PDD NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BOARD MEETING
Saturday, June
28th, 2003 9:20 am
–3:00 pm
Main
Conference Room, Nomad Inn, Fort McMurray, AB
APPROVED MINUTES
Present:
Don Schultz, Chair, Donna Desjardins, Vice-Chair, Christine Botsford,
Ralph Gorrie, Carmela Levesque, Laurel Morris-Duncan
Administration: Dr. Alex Hillyard, CEO; Lucille Froese, Recording Secretary
Regrets:
Dr. Doug Fleming was absent due to personal reasons.
Guests:
Geoff Wright, Chair, Fort McMurray Community Council, Lori Cooper, CEO, Alberta Children’s Services Region 9, Iris Pasareno, Program Director, Fort McMurray Salvation Army START Program, Robyn Mcdonald and Joan Sheppard, Fort McMurray Salvation Army, Dr. Susan Moisey, Athabasca University, Linda Rix, PDD Service Coordinator, Shawn Murphy, Self-Advocate, Christina Plamondon, START, Angel Botsford, Self-Advocate, Tiffany Roberts, Community Member, Sonya King, Self-Advocate, Ray Desjardins, Parent, Niki-Lou Mackin, Parent
A.
Don Schultz, Chair,
called the meeting to order at 9:20 am, June 28th, 2003.
#03-06-636 MOTION: Christine Botsford moved the Board approve the
agenda.
Carried unanimously.
C. Approval of Minutes
#03-06-637 MOTION: Ralph Gorrie moved the Board approve the
minutes. Carried unanimously.
Doug Fleming, Westlock (submitted electronically)
·
June 5 -
Represented the Board with Dr. Hillyard in Westlock to discuss the next
three-year business plan.
· June 9 - Attended the last Westlock Community Council for the year. Briefly discussed the family conference in November.
· June 12 - Met with Don Schultz and Ralph Gorrie in Edmonton to review the submissions for the family conference.
· June 16, 17 - Drove to St. Paul to represent the Board on the governance committee work with Dr. Hillyard.
· June 18 - Represented the Board in Westlock with Dr. Alex Hillyard to discuss the next three-year business plan.
· June 26 - Represented the Board with Don Schultz and Dr. Alex Hillyard at the joint community council meeting in Westlock.
Carmela Levesque
Housing Initiative Update
Community comments
· Families that are self-administering their IF want to ensure that they are notified and offered training opportunities.
Christine Botsford, Fort McMurray
· Nothing to add.
· Unable to attend the Community Council meeting.
Ralph Gorrie, Vegreville
· May 27, 2003 Community Council Meeting
· Attendance was rather good with 20 participants.
· Business Plan was reviewed by Bill Tidsbury with some discussion.
· Remainder of the meeting dealt with planning the Joint Community Council Meeting for June 24 at VALID.
· June 12, 2003 Provincial Board Meeting
· As a Community Board member I found the experience most valuable recognizing the nature of Provincial Board operations. I was impressed with the participation of our Chair, Don Schultz, and Vice Chair, Donna Desjardins. It is an experience that all community board members should share.
· After the meeting Doug Fleming arrived to meet with Don and me to review the three proposals for hosting our 5th PDD Conference in November 2003.
· June 16, 2003 VALID AGM
· A very large attendance of staff and community. The AARC President and CEO were present for the CET presentation to VALID.
· Their financial statements for the year ending were rather favourable over last year.
· The Association showed their appreciation to staff with the awarding of several merit certificates and recognition.
· Chair, Don Schultz and CEO, Dr. Alex Hillyard were present.
· June 24, 2003 Joint Community Council Meeting, Vegreville
· Approximately 60 people were in attendance from Vegreville, St. Paul, Bonnyville and Cold Lake.
· Six focus groups were organized to review the business plan as it might affect our people. The groups generated a considerable number of comments and observations. It was an excellent exercise in community governance.
· This is evidence that we need to continue to bring community councils together from time to time. It is very practical, as our people need to react together for their advocacy.
· Donna Desjardins and Carmela Levesque represented the Board along with me.
· June 25, 2003 Inclusive Library Initiative
· Only seven participated, as there were also other meetings in the community.
· In attendance was Heather Halpenny, Ms Nelson from Alberta Government, Vegreville Librarian, Amber Zary, Dr. Coleman of the Library Board, Cathy Beer, Chair, Vegreville Community Council, and Laurie Evans of FCSS.
· Discussion centered on five main topics:
· What does accessibility mean to you?
· What do you perceive to be barriers to literacy in this community?
· How can the library improve accessibility?
· What strategies/solutions can you offer to improve accountability?
· Where do we go from here?
