DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Health & Human Services Committee met Sept. 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Health & Human Services Committee of the DeKalb County Board held a special meeting on Monday, September 9, 2024, in the Legislative Center’s Gathertorium in Sycamore, Illinois. Chair Rukisha Crawford called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. The members present were Savannah Ilenikhena, Michelle Pickett, Amber Quito, and Chair Rukisha Crawford. A quorum was established with four members present and three absent. Meryl Domina, Joe Marcinkowski, and Chris Porterfield were absent.

Others present included DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center (DCRNC) Administrator Bart Becker, Interim County Administrator Derek Hiland, Administrative Analyst Liam Sullivan, and County Board Chair Ellingsworth Webb.

Chair Crawford expressed concern that the agenda is missing the purpose of the evening’s special meeting, which is to discuss policies and procedures relative to the Senior Tax Levy application process. Liam Sullivan stated that he did not recall the request for this agenda item, apologized for the oversight, and stated that the item will be incorporated into the next meeting’s agenda.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

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

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Amber Quitno moved to approve the minutes of the August 5, 2024 committee meeting. Savannah Ilenikhena seconded the motion, and the motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Kay Riley of Sycamore spoke in favor of awarding the DCRNC billing and consulting services contract to the Jordan Healthcare Group. She stated that she is in favor of the “Hourly Alternative” outlined in the proposal. Riley added that this alternative would allow the service cost to be based on need.

Riley mentioned that the county should keep the current system in place for accounting services, which involves the utilization of DCRNC and Finance Department staff. She added that a dedicated accountant should be a consideration once the budget allows.

Anna Wilhelmi of Paw Paw Township stated that she agrees with the opinion outlined by Kay Riley and that she supports awarding the billing and consulting services contract to the Jordan Healthcare Group.

Wilhelmi stated that awarding the accounting services to Jordan Healthcare is not a good idea, as the county should diversify its business processes and utilize Jordan Healthcare for billing and consulting, maintaining accounting functions within the county. She added that hiring a business manager with accounting and financial planning expertise should be a future objective.

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution R2024-098 – A Resolution Awarding the DCRNC Billing & Consulting Services Contract to Jordan Healthcare Group

Michelle Pickett motioned to forward Resolution R2024-098 to the full county board, recommending the hourly “alternative”/option. Savannah Ilenikhena seconded the motion, and the motion was carried.

Resolution R2024-099 – A Resolution Authorizing the DCRNC Administrator to Execute the Hospice Services Agreement with Sanctuary Hospice on behalf of the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center

Savannah Ilenikhena motioned to forward Resolution R2024-099 to the full county board. Amber Quitno seconded the motion, and the motion was carried.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved by Michelle Pickett and seconded by Amber Quito to adjourn the meeting. The motion was carried, and the meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/minutes-hhs-09092024.pdf