,
Florence Winfield, Alderman Gene Feidman, Ellen
'.3rowne
Presiding: Art Diers, Chairperson
Staff: Jeanne Fox, Harvey Saver, Lisa Boulden
community
Representatives: John Walsh (Mental Health Association of
Evanston), Marvin Walker, Pharoah Walker
(I] CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Diers called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
(II] INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY COMMENTS
Members of the audience introduced themselves.
Mr. Diers made the following remarks: "This is the last Board meeting
for Lisa Boulden, our social work intern from the University of
Chicago. Therefore we want to recognize her contribution to the work
of the Mental Health Board.
"Lisa has been more like an additional staff person than an intern,
helping with the UBP process; conducting the UBP evaluation;
providing staff support for the 4C's budget hearings; on behalf of
the UBP Task Force, conducting an agency surve regarding collection
of client data of sex and age; and assessing tKe role of the social
worker in day care centers. She is currently assisting.with the
gathering of information and data for the Evanston Coation for
Youth and Their Families Federal grant application.
"Lisa, your help has added to the ability of the dental Health Board
to accomplish its objectives over the past year . Please accept this
token [small, engraved jewelry box] as an indication of our
appreciation and respect."
Ms. Boulden thanked the MHB for the gift and said that the placement
with the Board had been very beneficial to her. She said that she
particularly appreciated being treated lire another staff person.
May, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 1
[III] MINUTES OF APRIL 11, 1991 MEETING
Ms. Graff said that the April minutes should better reflect the MHB's
intent and should state that role of the Diroctor was "...to provide
administrative assistance to prepare..." the federal family support
grant, rather than "...to facilitate the development..." of the
grant. Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Henes seconded a motion to approve
the minutes of the April 11, 1991 meeting as corrected. Motion
approved unanimously 5 aye - 0 no.
(Alderman Feldman joined the meeting at 7:45 p.m.)
[IV] MENTAL HEALTH BOARD ZONING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
Ms. Henes reviewed the MHB Zoning Committee's draft position paper on
group housing issues for recommendations for revisions to the Zoning
ordinance. Ms. Henes moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to
a prove the draft position paper for public comment. Ms. Henes said
that she, Art and Harvey had met with the board of H.O.M.E. to talk
about their questions regarding the recommendations. she then led a
discussion about the issues raised which the MHB had not previously
considered.
(Ms. Browne joined the meeting at 7:57 p.m.)
The MHB's intent in the following items in the draft recommendations
was clarified or amended: the MHB's recommendations pertain to
individuals with "disabilities", which for the purposes of the Zoning
ordinance refers to "handicap" as it is defined in the Civil Rights
Act, as amended by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988; if there
is no appropriate body to license or regulate a Small Residential
Care Home of 4-8 people (e.g., privately funded home) then no license
is required; a Large Residential Care Home or Halfway House would
required a special use if it is less than 900 feet from an existing
Large Residential Care Home or halfway House. Alderman Feldman
clarified that the MHB's recommendations should reflect that the
MHB's defined types of housing for people with disabilities should
have the same access to all appropriate zoning districts as any other
residential use, but should not have entitlements which grant them
greater access. By a unanimous vote of 7 aye - 0 no the MHB approved
its draft recommendations for the Zoning Ordinance revisions related
to group housing issues, as amended, for public comment at a hearing
on June 13 prior to the regularly scheduled MHB meeting.
[V] INTERGOVERNMENTAL INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT/
FEDERAL FAMILY SUPPORT YOUTH COALITION GRANT
Intergovernmental Interagency Agreement (the Agreement). Ms. Fox
updated the MHB on the development of the Intergovernmental
Interagency Agreement. She pointed out that agencies have already
been working together, e.g., they occasionally conduct joint
trainings, line staff meet to discuss some cases. But these events
occur only when everyone is willing to meet. Difficult clients have
either sought out multiple service providers or been passed around
among the agencies in the system. what is needed is a binding
agreement for the agencies that they will come together to work with
May, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 2
R
hi h risk children and their families, and coordinate their
activities,
Alderman Feldman discussed the Human Service Committee's review of
the Agreement. He said that he did not think that the MHB should
consider voting to support the Agreement at this time because legal
opinions were being sought, issues were still being resolved and the
role of the Executive Committee was still being defined. Ms. Pearson
pointed out that the concerns the MHB had raised earlier, at the
presentation by Dolores Holmes and Bill Logan during the March MHB
meeting, had still not been addressed. Ms. Graff said that the
Agreement was lacking a mission statement about work with high risk
families, e.g., "What do you want to accomplish, and how do you want
to achieve it." Ms. Browne said that the first step was to have the
agencies and school districts come together to identify and work on
the problems. Mr. Diers and Alderman Feldman both emphasized that an
important aspect of the process to develop the Agreement has been the
cooperative efforts of School Districts #65 and #202. The MHB agreed
that they were still supportive of the general concepts in the
Agreement, but were concerned that their concerns had not yet been
addressed. In a consensus decision the MHB agreed to send a letter
to the group developing the Agreement asking that they respond to the
MHB's concerns.
Federal Family Support Youth Service Coalition Grant (the Grantl,
Ms. Fox discussed the process being used to develop the Grant, and
how information was being collected. The MHB discussed what writing
a letter of support for the Grant would mean for the MHB. Ms. Henes
moved and Alderman Feldman seconded a motion that the MHB review and
comment on the completed Grant, and to call Ms. Fox with their vote
supportin? the Grant. Motion passed unanimously 7 aye - 0 no. (A
subbsequen phone poll was taken and a letter of support for the Grant
was approved unanimously.)
[VI) NEW OBJECTIVES
Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to add the
following objective with a ranking of Important under Promoting
System improvement to the MHB's FY1991-92 objectives: "By September,
1991, to develop the Mental Health Board's recommended changes to the
Evanston Long Term Care Ordinance regarding programming and staffing
needs of persons who are mentally ill and developmentally disabled
living in nursing facilities." Motion passed unanimously 7 aye - 0
no.
[VII) INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
R
-- Ms. Fox reported that, as a result of the meeting recently held c
with Dr. Charlene Bennett from the Illinois Department of Public
Aid (IDPA), a weekly conference call is being made to facilitate
the discharge planning process for residents from Kensington.
Representatives from the City, IDPA, the PAS agent (Community
Alternatives Unlimited) and the facility will take part. She
said that there were a number of problems at the Kensington on
weekends and that the Health Department was intensively
monitoring the situation.
May, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 3
-- The Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
has found some additional funds for CILA slots for PPos who want
to provide services for people from the Kensington.
-- Ms. Graff reported on her meeting with Karen Seals about the
length of time that was needed to report on A violations in long
term care facilities. Ms. Seals agreed that there is a need to
clarify timelines and to ask for the Police Department to
respond quickly to incidents which are potentially of a criminal
nature.
Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
*f;e M . Yox j
May, 1991 MHH Meeting Minutes Page 4
EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1991
(Minutes approved)
Members Present: Carol Henes, Art Diers, Nicki. Pearson, Ann Graff,
Florence Winfield, Alderman Gene Feldman, Ellen
Browne, Marcia Nelson
Presiding: Art Diers, Chairperson
Staff: Jeanne Fox, Harvey Saver
community
Representatives: Sue Payne, ,lames Kapler (Evanston Housing
Commission), Clarice Stetter (Wilmette Housing
Commission), Virginia Simons, Peter Ilgenfritz
(BE -HIV), Rhonda Davis (Rimland Services), Jim
Boyle (Albany House), Rosalie Greenberger and her
family (Mental Health Association), Marge Sondler,
(I] CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Diers called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
[II] INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY COMMENTS
Ms. Pearson made the following remarks in honor of Rosalie
Greenberger of the Mental Health Association of Evanston: "Rosalie
Greenberger has resigned her position as the Coordinator of the
Community Companions Program and the Garden Club for the Mental
Health Association of Evanston effective June 30, 1991. As Rosalie
leaves the Evanston mental health network, we, the Evanston Mental
Health Board, want to recognize her for her dedication and commitment
to chronically mentally ill persons living in long term care
facilities.
"The Mental Health Board has as one of its six goals, 'To strive to
improve service quality, accessibility and availability for all
individuals and groups with mental health needs.' The Community
Companions program, which she has coordinated since its beginning
five and one half years ago has made a significant difference in the
lives of the residents at Albany House and is a cost effective
program. Rosalie has recruited, trained and managed the volunteers
which make this program so successful. She fills in when volunteers
are not able to make it and keeps her cool in spite of delays, lack
of equipment, etc.
"The Garden Project in Grey park has been recognized by the neighbors
as a wonderful contribution to making the Park more enjoyable.
Rosalie, thanks for a job well done. We appreciate your dedication
and commitment and wish you well in your new endeavors." Ms.
Greenberger was presented with a flower paper weight to express the
MHB's appreciation.
June, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 1
The Mental Health Board received without comment correspondence from
the Mental Health Association of Evanston (MHAE) stating that they
were going to phase out their Volunteer Training Program and
Community Companion Program. The MHAE also wrote that they were
going to decline to request funds from the MHB for FY92-93.
[III] MINUTES OF MAY 91 1991 MEETING
Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Browne seconded a motion to approve the
minutes of the April 11, 1991 meeting as mailed. Motion approved
unanimously 8 aye - 0 no.
[IV] REVIEW OF PUBLIC COMMENTS ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH BOARD'S
PROPOSED REVISIONS TO ZONING COMMISSION'S COMPREHENSIVE
AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE REGARDING GROUP HOUSING
The MHB discussed the public comments received in response to the
MHB's proposed revisions to Zoning Commission's Comprehensive
Amendments to the Zoning ordinance (see attached). Ms. Browne said
that she thought SHORE'S comments about the need for flexibility in
registration and monitoring were significant and should be considered
when the regulations are developed.
