HIV Health Services Planning Council
Milton Marks Conference Center
The State Building
455 Golden Gate Ave. (Between Larkin & Polk St.)
Lower Level, San Diego Rooms B&C
July 25, 2005
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
DRAFT MINUTES

I. Call to Order
Co-Chair Allgaier called the meeting to order.

II. Roll Call
Council Support called the roll and quorum was met.

III. Review and Approval of Agenda
CM Allgaier made a few housekeeping announcements, specifically regarding public announcements and decorum
CM Benham moved to approved the agenda.
CM Simmons asked to move Item #VIII to the beginning of the meeting. Council discussed, and it was agreed that ITEM VIII would come after public comment.

Agenda approved as changed.

IV. Review and Approval of Minutes- July 11, 2005
Council Members reviewed the minutes from July 11, 2005 Council Meeting.
CM Ortiz moved to approve the minutes. Seconded.
No objection.
Member of the public, Patrick Monette-Shaw commented regarding his comments at the top of Page 2 of the July 11, 2005 minutes and indicated that his statement was not “implied” but rather “clear as a whistle.”

V. General Announcements
• CS Jack Newby reminded Council Members to submit any questions regarding Reggie so that they can be presented to Celinda Cantu.
• CS Jack Newby made an announcement regarding the August 10 COA Committee meeting that will be a Community Meeting to be held at 1885 Mission Street, Walden House, targeting the transgender community.
• CM Kleffner announced that CM Blum is a new father and she will pass around a card and solicit money for a gift.
• CM Hume announced that he submitted his resignation in writing to Council Support which will be effective September 28, 2005.
• CM Soto announced that he has finished his training for the SF Marathon and will be running Sunday morning.
• CM Simmons asked whether the DPH epi office could provide an update on the new figures and cited a recent SF Chronicle article that mentioned declining rates of HIV infection. Council discussed briefly.
• CM Antonetty announced a Project Homeless Connect event and brought brochures to distribute. www.projecthomelessconnect.com for more information. CM DiCrocco encouraged people to investigate Project Homeless Connect.

VI. Public Comment
Michael Petrelis mentioned a San Francisco Chronicle article last week and summarized the declining rates of HIV. He stated that this would have an effect on shifting funds to the most needy. He also discussed a woman from Alabama on the cover of POZ magazine as an example of someone who needs medications and suggested that San Francisco funds be shifted so that this lady can obtain her medications. He also pointed out an article in The L.A. Times regarding the HIV tracking system being scrapped. He asked for service providers to begin merging and to cut the salaries of executives, who he believes are being paid too much. He referenced the websites to find information regarding the articles mentioned and suggested that people read them.

Derrick Mapp at the Shanti LIFE program announced the beginning of a new LIFE Cycle program. He briefly explained the program and its benefits for people living with AIDS and mentioned that literature was available on the table at the back of the room.

Patrick Monette-Shaw discussed discrepancies regarding funds generated from the AIDS Marathon. He suggested that the Planning Council work with the Horizon Foundation to prioritize needs. He further suggested that San Francisco AIDS Foundation recognize that they cannot make promises to Bay Area residents while they shift money out of the country, specifically to a program in Africa.

Tim Patriarca, Executive Director of Maitri Hospice announced that Mary Ellen Mullin, a long-time Program Director is leaving Maitri and invited people to attend her going away party. He announced the job vacancy created by her departure.

CM Banks announced (as an un-affiliated member of the public and non-council member) that there are a lot of problems here in San Francisco that need attention, and suggested reconsideration of the idea of sending money elsewhere.

VII. Summary Sheets Presentation
Russ Zellers, AIDS Office

The Planning Council will be presented with the AIDS Office Summary Sheets for use at the Prioritization & Allocation Summit Meeting. Council Members will discuss.

[This agenda item moved down on the agenda, to follow the Prioritization/Allocation Summit Preview and Mini-Training.]
CM Allgaier suggested that Council Members hold questions until after the presentation.

Mr. Zellers presented on the Title I and Title II EMA Summary Sheets. (Copy distributed to all Council Members and available on file at Council Support Offices). He mentioned that video tapes and DVDs will be distributed with more information than is available on the printout. He mentioned that the hard copies of the document as well as the DVDs and videotapes will be presented to Council members and the public following his presentation.
Mr. Zellers discussed how to use the information, other funding streams and sources of revenue, major trends identified by HIV Health Services Staff (addendum to Summary Sheets – document on file at Council Support Offices); summarized the format of the summary sheets, and will take questions at the end. He mentioned that the same information is available in different formats: written, video (VHS) and DVD. He also distributed a list of corrections (on file at Council Support Offices). Additionally, Mr. Zellers distributed and discussed a document entitled “San Francisco Utilization Summary by HHSPC Category” (on file at Council Support Offices).

Council discussed and directed questions to Mr. Zellers who provided informative and concise answers.

Six Council Members were not present and did not receive the document, DVD, or VHS video but extra copies were provided to Council Support for distribution at a later date.

