DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board met Oct. 20.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
Board Members Present: Lana Haines, Meghan Cook, Perry Maier, April Chmara, Dr. Marilyn Stromborg, Kate McCabe, Laurie Emmer, Kim Volk, Dr. Robert Cook
Board Members – Absent:
Other Persons Present: Ashley (Community Member) Office Staff Present: Deanna Cada, Heaven Allen
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Board President Meghan Cook at 6:30 pm.
2. Agenda
Dr. Stromborg moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Ms. Haines. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
3. Minutes
Ms. Haines moved to approve the minutes of the September 15, 2025, meeting, and Dr. Stromborg seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
4. Announcements None
5. Director’s Report –
a. Grief Services Initiative -Ms. Cada met with Michelle Cooper (community member) regarding the lack of grief-specific services in DeKalb County. A follow-up meeting was held with Ms. Cooper, and others to discuss existing services and gaps in DeKalb County. Planning a Grief Services Roundtable to identify needs and opportunities for collaboration among professionals.
b. Finance Department and Audit Process – Ms. Cada met with Bob Miller (Finance Office) and Tammy Anderson (Veterans Office) about a misclassified expense and general discussion ensued. Discussed improving communication and involvement in the annual audit process.
c. Nonprofit Day – DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership (DCNP) – Event on September 24 was well attended and successful. Positive feedback from board members who attended. Ms. Cada’s final meeting as DCNP Steering Committee Chair will be October 22 after five years of service; Ms. Cada will continue serving on the Program Committee.
d. Agency Meeting – October 29, 2025 – Upcoming meeting with funded agencies to review quarterly and financial reporting obligations. Reminders will be given about GY27 expectations and opportunities for funding adjustments. Meeting scheduled for 9:00-10:30 a.m.; board members invited to attend.
e. Community Response to Recent Tragedy in Sycamore – Discussion regarding the recent double homicide with reported mental health involvement. Plan to develop a community response toolkit for future crises, outlining available services and agencies (e.g., Family Service Agency, NAMI, Ben Gordon Center). Coordination planned with local partners, including police and social workers, to clarify communication and referral processes. Acknowledgment of the need for proactive, unified messaging and improved service awareness.
f. Technology/Safety Concerns: Board discussed risks of unregulated AI/chatbots encouraging harmful behaviors. Training and education on the issue will be explored.
6. Community Input – Ashley (Community Member)
7. Finance Reports
A. Monthly budget report: September 2025 – Shared for informational purposes.
B. Claims
Agency and office for October 2025- Action Needed
Mr. Maier moved to approve the October 2025 Agency claims in the amount of $ $261,486.37. Seconded by Ms. Haines. Motion passed unanimously on roll call: Emmer – Yes, Chmara – Yes, Stromborg – Yes, Volk – Yes, Dr. Cook – Yes, Cook- Yes, Haines – Yes, McCabe – Yes, Maier -Yes
Mr. Maier moved to approve the October 2025 Office claims with inclusions of Canva subscription at 119.99 in the amount of $2,558.90. Seconded by Dr. Stromborg. Motion passed unanimously on roll call: Emmer – Yes, Chmara – Yes, Stromborg – Yes, Volk – Yes, Dr. Cook – Yes, Cook- Yes, Haines – Yes, McCabe – Yes, Maier -Yes
8. Executive Committee
a. Core Values & Mission Statement Review – Ms. Cada shared the mission and core values with board members to view; and will revisit at the November Board Meeting
b. Executive Director & Administrative Assistant Performance Reviews – Ms. Cada will send out fillable review form due back to Ms. Allen by Oct 31st.
c. 2026 DCCMHB Meeting Dates – For informational purposes
9. Finance Committee
a. NM PESI Training Module Purchase – Action Needed – Board reviewed NM PESI request
Dr. Cook moved to approve NM PESI Training Module Purchase in the amount of $11,900. Seconded by Dr. Stromborg.
Ms. Chmara moved to amend the NM PESI Training Module Purchase in the amount of $11,900 to 11,000. Seconded by Ms. Cook. Motion passed on roll call: Emmer – Yes, Chmara – Yes, Stromborg – No, Volk – Yes, Dr. Cook – No, Cook- No, Haines – Yes, McCabe – Yes, Maier -Yes
Ms. Cook moved to approve amended NM PESI Training Module Purchase in the amount of 11,000. Seconded by Ms. Haines. Motion passed on roll call: Emmer – Yes, Chmara – Yes, Stromborg – No, Volk – Yes, Dr. Cook – Yes, Cook- Yes, Haines – Yes, McCabe – Yes, Maier -Yes
b. FY2026 Amended Budget – Action Needed
Mr. Maier moved to approve the FY2026 Amended Budget. Seconded by Dr. Stromborg. Motion passed unanimously on roll call: Emmer – Yes, Chmara – Yes, Stromborg – Yes, Volk – Yes, Dr. Cook – Yes, Cook- Yes, Haines.– Yes, McCabe – Yes, Maier -Yes
c. Grant Year 2027 Application & Process Discussion – Ms. Cada discussed the upcoming grant process
10. CEBIB Committee-
a. Next Meeting – November 18, 2025
b. Will continue to develop Listening Tour for therapist
11. Impact Committee –
a. Next Meeting – November 17th, 2025 at 5:00pm at FSA
12. Old Business –
a. One-year & Three-year Plan Updates
13. New Business
i. Student Art Show – Cancelled
ii. Workforce development updates with KEC
a. DCP/SAFE Incentive Request – Possible Action Needed – The Committee reviewed a $5,000 funding request from the DeKalb County Partnership for a Safe, Active, and Family-Friendly Environment (DCP/SAFE) to incentivize school participation in the Illinois Youth Survey.
Ms. Haines moved to approve DCP/SAFE Incentive Request in the amount of $5,000. Seconded by Ms. Emmer. Motion passed on roll call: Emmer – Yes, Chmara – Yes, Stromborg – No, Volk – Yes, Dr. Cook – No, Cook- Yes, Haines – Yes, McCabe – Yes, Maier -Abstain
b. Sandwich Police – Ms. McCabe spoke about the Sandwich police funding
14. Adjournment – Next Board Meeting November 17, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/packet-mh-11172025.pdf
