County Board Roundup

This week there was a County Board Committee of the Whole meeting (what is this?)(agenda here and video here) and some news on a new candidate filing as well as a couple updates on the Nursing Home.

First following up on a previous Cheat Sheet post on the latest Republican to join the Champaign County Board races, the News-Gazette had a short blurb to add Thursday in the print edition:

More on the two District 6 seat races on the Cheat Sheet here.


Nursing Home:

The bid filing required by the buyers for the Nursing Home went through just in time for a state review board deadline to act on it sooner rather than later. From Wednesday's News-Gazette:

County nursing home's potential buyers file bid by deadline
The Evanston companies poised to buy the Champaign County Nursing Home submitted an application to a state review board Friday, just in time for it likely to be considered at the board's next session Oct. 30...

The state board has legal oversight over certain health care construction projects and the closing or sales of certain health care facilities, among them a county-owned nursing home.

Friday was the deadline for applications to be filed for the board's October session. The board doesn't meet again after that until December.

The Champaign County Board approved the sale of the county nursing home for $11 million this past May, and county officials originally anticipated turning over the keys to the new owners at the end of July.
More at the full article here.

The County Board began the preliminary steps to revert back to a 12 month budget for the Nursing home from the 6 month budget fought over previously. The point of contention prior to the sale was between Republican board members who wanted to operate under the assumption the facility would be sold and several Democrats who were still fighting to preserve County ownership. 

Champaign County Board recommends $4.5M budget for nursing home
...
Previously, the county board — months before a decision was made on the home's future — had only approved a six-month budget for the facility.

In May, following months of debate, the county board voted 15-6 to sell the nursing home to Extended Care Clinical LLC and Altitude Health Services Inc., both headquartered in Evanston, for $11 million.

The sale won't close until approximately Oct. 31, according to County Administrator Deb Busey.

That leaves lots of bills to settle in the meantime.

Since current appropriations are insufficient to cover nursing home operations, Busey said the board's action — if ultimately approved — would essentially restore the nursing home to its original 12-month budget, as proposed by the management company during the budget process.

A board vote on the appropriation is expected next week.

A few extra details at the full article here. The Committee of the Whole meeting itself went for about two hours and included a presentation from the new Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Champaign County, a concern about voting locations on campus, and a slew of appointments, including a new Deputy and Assistant Deputy Chair of the Justice & Social Services committee that has tried to facilitate the recommendations of the Racial Justice Task Force.

The News-Gazette had a good summary of the concerns about moving campus voting locations due to construction and renovations Thursday:

Proposal to move UI campus polling place draws concerns about overcrowding
Champaign County Clerk Gordy Hulten's plan to move one precinct's polling place to the Illini Union while its normal location is under renovation has some county board members concerned about overcrowding that could discourage voting.

This week, Hulten proposed transferring the polling site for the Cunningham 3 precinct from the Illinois Street Residence Hall to the Union, because the residence hall is temporarily unavailable due to renovation work in that building, he said.

If the county board approves, Hulten said, cards would be mailed to the voters of Cunningham 3 informing them of their new polling place. The campus precinct is bounded by Green Street on the north, Nevada Street on the south, Lincoln Avenue on the east and Wright Street on the west.

"We will also mail a letter stating the reason for the change and alerting them of the possibility of voting by mail or voting early," he said.

Some board Democrats oppose Hulten's plan, citing long lines at the Illini Union in previous elections — even before Cunningham 3 is potentially added to the mix.

Democrat Chris Stohr said he was an observer at the Illini Union in the general election in 2016.

"The lines there were long," Stohr said. "I counted up to 76 people in line. I don't agree that moving the polling place to the Illini Union would be a good idea..."

"The proportion of Election Day voters in the precinct we are talking about are among the lowest for any of the precincts in the county," Hulten said. "The voters of this precinct take advantage of voting by mail compared with the rest of the precincts in Champaign County."

The full county board is expected to vote on Hulten's proposal at its Aug. 23 meeting.

Full article with more details and arguments here. There appears to be genuine concerns about lines and how that can depress the vote (something the County Clerk agreed with Democrats on). But there are constraints by law and available space that won't budge. Hulten argued that students will gravitate towards the Illini Union as opposed to other proposed additional locations by convenience, traffic patterns and by default knowledge of the option.


Rest of the Committee of the Whole:

The Committee of the Whole also included a presentation by the Housing Authority Executive Director (his Power Point presentation is available here for a quick scan and video link here). He outlined the Moving To Work program and was asked several questions about accessibility to public transportation at housing locations and their main office going forward. The Champaign reentry housing issue was raised as something to be aware of, but not addressed in depth.

With the resignation and move by Robert King, there was an opening in the Deputy Chair position of the Justice & Social Services Committee. Jim McGuire was moved up from the Assistant Deputy Chair position to the Deputy Chair position. Kyle Patterson was appointed to the Assistant Deputy Chair position. There were a litany of other appointments in County government offices approved (full listing available on the agenda).

Some of the preliminary new rules for the upcoming County Executive form of government were distributed among members to peruse. The County Executive Transition Committee was mentioned by Chair Weibel as having some future meetings still to be scheduled to finish that work.

The Nursing Home management contract due to expire September 30th would be extended to the sale date of the Nursing Home if given final approval at the County Board next week.

Everything else voted on or reported in the agenda (outside of some corrections and re-corrections on what was to be on the consent agenda list) went through without additional fuss.

County Board 7/19

Reminder: Last month's County Board meeting is available on video now at the County Clerk's YouTube channel for those waiting for it. This month's video is already up and available here.

Last night's County Board meeting saw another failure to consolidate the County Recorder's office into the Champaign County Clerk's office.  From today's News-Gazette:

Champaign County Board votes to keep recorder around
In July 1968, Democrats on the Champaign County Board proposed eliminating the independent elected position of recorder of deeds.

The elimination never happened.

Exactly 50 years later, another generation of county board Democrats proposed the same thing.

And once again, it won't happen.

On Thursday night, the county board voted 15-7 against putting a question on the November ballot asking for the elimination of the office.

Five Democrats joined all 10 Republicans to ensure the status quo...

In other business, county board member Robert King said he will be resigning because he is moving to upstate New York, where he will work with students at Cornell University in residential programs there.

"I absolutely have enjoyed my time on the county board," King said. "I had a chance to work both with folks with the same opinions and differing opinions, and it has been great."

Full article here. According to the County Clerk, County Board member Shana Jo Crews, a Democrat representing District 9 also resigned last night. This page will be updated soon to reflect those changes and any appointment or election updates that result.


Meeting overview:

Public participation started with a couple Scottswood development residents pleading for more assistance in cleaning up their neighborhood. Two citizens explained their efforts towards encouraging better maintenance and organizing a low cost neighborhood mowing service to help those efforts.

County Recorder Mark Shelden made his argument to keep his office elected and separate from the County Clerk's office. He argued that his office is running effectively as is and the proposed changes couldn't be absorbed as explained by proponents of consolidation. He explained that simply replacing him with a lower paid staffer wouldn't work unless quality was reduced or other responsibilities of the County Clerk and staff suffered. Meanwhile the Democratic County Executive candidate Darlene Kloepel argued it made fiscal sense and was an unnecessary complication and expense for voters.

The Reentry Council Report was filed without any significant discussion. Member Petrie noted that she had some additional questions she'd be taking up with the Council. That report is available here on page 14 of the agenda packet PDF (page 9 on the printed version).

