PDD NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BOARD MEETING

Saturday, March 9, 2002 9:05 am -3:00 pm

Room 213, Provincial Building, 5025-49^th Avenue, St. Paul, Alberta

APPROVED

Present:

Don Schultz, Chair; Donna Desjardins, Vice-Chair; Ralph Gorrie; Johanne Hassey; Christine Botsford, Laurel Morris-Duncan, Carmela Levesque, Doug Fleming

Administration: Dr. Alex Hillyard, CEO; Lucille Froese, Recording Secretary.

A. Don Schultz, Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:05 am March 9^th, 2002.

The recording secretary reported that all Board members were present.

B. Approval of Agenda

#02-03-463 MOTION: Ralph Gorrie moved the Board approve the agenda.

Carried unanimously.

C. Approval of Minutes

#02-03-464 MOTION: Donna Desjardins moved the Board approve the minutes.

Carried unanimously.

D. Board Regional Feedback and Future Direction

Ralph Gorrie, Vegreville

• Met with CEO two times in preparation of our presentation to the Vegreville and District Chamber of Commerce on February 21^st.
• VALID meeting not attended due to minor miscommunication about change of dates.
• February 21^st Chamber meeting attracted over 30 members, including some VALID board members and staff. Cathy Beer, Community Council Chair also attended. On behalf of the Board I presented the topic of the principle of governance and the purpose of the Northeast Alberta PDD Community Board. We looked at our Vision and Mission, the Core Business of the Board, and the Nature of Board Supports. This led into the presentation of the Video, “The Courage to Dream, The Right to Become”, which was well received. We felt that the video brought a new understanding to the public of the nature of our work in the field of working with people with developmental disabilities. Dr. Hillyard, CEO, presented the natural follow-up from my lead, the administrative aspect of our mandate. Dr. Hillyard introduced the concept of community involvement in our recruitment program, which seemed to be of definite interest to the Chamber members. We introduced Cathy Beer, our Chair of the Community Council indicating the need for the business community to be a part of the council. We ended the session leaving the Chamber members with the prospect of new partnerships and the presentation of our green mugs. Our parting statement concerned the likelihood of partnering in the Chamber’s recognition of business program. I felt very comfortable about the possibility of a growing partnership. In a thank you note from the Chamber’s Manager, she made a statement, which is most significant: “I didn’t realize just how active PDD was in our community.” This probably is a universal notion, which our Communications Plan should help to change.
• Community Council Meeting of February 26 was not well attended but those of us there planned for the remaining year. Topics included:

· Reviewing the survey to our members which is slowly responding to such questions as:

· Do you know what the community council can do for you?

· Is there a need for the community council?

· What interests you?

· What would be reasonable dates for you?

Questionnaires were sent out to about 70 people from the list.

· The Chair, Cathy Beer, will be contacting the Chamber to pursue the partnership needed and the role of those who would attend.

· Our application to the Research Development Fund related to a major study of what makes successful Community Councils is one of seven of 27 applications being forwarded to the Provincial Board. We are looking forward to its approval as the study could have universal application relative to effective or ineffective Community Councils.

· Plan for future meetings

· March 26 Review of the Northeast Conference Summary.

· April 30 Joint Community Council meeting with Bonnyville, St. Paul and

Vegreville, at Vegreville. This would be held at VALID.

· May 28 Transportation.

· June 25 Computer Skills for the Virtual Learning Community Program at

one of the local school computer labs.

· I will be contacting the VALID Board to look at our presentation of the two aforementioned reports, either at their board meetings or as part of the Community Council Presentation.

Christine Botsford, Fort McMurray

• Have been talking to people about NorthEast Community Online – they were very surprised there is so much there
• Showed the PDD video to members of the business community – they were very impressed

Carmela Levesque, Bonnyville

· Attended the Dove Centre Board meeting on February 20, 2002 with Dr. Alex Hillyard, CEO.

· The Board and staff had revised and updated their By-laws. They were approved at a special meeting.

· Presented the Board with their framed Accreditation Certificate for CTS. I stressed that the Northeast Alberta Community Board wanted to recognize them for their work and especially the process they used which was a true “Community Involvement”. The Board consulted with the community at large, the Northeast Board, Community Council and AACL in their process. They are the first in the Northeast Region to use this inclusive process.

· Provided copies of the Conference Proceedings and draft 2002-2005 Business Plan.

· Attended the Community Council meeting on February 27, 2002.

· Put forward the request for names for two families that the Northeast Alberta Community Board will sponsor for the AACL conference in Edmonton in April.

· At this time we again presented the Board with the AARC Accreditation Plaque and had a picture taken for the local newspaper.

