PDD NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BOARD MEETING
Sunday March
23, 2003 10:00 am –2:40 pm
Conference
Room 9, Fantasyland Hotel, Edmonton, Alberta
APPROVED MINUTES
Present:
Don Schultz, Chair, Donna Desjardins, Vice-Chair, Christine Botsford,
Dr. Doug Fleming, Ralph Gorrie, Carmela Levesque, Laurel Morris-Duncan
Administration: Dr. Alex Hillyard, CEO; Lucille Froese, Recording Secretary.
Guests:
Paul Renfree, Chair, Northwest PDD Community Board, Brent Busch, ICE, Geneve Fausak, ICE, Jill Nessel, Benchmark Resources, Valerie James, Benchmark Resources
A.
Don Schultz, Chair,
called the meeting to order at 9:10 am, March 23rd, 2003.
#03-03-590 MOTION: Doug
Fleming moved the Board approve the
agenda.
Carried unanimously.
C. Approval of Minutes
#03-03-591 MOTION: Donna
Desjardins moved the Board approve the
minutes. Carried unanimously.
Carmela Levesque, Bonnyville
· Cold Lake Community Council Meeting, March 25, 2003
· Bonnyville Community Council Meeting, March 19th, 2003
· March 25, 2003 – with our CEO, I will be giving a presentation to the Cold Lake City Council. In April, I will be giving a presentation to the Bonnyville Town Council.
Laurel Morris-Duncan, Fort McMurray
· Attended the Fort McMurray Community Council meeting on March 12th.
· Lori Skinner and Helen Krimmer met with Dean Wood, Vice President, and Carol Thegberg, Director of Student Services, of Keyano College, post secondary education possibilities. Positive reception.
· Attended a one-day Conflict Management workshop, facilitated by Charmain Hamilton.
Doug Fleming, Westlock
· Attended the AACL Gala Celebration on March 6th.
· Westlock Community Council meeting March 10th, 2003
· A group for Friends of People First has been established. They have approached the Rotary Club for start up funding.
· Attended the Board Development Workshop in Barrhead on March 22nd.
· Athabasca Community Council meeting is scheduled for April 1st.
Don Schultz, Barrhead
· Attended the Whitecourt Community Council meeting on February 24th.
· Barrhead started Community Council meetings in February with a very good turnout. The second Community Council meeting was held on March 5th and the
Co-Chairs from Westlock have been invited back to give a presentation.
· Presented the Northeast Board Business Plan to the Provincial Board.
· Attended the AARC Gala Celebration on March 6th. I was very honoured to be asked to speak.
· Attended the AACL Family Conference March 21st and 22nd and gave a time cylinder to AACL for inclusion in the time capsule.
· Attended an informal review in Calgary. It was resolved before it went to appeal.
Donna Desjardins, St. Paul
· Attended the AARC Gala. My compliments to AARC for a wonderful celebration. It was wonderful to be a part of it.
· I am so impressed and enamored with the response of people that “experience” our business plan mural. It was a wonderful experience to see the provincial board members respond to the artwork at the Provincial Board meeting this month.
· Community Council meeting, March 19, 2002.
· Affordable housing workshop – second meeting held in St. Paul this month. The group has decided to build one low-income unit, which would be available to individuals on a rent to own basis. They hope to start by May with completion date in the fall. The Town of St. Paul has donated the land for this project. Great community interest.
· Have been invited to speak at the AARC Conference in Calgary on April 30, 2003.
Christine Botsford, Fort McMurray
· START is building a new house in Fort McMurray. Now in the drywall stage, it is 2200 square feet on the mail level. There have been lots of donations for this project, especially from the trades.
· Lori Skinner and Helen Krimmer from AACL attended the Community Council meeting and talked about a handbook they are developing in partnership with the Northeast Board. They are hoping to launch it at the 5th annual northeast regional conference.
· Heather Halpenny also attended the Community Council meeting and gave a presentation on the NorthEast Community Online.
Ralph Gorrie, Vegreville
· VTSS (Vegreville Transportation Services Society)
· This was the first AGM as the group is now one year old.
· The Society recently had a workshop related to the purpose of the group to develop its vision, mission and belief statements.
· I assumed the chairmanship of the Society as I felt it part of my duties as a Northeast PDD Board member.
· A “Community Initiatives Program” Project application has been prepared with the intent to have funding from both the Town and County. The project title is Collaboration for Transportation “A model for barrier free transportation for Rural Communities”.
