McHenry Times

McHenry County Public Health & Community Services Committee met May 2.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

1. CALL TO ORDER

Meeting called to order at: 8:36 AM by Chris Christensen.

PRESENT: Christensen, Yensen, Bates, McCann, Ness, Parrish, Vijuk, Wheeler ABSENT :

Also present: Peter Austin, County Administrator; Scott Hartman, Deputy County Administrator; Hans Mach, Community Development Administrator; Dennis Sandquist, Director of Planning and Development; Scott Block, Executive Director of Mental Health; Thomas Annarella, Valley Hi Administrator; Jim Kearns, County Board Member; Alicia Schueller, Administration Intern; Jena Hencin, Community Development Specialist; Jessica Reed, Interview for Lake in the Hills Sanitary District; Marty Kampmeier, Interview for Mchenry County Housing Authority.

2. MINUTES APPROVAL

1. Public Health & Community Services - Public Meeting - Apr 3, 2019 9:30 AM

RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Paula Yensen

SECONDER: Michael Vijuk

AYES: Christensen, Yensen, Bates, Ness, Parrish, Vijuk, Wheeler

ABSENT: McCann

3. PUBLIC COMMENT

Terry Easler, Trustee for the Lake in the Hills Sanitary District, joined the committee members to voice his concerns regarding the interview process of Mchenry County Board Appointments. Mr. Easler stated that he applied for a position, received a letter stating his application was received, but never was contacted for an interview. Mr. Easler was here today to request a formal interview and to recommend the committee delay their selection by one month in return giving him an opportunity for a formal interview.

Sam Tenuto, Co-CEO of the Pioneer Center, joined the committee members in support of agenda item No. 4 (resolution No. 7687). Mr. Tenuto stated that the Pioneer Center has operated the shelter on Kishwaukee Valley Rd. in Woodstock as a full-service homeless shelter linking the indigent to resources to move them out of homelessness. Currently, their 34-bed capacity does not meet the community needs and the goal is to obtain a fixed site bringing their bed count from 34 to 70. A location was identified at the Chapel Church in McHenry, which will remain an operating church, and is offering 10,000 square feet for the shelter. Mr. Tenuto stated he fully supports the work of New Directions, truly believes in this partnership, and feels it is a win for the community.

Michael Rein, joined the committee members to discuss the proposed Valley Hi Alzheimer's/Dementia Unit Expansion. Mr. Rein asked the committee members to look into supporting not only the unit itself but to consider a 30-bed unit instead of a 20-bed unit. He felt a 30-bed unit would be most beneficial for the goals he feels they are trying to accomplish. Mr. Rein also stated with the 30-bed option they would be able to gain back some of the Medicaid beds that were restructured within a 20-bed unit. Over a 20-year period, for short term stays, they could serve approximately and extra 3,320.

Christopher Reed, Board of Directors for New Directions, joined the committee members to show his support for agenda item No. 4 (resolution No. 7687). Mr. Reed stated they have made a lot of progress in McHenry County fighting the national and local addiction epidemic. He stated there are few areas in Illinois that have made the progress they have made and this project is another step in the right direction. Currently, in their sober living has a 77 person wait list, with 45% of them, are or have been residents of McHenry County. Mr. Reed stated that housing is the largest gap in the process that they see and this project fulfills that gap significantly.

Ms. McCann joined the committee members at 8:52 a.m.

4. MEMBER COMMENTS

Mr. Vijuk asked for a follow up of last months interview of Richard Adamson for recommendation to the Community Development and Housing Grant Commission.

Chairman Christensen stated that Mr. Adamson has met with Hans Mach, Community Development Administrator, and Jena Hencin, Community Development Specialist for further clarification on the duties and responsibilities of the position and that they would be voting on his recommendation at today's meeting.

Dr. Yensen informed the committee members that she has placed a copy of the Senior Services Grant Commission and Mental Health Board Reports in their mailboxes, along with the upcoming dates for the Senior Services Grant Commission. She also included a power point on important information presented by the Area Agency on Aging.

5. NEW BUSINESS

1. 8:45 - Interview - Jessica Reed - Lake in the Hills Sanitary District

Committee members introduced themselves and interviewed Jessica Reed for consideration for appointment to the Lake in the Hills Sanitary District. It was noted that Ms. Reed meets the requirements as a member for the Lake in the Hills Sanitary District.

2. 9:00 - Interview - Marty Kampmeier - McHenry County Housing Authority

Committee members introduced themselves and interviewed Marty Kampmeier for consideration for appointment to the McHenry County Housing Authority. It was noted that Ms. Kampmeier meets the requirements as a member for the McHenry County Housing Authority.

3. 9:15 - Interview - Cindy Gaffney - McHenry County Board of Health

Cindy Gaffney was not present for her interview. Ms. McCann informed the other committee members that Ms. Gaffney offered the expertise of working the Animal Control Clinic, has been on the board for five years, and is recommending her for consideration for the position.

