MHRS met in regular session on October 19, 2022 at 6 p.m. The meeting was held in person at the Board Offices located at 13244 Ravenna Rd. Chardon, OH 44024. There was no virtual option.
Attendance: Present were Chair Steve Oluic, Vice Chair Linda Miller, Secretary Alberta Chokshi, Treasurer Michael Petruziello, and board members, Ann Bagley, Walter Claypool, Jimmy Lee Holden, Kathy Johnson, Carolee Lesyk, Ryan Mekota, Gregory O’Brien and Mary Ruth Shumway. Absent were Marty Fay and Jennifer Malainey,
Staff members attending: Interim Executive Director Leila Vidmar, Associate Director Aimee Martin-D’Arienzo, Finance Director Jim Mausser, Secretary/Receptionist Teresa Slater.
Dr. Oluic called the meeting to order. After the Pledge of Allegiance there was a roll call.
Minutes: Minutes were approved for the September 21, 2022 meeting.
Chairman's Report - Dr. Oluic reported he has been focused on passing the levy and advertising for a new executive director.
Director’s Report - Interim Executive Director Vidmar reported that the subcommittee has been working on the levy, passing out signs, etc. Mentioned the Self Care for Responders program which went well. Budget review also went well.
Committee Reports: None
Zoom Presentation: Lori Cross, Director of Ohio Mental Health & Addiction Services (MHAS)
They are focused on addiction issues and the long lag between identification of symptoms and onset of services. They are working on a plan for crisis services and a crisis facility for adults and children. There needs to be a step-down as an alternative to hospitalization for adults and kids. There are homeless families that need both mental health assistance and housing. Workforce issues are a large problem and they are working on trying to recruit people.
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Mr. Claypool inquired as to why the Geauga MHRS is involved in housing as that is not the purview of their mission.
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Ms. Cross explained that housing is critical to mental health recovery. It is one of the pillars of addiction and mental health recovery.
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Mr. O'Brien acknowledged that the Board cannot be a landlord but as a funding source it can collaborate with private enterprise and others to provide funding for needed housing.
Financial Report: Mr. Mauser presented financial reports. Action items were approved including an additional $10,000 for Lake Geauga Recovery Centers for FY 2022.
Discussion Items:
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The Prosecutor's office has suggested that the Board utilize the "geauga.org" email address to keep emails within the Board secure.
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There are 4 trainings available to Board members; sunshine laws, roles and responsibilities of a board member, Robert's Rules, and ethics.
Public Comment: The Board asked for comment from both attending providers and the public but there was none.
Executive Session: The Board went into executive session, indicating that no action was expected to be taken. This observer left while the Board was in Executive Session.
Board Minutes: Posted through September 21, 2022: https://www.geauga.org/board-minutes/
Next Meeting Date: November 16, 2022 6 pm
Observer: Aimee Gilman
Reviewer: Shelly Lewis
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