Public Comment on this item

Patrick commented on his concern with emergency housing and how that is tracked, suggesting missing data in Reggie. He added that the AIDS Office may not be complying with the CARE Act since the AIDS Office is not the funder of last resort on this and other items.

VIII. Prioritization/Allocation Summit Preview & Mini-Training
Council Member Laura Thomas

• Preview of the proposed agenda for the August two-day summit meeting
• Introduction of facilitator, Susan Strong
• Mini-training on the difference between the prioritization and allocation processes

[This agenda item moved ahead of Agenda Item VII, immediately following Public Comment.]

CM Thomas reviewed the draft agendas for the two-day Summit meeting. (Documents on file at Council Support offices). Council Members discussed.
CM Banks asked why information from the Needs Assessment cannot be incorporated on day one.
CM Thomas explained that the Needs Assessment report would be distributed to Council members on the 19th of August.
Council Support, Jack Newby, provided additional information regarding the Needs Assessment update. He explained that the data has not been analyzed yet.
CM Thomas introduced Susan Strong, the facilitator for both days of the August summit.
Susan addressed the Council and provided an overview of her qualifications and expressed familiarity with several Council Members.
CM Thomas reviewed the document entitled “Preparing for Priority Setting & Resource Allocation at the Data Summit: An overview of the process” (Document on file at Council Support Offices).
CM Ortiz suggested that everyone ask questions as they arise, and this is the time and place to do so.
CM Thomas announced that CS Wilhelmina Parker has offered to do an additional training on the Prioritization & Allocation Processes and directed Council Members to the evaluation form that will determine the interest in such a training. She also suggested that new Council Members contact their mentors.
CM Soto reviewed the basic processes of prioritization (priority setting) and resource allocation and the separate steps involved in each.

Council discussed and thanked the members of the Planning Committee and Council Support for developing tools for helping to make the process easier to understand.
CM Thomas pointed out the Data Sources list of items that will be provided to all Council Members in their binders at a later date. CM Thomas reviewed the remainder of the document, including: questions to ask when looking at the data; responsibilities as a Council Member; and discussion topics.
Council discussed and thanked Planning Committee and Council Support for preparation material which will be exceedingly helpful to Council Members in this challenging process.

ACTION: CM Thomas suggested distributing copies of Council Member Conflict of Interest Policy at the beginning of the Summit meeting.
ACTION: The Prioritization/Allocation binders will be delivered to Council Members approximately August 12.

CM Pearce discussed the importance of reviewing the binders ahead of time, prior to the summit meeting, and not waiting to the last minute.
CM Miller reiterated.
CM Siron added that questions should be written in the binders and prepared ahead of time.
CM Ortiz commented that the Summary Sheets are very helpful, and reminded Council Members about the importance of the upcoming presentation.

Public Comment on this item

Patrick Monette-Shaw commented that the first priority is to determine the size and scope of the epidemic and was relieved that Council members would be attending to this issue after lunch, and not on an empty stomach. He also suggested hiring a harpist instead of a facilitator. He commented on the draft agenda and emphasized vigilance regarding declaration of conflict of interest and recusal on appropriate votes. He added that a discussion regarding “fundor of last resort” seems to be missing. He reminded Council that the Health Commission is concerned about certain services, particularly in the mental health field, and suggested advocating and working closely with the Health Commission prior to next years Prioritization & Allocation process to determine whether money is being spent equitably across all service providers.

Michael Petrelis expressed thanks for the discussion regarding funding scenarios, and suggested sending a message to the AIDS Office, AIDS agency executives, and Council Support regarding sending people to conferences, and suggested there is enough fat in “AIDS, Inc.” to cut salaries rather than services. He suggested that the epidemiology is not what the Council has been told and there should be a reassessment of the Council’s role based on the new numbers. He suggested giving all people with AIDS a debit card to decide for themselves where to spend their money.

IX. Dinner Break

X. Update on Health Commission Budget Hearing
Randy Allgaier, Council Co-Chair

Council will be updated on the outcome of the Health Commission Budget Hearing held on July 19, 2005 and the impact of decisions on the Planning Council.

Co-Chair Allgaier provided an update on the outcome of the Health Commission Budget Hearing held on July 19, 2005. He added information regarding his testimony on the importance of having a robust Council Support to support the work of the Council. He indicated that the decision was in favor of the Council budget for Council Support expenditures.
Council Members discussed.
CM Allgaier reported on the desire of the Health Department for the Council to take on additional responsibilities. Ongoing dialogue is expected to continue.

Public Comment on this item

An unidentified member of the public suggested that there was great effort on the part of the Board of Supervisors to restore funding. He added that an additional $1 million was put towards AIDS Services, and the Board of Supervisors is diligently ensuring that funding continues for such services.

Patrick Monette-Shaw commented an various issues regarding long-term care HIV services. He warned the Council that taking on responsibility to do more work that does not fall under the scope of the CARE Act would be wrong.

XI. Needs Assessment Update
Allison Weston & Erika Takada, Harder + Co.

Allison Weston provided an update from Harder & Co. regarding the Needs Assessment process.