Ald. Feldman discussed the comments from the Human Relations
Commission about a Halfway House, as defined in the MHB's
recommendation, being a special use. He pointed out that a special
use process could be used to make certain that standards are being
met in a land use which is of more concern and which requires special
oversight for its location in the community. The logic for a special
use would be that the community wants to limit the placement of the
program. The MHB agreed that a special use process would offer the
community the opportunity to examine a Halfway House to ascertain
that it meets standards that are set for it. By consensus, the group
agreed to clarify their position that a Halfway House be permitted as
a special use by expanding their rationale for Recommendation (5c) in
the "Evanston Mental Health Board Recommendations for Zoning
Revisions Related to Group Housing" (Public Hearing Draft 5/9/91) to
read:
"Rationale: A special use is being recommended for a Halfway
House because its impact upon the community is quite different
than that of either the Small or Large Residential Care Homes.
Unlike the Residential Care Homes, living in a Halfway House is
usually for a few weeks or a few months, and the relationships
between residents are temporary and not as family -oriented.
"Halfway Houses emphasize diagnostic services, therapy --
individual, group and/or family treatment - and a strong peer
support structure to strengthen recovery/sobriety for
individuals who, by their previous behavior, have acted
irresponsibly in their own communities. They have as a goal the
return of the recovering alcoholic or substance abuser to a
responsible life on their own or with their family rather than
June, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 2
the development of long-term, stable relationships with other
people in the neighborhood where the Halfway House is located.
"A special use for a Halfway House will provide an opportunity
for the community to more closely examine the program to
determine that its development will not have a deleterious
impact upon the neighborhood. It is of more concern, to us and
requires special oversight as a use in the community. The
special use will also enable the community to determine whether
the goals of the Halfway House can be reasonably expected to be
accomplished at the site upon which it is attempting to locate.
We are recommending this in order to be sensitive to the needs
of both the individuals who will live in the Halfway House as
well as to those who live in the surrounding community.,,
Ms. Nelson moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to adopt the
Public Hearing Draft of the MHB's Proposed Revisions to the Zoning
Commission's Comprehensive Amendments to the Zoning ordinance as
amended, and to transmit the document to the Planning and Development
Committee as the MHB's recommendations. Motion passed unanimously 8
aye - 0 no.
[VI CONSIDERATION OF LETTERS OF INTENT FROM AGENCIES REQUESTING
MHB FUNDING FOR FY92-93
BE -HIV. Virginia Simmons, President of the Board of Directors of
BE -HIV, and Peter Ilgenf ritz, Executive Director joined the MHB. Mr.
Ilgenfritz said that BE -HIV is the only agency in the north suburban
area which provides counseling and support for families of and
persons with AIDS. While they work closely with hospitals for
medical issues, hospitals don't provide any support for this
population. There is a close working relationship that has been
established with Crisis Intervention. BE-HIV's focus is short-term,
problem solving. They provide individual and group counseling, but
do not provide therapists or engage in long-term therzpeutic
treatment. Referrals are made for therapy. They provide support
groups and information, and play a fracilitative role in networking
between families. BE -HIV has grown from 2 ongoir,g support groups to
5 groups in the last year. The organization recruits, screens and
trains volunteers to run the groups. Regular, weekly, individual
supervision is provided for the people in the groups.
In response to questions, Mr. Ilgenfri-z answered the following:
BE -HIV has recently incorporated as a separace, not -for -profit
corporation in the State of Illinois; the organization has always
been separate financially from the Center for Public Ministry (CPM);
until BE -HIV obtains 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, CPM will formally
serve as its fiduciary agent for the purposes of receiving and
disbursing funds; BE-HIV's proposed request to the MHB is for basic
program funds to ensure that the organizaL:on can operate; they
propose to expand from 5 to 6 support groups in the next program
year; so far, the organization has received $2500 from New Trier
Township, and is also approaching Niles and Maine Townships in the
Fall; currently, more than 26% of BE-HIV's clients are from Evanston,
37% are from Chicago and the rest are from the northern and western
June, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Pace 3
4
suburban areas.
Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to allow BE -HIV to
submit a formal funding proposal per the MHB Guidelines for
consideration for FY92-93 funding. Motion passed unanimously 8 aye -
0 no.
Rimlan4 services for Autistic Citizens, Rhonda Davis from Rimland
Services joined the MHB. she said that the organization would like to
submit the same funding request that they had submitted in 1994.
Rimland's fundraising continues to rely upon a great deal of public
education because autism is a low incidence issue which many people
do not understand. Rimland was founded because there was no other
place for families with autistic children to turn to for help in this
area. In response to questions Ms. Davis provided the following:
Rimland has seen a slight increase in support from foundations; the
educational programs are beginning to try new techniques using
facilitative communication; Rimland has a number of clients who are
ready to move into more productive roles so they program is
continuing to look for supported employment opportunities they can
develop with businesses. Ms. Graff expressed concern that the MHB
should not consider the request because it was not to fund a program,
but for a scholarship. Ms. Davis said that the funding request would
be for support for Evanston residents in a program, and that they
were not earmarked for a specific person. Ms. Browne said that the
request was to fund services that would provide respite, and that
respite is a program.
Ms. Browne moved and Ms. Winfield seconded a motion to allow Rimland
Services to submit a formal funding proposal per the MHB Guidelines
for consideration for FY92-93 funding. Motion passed 6 aye - 2 no
(Graff, Nelson).
[VI) FUNDING COMMITTEE REPORT
Ms. Graff reviewed the Funding Committee's process in evaluating she
Funding Guidelines. Ms. Henes and Ms. Nelson presented a
subcommittee report and said that the Funding Committee has been
considering ways to assess both the need for service and
effectiveness -3i programs. T:1ey reco7nended that the NAB convene a
strategic, long range planning session to consider possible changes
in the way that allocations are made. Ms. Graff said that the MHB
should also consider that even a small allocation to an agency has
given the MHB a considerable amount of influence in shaping the
mental health system in town,. Ms. Browne moved and Ms. Graff
seconded a motion for the MHB to convene a retreat to discuss long
range strategic planning and funding issues. Motion passed
unanimously 8 aye - 0 no. There was consensus that there should be a
facilitator for the planning session. The group agreed to a
tentative date of Saturday, July 13 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
June, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 4
[VII] INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
<> Ms. Pearson discussed the UBP Task Force meeting. She talked
about the plans for the agency orientation and the orientation
for panelists. The Task Force is also recommending that the
hearings be chaired by the same person each week, preferably
someone who is from outside the UBP funding groups.
<> Mr. Diers, Ms. Pearson and Ms. Graff discussed the meeting they
attended with representatives from the board of PEER Services.
They said that it provided a better and broader picture of
substance abuse issues and community issues as a whole.
The MHB requested that similar meetings be set up with
representatives of the board of directors from Family Counseling
Services and SHORE.
<> Ms. Graff asked if the MHB had received answers to their
questions regarding the Intergovernmental Interagency Agreemont.
Ms. Fox stated no, but that a followup letter requesting the
information will be written per the MHB's direction.
<> In response to information shared by staff regarding Evanston
Hospital Department of Psychiatry's Sustaining Care and ACCESS
programs, Chairman Diers moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion
that a letter be sent to Dr. Lynn Barnett to thank her for her
commitment and leadership in providing quality services to the
chronically mentally ill in Evanston, and to welcome her back
after her maternity leave. The motion passed unanimously 8 aye
- 0 no.
[VIIIJ COMMUNITY COMMENT
Jim Boyle, Director of Albany House, raised concern about the loss of
the Community Companion Program for the chronically mentally ill at
Albany House as a result of the decisions made by the Mental Health
Association of Evanston (MHAE) to discontinue the program. He said
that the program provided an important connection between the people
i iV"�nr ai: "e'iivaily iiT�uS-&abd the inembers of the general community, and
provided benefits to both groups. He also said that the MHAE's
presence and involvement at Albany House was significant because it
forced the facility to keep a focus on what should be happening
there. He said that he hoped the MHAE would continue to have some
direct contact with the chronically mentally ill so they would have
first hand knowledge of their problems.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeanne M. Fox
June, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 5
JUNE 13, 1991 PUBLIC HEARING COMMENTS ABOUT
THE MENTAL HEALTH BOARD'S PROPOSED REVISIONS TO THE
ZONING COIflfISSION'S COMPREHENSIVE AMFNDMENTS TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE
ferry Gulley, Executive Director
SHORE: community Services for Retarded Citizens
(provided written and oral comments) Agency commended the MHB staff
and volunteers for intensive effort to revise the Zoning Ordinance in
order to accommodate group housing for the disabled. SHORE commented
specifically upon recommendations related to Large and Small
Residential Care Homes. SHORE supported and endorsed the
recommendations and rationale for definitions of the population and
housing categories, distancing requirements and zoning areas where
permitted. In basic agreement with other recommendations but
emphasized that local ordinances should not create duplication of
effort and expense for the program.
SHORE suggested the following: (a) Licensing - utilize local
licensing for homes of 9-15 persons, with the exception that where
acceptable State or Federal licensing standards exist or are
developed they should be relied upon and local licensing should not
duplicate this control; (b) Registration - as in discussion under
Licensing, ..local standards should not be imposed if adequate
State or Federal standards already exist." In these cases, the
administrative registration process being recommended by the MHB for
Small Residential Care Homes should be utilized; (c) City Power to
Monitor - regulations for locally developed standards for monitoring
should include the right of appeal of. decisions and reports, and
inclusion of waivers and equivalencies for locally developed
standards that might create negative impact on programs.
Sheila Hebein, Executive Director
National Association for Doom syndrome
(provided oral comments) Said that there is no effective monitoring
in State which works well. It would be extremely useful for the
service consumer if there was a monitoring system that worked in an
advocacy role on consumer's behalf. Agreed with SHORE's comments
that monitoring should be flexible and non --intrusive. Monitoring is
particularly important for individuals who are now being, placed in
community programs, i.e., who have no one else and are in need of
protection. Said that, as a community, Evanston should discourage
the development of any additional facilities larger than 8 people.
