DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board Executive Committee met April 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Committee Members Present: Perry Maier, Meghan Cook, Lana Haines

Committee Members Not Present:

Staff Present: Deanna Cada, Heaven Allen

Other Persons Present: Marilyn Stromborg

1. Call to Order

Ms. Cook called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m.

2. Agenda

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

3. Approval of Minutes

Ms. Haines moved to approve the minutes of the 03/04/25 meeting with corrections, seconded by Mr. Maier. The motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Cook appointed Dr. Marilyn Stromborg to the Finance Committee effective May 6th, 2025. Ms. Cook relieved Ms. Lana Haines from her duties from the Finance & Executive Committee effective May 6th, 2025.

4. Office Report

Ms. Cada shared that due to the success of the Community Wellness Series in DeKalb, there is interest in hosting a series in Sandwich, IL. A preliminary meeting of stakeholders in Sandwich, such as a pediatrician, the chief of police, the executive director of the opera house, and NM, was held. The Opera house is open to hosting the series. A survey will be conducted to see what topics community members would be interested in, and the Needs Assessment from Valley West will be utilized.

Ms. Cada shared that Safe Passage Executive Director Mary Ellen Schaid announced her retirement and will be stepping down as of June 30th. Ms. Cada shared that she met with their leadership to discuss the next steps. They have been searching for a new director, and they are hoping for a smooth transition between the previous executive director and the incoming one.

5. Public Comment

There was no public comment.

6. Old Business

A. FY2025 DCCMHB Conflict of Interest Forms - Action Needed - The committee reviewed and approved the conflict-of-interest forms.

B. Grant Year 2026 Process Update - Ms. Cada said the process is going well. Throughout the week, Ms. Cada will send out agency corrections as requested by the board

C. DCCMHB Staffing Exploration & Discussion - Tabled until May Meeting

7. New Business

A. NM Police/Social Worker – Data Report – Ms. Cada shared the data report of the police social workers with the committee

B. Trauma-Informed Training Plan - Tabled until May Meeting

C. DCCMHB 2025-2026 Slate of Officers – Ms. Cada told the committee that if anyone is interested in an officer role, let her know. Elected positions will be in place by July 1

D. Review Closed Session Minutes - No Closed Session Minutes to Review

8. One-Year/Three-Year Plan update -

A. Impact Committee Updates - None

B. CEBIB Updates - Ms. Cada shared that the meetings are progressing well, and the Committee Wellness series is also continuing smoothly.

C. Ms. Cada shared that the Suicide Prevention Committee has moved to be under NM. Upcoming events - May 14th Art Show through NM at Blumen Gardens & Sept 15th Student Art Show

9. Next Executive Committee Meeting Date: May 6, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

10. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.

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

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/agenda-mhex-05062025.pdf