Quarterly Council Meeting Minutes
FINAL
Courtyard Marriott, Carolina Beach, NC
November 9, 2018

MEMBERS PRESENT: Amanda Bergen, Teresa Strom (for Wayne Black), Katherine Boeck, Eric Chavis, Allison Dodson, Bryan Dooley, Christina Dupuch, Kerri Eaker, Mary Edwards, Jason Faircloth, Myron Gavin, Joshua Gettinger, Gary Junker, Brendon Hildreth, Katie Holler, Aldea LaParr, Kristy Locklear, Alex McArthur, Will Miller, Wing Ng, Deb Zuver (for Joseph Piven), Cheryl Powell, Nessie Siler, Dan Smith, Jim Swain (for DVR), Sandra Terrell, Kelly Woodall

MEMBERS ABSENT: Dawn Allen, Nakima Clark, Anna Cunningham, Senator Foushee, Rep. Verla Insko, Kelly Kimple, Dave Richard, Ryan Rotundo, James Stephenson, Peggy Terhune

STAFF PRESENT: Chris Egan, Cora Gibson, David Ingram, Melissa Swartz, JoAnn Toomey, Yadira Vasquez, Travis Williams, Philip Woodward, Letha Young

CONTRACTORS/GRANTEES PRESENT: Devika Rao

GUESTS: Beth Butler, LaToya Chancey, Karen Hamilton, Rachael Tyndall

WELCOME AND ATTENDANCE

Alex McArthur, NCCDD Chair, welcomed the members and asked that any Council member with a potential conflict of interest regarding items on the agenda to identify the specific conflict for documentation in the minutes and recuse, as necessary.  She also reminded members of the emergency exits at the Hilton Garden Inn.  She thanked the members for their participation on Wednesday and Thursday. 

The Chair then asked that each person introduce themselves which would be used as roll call.

APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES

Aldea LaParr asked for approval of the August Council meeting minutes.  A copy of the minutes had previously been made available to Council members.   

MOTION:  Katherine Boeck made a motion to approve the August Council meeting minutes.  Bryan Dooley seconded the motion.  The motion was approved by unanimous vote.

NEW MEMBER AFFIRMATIONS

Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court Michael R. Morgan conducted an affirmation to the Council and the State of North Carolina for the following new Council members, Allison Dodson, Gary Junker and Kristy Locklear.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Chris Egan delivered his report to the members.  He reflected on the successes and impact of the efforts of the Council, and the difficult decision to leave the NCCDD.  And while moving into a new career opportunity, he described the opportunities for continued collaboration with the Council in his new position at DHHS.  He also reflected on the important leadership of all members of the Council, the commitment of the staff and ongoing opportunities to promote the DD Act expectations for individuals with I/DD and families in helping shape formal and informal service systems, change attitudes, and expand the array of choices in community. 

Alex McArthur then asked JoAnn Toomey to present Chris Egan with an award from the members and staff in appreciation of his outstanding leadership as Executive Director and his dedication and efforts to enhance the quality of life for North Carolina’s citizens with I/DD and their families.

FINANCE REPORT

Alex McArthur reminded members to complete their reimbursement forms and submit them to staff.  She 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 UPATE/PUBLIC POLICY

There was no update.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Cheryl Powell shared her positive experience when signing up for an ABLE account and encouraged others to do so.

Kerri Eaker gave an update on the new service definition for family peer support in mental health and substance abuse.  It currently does not include developmental disabilities.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Alex McArthur 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.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee members met August 20, 2018, September 17, 2018 and October 15, 2018.  Copies of the minutes were made available to Council members and Alex McArthur asked members to review the minutes and these are also posted on the NCCDD website.  The following motions were presented on the floor for Council consideration:

MOTION:  Katherine Boeck made a motion to approve the Executive Committee recommendation for NCCDD standing committee chairs; Amanda Bergen for Financial Asset Development, Kerri Eaker for Community Living and Nessie Siler for Advocacy Development.  Eric Chavis seconded the motion.  The motion was approved by unanimous vote.

