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CONNECTICUT COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 13, 2021, 10:00 a.m. – 1:03 p.m.
(Online via Microsoft Teams)
The 232nd meeting of the CT Council on Developmental Disabilities was held on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, from 10:04 a.m. to 1:03 p.m. on Microsoft Teams.
Presiding: James Hexter, Chair
Recorder of Minutes: Donna Devin, Program Assistant
Voting Members Present: Emily Ball, Michelle Baughman, Chuck Bergamo; Vice Chair, April Burke, Andy Cirioli III, Kevin Daly, Antonia Edwards, Ann Gionet, James Hexter; Chair, Bryan Klimkiewicz, Joyce Lewis, Ellyn Little, Doris Maldonado, Lauren Traceski, Brenda Stenglein, Tara Viens
Members Absent: Deborah Dorfman, Alfred Piehl, Kaitlynn Ramos, Louis St. Felix,
Staff: Walter Glomb, Director
Members of the Public: Jennifer Jenkins
1. Call to Order: With a quorum present, James Hexter, Chair, called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m.
2. Public Comment: Tara Viens introduced herself to the Council. She is the new Designee for the University of Connecticut University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, and has been in the field for over 20 years.
3. Approval of Agenda:Chuck Bergamo; Vice Chair motioned to approve the agenda. Brenda Stenglein seconded the motion. The agenda was approved.
4. Approval of Meeting Minutes from March 9, April 20, and May 10, Council Meetings: Michelle Baughman motioned to approve all minutes. The motion was seconded by Antonia Edwards. The minutes were approved.
5. Comments by Council Chair: James Hexter greeted everyone. He asked Adriano Cirioli for an update from the May 25th meeting of the Five-Year Plan Committee, for which there was no quorum.
6. Report from the Council Director: Walter Glomb, Council Director, gave the Director’s report. September 14th is the Council’s Annual Meeting, where the Council approves a new budget for the year. A comprehensive report was provided to the Council on its objectives, budget and new work plan for the next year and a discussion followed. Some of the grant projects will end on September 30th of this year.
A grant was given to the Council, along with 12 other organizations around the state, including the UCONN UCEDD, Disability Rights Connecticut, the Centers for Independent Living, and the Area Agencies on Aging, to promote Covid-19 vaccines to individuals with developmental disabilities. The funds are being used to arrange for vaccine clinics. Walt hosts a bi-weekly call between all involved agencies. Council outreach showed a large and unmet need in the vaccination of people facing sensory, social, emotional, and behavioral issues. Feedback has been very positive and supportive, and the group plans to share their information with other states. A toolkit is also in the works.
7. Budget Report:The Council’s Disability Policy Specialist is on medical leave. The budget is on track and staff continues to look for opportunities to save money and cut back on costs whenever possible.
8. Motion to Approve New Five-Year Plan for 2022-2026: James Hexter, Council Chair, asked for a motion to approve the Council’s Five-Year Plan for 2022-2026. Michelle Baughman made a motion to approve the new Five-Year Plan. Antonia Edwards seconded the motion.
A discussion was opened about the new plan. Public comment on the plan has been extended to September 15th.
James Hexter, Council Chair, asked for the Council to approve the Council’s Five-Year Plan for 2022-2026, as initially proposed. The ayes had it and the motion passed unanimously.
9. Discussion of Work Plan for FY 2022:James Hexter, Council Chair initiated a discussion on the Council’s new Work Plan for FY 2022. The work plan will be approved by the Council at their next meeting. The Council’s Director submits a Council Work Plan, annually, to the Administration for Community Living (ACL).
10. COVID-19 Update:The Council is hopeful they’ll have the annual meeting at Beth El Temple. A vote on the extension of emergency powers is scheduled for the Connecticut State Legislature. It will be up to the Governor, as to which executive orders he extends.
11. Announcements and Adjournment: Chuck Bergamo made a motion for adjournment. Brenda Stenglein seconded the motion. The meeting concluded at 1:03 p.m. The next Council meeting will be the Council’s Annual Meeting, to be held on Tuesday, September 14, 20