NORTHEAST ALBERTA COMMUNITY BOARD

PERSONS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

PUBLIC MEETING

Saturday, August 20^th, 2005 9:00 am to 3:20 pm

Dr. Cairns Boardroom, Vegreville Association for Living in Dignity

4843-49 Street, Vegreville, Alberta

APPROVED MINUTES

Present:

Donna Desjardins, Acting Chair, Ralph Gorrie, Caren Mueller, Floyd Thompson,

Dr. Doug Fleming, Glenn Hennig, Colleen Marks

Administration: Dr. Alex Hillyard, CEO; Lucille Froese, Recording Secretary

Regrets:

Don Schultz was absent for personal reasons.

Guests:

Dr. Susan Moisey, Athabasca University, John Elias and Brenda Carlstad, CLR Consultants Inc, and Jacqueline Mytrash, Vegreville Community Council

A. Donna Desjardins, Acting Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:00 am,

August 20^th, 2005.

B. Approval of Agenda

#05-08-936 MOTION: Floyd Thompson moved the Board approve the agenda

as presented. Carried unanimously.

C. Approval of Minutes

#05-08-937 MOTION: Ralph Gorrie moved the Board approve the

minutes as presented. Carried unanimously.

D. Board Regional Feedback and Future Direction

Ralph Gorrie, Vegreville

Policy Development Committee (PDC) meeting for June was cancelled, as the committee did not have enough time to develop a plan for the meeting.
Enjoyed the SPAN Golf Tournament on July 14, 2005. A great turnout and I enjoyed the company of Colleen who was our leader. Dale Drummond and his son were our partners. We didn’t score low but we had a good practice round.
Our Handivan was officially put into service on August 4 with a number of dignitaries and people we serve present. Alliance Pipelines and the Lions presented donations. We entered into a lease agreement with our local Central Taxi Company with a three-month trial to be followed into a yearly contract.
The Society placed the Handivan in the parade with decals attached and led by Governor Glenn and our Peter Skoreyko with a banner.
To date we have thirteen registrations for use of the Handivan, but none of them are persons with developmental disabilities. We will need to bring this to their attention at our next community council meeting in September.
We ended the year with a wiener roast in the Elks-Kinsmen Park with a good attendance and fun.
New Library is ready for occupation. Will open in a few weeks.

Caren Mueller

The Athabasca Community Council meeting was cancelled for August. The next meeting will be in September.

Floyd Thompson

The next meeting of the Lac La Biche Community Council will be in September.
Linda Dwyer, Community Council Chair, is moving to Lac La Biche to attend school.

Colleen Marks

Whitecourt Community Council

· I did not attend the July 7, 2005 meeting as I was at my daughter’s provincial baseball tournament in Lethbridge. I have not received the minutes yet as Mary-Jo Husby has been on vacation. Paulette McGinnis was scheduled to be speaking to the council on self-advocacy in July. On Wednesday, June 1, 2005 there was a presentation on transportation from Deb Hagman. The Northeast PDD conference was discussed briefly and members were asked to vote for the Merit and Service awards. The Service Award will go to the Repeat Boutique. The Merit Award goes to Candy Sawyer and Dale Donnelly. The council is also combining impromptu public speaking with their grounding circle. There was no community council meeting in August. The next meeting of the Whitecourt Community Council is September 1, 2005.

· Westlock Community Council

· I did not attend the June 13, 2005 meeting of the council as I was in Cambridge Bay. I have received the minutes of that meeting. Bonnie Soloway is on vacation.

· The Northeast PDD Conference scheduled for November 2005 was discussed. There is a lot of interest.

· Self-Esteem and Assertiveness Training: Pam Killkross was scheduled to be speaking to them at the June 13, 2005 Community Council meeting. The next meeting of the Westlock Community Council will be held on September 11, 2005.

· The Westlock Community Council does not meet during July and August.

Family Voices

· Don and Lori spoke to the CFSA, Region #7 board meeting in Cold Lake. It was a good discussion and lots of questions were asked.