She provided and reviewed a handout entitled “2005 SFEMA Comprehensive Needs Assessment Project Update, dated July 25, 2005” (Copy on file at Council Support Offices). She indicated that the data is the latest available, but does not incorporate the information obtained from focus groups or surveys collected last week.
Council Members directed questions to Allison who provided informative and concise answers.
CM Spaeth asked how the number of surveys compare to the total number of clients served by CARE dollars.
Allison discussed the Provider Survey and indicated that surveys have been completed and returned from 36% of those who received it. She indicated that she has redistributed the Word version of the document to HAPN members. Providers who have not completed the survey will receive follow up letters and phone calls this week.
Allison provided an update regarding the Focus Groups. She indicated that five have been completed: Age 55 and over; transgender; African American male; API: Philipino males; Clients who live in Marin but access services in San Francisco. Other groups to be completed are listed on the handout with the scheduled dates, times and places to be held. She provided flyers for each of these and indicated that she can email or photocopy additional copies for anyone interested, and encouraged anyone present to take copies and distribute.
She emphasized that every effort has been taken to ensure that all service providers have received the information, but added that certain populations are more willing to participate than others.
Regarding a question about a cutoff date for taking surveys, Allison indicated that it is not clear at this point, but stated that it would be discussed at the NAWG this week.

Public Comment on this item
Patrick Monette Shaw commented on the Provider Survey and whether it had been sent to the Members of the Planning Council. He addressed HAPN members on the Council and suggested that their membership should be dependent on completion of the survey.


XII. Discuss Comprehensive Plan - VOTE
Laura Thomas, Planning Committee Co-Chair

Council will discuss the best approach for completion of the Comprehensive Plan (formerly “Three-Year Plan”) which is due on January 3, 2006. Council will VOTE whether to form a Comprehensive Plan Working Group.
CM Thomas discussed the process for completion of the Comprehensive Plan (formerly referred to as “Three-Year Plan”). She indicated that HRSA has instructed that all Title I EMAs complete a Comprehensive Plan, which is due the first week of January 2006.
CM Thomas referred to the document handed out to all Council Members entitled “Comprehensive Plan Outline” (On file at Council Support Offices). She explained how has fallen under the purview of the Planning Committee, which is busy with the P/A process as well as other projects, and suggested the formation of a working group to take on this project. She is unsure exactly what the working group would do, but offers it as an option.
CM Banks asked about bi-annual reporting to the Steering Committee and asked why the last plan cannot be rubber stamped, since the lofty ideas about “cliented centered blah blah blah” has not been fulfilled, none of the monitoring mechanisms have been fulfilled, and he discussed other problems.
CM Thomas invited CM Banks to participate in the working group, should it be decided that one should be created. She added that a surprising number of goals and objectives have been achieved as per the review and assessment of the Evaluation Committee.
CM Banks continued with his comments that he saw a lot of good ideas, but not much follow-up.
CM Thomas reminded Council that Evaluation Committee has gone through all the goals and objectives of the Three-Year Plan to provide guidance on the creation of the next Comprehensive Plan.
CM Simmons reminded Council Members that a consultant was hired for completion of the prior Three Year Plan.
CM Simmons made a motion to form a Comprehensive Plan Working Group.
CM Thomas seconded.

Open for discussion:

CM Hume suggested that the completion of this Plan could help to inform the prioritization and allocation process. He agreed with CM Banks that there needs to be constant vigilance on monitoring the plan. He hesitates forming another working group, but is in support of the motion to form the .

CM Siron called the question.

Public Comment on this item

Patrick Monette Shaw expressed agreement with CM Banks to monitor the Plan. He added that HRSA may want to see the plan before making awards next year, and may affect the grant before funds are awarded. He suggested being suspicious of the process and monitoring closely.

By hand vote: 24 in favor, none opposed.
ACTION: CM Thomas asked for those interested in assisting in the working group please raise their hands. Those included: Randy Allgaier, Charles Siron, Dorothy Kleffner, Bill Blum, Mark Molnar, George Simmons, Billie-Jean Kanios.

XIII. HOPWA Loan Committee Representatives – VOTE
Wilfredo Ortiz and Kim Pickens, Co-Chairs Community Outreach and Advocacy Committee

CM Ortiz announced that COA Committee nominated CM Thomas and CM DiCrocco for membership on the HOPWA Loan Committee and the Committee is forwarding their names to the Full Council for a vote.

Public Comment on this item
None.

By hand vote, all in favor. Unanimous.

XIV. New Business/ Next Agenda
• Council Members will have an opportunity to complete Meeting Evaluation Forms.
• The next Council Meeting will be the two-day Prioritization/Allocation Summit on
August 26-27 to be held at the San Francisco LGBT Center, 1800 Market Street

XV. Adjourned

Co-Chair Allgaier adjourned the meeting at 7:27 pm.

Note: Agenda items are subject to change, postponement, or removal. Meeting agendas are considered to be in DRAFT form until reviewed and approved by Committee attendees.

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

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