Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Directors
of South Dakota RehabAction
by Teleconference, April 13, 2006
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Board President, Margie Helgeson.
Roll Call of Members Present: President, Margie Helgeson; Past President, Alan Vandenburg ; President-Elect, Cindy Ryan; Treasurer, Bernie Grimme; Secretary, Linda Lockner; Board Members, Keith Rouse and Dan Rounds.
Review of the Agenda and Minutes: The agenda was reviewed, and the minutes of the Board meeting of February 21, 2006 were reviewed. Alan moved, and Keith seconded that the minutes be approved as posted. All in favor.
Membership Report: Bernie said that as of now, there are 103 registered members and added that there are always some coming on and going off as memberships are renewed or lapse.
Treasurer’s Report: Bernie presented the treasurer’s report, copies of which the board had received by e-mail prior to the meeting. Bernie reported a balance of $31,957.59. He said that there are still a couple of bills from Mid Winter. By the time these are paid, the balance should be close to $30,000.
ARA N Conference Call: Margie reported on the ARA N Consortium meeting held earlier today by conference call. She said that South Dakota is the only state that holds an institutional membership. The membership has dropped from 946 to 935 in the last couple of months. Margie said that ARAN’s primary concern is membership and getting more states on board. One strategy is to promote ARAN membership among administrators at the CSAVR semi-annual conferences.
Margie also informed board members that Catriona McDonald’s fee is increasing $300. a month. Her contract year is from April 1-March 31. Margie said that Catriona presented a report, which she summarized. She said that because 2006 is an election year, there is not much movement expected on WIA reauthorization until 2007. ARAN needs to provide advocacy and education to newly elected officials. Bernie added that Grady thinks it will be reauthorized and block granting will be proposed again. He feels that we really need Catriona.
Margie reported that Audrey Butterworth from Massachusetts presented the Income and Expense report for ARAN January through March, 2006. Total expenditures were $9,240. Of this, the expense for Linchpin Strategies (Catriona) was $2100 a month. There are also expenses for the newsletter and membership promotion. The ARAN treasury balance, as of today is $14,102.62.
Discussion was held on generating income to meet
expenses. Margie said that the ARAN
board is considering raising the dues.
In the past, individual states contributed monies over and above the
organizational dues. Last year, South
Dakota, Utah, and Massachusetts each kicked in $1500. Texas kicked in $20,000.
Margie said that we need to make a commitment and suggested something
between $1500 and 3000.2000. Bernie suggests contributing $1500. now plus
the $350 for membership then seeing what the needs are later. Linda moved and Cindy seconded that we
contribute $1500. now and revisit the needs in the future. Cindy seconded the motion. All in favor.
Margie said that ARAN is interested in having individual members meet with legislators in a forum in D. C. in 2007. Plans are in the early stages.
NEW BUSINESS:
North Dakota RehabACTion-Region 8 Field Manager and Directors Meeting Bernie said that the Region 8 V.R. field managers and directors will meet June 20-21, 2006 in Medora, North Dakota. There is going to be a social the night of the 19th of June. Bernie suggested that we contribute $500 toward promoting RehabAction to the administrators present. Dan moved to sponsor a break up to the amount of $500. The motion was seconded by Keith. All in Favor
Support Staff Training in May Bernie said that there are several support staff members of SD RehabACTion. They are not usually able to attend Mid Winter Conference. Bernie suggested that we help fund a social for this training, as we have in the past. Margie moved that we sponsor a social up to the amount of $100. Alan seconded the motion. All in favor.
2006 Fall Conference: Bernie updated the board on plans for the Fall Conference to be held in Spearfish at the Holiday Inn Convention Center October 17-19, 2006. Bernie anticipates up to 300 people in attendance, as it is a regional conference with other states involved. There will be several keynotes and up to five training tracks going at once. He said that another promotional flier will be sent out in May, targeting other states. The budget is being finalized, and monies are being requested from the DD Council and the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant. There was discussion on awards and whether we want to have a S.D. RehabAction meeting at the Fall Conference. No action was taken at this time, and discussion will continue at our next meeting.
Next Board Meeting/ Adjournment: It was discussed that we will meet again in July, the date to be determined. Bernie moved that the meeting be adjourned. The motion was seconded by Alan. All in favor.
Respectfully Submitted, Linda J. Lockner, Secretary