The Agenda items were generally passed unanimously and with little significant discussion outside of the Recorder's Office vote. The other exception was an question and answer session with a guest from the Regional Planning Commission about a criminal justice related grant and program (that required Board approval to go ahead). There weren't a lot of specifics yet as the project will be entering the planning phase in the near future. Board members pushed for specifics, but the RPC representative only had broad information at this time. The general consensus was that this was an important and positive victory for the County and appreciation was noted for the hard work behind the competitive grant process (RPC is only one of 41 organizations awarded the reentry funds). The program description (from the agenda XIV. New Business, Item 4.) lays out the general idea:

Multi-Year Federal Funding to Service Over 188 Young Adults Ages 18-24 Who Reside in High Crime & Poverty Census Tract Areas in Probation, Court or Detention or are High School Dropouts. Based on the Needs of the Target Population for the Project, Evidence-Based Interventions and Practices will be Implemented Including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Structural Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress, Intensive Mentoring & Development of Support Groups, Job Coaching and On-the-Job Training and Development of Apprenticeships in Building Trades. RPC & Community Partners will Utilize a Positive Youth Justice Framework that will Guide Development of Career Plans and Case Management to Positively Impact Employment and Reduce Recidivism Rates with High-Risk Young Adults.

More updates on this program as I find them.

There was an item authorizing more appropriations for litigation costs with the Carle Property Tax issue. Petrie and Administrator Busey discussed the complexities that prevent a full accounting of the County Costs as the issue is intergovernmental and multifaceted. There doesn't appear to be a way to track to compare costs to potential gain back to the county if successful.

The Recorder vote had a quick amendment attempt to change the starting date of the change to the end of the election cycle for the office (2020 instead of 2018 in the current wording for the referendum). That failed in a tie vote 11-11. The motion itself failed 7 to 15. I believe the yes votes were Patterson, Summers, Tinsley, Crews, Douglass, Fortado, and Chair Weibel. I was expecting a bit more argument, but folks seem to have gotten that mostly out of their system last month.

McGuire thanked all those who volunteer and work on the elections in relation to their approval of Election Judge appointments. They truly make this whole crazy democratic institution function. 

Petrie thanked Deputy Administrator Ogden for all her hard work on the ADA report to the Department of Justice (with additional information available at the very end of the agenda packet).

The Board went into closed session about a county employee/employment issue prior to adjourning.

Housing Authority 6/28 Meeting

 The June Board of Commissioners meeting was an overwhelmingly positive affair (agenda here). First, a couple highlights: Apparently these meetings are being broadcast on Urbana TV (website here, live streaming here). I haven't found any previous videos on-line, but I'll update if there are any on demand options available.

The Executive Director reiterated his commitment to improving housing opportunities for those reentering the community from the criminal justice system and working with local organizations and government towards that end. He mentioned specifically meeting with Esther Patt of the CU Tenants Union on the subject. She had a letter to the editor explaining her concerns in the News-Gazette yesterday as well. Previous post on the City of Champaign rule here.


Meeting Write-Up

Commissioners Adair and Rose were absent. Commissioner Walker arrived a couple minutes after the 3 o'clock start. The agenda was approved and public comment on agenda items was offered with no takers. I didn't quite follow what was going on with the minutes, but the agenda had a note that they'd be approved next month.

New Business
There was a vote moved until after closed session (5.a. of New Business on the agenda) to allow the full board to vote on the motion with additional information from conversations the new Executive Director had with some of the players involved in those sale and lease agreements.

The land swap with the Atkins group had a last minute change from the verbal agreement to after it was approved by their committee. The additional cost was described as shocking and upsetting, but still within the realm of being a positive deal for the Housing Authority. From the memo (on page 23 of the agenda packet file):

After the April board meeting we confirmed with the Atkins Group that we were in agreement with their request for the land  swap, exchanging the Newton Drive site for the Interstate Drive site. Jean Kenol has been working with their attorney since that time.

On Tuesday, we received an e-mail indicating that they would only proceed with the swap for additional compensation. Needless to say, we were shocked, that at the last hour, they presented a different deal than what they had previously resented and that we had been working on finalizing for weeks.

We really have no alternative at this point, we have  ompleted all site design, financing applications and HUD applications based on the  Interstate Drive site and we have to meet critical deadlines with HUD and for the sale of Skelton. In  looking  at this  more  calmly,  even  with  the additional compensation, it is still a good deal for HACC.

Northern agreed with that assessment. Commissioners Turnbull and Henry advised caution in the future and to consider ways to avoid sending a signal that sellers can pull stunts like this in the future. The swap was approved unanimously. All votes today appeared to be by roll call and unanimous as far as I could tell. Everything on the agenda passed prior to the closed session. I don't know how the resolution moved to after that fared.

Additional work on one of their RAD construction projects was approved for improvements not in the original plan and some added expenses while having to work around tenants being moved around.

A revenue generating project at Oakfield Place in Henry, IL was discussed with benefits and risks and guarantees of operating expenses if there are losses. It fills a demonstrated need in an area without its own Housing Authority and will provide funds for HACC projects. The resolution passed moves forward on the project by authorizing the ratification of an agreement and a payment of a reservation fee, etc.

An intergovernmental agreement with Urbana was passed for supportive housing for people with special needs in Urbana and working with the City of Urbana. Danielle Chynoweth thanked the Board and staff for its work with the City on this issue and explained a specific housing crisis and barriers between disability benefits and affordable housing available. An additional resolution to option the property involved in that agreement also passed.

A resolution approving the financial closing of the Bristol Place property passed. This covers all the needed resolutions and authorizations to finish the deal now that the City of Champaign Council approved what needed to be done on their end.

Reports
The Executive report was introduced by the Chair who took a moment to thank the new Executive Director for hitting the ground running. Northern played a promotional video for a senior housing project in Mahomet (available on the HACC YouTube channel here). It attempted to address both the need for more senior living options as well as concerns that arise in many communities by the ideas they may have about public housing.

Northern then discussed many of the meetings he has had since starting as the new director, from local police, community meetings, the CU Tenants Union, and so on. He described a major initiative to reach out and build relationships with the community. When discussing working with the U of I he mentioned a recent project with their Fab Lab Summer Camp he thought might be a good match for some of their communities.

He talked about needing to use the tools available for transparency to address community concerns. He also discussed constituent services to address concerns and complaints from tenants in a more organized way. In response to questions by Chynoweth he said this wouldn't be a new office, but part of the duties of the executive office.

He mentioned that he was going to check out the CU Fresh Start program at a meeting tonight (latest on their Call-ins here). He said to all those listening that if he hadn't met with you already, you're on the list. He'll be meeting everyone.

He also brought up a Lifetime Achievement Award from Lake County for his 24 years working in housing. Turnbull mentioned positive mentions about the new director from their communities. He spoke of setting aside vouchers and working on other ideas for reentry in response to Chair Lewis asking for his thoughts. He pointed out he's focused on the subject and working with the Reentry Council. He pointed to the problem with stigma and explained that we're all human and we all know people who've been through the system. He described this board as being on board and him being on board to improve opportunity for reentry. Turnbull suggested looking at all parts of reentry with the Housing Authority again to look for solutions and options.

The departments then gave their reports. Some highlights included a discussion about the time it takes to move people through emergency shelters to supportive units which are permanent housing. One issue is power and water bills that have to be in the resident's name and requires past delinquencies to be resolved through payment or relevant programs. How to start that process earlier was being looked at to avoid unnecessary delays.