· Report made by Friends of People First. This group is a self-advocacy group that is trying to initiate interest in a membership in Bonnyville. They are concerned about costs to run and attend conferences specifically in September on “Disability Action Hall”. I understand that a budget was presented to Administration.

· Discussion around our NorthEast Community Online. Some questions were asked about funds available for buying computers. It was shared that this was not part of the grant for individuals but that computers are set up at the Cap Sites in Bonnyville and Cold Lake. Some people indicated they have had problems logging on. PDD staff will have someone call them.

· Brief discussion on a Community Council interest in Cold Lake. This will be pursued. A majority of people at the Community Council were from Cold Lake.

· Presentation from Lakeland Centre for FAS – Nancy Schnieder. They are partnering with us for a conference in Cold Lake May 1^st and 2^nd.

· Some discussion on the $3,000 budget allocated to the Community Council and how it is spent. This will be discussed further once the Chair is back from holidays.

· Provided copies of the Northeast Regional Conference outcomes and our draft 2002-2005 Business Plan.

· A joint community council meeting will be held in Vegreville with Bonnyville, Cold Lake, St. Paul in April. This meeting will go into some strategic plans for addressing common issues such as Housing, Employment and Transportation. This will also review our Business Plan.

· I contacted the Chamber of Commerce in Bonnyville and Cold Lake in regard to attending one of their meetings to make a presentation. They were interested and asked for a letter from us explaining our agenda and timeline needed.

· Approached the library about the NorthEast Community Online. I will be setting up an appointment with their board Chair to present the information.

· Special Olympics, March 9, 2002.

· Next meeting March 27, 2002.

Don Schultz, Barrhead

· Gave a presentation to the Barrhead Town Council;

· Accompanied by Barb and Kylie-Jo Schultz;

· Presented to the School Board and showed the PDD video “The Courage to Dream the Right to Become”; accompanied by Kylie-Jo Schultz

· Presented to the Barrhead principals and administrators and showed the PDD video; this video is available for any of the schools;

· Presented to the County of Barrhead Council;

· March 28, 2002 – with Dr. Doug Fleming, Board Member, will be giving a presentation to the Aspen Regional Health Board;

· Attended Provincial Executive Committee meetings and a meeting with the Minister;

· Will be going to Whitecourt in March – did not have an opportunity during February.

· With the CEO, Dr. Alex Hillyard, met with the Barrhead Mayor, Reeve, Economic Development Officer and Chamber of Commerce; showed the recruitment video and asked how we could help in their community.

· Attended the St. Paul Abilities Network Board Retreat, February 22^nd – 24^th, 2002.

· Brought greetings from the Northeast Alberta Community Board

· Participated in the Sharing Circle

· Attended a sessions on

· “What Parents Hear”: Gail Davies, CEO of AARC and parent of a child with a developmental disability,

· Building Community Relationships: Bruce Uditsky, Executive Director, AACL,

· Innovative Residential Services: What’s possible outside the group home model.

· Other Sessions included: Grant MacEwan College Distance Offerings, Developing Virtual Communities, Public Relations, Vocational Options, Personal Stories and Holiday Planning/Working Alone and a presentation by Tammy Robertson: Get your heart in the game!…Play Beyond Your Limits…Toys Included

· A panel discussion on Perspective in Community Delivery included a presentation by Dr. Alex Hillyard, CEO, Northeast Alberta Community Board.

Donna Desjardins, St. Paul

· St. Paul Community Council

· Discussion regarding recognition. Suggestions included:

a) Approaching Chamber of Commerce. Businesses employing individuals with

developmental disabilities would receive special recognition at the time that they receive their membership certificate each year;

b) Recognition be given to individuals and businesses that support community inclusion through the FCSS Point of Light program;

c) Schools initiate a recognition program for students that are supportive to individuals with special needs;

· Dr. Susan Moisey was present to discuss NorthEast Community Online. Some suggestions that came from the discussion were having a welcome when registering, and asking the individual if they wish to have their story told online. Also, the St. Paul Abilities Network volunteered to bring more awareness of the site to the individuals that they serve, and to specifically announce and discuss it at the retreat on February 23-24, 2002.

· A great deal of discussion regarding the restrictions on housing subsidies.

The Minister’s office is going to be contacted, and will be asked if there is someone who would be available to come and speak to the Council regarding their concerns. An invitation will be extended to Vegreville and Bonnyville/Cold Lake to join the Council for this presentation. The MLA is also going to be contacted.

· Discussion regarding the Northeast Alberta PDD regional conference.

· Discussion re: PDD Business Plan for the period of 2002/2003 to 2004/2005

· Next meeting, March 20, 2002 in the Northeast Alberta PDD boardroom.

