DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Health & Human Services Committee met Jan. 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Health & Human Services Committee of the DeKalb County Board met on Monday, January 8, 2024, in the Legislative Center’s Gathertorium in Sycamore, Illinois. Chair Rukisha Crawford called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Those members present were Savannah Ilenikhena, Michelle Pickett, Chris Porterfield, Amber Quitno, and Chair Rukisha Crawford. Meryl Domina and Joe Marcinkowski were absent. A quorum was established with five members present and two absent.

Others present included County Administrator Brian Gregory, Sauk Valley Voices of Recovery Executive Director Gerald Lott, and Coordinator Heather Tomlinson, as well as County Board Members Rhonda Henke and Ellingsworth Webb.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Amber Quitno moved to approve the agenda as presented. Savannah Ilenikhena seconded the motion, and the motion was approved.

Chris Porterfield noted that agenda item 7b, “Nomination of Health & Human Services Committee Member to be Appointed to Serve on the DCRNC Oversight Board” outlines that the oversight board includes “…five members of the public with expertise in the fields of long-term care, finance or law.” Porterfield requested Chair Crawford confirm that the expertise outlined in the description is desirable and not required. Chair Crawford confirmed that these are desirable items.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Amber Quitno moved to approve the minutes of the December 4, 2023 committee meeting, Chris Porterfield seconded the motion and the motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments.

PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

Presentation on ROSC State Program by Heather Tomlinson

Sauk Valley Voices of Recovery (SVVOR) Executive Director Gerald Lott introduced himself and mentioned that he will be presenting to the committee, as SVVOR Coordinator Heather Tomlinson was running late. Lott shared his personal history and background that led to his involvement with SVVOR and his desire to establish better treatment options for individuals recovering from alcoholism and substance use. Lott emphasized the importance of building a community that includes support for recovering individuals in the form of treatment options and social activities.

Lott distributed the current SVVOR newsletter, the “Recovery Oriented System of Care Membership Protocols,” and information on the Sober Living Home to the committee members. He provided an overview of the Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) Council and methods of outreach and treatment options, including recovery centers, support groups, conferences, and podcasts.

Lott outlined the importance of developing partnerships among stakeholders in generating additional funding for programs and in improving service to communities in the form of treatment centers. He emphasized the importance of the Health & Human Services Committee in developing and supporting partnerships.

DCRNC Operational Update

County Administrator Brian Gregory provided an update of the DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center’s (DCRNC) operation. Gregory reviewed that the current DCRNC census is 106 and stated that this census level is in line with the business plan prepared by Jordan Healthcare.

Gregory mentioned that the county has reached a tentative agreement with the union on the labor contract and that the agreement will help attract and retain DCRNC staff. He thanked the individuals that worked diligently toward the agreement.

Gregory reviewed that there have been mixed results with obtaining contracts with outside insurance companies and that he feels the tentative Post-Acute Care Network Affiliation Agreement with Northwestern Medicine will help in establishing relationships with other companies. He outlined the need to get the word out to the public that the county still owns the nursing home, as there appears to be a significant amount of confusion in the community. Gregory mentioned that the county will continue to use radio spots to help get the word out and he asked the committee members to assist in spreading the word as well.

Gregory outlined that the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board will be reviewing the county’s request for permit renewal that will allow the county to increase the bed total by sixteen.

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution R2024-008 – A Resolution Authorizing the County Administrator to Execute the Northwestern Medicine Post-Acute Care Network Affiliation Agreement Chair Crawford read the resolution and Chris Porterfield motioned to approve R2024-008. Savannah Ilenikhena seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Porterfield Requested that Brian Gregory provide some additional background on R2024-008. Gregory responded that both Jordan Healthcare and DCRNC Administrator Bart Becker suggested that the county enter into this agreement and that the agreement is an appropriate step in growing and fostering the county’s relationship with Northwestern Medicine.

Resolution R2024-011 – A Resolution Authorizing the Procurement of a 2023 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van from Alan Browne Chevrolet in the Amount of $43,320.26

Brian Gregory reviewed details of the resolution, stating that acquiring this vehicle is part of the county’s asset replacement program and that the vehicle that this unit is replacing is at the end of its life.

Chris Porterfield motioned to approve R2024-011, Savannah Ilenikhena seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously via roll call vote.

CONSIDERATIONS

Establishing Bylaws for DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center Oversight Board Chair Crawford conveyed to the committee that the purpose of the consideration is to ensure the committee members agree with what is outlined in the bylaws draft. Brian Gregory noted that there are several areas in the draft that need to be completed and that he is hoping committee members can “fill in the blanks” with their recommendations for items such as term limits and meeting frequency.

Following committee discussion, it was determined that the committee’s recommendation is that a limit of 3-4 successive terms be established for members of the oversight board, once the full terms are in place. The committee will also recommend that the word “desirable” be added in the section that outlines specific board member qualifications.

Nomination of Health & Human Services Committee Member to be Appointed to Serve on the DCRNC Oversight Board

Chris Porterfield nominated Chair Crawford for the DCRNC Oversight Board and Amber Quitno seconded. Savannah Ilenikhena nominated Joe Marcinkowski and Crawford seconded. Chair Crawford closed the nomination process and then called for a vote with Chair Crawford winning the nomination by one vote.

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Brian Gregory mentioned that the Finance & Administration Committee nominated Jerry Osland to serve on the DCRNC Oversight Board. Gregory reviewed the steps remaining in determining the full board.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved by Amber Quitno and seconded by Chris Porterfield to adjourn the meeting. The motion was carried, and the meeting adjourned at 7:41pm.

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/minutes-hhs-01082024.pdf