DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board Executive Committee met Nov. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Committee Members Present: Perry Maier, Meghan Cook

Committee Members Not Present: Marilyn Stromborg

Staff Present: Deanna Cada, Heaven Allen

Other Persons Present:

1. Call to Order

Ms. Cook called the meeting to order at 6:38 p.m.

2. Agenda

Mr. Maier moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Ms. Cook. The motion passed unanimously.

3. Approval of Minutes

Mr. Maier moved to approve the minutes of the 10/08/24 meeting, seconded by Ms. Cook. The motion passed unanimously.

4. Office Report

• Ms. Cada shared that the Mental Health Board has a Guest DJ Spot on WDKB 94.9; Ms. Cada extended an invite to the Executive Committee and to the Board to join and talk about being a board member.

• Ms. Cada shared she had an exit interview with board member Sue Plote

• Ms. Cada shared that she participates in the PEP Action Team (Permanency for Foster/ Adoption Placements). Ms. Cada shared that the group is working towards Trauma Training. Currently, they are developing Winter Coat Drives in the community.

• Ms. Cada shared that she attended the Dessert and Dialogue event at the History Center. It was well attended, and there was a very active conversation.

• Ms. Cada shared that she attended the discussion by Author Diane Nilan on homelessness. Ms. Cada shared that Ms. Nilan talked about a possible mentoring program for those who become homeless.

• Ms. Cada announced that DCNP is hosting their 10-year anniversary of the Internship Program; Ms. Cada shared that Ms. Allen and herself will be attending; she also reached out to past Mental Health Board Interns and invited them to the event.

• Ms. Cada shared the Psychiatry Level Setting Survey Snapshot with the Executive Committee.

• Ms. Cada shared that Coroner Denny Miller and State Attorney Rick Amato are leaving the County. Ms. Cada extended an invitation to Board members to attend their farewell parties.

5. Public Comment

There was no public comment.

6. Old Business

A. Open Board position/policy update – Action Needed – Ms. Cada discussed the changes to the Open Board Position Policy Updates.

Ms. Cook moved the Open Board Position Policy Update to the Full Board for approval, seconded by Mr. Maier. The motion passed unanimously.

B. Executive Director & Administrative Assistant Performance Reviews

Possible Closed Session (Exception (1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees) – Ms. Cada reviewed the administrative assistant's performance with the Executive Committee; Ms. Cada shared that she is requesting a 3% increase for the Administrative Assistant. Ms. Cada also discussed with the Executive Committee that this is her 10-year anniversary, and she is hoping to get another week of vacation.

7. New Business

A. Interim Board Vice President/Finance Committee Appointment: Lana Haines will be the Interim Board Vice President, and Perry Maier will be the Interim Finance Committee Chair.

B. Board Meeting Attendance – Quorum concerns – Ms. Cook & Ms. Cada will address these concerns with the Board.

8. One-Year/Three-Year Plan update –

A. Young Child Initiative – The next Ad Hoc Committee meeting is scheduled for November 20, 2024, but without Ms. Plote, there is no chair of the Committee. Ms. Cada will work on a response to the loss of Ms. Plote.

B. CEBiB Updates and Strategies – Ms. Cada shared that she spoke with Sheila Santos, the IMO Director, and they can change the CEBiB webpage. Ms. Cada is looking for a vendor for CEBiB T-shirts and other items. Mr. Maier recommended Health Merch.

C. Suicide Prevention/ Intervention – The Committee will be planning an event for 2025, an art show for students.

D. Impact Committee -

9. Date of Next Executive Committee Meeting: December 3, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.

10. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

Ms. Cook moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Maier. The motion passed unanimously.

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/minutes-mhex-11052024.pdf