Issues of vacancies and difficulties for those on extended waiting lists to maintain paperwork, contact information, etc over a two year period were discussed as well as intern possibilities through the U of I and Human Service Council. Training for job skills and retention were discussed with Turnbull recommending an option for professionalism training. Facilitating appointments more, as opposed to just sending folks out who may get overwhelmed or fail to connect to the services they need was mentioned as a strategy going forward.

Bed bug eradication and prevention was discussed. Screening for new furniture and protocols for tenants being moved due to construction were described. Orken has "bed bug smelling dogs" that can identify infected units without disruption to target those and neighboring units for treatment. Unfortunately there appeared to be a general dismay at how pervasive they are. One person said he no longer buys upholstered furniture, the director talked about special suits he had to wear in the past, and one staff member said the Housing Authority may never get rid of them altogether.

In an update on the audit, it was reported that the folks performing it will be finishing it up tomorrow and that there will be a presentation in July. The audit is due in September.

Wrap-Up
Northern pointed out that they're still looking a buyer for the HACC building (the one we were sitting in for the meeting on Park) and he thanked his assistant. The general public comment appeared to be introducing a new employee.

The board then went into closed session. I wasn't able to stick around for the vote afterward.

Champaign Community Coalition 5/9

The Champaign Community Coalition had its monthly meeting yesterday. More information about the organization on the Cheat Sheet here and their website here. A theme that ran through the meeting was about the weather improving with the season and a need to redouble efforts for the violence and crime that comes with it. Police representatives and activists alike pointed to the idle time on people's hands, being outdoors more, and even issues where people want to leave their windows open or using their garages and sheds providing opportunity for theft when left unsupervised. The Champaign Police representative summed it up his advice as "Lock it / Hide it / Keep it."

The Urbana Police representative noted an increase in shootings already from last year, including two since the last meeting. There has been a general uptick in the usual "juvenile shenanigans" such as criminal damage, fights, and so on. There were a few questions about what has been shattering windows on area interstates, but there wasn't any new information other than they're still working on it and to report anything suspicious you see.

The Champaign County chapter of the NAACP had a presentation by their president, Minnie Pearson, about the work they do locally. This ranged from investigating reports of discrimination and work to resolve them under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. She highlighted a program to help with dialysis and health care needs in the community. She also highlighted the Afro-Academic Cultural Technological and Scientific Olympics which is a competition involving local high school students that have gone on to be known for their talents in national competition.

She also described some of their anti-bullying work with cyber-bullying, a criminal justice initiative with the Illinois Association of Police Chiefs, and a program to help teach kids how to safely interact with police. The meeting agenda was packed so the presentation went by very quickly. She ended on a note encouraging recruitment, "Don't tell me [the NAACP] doesn't apply to me because I'm white. It's for everyone!"

A representative from the Carle program Healthy Beginnings presented an overview of a program targeting areas of poverty in Champaign-Urbana with targeted health care access programs and support. Notably this support starts at prenatal care as they explained that early life, even prenatal care, circumstances can have long term effects on life outcomes. More from their about page. Here's a quick excerpt:
We believe every parent deserves the resources to build a limitless life for their children and families. By working closely with our community partners, we are building a culture of health, ensuring children and their families, regardless of life circumstances, have an opportunity to be prosperous and live the healthiest life they can.

Services Offered

• Nurse home visiting care/support for pregnant moms & their families (the ONLY home visiting services of its kind in the area with interpreter services)
• Mobile clinic services (Summer 2018)
• Child and family education
• Employment opportunities
• Healthy food access
• Many more being developed with partners!

They are developing a 20 year plan that ranges from individual care through interpersonal, community and organizations all the way to policy towards ensuring access to health care resources. They are currently embedded in the Garden Hills community and hoping to bring in a mobile medical unit and other resources such as education opportunities to the community.

Overall their approach is a holistic community support concept to end cycles of poverty as opposed to just focusing on the medical access issues. For example they highlighted support for the Community School Model that's shown some effectiveness (adopted in Bloomington and recently Rantoul if I heard correctly). They also stressed the importance of dealing with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and encourage folks check out the CDC website on the subject. I've been hearing a lot more focus on trauma related to a lot of community activism lately. That could be a good sign.

After that the Youth Employment Services (YES) program issued a report on 110-115 students or so they've been matching up with 35-40 employers and some progress with adding more via the Chamber of Commerce.

The Urbana Police Department a local student presented a video on educating young students on how to deal with a traffic stop with a cooperative and uncooperative example and discussions afterward. The video employed a local police officer and local high school students for the video simulating the stops. They explained that the key point was to give the same respect you think you deserve. It highlighted the stigma that police face and pointed out that all police aren't the same and all departments aren't the same. The recreations used a white officer and young African-American students, but the stigma of greater concern appeared to be what the officers faced in that situation. The student volunteer said he participated because many of his friends don't know what to do in that situation and he wanted to help.

The Urbana Park District handed out information on free events coming up, including Play Days in the park this summer. The Champaign Community Coalition are enhancing those events with more activities and funding. This will be occurring at the parks considered neighborhood parks more so than the more touristy spots. Similar summer programs will be happening in Champaign, they said.

Urbana is having a Walk, Roll, or Stroll with the Mayors event coming up with both Champaign and Urbana mayors. More info here.

Moms Demand Action highlighted the upcoming June 2nd "wear orange" events and attempts to make June 2nd National Gun Violence Awareness Day. The events will include some of those performances cancelled at the March for our Lives event in March due to a late Central Illinois blizzard.

Tracy Parsons, the facilitator started to wrap up the meeting with a quick summary of upcoming issues:

Next month there will be a new initiative announced for young men struggling with serious life decisions and connecting them with community volunteers. Everyone will be working on eliminating idle time for bad decisions. The Mental Health Board (MHB) is working on summer initiatives. Racial Taboo, a community group discussing racial issues locally as part of a project around the documentary of the same name, is planning a meeting on June 11th 11-1:30 at the Baha'i Center in Champaign.

There was a last minute announcement from Stop the Violence / Increase the Peace that they're working with Lincoln's Challenge this year at Parkland possibly working with cars again for activities.

The meeting ended on a note of hope in spite of the current concerns and need for vigilance over the summer with the violence issue: last year ended with 25% less violence so the work by various groups in the community is helping.

The meeting adjourned at 5:07pm.

Housing Authority 4/26 Meeting

Last week the Housing Authority of Champaign County had their Board of Commissioners meeting of the month of April. The meeting's open session was split up on either side of a closed session about a real estate purchase or sale (agenda packet here). Unfortunately I was only able to catch the first half due to time constraints. If I get more information I'll update here, but more than likely it'll just be a link to the minutes from the May meeting packet later this month (link here).

Somehow I had forgotten where the agenda packet links were and kept missing it on the Board of Commissioners page after seeing "coming soon." They're still there. On the PC version of their website they're under "About Us" at the top of the page and then the "Board of Commissioners" button. On the left-hand side there's a link to Documents and they're there for 2017 and 2018. On a phone or handheld device it's under "Menu" -> "About Us" -> "Board of Commissioners" and then "Documents" on the menu. I'm not sure if my confusion is because there aren't links from the meeting information page, or if there used to be links that are now gone there. It could be that I just forgot how I got there.

