NORTHEAST ALBERTA COMMUNITY BOARD
PERSONS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
PUBLIC MEETING
Saturday,
October 22nd, 2005 9:10 am
to 12:00 pm
Timber Room,
Westlock Inn
Westlock, Alberta
APPROVED MINUTES
Present:
Don Schultz, Chair, Donna Desjardins, Vice Chair, Ralph Gorrie, Caren Mueller, Floyd Thompson, Glenn Hennig, Colleen Marks
Administration: Dale Drummond, Interim CEO; Lucille Froese,
Recording Secretary
Guests:
Don Pottie, Family Voices, Lisa Laforge, WJS Alberta, Roseann Krikke and Kaylynn Jehn,
Co-Chairs, Westlock Community Council, Clayton Waterhouse, Westlock Community Council
A.
Don Schultz, Chair,
called the meeting to order at 9:10 am, October 22nd, 2005.
Add:
Agenda Item 1.7 Growth
Agenda Item 1.8 Plaques
Agenda Item 2.4 Public Guardian’s Office – Open House
#05-10-969 MOTION: Glenn
Hennig moved the Board approve the agenda
as amended. Carried unanimously.
C. Approval of Minutes
#05-10-970 MOTION: Colleen
Marks moved the Board approve the minutes
as
presented.
Carried unanimously.
· Attended the Community Council meeting in Vegreville – very good turnout.
· The Community council is still looking for a larger location.
· As a way of getting people to speak out, the council is planning an awards night at the December meeting. Each person will give an award to another person – for example, a Tigger Award for someone who speaks out. This is planned as a fun event to encourage people to speak out.
· Talked to a family from Bruderheim – they will be coming to the Conference in Fort McMurray
· Completed a survey with Canadian Accreditation Council (CAC) regarding children’s services and the services we are receiving from SPAN. One of the people interviewed is the program director at a children’s youth ranch where six boys live. She wasn’t aware of PDD and some of these young men will be moving into adulthood soon. A staff member and I will pay a visit to them and explain what PDD is.
· The VALID Board meeting has been cancelled for this month.
·
Community Living Awareness Month Launch
· I attended the launch at the legislature on October 3, 2005. Minister Fritz and Provincial Chair, Betty Thompson brought greetings for the launch. The theme of the month this year is Inclusive Post Secondary Education.
·
St. Paul Community Council
· There were two meetings in the past month, one on September 21, 2005 and one on October 18, 2005.
· At the September 2005 meeting, there was a lot of sharing, with a general feeling of everyone feeling glad that they were back together again after the summer. I was proud to introduce our Interim CEO to the Council. As well, there were elections that night. Sherry Young is now Co-Chair. A number of individuals with developmental disabilities expressed an interest in being a co-chair as well. Everyone who was interested put their name in a hat, and names were drawn. Mark Tremblay is now co-chair for the period October to December 2005. Then another self-advocate will step forward for the next three-month period.
· On October 18, 2005 the community council had a special presentation from the AISH manager and two of his directors regarding the new AISH, effective October 2005. There were over 50 people in attendance. At that meeting, I presented a special picture to Bill Tidsbury from the Board. The picture was a bronze sculpture of hands depicting “empowerment”. Our Board and many of the people that we serve or support are going to truly miss Bill. His passion and caring for community will make him a wonderful asset to BC as they strive to establish community councils.
·
Family Managed Workshop – September 23, 24, 2005
· I attended the family managed workshop on September 23rd and 24th in St. Paul, and brought greetings from the Board. It was an absolutely delightful workshop, where families laughed and cried together, and then dared to dream about what would be best for their sons and daughters. There are over 30 families presently managing their own services in Northeast Alberta. What is amazing is a good part of these are long term contracts, and often have had the same employee working with them for as much as 16 years. I am anxious to work with Barb Chaffee and Lori Skinner in “next steps” for this choice of service delivery.
·
Special Olympics St. Paul
· Special Olympics is very busy right now. The bowlers will be attending two tournaments in the next few weeks. As well, floor hockey has just started this week.
