[NFBF-Tampa] Notes for meeting 20220122

[Catherine Fleeger]

Dan,

Please add my name to the minutes for today's Zoom meeting attendees.  I entered the meeting about ½ way through, but I was there for the second part of the meeting.

Thanks,

Cathy Fleeger

From: NFBF-Tampa <nfbf-tampa-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Dan hicks via NFBF-Tampa
Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2022 2:54 PM
To: 'Miranda Kilby' <mbkilby at gmail.com>; 'NFB of Florida Tampa Chapter List' <nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org>
Cc: danjhicks at gmail.com
Subject: [NFBF-Tampa] Notes for meeting 20220122

Minutes for Meeting of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the
National Federation of the Blind of Florida
January 22, 2022

The meeting, which was held virtually via Zoom, was called to order at 11:07 AM, by Chapter President Miranda Kilby. Other board members present were Chapter Vice President Gloria Mills Hicks, Treasurer Dan Hicks, and Board Members Yvonne Rosanelli and Z'Leah Liburd.
Also present were NFBF President Paul Martinez, Ineko Kary, Noe Villeda, Brittany Fraer, Scott Wilson, and Sewar Qumebi. Chapter Secretary Sherrill O'Brien was absent.

Being as Minutes of the previous meeting have not been read by the membership, the reading and approval of the minutes were tabled.

Dan gave the Treasurer's Report. It was approved. Dan mentioned that Chase Bank, our current bank, has changed its policy. The amount that must be held in our account for us to avoid a $15.00 monthly fee has increased from $1500 to $2000. Dan was able to get the last two of these charges waived by the bank, but we don't know if the bank will waive future charges. It would be good if we can increase the size of our treasury so that this is not a factor.

There was a discussion of banks and fees. Dan and others will check with local banks to see if we can get an account with no fees.

Paul mentioned the recent death of James E. Young, who was on the board of the Tallahassee Chapter and was also the husband of NFBF Treasurer Sylvia Young. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be sent to the Tallahassee Chapter.

Miranda mentioned that, because of COVID, the Washington Seminar is all virtual this year, as opposed to the hybrid mode that had been previously planned. This is a good thing in that more people can be involved in virtual visits to Senators and Representatives.

NFBF President Paul Martinez announced that the NFB Scholarship Program is open for applications. He has asked former NFBF President Denise Valkema to interview those Florida residents who are applying and write letters for each to be sent to the Scholarship Committee.

We are planning on holding elections next month. We have discussed a change to the Chapter Constitution which would allow for a staggering of our elections, with some members elected in odd years and the remaining members elected in even years. Also, our constitution needs to be brought into line with recent NFB requirements. Miranda and Dan will work on suggested language for amending the chapter construction, to be voted on my the membership. Any changes made by the chapter will also have to be approved by the NFBF and in accordance with NFB requirements. There should not be any problem with getting it approved.

Miranda called for suggestions for projects the chapter could work on in the coming year.

A couple of people suggested raising money should be a priority. Gloria will lead a fundraising committee.

It was suggested that we work with the Straz Center to get Audio Description on the plays it presents. It was also suggested that we wok in getting TD Tampa Bay funding re-established.

Miranda said we should be planning something for Meet the Blind Month in October. Suggestions along those lines included taking park in a Vision Fair, such as the one sponsored by the Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind. We could have an exhibit focusing on Guide Dogs.

Yvonne said she can contact eye doctors to get them to talk about their specialties, if we have a vision fair.

Z'Leah suggested having a table at the Ybor City Farmer's Market to distribute literature.

Miranda suggested having a party or other get-together this year. She also suggested doing a Bell Program in 2023 in conjunction with the NFBF.  Also, this year, we can Help the Jacksonville and Daytona Beach Chapters host the upcoming NFBF State Convention, to offer support.

We talked about creating some kind of audio or multi-media presentation to raise funds and recruit members.

Miranda suggested that we start a periodic donation to the NFBF, similar to our PAC donation to NFB, once our finances are in better condition.

Ineko gave a presentation about the Flamingo Cards offered by HART. Right now getting the card is free but there may be a charge for the card in the future.

Dan will send out a list of those who have paid dues to the chapter list, so that people who have not paid will be reminded.

Louise Peyton was the winner of $35.00 from 50/50 drawing.

The Meeting was adjourned at 12:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Dan Hicks, Treasurer






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