The new Executive Director, David A. Northern, Sr greeted attendees and the public audience with hallway handshakes on the way into the meeting. Public comment included a thank you from a partner organization on a construction project and then a long line of kids, teachers and staff of the Urbana Neighborhood Connection Center. It sounded like there had been a presentation planned in previous months, but in lieu of those plans they wanted to give a brief overview and let the parents and students speak towards the benefits to them and the community. The program offers resources to students and parents alike to succeed in school, resolutions, literacy, on-line support for reports, and so much more. More information at their website here. They topped it off with pictures highlighting their success stories and graduates:

Most of the meeting was consumed by a presentation of data from a recent research report on HUD's Moving to Work program. The information was dense and the questions and answers wonky and over my head. Some of the presentation reflected expectations. Difficult situations in life had impacts on the success of employment gains, e.g. lack of transportation options, nearby jobs, children with disabilities, etc. Two issues that were highlighted were chronic and acute health conditions and criminal background being barriers to needed services and options. This data may help tie in with the Housing pilot program and other Housing recommendations of the Racial Justice Task Force.

There will apparently be a presentation of this data to HUD in Washington this week as well. They discussed possible outreach efforts to inform the public. The question and answer discussion mainly dealt with specific details of comparison city data, participation incentives, and feedback.

The rest of the open session involved voting on the agenda items being voted on unanimously yes to pass. There was a technical question or two along the way. On the media contract the new Director highlighted the need for the community to know about what the Housing Authority does and is doing. A lot of it sounded like it was geared towards image with "spots" highlighting the positive things they do. As the Chair put it, they do an excellent job... but they're not telling their story. This (f) and the next resolution (g) passed with minor amendments unanimously.

They then went into closed session on a property purchase/sale. More information on the rest in a future update and/or the minutes in the May meeting's agenda packet here.

Nursing Home Management Re-vote Passes

In a follow up to the "motion to reconsider" last week's vote against renewing SAK's management contract for the Champaign County Nursing Home: County Board and a Do-over. The board tonight quickly voted by voice vote to reconsider the motion. The only discussion for the vote itself was a statement from chairman Weibel asking the board to look in the mirror once in a while on these issues. He pointed out that there was blame to go around in the situation, from the management company not notifying them of the shortage, to their own rule standing in the way of paying the vendor even though there was money available to do so.

I'd imagine some of the Republicans would take a different view on this and may at a later date, but members appeared to want to get this special meeting over with. With no further discussion the contract renewal motion passed by voice vote this time and about as quickly as Chairman Weibel could say it, they were adjourned and the live feed went off-air (for those of us watching from cyberspace).

[UPDATE 4/25 9:37am: The News-Gazette had additional information in their coverage today:

County board reverses itself, extends nursing home manager's contract
It took only nine minutes for Champaign County Board members to undo what they did last Thursday.

Board members voted unanimously Tuesday night to extend the county nursing home manage ment contract with SAK Management Services until July 31...

Only county board Chairman C. Pius Weibel, a Champaign Democrat, had anything to say about the contract extension and management of the nursing home. He read from prepared remarks that absolved SAK of most of the nursing home’s problems and placed most of the blame on the county government.

“We hired SAK because we do not think we can manage the nursing home on our own. Like sideline spectators, we only see a margin of the activity that is involved in running a nursing home,” Weibel said. “So if we see anything associated with the nursing home that we do not like, we tend to blame the nursing home management.”

Weibel said the county board deserved blame for approving a rule that prevented the payment of outstanding bills to vendors...

 Meanwhile, SAK President Suzanne Koenig, who did not attend Tuesday’s meeting, released a statement in which she pledged to continue managing the nursing home.

She claimed her company “has produced significant advances for the residents of the Champaign County Nursing Home, along with noteworthy improvement of the publicly owned facility’s financial position.”

Among the improvements, she said, were the replacement of temporary outside nurses with “dedicated full-time hires,” fewer bed sores, better food service and improved ratings from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Full article here.]

County Board COW Write Up 4/10

The County Board had its Committee of the Whole this week. I caught it on the County Clerk's YouTube page today. The agenda packet is available here, with addendums and supporting material available on this page. It included a presentation (video here, PowerPoint here) that had a break down of the 5 year forecast. Which overall shows revenue failing to keep up with expenses at an increasingly alarming rate even without the Nursing Home Operation / Disposition that is not part of this forecast other than the impact of loan forgiveness (click to enlarge):

The Racial Justice Task Force recommendations for community engagement (page 17 of the RJTF Final Report) were discussed. McGuire pointed out his opposition based on the fact that many of the ideas will require money and it's not known when in the foreseeable future the County would have funds for this or anything else in the current budget crisis. He voiced general support for the recommendations, noting "a lot of good things in here." He said there may be some overlap with some current community organizations such as the Reentry Council and Champaign Community Coalition, but another issue may be that the board simply doesn't have any place to tell local police departments what to do.

Chair Weibel and others highlighted that at this point the motion is only to facilitate and collaborate towards the goals, not any spending at this point, and not leading other government entities in any actions. Member Hartke suggested a leadership role would be good. Member Esry noted some concerns about ADA compliance with some of the recommendations, but Weibel again pointed out that this motion isn't for implementation yet, merely a call to action to look into facilitating and cooperating with these recommendations. Member Price said it is good for the Board to get its feet in the water on this and that it will take a coalition within the community to pull it off.

It passed by voice vote with what sounded like only a few nays.

Other reports were submitted and filed by voice vote. Nominations passed by voice vote for several appointments. Sheriff proclamations designating the Week of May 6th as National Correctional Officer Week and another designating the Week of May 13th as National Police Week passed by voice vote as well.

One of the finance budget items was rather large and the handful of questions took some explanation from the Highway Department. An Ameren project that required heavy transportation on Staley Road was expected to cause some damage and an agreement was reached beforehand for Ameren to pay the cost of restoring the road to its previous condition after the project. This utilized a before and after survey and a measuring guide known as the "Pavement Condition Index." This motion is to be made available to the Highway Department for that work: $900,000 out of the $1,043,000 paid to the County by Ameren. The funding passed by voice vote.

There was a closed session about some pending litigation. When the board returned to open session they agreed that the addendum item on the Nursing Home shortfall would no longer need to be addressed due to the contents of that closed session.

The Board of Review annual report was submitted and the Treasurer's reports were presented. Several items about a positive set of resolutions involving mobile homes and taxes that apparently is helpful to the County from what little I could understand all passed by voice vote.

The Deputy County Administrator Tami Ogden went through the Five Year Forecast report presentation available here (PowerPoint here). Aa2 Negative Outlook from Moody's Rating, July 2017 was probably a somber, but concise, summary from the report:

The negative outlook reflects the expectation that without material changes to operating revenues or expenditures continued support of the county nursing home will likely continue to weaken the county's reserve position, placing downward pressure on the rating. 

The Question and Answers are after Ms. Ogden's presentation and start here. A bit of obligatory stating the obvious on the dire situation along with some answers that involved how needed upgrades to the server systems really need to know how the Nursing Home situation is being resolved or not in order to plan replacements and/or upgrades. Chair Weibel had a question about possible increased income from solar farms. Apparently the assessment will probably be higher than the previous farmland, but upon further questions it appears that nothing specific is certain yet.

After that the rest of the agenda was run through with no new business and a quick addition to the consent agenda of a couple items and then an immediate adjournment.

