Present: Don Schultz, Chair, Phil Fluet, Vice-Chair, Donna Desjardins, Carmela Levesque, Laurel Morris-Duncan Cathy Beer, Johanne Hassey, Christine Botsford and Doug Fleming Administration: Dr. Alex Hillyard, C.E.O., Michele McPherson, Recording Secretary.

Guests:
Catrin Owen, Senior Consultant, Calder Bateman Communications

A. Don Schultz called the meeting to order at 9:00am.

Catrin Owen was introduced to the Board. Catrin is with the firm Calder Bateman Communications. Catrin talked about a visual presentation for the Northeast PDD Board.
She will be interviewing Board and staff members to get a feel for PDD.

The Board members were shown a short video that Calder Bateman had made for AACL.

As part of the development work her firm has received written information on the Board. (Mission, vision, values and three year service plan).

1.1) Northeast Region Wage Equity Report:
Recommendations: That the Board accept the directional recommendation presented on Page 7 of the report entitled Compensation Survey Final Report and
Recommendations December 1999 (Appendix I).

That the Board file a copy of the Compensation Survey Final Report
and Recommendations December 1999, with the Provincial P.D.D.
Board for the use of all P.D.D. Boards and their administration.

Purpose of Report: Board action.

Dr. Hillyard talked about the history and results of the wage parity study. A management consultant was employed for the wage parity review. Job descriptions and pay ranges are internally consistent, within the Region. Discussion followed about some agencies using fund raising to top up budgets.

#00-01-131 MOTION: Johanne Hassey moved to accept report 1.1 with recommendations as is and forward to the Provincial Board.
Carried unanimously.

1.2) Northeast Region: Proposal for P.D.D. Community Councils
Recommendation: That the Board receive report for information.
Purpose of Report: Input and direction to the administration.

Dr. Hillyard talked about the history of Community Councils within the Northeast Region. Encouraged Board members to get a full understanding of the council's needs in their community and how to develop them. Administration and Board members will work together for each community to bring together effective Community Councils. Discussion on possible interim plans for community councils - maybe have two communities with one Council with the possibility that PDD could assist community councils with resources (people and dollars).

 #00-01-132 MOTION: Cathy Beer moved to receive the report 1.2 for information and implementation as presented by the administration.
Carried unanimously.

1.3) Year 2000-2001 Budget Planning and Preparations: Discussion Report
Recommendation: That the Board receive report for information.
Purpose of Report: Input and discussion.

The Board had a general discussion on the principles and value to direct the allocation of resources. These principles and values discussed were as follows:

• Equitable distribution of resources
• Distribution based on community identified need
• Community involvement in setting service priorities and initiatives (Community Councils specifically)
• Input from all community partners (Service Providers, Community Councils, Persons Served and families) on Regional Initiatives
• Ensure the preservation and current level of Individual Funding Agreements
• Encourage the majority of service growth through Individual Funding Agreements
• Ensure a fiscally responsible budget.

The Board also discussed a general plan for community participation in the budget planning process. The administration will be bringing back an involvement plan based on the Board's discussion to the next board meeting.

2.1) P.D.D Foundation Grant Application
Recommendation: Input from the Board on the Discussion Topics.
Purpose of Report: Information and discussion.

The Administration will be encouraging the Service Providers and their Boards to present a joint application that will benefit all persons served and all service agencies. This approach is to be reviewed with the executive directors of the service agencies at the PDD business meeting on January 21, 2000.

#00-01-134 MOTION: Donna Desjardins moved to accept the report 2.1 as
information as presented by the administration.
Carried unanimously.

2.2) Accessible Taxi Service: Barrhead
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report as information.
Purpose of Report: Information and discussion.

Barrhead Accessible Taxi Services are due to be implemented in February, 2000. The partners of this service are: The County of Barrhead, The Town of Barrhead, Pembina Hills School Board, Blue Heron Support Services Association and the Northeast Alberta PDD Community Board.

2.3) Three Year Service Plan 2000-2003: Major Activities and Operational Issues.
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: Information and input to the administration for prioritizing
initiatives.

