Advisory Council
Minutes
April 28, 2010
Greetings and Introductions
Board Members Present: Roy Probeyahn, Mary Fasano, Elise Perlin,
Cathy Aziz, Kathy Callahan, Michael Buffa, Colleen Kunkel, Judy Greenberg,
Tootsie Ripp, Joann Ripp, Kathleen Quinn and Barbara Squillacioti
Excused: Bob Policastro
Absent: Valerie DeClara and Ed Hand
Staff Present: Linda Ciravella
Guests Present: Craig Marcott, Geri Athena, Susan Platkin, Conrad Bergmann,
Joe Gerardi, Alison Giangregorio, Michael Giangregoria and Suzanne Valls
Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by M. Fasano to accept the minutes
of the February. Seconded by M. Buffa. Minutes approved without objection.
Correspondence: Many consumer satisfaction surveys have been sent in and
are being reviewed. They were by and large positive. Complaints are being
forwarded to the appropriate agency to address.
Chairman's Report: R. Probeyahn stated he had been asked to sit on the RFS
committee for NYS CARES. This will provide funding over the next 3 years for
CSS, ISS and community IRA opportunities. There is still no budget passed for
New York State.
Committee Reports:
By Laws: A motion was made by M. Buffa to approve changes in the
By-Laws as recommended by the By Laws committee and was seconded by
E. Perlin. The changes were circulated electronically on April 1, 2010.
A lengthy and lively discussion took place regarding the changes. Questions
were asked and answered. Opinions were discussed. There was controversy
pertaining to eligibility criteria for council membership, i.e. minimum
attendance requirements of three meetings over the previous 12 months.
A vote was taken to approve the revised By Laws. 12 Approved 1 Opposed.
Motion carried by more than 2/3rds margin.
Nominating Committee: M. Fasano presented the recommended slate for
the Executive Board proposed by the nominating committee. Seven positions
were to be filled. Nominations were opened from the floor. Elise Perlin
nominated Geri Athenas which was seconded by Mike Buffa. Voting was
done by secret ballot. The results are as follows: Geri Athenas, Kathy
Callahan, Teri Manzione, Craig Marcott, Bob Policastro, Joann Ripp and
Tootsie Ripp were elected for 2 year terms.
Family Support Services: L. Ciaravella reported that 20 programs were
approved thru the RFP process and will begin in July 2010. A new RFP has
been issued for Reimbursement in the amount of $200,000. Four programs,
each in the amount of $50,000; 2 in Nassau and 2 in Suffolk; proposals are
to be in by May 19th and agencies will be notified by letter of the status of
the RFP’s by June 9th.
Statewide Council: Mary Fasano reported on the proposed changes in
Medicaid Service Coordination and wanted answers to a prepared survey that
all statewide reps were to report back on. The June meeting is scheduled to
be a face to face meeting.
Long Island Task Force on Aging Out: Next Liaison Meeting is June 16,
2010 @ 1:30 PM, at 415A Oser Ave.
Self Advocacy: No report.
Website Updates: Approximately 300 hits a month reported by C. Aziz.
New family photographs are requested for our website.
Old Business:
Legislative Breakfast Committee: Formation of a committee for the 2010 Legislative Breakfast to be held Oct 1, 2010 at the Huntington Hilton. E. Perlin will chair the committee. Volunteers include: C. Aziz, K. Callahan, M. Buffa, G. Athenas, M. Giangregorio and J. Greenberg. Anyone interested in assisting, please contact Elise Perlin. An invitation will be extended to Commissioner Ritter to attend the October event. The 2009 Legislative Breakfast payments will soon be finalized.
New Business:
Quarterly meeting: Craig Marcot, Tootsie Ripp and B. Squillacioti will develop a program for the June Quarterly Meeting and report to R. Probeyahn.
IEP Diploma: Vesid white papers had been previously distributed electronically by Roy, stating the NYS Board of Regents plan to eliminate the IEP diploma and replace it with a certificate. Roy asked the board to authorize Mary Fasano to request the Statewide FSSA Council to write a letter to the Board of Regents, with copies to the Governor and State Assembly and Senate in support of keeping the IEP Diploma. Motion made by Tootsie Ripp and seconded by Kathy Callahan. Passed unanimously.
Motion to adjourn by C. Kunkel, seconded by M. Fasano.
Next Meeting May 20, 2010 @ 7:30PM