County Board 3/27

A lot of dire news on the Nursing Home at last night's County Board meeting. From the News-Gazette today (meeting notes write up below):

Champaign County Board OKs up to $210,000 in loans to nursing home
Champaign County Board members Tuesday night agreed to loan up to $210,000 immediately to make payments to support the Champaign County Nursing Home.

In one vote, board members approved, 15-5, a plan to use the county general fund to cover ongoing nursing home payroll costs...

In the second vote, the board OK'd making $94,038 in structured payments out of the county's general fund to vendors at the nursing home. That resolution passed, 16-4.

Republicans on the board warned that the financial conditions at the institution are worsening monthly, and that the nursing home expenses may require cuts elsewhere in the budget.

"We're headed toward the financial disaster I've been talking about for the better part of the year I've been on the board," said Mahomet Republican Jim Goss, who argued that the county budget might have to be cut to afford the payments to the nursing home. "This thing is running away from itself and it's a snowball that we're not able to stop at this point. We've got to come to hard decisions here in the next 30, 45 days at the very slowest."

The full article, here, has more information about the canceled Rosecrance negotiations to lease a wing of the Nursing Home for drug treatment as well. A write up will be added here later today (hopefully) in an update.


Meeting Notes: (video link)

The meeting was called to order at 6:31pm. All present except R - Jon Rector and D - Lorraine Cowart. One of the agenda items was canceled (Rosecrance lease) "no action" today. Agenda and next meetings approved. Highlight: There is going to be a Justice & Social Services Committee Meeting on April 10th.

There were no takers for Public Participation tonight.

Member Goss asked for a Nursing Home related item to be taken off the consent agenda (which requires unanimous support to pass). Motion carried. In Communications it was noted there was a comment from the HACC and a report from the Champaign Economic Development Corporation in member's material for the meeting.

The Re-Entry Annual Report and Presentation (direct video link) was presented by Bruce Barnard of Rosecrance tonight (who was also with the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration). Champaign has been deemed an "innovator county" due to its stepping up on these issues. He explained that this was something to be proud of. He provided a list of reentry council membership (see video when available). He pointed out that the number of people in jail is down significantly while mental health services are up significantly. "Do we have more work to do? Yes."

He thanked Allen Jones (Deputy Sheriff) and State's Attorney Julia Rietz for their efforts on the program, as well as Celeste Blodgett who has recently moved on to another related job in the community for her work on the program over the past three years.

Most of the report itself and followup questions relied on the Power Point presentation, so watching the video link is probably the best approach.

After that presentation there was a motion required of the previous reentry contract (soon to expire) to make notification to renegotiate for the next contract as required. Basically to renew the contract this bureaucratic step is required in the contract. It passed by voice, all ayes.

In finance there was some question about late fees associated with some credit card payments made (as opposed to writing checks) that Member Stohr wanted more details on from the Auditor. The Auditor will be sending that information via e-mail to the board.

On the Nursing Home payroll loan Anderson requested a roll call. In the discussion, the treasurer explained that the funds would be used immediately as payroll is due tomorrow and the Nursing Home does not have the cash on hand to cover it in response to McGuire's question. Petrie had a question on why the payroll was higher was answered due to overtime by the interim Administrator Busey. Anderson asked if it was a majority vote to pass. Chair says yes. Passed 15-5 in roll call with Clifford, Harper, McGuire, Mitchell, and Clemmons voting no.

The next questions came up with a truck purchase pulled from the consent agenda by request of Goss who didn't believe now was the time for the purchase given the budget crunch. The Chair and Administrator pointed out that the funds in this case were "restricted use" from the Transportation Fund and not generally available for items outside of transportation. The voice vote was too close to discern. The hand count was 14-6, passing.

The approval of using federal funds for mass transit needs had a motion to suspend the rules as it had not passed through committee first. The motion passed all ayes. The discussion included a question by McGuire on where the furniture was to be purchased to avoid a conflict of interest. The amount has been set, not the source yet (no apparent conflict). He asked for a quick explanation of the funding which is from a federal grant that is either "use it or lose it" that they are going to be using for software, furniture, and equipping buses with bike rack/mounts. Passes voice, no nays.

On the Juvenile Detention Center agreement with Correct Care Solutions the Chair noted a date correction. Stohr asked if the company was local and using local facilities. Busey noted it was based out of Nashville and selected via a competitive bid process via the Sheriff's Department. Passed by voice vote, all ayes.

On the Addendum item for Nursing Home settlement payments there was a long discussion towards a 15 vote Roll call vote. Petrie asked for additional information from the auditor in the e-mail she was planning on sending on the previous issue.

Goss wanted to know what happens if this fails. Busey explained that the County would likely be sued due to requirements of consent decrees and contracts. Services such as food and communication services could be stopped with possible difficulty in finding another vendor to provide such services.

Republicans generally pointed out that we are in dire circumstances and this is the beginning of the budget death spiral with the Nursing Home they've been warning about. Goss said that within the next 30-45 days the board would need to make some hard calls. Other Republicans agreed that cuts, layoffs, and furloughs while needed services aren't added is in the future. The Democrats overall remained noticeably silent. Roll call vote passes 16-4, with Clifford, Harper, Marsh, and Clemons voting no.

The remaining item passed with no action on the Rosecrance lease agreement that for now is canceled due to state requirements through the Department of Public Health. It did not seem certain that the issue would be raised again.

The board adjourned at 8:48pm.

Champaign Community Coalition

This post explains what the Champaign Community Coalition is and does. For the 3/14/2018 meeting notes scroll down or click here to jump to them.

The Champaign Community Coalition is a county organization of organizations that includes:

...local government; law enforcement; juvenile justice; behavioral health; education; child welfare; and community based service providers. This network is designed to identify critical community issues that impact the lives of youth and their families. Effective Systems of Care are family-driven, youth-guided, strength-based, culturally competent, and trauma informed in its philosophy and operation.

The Executive Committee of the CCCC provides overall leadership, determines priorities, oversight on activities and facilitates community conversations. Staff support for the project and to the Executive Committee is housed at the Champaign County Mental Health Board.

To promote, inform and facilitate the priorities of the CCCC, three working sections are organized to coordinate activities. These three sections are: Healthy Youth and Families; Community Justice; Education and Youth Development. The sections are the pathways to drive the work of the CCCC. Core priorities, goals and initiatives are identified through monthly community-wide meetings. Each of the three sections, have section leaders to facilitate meeting communication and organization.

A major focus in the CCCC philosophy is to identify, support and expand effective strengths based programs that exist throughout the community. Where that is not possible, new opportunities may be created. We don’t need to recreate what we already have in place.

What they do can be quickly understood from their latest priorities:

Police Community Relations

1. Promote and support and encourage
2. Police/law enforcement leadership, engagement with officers

Mutual Advocacy

1. Support racial justice initiatives
2. Homelessness
3. Trauma-informed community
4. Youth Assessment Center
5. Support mental health awareness

Community Engagement

1. Walk As One events
2. Racial Taboo
3. Promote Coalition activities
4. Targeted neighborhoods – support specific activities

Youth Development

1. Summer jobs
2. Arts/Recreational activities
3. Educational initiatives (truancy discipline)
4. Initiatives: 18-26 population
5. Academic achievement

Community Violence

1. CU Fresh Start
2. School-based violence
3. Trauma-based trainings
4. Community-targeted Neighborhood Activities

Long story short it is an organization that many people thinking of good ideas for our community sometimes doesn't know already exists. Here are the meeting notes from 3/14/2018 if you want to get a feel for what their community wide meetings are like.


