DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center Oversight Board met Aug. 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

A Regular meeting of the Members of the DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center Oversight Board (hereinafter “Oversight Board”) was held Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room in DeKalb, Illinois pursuant to written notice to each Member as required by the By-Laws.

ROLL CALL

Chair Anna Wilhelmi called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. and called the roll. Those Members present were Abdul El-Jamal, Mary Hatch, Rhonda Henke, Dan Kenney and Frank Roberts. A quorum was established with six Members present, two absent and one vacancy. Rebecca Johnson was not present at the time of the roll-call having arrived at 6:29 p.m.

Others that were Nursing Home Administrator Bart Becker and Board Secretary Liam Sullivan

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

It was moved by Kenney to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Hatch and approved unanimously by voice vote.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

It was moved by Hatch and seconded by El-Jamal to approve the minutes of the June 24, 2025 Meeting of the DCRNC Oversight Board and approved unanimously by voice vote.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments.

CHAIR’S COMMENTS

Chair Wilhelmi asked the Oversight Board to renew their commitment to the DCRNC and assisting in making decisions that are in the best interest of the Facility and its residents. Chair Wilhelmi also announced that this would be Board Secretary Liam Sullivan’s last meeting with the Oversight Board. Wilhelmi and the Oversight Board took the opportunity to give Sullivan their well wishes.

PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

DCRNC Administrator’s Report

DCRNC Administrator Bart Becker provided an overview of the following reports: https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fn-rpt25jun-dcrnc.pdf

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fn-rpt25jul-dcrnc.pdf

Additionally, Becker noted that the DCRNC is now an overall 4-star Facility for their CMS rating. This is up from a 3-star facility. He also noted that IDPH has only visited the facility once to this point in 2025, which can be seen as a positive. Becker highlighted the fact that the DCRNC is on pace for a 4th straight month without using agency staffing.

The Oversight Board asked for an update on the FY2026 Budget process for the Facility and asked if Sullivan could provide an overview. Sullivan stated that he was not included in the County’s FY2026 Budget team so he was unprepared to speak about the budget. Becker shared that Interim County Administrator Derek Hiland has been working with Jordan Healthcare Group to create the FY2026 Budget for the DCRNC. It was noted that Interim Administrator Derek Hiland had stated that he was uncomfortable with presenting the DCRNC budget to the Oversight Board prior to it being presented to the County’s Finance & Administration Committee in September.

Sullivan stated that the Oversight Board Members are welcome to attend the September Finance & Administration Committee meeting to hear the presentation. Oversight Board Members expressed that they felt they should have the chance to review the FY2026 DCRNC Budget prior to County Board review due to the County Board placing them in charge of the oversight of the facility and financial matters related to it.

Becker noted that the August average daily census was 116, (representing a gradual increase from an average of 106 for April). Roberts suggested that the Oversight Board should assist staff with actions to increase census. There was consensus that while some marketing initiatives suggested by the Oversight Board have been implemented, more comprehensive marketing efforts are needed to raise awareness. Becker suggested that these include special events for hospital staff/discharge planners, developing and adding a virtual tour to the website. The new community liaison already has positive relationships with hospital staff, and she has implemented technology to streamline the admissions process.

Wilhelmi congratulated DCRNC staff for significant cost cuts, particularly related to agency nursing staff. Sullivan reported that Jordan acknowledged the great job DCRNC had done in reducing costs. Becker noted that bidding out services has also contributed significantly to lower expenses, a process that Sullivan has `led. Requests for proposals (RFPs) will be issued soon for therapy and pharmacy services, and a desperately needed new walk-in cooler and freezer.

Roberts explained a cash flow graph he developed from the county month-end report that indicates DCRNC is headed in the right direction. Variable costs may impact monthly numbers (such as a 3- payroll month, which will occur this August), so it is best to consider the (currently positive) trend rather than a single month.

DCRNC Annual Report

Hatch provided the Oversight Board with a Draft of the DCRNC Annual Report that is required by the Bylaws of the facility. She reviewed the draft document and solicited feedback from the Oversight Board.

Discussion of DCRNC Oversight Board Bylaws

Vice-Chair Hatch shared that she has worked with DCRNC Staff and members of the Oversight board to create some proposed changes to the Bylaws now that the Oversight Board has a year of experience under its belt. She provided an overview of proposed changes to the Bylaws including changes to the sections for reporting, procurement and the roles of staff working with the Oversight Board.

CONSIDERATIONS

There were no consideration items.

OLD BUSINESS

There were no Old Business Items.

NEW BUSINESS

Roberts asked that the Oversight Board and staff consider how AI could help optimize the business end of the DCRNC. He stated that he has seen how powerful AI can be as a tool for businesses through his profession and shared that he feels the DCRNC would be able to benefit from utilizing it.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion to adjourn was made by Roberts, seconded by Henke and approved by voice vote, with all votes cast in the affirmative.

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/minutes-rnc-08262025.pdf