· Community Council Meeting of February 25, 2003
· Access to a computer was identified as a major problem, and Internet in the residences.
· Need pictures with stories
· Level of language was once again identified as a problem, even in the stories.
· They wanted more stories, writing letters, playing games.
· Identified a speech button for those who cannot read.
· A survival guidebook was presented to the individuals.
· The first service will be for supports for community living, which is contracted with VALID.
· The preference is to support individuals to remain in their own homes.
Pat Bucher.
· Phase 1 of preparation of questionnaire and hiring two persons with developmental disabilities is complete.
· A small problem with names of people in the community due to FOIP.
· Interviews in Vegreville, St. Paul, and Westlock would be finished in early March.
· Vermilion declined to participate and is waiting to hear from Camrose.
· News from Northeast PDD Region
· Discussed the possible changes in the Board in relation to expiration of appointments and the problems it may cause.
· Indicated the Board’s decision to develop a Board Profile, which would relate to what would be expected of a person interested in applying as well as providing the interview team with a description of the Northeast PDD Board operations.
· As it was understood that some regions do not have community councils, concern was expressed related to the principle of community governance model.
· Bill Tidsbury was present, which was much appreciated. He announced the Leadership Today plan for Vegreville in June.
· VALID Board Meeting, March 12
· We discussed the November Conference theme relative to developing community capacity concerning:
· The potential of developing Community Capacity.
· The actions that were identified to enhance community capacity.
· Some of the Principles and Beliefs that were identified to guide the communities along their “action road”.
· In relating the above items I expressed the need to collaborate extensively to inform and enlighten the community of Vegreville and surroundings about the need to build on our community capacity to provide for the people we serve. We talked about our community and the need to have all our efforts mobilized in unison to develop a movement to look at the potential of the Vegreville community for our people. We had an interesting discussion, which may be an initial impetus to move. We know there is the potential but it is a matter of mobilization.
· I discussed the Research Project indicating the involvement of two persons with developmental disabilities for 100 hours of work.
· I informed the VALID Board that Kim Mhur is a valuable member of the Community Council as she attends all our meetings and has cooperated by providing assistance whenever it is needed.
· I expressed, on behalf of the Northeast Board, the cooperation afforded me through attending the VALID meetings. The Board expressed their satisfaction in my attending and being a part of the process.
· The Chair, Donna Kotelko, expressed the great satisfaction she derived from the Board Development Workshop as a valuable exercise and that all board members would benefit. She indicated that a workshop in Edmonton would be somewhat central for most people in our area and those west and north of Edmonton.
· A suggestion that the PDD videotape and other related tapes be placed in our municipal libraries if not already there.
· Transition planning should include the school teachers involved. This would come about with joint governance agreements being developed.
· Community Council minutes and agendas should be made available to the VALID Board through the Chair.
Presentation by Brent Bush and Geneve Fausak, Independent Counselling
Enterprises (ICE)
· Mr. Bush and Ms Fausak reviewed the history of ICE, which is a private organization that was started in 1986.
· ICE provides services to children with disabilities, Workers Compensation Board, and private individuals. Services include providing residential homes, community access, in-home relief, education/job programs, personal care, and home making. The types of services provided are different in each region, depending on the needs.
· Like other agencies, there is the challenge of recruitment and retention of qualified staff.
· ICE provides a wide variety of no fee training for their employees and independent contractors as well as developing or adapting training to meet the needs of people in service when required.
Presentation by Jill Nessel and Valerie James, Benchmark Resources
· Ms Nessel and Valerie James gave a review of their background and experience in the Rehabilitation field and the types of services Benchmark Resources provides.
· Benchmark Resources has done assessments of varying types for group care, foster care and vocational programs in a variety of geographical areas.
· Benchmark Resources also has a strong focus on developing individual Transition Plans.
· Transition Planning is a process of planning and preparing for the personal and systemic changes that occur when an individual with developmental disabilities reaches adulthood. Age 14 is the ideal age to start this.
· Important to look at what individuals want to do, create a support network, and look at what can be done to help the individual obtain their goals.
1.0 Board
Communications & Operations
1.1
Visitation by Chair of the Northwest Community Board,
Mr. Paul Renfree
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: Information
Mr. Paul Renfree, Chair of the Northwest PDD Community Board, joined the Northeast Board for their meeting and gave the Board an overview of the boundaries, characteristics, services, and challenges of the Northwest Region.