Meeting Notes: 3/14/2018: Champaign Public Library 3:30pm

Today's meeting was at the Champaign Public Library. Meeting agenda printouts, additional information from various organizations and sign-up sheets were on the back tables.

Introductions. They mean everybody. Tracy Parsons led the meeting and introduced himself as the facilitator of the meeting before handing the microphone to the audience. All (rough guess) 60 audience members stated their name and the organization they were with, including a few who just stated "Urbana citizen" or similar if they weren't with an organization.

From area law enforcement agencies, government, social activist groups, faith based organizations, groups for mental health and other services in the area and related agencies... there were too many representatives from throughout the community to even really keep track of them all. Parsons started by remarking on how remarkable it is to have a community group like this and not to take it for granted.

"Good news" was next on the agenda where they announce good news. Today was a birth announcement.

Representatives of the area policing agencies gave updates on local crime, shootings, and Urbana's burglary rate declining after recent arrests of suspected repeat offenders from an average of one robbery a day to less than one a week. There has been a dramatic start to firearm homicides and shootings in the area noted by both Champaign and Urbana representatives who laid out active investigations and where a suspect was identified.

Unofficial criminal activity appeared to be much lower this year as there were fewer out of town revelers causing trouble and more local University kids celebrating more sensibly.

They plugged the City of Champaign "Youth Police Academy" and various are law enforcement "Citizens Police Academy" events (Cheat Sheet post here).

Anti-Immigrant cards encouraging people to report on suspected "illegals" in the area have been turning up regularly and re-appearing quickly at locations where they are removed. It's causing some fear and concern throughout the community. The police representatives didn't have any information on this and it may not be a police matter due to the nature of the cards not promoting any criminal activity.

A question was asked if there'd be child care at the police academy event for adults and it did not sound like there would be. Another person asked if previous participant evaluations of the program were available for new people to read, but the feedback sounded like it was only for internal improvement use at this time.

The next meeting will have more on Latinx issues and ICE in the community.


Coalition Priorities:

CU Fresh Start explained the process by which they call in those at risk of perpetrating and being victims of gun violence and the difficult odds they face to teach organizational skills, ensure they make it to appointments, evaluate and connect them with services and training, etc. They asked that those with resources to offer get in touch with them on everything from housing to employment. Everything takes resources.

A recent Racial Taboo screening event was discussed. 120 community members stayed for the conversations organized afterward and 83 evaluations were submitted. Organizers highlighted some feedback on what people took away from the experience. The noted an upcoming "Waking Up White" screening about white privilege and how to recognize it even while in the midst of it.

The Youth Assessment Center announced that it is moving to its new location April 2nd and will be having an open house probably in early May. More information on that on the Cheat Sheet here. A basic description (also a fact sheet here):

The Youth Assessment Center staff screen at-risk juveniles and link them and their families with the community’s support and restorative services. Law enforcement personnel typically make referrals to the Youth Assessment Center as an alternative to prosecution and to prevent further delinquent activities. Case managers consider station-adjustment charges, police officer or school official recommendations, family input, and restorative justice methods. (from their website)

Peace and Resiliency Champions (formerly CU Neighborhood Champions) explained their name change and explained some of their training programs for organizations and providers who help people who have experienced trauma.  More under Upcoming Trauma Training Events on their page here.

Youth Engagement: they are looking for creative collaborative ideas for youth engagement as we approach the warm summer months where idle hands with free time can be deadly. They're seeking ideas from organizations and individuals.

They especially thanked the Champaign County Mental Health Board that has provided the seed money for almost all of the projects and efforts being discussed here today.


Information Sharing:

The Youth and Family Peer Support Alliance explained what they are and what they do for families with children with mental illness. They detailed numerous support activities and connections to services. More information at their website here.

National Youth Gun Walkout Activities. A local counselor spoke on the children she's talked to about the issue locally. There is fear every day right here in our community. It's an everyday fear.  Children are feeling unsupported by adults with authority and in power. They are dealing with an endless parade of naysayers telling them they're just kids and they don't know what they're talking about on these issues. They want to see action across systems, not just on staying safe from gun violence, but they want better government results across the board.

The March For Our Lives event is coming up March 24th and organized by local students. They are seeking support from the community:

If you are interested in speaking or performing contact uhanif@illinois.edu. If you are press and would like more information contact aghoganson@gmail.com. If your social justice oriented organization would like to be a community partner contact esinger@illinois.edu.

 With a few comments and questions the meeting wrapped up.

March COW

The County Board Committee of the Whole (what is this?) last night included a Special Meeting about leasing out part of the county nursing home, but the vote had to be delayed. Meeting notes below (jump to meeting notes). Summary from the News-Gazette:

County board puts off lease vote for nursing home, OKs plan to cover payroll
A vote on a proposed agreement to lease space at the Champaign County Nursing Home to Rosecrance Health Systems was postponed Tuesday over questions raised by the Illinois Department of Public Health, while county board members members gave tentative approval to a plan to use the county's general fund as a line of credit to cover nursing home payroll.

Board Chairman C. Pius Weibel said he hoped to bring the lease agreement back before the county board on March 27. As proposed, the county would lease to Rosecrance an unused wing at the nursing home for use as an inpatient drug therapy facility for about 24 patients at a time.

But nursing home officials received a letter from the Public Health Department late Monday afternoon raising questions about the agreement. County administrators didn't learn of the questions until Tuesday morning.

Also:

The measure to use the general fund to cover nursing home payroll was approved 12-6 at the board's regular committee-of-the-whole meeting, with all "no" votes coming from Republican members Jim McGuire, Jon Rector, Jack Anderson, Brad Clemmons, John Clifford and Stan Harper.

Weibel called the measure "a Band-Aid approach" that will make it easier for the county to cover payrolls, which average about $240,000 every two weeks.

Under the plan, county Auditor John Farney and county Administrator Deb Busey will pay bills submitted by vendors only during payroll weeks. After it's been determined that there is adequate revenue to cover payroll, accounts payable will be prioritized with any remaining funds.

Full article here.

Videos (Special Meeting video and COW video) at the County Clerk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/champaigncountyclerk


Meeting Notes:

Special Meeting: 6pm at Brookens (agenda) began at 6:04pm

Prior to the Special Meeting Chairman Weibel informed me that the Special Meeting was going to be very brief as the one item on the agenda was delayed. At the meeting itself it was explained that the Illinois Department of Public Health notified them that another step was required to get approval to lease out part of the facility.

Member Petrie asked for further explanation of what the issues were. The IDPH had concerns about staff and management overlapping versus simply leasing out the property. She also raised concern about the medicaid beds and "overbedding" and whether this deal would cause problems for the Nursing Home's medicaid program. These questions are still being worked out with the IDPH and lawyers.

Member Harper wanted to make sure the broker and potential buyer for the Nursing Home were being kept in the loop. He was assured they are aware.

This item will be on the agenda two weeks from now. The Special Meeting adjourned at 6:13pm.


Committee of the Whole: 6:30pm (agenda) began at 6:31pm

Attendance: Quorum. Absent Crews, Hartke, and Marsh

Public Participation: Doctor Dottie Vera Wise (sp?), a Physician in C-U for 4 and half years when she was practicing, has been tracking criminal justice statistics of those in jail. She gave numbers of thos in jail and pointed out that such numbers need to be more easily accessible given the important decisions that the Board makes that should be informed by them. She distributed an information pamphlet showing the numbers over the last six years or so. She argued that things have improved, with a jail population averaging about half of what it was six years ago, but there is still room for improvement.