We should encourage development of smaller, more normalized homes.
Owen Thomas, Executive Director
Evanston Human Relations Commission
(provided written comments) Supported use of the term "disamil' in
definition of the population. city registration requirements should
be minimal and any information gathered should be confidential and
not subject to disclosure under Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
Raised concern that the MHB's special use provision for Halfway House
may violate federal Fair Housing Amendments Act. "This places an
impediment to the establishment of housing for these disabled
individuals."
EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, JULY li, 1991
(Minutes recorded, not yet approved)
Members Present: Carol Henes( Art Diers, Nicki Pearson Ann Graff,
Florence Winfield, Alderman Gene Fe an, Ellen
Browne, Marcia Nelson
Presiding: Art Diers, Chairperson
Staff: Jeanne Far, Harvey saver
Community
Representatives: Eric Anderson (City Manager); Jim Boyle, Jim Marley
(Albany House); Dennis Tossi (Greenwood Care);
Jerry Gulle , Lois Mazor (SHORE); Karen Vroegh
(Mental Heal h Association of Evanston)
[I] CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Diers called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
[II] MINUTES OF JUNE 13, 1991 MEETING
Ms. Pearson moved and Ms. Browne seconded a motion to approve the
minutes of the June 13, 1991 meeting as mailed. Motion approved
unanimously 7 aye - 0 no.
[III] DIALOGUE WITH ERIC ANDERSON, CITY MANAGER
Eric Anderson, City Manager, joined the Mental Health Board (MHB).
He thanked the MHB for the opportunity to come and listen to their
concerns and respond to their questions. He said that his purpose in
being at the meeting was to listen, to get information, to learn and
to understand what is going on in mental health in the community.
Alderman Feldman said that the MHB has worked hard and taken
responsibility to enhance the lives of its targeted populations. The
group has felt great frustration at not having the power and the
tools to do all that is necessary with a difficult system in
regulating long term care for people with developmental disabilities
of mental health problems. In addition, Evanston does more than
other communities for people in need, but tries to do so without
encouraging other communities to abdicate their responsibilities.
Alderman Feldman asked what can be done to ensure the maintenance of
this system. (Ms. Browne ;pined the MHB at 7:45 p.m.) Mr. Anderson
said that there was no good response at this time given the City's
budget situation. He indicated that he was concerned about the
response to taxes by the citizenry. Without carefully considering
the expenses for those services now, the response later might be rude
and crude in cutting services across the board.
Ms. Pearson asked how the boards and commissions would participate in
the budget process. Mr. Anderson said that the staff to the boards
and commissions will play the critical role, and will have to work
July, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes
Page 1
r
j.
Closely with the Budget Team. He reviewed and explained the newly
formed Budget Team (BT) process, and the Budget Policy which had
recently been adopted by City Council. He said that for the next 2
years the City would not be increasing the levy. At the same time it
will be necessary to reduce the budget by approximately $4-5 million
in FY92-93, and $1-2 million in FY93-94. Some of this will be
accomplished by increased revenues, while the majority will be
accomplished through decreased expenditures. Mr. Anderson emphasized
that the entire organization will have to work together to make
reductions, and will have to learn to work smarter to make more
effective use of the organization's resources. The emphasis,
however, will be to not reduce services and to accomplish reductions
through attrition.
Alderman Feldman asked whether there were and dollar or percentage
reduction targets for the BT? Mr. Anderson said that there were not
because the reductions would not be the same for every department.
The impact will be different upon large and small departments. The
goal will be for each department to operate at their best, with the
financial implication being work done at less cost. Ms. Henes asked
if the BT was looking for changes in the budget soon. Mr. Anderson
said that, while cuts are being looked for as soon as possible,
typically the cuts will be over a two -and -a -half year period. The
plan will begin to be put in place, but it may not happen for B-10
months. Ms. Pearson asked what the MHB should be thinking about its
total allocation through UBP? Mr. Anderson said that there would be
no new funds and possibly less. The amount will not be known until
there is an opportunity to go over the figures with staff.
Ms. Graff said that while some budget items can be effected this way,
r:�any of the MHB's funded services may not. These are for programs
which deal with society's problems which are growing larger. tor.
Anderson said that he was sympathetic to that issue. But he was also
concerned about the portion of the population which has been
increasingly arguing that the cost of providing services is the most
important issue. The City needs to respond in a way where these
concerns are understood, and balance that against the real increasin
needs for those services. Mr. Diers said that he was concerned abou?
the tendency for society to take out its concerns and frustrations on
the back of the most needy, as has been seen in the Federal and
proposed State budgets. Mr. Anderson said that the way the City can
deal with that concern is to avoid an across-the-board quota on
reductions. He encouraged the MHB to advocate with the management of
their funded agencies to engage in the same type of self-analysis as
is the City, and to look for its own management efficiencies. Ms.
Graff asked to what extent that City Council seems to be committed to
the same philosophy about the budget? Mr. Anderson said that the
Council seemed to understand the process, and had voted unanimously
to adopt the budget policy and the financial targets. Alderman
Feldman emphasized that everything that the City Manager presented
had received solid support and a unanimous vote from the Aldermen.
However, the Council will not fully understand the impact upon the
community until it has seen specific proposals for program budgets
from the City Manager. The "crunch" will come when it has that
information to consider in the budget process.
July, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 2
[IV] Planning for Board Retreat
Ms. Browne presented the information covered in the meeting with Jim
Winters to plan a retreat for the MHB. She said that initially the
focus will be on the issues raised in the 6/12 91 memo from Henes and
Nelson analyzingissues in the Funding Guidelines. Ms. Henes said
that the group will start by looking at what has been accomplished in
the past, then focus upon what it wants to accomplish in the future.
Ms. Fox said that there would be a 1-2 hour follow-up on the retreat
at the August meeting.
[V] Proposed Amendments to Evanston Long Term Care Ordinance
Ms. Fox congratulated Jerry Gulley, Executive Director of SHORE, by
announcing that SHORE Homes East had recently received the results of
the Health Department's annual license inspection. This was the
first time that the City has had a long term care facility go through
the inspection and not receive any violations.
Ms. Graff highlighted information in the recommendations about
specialized services. Dennis Tossi, Administrator of Greenwood Care,
and Jim Boyle, Administrator of Albany House, talked about the
problems they are encountering with not having all of their residents
appropriately identified and assessed as mentally ill. As a result,
the facilities are not getting paid for all of the services which
they are providing to all of their residents.
Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to add the Illinois
Department of Public Aid's (IDPA) Specialized Services regulations to
the Evanston Long Term Care Ordinance fELTCO) and require these
standards to be met for the total intermediate care facility/mentally
ill (ICF/MI) . Mr. Boyle raised a concern that if the state's
regulations change the funding might not change as quickly. What
will the facilities then be required to provide? Mr. Gulley also
expressed concern about that issue. He described an ongoing process
where the State has been developing formulas which will reduce
funding for programs. Alderman Feldman said that while the State may
reduce funding the community must articulate its expectations about
what it expects to have offered for quality services. Individuals
problems can be dealt with as they arise through regulations or
amendments to the ELTCQ. Motion passed unanimously a aye - 0 no.
Ms. Graff moved and Alderman Feldman seconded a motion to include in
the amendments to the ELTCQ that each ICF/MI facility shall assess
the ability of the facility to meet the needs of a potential resident
as a part of its preadmission screening process and to provide
documentation of this assessment. Motion passed unanimously a aye -
0 no.
Ms. Graff moved and Alderman Feldman seconded a motion to include in
the amendments to the ELTCQ that each ICF/MI facility shall develop a
policy and procedures for training and education of residents
regarding the use and effect of medication and self medication. The
ability of the resident to self medicate shall be assessed as part of
the discharge planning process. Motion passed unanimously 8 aye - 0
no.
July, 1991 M11B Meeting Minutes Page 3
Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to include in the
amendments to the ELTCO that each LTC facility shall develop an
administrative procedure to ensure the coordination of treatment and
communication (oral and written) between all staff on all shifts
caring for the residents. Motion pasaad unanimously 8 aye -- 0 no.
Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to remove the
requirement for ICE/MI facilities (8-15-3-3-G-1) in the current ELTCO
for an Occupational Therapist/Recreational Therapist to complete an
evaluation of each resident within 30 days of the admission to the
facility. Motion passed unanimously 8 aye - 0 no.
Ms. Graff moved and Alderman Fn3dman seconded a motion to recommend
that at least one of the Health Department's surveyors shall be a
psychiatric nurse for the purpose of monitoring the ICF/MI
facilities. Motion passed unanimously 8 aye - 0 no.
Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Nelson seconded a motion to include in the
amendments to the ELTCO that each LTC facility shall develop
procedures and services to meet the needs of the resident being
readmitted to the facility. Motion passed unanimously 8 aye - 0 no.
Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Henes seconded a motion to include in the
amendments to the ELTCO that each LTC facility shall develop a
personnel policy regarding substance abuse/alcohol abuse. Each
facility, as a part of its staff continuing education program, shall
provide information on how to identify substance abuse/alcohol abuse,
explain the facility's ppersonnel policy on this .issue and the
treatment services available to the staff. Motion passed unanimously
0 aye - 0 no.
Ms. Fox reported that the timetables for the amendments may not be
able to be met if the Legal. Department is unable to review the
recommendations in sufficient time. Ms. Graff said that the current
Long term Care Ordinance requires that the annual report on the
determination of violations be provided by May. So far, the MHB has
not received the report. The MHB asked Ms. Fox to request the report
from the Health Department.
[VI] GROUP HOUSING ISSUES
Mr. Saver reviewed the material and decisions from the Planning and
Development Committee discussion about recommendations for revisions
to the Zoning Commission's amendments to the Zoning Ordinance related
to group housing.
