Minutes 11-05-2020 Virtual Business Meeting

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20 Gary Weaver echoed comments of previous speakers about the risk of losing funding if the County disengages from Cl. He said the current Club Nova building is too small and not handicap accessible. He said the services are essential to him, and many others. Charlene Lee said she has been a member of Club Nova for 14 years, and it has been such a gift to her. She echoed previous comments, and said the work of fundraising has been done by many of the Club Nova members, including the first fruits of her own paycheck. She said putting this new building in jeopardy breaks her heart. She asked if the BOCC would please postpone this vote. Commissioner Greene asked if there is a representative present from Cardinal Innovations. Trey Sutton, Cardinal Innovations, said he appreciates the partnership with Orange County. He said over the past couple of months there have been several gaps in service, and common themes have emerged. He said some changes have already been made including additional providers and reduced administrative costs. He said Cl has spent the last week and a half working with Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and has created an effective plan to offer a better experience with Cl. He said he does not recommend instability at this time, and suggested the BOCC allow the plan a chance to succeed. He said it is important for County partners and funders to hold CI accountable. He said now is not the time for a major change. He said CI has provided COVID relief grants, as well as other funds to help with stabilization in provision of services. He said Cl is proud to partner with Club Nova, and disengagement is a parameter of this agreement. Commissioner Greene clarified that the County remaining with CI is a part of the Club Nova grant agreement. Travis Sutton said yes it is, and he would be happy to readdress this issue with the Cl Board. Commissioner Greene referred to Cl board meeting notes, which mentioned an extension of the agreement until December 30, 2020. She said Club Nova will meet this deadline, and is relying on this promise for the creation of the building. She said it would be wrong for CI to withdraw its $500,000 regardless of what Orange County does. Travis Sutton said he would be willing to readdress this issue with the Cl Board. Commissioner Greene said the BOCC is considering beginning disengagement through a public process, which requires the BOCC to go through many steps. She said the statutory process is to come together to discuss next steps. She said it is unclear of the pros and cons of CI and Alliance, and she would like to see a true public conversation to hear from all stakeholders that would be impacted by a disengagement decision. She said she does not want to proceed on this vote tonight. Commissioner McKee asked if Cl can give any assurances to the residents, clients, and Board members that things will change with CI if the County remains with them. He said systemic problems have existed for years, and he wants to know what will change. He said, from his opinion, the corporate mentality trumps the client need at Cl. Trey Sutton said Cardinal Innovations does not have a corporate mentality, and members are the number one priority. He said CI is putting a concrete action plan in place with dates and measurable outcomes. He said services are being reviewed to see which can be auto authorized, and new providers have been added to the network. He said the foster care population is a friction point, and Cl has committed $1 million to the County over the next two years to make investments into foster care. He said Cl is co-locating with DSS to allow for faster and more efficient service. Commissioner McKee said he appreciates these changes. He asked if there is a date when the BOCC, clients and the public can expect to see this action plan. Travis Sutton said next week, after discussions with Mecklenburg and Forsyth counties.