HIV Health Services Planning Council
Membership Committee Draft MINUTES
Monday, June 13, 2005
25 Van Ness Ave, Room 330B
4:30-6:30 p.m.

Committee Members Present: Brad Hume (co-chair); Mary Lawrence Hicks(co-chair)
Committee Members Absent: Anita Booker (co-chair); Randy Allgaier
Other Council Members Present: Dorothy Kleffner; Brian DiCrocco, Raymond Banks, Ken Pearce, Mark Molnar, Charles Siron
Council Support Present: Jack Newby,Wilhelmina Parker, Skot Jonz, Hyla Breidenbaugh
Others Present: George Simmons, Brenda Walker


1. Introductions
The group introduced themselves.

2. Review/Approve Agenda
The committee reviewed the draft agenda. No changes were made and the agenda was approved by consensus.

3. Review/Approve Minutes
The committee reviewed the draft minutes from May 9, 2005. No comments or changes were made. The minutes were approved by consensus.

4. Announcements
Anita will not be here. CM Hume welcomed back Mary Lawrence.

5. Public Comment
None

6. Steering Committee Update
The Co-chairs presented a monthly update of the Steering Committee activities and discussions. CM Hume gave an update on the housing sub committee. Length of stay was looked at and it was recognized that the council would not need to worry about 300 people being thrown onto the street. If case management is pulled out of housing, it might be forgotten. The need for a clearer process of how the different committees communicate with each other was discussed.

7. Member Involuntary Removal or Discipline Policy
The Committee will finalize the Member Involuntary Removal or Discipline Policy.
CS Newby conducted a lot of research on similar policies of other EMAs and reported to the group on his findings. Removal for cause was the main reason. Conviction of Illegal behavior, offensive behavior, and official misconduct were some of the reasons of cause. A discussion regarding the definition of these behaviors followed. Turpitude was defined as meaning bad behavior. CM Banks was concerned that there could be a plot to remove a member without just cause. CM Pearce tried to reassure him that the reason for this policy was because there had been incidents in the past and there was no way to remove the disruptive behavior such as shouting people down or calling people names. CM Hume explained that the Planning Council is an official council that legally has to have policies. CM Banks continued to express that he feels that there are “in and an outside” circles in the council. CM Molnar addressed how the wording unsubstantiated came across. CM Kieffner asked about the policy of “Removal by CEO”. Shee felt it should not be a policy, because having the power to remove a member without any objections is too much power. CM Hicks explained that the Mayor/CEO has the right to remove a member per the charter.
A members option of investigation being the whole council or the other committees policy was discussed and it was decided by an all in favor vote that it would be at the discretion of the person involved in the allegation. CM Siron mention that the three co-chairs would really appreciate wrapping up the policy piece.
CM Banks asked if the city attorney’s office has reviewed the policies. CS Newby said it would be sent after it is voted on tonight. The vote was unanimous to approve the Member Involuntary Removal or Discipline Policy and forward it to the Steering committee.

8. Council Policy & Procedure Documents
The Committee reviewed and made changes to the Council Policy & Procedure Table of Contents.
The Committee reviewed and modified appropriate Membership Committee documents.
• Demographics and Membership Selection Criteria Policy
Whether or not attendance was the only thing looked at for membership renewal was asked about. CM Hicks discussed the behavior policy and let the council know that it had been added, so that the council would have a way to record any disruptive actions. Changing resident requirements to geographic requirements was discussed.
Whether or not council membership was based on a quota system or if the council was trying to reflect the epidemic was discussed. CM Pearce said it should be a representation of the demographics. CM Hume said it is a balancing act. The council was reminded that 12 members are specific demographics and that the CARE act must be followed. CM Hicks mentioned that the recruiting efforts are in the minutes. CM Banks was concerned that there are women in the council but they are not representative of the epidemic. It was decided that CM Banks would join the outreach committee. A discussion on recruiting efforts followed. It was recognized that recruitment needs to be done by everyone on the council and if someone encounters someone who is possibly interested, that they should give him or her an application. Community outreach was also recognizes as needing to be more involved in membership efforts.
CM Banks asked about the interpreter passage in the “3 year plan” because an applicant that he liked had been turned down and he thought it had to do with not speaking English well enough. A discussion regarding membership language requirements followed and the fact that language may have not been the only reason the applicant was not picked. CM Hicks mentioned that there are mandated seats, but that the council can still and should interview them and make a decision.
• Rules for Respectful Engagement
CS Parker gave a report on how the list of behaviors was included and a group discussion followed. Council members gave their thoughts on the following:
• How council members should get the feeling it is okay to show enthusiasm.
• The use of profanity
• Polite engagement and whether that means educated language or corporate language; professionalism.
• Treating people with respect. Treating other’s how you would like to be treated.
• The use of polite language instead of profanity is being respectful.
• It was suggested that polite should be changed to respectful.
• Curse words were discussed and it was mentioned that all foal language should cease, because it is offensive.
• There was concern that to not have real talk might be a form of censorship.
• A vote to change the word polite to respect was passed by consensus.
• Resignation Policy
The procedure of a letter of resignation was discussed. The issue of a letter never being submitted was discussed and it was decided that there needs to be something in writing. A timeline for default resignation was discussed.
Rules for Respectful Engagement was VOTED on and APPROVED to pass on to the Steering Committee.

9. Membership Application Form
The Committee reviewed modifications to the Membership Application Form and made additional changes as needed. CS Skot gave a brief explanation of the changes he made to the application form. Members gave their input on changes that should be made. The committee tried to clarify if applicants need to attend a meeting before they are considered or before they are interviewed. The policy regarding applicants attending a meeting was read. CM Pearce motioned that the council change the policy and the application. It was voted on and passed.
The procedure for letting applicants know about the status of their application was asked about. The procedure is a letter is sent out inviting them to the meetings. There is a process for grievance if an applicant didn’t receive anything and wants to file.

10. Council Member Attendance Update/Letters to Send
Put on hold

11. Council Demographics Update/Application Update
The group reviewed and discussed Council demographics, including status of aligned and unaligned consumers. CM Hume explained a little bit about how it works. Whether or not the council is in compliance with HERSA was discussed. CS Newby explained that the council is in compliance where the consumers are concerned.
There was a suggestion that the report be on one page, but it was explained that the data is from two different organizations so it is not possible.
There was concern that other categories of demographics should be looked at and that recruitment
should be focused toward Latina and Spanish speaking women. It was suggested that the council needs to figure out how the demographics should be looked at.
Action: A decision regarding demographics of epidemic vs. the demographics of the recipients and which way does the council want to go, needs to be made.

The committee reviewed new member applications received, and selected candidates to schedule for interviews in July and August.

12. Leave of Absence Request – VOTE
Committee did NOT vote whether to approve Council Member DiCrocco’s Leave of Absence Request, because it was taken off the agenda.

13. Next Meeting Date & Agenda Items

TBA



Meeting minutes are considered to be in DRAFT form until reviewed and approved by Council attendees.

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