MOTION:  Eric Chavis made a motion to change the date of the February Council meeting from February 7th and 8th to February 14th and 15th.  Katherine Boeck seconded the motion.  The motion was approved by unanimous vote.

FINANCIAL ASSET DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Committee Chair Amanda Bergen presented the Financial Asset Development Committee report.  She thanked all committee members and staff and gave a brief update on the discussions from the Thursday meeting and initiative updates.  The following motions were presented on the floor for Council consideration:

MOTION:   Dan Smith made a motion for continuation funding to Disability: IN North Carolina (NC BLN) for the Inroads to Employment initiative.  Funding is approved for up to $100,000 per year with required minimum of 25% non-federal matching funds for Year 2 (of up to 3), beginning March 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020.  Gary Junker seconded the motion.  The motion was approved by unanimous vote.

MOTION:  Katherine Boeck made a motion that Disability:IN North Carolina (NC BLN) be approved as the applicant selected for the NCCDD initiative entitled North Carolina Employment Collaborative in the amount up to $100,000 per year with required minimum of 25% non-federal matching funds for up to three years, with Year 1 beginning March 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020 with the following contingency:

Disability:IN North Carolina must describe their Business Advisory Council engagement and expand their description of how they will engage the western, eastern, and the more rural areas of North Carolina.   

Eric Chavis seconded the motion.  The motion was approved by unanimous vote.

COMMUNITY LIVING COMMITTEE

Committee Chair Kerri Eaker presented the Community Living Committee report.  She thanked all committee members and staff and gave a brief update on the discussions from the Thursday meeting and initiative updates.  The following motion was presented on the floor for Council consideration:

MOTION:  Katherine Boeck made a motion for continuation funding to FIRST for the Natural Support Network Development initiative.  Funding is approved for up to $75,000 per year with required minimum of 25% non-federal matching funds for Year 2 (of up to 3), beginning March 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020.  Cheryl Powell seconded the motion.  Bryan Dooley abstained from voting because he is a friend of the director.  The motion was approved by unanimous vote.

ADVOCACY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Committee Chair Nessie Siler presented the Advocacy Development Committee report.    She thanked all committee members and staff and gave a brief update on the discussions from the Thursday meeting and initiative updates.  The following motion was presented on the floor for Council consideration:

MOTION:   Eric Chavis made a motion to charge the Executive Committee to review the revised proposal submitted by the NC Empowerment Network (NCEN) and grant the Executive Committee the authority to approve funding for up to $20,000 with required minimum of 25% non-federal matching funds for one year, beginning January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019.  Katherine Boeck seconded the motion.  Cheryl Powell, Bryan Dooley and Nessie Siler recused themselves because they are members on the NCEN board.  The motion was approved by unanimous vote.

NEW BUSINESS

Alex McArthur invited members to make nominations from the floor for the second Vice-Chair position being vacated by Wing Ng.  Members nominated have the option to accept or decline the nomination and if accepted, make a speech to the members.  Alex thanked Wing for his service as Vice-Chair and for his time served on the Executive Committee.

MOTION:  Katie Holler made a motion after an election by secret ballot and in an open count of votes on the floor of the Council, to approve Myron Gavin as Vice-Chair, by majority vote (2-year term, until December 31, 2020).   Katherine Boeck seconded the motion.  The motion was approved by unanimous vote.

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES NETWORK PARTNERS UPDATES

Deb Zuver, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, gave updates on Heels Up, Project Stir and their support of the NC Empowerment Network.

Virginia Knowlton Marcus shared some of Disability Rights North Carolina’s goals which are 1) Kids with Disabilities, 2) Employment, 3) General Community, 4) Housing, 5) Self Determination, 6) Jail/Prison, and 7) PRTFS.

Cheryl Powell shared an update on the advancement of the NC Empowerment Network.

OLD BUSINESS:

No old business

ADJOURN

Alex McArthur asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.

MOTION:  Mary Edwards made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Eric Chavis seconded the motion.  The motion was approved by unanimous vote and the meeting was adjourned.

Approved:  _________________________

                     Aldea LaParr, Secretary

Date: _______________