· The Town of Vegreville is planning for a new library, which will include a number of accessibility options now, and for the future. Amber, the Librarian, is very focused on accessibility. It was obvious that our persons with developmental disabilities are being included in so many ways.
· We generated considerable thoughts, which will be recorded for our next meeting in the summer.
Don Schultz, Barrhead
· Traveled to St. Paul and Westlock for meetings.
· Participated in the Blue Heron Charity Golf Tournament in Barrhead with Doug Fleming, Alex Hillyard, and Susan Moisey.
· June 11, 2003 – met with Robin Acton, President, AACL, and Bruce Uditsky, Executive Director, AACL. Norm McLeod joined us for this discussion.
· Discussed provincial and regional issues, directions our Board and the Provincial Board are going, how AACL is looking at things.
· Attended the Whitecourt Community Council meeting – they are excited about the upcoming joint community council meeting in Westlock. In September they are going to have an open house.
· Attended the VALID Annual General Meeting.
· Attended the Barrhead Annual General Meeting.
Donna Desjardins, St. Paul
· Attended the Service Provider Board presentations in St. Paul on June 4, 2003 and June 17, 2003. All Service Provider Boards did indicate how pleased they were with the transparency of the Board. There was a lot of enthusiastic discussion around the new financial directions and their ability to participate in funding directions for their own agencies. Concerns were voiced regarding initiating any community capacity building with dollars that seemed to be available only for this year (because of the 2.9% allocation next year). Also, there was a request for more support and communication to IF Service Providers. It was felt that the workers are not recipient to the support that workers under a service agency receives. A suggestion was made that opportunities be given to these workers to participate in some sort of regional network as well.
· On June 5, 2003, I attended the CSS Annual General Meeting in Edmonton on behalf of the board. As usual, it was a very classy and meaningful event.
· On June 12, 2003, we had the audit exit meeting. A report will be provided pursuant to the agenda.
· On June 19, 2003, Dr. Hillyard, Barb Chaffee and I attended the Community Living Association for the Little Divide where Gail Davies and I had the pleasure of presenting the organization with their CET Certification. It was a highly attended meeting. 128 memberships had been sold. It was wonderful to see the participation of the community. The new president of the association is Susan Johnson.
· On June 20, 2003, Dr. Hillyard, Barb Chaffee and I attended the 30th Anniversary Celebration of Dove Centre in Bonnyville. Carmela Levesque subsequently joined us. It was a truly wonderful celebration. Personally, I was so impressed and often times, emotional, as a number of employers in the town received recognition. The many individuals were so proud to offer this award to the businesses that they work for. I did present, on behalf of the Board,
a plaque to the Dove Board, as well as a clock to Dove CEO, Roger Ouellette. A spectacular afternoon! I will pass around a copy of the Bonnyville Nouvelle, which helped in celebrating this milestone.
· On June 24, 2003, I attended the Joint Community Council meeting held in Vegreville. Administration indicates that there were about 65 attendees. It was very exciting to see so many individuals with developmental disabilities also feeling that they could (and did!) participate in the event. The group was divided into six discussion groups, by community. The business plan was reviewed, and also, a question was provided to each of the groups asking what they felt that the provincial priorities should be. There definitely was a reinforcement of the current priorities of housing, employment and workforce stability. However, there was a very strong message delivered that individuals with developmental disabilities did want the opportunity to learn how to advocate for themselves! Other priorities identified were ongoing educational opportunities, transportation and transitions.
· On June 16, 2003, I attended the AACL Community Governance workshop in Edmonton. Michael Kendrick is a dynamic speaker who advocates for empowerment. He stresses the fact that a good part of society is now led by baby boomers, who in a very short time will be leaving these positions of power, but have not taught leadership to the new generation. His strategy is “bottom up creativity”.
· On June 25, 2003, I attended the SPAN annual general meeting – a good meeting.
· I was unable to attend, but I did send a message to the Inclusive Post Secondary Retreat held in Canmore, Alberta on June 20-22, 2003.
Presentation by Geoff Wright, Chair, Fort McMurray Community Council
· Expressed appreciation for what the Board has accomplished over the last five years and concern that 66% of the Board members will be changing.
· Northeast Annual Regional Conferences – will be putting a team together to submit a proposal to host the conference for 2004 in Fort McMurray.
· Funding Handbook – suggested that the Funding Handbook being developed by Helen Krimmer of AACL be structured around a “how to do” process.
· Would like to tie that information package to the individual steps people have to go through to obtain services, like a check list.
· Give information on the funding and the services that are supported by the funding.
Presentation by Iris Pasareno, Program Director, Fort McMurray Salvation Army START Program.
· Gave the Board members a quick exercise, demonstrating they are part of a team and how they work together.
