Funder's Forum -
11/05/2014
Tri-County LTR Funder's Forum minutes
November 5, 2014
The Steering Committee meeting of Tri-County Long Term Recovery was called to order at 9 a.m. by Chairman Jim Fassino. In attendance were Darius Alamzadeh, Terry Bibo, Ben Davidson, Shelley Epstein, Kevin Gramm, Jennifer Orban, Alyssa Pollock, Liz Pollack, Tom Pelger, Mark Roberts, Julie Siebert.
October minutes: Gramm motioned to approve, seconded by Roberts. Minutes were approved unanimously.
Chairman's report: Fassino noted the need for committee minutes as LTR compiles its findings for other communities in the future. Minutes should be sent to Bibo. He also suggested that case managers be invited to the December Funders Forum meeting. He said the people doing all the good work should meet with the people who provide some of the funding, and suggested refreshments be provided.
Vice chairman: No report.
Spirit/emotional: No report.
Communications: Epstein said the one-year anniversary of the tornadoes will prompt a lot of media attention. The Chicago Tribune plans to do a story. Roberts asked if there is a way to mention the McCormick funding. Epstein said it is one of many things to mention. There was discussion of several facts which could be offered: St. Vincen't de Paul Society's ˜house in a box,' United Way's brochure, Catholic Charities warehouse space, Bethany's volunteers, etc. After the anniversary, Epstein said LTR can start to look forward, at events to be held in the spring, such as the soil and trees, and sidewalk repair. He also said that when there is limited seating for the Funders Forum, he would like to see the funders at the table rather than committee members.
Donations: Siebert said the Germantown Hills warehouse has been closed and there is a œmanageable amount of bottled water remaining. Catholic Charities is sorting through the remaining donations in its warehouse to see what they can use. Roberts said the committee will begin to look at a longterm plan for donation management. As far as the McCormick grant, Roberts said he thought the foundation might be surprised more money hasn't been used, but there are many needs remaining.
Volunteer Management: Davidson said Nov. 15 will be the last volunteer work day for 2014. He said they are not getting as many requests for assistance from homeowners as they had in the past. There may be a need for 10-20 more sheds to be built in the spring; six will be built next week. The Morton Ministerial Association is interested in LTR and may have general training later.
Disaster Case Management: Pollock said there are 1010 cases; 656 closed and 354 open. She said Pollack is going through closed cases systematically to ensure there are no unmet needs remaining. Resources in CANS are being updated; Alamzadeh is coding recovery goals and says the next phase is showing the full life cycle. He said œexceptional work is being done by Tri-County LTR compared to other LTRs around the country. There was discussion about soil remediation cases, which are being held as a program is developed. Fassino said they should be brought to the Funders Forum where funders can decide for themselves if they want to meet those needs. Davidson said Mike Godar told him he has an inbox full of complaints; Davidson thinks people will be angry if they are told they must wait until spring for answers. Pollock said the subcommittee has done a lot of work on this subject. It was decided that the executive committee will meet to discuss the issue, tentatively after the Nov. 12 public meeting.
Pets: No official report. But Davidson has a œpet project. His father is an AKC judge and suggested getting an emergency trailer from that organization. A 16-foot-long trailer could provide space and supplies for 65 or more pets. Cost is $24,000, but AKC would pay half. Tazewell EMA would keep it and there would be œno problem finding volunteers if an emergency arises. At Orban's suggestion, it will be brought to the December Funders Forum. Roberts said LTR could consider picking up any costs left over.
Construction Management: No report.
Anniversary: While LTR would be delighted to help, calls from Fassino and Bibo indicate no help is needed from Washington, East Peoria or Pekin. If any possibilities arise, they should be forwarded to Fassino, who has access to discretionary funds.
Funders Forum: Fassino asked if the new information sheets provided to the Funders Forum should be allowed to leave the room, fearing it could compromise confidentiality for some cases. Pollack said she could modify the sheets; Pollock says she likes it as is. Pelger said it was a great tool and now that people understand the information will be kept, the sheets can be collected at the end of the meeting as they were this month.
Community Long Term Recovery meeting: Will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the LTR Center.
Finances: Gramm said $153,079.31 had been disbursed from LTR as of Oct. 29, 2014. That leaves $398,894, not including roughly $10,000 which was committed at the November Funders Forum meeting.
Other business: Fassino asked if LTR could expect to be open in its current location for another year; the current lease expires next summer. Based on experience elsewhere, Pollock said it would œprobably still be open, but the organization may need to scale back dramatically at some point over the next few months. Pelger noted there are many cases coming to a head now; Pollack said there are a lot of soil remediation cases. Orban noted the need for succession planning in case there is another disaster. Fassino said then the vice chair becomes the chair.
The meeting adjourned at 10:01 a.m.