Ms. Fox reported that the H.O.M.E. request for funding for a housing
project had been referred back to the Housing Commission. She said
that the agency is concerned about how they will operate if they
receive no monies from DMHDD for the new fiscal year. Alder -man
Feldman said that agencies will begin to increasingl
y run into the
type of issues which H.O.M.E. had encountered. He said that he
thought the MHB and the Mental Health Association of Evanston should
begin to plan an educational campaign with City Council as a way of
dealing with some of the negative issues which will be raised in the
future about housing for people with special needs. Ms. Fox said
July, 1991 MED Meeting Minutes Page 4
Y
that the purpose of the HMI/PEER group was the education of the
community, and that she would bring this issue to their attention.
Mr. Saver reported that The center is proposing to build a new
apartment building for individuals with physical disabilities on
Ridge at Dobson. They are holding a public meeting with the
Community to discuss their proposal on Tuesday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m.
at Oakton school. (Ellen Browne, MHB member, and staff will attend.)
(VII] Informational Items
<> Ms. Fox reviewed the UBP hearinu schedule and asked the MHB to
begin to check their calendars for availability for the hearings.
She said that the orientation for panelists will be the evening
of Thursday( September 19. A panel of representatives from the
community will discuss their perspectives on community issues.
<> Ms. Fox discussed the problems agencies were experiencing as a
result of state budget cuts and the uncertainty of the budget.
Some of them have had hiring freezes for a long period of time,
or have already cut their staff.
<> Ms. Graff expressed appreciation to Reps. Yates' office for
obtaining a response from HCFA to the MHB s letter about federal
requirements for long term care facilities. She said that she
thought HCFA obfuscated the issue, and would like to have their
explanation explained.
<> Ms. Graff said she was concerned that there had been no
discussion about the letter from the Mental Health Association of
Evanston (MHAE) at the June MHB meeting. She also thought that
there should have been some additional information from MHAE
about the reasons for their decisions to no longer offer
volunteer training or the Community Companions Program (CCP).
Karen Vroegh responded, saying that the MHAE is attempting to
return the organization to providing advocacy and community
education rather than providing direct care. At the same time,
they are looking for another group to take on the CCP, and
another way to provide the volunteer training.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeanne M. fox
July, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 5
r
EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 1991
(Minutes approved)
Members Present: Art Diers. Nicki Pearson, Ann Graff, Florence
Winfield, Alderman Gene Feldman, Ellen Browne
Presiding: Art Diers, Chairperson
staff: Jeanne Fox, Harvey Saver
Community
Representatives: Lois Mazor (SHORE); Ray Ganey (St -Francis Hospital
Adult and Child Guidance Center)
[I] CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Diers called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
[IIJ INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY COMMENTS
Members of the audience introduced themselves. Ray Ganey commented
about the minutes from the July 11 MHB Meeting. He said that his
records indicated that the Adult and Child Guidance Center and OATES
had provided support and services for 18 persons with AIDS in the
past year.
[III] INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
<> Revisions to Zoning ordinance. Mr. Saver reported on the
discussion at the August 5 meeting of the Planning and
Development Committee (P&D) about definitions related to group
housing in the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.
(Ms. Pearson and Ms. Graff joined the MHB at 7:45 p.m.) Ms.
Pearson noted that advocacy groups concerned about mental
health issues did not comment publicly about group housing in
the proposed amendments to the zoning Ordinance. The next P&D
Meeting to discuss group housing issue will be Monday, October
21. (Note: this meeting date has been chanced to November "
Having determined that a quorum was present, Mr. Diers postponed
discussion about additional Informational Items until the end of the
agenda.
[IV] MINUTES OF JULY 11, 1991 MEETING
Ms. Browne moved and Ms. Graff seconded a motion to approve the
minutes of the July 11, 1991 meeting as mailed. Motion approved
unanimously 6 aye - 0 no.
August, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 1
[V] ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to approve the
nominated slate of Art Diers no Chair and Ellen Browne as Vice -Chair
of the MHB for an additional 1 year term. Motion approved
unanimously 6 aye - 0 no.
[VI] REVIEW OF NOTES FRO14 AUGUST 13, 1991 BOARD RETREAT
The MHB reviewed and discussed the initial recommendations from the
August 13 Board Retreat. Consideration was given to the time lines
for making decisions to implement the recommendations. The MHB
decided that more time was needed to plan for the changes. They
requested that over the next 6--8 months staff develop possible
options for consideration to implement in the development of the
FY93-94 MHB Budget.
The MHB directed Ms. Fox to write a thank you letter to Jim winters
for his assistance in facilitating the MHB's planning retreat. They
also asked that a letter be sent to Research Park, Inc. expressing
gratitude for the use of their conference space.
[VII] FUNDING GUIDELINES AND FUNDING POLICIES FOR FY92-93
Ms. Fox reported that the City Manager had sent the Human services
Committee a memorandum (August 7, 1991) which recommended a reduction
of FY92-93 allocations for City -funded community purchased services
by S20,000. She said that the City Manager's memorandum also
recommended that " ..a similar reduction of S20,000 would be
appropriate for their (MHB's) consideration to assure participation
in the process of fiscal restraint."
Ms. Fox presented several policy options for the MHB's consideration
about potential FY92-93 budget cuts and/or funding reductions. Ald.
Feldman said that he would have great difficulty discussing the
options without an analysis of what the impact of any decisions would
be. He requested, with a consensus by the MHB, that a list of budget
options for the MHB's consideration be developed, with actual dollar
reductions and impact of the reductions upon the MHB's services.
Fundinq Guidelines. Ms. Pearson presented the report from the
Funding Guidelines Committee. She said that the Committee has
attempted to simplify the evaluation process while enabling the 14HB
to focus upon the most significant issues for funding consideration.
Ms. Pearson moved and Ms. Browne seconded a motion for the MHB to
continue to make funding allocations for purchase service agencies by
programs for FY92-93. Motion approved unanimously 6 aye - 0 no.
Ms. Browne moved and Ms. Winfield seconded a motion to adopt the
revised funding guidelines and Board rating worksheet presented in
option 2, which includes 3 individual categories to review and
evaluate program funding proposals for FY92-93 funding. Motion
approved unanimously 6 aye - 0 no.
August, 1991 MHB Meetinc_ Minutes page 2 L
r
Ms. Pearson moved and Ms. Winfield seconded a motion to adopt the
categories and weights Board Priority/30%, Effectiveness/ 40% and
Responsiveness/30% and the criteria identified for each category in
the draft Funding Guidelines Worksheet. Motion approved unanimously
b aye - 0 no.
(A.ld. Feldman left the meeting at 8:20 p.m.)
Discussion of Fundina Policies. Ms. Browne expressed concern about
any cuts which would make it difficult for staff to perform their
functions. She said that it appeared that the budget for the Mental
Health Center (MHC) was already "bare bones". While the MHB should
look at more than one place from which to find budget reductions, the
staff are important to the MHB's role in the community. Ms. Graff
said that she thought that any cuts should some from the operations
of the MHC. She said that MHB's focus should be on funding human
services which have been downgraded at the national, state and local
levels. Ms. Winfield said that it appeared that cuts would have to
be made in all areas. She also said that she would hate to cut
service funding, but frozen salary levels and having to pay
additional health benefits would already be a pay cut for staff. Ms.
Pearson said that for the MHB's future direction she thought that the
dollar amounts of the cuts were less important than the philosophical
issues which were behind the policies involved in making the
decisions. Mr. Diers said that he thought the MHB should look at its
staff operations as a community resource and a strength to nurture.
He thought that the Board would have to decide whether the MHC was
fundamental or incidental to the role of the MHB in the community.
Mr. Diers said that the MHB could decide to function to just allocate
and monitor funding for purchased services or it could ask for staff
to play a role in marshalling and coordinating resources for agencies
during times of financial deprivation. In the latter case, the MHC
budget should be sustained to allow staff to play a more central role
in the community.
The MHB agreed to devote the September meeting to development of the
FY92-93 budget. Mr. Diers reminded the MHB that the Mental Health
Association of Evanston is not requesting funds for FY92-93, which
could provide for an S11,500 reduction. He said that the group will
need to discuss its objectives, how it sees its role in the community
and what outcomes it wants to accomplish. The process will help it
determine from where an additional 58,500 reduction will come. He
asked staff to prepare a number of options for dollar reductions in
the budget and the implications and program impact of each option.
He asked the following to be included: eliminating a staff position;
reducing staff time; dropping an agency(s) from funding; across the
board reductions in all line items; and/or targeted cuts.
[VII) IMPACT OF STATE REDUCTIONS ON AGENCIES
Ms. Fox and Mr. Saver discussed the impact of the State's FY91-92
budget on Evanston's mental health agencies. Some of the initial
cuts which were proposed in the DMHDD budget have been restored, so
that those funding levels appear to be the same as in the FY90-91
budget. Some of the other state code departments have projected
August, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes
Page 3
tentative funding levels, however the agencies will not know their
actual.. funding amounts until they receive their FY91-92 contracts
from the state in the next 2 months. At this point, the original
reductions which were proposed in the Donated Funds Initiative have
been restored to FY90-91 funding levels.
[III] INFORMATIONAL ITEMS (continued)
<> The MHB asked Ms. Fox to write a letter to State Representative
Schakowsky to thank her for her work in restoring mental health
budget line items in the State's FY91-92 budget.
<> Housing for Peopia with Phyuical Disabilities. Ms. Browne and
Mr. Saver discust;ed the reoponse in the community meeting to
review The Center's plans for construction of affordable and
accessible housing for people with physical disabilities in
southeast Evanston. The agency is asking for a zoning variance
to provide fewer parking spices than are required by local code
because very few of their potential residents have access to
motor vehicles. Mr. saver said that the agency made a
commitment to the area aldermen that, while they are
not--for-profit, they would pay the City an amount corresponding
to their taxes for Evanston City services if they were subject
to'being taxed.
Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeanne M. Fox
r
E
August, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 4
Members Present:
Presiding:
EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 1991
(Minutes approved
Art Diers, Nicki Pearson, Ann Graff, Florence
Winfield, Alderman Gene Feldman, Ellen Browne,
Marcia Nelson
Art Diers, Chairperson
Staff: Jeanne Fox, Harvey Saver
Community
Representatives: JoAnne Harford (Mental Health Association of
Evanston), Flora Koppel (ACORN), Kate Mahoney (PEER
Services), Michael Kerns
[I] CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Diers called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.
(II] INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY COMMENTS
Members of the audience introduced themselves.
Mr. Piers welcomed Michael Kerns, who the Mayor has nominated to the
Mental Health Board. Ms. Fox said that Mr. Kerns' appointment will
be voted on at the next City Council meeting.
Ms. Pearson reported that the Mental Health Association of Evanston
(MHAE) had awarded Jeanne Fox, Executive Director, the Evanston Anti -
Stigma Award at their Annual Meeting on September 10. Ms. Pearson
read into the record the following comments made by Barbara Morrison,
President of the MHAE, at the presentation of a plaque to Ms. Fox:
"Jeanne Fox is Executive Director of the• Evanston Mental Health
Board. She joined the Mental health Board one year after its
founding as Assistant Director and became Executive Director in
1976. One of the fun parts of presenting an award like this is
that you get to call people and ask them to tell you what the
recipient has done to deserve the award. They said that she has
a finely tuned political sense and a strong commitment to
providing the best possible mental health services for Evanston.
She sees herself as an advocate for the mentally ill, takes it
seriously, and is rightly proud of what she has accomplished.
She knows how to connect with many people at many levels and make
them interact to make things happen. she helps people directly,
confronts problems and facilitates. She is always willing to
take on appropriate battles.
"Someone who has good reason to know told me Jeanne has been a
key player in most local programs. Another said her attitude
educates all she comes in contact with.
September, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes page 1
"Jeanne established and coordinates the Evanston mental health
Network. This group helps providers deed with the state in a
coordinated way and maximizes use of community services in behalf
of clients.
"Jeanne has provided training to the police force and facilitated
interaction between long term care facilities and their
neighbors.
"Jeanne's greatest community education effort probably was in
connection with the passage of the important Group and
Residential Care Ordinance in 1986. She has recently been active
in HMI:PEER, a consortium of Evanston organizations mounting a
second round of that effort.
Jeanne is an asset to Evanston who somehow defies burnout despite
the sometimes overwhelmingproblems involved in human services
today. She directly and indirectly fights stigma on a daily
basis.
Jeanne, the Mental Health Association of Evanston salutes you!"
The MHB congratulated Jeanne on the receipt of this award.
(III) MINUTES OF AUGUST 8, 1991 MEETING
Mr. Browne moved and Ms. Winfield seconded a motion to approve the
minutes of the August 8, 1991 meeting as mailed. Motion approved
unanimously 7 aye - 0 no.
[IV] DISCUSSION OF FUNDING ALTERNATIVES
Ms. Browne reviewed the development of the budget options presented
by staff at the request of the MHS. She said that prior to a
scheduled meeting with herself and Mr. Diers, Ms. Fox had been asked
to make a presentation of a maintenance MHB Budget to the City Budget
Team (BT). Ms. Fox was not able to make any cuts in the line items
that the City Budget office prepares and gives to each department
until the BT develops a City-wide policy on those items, e.g.,
Training and Travel, Copying. Ald. Feldman said that the BT's
recommendations and policies should be considered regarding the total
allocation, no staff lay offs and no reduction in service. Beyond
that, the MHB should act independently in making its recommendations
and developing its budget. Aid. Feldman said the MHB could decide
to recommend different budget reductions; the budget is prepared by
the City Manager and the BT but the final decisions are made by City
Council; the MHB's responsibility is to advocate for what it believes
it needs in its budget in order for reductions not to have a negative
impact upon its constituency. He urged the MHB to use its knowledge
of the mental health arena in developing its budget priorities and
recommendations because the BT does not know the mental health field
or community needs. Ms. Graff said that the political reality was
that the City Manager and the Human services Committee had
September, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 2
recommended the MHB to
would be fitting to do
reduce its budget by $20,000, and that it
so.
Ms. Graff read recommendations from Carol Henes, who was out of town.
Ms. Henes reiterated the MHB policy that the Mental Health Center
(MHC) Budget could not exceed 25% of the total MHB Budget, and
recommended that its budget decisions should conform to this policy.
She suggested that the MHBBIs deliberations should consider the
possibility that some of the budget reductions come from the MHC. if,
as a group, agencies are going to be expected to reduce their
budgets, the MHB should cut the overhead of its office and should
consider the impact of having only 1 staff person.
Ms. Pearson pointed out that if the MHB accepted the plan which the
BT voted to recommend to Ms. Fox, i.e., no cuts in the MHc, increases
as directed by the Budget Office, $20,000 reduction in Purchased
Services (PS), the MHC's percentage of the total MHB Budget would go
up from 24.08% to only 25.06%. These percentages are calculated
based upon the assumption stated in the August 23, 1991 memo that the
base for the Mental Health Center is to be increased by S644 per the
line item changes which were given to staff by the Budget Office.
Ald. Feldman discussed several options available to make reductions
in PS, in addition to the 511,500 the Mental Health Association of
Evanston is not requesting this year.
Ms. Pearson said the MHB needed to talk about philosophy and not just
dollar amounts in considering budget reductions, because a reduction
in staff would have an impact upon the MHB's work beyond the next
fiscal. year. She said that if the City Manager was asking PS
agencies to create savings throw h reductions in their management
structures he should also ask he same from City departments.
However, she said she was concerned that it would have a negative
impact upon the purchased service agencies and mental health issues
in the community if the MHB were to reduce the size of its staff
component. Ms. Fox reviewed the MHB staff functions and roles, and
the corresponding amounts of time involved. The total amount of time
was estimated at 2.9 FTE. (Actual budgeted amount is 2.5 FTE.)
Ald. Feldman said if the MHB was seriously 'considering a reduction
in staff some of the M1iB's goal areas and activities would have to be
cut out all together. There would be less executive support,
technical assistance and time for research on mental health issues in
the total community. Ms. Pearson said that she would not suggest or
support cuts in staff time, but that she was bothered that the BT
turned down MHB recommendations for budget reductions that the City
seemed to be asking agencies to make. Ms. Graff said that she did
not think any reductions should come out of PS. Ms. Browne said that
the MHB had already reviewed the MHC budget line by line and agreed
that there was not much room to cut operating expenses for the MHC_
The 2 choices seemed to be either cut PS or cut staff. Ms. Graff
said that money allocated for personnel costs could also be cut.
Ald. Feldman said that the MHB needed to look at what the impact of
either option would be upon the people with mental health needs in
the community; while concern was raised about not cutting PS, the
MHB, at its planning retreat, agreed to evaluate the way agencies are
funded because of the difficulty in determining whether the MHB is
September, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 3
actually getting the outcomes it is paying for. He encouraged the
MHB to complete its long range planning process first. Ald. Feldman
said that it might be more respponsible to prune and choose what
services are funded more carefully, rather than make budget changes
indiscriminately. Mr. Diers said that the Director's report on staff
functions indicates very clearly the impact of cutting staff. It
would mean that the MHB would not be able to relate to many of the
state mental health issues with which it has been involved and which
affect community services. Ms. Browne said that there would be a
much bigger impact for the MHB to take S8,500 from staff operations
than if it were to spread 5s,500 in cuts across MHB-funded agencies.
Ms. Graff reminded the MHB that the actual reduction in the MHB
Budget would be $20,000. Ms. Browne moved and Ms. Winfield seconded
a motion to reduce the FY92-93 MHB Budget by $20,000 by reviewing and
reducin allocation for Purchased Services. Motion failed 1 aye
(Browne? - 4 no - 2 abstain (Diers, Pearson).
In response to questions Ms. Fox discussed what expenses are covered
in Membership and Book and Subscriptions. Ms. Pearson moved and Ms.
Nelson seconded a motion to reduce the FY92-93 MHB Budget by $20,000
by reducing PS by $17,000 and reducing the MHC Budget by $3,000.
Motion passed unanimously 7 aye - 0 no. Ms. Pearson reminded the MH.B
that this will mean the MHB is sharing with the agencies in budget
reductions, and that the Mental Health Center will be below 25% of
the total MHB Budget.
Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Browne seconded a motion to delay the
discussion about how decisions will be made to fund agency funding
requests until after the conclusion of agency budget hearings.
Motion passed unanimously 7 aye - 0 no.
Ald. Feldman moved and Ms. Browne seconded a motion directingstaff
i
to prepare recommendations for S3000 in line item reductions n the
FY92-93 Mental Health center allocations. Motion passed 7 aye - 0
no.
The MHB complimented the staff on the excellent materials prepared
for the discussion of the budget alternatives.
[V] DASA COMMUNITY MATCH
Kate Mahoney, Director of PEER services, joined the 14HB. Mr, saver
reviewed the process DASA is using to get local taxing authorities to
certify some of their funds for substance abuse services as the State
match for Medicaid Funds. PEER Services and St. Francis OATES could
both, potentially! benefit if the MHB were to certify its funds to
those agencies, and have indicated that they plan to submit a request
to the MHB to that effect. Mr. Saver indicated that, under a
different procedure, the state will also allow local funds to be
certified as the State match in lieu of an assessment or contribution
from DMHDD-funded agencies which are providing services eligible for
Medicaid funding. In the latter case agencies might have to borrow
money in order to be able to pay their State assessment.
September, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 4
Ms. Mahoney discussed the process for Medicaid -certification and the
additional work involved in managing the Medicaid billing process.
She said that she did not anticipate serving a large number of
Medicaid -eligible clients from Evanston. She said that a large
number of clients receiving Medicaid -funded services could put the
agency in a bind because there is a lag time in receiving pa ent
from the State for those services. But if the agency submits no
bills for Medicaid funding they would place some of their grant funds
in jeopardy from DASA.
Ms. Fox noted that this type of use of MHB monies could be needed by
other community agencies for Medicaid match in the future. Ms.
