Quarterly Council Meeting Minutes
August 7, 2015
Hilton Garden Inn, Cary, NC

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Caroline Ambrose, Karen Armstrong, Amanda Bergen, Eric Zechman (for Wayne Black), Wendy Boyd, Adonis Brown, Lisa Byrd, Mya Williams (for Courtney Cantrell),  Christina Carter, Eric Chavis, Kerri Eaker, Mary Edwards, Jason Faircloth, Crystal Foreman, Michael Groves, Beverly Colwell (for William Hussey), Rep. Verla Insko, Wing Ng, Desiree Peterson, Cheryl Powell,  Joseph Piven, Ron Reeve, I. Azell Reeves, Clare Shocket, Jim Swain, Sandra Terrell, David White, Kelly Woodall

MEMBERS ABSENT: Anna Cunningham, Lourdes Fernandez,  Joshua Gettinger,  Katie Holler,  Samuel Miller, Dave Richard, Nessie Siler, Vicki Smith, Peggy Terhune, Senator Tommy Tucker
    
STAFF PRESENT: Pam Dickens, Chris Egan, Cora Gibson, Steve Strom, JoAnn Toomey, Yadira Vasquez

CONTRACTORS/GRANTEES PRESENT:  Gordon O’Neill, Devika Rao

GUESTS:  Rene Cummins, Eric Fox, Elizabeth Kahn, John Marens, Gerri Smith, DSP from Maxim

WELCOME AND ATTENDANCE

Chairman Ron Reeve asked that any Council member with a potential conflict of interest, in regards to the agenda, identify that conflict, so that it could be documented in the minutes and acted upon, as necessary.   He also reminded members of the emergency exits at the Hilton Garden Inn.  Adonis Brown then conducted the roll call.

APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES

Ron Reeve asked for approval of the May 2015 Council meeting minutes.  A copy of the minutes had previously been made available to Council members.  Eric Chavis made a motion to approve the minutes.  Crystal Foreman seconded the motion.  The motion was approved.  
DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Chris Egan provided his report to the members which included updates of major activities of the previous quarter including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) legacy tour events and collaboration with the Alliance of Disability Advocates to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ADA.  NCCDD efforts resulted in the presentation of a signed Governor Proclamation and the involvement of DHHS Secretary Aldona Wos along with DHHS leadership during the celebration.  In addition, Mr. Egan provided the members with a summary of what he has learned during his individual meetings with members of the Council over the previous year including what is working well and areas to focus additional effort.  His report also included information about NCCDD’s 15 listening sessions associated with five-year planning efforts, including a news article written for the Daily Reflector, a publication of eastern NC.  His report concluded with immediate and longer term priorities for Council consideration. He thanked the members and staff for their commitment and dedication.

FINANCE REPORT

Adonis Brown reminded members to complete their reimbursement forms and submit them to staff.  Mr. Brown gave a brief report on the financial status of the Council.  A copy of the report had previously been made available and reviewed with Council members.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Chris Egan gave a brief review of the updates that were given to the members by Senator Tommy Tucker on Thursday.  The ABLE Act will be signed by the Governor next week.  August 7, 2015 is the deadline to submit your comments on the Innovations Waiver.  Under signature of Ron Reeve, the Council provided feedback and comment on the Waiver.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Rene Cummins thanked the Council for its support with the Youth Leadership Forum that was held in June.  The Forum was a statewide event and they were able to bring in a national level speaker because of the Council’s support.  Rene also thanked the Council for being a partner for the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the ADA at the Alliance of Disability Advocates’ annual Triangle Access Awards.

Amanda Bergen shared her experience in participating in the National Novel Writing Month.  Amanda stated that this is an opportunity for Council members to share their story by writing, whether fiction or non-fiction.  If members are interested in this opportunity, Amanda would be happy to talk with them about it.

Elizabeth Kahn shared the experience she had when visiting the Performing Arts Center.  The center is not accessible for people with  mobility disabilities.  If you have had an unpleasant experience at the Arts Center, please let Elizabeth know.

Eric S. Fox expressed his concern in regard to the data showing the number of people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD).  The data needs to be updated and the people with I/DD need more support and help.

Gerri Smith shared that the Arc of NC website has great information available.  She asked that Council members please check out the information and contact her with any questions.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT

The Executive Committee members met June 15, 2015 and July 20, 2015.  Copies of the minutes were available to Council members.  Mr. Reeve asked each member to review the minutes. 
 
COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Reeve requested presentation of committee reports.  Please refer to the committee minutes for a detailed description of the committee’s work, including motions made in committee.

DISABILITY SYSTEMS CHANGE COMMITTEE

In the absence of Committee chair Sam Miller, Christina Carter presented the Disability Systems Change Committee report.  Background information concerning the funding requests are in the committee minutes.  Following are the motions presented on the floor for Council consideration:

MOTION:  Eric Chavis made a motion for continuation funding to the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) for the Enhancing Disability Stakeholder Engagement in Managed Long-Term Services/Supports and Primary/Acute Care Systems Coordination Initiative.  Approve funding for up to $100,000 (Beginning November 1, 2015 to October 31, 2016) for Year 3 (of 3) with required minimum of 25% non-federal matching funds.   Adonis Brown seconded the motion.  By vote on the floor, motion was approved.