I golfed at the SPAN and Athabasca Blue Heron golf tournaments.

Glenn Hennig, Hilliard

Since June, spent time on family matters.
Delivered greetings on behalf of the Northeast Board when the Vegreville Handivan was officially put into service.
Spent three days at the fair, talking to people.

Donna Desjardins, St. Paul

· St. Paul Community Council

· There has not been a Community Council meeting since June.

· The first meeting of the fall will be on September 21, 2005 at the Legion Hall in St. Paul. We are hoping to be able to get the Acting Manager of AISH for the Northeast to attend, to discuss and understand the recent changes in AISH.

· St. Paul Abilities Network will be holding their annual general meeting on September 14, 2005. It is my intention to attend.

· Special Olympics St. Paul is holding its annual interprovincial ball tournament next Saturday and Sunday. Seventeen teams have registered from all parts of Alberta as well as Saskatchewan. If you would like to come for a really enjoyable time, watching some great teamwork and sportsmanship, you are certainly welcome.

· Next year will mark the 20^th year that Special Olympics St. Paul has held its annual ball tournament. We are planning to make it very special. In fact, we just received confirmation Wednesday that Kansas will be bringing some teams.

· The Town did not win its bid to host the Provincial Winter Games in 2007. The games will be held in Calgary.

· Provincial PDD – there is no meeting in August. The next anticipated meeting will be in Grande Prairie on September 8, 2005.

· Provincial Audit Committee will be having its exit meeting with the Attorney General next week, August 24, 2005.

· I would like to share with the Board an article that was printed in the Edmonton Journal

in July 2005. It discusses inclusive post secondary education – from the perspective of Daniel Desjardins and his brother.

· Small Sparks - there were a number of new community projects underway during the summer.

· Dove Annual General Meeting - Alex Hillyard and I attended the meeting, which was held on June 21, 2005. I brought greetings on behalf of the Board.

E. Delegations/Presentations

Jacqueline Mytrash gave greetings on behalf of the Vegreville Community Council.

· The next Vegreville Community Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 23, 2005.

· Quite a few people attend the community council meetings. The council needs a larger meeting room.

F. Reports

1. Board Communications & Operations

1.1 Northeast Board Policy Handbook: Policy Review Schedule 2005/06

Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.

Purpose of Report: Information and discussion on schedule.

The Northeast Board has developed and approved a number of Board policies, which define and direct the work of the Board and the CEO. These policies are contained in the Northeast Board Policy Handbook and have been received and signed by the Board members and CEO. Revisions and updates to the Policy Handbook are made by Board Motion.

The Board decided to initiate a major review of the Policy Handbook starting in December 2005/January 2006. A schedule for the review of the Board policies will be revisited at the November Board meeting. With the exception of the Conflict of Interest policy which will be reviewed sooner should the Provincial Board request it.

Ralph Gorrie will act as the Board liaison to undertake this review.

#05-08-938 MOTION: Caren Mueller moved the Board accept the report for

information. Carried unanimously.

1.2 Northeast Alberta Regional Conference: Update

Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.

Purpose of Report: Information and discussion.

The Board reviewed a list of participants and award recipients confirmed by community councils to date and approved a list of Board partners (with some additions) to be invited to the conference.

Board members will make personal contact with some corporate levels and follow-up with a letter afterward. Development of a corporate communication awareness strategy will be planned for the 2006 conference, starting after November 2005.

The Board will review the conference program at the September Board meeting.

#05-08-939 MOTION: Ralph Gorrie moved the Board accept the report for

information. Carried unanimously.

1.3 Northeast Alberta Community Board First Quarterly Report

For the Period April 1, 2005 to June 30, 2005

Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.

Purpose of Report: Information and discussion.

The Northeast Board provides a report to the Provincial Board each quarter, which outlines the activities and events undertaken by the Board and the results achieved in relation to the 2005-2006 business plan.