Pearson moved and Ms. Nelson seconded a motion to authorize the
certification by the MHB of its local tax dollars as the state match
for Medicaid for agencies requesting this support. Motion passed
unanimously 7 aye - 0 no.
[VI] REVIEW AND COMMENT ON CHAS
The MHB reviewed the 2nd draft of the MHB's response to the Housing
Commission's Community Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) Plan.
Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Browne seconded a motion to adopt the
comments about the CHAS Plan as revised for presentation to the
Housing Commission at its public comment session. Motion passed
unanimously 7 aye - 0 no. Carol Henes will represent the MHB at the
Housing Commission's public hearing on the CHAS Plan.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
eanne o
September, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 5
EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1991
(Minutes approved)
Members Present: Art Diers, Nicki Pearson, Ann Graff, Florence
Winfield Michael Kerns, Marcia Nelson, Carol
Henes, Alderman Gene Feldman
Presiding: Art Diers, chairperson
Staff: Jeanne Fox, Harvey Saver, Alan Feldman
Community
Representatives: Lorraine Ganz, Pam Watson, Rhonda Davis (Rimland
Services); Diane Goodson, Bob Wolf (Early childhood
Development Services)
[I] CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Diers called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.
[II] INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY COMMENTS
Mr. Diers welcomed Alan Feldman, a graduate student from the
University of Chicao School of Social Services Administration, who
will be doing a fieldgplacement with the MHB this year.
[III] MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 12, 1991 MEETING
Ms. Pearson moved and Ms. Graff seconded a motion to approve the
minutes of the September 12, 1991 meeting as amended. Motion
approved unanimously 7 aye - 0 no.
[IV] BUDGET HEARINGS FOR FY92-93
Rimland Services for Autistic Citizens. Lorraine Ganz, President,
Pamela Watson, Executive Director and Rhonda Davis, Development
Director of Rimland Services for Autistic Citizens joined the Board
to review their request for funding from the MHB. (Working Notes of
this budget hearing are available upon request from the MHB office).
Early childhood Development Center. Dr. Diane Goodson, Executive
Director and Bob Wolf, Children's Home and Aid Society of Illinois,
joined the Board to review their request for funding for Early
Childhood Development Center from the MHB. (Working Notes of this
budget hearing are available upon request from the MHB office).
[V] MHB POLICY FOR USE OF FUNDS FOR
STATE MATCH FOR MEDICAID FUNDING
Ms. Fox and Mr. Saver discussed the State of Illinois' current
October, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page i
initiatives to capture federal financial participation in Medicaid
funding for human services. Ms. Henes moved and Ms. Nelson seconded
a motion to adopt Policy 10-91--1 which converts the MHB's decision to
authorize the certification of MHB funds in purchased service
contracts as the state share for Medicaid to an MHB Policy with the
understandinej that the agency will place a priority on services to
Evanston residents. Motion passed unanimously 7 aye - 0 no.
[VI] REVIEW OF LONG TERM CARE ANNUAL REPORT (1990)
Ms. Graff presented the Long Term Care Committee's report reviewing
the 1990 Long Term Care Annual Report. she expressed appreciation to
Alderman Feldman for providing the MHB the opportunity to review and
comment on the Report. The Committee recommended that when the
Police are called in for incidents involving possible criminal
activity that should be made a part of the public record. The
Committee also expressed concern that several serious incidents
resulted in "C" violations. Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Nelson seconded
a motion to adopt the recommendations of the Long Term Care Committee
about the 1990 Long Term Care Annual Report. Motion passed
unanimously 7 aye - 0 no. The MHB's recommendations will be shared
with the Commission on Aging 's Long Term Care Committee and then
transmitted to the Human Services Committee.
(Alderman Gene Feldman joined the MHB at 9:00 p.m.)
[VII] INTERGOVERNMENTAL/INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
Alderman Feldman distributed materials and provided an update on
revisions being recommended by the Human Services Committee (HSC) to
the proposed Intergovernmental/Interagency Agreement (Agreement). He
said that he wanted the MHB to be a part of the discussion about the
revisions because the Board had expressed serious concerns about the
Agreement ever since it was first proposed. Alderman Feldman said
the Agreement was originally conceived to facilitate better sharing
of information, and for that the HSC did not feel an Executive
Committee (EC) was necessary. He expressed concern that the proposed
EC had no elected officials; that there had been no involvement of
the larger community in developing the Agreement. He said that the
HSC was recommending the EC be eliminated; participation be on
voluntary basis; the Agreement be a vehicle for networking and not a
system. HSC expressed concern about developing strong control of
human services through an EC without knowing whether the EC would be
responsive, and without knowing the specific outcomes for such a
structure.
(Ms. Henes left the meeting at 9:20 p.m.)
Alderman Feldman asked the MHB about their response to a strong,
centralized form of control for the Agreement, and feedback about the
HSC's recommendations. Ms. Graff, Ms. Nelson and Ms. Pearson
expressed the following concerns: problem with a the release of
information forms and procedures; the objectives of the Agreement are
too vague; problem with the implied threat of a 'stick" for use with
October, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 2
funded agencies by the EC; the EC is not an appropriate vehicle to
encoura a communication; what happens if the cllientt decides not to
sign release forms; there has been no change and no response to the
concerns which the MHB originally raised about the proposal; onl 3
people would be sitting as a group making decisions about Evanson
Youth serving agencies. Alderman Feldman encouraged the MHB to
review the documents he distributed and call him with any additional
comments or concerns.
[IX] INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
<> Through a memo Ms. Browne reminded the MHB that the Executive
committee would be impI menting the midyear evaluation of the
Executive Director. She asked the Board members to get in touch
with her if they had any comments.
<> On the evening of October 16, the Mental Health Association of
Evanston will be meeting with the administrators of Read Mental
Health Center to discuss programming at the facility. Ms. Fox
will participate.. Mr. Diers will also try to attend the
meeting.
<> The MHB directed Ms. Fox to prepare comments per their
recommendations for presentation at the City Council Forum on
Saturday, October 12. Alderman Feldman agreed to present the
comments at the forum on behalf of the MHB.
<> Ms. Graff announced that the Mayor's Special Task Force (MSTFSA)
on Substance Abuse would be convening a working session to
review the MSTFSA's recommendations and the progress on
objectives, and to develop.a plan for future implementation by
community groups and agencies. The MHB requested Ms. Fox to
present the MHB's recommendations.
<> Ms. Graff expressed concern that iL was unclear what the Mental
Health Association of Evanston (MHAE) is doing, based upon the
functions and programs the organization has eliminated. leis.
Pearson agreed to contact. ci,e !•mHAE to raise the issue with them.
<> Alderman Feldman urged the MHB to not delay in dealing with the
issues which were raised at the long --range planning retreat. He
said that the discussion by aldermen about the reorganization of
City Council will dramatically effect relationships with boards,
commissions and Unified Budgeting Process (UBP). He said that
he will be recommending to the Director of Health and Human
Services that the Human services committee examine how it funds
agencies, and to consider that UBP may not be the best way.
Alderman Feldman said that the MHB should follow up on its own
concerns about the way it funds agencies before it loses its
long-standing members when their terms expire in the spring of
1992. They will be able to provide perspective on what has
previously been tried and worked or been a disappointment. He
emphasized that the MHB should take the issue of how it funds
agencies very seriously, and not abdicate its responsibility or
the decisions might be made by other actors in the community.
October, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 3
Y
Ms. Graff suggested that a committee be appointed to study and
make recommendations based upon issues identified at the MHB's
long-range planning retreat. Mr. Diers appointed Ms. Graff, Ms.
Pearson and Mr. Kerns to begin the review process and report
back to the MHB; Alderman E'eldman and other Board members agreed
to participate when they are available.
Meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
qt'-" )-, . , c
Vieanne m. rox
October, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 4
0
EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD
14EETING 14INUTES
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
(Minutes approved)
Members Present: Art Diers, Nicki Pearson, Ann Graff, Florence
Winfield, Michael Kerns, Marcia Nelson, Carol
Henes, Ellen Browne
Presiding: Art Diers, Chairperson
Staff: Jeanne Fox, Harvey Saver, Alan Feldman
community
Representatives: Lynn Barnett (Evanston Hospital); Diane GoodF;o n
(Early Childhood Development Services); Ray Ganey
(St. Francis/Adult and Child Guidance Center);
Kate Mahoney (PEER Services); Richard Harr (Niles
Township Sheltered Workshop); Leon Intrater, F:,)ra
Koppel ( ACORN)
[I] CALL TO ORDER
M:. Diers called the meeting -o Drder at 7:30 a.m.
(II] MINUTES OF OCTOBER 8, 1991 MEETING
Ms. Pearson moved and Ms. Graff seconded a motion to approve the
minutes of the October 8, 1991 meeting as mailed. Motion approved
unanimously 7 aye - 0 no.
(ZII] MENTAL HEALTH BOARD OBJECTIVES FOR FY92-93
The MHB reviewed the progress on FY91-92 Objectives and proposed
FY92-93 Objectives. Ms. Pearson moved and Ms. Winfield seconded a
motion to adopt the FY92-93 Objectives. Motion passed unanimously 7
aye - 0 no. The priorities for the =792-93 Objectives will :.e
established at the February, :992 MHB mee-Tng.
