5) Committee Reports

i. Membership
  

MOTION:		Sharon Alton
SECOND:		André Laurent
CARRIED:		That the application presented be approved for the 2007-2008 Membership year

6) Review of the Provincial Network Request regarding MCSS Wage Gap Funding

Beverley Gordon reported that the Provincial Network had come to an understanding with the Government that all agencies in Ontario will receive $2.60 an hour given out over three (3) years. $1.40 the first year and $0.60 in year two (2) and year three (3). Program Supervisors and financial advisors will be visiting with agencies in the upcoming weeks to discuss a survey which will need to be completed and a plan to indicate how the money will be spent. Beverley will continue to inform the Board as to the status of this initiative.  

7) President's Report

i. Tenure Review

Jim started by thanking those Board members who had called or written him with their kind comments and said a number of Directors had asked him to use the opportunity of his last regular Board meeting to summarize what he felt were the Board's achievements over the past three (3) years, and where he believed a more concerted effort could have the greatest impact.

First on his list was the fact that the Board has finally put to rest any question regarding the organization and the government's promise to our grandfathered children. Safehaven can be their home for life. Whether it's the best place or even the right place is different matter, a question that should be addressed on an individual basis. But a promise is a promise and this organization never needs to address that question again.

He went on to say upon adoption of the revised by-laws at the upcoming AGM, the Board will have secured a new level of compliance, transparency and functionality that will provide a solid foundation for the organization's evolution.

From the management perspective, he felt that addressing the question of succession was clearly a positive step forward as was the formalization of the Director of Operations role and the recruitment of a highly qualified and sensitive person to fill that role.

Jim also felt that the development of a new three-year Strategic Plan for the organization was a significant milestone and that good progress was being made in a number of areas.

• The Board has formally addressed the question of establishing a Foundation and accepted the recommendation of the Committee not to proceed any further in this regard.
    
• He felt the Board and Staff have done some excellent work in terms of the organization's brand management finalizing the name change and new word mark and reported that implementation is well underway.

He went on to say that, in his view, there are only two issues on which the future of the organization rests.

a) The first and primary issue is the level of care that provided to the individuals and families that we serve. He said the organization is extremely fortunate to have the expertise and dedication of an Executive Director who manages the delivery of that care in a way that is truly an evolving model of best practices. He reiterated that the Board's job is to provide oversight, to serve as a resource - but not to make day-to-day management decisions.

b) He said that the second issue was funding, which is part and parcel of our relationship with government. He outlined some of the pressures that are on the system overall and discussed the potential impact of the ongoing transformation process. He said there is general acknowledgement that Safehaven "doesn't fit" the developmental services sector in which it operates and that it is incumbent upon the organization to define a place for itself. He went on to say that he felt the best way to achieve differentiation is grounded in the individuals we serve not the ways in which we serve them.

As his final point, Jim said that he'd like to see every family served by Safehaven Residential or Respite as a member of the organization, to ensure there were both full representation and a stronger collective voice.

Jim concluded his remarks by thanking his fellow Board members and all of the Safehaven staff for their dedication and support.

ii. Discussion of Executive Election after AGM

The Board agreed they would hold a short meeting after the AGM October 16, 2007 to elect their executive. Board members were requested to think about whether they would consider a position on the Executive. The Board agreed to set out a timetable of meetings and how they would meet the objectives of the strategic plan. Board members agreed November 13, 2007 meeting would also be a good time to get to know one another. Board reiterated their support of the by-laws as drafted by the By-law Committee and passed by the Board.

Beverley will supply each Board member with Roberts Rules of Orders. The Board members all thanked Jim Berry for his commitment and dedication to leading the Board over the past three (3) years.

8) Any other business that may be brought forth

i. Executive Directors Report

• Summer 2007 was the most difficult Safehaven has experienced in regards to recruiting and sustaining employees. Safehaven experienced a number of employees being ill, having family emergencies and returning to school. Having the ability to increase salaries will greatly assist in stabilizing Safehaven's workforce. Safehaven's costs have increased significantly as we provide residential support to the residents who are over 21 and have no day options.
    
• Safehaven's two (2) legal issues are proceeding as expected.
    
• Safehaven will be undergoing its annual licensing review in September 2007 and Sharon Kohalmi will no longer be Safehaven's Program Supervisor. Board requested that Beverley thank Sharon for her assistance and support throughout her association with Safehaven. Patricia (Trish) Manzo will be Safehaven's new Program Supervisor.

ii. Meeting dates 2007-2008

The date of the next Board meeting is confirmed for:

November 13, 2007
6:30 pm
1173 Bloor Street West.

REMINDER:
AGM October 16, 2007
1173 Bloor Street West
6:30 pm

9) Adjournment
  

MOTION:		André Laurent
SECOND:		Sharon Alton
CARRIED:		That the meeting be adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Recorded by Beverley Gordon