<p> Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, Inc. Board of Directors February 23, 2017</p><p>Present: Tom Landry, Doug Olsen, Paul Palmer, Mark Lezotte, Selena Schmidt, Mark Stephenson, Terri Land via phone: Pam Bellamy and Alethia Brinkerhoff Jill Busha, PAIMI Council</p><p>Staff: Elmer Cerano, Camilia Limas, Michele Brand, Mark McWilliams, Michelle Mull, Mark Cody, Brian Sabourin, Mary Olson</p><p>Guests: Joe Hart, attorney; Joel Hoffman, MI Department of Civil Rights, Kelly, Intern with Selena Schmidt</p><p>I. Call to Order</p><p>The meeting was called to order at 1:26 p.m. by President, Tom Landry</p><p>II. Introductions</p><p>III. Approval of the Agenda</p><p>Tom Landry noted that Representative Liberati will be joining the meeting; we will put him where we are in the agenda at that time.</p><p>MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.</p><p>IV. Minutes of December 20, 2016</p><p>The minutes of December 20, 2016 were presented for approval.</p><p>MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 20, 2016 AS SUBMITTED BY Paul Palmer. SECOND BY Terri Land. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.</p><p>V. President's Report</p><p>Tom Landry reported on the annual essay contest. There were 25 entrants this year. Landry thanked the committee members for their participation in reviewing the essays and winner selection.</p><p>Tom Landry presented the first place winner, Brucina Mayfield, her award. Ms. Mayfield thanked the board for the award and will continue to advocate for those with disabilities. Tom Landry noted the priorities in the board report and the turnout of numbers from the last quarter. Landry noted that staff has done an extraordinary job and thanked them for all their work.</p><p>Mark McWilliams introduced Representative Liberati. Rep. Liberati was instrumental in advocating for the restraint and seclusion bill. Liberati is thankful for the help he had received from MPAS for his son.</p><p>VI. Executive Director Report</p><p>Elmer Cerano reported that he and Kate will be in D.C. the end of March. As of today, we do not know the status of the budget as the continuing resolution is through April. </p><p>Paul Palmer asked for an update of 298 and what to expect at the forum on February 24th. Mark McWilliams noted that we should support the process and be open to improving the process. Our goal is that the values and services and supports for people with disabilities are maximized. </p><p>Mary Olson reported for the IT Department. The upgrade process is continuing. The agency is looking at reexamining client confidentiality focus, cyber security and internal practices.</p><p>Michelle Mull gave an update on the agency restructuring. The agency seems to be in a good place with the changes that were noted from last meeting. Managers continue to meet with advocates every week. Managers will continue meeting with advocates and tweaking and make changes as needed.</p><p>Mark Cody reported on restraint and seclusion legislation. The attorneys will be looking at Fry v Napoleon Schools as a process we may be able to use. Cody reported the stagnation of wages for direct care and CLS staff is problematic and causing problems for individuals. Unfortunately, some CMH's have responded by cutting services outside of person centered plans. The team has had a number of Medicaid due process hearings.</p><p>Brian reported for employment team. The team has been working with Community Rehab organizations in trying to get consumers out to the Michigan Rehabilitation Services. </p><p>VII. Public Comment Gentlemen asked about the court case and why dog not allowed if they are putting in a law to allow dogs on patios. </p><p>VIII. PAIMI Council Selena reported for the council. The council met prior to the board. The council spent time discussing the grievance process with explanation from Michelle Mull. The Council discussed how they can better help and advise the board. Mark McWilliams recommend they look at the 298 link. The council will look at the 298 link and figure out how they are able to advise better based on some of the issues.</p><p>IX. Committee Reports</p><p>Budget and Finance Committee</p><p>Michele Brand reviewed the financial statements; overall the agency is on track. There are four grants slightly overspent TBI, PAIR CAP and PABSS. </p><p>MOTION TO ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2016 BY Paul Palmer. SECOND BY Pam Bellamy. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.</p><p>Michele Brand reported on the one time assessment from NDRN. The cost is $2,000 based on last years funding. NDRN is a member organization which received .04 percent of MPAS annual grants. This is a one time special assessment from NDRN as they took a loss from the PABSS program and are requesting money or lobbying efforts. </p><p>Tom Landry noted that Kate Wolters, one of MPAS board members, also sits on the NDRN Board. The agency has been active with NDRN through the years and with the uncertainty in D.C., the recommendation is one the board should consider. Terri Land recommends that it be paid out of the unrestricted funds. Landry noted there is no need for a formal motion, but the rest of the board agreed with the suggestion. The $2,000 will be paid with unrestricted monies.</p><p>Public policy Terri Land thanked members for their attendance and talking with their legislators at today's legislative luncheon. Land thanked those who donated to the unrestricted funds, it was beneficial in helping Mark McWilliams to be able to join Terri at all the hearings. Mark McWilliams and Terri will be attending the Disability Policy Seminar in D.C. in March. Elmer, Mark and Kate Wolters will be attending the Mackinac Policy Conference in May.</p><p>Mark McWilliams reported on the restraint and seclusion bill that has been passed and signed into law. Next step, the Board of Education will have to modify its existing policy to fit the statute. The policy should be in place by end of March with school districts having to comply by the beginning of next school year.</p><p>There was a package of legislation last year that changed the zero tolerance laws around mandatory expulsion from schools. It gives schools more discretion and some standards they have to follow when looking to expel students. The standards are favorable to students, including students with disabilities. The bills passed with bipartisan support. Murphy bill-the bill was incorporated into the 21st Century Cures Act, a broad federal legislation. There is minimal affect on the agency, there is some affects on mental health services. There was a press release by Senator Murphy which was favorable to NDRN. </p><p>Federal There is pending legislation that would pose notice requirements and limitations on people who want to file claims on the Americans with Disabilities Act. This was a bill brought up in last Congress and now back with bipartisan support.</p><p>Paul Palmer asked about the agency concern on new appointments with new President. Mark McWilliams noted the agency position is to not take positions on people; we have weighed in on issues.</p><p>Terri Land thanked Mark and the whole team.</p><p>X. Old Business Tom Landry recommended keeping the alternative funding opportunities discussion under old business. Landry will be meeting with Elmer and managers to go through some concepts. An email will be sent to the board with ideas the managers come up with and will also be discussed at the next board meeting. </p><p>XI. New Business</p><p>Tom Landry reported on an advocacy award. He noted that each year we have restraint and seclusion as one of the goals or topics for the year. This last year we have had a champion to assist, Lt. Governor, Brian Calley. Through the Lt. Governor's efforts we were able to get the bill passed. It was discussed at the December meeting to present an advocacy award to the Lt. Governor at the May meeting. Landry noted that we have to be careful as to not be a political organization. </p><p>Land noted that the Lt. Governor was at all the hearings and supportive of MPAS work. Land stated that many organizations give awards to legislators every year and hopefully this will be a start for us and allow MPAS to give out more. Lezotte noted that working on relationships to build champions is important. </p><p>MOTION TO PRESENT AN ADVOCACY AWARD TO THE LT. GOVERNOR BY Terri Lynn Land. SECOND BY Paul Palmer. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.</p><p>Legislative Luncheon Members reported back on their visits/conversations with the legislators and staff during the luncheon. Mark McWilliams asked members to please pass on to him any specific issues that came up while talking to legislators or contacts. Paul Palmer shared that he has been named the state representative of the DD Council chair.</p><p>XII. Adjourn Motion to adjourn at 2:45</p>