[IV] MENTAL HEALTH BOARD PURCHASED SERVICES FY92-93 ALLOCATIONS
Ms. Her.es proposed a process -,se 1: =.. _ne '•'.HH . -; C_nq
in mdi C I-urid�:,g aI_0 dt_u. S • �r7'.ti.'.P_ Herres, '.s a--f an C Pearson
the following comments. :ne :.!H3 snou_u na,.le -a--." L:. ..r.e__
evaluate the agency programs anc 3nc,-` C use � e ina_ Scores in
manner _.. making their al_oca!:ons -for FY92-93, concern about .s_::,
the scores too strictly oecause ever -,one usea e raz::,rs
differently, :•rith no standards; - .e scores sno.:-d be used in some :aa;
because the MHB invested time _o complete the evaluations; earlier
the MHB had agreed to review anc revise its funding process for te
future, but agreed to make use of the scores in some fashion; concern
about hoof the scores are interpreted. (d•is. Nelson joined the MHB at
7:55 p.m.) Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Winfield seconded a motion to
November, 1991 14HB Meeting Minutes
Page 1
consider the agency programs for funding by using the objective
criteria in the FY92-93 Funding Guidelines, and to consider
extenuating circumstances related to funding issues on a case -by -case
basis. Motion passed unanimously a aye - o no. The MHB discussed
each of the agencies and made initial recommendations for an
increase, maintenance or decrease of funding for FY92-93. (The 14HB's
comments are included in the Unified Budgeting Process -report on
Recommended Allocations to Human Services Agencies, and are available
upon request.)
With the consent of the MHB, tor. Diers temporarily deferred
discussion about the MHB allocations in order to recognize Ray Ganey
upon his retirement.
IV] TESTIMONIAL FOR RAY GAMEY, DIRECTOR of ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL
ADULT AND CHILD GUIDANCE CENTER
Mr. Diers made the following presentation on behalf of the Mental
Health Hoard:
"As the Mental Health Board will not be meeting in December, we want
to take this opportunity to honor Ray Ganey. Ray has been she
Director of Adult and Child Guidance Center of St. Francis Hospicai
for the past 3: years. tfe is retiring from this position in
December. He was one of the community leaders who helped the Mental
Health Board to come into being in 1968.
"Ray has peen a very effective leader in the mental health community.
He has developed services to met the needs of persons who are
mentally ill, homeless or substance abusers. As an administrator he
willingly accepted the Latino outreach Program and the OATES Program
when they needed ro find a new home. His program responded
immediately to the needs of the homeless by offering to house the
Hrlmeless Case Manager. His commitment to the chronically mentally _
i.11 is well documented through his staff liaison work with the state
hospitals `or over 14 years. His programs are well known for to eir
caring responsiveness to clients.
`he Me ---a! Health Board could al-. -lays count on Ray for telling it
then some ... and asking why about any changes. He
'was adama7t :hat needless paper work was overloading staff and should
ne minimized at al_ costs. We al,, -rays knew he read everything and
c--,;Id be counted on to crj`jcl,:e all new procedures or paper :cork. :re
•.r___ :n_ss ;��.._ �:;p,. Via; .
;BP Process, cne endless Neer , :gs , or
�.`. ceve_oz)mez- o: a,enc', a.ar,s a::a proposals. However, �.Ie ,ape r
remember fondly yo,.r work on beha_: of Evanston resicier.4s a n C
kn o•.. ,a"e made i o_.ference.
"On behalf of the mental neaith Board, we want to present you this
^resent (engraved plaque with clock) as a token of our esteem and to
�.ank you for a job well done. Envoy your retirement and remember to
contact -s with any ideas or words of wisdom as an Evanston
resident .
J;ovember, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes page 2
P
Mr. Ganey thanked the Board for the kind words and said that as a
citizen of Evanston he will continue to follow the work of the MHB.
[IV] MENTAL HEALTH BOARD PURCHASED SERVICES FY92-93 ALLOCATIONS
(Continued)
Mr. Kerns moved and Ms. Browne seconded a motion for the ;,:IiB to
apply the proposed reductions of $5500 for Purchased Service
Allocations equally to all programs based upon their percentage of
PY91-92 MHB funding. Motion failed 3 aye (Kerns, Browne, Winfield) -
5 no.
Ilenes, Nelson and Diers made the following comments: that an agency
program received funding in the past does not mean that priorities in
the community have not changed; need to assess impact upon the
community of funding any agency; even though it does not include all
of the important details, the Funding Guidelines are helpful to
assess the right issues; consider reducing funds for the ^osp;tals
because they have greater ability to raise funds for the men.-ai
health programs. Mr. Diers requested spec.1f4c motions for funding.
Ms. Nelson moved and Ms. Henes seconded a motion to not consider
funding new agencies because of a decrease in available funds.
Motion passed 6 aye - 2 no (Diers, Browne).
Ms. Pearson moved and Ms. Winfield seconded a motion to fund PEER
Services' Adolescent Treatment Program. Motion passed 6 aye - 1 no
(Diers) _ 1 abstain (Nelson).
Mc. Graff moved and Ms. Browne seconded a motion that no program
currently funded be increased in FY92-93. Motion passed 5 aye - 3 no
(Pearson, Henes, Nelson). Ms. Graff explained that to maintain a
program's funding at the FY91-92 level in light of deck,-ing
resources should be considered a positive message.
14s . Graf f moved and Ms. Nelson seconded a motion -r.at tr,e programs
which ranked 1-11 in the MHB' F�nd_�r _�_u'el_:,e
F 91-92 iaVeis. Ms. Browne opposed motion, sal''-ng hat woo d
mean several highly ranked programs would receive propor-::on a-e:y
higher funding reductions. :Motion laded 3 aye (Graf_`, Henes, Diers)
- 5 no.
Mr. Kerns moved and Ms. Winfield seconded a motion to fund PEER
Services' Adolescent Treatment Program at a level of $2000. Motion
passed 7 aye - 1 no (Henes).
Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Nelson seconded a motion to take the
reduction in funding for Purchased Services from programs which were
ranked low on effectiveness in the MHB Funding Guidelines and which
received a vote for a decrease in the 14HB's initial straw vote. ;;s.
Browne was concerned that this :iou.d mean eery large reauction for a
few programs, INs. Pearson, said that PEER Services Adult Treatment.
Program works with very difficult clients, and that their ranking on
effectiveness was not reflective of the agency's quality. Motion
passed 5 aye - 3 no (Kerns, Browne, Diers).
November, 1991 MHB Meeting :Minutes
Page 3
1
f
Ms. Browne moved and Ms. Henes seconded a motion to take some portion
of the funding reductions from the adult outpatient psychiatric
programs at St. Francis Hospital Adult and Child Guidance Center and
Evanston Hospital. Ms. Graff said she opposed the motion because the
hospitals' programs had been the underpinnings of the mental health
system in Evanston, and they were ranked high in the Funding
Guidelines. Ids. Browne said that a funding reduction for the
hospitals would have much less impact upon their programs than any of
the other agencies, and that the hospitals had sufficient revenues to
make up the difference. Motion passed 5 aye - 3 no (Graff, Winfield,
Diers).
Ms. Henes moved and Ms. Graff seconded a motion to take some portion
of the funding reductions from Community Coordinated child Care.
Motion passed 7 aye - 1 no (biers).
(Mr. Diers left the meeting at 10:10 a.m.)
Ms. Pearson moved and Ms. Henes seconded a motion to reduce FY92-93
funding to programs from FY91-92 allocations in the following manner:
Evanston Hospital -outpatient Psychiatry-(S1650); St.Francis Hospital -
Adult and child/Adolescent outpatient- (S1500),• Community coordinated
Child Care-(52350); PEER Services -Adult Treatment-(S1400); ACORN -
Comprehensive Case Management-($360); ACORN -Comprehensive Group
Services-(5240). Motion passed unanimously 7 aye - 0 no.
Ms. Henes moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to fund all other
programs at FY91-92 levels. Motion passed unanimously 7 aye - 0 no.
Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion for the mental
health Board to go into Executive Session to consider a personnel
matter. Motion passed unanimously 7 aye - 0 no.
(The Mental Health Board went into Executive Session at 10:30 a.m
(The Menta: Health Board reconvened into Open Session at 10:50 a.m.)
[VI] FY92-93 14ENTAL HEALTH CENTER BUDGET
The 14HB reviewed the proposed ,792-93 i_ne item oudget for ..ne Men.tam
Health Center (tMHC), and noted increases and aecreases pro,,ridec oy
the City Budget of`_ce in items over which �`ey "ad no
con,_roi. They d?scussec One to reduce other __n& items any
Tore _"a _ne 52330 -xar;uc__ --•• ':jere be_.^.g proposec __no:.
:educing effec-:.—ni. r - :I::BI n,74.S i _ r_':'!7:r{'. C� F
:,IHC Buager ;_., S3000 Snare :{ _MDaC,_ _
Budget Pol :c•, :•rith
_o contin:Ie 10 De _ _. ,, G_ "e .0-a _ :,. B
:olicy) 3V consens'..:�, _1:e X'-'3 accep`P_c~ :t l; __:1e I=em :7 age
recommendations for `otal of .,139,535. ,ecommenddY_ans ac-.e
accepted witn the u:-.cerstanding _ at chances might still be ;Wade _n
the MHC Budget because the city Budget team ;;ad noc yet completed the
development of recommendations regarding some of the line items 1-!;at
are determined by the City Budget Office.
November, 1991 :MHB [Meeting t•linutes page 4
t
The total proposed FY92-93 MHB Budget (Purchased Services and Mental
Health Center) will be considered following the completion of Unified
Budgeting on Saturday, November 9.
[VIll INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
In response to questions about recent newspaper articles about Read
!dental Health Center, Ms. Fox gave her view of the situation being
faced by the state facility. After a brief discussion the MHB
directed Ms. Fox to write a letter to the state on their behalf about
the critical need to allocate adequate resources and staff to provide
and maintain quality treatment for individuals at Read Mental iEea.�tZ
Center.
Meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeanne :;. Fox
November, 1991 14HB Meeting Minutes
Page 5
EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1991
(Minutes Recorded - Approved)
Members Present: Art Diers, Carol Henes, Nicki Pearson, Ann
Graff, Ellen Browne
Presiding: Art Diers, Chairperson
staff: Jeanne M. Fox
[I] CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Diers called the meeting to order at 12:35 p.m. Immediately
after the Unified Budgeting Panel meeting in thy: Council Chambers.
The only items on the agenda were the final decisions regardlnc tnF
Mental Health Board's budget. The following motions were made and
passed unanimously 5-0 .