· Shared the goals and outcomes of their Strategic Planning:
· Goal 1 – Improved and Enhanced Service Delivery
· Goal 2 – Progressive Human Resource Development
· Goal 3 – Positive and Strategic Partnerships
· Goal 4 - Bringing People Together
· Distributed a handout on the Salvation Army START Supported Employment Program.
· Copies of the training manual for job coaches can be obtained from Robyn Hunting at robyn.hunting@shawcable.com.
1.0 Board Communications & Operations
1.1
Northeast Alberta Community Board 2002-2003
Audited Financial Statement
Recommendation: That the Board approve the Persons with
Developmental Disabilities Northeast Alberta Community Board Financial Statements March 31st, 2003 as presented in Appendix I.
Purpose of Report: Board approval
The Board’s audit committee met with the office of the Auditor General on June 12, 2003 to complete an exit interview.
The Board reviewed a copy of the financials statements ending March 31st, 2003, and a copy of the Report to the Audit Committee presented by the office of the Auditor General.
The Board’s Audit Committee Chair, Donna Desjardins, provided a report of the meeting and results of the audited statement. The auditor conducted the audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, with emphasis on risk management.
#03-06-638 MOTION: Donna Desjardins moved the Board approve the
Northeast Alberta Community Board 2002-2003 Audited Financial Statements. Carried unanimously.
1.2
Second Century Communities: The Future of Albertans
With Developmental Disabilities
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information and discussion.
A paper entitled “Second Century Communities” commissioned by the Provincial PDD Board was presented at their May 8th, 2003 Board meeting and further discussed at the June 12th, 2003 Board meeting.
The Board reviewed and discussed this paper, which fits with the Board’s direction on community capacity. The Board is doing some board development workshops now, which are strengthening community Boards.
#03-06-639 MOTION: Donna Desjardins moved the Board accept the
report
for
information Carried unanimously.
1.3
Northeast Board 2003-2006 Resource Allocation Model
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information and discussion
The Board has not yet received an allocation for the three-year budget period 2003-2006.
The Northeast Board has held four community meetings with Service Provider Boards and their administration to discuss a number of items related to the development of the 2003-2006 budget plan.
The administration presented an overview of the presentation and materials shared at each of these meetings and some working examples of different approaches to a regional allocation model for resources identified for Building Community Capacity.
The Board and members of the public who were present, discussed the possible budget projections presented by the administration.
1.4
Schedule of Public Board Meetings: September 03 – March
04
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information and direction to the administration.
The administration presented a report showing a history of Board meeting dates and locations during the period April 2001 to August 2003, and a draft schedule of regularly scheduled and alternative Board meeting dates for the period September 2003 to March 2004.
The Board approved a schedule of Board meeting dates and locations from September 2003 to March 2004.
#03-06-640 MOTION: Donna Desjardins moved the Board approve
the
proposed Board meeting schedule
with one change, the December meeting date will be changed to December 13th.
Carried unanimously.
1.5
Board Member Development Program
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Discussion
The Board is planning for a change in membership this year. Board members can only sit for two terms (six years) and the Board is currently short two members.
As a result, the Board formed a subcommittee of three Board members to look at Board development activities and orientation for new Board members.
#03-06-641 MOTION: Laurel Morris-Duncan moved the Board strike
a sub
committee of three Board members, Ralph Gorrie, Doug Fleming, and Christine Botsford, to look at orientation for new Board members. Carried unanimously.
1.6
Northeast Alberta Community Board 2002-2003 Annual
Report: Discussion
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information and direction to the administration.
The Board is responsible for filing an annual report with the Provincial PDD Board. This year the Board will be filing its fifth annual report. The report will follow the same format as the 2001-2002 report, which includes a section recognizing the outstanding contribution of individuals, families, and organizations.
The Board reviewed the 2001-2002 Annual Report and discussed recommendations for the Community Recognition Awards section of the Annual Report.
#03-06-642 MOTION: Donna Desjardins moved the Board accept the
report
for
information. Carried unanimously.
1.7
Northeast Regional Conferences 2003-06
Recommendation: That the Board consider the following recommendations:
1. That the administration approach the St. Paul conference committee to work with the Board in delivering the 5th Annual Regional Conference for Persons with Developmental Disabilities in St. Paul.
2. That the administration approach the Bonnyville/Cold Lake conference committee to consider working with the Board to offer the 2004 regional conference in Cold Lake.
3. That the administration approach the Athabasca conference committee to consider working with the Board to offer the 2005 conference in Athabasca.
Purpose of Report: Information and Board approval
The Northeast Board forwarded letters to each Community Council in the Northeast Region inviting them to work with their community in the development of a proposal to host the 5th annual Regional conference. Three proposals were received.