4. Motion: Deliberation and Selection of up to One Candidate for Recommendation to the County Board Chairman to the Lake in the Hills Sanitary District Board with a Term to Expire May 1, 2022

Dr. Yensen made a motion, seconded by Ms. McCann, to recommend the appointment of Jessica Reed as a member of the Lake in the Hills Sanitary District Board with a term to expire May 1, 2022.

RESULT: RECOMMENDED [7 TO 0]

MOVER: Paula Yensen

SECONDER: Mary McCann

AYES: Christensen, Yensen, Bates, McCann, Ness, Parrish, Wheeler

ABSTAIN: Vijuk

5. Motion: Deliberation and Selection of up to One Candidate for Recommendation to the County Board Chairman to the McHenry County Housing Authority Board to Fulfill a Term to Expire June 30, 2022

Ms. Ness made a motion, seconded by Dr. Yensen, to recommend the appointment of Marty Kampmeier as a member of the McHenry County Housing Authority Board for a term to expire June 30, 2022.

RESULT: RECOMMENDED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Suzanne Ness

SECONDER: Paula Yensen

AYES: Christensen, Yensen, Bates, McCann, Ness, Parrish, Vijuk, Wheeler

6. Motion: Deliberation and Selection of up to One Candidate for Recommendation to the County Board Chairman to the McHenry County Board of Health with a Term to begin on July 1, 2019 and to Expire June 30, 2022

Ms. McCann made a motion, seconded by Dr. Yensen, to recommend the appointment of Cindy Gaffney as a member of the McHenry County Board of Health for a term to begin on July 1, 2019 and to expire June 30, 2022.

RESULT: RECOMMENDED [6 TO 2]

MOVER: Mary McCann

SECONDER: Paula Yensen

AYES: Christensen, Yensen, Bates, McCann, Parrish, Wheeler

NAYS: Ness, Vijuk

7. Motion: Deliberation and Selection of up to One Candidate for Recommendation to the County Board Chairman for the Community Development and Housing Grant Commission with a Term to Expire December 15, 2021

Chairman Christensen explained that Richard Adamson interviewed with them last month but needed additional clarification as to what the position entailed. Chairman Christensen tabled the vote one month to allow Mr. Adamson time to speak with Hans Mach, Community Development Administrator, and Jena Hencin, Community Development Specialist about the position. Mr. Adamson has since spoken with Mr. Mach and Ms.Hencin, understands the role and his responsibilities, and would like to move forward as a candidate for the position.

Mr. Vijuk made a motion, seconded by Ms. McCann, to recommend the appointment of Richard Adamson as a member of the Community Development and Housing Grant Commission with a term to expire December 15, 2021.

Ms. McCann recommended a statement be added to the County website and application suggesting anyone interested in applying for an open position research information on the roles and responsibilities of the position they are applying for ahead of time.

Chairman Christensen stated he felt that all applicants should interview in person or on the phone going forward, even if they are reapplying for a position. It was noted in the past if a candidate did not interview for the position the recommendation was tabled till the next month. Committee members were in agreement this was a fair process to have a selection tabled for this reason.

RESULT: RECOMMENDED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Michael Vijuk

SECONDER: Mary McCann

AYES: Christensen, Yensen, Bates, McCann, Ness, Parrish, Vijuk, Wheeler

6. ROUTINE CONSENT AGENDA

Chairman Christensen asked if there were any items the committee members would like removed from the routine consent agenda.

Mr. Vijuk requested Agenda item No. 6.1 - Resolution No. 7731

Mr. Wheeler requested Agenda item No. 6.2 - Resolution No. 7732 Chairman Christensen requested Agenda item No. 6.4 - Resolution No. 7687

RESULT: RECOMMENDED [7 TO 0]

MOVER: Mary McCann

SECONDER: Paula Yensen

AYES: Christensen, Yensen, Bates, McCann, Parrish, Vijuk, Wheeler

AWAY: Ness

1. Resolution Authorizing an Amendment to a CDBG Subrecipient Agreement between McHenry County and the McHenry County Housing Authority

2. Resolution Authorizing the Reclassification of Position 25004909 and Position 25000706, Elimination of Position 25003906, and Creation of a Compliance Coordinator Position within the McHenry County Mental Health Board Roster

7. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA

1. Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of Community Development Block Grant Program Income and an Emergency Appropriation to the Fiscal Year 2019 Planning and Development - Community Development Division Program Budget

Mr. Wheeler stated that he would be abstaining from voting on this resolution and left the room at 9:33 a.m.

Dennis Sandquist, Director of Planning and Development, along with Hans Mach, Community Development Administrator, joined the committee members to discuss the resolution. Mr. Mach explained the resolution was to authorize the acceptance of additional program income revenue to the Community Development Division. The revenue comes from the sale of two homes that were funded through the use of CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) dollars for owner-occupied home repair. He explained a lien is imposed on the home at the time of the repair and if the home is sold then the lien is paid off, except for the instances that the home is sold under value.

