FAMILY CARE COUNCIL AREA 12 MEETING
August 9, 2007
ARC,
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM by Chairman Philip Pearson. The guests in attendance introduced themselves.
ATTENDANCE: Member and Chairman Philip Pearson (Palm Coast), Member Ray Sylvestre, Treasurer, Audrey Sylvestre, Sandy Pearson, Tom Brander, Susan Tanner, Kelly Colonna, Joan Mannix
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the July 12, 2007 meeting were approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mailing: Chairperson Phil requested suggestions for the September mailing. Ideas discussed were:
IEP Article: Importance of and proper writing of an IEP
Article explaining the difference between SSDI and SSI
Bio. On APD staff member (Phil suggested the Counselor for the Waiting List)
Continue providing information on the FCC
FCC and APD websites
School contacts
Disability Training program
Stanfield Tapes: The tapes have been added to the Volusia and Flagler libraries. No feedback yet on how well they have been received. There was discussion of adding additional materials to the libraries such as books/videos on the How-Tos of writing proper IEPs.
By-Laws Change: Chairperson Phil drafted a by-law change the provide proxy votes should a member be unable to attend a meeting. Phil read the proposed change and there was considerable discussion. Several present felt that it would not be right for a proxy vote to be made for a member who was unaware of pertinent information presented at a current meeting on an issue. The proposed by-law change will simply state that proxy voting will be allowed by email, phone, or mail. That way the person will have to know what they are voting on before they give the proxy.
NEW BUSINESS:
2007-2008 Budget: Ed reported that because of last year’s deficit, all agencies have been mandated to cut back this year’s budget by 4% and 10% for 2009. APD will carry this over to the monies for the FCC, taking back approximately $80. If there is no deficit next year then the money will be given back. Phil raised his concern and suggested that the APD might consider absorbing the $80. Ed said that that would not be the case. Phil stated that he will write a letter voicing his objections.
There was discussion concerning motivating attendance at FCC meetings. Phil asked if the FCC should pay for mileage and child care. Susan said that since most of the parents have children in the schools, their needs are being taken care of so that the FCC is not that important to them now.
Other discussion concerned the new Flagler/Volusia Community Transition Team which meets 4 times a year. There will me meeting Aug. 22nd at APD. The group consists of ARC members, school staff, and other community agencies. It was suggested that a parent advocate be added to the group. Ed will bring the idea up at the meeting.
Phil asked about what training is provided for staff at group homes. Ed responded that specific training is provided for the level of residents at individual group homes.
Joan of the Deland ARC asked for a letter of support from the FCC as the ARC will be applying for a research grant to provide technical support and training.
Ed suggested that we purchase a good speakerphone so that we could use a conference call-in for meetings. Ed is looking into use of the number. Phil will look into the phone.
APD Presentation: Ed gave a draft slide presentation on services provided by APD and requested comments which might improve the presentation.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.