A sub committee of the Board reviewed the three proposals and gave their recommendations, which were discussed and approved by the Board.
The administration will contact the representatives from each community to discuss the Board’s decision.
#03-06-643 MOTION: Ralph Gorrie moved the recommendations from
the
committee be adopted by the Board. Carried unanimously.
Additional Motions by the Board
#03-06-644 MOTION: Christine Botsford moved the Board
direct the administration
to proceed with the annual review for the Board and CEO Evaluation. Carried unanimously.
2.0
Administration
2.1 Northeast Region Self-Advocacy Initiative: Update
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information
Last year funding was made available by the Provincial Board to support the development of a Summit for Self-Advocates in September 2003. The plans for this summit did not materialize and the Summit is now scheduled for 2005.
One of the results of the Summit process was the development of regional information gathering sessions for self-advocates. An initiative in the 2003/2006 Northeast Board Business Plan is to support and develop a Self-Advocacy Network/Voice in the Region.
A Self-Advocate Forum was held in Westlock on May 20 and 21, 2003 and was planned and facilitated by self-advocates with the assistance of two community members and PDD staff. Guest presenters included Mike Boyd from the Wainwright area and members of the Disability Action Hall from Calgary. Feedback provides by participants indicated that the forum was a tremendous success.
The Northeast Board will support regional attendance at a Provincial Summit and continue to provide opportunities for self-advocates in rural communities to network and establish support at both local and regional levels.
#03-06-645 MOTION: Christine Botsford moved the Board
accept the report for
information.
Carried unanimously.
2.2 TechnAbilities: Enhancing Individual and Community Capacity with Technology.
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: For information and input from the Board.
The Northeast Board has partnered with the Athabasca University, Centre for Distance Education, on a new joint project, TechnAbilities.
The goal of TechnAbilities is to increase individual and community capacity through the use of technology. This project will provide opportunities to people who are really interested and really want to do something.
Dr. Susan Moisey gave the Board an overview of the TechnAbilities project and a progress report on a sub project, the Inclusive Libraries Initiative. Other sub projects are currently being considered.
03-06-646 MOTION: Christine Botsford moved the Board
accept the report for
information.
Carried unanimously.
2.3
Board and CEO Leadership Development Initiative
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information update and future direction.
The Board reviewed a report on Leadership Development initiatives in the Northeast Region and the results of a Strategic Leadership Survey, which was distributed and compiled for the purpose of guiding the CEO Leadership Development planning for 2003/04.
Two Board Development Workshops were held this spring in Bonnyville and St. Paul. The opportunity to attend these workshops has been extended to include any interested board member from the various boards in the community where they are held. Three additional workshops are planned for the fall, in October and November.
A newsletter highlighting upcoming board development opportunities and resources is in the planning stage.
#03-06-647 MOTION: Donna Desjardins moved the Board accept the
report for
information.
Carried unanimously.
2.4
Provincial Funding Review: Northeast Region
Demonstration Initiatives
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information and discussion.
The Northeast Alberta Community Board, along with the South and Central Community Boards for Persons with Developmental Disabilities, has agreed to be a demonstration region for the Provincial Funding Review recommendations.
The administration gave a presentation to the Board, which outlined the five projects currently underway in the Northeast Region:
Project 1: Northeast Board Business Plan 2003/04
Project 2: School Transition Model Planning Approaches
Project 3: Community Development for Person Centered Planning
Project 4: Family Resource Development Initiative
Project 5: Northeast Regional Pilot: Funding Relationships
#03-06-648 MOTION: Ralph Gorrie moved the Board accept the
report for
information.
Carried unanimously.
2 Day Meeting, September 4th and 5th, 2003 – will discuss allocation models.
June 11, 2003 re Funding Review
· Provincial Funding Review Committee June 24th
· Provincial Board Policy Review Committee, June 25th
· Provincial Work Force Stability Committee, June 26th
· Jointly, over 100 people attended these meetings.
· More details will be available at the August Board meeting.
Vegreville June 24th and Westlock June 26th
· Purpose - to review current business plan and get feedback for the 2004-2007 business plan.
· Approximately 150 individuals, families, guardians and service providers attended.
#03-06-649 MOTION: Laurel Morris-Duncan moved the Board go
In-Camera to
discuss a
board issue at 9:20 am. Carried unanimously.
#03-06-650 MOTION: Christine Botsford moved the Board
come out of
Camera at
10:10 am. Carried unanimously.
#03-06-651 MOTION: Ralph Gorrie moved the Board adjourn at 3:00 pm.
Carried unanimously.
_______________________________ _______________________________
Don Schultz, Chairman Dr. Alex Hillyard, CEO