RJTF Presentation: (direct video link here)

There was a presentation by Ryan Huges and Doctor Carolyn Randolph from the Racial Justice Task Force advocating for the Community Engagement recommendations to be adopted. They discusses a project (more information here and database here) in coordination with Dr. Bev Wilson and U of I students collecting and analyzing criminal justice statistics in the area from the County Sheriff's department, Jail, Circuit Clerk, and four other police departments. One example they noted was that controlling for age, sex, and type of crime across five departments, Africian-Americans were still four times more likely to go to jail than white suspects.

They advocated for making the data more streamlined and contining the data base project with local community groups and the U of I by

1) having better access to data with dynamic records and avoiding access barriers like CAPTCHA that prevent automating data collection.
2) Getting the format of the data across systems in line with one another.
3) Cross-agency integration
4) Establishing analysis of data with diverse groups in the community.

They believe their database project could serve as an example for future databases.

After some discussion about the difficulties and regulatory road blocks in their cross-agency data recommendations, they pointed to a leadership role the County Board can serve as opposed to asking them to try to change regulations outside of their perview. A vote to adopt the recommendations was considered, but due to the complications involved it sounded like Member King was going to put together a committee group to suggest more direct recommendations for the County Board itself per Chairman Weibel's suggestion.

Other Reports:

The Community Reentry Quarterly Report will be presented on March 22nd with the Annual Report

Most of the usual County Office reports were simply filed. The States Attorney argued for her need of an assistant state's attorney to handle the work load while they are already a lawyer short on the criminal side. Staff is overwhelmed having to cover that workload. Concerns about position control (and fears of temporary staff becoming permanent drains on the budget) led to an amendment to revisit the position at the end of the fiscal year (which is the calendar year for the County Board now). The amendment and motion as amended passed with a voice vote with one nay.

Other Finance agenda items passed with a voice vote.

Treasurer and Auditor spoke about their reports. The Auditor noted their staff had won a couple awards in spite of difficult circumstances which received applause from the board.

Interim County Administrator Busey spoke about the Nursing Home report and there was a discussion and Q and A with SAK (the management agency running the home now) about recouping collections costs.

There was a debate on a band-aid measure to ensure payroll is paid even with brief waiting periods between the Nursing Home receipts and payroll needing to go out to staff that has caused consternation in the past. The measure would direct the treasurer to temporarily loan money out to ensure payroll is paid and immediately repay it with Nursing Home receipts when they come in. While nobody seemed to happy about the budget being in a situation where this was necessary, it had a broad support from the Treasurer, the Auditor, and the interim County Administrator.

Member McGuire raised concerns about the idea getting expanded down the road beyond payroll and whether this creates a loophole around the usual appropriation rules requiring 15 county board votes and the $250k limit. What a vender sues and demands repayment through this process? The argument broke down with Busey's side saying it simply prioritizes pay roll and arguing it can't get out of control as it only risks AP payments to prioritize payroll. McGuire's side pointed to the lack of limits on teh spending and believed it would be a slippery slope to other costs. He pointed to the history of Nursing Home band aids getting out of control in spite of best intentions.

The measure passed 12-6 with a roll call vote (no votes in the N-G excerpt above).

After that the board seemed anxious to wrap up and quickly passed the remaining items on the agenda by voice vote, and approved the upcoming consent agenda items and adjourned at 8:26pm about as fast as I could write that down.

Champaign Human Relations Commission

To jump directly to the Champaign Human Relations Commission meeting notes click here. Today's meeting involved a County organization presentation of the League of Women Voters and also a brief mention of the Commissions shared recommendation with the Racial Justice Task Force to the Champaign City Council to end the exemption allowing some housing discrimination.

In Champaign the City Council, and in this case the Human Relations Commission, meet at the City Building in the City Council Chambers (from google maps and city videos screen grab):

It's generally street parking at 75 cents an hour, so bring quarters or face the annoying meter website on your phone.

The City Council Chambers entrance is to the left as soon as you enter the Chester St. Entrance. Along the outside wall is a display with informational pamphlets including the protocols for public participation: "How to Address the Council." The door warns of the usual rules about no food or drink and to turn off your cell phones.

Once inside, the back table will typically have an agenda and any other materials for the audience. The projector screen for Power Point presentations is on the right side wall.

Today's meeting is a Human Relations Commission meeting: "The Human Relations Commission is responsible for the promotion of equal rights and opportunities in the City.  It is responsible for the enforcement of the City’s Human Rights Ordinance and serves as the hearing board for complaints of violation of the Ordinance that cannot be conciliated by staff.  The Commission also advises the City Council on human rights and equal opportunity issues."


Champaign Human Relations Commission Meeting: March 5th, 2018 at 5:30pm

The Meeting started promptly at 5:30pm. In attendance: Chair Young, Vice Chair Elmore, and Commissioners Bressner, Felty, and Greene, and two staff members. Absent were Commissioners C. Comer, W. Comer, Midden, and Secretary Turner.

Previous minutes were accepted and there was a report of one open discrimination case involving employment and no open cases involving policing.

There was an announcement that the Community Relations Office had buttons and other materials for March being women's history month available to the public. There was an additional announcement for the disABILITY Resource Expo on April 7th, 2018.

No Audience Participation.


Guest Speaker: Holly Wilper, President of the Champaign County League of Women Voters (LWVCC)

She covered some of the basic history of the League nationally and locally. She then discussed some of their projects such as mock elections for students with the assistance of the County Clerk and voting machines. Also candidate forums for candidates to address the issues and not each other. They already had forums for the primary (video available on their website and from the county Cheat Sheet) and will probably have forums for the general election in September or October.

She also talked about the Observer Corps project where members observe local government bodies and report back to the rest of the group about them, including how open and accessible they are. There was a court observer project that sounds like it is going through some leadership changes. They're updating a news literacy project from years ago and adapting it for the current "fake news" phenomenon to help people sort through the nonsense with a skeptical eye.

She described topical study groups on various political issues such as gun policies and immigration. She described pillars of their work being Human Resources (such as encouraging Human Relations Commissions), Natural Resources (environment and more), Local Government, and the Judicial System. The last two she described their efforts to make sure they're accessible, working for everyone, and working efficiently.

She made a point to note that the local League is for all of Champaign County, not just the City of Champaign.  If groups want to work with the league they can bring their non-partisan efforts to their attention, help with study topics and share information. Individuals can volunteer. They encourage engagement with local government, respectful discourse, and above all: voting.

Q & A:

Q. Felty: asked if their was as comporable organization for men.
A. The LWV has male members too.

Q2. Asked if they were aware of the 5th and Hill environmental issues.
A. They're aware, but Barb Specter (?) is the person to talk to.

Q3/A: They talked about communicating further about a potential redlining issue with home loan access shunting people to Decatur or Rantoul by limiting access to loans in Champaign.

Q. Greene: noted her participation in the mock elections and a now newly registered voter. Asked about bringing registration to high schools.
A. Due to the strict registration age limits in Illinois it's messy. Apparently some states allow younger future voters to at least register for the future.

