DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Health & Human Services Committee met Jan. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Health & Human Services Committee of the DeKalb County Board met on Monday, January 6, 2025, in the Legislative Center’s Gathertorium in Sycamore, Illinois. Chair Rukisha Crawford called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The members present were Tim Bagby, Kim Coovert, Meryl Domina, Elizabeth Lundeen, and Chair Rukisha Crawford. A quorum was established with five members present and two members absent. Savannah Ilenikhena arrived at 6:32 p.m., and Michelle Pickett arrived at 6:33 p.m.

Others present included Veterans Assistance Commission Superintendent Tammy Anderson, DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center (DCRNC) Administrator Bart Becker, Mental Health Board Director Deanna Cada, and Administrative Analyst Liam Sullivan.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Tim Bagby moved to approve the agenda and Meryl Domina seconded the motion. The motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Meryl Domina moved to approve the minutes of the November 4, 2024 meeting, Tim Bagby seconded the motion, and the motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

Health & Human Services Committee Orientation

Liam Sullivan welcomed the committee members and outlined the county departments that report to the Health & Human Services Committee.

In the absence of Public Health Administrator Lisa Gonzalez, Sullivan provided an overview of the Health Department responsibilities. Sullivan also provided an overview of the Regional Office of Education, as Regional Superintendent Amanda Christiansen was also unable to attend the meeting.

Sullivan introduced DeKalb Rehab & Nursing Center (DCRNC) Administrator Bart Becker. Becker provided an overview of the DCRNC operation and outlined the services available at the center. He added that securing contracts with insurance companies is a current focus.

Sullivan introduced Mental Health Board Director Deanna Cada. Cada outlined the services supported through the Mental Health Board. She also provided an overview of the Health & Human Services Committee’s role in support of these services and invited committee members to attend a Mental Health Board meeting.

Sullivan introduced the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) Superintendent Tammy Anderson. Anderson distributed a copy of the VAC letter sent to DeKalb County Board Members in December that outlines the services that were provided by VAC in 2024. Anderson reviewed the mission of VAC and provided examples of the services the commission provides to veterans.

Sullivan stated that Voluntary Action and the DeKalb County Extension Service are agencies that report to the Health & Human Services Committee. Sullivan also provided some examples of agenda items the Health & Human Services Committee should expect to address in the coming year.

Chair Crawford inquired about the possibility of Jordan Healthcare participating in an upcoming Health & Human Services Committee meeting. Sullivan provided the committee with a brief overview of Jordan Healthcare’s role with the DCRNC and stated that he would explore the possibility of Jordan Healthcare attending a meeting.

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution 2025-004 – A Resolution Authorizing the DCRNC Administrator to Execute the Provider Agreement with Aetna Network Services LLC on behalf of the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center.

Liam Sullivan provided an overview of Resolution 2025-004 and outlined the history of negotiations with Aetna that have resulted in the current proposed agreement. Bart Becker added that he is excited about this agreement and that it will allow the DCRNC to better serve the community.

Michelle Pickett motioned to move Resolution R2025-004 to the full county board and to recommend its approval. Meryl Domina seconded the motion, and the motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Liam Sullivan stated that there are many knowledgeable and helpful individuals within county government and encouraged the Health & Human Services Committee members not to hesitate to contact a department or agency representative with any questions.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved by Kim Coovert and seconded by Savanah Ilenikhena to adjourn the meeting. The motion was carried, and the meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m.

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/packet-hhs-02032025.pdf