DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Health & Human Services Committee met April 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Health & Human Services Committee of the DeKalb County Board met on Monday, April 7, 2025, in the Legislative Center’s Gathertorium in Sycamore, Illinois. Chair Rukisha Crawford called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The members present were Tim Bagby, Kim Coovert, Meryl Domina, Savannah Ilenikhena, Elizabeth Lundeen, Michelle Pickett, and Chair Rukisha Crawford. A quorum was established with all seven members present.

Mental Health Board Director Deanna Cada and County Board member Ellingsworth Webb were also present.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Savannah Ilenikhena moved to approve the agenda and Michelle Pickett seconded the motion. Pickett alerted Chair Crawford to a date error outlined under “Senior Tax Levy Process”, which references a hearing date of April 1st that should reflect the 7th. The motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Kim Coovert moved to approve the minutes of the March 3, 2025 meeting, Michelle Pickett seconded the motion, and the motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

SENIOR TAX LEVY PROCESS

Deanna Cada reviewed the grant application review process and reminded the committee that the purpose of the Senior Tax Levy funds are to keep senior citizens in their homes and out of institutional care. Cada referenced the agency information provided in the meeting packet and reviewed details on additional funds available for allocation.

SENIOR TAX LEVY HEARINGS

Chair Crawford opened the Senior Tax Levy Hearings at 6:10 p.m.

Fox Valley Older Adult Services – Deanna Cada introduced Kara Trost, Executive Director of Fox Valley Older Adult Services dba Fox Valley Community Services. Trost presented the organization’s Senior Tax Levy proposal and details on financing needs that include a funding request for $100,000. She reviewed that Fox Valley Older Adult Services has two locations in the county and provides services to neighboring counties as well. Trost outlined that the organization’s programming promotes mental health and helps seniors to remain active and independent in their homes.

Prairie State Legal Services – Deanna Cada introduced Prairie State Legal Services representatives Mary Moyer and Kim Myers. Moyer and Myers presented the organization’s Senior Tax Levy proposal that includes a funding request for $4,500. They reviewed the organization’s mission to provide civil legal services to seniors in protecting their basic needs. Myers reviewed the organization’s programming and examples of the support provided to the senior population.

Elder Care Services – A representative of Elder Care Services did not attend the hearing.

Kishwaukee Family YMCA – Deanna Cada introduced Brian Bickner, Director of the Kishwaukee Family YMCA. Bickner presented the organization’s Senior Tax Levy proposal that includes a funding request for $7,500. He reviewed that a reduction in insurance-funded memberships have resulted in programming changes and the elimination of some services. Bickner outlined the numerous services and classes the organization offers to seniors and the extensive programming the organization plans to continue.

Barb City Manor – Deanna Cada introduced Sarah Davis, Executive Director for Barb City Manor. Davis presented the not-for-profit retirement home’s Senior Tax Levy proposal that includes a funding request for $30,000. She outlined that the funds would support the financing needs of the Residence Assistance Fund. Davis emphasized that the services the home provides have, on average, delayed nursing home placement by two years.

OLD BUSINESS

Kim Coovert provided an update on the air conditioner coil consideration for the DCRNC, stating that there has been a status change on an installation quote.

NEW BUSINESS

None

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved by Savannah Ilenikhena and seconded by Elizabeth Lundeen to adjourn the meeting. The motion was carried, and the meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/packet-hhs-05052025.pdf