· St. Paul Abilities Network

· Retreat on February 23-24, 2002. There were 92 participants. Dr. Hillyard was part of a panel on partnering.

· Wellness Conference on March 23, 2002. They are anticipating up to 100 participants. This is a very successful activity each year for individuals with developmental disabilities only. Activities include: candle making, soap making, ceramics, finger painting, stepping-stones, etc.

· St. Paul Special Olympics

· Lucille Froese is the new secretary.

· NorthEast Community Online

· The St. Paul Library Board received a presentation by Dr. Moisey and are enthusiastic about supporting NorthEast Community Online.

· Regional Conference – 2001

· Thank you’s have been placed in both the St. Paul Journal and the Lakelander.

· Child and Family Network/PDD Network Meeting

· AACL is proposing the creation of regional family networks in each of the six PDD regions, allowing families to come together to share information and provide insight to AACL. Representation would be from all ages.

· Finance Committee

· Entrance meeting for the annual audit February 28, 2002

· Edmonton Community Board

· Attended on February 27, 2002 as Member-at-Large.

· Hector Jean received his Class 1 Drivers License

Laurel Morris-Duncan, Fort McMurray

• Attended Community Council meetings February 5 and March 5.

· Discussed cost of living in Fort McMurray and how to get information to parents

and clients.

· Salvation Army/START

· Working on Transition Housing.

· Has received their CET accreditation.

· Is no longer advertising for staff outside the community because of the high cost of housing, therefore must depend on whatever labour pool is already present in the community

· Is looking at a possible contract with the Interpretive Centre for a summer catering business.

· WJS Report

· Opened group home on Willow Square.

· Is expanding and hiring more staff.

· Transition Housing on Riverlot 13 may be an option.

· AACL Conference

· Keyano College may send a representative.

· Person-Centred Planning Workshop

· Presentation by Emilee Curtis in Athabasca on April 29, 2002.

Johanne Hassey, Vilna

• February 26, 2002 attended Lac La Biche Community Council Meeting

· A presentation by Heather Halpenny on the NorthEast Community Online

was moved to the April meeting.

· The Northeast Alberta Community Board 2002-2005 Business Plan was presented; will be discussed at the March Community Council meeting.

· CLALD is doing well – Farrell Palmer is acting Executive Director for three months to assist the CLALD Board. The Board will be holding a Board development session on March 22 with 22 staff.

· March Community Council meeting

· Would like to have someone give a presentation on guardianship.

· Viewed the video on recruitment

Doug Fleming, Westlock

• February 11, 2002 Westlock Community Council meeting

· Discussion on transportation - one adult has talked to the cab company and got a flat rate for people with disabilities.

· Safety is a concern for people with disabilities.

· Two adults with disabilities will be hired to do a survey to find out what is needed in the Westlock community.

· Discussion on issues regarding membership - one adult will arrange for guest speakers for each meeting.

· Two adults started new jobs in the community.

· Heather Halpenny gave a presentation on the NorthEast Community Online.

• February 27th - met with Children's services, and Child Welfare staff to look at transition planning.
• February 28th - attended the Athabasca Community Council meeting with CEO.

· Shared what is happening in the Westlock community.

• AACL Conference participation was discussed and two community members will be sponsored to AACL conference.
• One parent will come to the next Westlock community council meeting
• March 5th, 2002 - the Chair, Don Schultz, and I met with the Barrhead

Association for Community Living.

• March 6th, 2002 - our CEO and I met with the Westlock Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor of Westlock, the County Reeve and their economic development staff; showed the video "The Courage to Dream, The Right to Become".
• Westlock Community Council meeting March 11/02

· Presented the governance structure - provides services to adults and children

· Showed both PDD videos - there was lots of interest

· Still lots of interest in transportation issues

· Encouraged the council to consider a special meeting to look at the three year business plan.

· Discussed the AACL conference and two community members were selected to attend

• March 26 - continued to met with staff from Barrhead composite, children's services and child welfare to determine the number of families needing transition planning
• March 28 - the CEO and I met with the Aspen Regional Health authority to discuss PDD services in the region. There was a lot of interest expressed.

E. Delegations/Presentations

Presentation by Audrey McFarlane, Lakeland Centre for FAS

· Lakeland Committee for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) has been in operation since the early 1990s.

· The Committee determined they could not move forward in getting services for people unless there was a clear diagnosis, so the Committee applied for funding, was successful and opened the Lakeland Centre for FAS in May, 2001.

· The Lakeland Centre for FAS coordinates diagnostic teams so children can be diagnosed. The team meets two times a month and diagnoses two children per meeting. They have now diagnosed 35 children. There is no other model like this in North America and this will soon be the only place in Alberta where anyone can get a diagnosis for FAS.