A break was taken between committee reports for Representative Verla Insko to share a brief legislative update about Medicaid Reform.  She stated that the main focus for both the House and the Senate is to manage and better control Medicaid costs.

COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING COMMITTEE

Committee chair I. Azell Reeves presented the Community Capacity Building Committee Report.  Background information concerning the funding requests are in the committee minutes.  Following are the motions presented on the floor for Council consideration:

MOTION:  Amanda Bergen made a motion to not fund the annual membership fee to the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) for the NC Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services to participate in the State Employment Leadership Network, for an amount up to $35,000.  Eric Chavis seconded the motion.   Jim Swain recused himself since he collaborates with NC DMH/DD/SAS.  By vote on the floor, motion was approved.  
MOTION: I. Azell Reeves made a motion for continuation funding to Western Carolina University, for the Learning & Earning after High School initiative.  Year 3 (of 3) funding will begin on November 1, 2015 and end October 31, 2016, for an amount not to exceed $150,000 with a required minimum of 50% non-federal matching funds.   Crystal Foreman seconded the motion.    Motion was approved.  Beverly Colwell recused herself because she works for the Deptartment of Public Instruction.

ADVOCACY AND LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Committee chair Caroline Ambrose presented the Advocacy and Leadership Committee report.  Background information concerning the funding requests are in the committee minutes.  Following are the motions presented on the floor for Council consideration:

MOTION:  Carrie Ambrose made a motion for continuation funding to Coastal Horizons for the NCCDD Safety and Security initiative.  Funding is approved for up to $50,000 with a required minimum of 25% non-federal matching funds ($16,667), for Year 3 (of 3) from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016.    Eric Chavis seconded the motion.  Motion was approved.  Crystal Foreman recused herself since she works in the field of domestic violence.

MOTION: Carrie Ambrose made a motion for continuation funding to Benchmarks for the NCCDD NC Chapter of NCADSP initiative.  Year 3 (of 3) funding will begin on January 1, 2016 and end December 31, 2016, for an amount not to exceed $100,000 with matching funds waived.  Crystal Foreman seconded the motion.  Motion was approved.

MOTION:  Carrie Ambrose made a motion to approve funding two speakers for up to $2,400 for the Benchmarks DSP Celebration Event being held September 13 and 14, 2015 in Concord, NC.  Crystal Foreman seconded the motion.  Motion was not approved. 

AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

Crystal Foreman gave a brief report out on the Governance Ad Hoc Committee.  The Governance Committee met on July 2, 2015.  Minutes for the meeting are posted on the website.  The committee reviewed the Council’s By-Laws and proposed revision and sent it to the full Council for their review and comment before the August Council meeting.

MOTION: Crystal Foreman made a motion to approve and adopt the 7-20-15 revision of the NCCDD By-Laws presented by the Governance Ad-Hoc Committee of the Council. Eric Chavis seconded the motion.  Motion was approved.

Crystal Foreman gave a brief report out on the Communications Ad Hoc Committee.  The Communications Committee met on June 17 and July 15, 2015.  Minutes for the meeting are posted on the website.

Chris Egan gave a brief report out on the Five Year Plan Development Ad Hoc Committee.  The Five Year State Plan Committee met June 10 and July 20, 2015.  Minutes for the meeting are posted on the website.

Caroline Ambrose gave a brief report out on the Membership & Development Ad Hoc Committee Meeting. The Membership & Development Committee met on June 9 and July 14, 2015.  Minutes for the meeting are posted on the website.

NEW BUSINESS

IN-HOUSE/CROSS-CUTTING FUNDING APPROVALS:

MOTION:  Adonis Brown made a motion to approve continuation funding of the Jean Wolff-Rossi Fund for Participant Involvement initiative in an amount up to $30,000 for the period of September 30, 2015 – September 30, 2016.  Since this is an in-house initiative of the Council, match requirement is waived.  Crystal Foreman seconded the motion.  Motion was approved.

MOTION:  Adonis Brown made a motion for continuation funding to O’Neill Public Relations for the NCCDD Communications initiative.  Funding is approved for up to $135,000 with a required minimum of 25% non-federal matching funds ($45,000), for Year 2 (of 3) from October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016.    Crystal Foreman seconded the motion.  Motion was approved.

NCCDD 2016 MEETING DATES

MOTION: Eric Chavis made a motion that the 2016 meetings of the Council; February 11-12, May 12-13, August 11-12, and November 16-18 be scheduled and held in Raleigh area.     Crystal Foreman seconded the motion.  Motion was approved.

Ron Reeve made a motion for the meeting to adjourn.  Meeting was adjourned.

Approved:  _________________________
Ron Reeve, Chair
Date: _______________