Carbondale Reporter

Jackson County 708 Board met May 18.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order (5:30 PM)

Members Present: Flowers, St. Julian and Williamson

Members Absent: Edmond and Willis

Also present: Kathy Baumann, Deanna Cruze, Tina Porter, Carol Aronson, Holly Cormier, Betty Mucha

There was no quorum so this meeting was discussion only. No voting on topics was completed.

Approval of Minutes

I. 20-5033 Approval of November 18, 2019 minutes

Not approved, no quorum.

Communications

II. 20-5034 Statement of Economic Interest

This item was informational only. The County Administrator noted that the statements are due at the end of the current month.

Recognition of Visitors

Agency Reports

Each of the present agency representatives gave a quick ove rview of what their organizations were doing and their responses to COVID-19.

Baumann (START) noted that the state closed down their Community Day Service Program on March 17 and the staff members were re-assigned to other duties. The agency is currently operating a work program, but there is not a high need for much of the other programs. Flowers questioned whether the agency had applied for payroll protection funds and the answer was yes.

Cruze (Archway) noted that their Willow Street location had been closed and the staff was working from home. Developmental therapy sessions were being conducted via video calls.

Aronson (Shawnee) noted that their clinics had been significantly downsized, but are slowly re -opening. All current sites are COVID19 testing clinics. Counseling for patients and students under the 708 Board is being conducted via Zoom meetings or phone calls. St. Julian questioned whether there was a large increase in services (counseling) due to COVID-19 and the response was that the agency is trying to maintain their existing clients and limiting new patients due to the decrease in the number of clinics.

Porter (The Women's Center) noted that counseling has continued and most is being done virtually. Services have continued throughout COVID-19.

Cormier (SIU Carbondale Clinical Center) noted that all in person services had been suspended, but that all psycho-therapy sessions are happening via tele-mental health. This is being conducted for both new and current clients and is being conducted all o ver the state. The agency has been working on tele-health assessments for developmental disabilities. The agency is currently practicing all

COVID-19 social distancing practices and precautions.

Mucha (Child Advocacy Center) noted that their staff is working from home and they are doing training and case management remotely

Old Business

III. 20-5038 Appointments

The County Administrator noted that there are 2 open seats on the 708 Board, and one nonactive County Board seat. She also let the committee know the applications were posted on the County's website for anyone who may be interested in applying.

New Business

IV. 20-5035 Team Illinois Youth Camp

Due to COVID-19 this item has been taken off the agenda.

V. 20-5036 FY21 Funding Application

Based on a consensus of the committee members present (no vote due to no quorum), it was decided that June 19, 2020 was the due date for FY21 funding applications. The public hearing will be held on July 20th, 2020.

Cormier questioned whether the funding would be the same in 2021 as it was for the current year. Both the County Administrator and Williamson noted that the agencies should request what they think they will need/use, but that most likely the amounts will not increase next year.

VI. 20-5037 Nomination of Officers

Item was postponed to next meeting due to no quorom.

Executive Session

Adjourn (6:09 PM)

Williamson ended the meeting thanking the participants for their attendance and participation.

https://www.jacksoncounty-il.gov/Home/Components/MeetingsManager/MeetingMinutes/ShowPrimaryDocument/?minutesID=5182&isPub=True&includeTrash=False