Executive Committee:
Members:
Absent:
Guests:
Staff:
Call to Order: The quarterly meeting of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois was called to order by Chair Sherwin at 10:10 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2009. Sherwin welcomed members and guests present. Introductions were made.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the November 13, 2008 meeting were distributed for review and approval.
MOTION: Pritchard motioned to approval of minutes of November 13, 2008. The motion was seconded by Gunther. Motion passed.
Chair Report: Sherwin reported that she attended the SILC Congress in January. She updated the Council on the continued discussions at the Congress regarding reinterpretation of SILC responsibilities.
Executive Director Report: Broeker distributed a written report of his activities for January, 2009. He discussed the Conflict of Interest Policy which is required for the IRS. Everyone must sign this policy annually for our records. Broeker also distributed the final audit report from RSA’s visit last year.
Finally, Broeker discussed the timeline for priorities for possible funding to the Centers for Independent Living from the stimulus package currently being debated in the Senate. An adhoc committee has been formed consisting of CIL directors and SILC members to come up with recommendations for distributions of what could possibility be between 2 and 3 millions dollars for two years.
MOTION: Pritchard motioned that SILC hold a teleconference to discuss and vote on the recommendations made by the adhoc committee regarding any funds that become available. The motion was seconded by Thompson. Motion carried.
INCIL Report: Ford reported that INCIL continues to work on the Money Follows the Person pilot program. She expressed concerns with the slow process and red tape that is involved in getting this important program off the ground.
Ford also discussed the Disability Rights / Independent Living Conference INCIL is co-hosting with the Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois on April 27 – 29, 2009 in downtown Springfield. In conjunction with the conference, there will also be a huge expo with vendors exhibiting assistive technology and a legislative reception.
Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Kear reviewed the financial reports for October, November and December, 2008. Kear reminded the Council that RSA required SILC to break up their operating grant into capacity development so beginning in January the financial reports will have an additional column indicating this separation.
MOTION: Gunther moved to accept the financial reports as presented. Pritchard seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Planning & Programs Committee Report: Report: Broeker reported that the Planning & Programs Committee has been reworking the Statement of Education and Policy Initiatives. Broeker discussed the recommended changes to the policy he has made since the last Council meeting. He has incorporated all feedback from the Council and presented the draft policy for approval.
MOTION: Kear motioned to accept the 2009 Statement of Education and Policy Initiatives as presented. Gunther seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Operations Committee: Kear reported that the Committee has finalized goals for the year which include updating the Executive Director’s performance appraisal tool, reviewing the Conflict of Interest Policy and Grievance Policy and Procedure.
Outreach Committee Report: Broeker reported that the Outreach Committee continues to work towards developing a best practices manual for CILs. The Committee is also looking to recruit new Council members that represent all disabilities and ethnicities.
Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit: Broeker reported that the Summit will host its eleventh year at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on July 26 – 29, 2009. Applications will be available at the beginning of April. Approximately 30 youth between the ages of 17 – 24 will be selected to attend.
Guest Speaker: Cheryl Jansen, Equip for Equality: Jansen gave a presentation regarding involuntary sterilization of adults with disabilities. Illinois law currently allows a guardian to have a ward sterilized without getting a court order. Equip for Equality is seeking support for a bill which would require a court order when a guardian seeks to have their ward sterilized involuntarily.
MOTION: Kear motioned that SILC support legislation protecting adults with disabilities from involuntary sterilization. Pritchard seconded the motion. Motion passed.
MOTION: Heavens motioned to amend our current Statement of Education and Policy Initiatives to include a section regarding reproductive rights of adults with disabilities. Gunther seconded the motion. Motion carried.
MOTION TO ADJOURN: A motion to adjourn was made by Sherwin and seconded by Gunther. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned.
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Mark Karner, Secretary
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Date Approved