RESULT: RECOMMENDED [7 TO 0]

MOVER: Chris Christensen

SECONDER: Paula Yensen

AYES: Christensen, Yensen, Bates, McCann, Ness, Parrish, Vijuk

ABSTAIN: Wheeler

2. Resolution Authorizing Additional Community Development Block Grant Allocations for Program Year 2018

Dennis Sandquist, Director of Planning and Development, along with Hans Mach, Community Development Administrator, joined the committee members to discuss the resolution. Mr. Mach explained the resolution was authorizing additional allocations under the 2018 program year. Due to higher funding allocated by Congress and projects coming in under budget, the County has additional funding available in the amount of $283,433.69 that was recommended to be allocated to nine different community projects.

RESULT: RECOMMENDED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Michael Vijuk

SECONDER: Paula Yensen

AYES: Christensen, Yensen, Bates, McCann, Ness, Parrish, Vijuk

ABSENT: Wheeler

3. Resolution Authorizing an Emergency Appropriation in the McHenry County Mental Health FY 2019 Budget for Development of a Year-Round Homeless Shelter and Recovery Residence

Mr. Wheeler returned to the meeting at 9:52 a.m.

Scott Block, Executive Director of the Mental Health Board, along with Sam Tenuto, Co-CEO Pioneer Center, joined the committee members to discuss the resolution. Mr. Block stated he has been intimately involved with a community conversation as to how they can do better to create a year- round emergency shelter to serve homelessness, and how opportunities can be improved with residential and sober living for those recovering from substances abuse disorder. An opportunity emerged at the Kishwaukee Valley property in Woodstock which is currently owned by Pioneer Center and used as a day program and emergency shelter. In addition, The Chapel in McHenry emerged as an entity interested in serving the homeless, using 10,000 plus square foot of their facility to be built out to accommodate a year-round shelter.

RESULT: RECOMMENDED [6 TO 0]

MOVER: Paula Yensen

SECONDER: Lori Parrish

AYES: Yensen, McCann, Ness, Parrish, Vijuk, Wheeler

ABSTAIN: Christensen, Bates

8. OLD BUSINESS

1. Discussion: Development and Release of a RFQ for a Market Analysis for a Valley Hi Expansion Specific to Dementia

Chairman Christensen stated they would be taking a short break from 10:33 - 10:40 a.m.

Peter Austin, County Administrator, Scott Hartman, Deputy County Administrator, and Thomas Annarella, Valley Hi Administrator, joined the committee members to discuss the development and release of an RFQ (request for quote) for a Market Analysis for a Valley Hi expansion specific to dementia. Mr. Annarella provided the committee members with a handout of the steps for the project timeline.

These steps included:

1. Complete a market analysis specific to dementia

2. Develop a financial model that includes:

a. Project costs

b. Pre-construction costs

c. Operational and staffing costs

d. Marketing costs

3. Develop feasibility/sustainability models

a. Staffing levels

b. Case Mix

4. Develop architectural and project design

5. Work with IDPH and State of Illinois for all permits, CON, and reviews

6. Unit Construction

7. Develop in-house programming

8. Promote the unit to community

9. Hire and train staff (as warranted)

10. Open unit following IDPH approval

Potential participants in RFQ process should that be desired:

* MPA

* Health Dimensions Group

* Stuart Gaines of Satori Pathway

* Pathway Health

Clarification was provided on the duties of an operating board. It was explained the operating board was set up for month to month oversight for the decision making of the Valley Hi facility. It was also noted that the topic being discussed was a policy decision for board direction.

It was the consensus of the committee members to have MPA complete a feasibility study assuming the cost is under $30,000, and hopefully have it completed by July.

There was a discussion of the dementia unit bed count of 30 vs. 20. It was Mr. Annarella's opinion that having over 20 beds would be an issue for dementia patients. He stated they needed a calm soothing environment, and anything over 20 beds becomes a barrier to the program.

It was the consensus of the committee members to support the Market Analysis for a Valley Hi expansion specific to dementia and move it forward.

9. REPORTS

1. Valley Hi

Thomas Annarella, Valley Hi Administrator, provided the committee members with a handout of the Valley Hi Administrators Report for March 2019.

Mr. Vijuk informed the committee members he has requested an analysis of the Valley Hi waiting list from Mr. Annarella.

Dr. Yensen questioned if there was anything being worked on to make the wages at Valley Hi more competitive. Peter Austin, County Administrator, informed the committee members that the vast majority of employees at Valley Hi are working under two Union contracts that are up at the end of the year.

10. PRESENTATION

None

11. EXECUTIVE SESSION (AS NECESSARY)

None

12. ADJOURNMENT

Dr. Yensen made a motion, seconded by Ms. Ness, to adjourn the meeting at 11:16 a.m. The motion passed on a voice vote of all members voting aye.

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