Q. Elmore: How is the Champaign HRC doing, given that they observe and try to improve such commissions.
A. She noted that it was good that it was active. Some HRCs exist to just check off a box so cities can say they have one and look like they're doing something. Some HRCs bicker as opposed to Champaign's which appears to believe in the mission.

Q2. Are their LWV City Council observers?
A. Yes, for both Champaign and Urbana. There are roughly 12-14 government bodies and they have observers in nearly all, but not all.

Q. Chair Young: Membership information and how to join?
A. She explained the dues. They have 89 dues paying members who not only participate but also have voting rights. They're trying to improve their diversity. A discussion ensued about recruitment and outreach opportunities to help with diversity.

Q. Felty again: brought up their recommendation (also a Racial Justice Task Force recommendation — Felty was on the task force) to end the housing discrimination exemption for convicted felons for 5 years in Champaign.
A. It could be part of the League's criminal justice portfolio. Asked for a write up with a description for their members. Could write letters to the editor and other actions. That is "right up our wheel house."

Guest Speaker thanked for her time.


Back to Agenda:

Committee Reports: there was going to be an update on a video by Comer (which?) but absent. There was nothing in old or new business and no further audience participation.

Comments: Greene noted Centennial High School was having an after school event open to the public on March 14th at 3:45pm at the school track on gun violence. There are going to be guest speakers on the issue.

Felty gave an update on the Mennonite screening of the "Racial Taboo" film that 150 local residents attended and split into 14 discussion groups afterward to consider. Next Sunday at 4:30pm there will be followup discussions also at the Mennonite church.

Adjourned at 6:04pm

Packed House at Housing Authority

[UPDATE News-Gazette coverage here. Excerpt:

Board asks newest member not to vote
In a new twist Thursday, the Housing Authority of Champaign County’s board requested that its newest member participate in meetings but not in votes.

That request was approved by Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin, who appointed Danielle Chynoweth to the board, before Chynoweth attended her first HACC meeting as a board member Thursday...]

The recent appointment of Danielle Chynoweth to the HACC being blocked and now provisionally accepted (she's being allowed to sit on the board as a non-voting member until the Housing and Urban Development Chicago office makes a decision on the conflict of interest concerns.

There was standing room only with what appeared to be a great deal of support for Chynoweth's appointment and concerns about trust with the HACC's move without satisfactory notification or transparency. Seeing the turnout and anticipating the complaints in the public comments, Chair Lewis explained that blocking the appointment was not a personal vendetta and not political. He explained it was a legal matter about a conflict of interest that is out of the board's hands. He explained Chynoweth is being seated as a non-voting member until that decision is made.

The agenda turned to the less dramatic financial information with a long series of highlights and information for the board with only a handful of technical questions, mainly by Chynoweth, thrown in.

The agenda items all passed unanimously yes as far as I could tell from the roll call votes.

The management report, I believe by the new Executive Director highlighted additional information from the agenda packet before explaining the website outage. A crash had caused the web server to need to be rebuilt from scratch. The website had been down for roughly two months, but is now up and being populated with information. She also highlighted a success story helping a family in cooperation with Habitat for Humanity to have their own home. Auditors are currently working on affiliate properties before they move on to HACC owned properties soon.

A board member spoke up to thank the Executive Director for moving away from paper to electronic paperwork. Chynoweth asked about issues involved with getting higher occupancy. Some of the vacancies are with private companies who fill them and the reasons for vacancies can be asked of them in an upcoming meeting with them. RAD (?) properties are currently under construction and some units are empty while they're being worked on. Chynoweth also asked for additional information on emergency shelter numbers for the homeless need she has seen in Urbana. A facility funded via the United Way, with the program managed by the Regional Planning Commission, and the property managed by the HACC to clear up a question about who is managing what at the location.

Prior to public comments the chair said the board was honored to have the Urbana Mayor and Urbana Councilman Roberts in attendance.


Public Comments:

It was hard to catch names, so these may be way off and only my best guesses. Apologies in advance for any name butchering.

Katie Powell of Urbana: argued that public trust is critical and the board had put it in question. She spoke of having trouble coordinating with the board before and we need more than just assurances. Especially after meetings without communication or including a new member. She asked if they even respond to e-mails from the public. We will be watching. They have shaken the public trust. [applause]

Urbana City Councilman Roberts: Chynoweth "has our full support" [applause]

The chair again reiterated it was a legal issue and not personal. It was a potential conflict of interest.

Rebecca(?) Hannah: We pay for this (the chair appeared to argue with this since they're federal). She reiterated the federal taxes from local people pays for it. It's time for the public to start paying attention. She said she was leaving copies of the Urbana Mayor's statement about the issue. She complained about minutes missing from the January 30th meeting making it difficult to verify the board's claims. She accused it of violating their own bylaws in spite of their protestations. She explained that Chynoweth has no control over the tax issue and there is no conflict. [applause, sustained]

Esther Patt of the Champaign-Urbana Tenant Union: She pointed out that she's been attending these meetings for four and half years, often due to the unwillingness of the board to be transparent. She used an example of the former executive director only delivering his report orally where only people in attendance could know what he reported. She accused the board of acting clueless to their purpose: to protect the public interest.

She pointed to a previous appointment issue that was also done without transparency and possible unilateral decisions to show that the current situation isn't in isolation. She admonished them that they're here for the public and need to stand up to the Executive Director when appropriate. The chair called the time limit (couldn't tell for sure if it was early) [applause]

Harry Nicoli: He flat out said he did not believe the board when they say the Chynoweth decision was non-political. He believes they targeted her. [applause]

Robin (missed the rest of the name): She personally had relied on a voucher. People who need them are the least able to come to these meetings. It's critical to make the process public and to stop being defensive. It's creating a situation where people can't trust an entity that their lives depend on. She complained about sending out notices that are labeled as a final notice when they're the only notice, leaving people to fear that they missed previous correspondence.

She explained that trust is critical for those on the program. She and others had tried to come to the board and were left with so little recourse they had to give up their vouchers and move. Her situation panned out but others were less fortunate. [applause]

Board member Linda Turnball decided to make a few comments: She explained that the Department of Housing and Urban Development controls this board. An attendee interrupted a couple times pointing out that HUD didn't make them have unannounced meetings. The Chair stepped in to point out that public comment was not a back and forth and the interrupter would have to address the board through the public process.

Turnball continued to explain that the complaints were making her and the board feel bad even though, she explained, she had done nothing wrong.

The interrupter took the next public comment opportunity: She explained that she has a lot of respect for Turnball, however, HUD didn't tell them to have an unannounced meeting. She belated gave her name as Karen when asked by the Chair.

The board then moved to go into its closed session which it would adjourn from later. The public meeting ended at 3:58pm.

As the crowd was leaving a participant shouted for the need of a "live wire." Which from the context I think referred to either television and/or internet live streaming.


Summary:

Sometimes you get a lively meeting and it's hard to keep up with notes or follow along. This was my first HACC meeting so that adds a bit of difficulty to play catch up. There's only one way to fix that, and that's to come back again. The housing rule the County Board urged changes to wasn't brought up, though that resolution doesn't officially get passed until tonight's board meeting makes it official via their consent agenda.

I got the strong impression by serious folks involved in their local government that the HACC board is having difficulty seeing its role as a protector of the public interest to speak for us to the forces beyond our control in an intergovernmental agency. The bad habits of low accessibility and decisions made behind closed doors instead of in the daylight makes it a good place for more regular public attendance and public notes so people can find out what's going on with their tax money.