DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Health & Human Services Committee met April 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Health & Human Services Committee of the DeKalb County Board met on Monday, April 3, 2023, in the Legislative Center’s Gathertorium in Sycamore, Illinois. Chair Rukisha Crawford called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Those members present were Meryl Domina, Savannah Ilenikhena, Michelle Pickett, and Rukisha Crawford. Chris Porterfield and Amber Quitno were absent. A quorum was established with four members present and two absent. Chris Porterfield joined the meeting at 6:04 p.m. and Amber Quitno joined the meeting at 6:27 p.m. Deanna Cada, Executive Director of the DeKalb Mental Health Board, was also present.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Savannah Ilenikhena moved to approve the agenda as presented. Meryl Domina seconded the motion and the motion was approved unanimously.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Savannah Ilenikhena moved to approve the minutes of the March 6, 2023 committee meeting and Meryl Domina seconded the motion with the motion passing unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments.

SENIOR TAX LEVY PROCESS

Deanna Cada, Executive Director of the DeKalb Mental Health Board provided a summary of the grant application review process. She outlined that the Senior Tax Levy funds are used for the prevention of the premature institutionalization of seniors and for programs that keep seniors safe and active.

SENIOR TAX LEVY HEARINGS

Chair Rukisha Crawford opened the Senior Tax Levy Hearings at 6:05 p.m.

Fox Valley Older Adult Services – Deanna Cada introduced Suzanne Kinsey, Executive Director of Fox Valley Older Adult Services dba Fox Valley Community Services. Suzanne Kinsey presented the organization’s Senior Tax Levy proposal that includes a funding request for $120,000. She reviewed that Fox Valley Community Services provides in-home and adult day services and care to clients in need.

Prairie State Legal Services – Deanna Cada introduced Marj Askins, Grants Specialist with Prairie State Legal Services. Marj Askins presented the organization’s Senior Tax Levy proposal that includes a funding request for $4,000. She reviewed that the funds would be used to provide civil legal services free of charge to DeKalb County seniors for legal advice and representation to protect their basic human needs and rights.

(The committee took a break between 6:30 p.m. and 6:38 p.m. to allow the next presenter to start at their scheduled time.)

Family Service Agency – Deanna Cada introduced Erin Eckhardt, Business Operations Director and Rylie Loucks-Kues, Director of Community Programming and Outreach for Family Service Agency. Erin Eckhardt and Rylie Loucks-Kues presented the agency’s Senior Tax Levy proposal that includes a funding request for $60,000. They outlined that the funds would support the Senior Services Club 55 programming, which provides activities and resources for seniors that promotes their physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and psychological health.

Kishwaukee Family YMCA – Deanna Cada introduced Brian Bickner, Interim CEO, Development Director and Amanda Peck, Fitness Instructor & Personal Trainer for the Kishwaukee Family YMCA. Brian Bickner and Amanda Peck presented the organization’s Senior Tax Levy proposal that includes a funding request for $5,200. They reviewed that the funding would assist in supporting senior fitness programs and a wide variety of classes for seniors at the YMCA.

Barb City Manor – Deanna Cada introduced Maureen Gerrity, Administrator for Barb City Manor. Maureen Gerrity presented the retirement home’s Senior Tax Levy proposal that includes a funding request for $21,600. She outlined that the funds would provide financial assistance to Barb City Manor residents with low income.

DeKalb County Community Gardens – Deanna Cada introduced Heather Edwards, Program Director for DeKalb County Community Gardens. Heather Edwards presented the organization’s Senior Tax Levy proposal that includes a funding request for $22,000. She explained that the funds will help provide and deliver free food to senior residents throughout DeKalb County.

At the conclusion of the presentations, Deanna Cada offered to coordinate any onsite visits to the organizations that committee members may want to schedule.

Chair Rukisha Crawford closed the Senior Tax Levy Hearings at 7:40 p.m. OLD BUSINESS – There were no Old Business items.

NEW BUSINESS - There were no New Business items.

ADJOURNEMENT

It was moved by Chris Porterfield and seconded by Amber Quitno to adjourn the meeting. The motion was carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/minutes-hhs-04032023.pdf