Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (NGCDD)
Executive Committee Minutes
November 17, 2015
Call to Order & Introductions
The meeting was called to order by Council Chair, Jodi Thornley at 2:34 pm.
Jessica Banes verified that the agenda for this meeting was posted on Friday, November 6th, meeting the
requirements set forth in Open Meeting Law.
Executive Committee Members present: Jodi Thornley, Council Chair; Robbin Vasquez, Budget Committee
Chair; and Renee Portnell, Legislative Committee Chair
Executive Committee Members absent: Filiberto Ontiveros, Evaluation Committee Chair;
Public present: Mark Tadder, CitiCare/SNTC; Elizabeth McDaniels, Goodwill of Southern Nevada;
Rosemond University - School of Nursing, Rowina Trim and 8 students; Amy and Eric Dewitt-Smith,
SNTC; Santa Perez, Self-Advocacy Coordinator; Michelle Scott-Lewing, ACON
Staff present: Sherry Manning, NGCDD Executive Director; Kari Horn, Project Manager; and Jessica Banes,
Executive Assistant
A quorum was established.
Public Comment – None
Approval of September 2015 minutes
Renee Portnell made a motion to approve the September 15, 2015 meeting minutes, Robbin Vasquez
seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Discussion and Approval/Modification/Denial of Awards for Mini-Grant
Sherry Manning presented the mini-grant applications received for consideration by the Committee and reviewed
the requirements and qualifications for applicants. Ms. Manning also reminded the Committee why the Executive
Committee is approving and denying the applications. Council Staff will be in communication with the grantees to
workout reporting processes.
 Goodwill of Southern Nevada (GSNV)
Requesting $3,995 for their project. Elizabeth McDaniel gave an overview of their project, which in part would
fulfill objective 3.3 and possibly 3.4. Discussion was held by the Committee and it was mentioned that there would
need to be a stipulation in the plan for the Council Staff to have oversight on the training materials to verify that it
falls in line with the Council's 5-Year State Plan. Renee Portnell made a motion to award up to $3,995 and to
work with Staff on how it aligns with the 5-Year State Plan, Robbin Vasquez seconded the motion, and the
motion passed unanimously.
 CitiCare/Sierra Nevada Transportation Coalition (SNTC), N4 Project:
Requesting $5,000 to give 25 scholarships for their project. Amy Dewitt-Smith gave an overview of their project,
which would fulfill objective 3.1 and possibly 3.3/3.4. Discussion was held by the Committee and it was mentioned
that, because this grant doesn't specifically target people with I/DD, there would have to be a stipulation that they
would only be reimbursed if the majority of the people reached had I/DD. Robbin Vasquez made a motion to
award up to $5,000 with the budget to be worked out with Council Staff, Renee Portnell seconded the
motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
 Autism Coalition of Nevada (ACON)
Requesting $5,000 for their project. Michelle Scott-Lewing gave an overview of their project, which would fulfill
objective 3.3. Discussion was held by the Committee and it was mentioned that they would need to work with Staff
on their budget. Renee Portnell made a motion to award up to $5,000 and to work with Staff on the budget
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and on how it aligns with the 5-Year State Plan, Robbin Vasquez seconded the motion, and the motion
passed unanimously.
Information regarding the NGCDD Mini-Grant Funding Opportunity can be viewed at www.nevadaddcouncil.org
Discussion and Approval of Response to Letter Received Asking for Endorsement of Service Dog
Educational Poster
Sherry Manning presented a letter received requesting endorsement by the Council on a Service Dog Educational
poster. The Committee discussed the poster and it was decided for Staff and Council Chair, Jodi Thornley to verify
all information is accurate and to take it to the full Council for discussion at the December DD Council meeting.
Discussion and Approval of Response to Email Regarding Betty's Village
Sherry Manning presented an email and letter received from Linda Smith, Executive Vice-President of Opportunity
Village, regarding NGCDD's letter of comment to Medicaid opposing Betty's Village. Discussion was held
regarding the letter and it was agreed upon that the comments regarding Betty's Village are in line with the
Council's position statements. Renee Portnell made a motion to take no action on the letter, Robbin Vasquez
seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Discussion and Approval of Response to Letter Regarding Santa Perez Participation at A-Team Meetings
Sherry Manning presented a letter received from A-Team Board of Directors asking Santa Perez, Self-Advocacy
Coordinator, to respectfully choose not to participate in A-Team meetings and events even as a representative of the
NGCDD. Discussion was held regarding the letter and it was decided to take this issue to the full Council for
discussion at the December DD Council meeting.
Next Meeting Date
The next meeting is scheduled for December 15, 2015 at 2:30 pm.
Public Comment
Rowina Trim thanked the Committee for allowing herself and the students from Rosemond University to
listen in on the meeting.
Adjournment
Jodi Thornley called the meeting adjourned at 3:56 pm.
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