The reports are done by each region, using a provincial template.

The first section of the report highlights the Board’s activities under the following four key areas addressed under the framework of Second Centuries Communities.

I. Share Governance and Right Relationships

II. Infrastructure

III. Facilitation

IV. Assurance

The second section of the report summarizes the activities and results associated with the regional strategies for each of the provincial Goals 1 through 5.

The Board reviewed and approved the First Quarter Report as presented.

#05-08-940 MOTION: Glenn Hennig moved the Board accept the report for

information. Carried unanimously.

1.4 Northeast Alberta Community Board Monthly Financial Report

To June 30, 2005

Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.

Purpose of Report: Information and discussion.

The Board reviewed and approved the Financial Report to July 31^st, 2005. The Board is anticipating a balanced budget by the end of the year.

#05-08-941 MOTION: Ralph Gorrie moved the Board accept the report for

information. Carried unanimously.

2. Administration

2.1 Sustaining Community Based Services: Discussion

Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.

Purpose of Report: Information and discussion.

The three-year budget forecast outlines minimal increases in the resource allocation for the next two years through to 2008.

The Board discussed the question of sustainability. Within the context of resources available, how to sustain and ensure quality of life for individuals.

The Board also reviewed and discussed the approach developed by the administration which is one of initiating discussions with individuals, families and service providers, which focuses on the unique needs of each individual within the community rather than an approach which predetermines a community or regional level in the type and nature of services and resources which would be consistent for everyone.

This will be brought forward for discussion again at the September Board meeting.

#05-08-942 MOTION: Glenn Hennig moved the Board accept the report for

information. Carried unanimously.

2.2 Northeast Region Training and Employment Demonstration Project: Update

Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.

Purpose of Report: Information.

The administration began a process in January 2005 to develop a regional partnership around increasing employment for adults with complex needs. The regional partners were Alberta Human Resources and Employment, Aspen Regional Health Authority (Mental Health) and the Northeast Community Board. A proposal was developed by the three partners and the funding request was confirmed by HR&E (provincial). A request for Proposals to secure a contractor to provide services was drawn up and issued on June 15, 2005.

One submission was received in response to the tender, from an organization named EmployAbilities, based in Edmonton.

The Board received an update on the project, which will identify people with dual diagnosis or other complex needs with a goal for them to enjoy more employment hours in the community. Focus will be to make sure the needs are being addressed – doing some things differently, not the same old way. Some training will be provided for the staff and for the employer to help stabilize individuals in the workforce.

#05-08-943 MOTION: Ralph Gorrie moved the Board accept the report for

information. Carried unanimously.

2.3 Inclusive Libraries Website: Presentation

Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.

Purpose of Report: Information and discussion.

The project, “Inclusive Libraries Initiative: Fostering Online Communications and e-Learning in Marginalized Populations: Phase 2” received a second year of funding through the Northeast Alberta Community Capacity Development program.

This collaborative project involves Athabasca University and the Libraries Branch of Alberta Community Development. One component of the project involved the development of a website containing information on how to make public libraries more inclusive.

The web site, which targets librarians specifically, is now complete and is located at http://www.inclusivelibraries.com.

John Elias and Dr. Susan Moisey provided a demonstration of the website for the Board.

The Board approved the Inclusive Libraries website and endorsed the use of the website outside of the region. Clearly understood in the partnership with Athabasca, any changes must come back to the Board for approval.

#05-08-944 MOTION: Colleen Marks moved the Board accept the report for

information. Carried unanimously.

2.4 Persons with Developmental Disabilities: Family/Guardian Satisfaction Survey

2004/05

Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.

Purpose of Report: Information and discussion

The Provincial Board has received the 2004/05 satisfaction survey prepared by the Vocational and Rehabilitation Resource Institute.

The administration was informed on Wednesday, August 17^th, 2005 by a communication from VRRI that they were not confident in the accuracy of the results, especially in reporting for the Community Board.