The Chairman reported that the Provincial Board complimented the Northeast Board on their Three Year Business Plan. Don asked for Board members input into Report 2.3. Irene Shelp told the Board members that Fort McMurray is redesigning the day program. Val Ward reported on the retirement options especially in Bonnyville. Bill Tidsbury asked Board members about priority between entrepreneurial opportunities versus community based initiatives. Discussion followed. Val Ward spoke about community based needs assessment. Cathy Beer will check on any documentation on a needs assessment through FCSS in Vegreville.

 Don Schultz discussed aboriginal clients receiving cultural diversity in community inclusion activities.

 Dr. Hillyard talked about the need for accessible transportation. Cathy Beer suggested maybe forming a partnership with a Health Authority. Christine Botsford suggested maybe approaching big corporations for funding for transportation (wheelchair accessible).

Donna Desjardians asked about the initiative on recognition awards.

Board members were encouraged to seek input on the three year service plan from their communities.

#00-01-136 MOTION: Johanne Hassey moved to accept Report 2.3 as information.
Carried unanimously.

F. Communications from Board Chairman

• Update on January 13^th Provincial Board meeting.

The report from the Associate Minister of Health and Wellness on PDD will be available in mid-February, 2000.

The resignation of Bert Sparrow as chair was received with regret. Alan Anderton was appointed as Chair of the Provincial PDD Board on January 13, 2000.

Our Chair, Don Schultz was asked to sit on the AARC Annual Convention planning committee.

The Provincial PDD Board has formed an advisory council comprised of various stakeholders across the province.

#00-01-137 MOTION: Don Schultz moved to have his report accepted as presented.
Carried unanimously.

G. Communications from C.E.O.

• Human Resources Plan (Professional Development Activity January 14^th)

A staff training day was held on January 14, 2000 for all PDD staff in the Northeast Region. The agenda covered discussion on such items as performance management, the classification process, and the general labor standards policies. 

• Regional Workshop: Board Governance March 17^th and 18th

Plans are underway with regards to the Regional Workshop on Board Governance to be held on March 17^th and 18^th of the year 2000.

• Provincial Input on Individual Needs Assessment Project. A meeting will be held in Fort McMurray on February 15, 2000. It is anticipated that approximately 30 people will be attending with input on this topic. Further meetings are planned for Barrhead and St. Paul, as well.

• Social Role Valorization workshop is to be held on February 28, 29 and March 1, 2000 in Fort McMurray.
• A regional FAS conference, focusing on adults, is being planned for May or June, 2000 in Cold Lake. It is anticipated that it would be a two-day conference.

#00-01-138 MOTION: Doug Fleming moved to accept the information as presented by the CEO.
Carried unanimously.

Carmela Levesque - Bonnyville

• No activity so far in January of 2000.
• A Community Council Meeting is scheduled for January 20, 2000.

Laurel Morris-Duncan - Fort McMurray

• START - a reopening of the revised/renovated day program will be in February of 2000. START is continuing with ongoing staff development.
• Northern Lights Regional Working Committee on FAS - A case manager is being hired by the Athabasca Tribal Council for the region to work with the families of FAS individuals. The FAS coordinator is continuing to provide community education programs through the schools, correctional centres and various other community groups. Work is also being done on implementing a diagnostic clinic in Fort McMurray. The next FAS conference is scheduled for the spring of 2000.
• A Christmas basket was delivered to the Salvation Army START program in December compliments of the board.

Donna Desjardins - St. Paul

• No activities yet in January.
• The next Community Council Meeting is scheduled for February 22, 2000.

Cathy Beer - Vegreville

• No activities yet in January

Johanne Hassey - Vilna

• No activities yet in January.

Christine Botsford - Fort McMurray

• The workplace program is starting up.
• A fruit basket was delivered to the Fort McMurray Association for Community Living.

Phil Fluet - Cherhill

• Phil has been asked to assist in facilitating a proposal for BACL to the PDD Foundation.
• A fruit basket was delivered to ECHO.

Dr. Doug Fleming - Westlock

• Fruit baskets were delivered to three agencies in his area.
• There has been a meeting between the three partners of the governance agreement. Doug will be our representative on this Board.

None

• February 24^th and 25^th, 2000 - Provincial Board Retreat in Nisku
• February 26, 2000 - Northeast PDD Board - Vegreville
• March 17^th and 18^th, 2000 - Board Governance Workshop - Edmonton
• March 19^th 2000 - Northeast PDD Board - Edmonton
• April 15, 2000 - Northeast PDD Board - St. Paul