The Northwest Board has the largest geographical size of all PDD Boards in Alberta, but the smallest population in terms of people served with similar characteristics to the Northeast, it is very rural but with a strong urban component because of Grande Prairie.
Similar to other regions, challenges include staff turnover and salaries. As well, this year a large increase in the number individuals requesting services presented additional challenges.
The Board and Mr. Renfree discussed topics of interest to both Boards and the possibility of holding a joint Board meeting.
1.2 Northeast
Alberta Community Board Business Plan 2003-2006
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: Information
On March 13th, 2003 the Northeast Board Business Pan for 2003-2006 was presented to the Provincial Board for Persons with Developmental Disabilities by Chairman Don Schultz and Board CEO Dr. Alex Hillyard.
The Board reviewed the Business Plan and discussed the goals, budget, and new initiatives that are going on this year.
Copies of the Business Plan will be presented to Community Councils for their information.
#03-03-592 MOTION: Donna Desjardins moved the Board accept
the report
for
information. Carried unanimously.
1.3 Board Member
Profile and Recruitment Strategy
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: Information and direction to the administration
The Northeast Board, effective February 1, 2003 has two vacancies on the Board. In January 2004, four current members will end their second term as members of the Board.
A Board recruitment kit is being created which will include:
· Northeast Board Video “The Courage To Dream, The Right To Become”.
· Role and Responsibility Statements of the Northeast Board and Board members.
· 2003-2006 Business Plan
· Board and Board Member Profile
As part of the kit, a Board committee was requested to develop a Board Member Profile to assist in the orientation and recruitment of prospective new Board members.
The Board discussed the draft Board Member Profile, changes, and areas that they would like to strengthen. Board member comments will be incorporated into the draft profile and brought back to the next Board meeting.
#03-03-593 MOTION: Christine Botsford moved the Board accept
the report
for
information. Carried unanimously.
1.4 Auditor
General: Entrance Interview
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: Information and discussion
In preparation for the Board’s annual audit and review process, the auditor general conducts an entrance interview with the Board’s audit committee. The auditor assigned from the auditor general’s office to oversee the audit for the Northeast Board is Jane Staples.
Donna Desjardins, Chair of the Audit Committee, reported on the meeting with the auditor.
· The auditor provided the committee with a copy of the audit plan.
· Auditors are looking at risk management this year.
· The audit provides the Board with the support and assurance they need.
· The Board will receive the auditor’s report for approval in May.
#03-03-594 MOTION: Donna Desjardins moved the Board accept
the report
for information. Carried unanimously.
1.5 Regional
Governance Agreement: Update
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: Information and discussion
The Board received an update on the development of a process for the Boards and Authorities in the new boundaries of the Aspen Health Authority and Alberta Children’s Services Region 7 to develop a Governance Agreement.
The Board approved a draft letter of invitation to be sent to the Boards and Authorities within the new boundaries, to attend a meeting scheduled to take place on May 22nd, 2003 in Barrhead.
The meeting will be co-chaired by Don Schultz, Chair, Northeast Alberta community Board and Hansa Thaleshvar, Chair, Child and Family Services Authority #7 Transition Committee. Participants will review the purpose of Governance Agreements and aspects of the former agreement that worked well, along with areas for improvement.
#03-03-595 MOTION: Christine Botsford moved that the Board form a
Governance Agreement committee comprised of the Chair, Don Schultz, and Dr. Doug Fleming, Board Member, and that Dr. Fleming be the Board representative at the governance agreement discussions. Carried unanimously.
1.6 Northeast
Board’s Legal Name
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: Information
All Boards for Persons with Developmental Disabilities in the Province have been presented with an opportunity to change their legal name.
The current legal name for the Northeast Board, created through a Ministerial Order, is “Northeast Region Community Board”.
The Board has requested the legal name for the Northeast Board be changed to “Northeast Alberta Community Board for Persons with Developmental Disabilities”.
#03-03-596 MOTION: Ralph Gorrie moved the Board accept the report as
submitted. Carried unanimously.
1.7 Northeast Alberta Consortium of Service Providers:
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: Information and celebration
The Alberta Association for Community Living (AACL) provides a Community Living Award to Individuals, organizations or businesses in Alberta that, on a day-to-day basis, promote the concept and spirit of inclusive community life.
The Northeast Alberta Community Board nominated the Northeast Alberta Consortium of Service Providers for the Community Living Award.
The AACL Community Living Award was awarded to the Consortium and presented at the AACL Family Conference President’s Reception on March 21, 2003.