It is anticipated that revised reports will be available by August 26^th, 2005. As a result, the presentation and discussion of the Survey results will be rescheduled to a later Board meeting.

#05-08-945 MOTION: Caren Mueller moved the Board accept the report for

information. Carried unanimously.

2.5 Northeast Board Website Update: Greetings from Yvonne Fritz

Minister of Seniors and Community Supports

Yvonne Fritz, Minister of Seniors and Community Supports, has provided a message of greetings to Albertans with disabilities, their families and service providers and our community partners. This greeting was prepared for Community Boards to include in their newsletter.

The Northeast Board does not have a community newsletter and permission was obtained to include the greetings from the Minister on the Northeast Board website, ne-pdd.org. The home page of the website now shows a picture of the Minister with the accompanying text “Greetings from Yvonne Fritz, Minister of Seniors and Community Supports.” This appears on the right hand side of the page with other resource icons directing visitors through the website.

Once a visitor clicks on the picture of the Minister, you are taken to a web page showing a picture of the Minister and text of her greetings. There is also an audio button where readers may click to hear the Minister’s greeting.

#05-08-946 MOTION: Caren Mueller moved the Board accept the report for

information. Carried unanimously.

G. Communications from Board Chair

Book Launch of Klondike Reflections, July 28, 2005

· Attended the book launch with the CEO. Two individuals have pictures they painted in the book. Copies of the book are available for Board members.

· Thank you note received from Gail Davis for flowers sent on the passing of her mother.

· Letter received from Terry Holmgren, Board Chair, St. Paul Abilities Network, re 2004-2005 one time funds.

· Two people have been appointed to the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, from the Northeast Region:

· Lawrence Noel;

· Nancy Schneider.

· Letters of congratulation from the Board Chair on behalf of the Board and CEO were sent to Lawrence Noel and Nancy Schneider.

H. Communications from CEO

Administrative Streamlining Committee

· Letter received from Garry Donald, CEO, PDD Provincial Board – thank you for participation on the Administrative Streamlining Committee.

Invitation received from Region 5 Child and Family Services Authority to participate in the development of a Governance Agreement

· Administration will participate at some level – this is very important.

Letters sent to the Provincial Board CEO and Community Board CEOs with copies of

the manuals “Art of Job Coaching”

Invitation received - to attend the St. Paul Abilities Network AGM, September 14, 2005
Family Managed Services: Input Session, is scheduled for September 23-24, 2005

St. Paul, Alberta

Community Inclusion Initiative – Regional Family Advocacy Networks

· The Family Voices Project is being reviewed by their federal funders, Social Development Canada. The Northeast Board Chair and CEO were interviewed and spoke very positively of this project.

News Release: Canada-Alberta Affordable Housing Program

· “The Government of Canada and Government of Alberta have signed Phase II of the Canada-Alberta Affordable Housing Program Agreement, which will commit at least $63 million over the next two years to increase the supply of affordable housing in the province.”

I. In-Camera Session (Review organizational issues)

#05-08-947 MOTION: Ralph Gorrie moved to go In-Camera at 9:00 am, to discuss

organizational issues. Carried unanimously.

#05-08-948 MOTION: Colleen Marks moved to come out of Camera at 10:05 am.

Carried unanimously.

#05-08-949 MOTION: Colleen Marks moved to go In-Camera at 2:20 pm to discuss

organizational issues. Carried unanimously.

#05-08-950 MOTION: Colleen Marks moved to come out of Camera at 3:15 pm.

Carried unanimously. Carried unanimously.

J. Notice of Motion/Request for Information

K. Proposed Meeting Dates

September 17, 2005 Barrhead
October 15, 2005 Westlock
November 6, 2005 Fort McMurray
December 17, 2005 Lac La Biche

Adjournment

#05-08-951 MOTION: Glenn Hennig moved the Board adjourn at 3:20 pm. Carried

unanimously.

_______________________________ _______________________________

Don Schultz, Chairman Dr. Alex Hillyard, CEO