I. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 9:24 a.m. by Board Chair, James Verser, who read the notice of compliance with the open Public Meetings Act.

II. ROLL CALL

Present:

Ben K. Beitin
Gina Kassel
Dawn Lacy
J. Barry Mascari
Amy E. Meckeler
Judith Owens
Edward Reading
James Verser
Ronald Walthall

Staff Present:

Deputy Attorney General, Jodi C. Krugman
Administrative Staff, Elaine L. DeMars
Administrative Staff, Celeste Paige
Summer Intern, Jennifer Frank
Summer Intern, Kou Garnett

Announcement of quorum

in accordance with Chapter 231 of P.L. 1975, more commonly referred to as the Sunshine Law, adequate notice of this meeting was provided by mailing to the Office of the Secretary of State, the Newark Star Ledger, The Trenton Times, The Bergen Record and The Courier Post.

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

On a motion by Edward Reading, seconded by Amy Meckeler, the public session minutes of the May 14, 2009 meeting were approved as amended.

IV. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Elaine DeMars introduced the two (uncompensated) interns to the Board. One intern is a recent Montclair State University graduate and the other a current student. The interns are working with Board staff on various projects including the continuing education audits.

V. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

In accordance with N.J.S.A. 45:8B-13, the Board held its annual election of officers. The Board voted unanimously to elect the following officers for the June 2009 - June 2010 term:

Board Chair: James Verser
Board Vice-Chair: Ben Beitin
Board Secretary: Amy Meckeler

Board Resignation

Former Vice Chair, Ronald Walthall announced his resignation from the Board. The Board acknowledged and thanked Mr. Walthall for 14 years of dedicated service as Board member and Board Chair and Vice-Chair.

VI. LEGISLATIVE/REGULATORY

A. The Board reviewed the 1st Quarter Legislative report for January 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009 and accepted the report as informational.

B. Proposed Re-adoption with Amendments N.J.A.C 13:34

Proposed Repeals and New Rules N.J.A.C. 13:33: 4-11.1 , 4.1

New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies, Dr. Debra L. Wentz, CEO The Board reviewed the June 26, 2009 letter forwarded by Dr. Debra Wentz. On a motion by Ronald Walthall, seconded by Amy Meckeler, the Board will write to Dr. Wentz to thank her for her support of the regulations and inform her that the Board is not authorized to provide resources to support applicants with the process of marriage and family therapy licensure.

Following the review of the above comment and upon a motion by Ronald Walthall, seconded by Amy Meckler, the Board voted to adopt the regulation proposal without change.

C. Professional Counselors Committee Regulation Proposal Comments

The Committee’s responses to the Proposed Regulation changes are currently in review in the office of the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. The draft will be reviewed by the Board at the August 13, 2009 agenda meeting.

D. Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee Regulation Proposal Comments

The Committee’s responses to the Proposed Regulation changes are currently in review in the of the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. The draft will be reviewed by the Board at the August 13, 2009 agenda meeting.

VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Regulations Committee

The Regulations committee continues work on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) that are to be posted on Board’s web page. Board Chair James Verser appointed Board member Gina Kassel as Chair of the Regulatory Committee to replace retiring member Ronald Walthall.

B. Professional Counselor Committee

Committee Chair, J. Barry Mascari reported that he Committee has reached an amicable agreement with Fairleigh Dickinson University (Madison Campus) regarding required graduate course work and degree titles.

C. Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee

The Committee will meet to review regulation proposal comments and prepare response for the Board’s review.

VIII. NEXT MEETING

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board will be August 13, 2009 at 9:00 a.m., 124 Halsey Street, 6th floor, Newark, New Jersey.

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION

On a motion by Judith Owens, seconded by Ben Beitin, the Board moved to Executive Session at 10:23 a.m. to discuss pending complaints and confidential matters. The Board returned to Public Session at 1:14 p.m.

X. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion by Ronald Walthall, seconded by Edward Reading, the Board meeting adjourned at 1:25 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Elaine L. Demars