steering committee meeting -
07/01/2015
Tri-County LTR Steering Committee Meeting Minutes
July 1, 2015
The Steering Committee meeting of Tri-County Long Term Recovery was called to order at 7:03 a.m. by Chairman Jim Fassino. In attendance were Terry Bibo, Ben Davidson, Shelley Epstein, Fassino, Kevin Gramm, Sondra Hayes, Jennifer M. Orban, Lu Ori, Mark Roberts, Vivin Qiang.
June minutes: Approved.
Chairman's report: Fassino said Washington Illinois Area Foundation has decided not to fund the contractor fraud case for now. Its representatives feel legal action should be pursued. LTR has already committed $30,000, and feels legal action will not have much practical benefit. WIAF has also decided to pay $10,000 upfront for case management services, and will pay more if asked. It is not known when those funds will arrive.
Fassino opened the floor for Hayes, who is returning to LTR as a manager for a couple of days a week. She said there are issues with flooding in Pekin, Beardstown and Palmyra which have called on Red Cross resources. She also noted that case managers are capable, including the returning Kathy Casey.
Hayes said it is œpretty concerning that clients' checks are so slow. Case managers are making a lot of phone calls to urge more prompt payments. Orban observed that Jeff Turnbull has left Friendship House for the Center for Youth and Family Solutions.
Roberts asked about the barriers. He was told that WIAF pledges go first to an attorney, which has meant at least a week before they go on for processing. Roberts said Community Foundation of Central Illinois has had problems getting information from vendors. Case manager Chuck Friend has helped track down some of it, which he appreciates. While this might be changing horses in midstream, Roberts said Community Foundation could take on more of the check-wrangling duties. Fassino said there would be an inquiry into the current situation.
Vice chairman: Orban thanked LTR for funding children's camping, but had no official report. She asked if Roberts would be able to moderate the July 8 public meeting if her work schedule prevents her from attending. He said he would.
Spirit/emotional: No report.
Communications: Epstein noted there was a lot of press in June. That included a story about a special bike giveaway, part of an ongoing effort by Friend and Washington bike shop owner Joe Russell and a Journal Star story on new signs at Washington Estates.
While it was risky to schedule a Father's Day press conference as a call out to last-minute potential clients, it worked. New cases have come into the office.
œNo one can say they weren't forewarned, Epstein said.
Going forward, communications will help with the wind-down effort by gathering committee minutes and information. He suggested a story pitch to InterBusiness Issues about what LTR has learned.
Fassino said the Journal Star and WCBU did a great job with the press conference; WMBD's story lead the news that night, but was a bit lacking. He wondered if people were missed because WEEK did not attend the press conference; Epstein said it was the station's decision and he didn't think it would be a good idea to pitch the story again so soon.
To reach a slightly different audience, Bibo will craft information for the Washington Ministerial Association and the three city governments involved.
Donations: Roberts brought a three-part report, crediting Julie Siebert for much of the committee's overachievement on a wrap-up. He said there is a lot of specific information which could be invaluable, particularly for the long term. Fassino said it would be good for the COAD.
Volunteer Management:. Davidson said there was not much to report.
Disaster Case Management: Hayes said Pollock is on assignment with the flooding. Given all the rain, she said, LTR is getting calls from people who wonder what will happen to their checks if the contractors can't get the work done before LTR shuts down. There was some discussion of whether or not to bring back some unfunded needs; Fassino said it's unlikely there will be funds left over, so LTR will not initiate that.
Pets: No report. Davidson said state officials told Yanko they would accept the trailer one day, then refused it the next.
Funder's Forum: There's not much to say, except the group is dwindling, according to Fassino. He wondered about a wrap-up event, modeled on a dinner at Five Points the Red Cross had in March 2014. Epstein asked how that use of LTR funds would be perceived; Fassino said it wouldn't be LTR money and funders might help underwrite the event.
Construction Management: Ori said, œThe caseload's light, so my work's light.
Finance: Gramm said there is $6,211.32 in the LTR checking account. Roughly $167,403.23 remains in the fund balance, when outstanding commitments are subtracted from the current $177,163.23. Grants are now slightly over $400,000, with $401,704.16 pledged in LTR funds. Epstein asked if there was a total number committed by funders; Bibo will send a note out and ask.
Soil remediation: Fassino said there's not much to add. Soil will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
COAD/VOAD: With 10 or 12 people attending, there was significant interest in the idea of a COAD, according to Davidson. He said people see the importance and they're recruiting other members, œBut it's hard to recruit for war in peace time.
Fassino asked if any Steering Committee members were interested. Roberts said he considers the Community Foundation a permanent part of the COAD, even if it's standing down until called.
Davidson said that's a COAD hallmark, to stand down until needed. Pre-meetings will be held so every group knows what it has committed to do. Future quarterly meetings might include running through potential disaster scenarios or having speakers.
Fassino mentioned the COAD's discussion of individual/organization participation. Davidson said government entities are non-voting partners, not members. Individuals would be asked to be sponsored by an organization which can vet their background and provide insurance.
Best practices information can be housed with the Community Foundation, the COAD, Bethany, or all the above. Roberts said it is important to have such information in an active location so it can be reviewed regularly. Davidson said he's considering a COAD Facebook page, which could link to all kinds of information.
Other business: Those who have not written summaries on their suggestions for the future were asked to do so, since it will help the formation of the COAD. Bibo will write the summary for the executive committee.
COAD: 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, at the LTR Center.
Steering Committee Meeting: 7 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the LTR Center.
Funder's Forum meeting: 8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the LTR Center.
Public meeting: 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, at the LTR Center.
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 a.m.