DeKalb Times

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

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

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

Office staff: Deanna Cada, Heaven Allem 

Other Persons Present: Marilyn Stromborg, Elder Care Service Staff, and Board Members 

Committee Members Not Present: 

1. Call to Order 

Mr. Maier called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm 

2. Approval of Agenda 

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

3. Approval of Minutes 

Ms. Cook moved to approve the minutes of the 03/04/2025 meeting, seconded by Ms. Haines. The motion passed unanimously. 

4. Office Report 

• Ms. Cada shared that she spoke with Tynisha Clegg from FSA; they have finished their office space and are happy with the result. Shared that the board would like to hold a meeting within the space to see it. 

• Ms. Cada shared Nate from VAC's statement that they are retooling their Taylor St. Program due to low attendance within the space. Tenants are grabbing food and eating it in their rooms. They would like to change the program to pre-prepared meals and phase out the community meal. 

• Ms. Cada shared that in the Executive Committee, Ms. Cook will reappoint Dr. Marilyn Stromborg to the Finance Committee. 

5. Public Comment 

No Comment 

6. Approval of April 2025 Claims - Action Needed - 

April 2025 Claims 

a. Ms. Cook moved to approve the April 2025 Agency Claims in the amount of $266,343.82, seconded by Ms. Haines. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote. Mr. Maier- Yes, Ms. Cook - Yes, Ms. Haines-Yes. 

b. Ms. Haines moved to approve the April 2025 Office Claims in the amount of $2,673.74, seconded by Ms. Haines. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote. Mr. Maier- Yes, Ms. Cook-Yes, Ms. Haines-Yes. 

April 2025 Claims will be forwarded to the Full Board for approval 

7. Old Business 

a. Grant Year 2026 Grant Application & Process 

i. Elder Care Services Presentation - Elder Care Staff and Board Members discussed FY 2025 financials and GY 2026 Application. 

ii. Late Application Policy Development-Possible Action-The Finance Committee led a discussion regarding other Mental Health Board policies regarding late applications. The discussion will continue at the May Finance Meeting. 

b. Financial Consultant RFP-Ms. Cada shared that she will be speaking with Betsy Hull on May 2nd regarding the Financial Consultant Search, how the process could be, and what parameters to have for a financial consultant. 

c. Federal Funding/Medicaid Status Discussion - Ms. Cada shared that she met with Jennifer Yochem, Ben Bingle, and Melissa Amedeo, DCEDC, to discuss shared resources for assisting non-profits during times of uncertainty. Ms. Cada is interested in developing a survey for funded agencies to determine different ways to provide support. 

8. New Business 

a. Kishwaukee Family YMCA Request - Action Needed – Ms. Cada shared a request from the YMCA to bring in Katie Watts to do Team Building and Training for Summer Counselors. Ms. Cada proposed that next year, the YMCA should make an application for the Regular Grant Cycle. 

Mr. Maier moved to approve the Kishwaukee Family YMCA Request for Team Building with Katie Watts of $2100; Seconded by Ms. Cook. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote. Mr. Maier-Yes, Ms. Cook-Yes, Ms. Haines-Yes. 

b. Computer Replacement Executive Director & Administrative Assistant-The Finance Committee supported updated computers for staff. 

c. Trauma-Informed Training Plan Request - Possible Action - Tabled 

d. BLAC Teen Summit Request - Possible Action 

Mr. Maier moved to approve the BLAC Inc. Teen Summit Request of $500; Seconded by Ms. Cook. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote. Mr. Maier-Yes, Ms. Cook-Yes, Ms. Haines-Yes. 

e. 12 Health Services Drive—2026 Lease Expiration 

Ms. Cada discussed extending the lease of 12 Health Services Drive. An attorney was suggested, and Ms. Cada will bring a proposal to the May Finance Meeting. 

f. Closed Meeting minutes review - No Closed Meeting Minutes to Review 

9. One-Year and Three-Year Plan Goals - 

a. Suicide Prevention Committee Proposal - Possible Action - Ms. Cada shared that the suicide prevention committee, which the NM Ben Gordon Center is now leading, proposes hosting a youth art show in September. A future funding request is possible. 

b. May Mental Health Awareness Event - Possible Action - Ms. Cada shared that the NM Living Room will host its second community art show. Although expenses are minimal, the DCCMHB will provide financial support for the event. 

10. Date of next meeting: April 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. 

11. Adjournment

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