· The organization was pleased to receive a donation from the St. Paul Abilities Network of $5,000 to help toward purchasing equipment, assisting in travel costs for athletes, and assisting us in putting on the special 20th anniversary ball tournament in 2006.
· Nine coaches and athletes attended the AGM for Special Olympics Alberta in Calgary on September 30, 2005.
·
Inclusive Post Secondary Education celebration
· Daniel Desjardins, my son, presented at a special celebration at Grant MacEwan College this past Thursday evening. A wonderful celebration—it is so amazing, to see how successful and how far the philosophy and reality of post secondary choices has developed.
· The Lac La Biche Community Council held their meeting in the Portage College boardroom.
· I contacted the IGA – they provided free juice and doughnuts.
· Next month the community council meeting will be held at the provincial building boardroom.
· Special Olympics Bowling started on October 3, 2005.
· Talked about using Community Capacity dollars to build a ramp for the Bowling Alley.
· The council has prepared a brochure to tell what it is about and what services it are available.
· The council will alternate meeting times each month – in the afternoon one-month and the evening the next month.
· Attended the CLALD Annual General Meeting at the invitation of the President.
· Would like to arrange for an AISH information session to be held in Lac La Biche.
· Don Schultz attended the Athabasca Community Council on my behalf.
· VALID meeting for October was cancelled for lack of members available.
· Community Council – September 27, 2005
· Finalized the Vegreville representation to the Northeast Conference.
· Roy Skoreyko guest speaker on Self-Advocacy
· Roy outlined his life from Michener Centre to today
· He made very clear the need to speak up for oneself
· The message was needed to be heard in our community
· I would hope that we would have something basic to work with to emphasize and prepare our people to get involved in this movement, or Roy’s message will have been in vain.
· With the move of provincial offices to a new location, Community Council has to find a new location large enough to meet their needs. It is not known at this time if the new quarters will have a large meeting room.
· Next meeting will be held on October 25, 2005.
·
Whitecourt Community Council
· I attended the October 6, 2005 Whitecourt Community Council meeting.
· We began with a grounding circle and then those members who chose to participate gave a prepared speech on:
· What is Community Council?
· Why do I go to meetings?
· What is the purpose of Community Council?
· If community council were everything that I wanted it to be, what would it look like?
· Home Program
· Some individuals attended a session that was offered in Whitecourt. They advised that they learned to fill out forms and to save money.
· ICE: Income, Credit Rating Equity.
· They were given binders in regard to mortgages.
· The Home Program will be returning to Whitecourt for further sessions, but no date has been set as yet.
· Transportation
· The Town of Whitecourt is looking at buying two buses; one for seniors, and one for persons with disabilities.
· The local cab company is interested in purchasing an old DATS vehicle.
· The transportation committee’s next meeting is November 28, 2005.
· 7th Annual Northeast Alberta Conference
· This was discussed and individuals are looking forward to attending.
· Don Pottie from Family Voices was unable to attend the meeting due to a back injury.
· Mary-Jo passed out booklets to the individuals on Renewing AISH.
· The community council hopes to have a brief meeting on Saturday, November 5, 2005 at lunch at the Northeast PDD Conference.
· The next scheduled community meeting is December 1, 2005 at 6:00 pm and they will have a Christmas potluck prior to the meeting. They hope to have more new community members at this meeting and encouraged people to invite someone from the community.
·
Westlock Community Council
· I attended the Westlock Community Council meeting on October 17, 2005
· Poverty Supper
· A committee was formed to organize a dinner in hopes of raising the awareness of poverty. They decided to rename the initiative “Trading Places”. They have not set a date or location as yet.
· AISH song
· There has been no progress on this. They are considering having an individual sing the song for them and have it recorded on a CD.
· Special Olympics
· They will be having a trainer assist them with their softball game prior to going to Brandon, Manitoba next summer.
· Westlock Independence Network
· Their Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 2005.
