DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Mental Health Board met June 21.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by the President, Jane Smith, at 6:30 PM.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

Ms. Smith led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Agenda

Mr. Maier moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Ms. Plote. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.

4. Minutes

Mr. Helland moved to approve the minutes of the 5/17/21 Board meeting; seconded by Mr. Maier. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.

5. Announcements

Mr. Helland announced that he is resigning from the Mental Health Board as of June 30, 2021.

6. Director’s Report

Ms. Cada introduced the new summer intern, Kate James, who will be helping with various projects for the Board.

Ms. Cada shared with the Board that agencies in Dekalb County are struggling with finding and employing new staff. The Board discussed possible solutions, like recruiting in high schools, providing scholarships, or offering sign-on bonuses.

Ms. Cada reported that there will be a new Executive Director at Adventure Works. Ms. Cada plans to reach out and meet the new Executive Director.

Ms. Cada also reported that the program This is My Brave will be returning to Dekalb County. Ms. Cada will be meeting with those in charge in the near future.

The ACMHAI Lawsuit in Dundee and Elgin County is not completed yet.

7. Community Input

There was no community input.

8. Finance Reports

Ms. Cook moved to approve the June 2021 agency claims in the amount of $197,666.22; seconded by Ms. Plote. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.

Ms. Cook moved to approve the May 2021 office claims in the amount of $498.15; seconded by Mr. Maier. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.

9. Executive Committee

Ms. Cada reminded the Board of the upcoming Board Retreat on July 30th from 9-2:30 at the Dekalb County History Center. There will be a speaker presenting on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging. In preparation of the Retreat, Ms. Cada has asked the Board to read two articles: “White Fragility” and “Racial Microaggressions in Everyday Life.”

10. Finance Committee

A. City of Sycamore Fire Department Request

The Board reviewed the City of DeKalb Fire Department request.

Mr. Maier moved to approve the request by the City of Sycamore Fire Department for up to $10,000 for counseling/therapy services from 6/1/21 through 12/31/21; seconded by Ms. Geltz. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.

B. Ms. Cada reported to the Board that the grant contracts have been mailed out. Ms. Cada had an Agency Director and Key Staff meeting via Zoom, where she discussed the contracts, reminded the agencies of important requirements, and answered any questions.

C. Ms. Cada informed the Board there will no longer be a DeKalb County Finance Director and there will be a new budget process. In this new process, the Board will be required to explain the timing difference for funding in the fiscal year and the GY allocations. The budget will be due on August 2nd, so the Board will need to approve the budget at the next meeting.

D. The Board reviewed the Dekalb County Community Mental Health Board Community Investment Funding Guideline, Developed June 2021. The Board decided to implement a rolling balance account and offer grant funds for as long as the financing lasts.

E. Building Leaders Advocating for Change Funding Request

The Board reviewed the request and decided to review it again in the next meeting due to the change in Funding Guidelines. It needs to be confirmed if the Building Leaders Advocating for Change grant application has all the information required by the new Funding Guidelines.

F. Ms. Cada informed the Board that Northwestern Medicine is interested in buying the 12 Health Services Drive Property. The Board will need to get a specialized inspection of the property. The Board decided to continue pursuing this opportunity.

11. Impact Committee

The Impact Committee will be used to analyze the Board’s Self-Assessments.

12. Suicide Programming Ad Hoc Committee

The Suicide Programming Committee will meet on 6/23/21. The Committee will be organizing an event on September 16th for Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention.

13. DEI Ad Hoc Committee

The DEI Committee has changed their name to Collaboration for Equity and Belonging in Behavioral Healthcare (CEBIB). The next CEBIB meeting will be on 7/22/21.

14. Old Business

There was no Old Business to discuss.

15. New Business

A. Approval of Closed Session Board meeting minutes

Mr. Helland moved that for the closed session Board meeting minutes for 10/19/20 and 11/16/20 all will be approved, all will be posted, and all tapes will be destroyed at the appropriate time; seconded by Ms. Cook. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.

16. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:29 PM.

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/min21-mhbjun.pdf