> To allocate a total of S420,753 for Purchased Services
Wt.ich is a 3.9% decrease from last year's allocation.
> To allocate S!32,7!9 for the Menta: Healt;: Center . _cget.
> To allocate S557 958 for the Total `1r ;ta'_ Heap;, Bc:a_ _
budget for �v 92-93.
The Board thanked the s—_dff for its excellent work during the
budgeting process.
Having no further business, the Board adjourned rat 12:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
i
EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, DECE34BER 12, 1991
(Minutes approved)
Members Present: Art Diers, Nicki Pearson, Ann Graff, Florence
Winfield, Michael Kerns, Marcia Nelson, Carol
Henes, Ellen Browne
Presiding: Art Diers, Chairperson
Staff: Jeanne Fox, Harvey Saver, Alan Feldman
[I) CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Diers called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.
[II) INTERGOVERIR4ENTAL/INTERAGENCY AGREE14ENT
The 14HB discussed the final revisions of the Intergovernmental/
Interagency Agreement (the Agreement). Ms. Fox reported that there
is going to be a public signing of the Agreement on December 17 at
Evanston Township High School. Ms. Pearson, Ms. Nelson, Ms. Browne
and Ms. Graff made r_n e following comments about the agreement: the
MHB's role is not clear 'because we are not a service provider; if the
MHB is listed as a party to the Agreement it would appear that the
United Way should be as well; groups other than service proviciers can
choose to participate at a later date; it is still unclear about the
expected outcomes and purpose of the agreement's stated activities.
Ms. Graff moved dnd Ms. Nelson seconded a motion for the Mental
Health Board to endorse the Intergovernmental/Interagency Agreement.
Motion passed unanimously 8 aye - a no.
Ms. Graff moved and 14s. Henes seconded a motion to request the
signatories of the intergovernmental,/Interagency Agreement to clearly
communicate to the Mental Health Board what changes and improvements
in the community are expected, i.e., what is the goal of the
Agreement. 114s. Graff said er opinion, sharing o_`
information is not a goal n,t a process. Motion passed 5 aye - a no
- 3 abstain (Nelson, Browne, Diers).
(III) MONITORING OF LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES
'GIs. Graf_ epor-_ed a_ _.:e �c c e�.. Care
the drat_ of the suggested a.mencm.e:..s to _ne LTC Ordinance. e
would incorporate -ne OBRr rFg _a=:o s fo: Speciai_lrec ser.ices �:
ind_vidua.� a�.: de.e_opmen-3_ __,uo_1� _es or
said tna, _here- :.s a quest_o aocu_ whet':er _::e Ci::y car, rec~-_e
these services when _t does -.ot provide any fund_ng for -hem. !,.e
MHB discussed the possibilizy of ':avinq MHB staff participate in some
role in monitoring -_:nose services for its target populations in LTl.
facilities. one option mould ne for the '4HB to monitor facilities
and report to enforcement s_af, or or t!:p MHB to oe giver. a:;
December, 1991 MHB Meeting Minutes page 1
enforcement role by the City. Ms. Graff said that for the MHB to
have some regulatory responsibility in LTC facilities it would have
to be designated by the Illinois Department of Public Health. She
said that the Director of Health and Human services had discussed
possible MHB monitoring roles in a memo which she distributed. She
also reported that a concern about whether a mental health
professional is needed to monitor Specialized Services would be
explored in the meeting the LTC Committee has scheduled on January 13
with the City Manager, Alderman Feldman and Jay Terry.
Ms. Winfield, Ms. Henes, ifs. Pearson, Ms. Graff and Mr. Kerns made
the following comments: the MHB would not be satisfied in simply
monitoring a facility one time on an annual basis, but would want Lo
also follow up on routine complaints; it is not clear that it would
make any difference to the resident .in the facility whether the MHB
or the Health Department did the monitoring; if the MHB staff were to
get involved in a narrowly described monitoring function, over a
period they would probably get pulled into more and more time and
activities in the facilities; residents in LTC facilities would be
better off if MHB staff were also involved in monitoring because
there is a Board which would be following up on issues; MHB staff
would professionally be more responsive to mental health -related
issues regarding the facilities; the MHB should initially participate
in the annual survey process to understand the time and work that is
involved, and use that experience to project costs for an expanded
monitoring role. Ms. Nelson moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion
for the MHB to continue the exploratory discussion about assuming a
monitoring/ enforcement role for persons with developmental
disabilities or mental illness in long term care facilities. Motion
passed 5 aye - 3 no (biers, Nelson, Henes).
[IV) STRATEGIC/LONG RANGE PLANNING
Mr. Diers reviewed the MHB`s discussion about strategic planning from
the July retreat. lie said that, with the flrno- for funding basic
services being reduced by the State, the MHB needs to make a
determination about whether agencies remain viable for funding. rs
the city also reduces its resources for f,::7d4_rg r.:man
..rua reds J _ _e a; c cEc_uc about ites continued role, am rl ein
Ier
services/funds should be redirected. The change in the -configuration
and climate of local government will require the MHB -o decide noa
its roles can be sustained. Xr. Diers said that the MHB have 4o
address 2 ma;or concerns: do 'IHB funds for "entrenched" agencies
continue to .meet commun'_'.V needs; if -"-e ?,lHB as ran
en ti-v -n�' o. ;. (
_. aC __.;aaoea. .
Xs. .:e: es Sci_ : _. a- :e XH3 ..:o,.._d ; a- necessari_., advocate _
ex_ste:,Ce, .00K to-- .rays 4o ens,,. re _na�
..eeds c; _:ie XH3 ' 5 pC7[?lilat_C) are `Je_ng men . :.!s . �eci_"S4n sa _C _...�
Some of t-ne n e'.r alCermen a.,e ;iot aware o_1 the work of- the :•iris or of
e needs of the MHE31s populations. Ms. ;dinfield said that t::e
reduct-on i., resources might make it essential that the MHB restrict
,.ts focus and concentrate ics resources on a limited area - a single
issue or population. Mr. Kerns said the '.IHB should play a proactive
December, .991 ?,TF3 Meeting Minutes Page 2
role to help the agencies deal with the reduction in resources, e.g.,
assist with recruitment, efforts and urge agencies to solicit more
volunteers to help extend the efforts of 'choir staff. Ms. Graff said
that the MHB should seriously consider reorgn nizing its role with UBP
or get out of UBP altogether because it takes too much time for too
little return for the effort. She also said that another possibility
would be to restructure the way that UBP funds, e.g., have each
funder concentrate .its funds on a limitod number of agencies or
issues. Ms. Pearson said that she believes Ln the philosophy of UBP,
and thinks it is important and valuable to have a joint discussion
about community needs and to share information about what the
agencies are doing. Ms. Nelson said that she thinks UBP plays an
important role in keeping agencies which nre requesting local nax
dollars accountable to the community. She also said that it is vory
useful and educational to see what agencies are doing and now nods
are changing. Ms. Henes suggested that the MHB might play a roles in
encouraging agencies to be more efficient, and to look for clays no
merge services to eliminate overhead and to seek out joint venturvs.
Ms. Graff said that it would be difficult for many agencies to
combine their efforts because there has not been much evidence to
suggest that there is a duplication of local services.
Ms. Graff moved and Ms. Nelson seconded a motion for the MHB to
withdraw from the Unified Budgeting Process. Motion failed 1 aye
(Graff) - 6 no - 1 abstain (Kerns).
Mr. Kerns said that the MHB should focus on what i; would like to do
in a proactive way for Ac mandated populations in addition _o
funding services. iris. Bcowne restated the goais of the Mental Hea th
Hoard and asked whether they were still viable. Ms. Heres suggested
that the MHB should expand its discussion to all of the UBP funders
to look at ways that agencies might be encouraged to coalesce around
service issues and reduce costs. She also suggested :Man the AHB
should think about the concept, which they ha:'e previously discussed,
of "empowering" people to aeai with issues ana problems nemsei es.
There was consensus that the UBP 'task Force should begin to meet as
soon as possible to look at the future of UBP and the issues which
the MHB would like to refer to them. Staff was directed to provide
information from an evaluation of the 1991 UBP Process.
M, , Dies appoiniec Xs. He :es, Ms. Pearso2 a d As. 3rowne as
representatives -o the UBP :ask Force. Mr. Kerns will oar__cioate if
he is available. Staff :will begin to develop an agenda ct _us"es :or,
he P :'ask Force ~o be presented by 17c _ HB re,- -
Staff were irHc`r.: iv.. ;+ Oncorw :W 7BF . nsM =-_ _- "ee7:nc
in tea. Ua • . .
In a consensus decision, the MHB agreed to include an agenda item
about strategic planning on the MHB's meeting agenda for at least the
next 4 meetings.
[ V ] INFOiti•SATIONAL ITEMS
<> Ms. Fox announced that there will be 2 :Horning meetings to
dialogue with agencies' boards of directors on January :4, 199:.
December, 1991 MHB Meeting minutes Page 3
I �r
Je
Mr. Karns, Ms. Browne and Ms. Henes volunteered to meet with
Evanston Hospital at 7:0o a.m. at the hospital. Mr. piers, Ms.
Pearson and Ms. Winfield volunteered to meet with Niles Township
Sheltered Workshop at 8:00 a.m. at the officor, of First Step.
<> The MHB congratulated Michael Kerns on his upcoming wedding and
expressed their best wishes that he returned unscathed from his
exploits on the ski slopes of Switzerland on his honeymoon.
<> Ms. Graff reported that the Mayor's Special Task Force on
Substance Abuse (MSTFSA) had a very good community forum. There
was a strong response from the participants with a plan for
specific activities and program efforts, and a commitment to
follow through on the plan. The MHB's contributions were
positively received. The MFB thanked Ms. Graff for ;per
leadership and representation on the MSTFSA on behalf of the
MHB.
Meeting adjourned P-v 8:5f1 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
.;eanne M. Fox
,December, 1991 MHB Xeet:.nq '•`-1 --ites Page 4