· Caren and I extended an invitation for everyone to attend the Northeast Alberta Community Board meeting in Westlock on October 22, 2005. We requested that people contact Lucille if they were going to attend.
· 7th Annual Northeast Annual Conference
· people are looking forward to attending.
· The next Westlock Community Council meeting is scheduled for November 14, 2005.
· I attended an Interview on Board Governance on October 18, 2005 in Westlock.
· I will be attending Conference on Bullying in Slave Lake on November 2nd and 3rd, 2005 on behalf of CFSA.
· Attended the Athabasca Community Council meeting with the Interim CEO on
October 11, 2005.
· The council runs a very good meeting. Very vocal turnout.
· One individual spoke – but did it as an interview, with a friend asking questions. This was a good idea as it helped the individual to speak out.
· The council has an arrangement with the taxi company – one person phones and books rides for the people attending the council meeting. Taxi fare is picked up by the council. This is good for the taxi company and helps the community council members.
· A Christmas party is being planned.
· Attended Barrhead Community Council meeting on October 20, 2005.
· The council is organizing a community council and People First Christmas party.
· Floor hockey has started – the council may have to change their meeting dates.
· The ball team (Westlock and Athabasca) is going to the Nationals next year in Brandon, Manitoba.
· The ball team approached service clubs and got donations for tracksuits and running shoes.
· Training camp for the Nationals is on November 12, 2005.
· Athabasca and Barrhead are excited about going to the conference.
1.1
Northeast Board CEO: Transition and Recruitment Plans
(Update)
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Discussion and direction to the administration.
The Board reviewed and discussed the updated transition plans for the Interim CEO as well as the recruitment process for the new CEO. The Interim CEO has completed all planned training sessions and has attended a number of regional and provincial meetings, including two community council meetings – in St. Paul and Athabasca.
The Interim CEO also plans to attend the following events:
· Provincial CEO Meetings, October 27, November 24
· Consortium of Service Providers Business Meeting, October 28
· ECHOS Annual General Meeting, October 27
· Northeast Board Conference November 4, 5, 6
· PDD Information Needs Assessment, November 7
· Provincial Audit Committee Retreat, November 9
· Barrhead Community Council Meeting, November 17
A number of applications were received for the CEO position. These have been narrowed down to six and initial interviews will be held in November. Representatives from AACL and AARC will be invited to participate in the interview for final selection.
#05-10-971 MOTION: Donna Desjardins moved the Board accept
the report for
information.
Carried unanimously.
1.2
Northeast Alberta Regional Conference, November 4, 5,
6, 2005
in Fort McMurray
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information and discussion.
The Board reviewed an agenda for the conference, the bus schedule, a list of Service and Merit Award recipients, and a list of confirmed participants and Glenn Hennig gave an update on conference planning activities.
· Board members will be asked to select which sessions they would like to monitor. They will introduce presenters and present awards. A co-host from Fort McMurray will assist each board member at the sessions.
· Attendance at the conference is completely booked, with a good balance from all areas of the region.
· Two buses will be used for a tour of Fort McMurray on Saturday.
· There is a swimming pool and hot tub in the hotel for those who wish to use them.
· The Bus Schedule for the Conference is posted on the Northeast Board website at www.ne-pdd.org.
#05-10-972 Ralph Gorrie moved the Board accept the report for information.
Carried
unanimously.
1.3
Provincial Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: Discussion and approval.
Deferred to the December Board meeting in Lac La Biche.
#05-10-973 Glenn Hennig moved
the Board accept the report for information.
Carried unanimously.
1.4
Board Governance Assurance Framework
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information
At the October 16th, 2004 board meeting, the Board endorsed the Board Governance Review and Assurance Framework as presented. The original timeline for this project has been adjusted dramatically due to internal audit process of Service Providers underway by the office of the Chief Internal Auditor. Subsequently, the process has been further delayed due to the summer season, vacation and illness.
The interviews have occurred – the only outstanding interview is the CFO; this interview will occur next week. The Service Provider Review will be done in November and results of the process will be available at the December meeting.
