Funder's Forum -
07/01/2015
Tri-County LTR Funder's Forum minutes
July 1, 2015
The Funder's Forum meeting of Tri-County Long Term Recovery was called to order at 8 a.m. by Chairman Jim Fassino. In attendance were John Bates, Terry Bibo, Shelley Epstein, Fassino, Kevin Gramm, Sondra Hayes, Roger Holzhauer, Dave Jane, Matt Moehle, Jennifer M. Orban, Lu Ori, Vivin Qiang, Mark Roberts, Stephanie Bina, Pam Tomka.
June minutes: Approved.
Chairman's remarks: There was a good response to the June 21 press conference asking people affected by the 2013 tornadoes to check and see if they are eligible for help. At least eight new cases came in during the past 10 days, plus some old clients with new needs. The biggest issue now is making sure clients are paid in a timely fashion, according to Fassino.
Cases considered:. Davidson set the tone for cases early on by saying he'd found $10,000 in the church œcouch cushions and would use it to fund six entire cases, rather than splitting cases between funders.
Fourteen of 17 unmet need cases were completely funded, while the remaining three were pledged at least $8,000 apiece. Insurance deductibles and shortfalls comprised most of the cases. A total of $61,791.96 was committed to addressing these concerns.
There were five soil remediation reimbursements. All were at least partially funded, with a total of $19,086.47 pledged.
One soil remediation estimate was reclassified as an unmet need, which left two soil remediation cases. Each received partial funding, with a total of $9,000 pledged.
Case management comments: Fassino said LTR is working on payment processing. Some clients have been stressed by waiting for checks. Some of these payments may go past the official LTR shutdown, particularly since the wet weather has delayed work for some contractors.
He asked Davidson to offer more information about Tri-County COAD. It stands for Community Organizations Active in Disaster and will probably be the successor to LTR. Any funders who would like to participate would be more than welcome.
Davidson said the COAD is a separate entity designed to œpre-plan for disaster by building relationships. It will not have money of its own and will not offer case management services. If called by emergency management officials, a COAD textblast will be sent to alert participants. All the œwho does what will be worked out beforehand, including committee responsibilities and meeting places.
COAD will meet quarterly. The first meeting will be held at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 29. Officers will be elected. Funders and anyone they'd like to invite are welcome.
Roberts asked if anyone knows how many COADS exist. Davidson said they are œmore rare than common, and often prompted by a disaster. Fassino said DeKalb has already thought about starting a COAD after that area's recent tornado.
Bates asked about coordinating cases, if some roll over to spring. Fassino said the method isn't certain, but there may be a way to fund through the Red Cross. Davidson said groups such as the Washington Ministerial Association existed before the tornadoes and will be here later; their normal practices may be sufficient. Holzhauer agreed, saying the Washington Illinois Area Foundation is not going away and has funds. Holzhauer said they are working out the legal ramifications of having a case worker. Epstein noted that caseworkers are effectively being underwritten now.
Fassino said LTR has never known how much money is sitting around the table or how much the needs could total. That remains true as LTR itself gets down to about $100,000; there will be a need to be even more careful with resources in the last couple of months of operation.
Holzhauer said WIAF is transparent. It has about $1.3 million remaining, although there are restrictions on most of that money. Roberts suggested disaster preparedness probably fit the criteria. Holzhauer said œexactly, although one especially large donation was specified for city improvements.
Fassino said the community has never been told the total for how much has been given after the tornadoes. Those present agreed it they'd like to see numbers for funds, volunteer hours, services and donations. Such totals might be especially useful as LTR steps back and COAD steps up. Holzhauer said it would be good for people to know what organizations/resources remain after the transfer, as well. Bibo will contact present and past funders to check such numbers.
Funders' comments: Fassino said communicating what has been learned about insurance needs is a good opportunity for LTR.
He asked those present for comments.
Holzhauer said there is a good business model here. The Chamber of Commerce leaned on the experiences in Joplin, MO and Moore, OK, and œI would think people will start leaning on us.
Bates said he was willing to share, as well, and Davidson offered the July 29 COAD meeting as one option.
Bina wondered about reaching out to Georgetown residents; Hayes said caseworkers are trying, but many of those residents have scattered.
Tomka pointed out that businesses have suffered, as well. Fassino said that resources were focused on residential needs early on, but individual funders can do whatever they like. The issue of business needs recently arose via Facebook. Epstein said an explanation had been crafted and offered it to Tomka.
Epstein said his only comment is œHappy Independence Day. Speaking as a Brit, Jane said it wasn't such a celebration.
Next COAD: 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, at LTR Center.
Next Funders Forum: 8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at LTR center.
Next Public meeting: 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, at LTR Center.
The meeting adjourned at 9 a.m.