MINUTES

Governing Board of Directors

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Directors Present:        David Johnson                                    Jean Milstead 

                                    Erv Hodges                             David Ambler                        

                                    Judy Anderson                        Elizabeth Sheils

                                    Ken McRae                             Marilyn Bittenbender

                                    Mike McGrew                         Judy Long O’Neal

                                    Ed Brunt

Directors Absent:        Rick Spano                              Jane Eldredge

Staff Present:              Pat Roach Smith, Chief Operations Officer

                                    Marilyn Sell, Recording Secretary

I           Jean Milstead called an Executive Session to order at 7:30 a.m. to discuss a personnel issue.  The Executive Session adjourned at 8:15 a.m. at which time the regular meeting of the Governing Board was called to order.

II         Public Comment:  None

III        Consent Agenda:  February 22, 2005 Minutes and February 2005 Financials made up the Consent Agenda.

KEN MCRAE MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA; MARILYN BITTENBEDNER SECONDED THE MOTION.  MOTION CARRIED.

IV        Consider for Action:  Slate of Officers.  The following Directors have agreed to serve if approved:  Mike McGrew, Chair; Erv Hodges, Chair Elect; David Ambler, Treasurer.

MARILYN BITTENBENDER MOVED TO APPROVE THE SLATE OF OFFICERS AS PRESENTED; JUDY LONG O’NEAL SECONDED THE MOTION.  MOTION CARRIED. 

Board Members for Building Independence Inc.  Two new members are required to complete the Building Independence Board of Directors.  Judy Anderson volunteered to serve.

MIKE MCGREW MOVED TO APPROVE JUDY ANDERSON’S APPOINTMENT TO THE BUILDING INDEPENDENCE BOARD; DAVID AMBLER SECONDED THE MOTION.  MOTION CARRIED.

Judy recommended Kirby Hayes to fill the remaining position on the Building Independence Board and will contact Rev. Hayes.

Budget Approval.  David distributed the Douglas County 2006 Budget Assumptions Discussion Draft for the Board’s review.  David asked the Board to approve his recommendation the Finance Committee review, revise and approve the budget for presentation to the County.

Regarding the opening of a mental health in-patient unit, Marilyn Bittenbender suggested we revise the language in the budget request form that states “The Bert Nash Center, in cooperation with Lawrence Memorial Hospital, is requesting additional funding to support the operation of the in-patient unit.”   Her suggestion was for language that would not limit us to partnering only with LMH but that would permit BNC to partner with other service agencies for funding for an in-patient mental health unit.

KEN MCRAE MOVED TO APPROVE THE FINANCE COMMITTEE DRAFT A BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY AND TO TAKE MARILYN’S SUGGESTION INTO CONSIDERATION IN DOING SO; DAVID AMBLER SECONDED THE MOITON.  MOTION CARRIED.

V         Review and Comment:  Crisis Unit Follow Up.  Mike McGrew described his recent lunch meeting with Gene Meyer.  Gene continues to be firm in his belief a mental health crisis unit at LMH is unwarranted; but, does see the need in the community for crisis stabilization services.  Jean Milstead asked if a special Board meeting devoted to this issue should be held.  The Board agreed to meet on Friday, April 15, 2005, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the board room.  Judy Anderson advised each director plan for this meeting by thinking about community organizations that might be considered as we move forward.  David Ambler asked about requirements that must be met in order to provide in-patient mental health services. 

Nancy’s House.  Stephens Realty presented a contract on Nancy’s House, we countered, they responded and the closing is today.  Nancy’s House sold prior to any deck work being done and Stephens agreed to waive a portion of the seller’s commission. 

Review and Comment:  Pioneer, Good Friends, & Distinguished Service Awards.

MARILYN BITTENBENDER MOVED TO APPROVE DOLPH SIMONS FOR THE PIONEER AWARD; KARI WEMPE, MARCIA EPSTEIN, SUE GILES AS GOOD FRIENDS; AND, DONNA SWALL FOR THE LYN SMITH AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD.  JUDY LONG O’NEAL SECONDED THE MOTION.  MOTION CARRIED.

VI        CEO Report.  David distributed ½ price tickets to Ping Chong’s presentation at Summit III on April 30.  He also distributed full admission tickets intended for consumers.

David urged the directors to contact Senator Brownback and ask the Senator to support the Senate’s position regarding Medicaid cuts.  The Senate is recommending -0- cuts in Medicaid while the House is recommending $20 billion in cuts.

David advised BNC will soon become experts regarding prescription drugs with the changes in Medicare regulations.  David will provide web sites for more information. 

Other:  Pat advised 90 responses were received out of 175 consumer satisfaction surveys sent by The Consortium.  Survey results will be available for the Board’s review soon.

Pat shared a recent client complaint and steps BNC staff are taking to resolve the client’s complaint.

Pat is working with the Center’s Operations Team in management and leadership training.

Jay Zimmerschmitz with BG consultants has been engaged to work with Center staff on facility space needs. 

VII      Adjourn.  The meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.  There will be no regular Board meeting in April.  The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 31, 2005. 

Approved:  ______________________________     Date:___________________