#05-10-974 MOTION: Floyd Thompson moved the Board accept the
report for
information.
Carried unanimously.
1.5
Northeast Alberta Community Board Second Quarter Report
(July 1, 2005 to September 30,
3005)
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information.
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 Board discussed highlights of the Second Quarter Report.
· Based on recognized revenues, there is only a slight underutilization of expenditures – very close to targets.
· Growth – two individuals per month.
· A few individuals cannot get service right now as Service Providers do not have the staff available to provide services.
· Seven individuals 54 years and over moved into the region. There has been a similar trend over the last three years.
· In rural Alberta, parents are getting older, they haven’t used services before, and they are looking for support for their family member.
· A plain language copy of the 2004 Annual Report has been put on hold due to staffing changes. A plain language copy of the 2005 Annual Report is planned.
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 Second Quarter Report as presented.
#05-10-975 MOTION: Caren Mueller moved the Board accept the report for
information. Carried unanimously.
1.6
Northeast Board Audit Committee: Update
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information and discussion.
Donna Desjardins presented a verbal report.
· A Provincial Risk Management Committee has now been established with representation from all of the regions. This committee will report to the Provincial Audit Committee. Our CFO, Connie Zatorski has been instrumental in the development of this committee.
· An Audit Committee summit is scheduled for November 9, 2005 in Fort Edmonton Park. The Northeast Board Audit Committee members, CEO, CFO, and Board Chair will be attending.
· Discussion that day will focus on the Terms of Reference, recent developments and recommendations coming from the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants regarding audits and accountability, and discussion of the Conflict of Interest Policy.
· A Northeast Board Audit Committee meeting is scheduled for the afternoon of December 16, 2005.
#05-10-976 MOTION: Donna Desjardins moved her verbal report.
Carried
unanimously.
1.7
Growth
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information.
Caren Mueller attended a Growth meeting in Westlock on October 10th, 2005.
· The Growth Committee (Grizzly Regional Economic Development Committee) represents Westlock, Barrhead, Swan Hills.
· Each town has its own economic group – this is a regional body. Look at how to attract people/tourists to their area.
· They would like to have the Northeast at the table.
· Lots of areas we could cross over and help each other with.
· They also help to try and put places and people together to fill positions.
· There was a presentation from the Westlock economic development people – one thing was not being able to attract people to work because of salaries, etc.
· Clayton Jesperson, Chair of Pembina Hills School Division, is also the Chair of Growth.
· Caren will make a request to the committee for an opportunity to give a presentation and show the PDD employment video “Building Your Career One Person At A Time”.
· Board members will talk to the community councils in their area to see if they would like to give presentations and show the video to economic development organizations as well.
#05-10-977 MOTION: Caren Mueller moved the Board accept the
report for
information.
Carried unanimously.
1.8
Plaques
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information.
As a result of the planned departure of Dr. Alex Hillyard and Bill Tidsbury, a new plaque depicting Northeast PDD’s vision has been crafted by St. Paul artist, Herman Poulin.
The Board decided to order additional copies of this plaque for special occasions in the future. The Board will set criteria for giving these out at their December meeting.
#05-10-978 MOTION: Donna Desjardins moved the Board accept the report for
information. Carried unanimously.
2.1 Bonnyville People First – Community
Capacity Funding Request
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information and discussion.
On March 4, 2005 a request from Mr. Lawrence Noel, President, People First of Northern Alberta, was received. On September 27, 2005 a second request was received from Mr. Lawrence Noel asking the Board to consider utilizing Community Capacity funding to fund a province wide planning event for People First members in Alberta.
The Board agreed to support travel and costs for Lawrence Noel to attend a provincial meeting of People First.
As the Northeast Board only has jurisdiction for Northeastern Alberta, it cannot commit other boards to similar requests.
A letter will be sent to Mr. Noel giving him this information and to suggest that he may want to contact the Community Councils in our area for further support. As well, the Provincial Board may have some support available.