· Adults are diagnosed in a different format, with a different team. It helps identify what are the best kinds of supports that can be put in place for people.

· The Centre does training around the region. They recently completed diagnostic team training and can train other teams to do diagnosis. They are Certified by the Claren Group in Seattle and the Alberta Medical Association.

· The Centre has again partnered with PDD to sponsor the 3^rd Annual Conference on FAS. This year the partnership has been expanded to include Cold Lake First Nations.

· In the Cold Lake area a pilot mentorship and advocacy program has been started for women who are pregnant and have addiction problems. This is the only program like this in a completely rural area and is funded by National Crime Prevention.

· Information on FAS is available in the Lakeland Centre for FAS office in Bonnyville for anyone who wants it.

F. Reports

1. Board Communications & Operations

1.1 NorthEast Community Online

Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information

Purpose of Report: Information

The Board reviewed a paper entitled “Towards Inclusive Global Communities: Introducing Adults with Developmental Disabilities to Online Technology” which was presented at the 2002 Pacific Rim Conference by Dr. Susan Moisey.

#02-03-465 MOTION: Ralph Gorrie moved the Board send a letter to the president of

Athabasca University to acknowledge their appreciation of the work done by Dr. Susan Moisey on this project. Carried unanimously.

#02-03-466 MOTION: Johanne Hassey moved the Board accept the report for

Information. Carried unanimously.

1.2 Northeast Alberta Community Board Draft 2002-2005 Business Plan and

Financial Analysis: Discussion

Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.

Purpose of Report: Information

The Board discussed the draft 2002-2005 Business Plan and Financial Analysis. The Business Plan will be presented at the March Provincial Board meeting by the Northeast Alberta Community Board Chair, Don Schultz.

#02-03-467 MOTION: Donna Desjardins moved the Board accept the report for

information. Carried unanimously.

2. Administration

2.1 Administrative and Infrastructure Support Services For Regional Office Locations

Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information

Purpose of Report: Information

Background:

· Currently agencies and parents in the communities submit their invoices for payment into the local PDD office (Service Coordinators).

· The Coordinator reviews and approves the invoices. They were then paid out of the local office by Human Resources and Employment staff.

· Any questions from clients or guardians about payments were referred to the local office for follow-up.

· Human Resources and Employment received the equivalent funding to perform this service for PDD.

Current Situation:

· Human Resources and Employment have given notice that effective May 01, 2002, they will no longer be providing the payment function from their offices.

I. Financial and Invoice Payment Services

Future Direction of PDD:

· All Individual Funding Agreement invoices and contract payments will be centralized in the St. Paul office and paid out of the St. Paul office effective May 01, 2002.

· Regional Service Centre staff will provide training to a new staff member in the payments, payment processes and reporting processes.

· Additional staff will be trained as the supervisor reviews functions and back-up functions.

· The Regional Service Centre will develop the processes to be used in obtaining invoices and information from service providers and coordinators and in expediting processing. An electronic invoicing system is being explored.

The Board discussed the action plan for centralizing the invoicing process.

Reception will still be provided and information, posters and brochures will be available in all communities.

#02-03-468 MOTION: Carmela Levesque moved the Board accept the report for

information. Carried unanimously.

2.2 Northeast Alberta Community Board Policy: Dispute Resolution Process

Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.

Purpose of Report: Information

The Board Policy on the Dispute Resolution Process was revised by the Board at the January 19, 2002 meeting.

Following Board discussion, the policy was changed to include:

“Notwithstanding Item 3, if the Board Chairman deems a situation exists which warrants the establishment of a committee prior to the next scheduled meeting of the Board, the Chair may appoint a committee of the Board to hear the dispute and report this at the Board meeting.”

#02-03-469 MOTION: Carmela Levesque moved the Board accept the report for

information. Carried unanimously.

G. Communication from Board Chair

H. Communication from CEO

I. In-Camera Session (Review organizational issues)

#02-03-470 MOTION: Laurel moved the Board go In-Camera at 9:10 am.

Carried unanimously.

#02-03-471 MOTION: Doug Fleming moved the Board come out of Camera at

12:10 pm. Carried unanimously.

J. Notice of Motion/Request for Information

K. Next Meeting Dates

· April 21^st , 2002 Edmonton

· May 11^th, 2002 Vegreville

· June 15^th , 2002 Fort McMurray

· July 20^th, 2002 At the call of the Chair

· August 17^th, 2002 Whitecourt

#02-03-472 MOTION: Doug Fleming moved the Board adjourn the meeting at

3:00 pm. Carried unanimously.

________________________________ _________________________________

Don Schultz, Chair Dr. Alex Hillyard, CEO