Individual framed photos of the plaque and certificate commemorating the award will be provided to each member of the Consortium.
#03-03-597 MOTION: Christine Botsford moved the Board accept
the report
for
information. Carried unanimously.
2.
Administration
2.1 Community Development Initiatives: Update
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: Information and discussion
The Board reviewed an update on the Community Development initiatives underway in the Northeast Region.
· Leadership Development for Service Provider CEOs
· On January 29, 2003 Liz O’Neill, Executive Director of the Big Sister and Big Brother Society of Edmonton and Area was the guest speaker following dinner at the Westlock Inn.
· Dr. Tom Maddix, V.P. of Organizational Advancement of the Caritas Health Group will be giving a presentation to the Service Provider CEOs on March 31, 2003 in Vegreville.
· Board Development Opportunities: Ongoing
· A Board Member Self-Assessment Tool was distributed to board members serving on service provider boards in the Northeast Region during October 2002.
· As a result of the survey, an Open Board Development Workshop was held on February 22, 2003 in St. Paul and March 22, 2003 in Barrhead. A Board representative also attended each of these workshops.
· Additional workshops are planned for Lac La Biche on May 3, 2003 and Bonnyville on May 10, 2003 and a board development newsletter, highlighting upcoming board development opportunities and resources, is being planned.
· Library Proposal: New Initiative
· The Strategic Information and Libraries Branch and the Northeast Board have agreed to develop a proposal to research and develop inclusive strategies that would enhance the capacity of the libraries in the regions to serve individuals with development and other disabilities.
#03-03-598 MOTION: Donna
Desjardins moved the Board accept the report
for information. Carried unanimously.
2.2 Provincial Funding Review: Regional Update
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: Information and discussion
The Northeast Board agreed to participate as a pilot region for the implementation of recommendations resulting from the Provincial Funding Review.
The Board reviewed and discussed a Progress Report and Update on the pilot projects in the Northeast Region.
The administration, along with the Consortium of Service Providers and AACL has identified five approaches or projects, which are designed to implement the recommendations from the Provincial Funding Review.
· Northeast Board Business Plan 2002/03
· School Transition Model
· Community Development for Person Centered Planning
· Family Resource Development Initiative
· Northeast Regional Pilot: Funding Relationships
The intended outcome is a Funding relationship, which has accountability based on individual service plans and is understood by all parties and reduces the administrative transactions to a minimum.
#03-03-599 MOTION: Ralph
Gorrie moved the Board accept the report for
information. Carried unanimously.
2.3 Regional Conference 2003: Community Requests for Proposals
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: Discussion and direction to the administration
Following the 4th Annual Northeast Regional conference in St. Paul, Board members heard a number of requests from other communities about the possibility of offering the next conference in their community.
The Board reviewed and approved a Request for Community Submissions, which will be sent with a letter of invitation to the Chair/Co-Chairs of each community council in the Northeast Region. Proposals for holding the conference will be submitted to the Board by interested communities.
Community Councils interested in holding the conference in their community will discuss the possibility of hosting the conference with the Town Council and other potential community partners.
PDD administration will be available to provide assistance with the initial development of proposals if required.
#03-03-600 MOTION: Christine Botsford moved the Board approve
the
“Request for Community Submissions: Background Information” document as presented and that copies be sent to the Chairs and Co-Chairs of all Community Councils in the Northeast Region along with a letter of invitation. Carried unanimously.
· Letter received from Al Pierog, President, Catholic Social Services: congratulations on presentation at AARC Gala celebration.
· Letter received from Gene Zwozdesky, Minister, Community Development: appreciation for CEO’s efforts in advocating on behalf of individuals with disabilities.
· Letter received from Ken Kowalski, Speaker, Legislative Assembly: commending Board and CEO and their response to concerns expressed on behalf of a person with a developmental disability.
· Discussed inclusive education and the possibility of having students with developmental disabilities audit or become part of mainstream courses.
· Received a very positive and enthusiastic response from the Dean of Student Services.
#03-03-601 MOTION: Christine Botsford moved the Board go In
Camera to
discuss
organizational issues at 2:20 pm. Carried
unanimously.
#03-03-602 MOTION: Doug Fleming moved the Board come out of
Camera at
2:30 pm.
Carried unanimously.
#03-03-603 MOTION: Doug Fleming moved the Board adjourn at
2:40 pm.
Carried
unanimously.
_______________________________ ______________________________
Don Schultz, Chair Dr. Alex Hillyard, CEO