#05-10-979 MOTION: Ralph Gorrie
moved the Board accept the report for
information. Carried unanimously.
2.2 North Central Governance Agreement Meeting, October
17, 2005
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information and discussion.
The Boards represented in the North Central Alberta Governance Agreement held a semi annual meeting on October 17, 2005 in Westlock, Alberta. Approximately 28 board members and administrative staff attended the event. Mr. Don Schultz and Mrs. Caren Mueller represented the Northeast Alberta Community Board along with Mr. Dale Drummond, Interim CEO.
Russell Carr provided an inspirational uptake on Community Governance, which was followed by some small group work focusing on strategic planning. This provided a very good basis for the administrative committee to build on in the next year.
The Governance group meets twice each year. The Northeast Board Chair and a Board member attend each meeting.
#05-10-980 MOTION: Glenn Hennig
moved the Board accept the report for
information. Carried unanimously.
2.3 Westlock Independence Network –
AGM, CET Certification
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Discussion and direction to the administration and for
Board attendance at the AGM to present the CET plaque.
The Westlock Independence Network (WIN) has recently completed the requirements for CET and has been granted certification from the Alberta Association of Rehabilitation Centres (AARC).
A framed CET certificate will be presented to the WIN Board at their Annual General Meeting on November 15, 2005, by a member of the Northeast Alberta Community Board for PDD.
#05-10-981 MOTION: Colleen Marks moved the Board accept the
report for
information.
Carried unanimously.
2.4 Public Guardian Office – Open House
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information.
The Public Guardian Office will be holding an Open House in St. Paul on November 29, 2005. Similar events are scheduled for other communities as well. The schedule can be found on the Alberta Government Website.
The Vice Chair and CEO will attend the Open House event, which will provide an opportunity for discussion with the Public Guardian Office.
#05-10-982 MOTION: Donna Desjardins moved the Board accept the report for
information. Carried unanimously.
C.
Communications from Board Chair
·
Provincial
Board
· All community boards are expected to manage within their budgets.
· There will be a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the Taylor Report.
· Handled two appeals – one appeal was settled and one will be going ahead to the next step in the appeal process.
· In seven years there have been three appeals in the Northeast region - lowest rate in the province. This says a lot about communication and the understanding of the families.
· The Provincial Board meeting next month will be a retreat at Fort Edmonton Park. There will be no Provincial Board meeting in December.
· Attended the launch of Community Living Awareness Month at the Legislature – the Minister and the Provincial Chair spoke well.
· Have been busy with the recruitment process – there were thirty-eight applicants and they have been narrowed down to six. Initial interviews will be held on November 19.
· As a community member, I will be part of an anti bullying day in Barrhead on November 17. The Rotary Club sponsored a speaker to come up from the States.
H. Communications
from CEO
· Working together with staff on a recognition program – looking at options where the Board and staff can get together.
I. In-Camera Session
(Review organizational issues)
#05-10-983 MOTION: Colleen
Marks moved to go In-Camera at 9:10 am to discuss
an organizational issue. Carried
unanimously.
#05-10-984 MOTION: Donna
Desjardins moved to come out of Camera at 9:50 am.
Carried
unanimously.
J. Notice of
Motion/Request for Information
K. Proposed Meeting Dates
· November 6, 2005 Fort McMurray
· December 17, 2005 Lac La Biche
· January 21, 2006 Athabasca
· February 25, 2006 Cold Lake
· March 18, 2005 Edmonton
· April 22, 2006 St. Paul
· May 27, 2006 Bonnyville
· June 24, 2006 Fort McMurray
· July 15, 2006 At the call of the Chair
· August 19, 2006 Vegreville
· September 16, 2006 Westlock
· October 21, 2006 Barrhead
· November 18, 2006 Whitecourt
· December 16, 2006 Lac La Biche
#05-10-985 MOTION: Caren Mueller moved the Board adjourn at 12:00 pm.
Carried
unanimously.
______________________________ ______________________________
Don Schultz, Chair Dale Drummond, CEO