[nfbmi-talk] check out gift fund reference in these minutes and other things of course

[joe harcz Comcast]

APPROVED

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND
MARCH 20, 2009
CONSTITUTION HALL
LANSING, MICHIGAN

MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chair

Dr. Velma Allen

Ms. Geri Taeckens (via teleconference - afternoon only)

Ms. Margaret Wolfe

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

None

Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) STAFF PRESENT

Mr. Patrick Cannon

Ms. Sue Luzenski

Mr. Leamon Jones

Ms. Christine Boone

Ms. Sherri Heibeck

Ms. Susan Turney

Ms. Constance Zanger

Mr. Dan Furton

Mr. Bob Robertson

Mr. David Robinson

GUESTS/ATTENDEES

Mr. Mark Eagle

Ms. Gwen Botting

Mr. Jim Moore

Mr. Don Bowman

Ms. Sylvia Light

Mr. Joe Sibley

Ms. Mary Kent

Mr. Bob Rafferty

Mr. Geer Wilcox

Mr. Michael Powell

Ms. Christine Rettig

Mr. Fred Wurtzel

Ms. Mary Wurtzel

Ms. Arlene Moore

Ms. Jessica Madden

Mr. Joe Sontag

Mr. Greg Keathley

Mr. Terry Eagle

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

The Committee of the Whole was opened by Chair Jo Ann Pilarski at 9:09 a.m.  Chair Pilarski commented on the resignation of Commissioner Mark Eagle and
thanked him for his service as a member of the Commission and wished him well in the future.

COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

Ms. Pilarski spoke briefly on her experience with the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and the federal audit that MCB participated in.  Director
Cannon elaborated on Ms. Pilarski's comments and stated that 8 RSA representatives were with MCB for the entire week of March 2 - 6 visiting several Commission
offices and community partners.  He said more information on the RSA monitoring visit would be shared during Administrative Reports in the afternoon.

Ms. Wolfe and Ms. Allen did not have any commissioner activities to report.

Ms. Luzenski read the Commissioner Activity report submitted by Ms. Taeckens.  Commissioner Taeckens updated the Board on the latest BEP meeting, the Comprehensive
Design Team for Quality Education for Students who are Blind and Visually Impaired (CDT) and informed all attendees of the upcoming Braille-A-Thon in June
to be held in Lansing.

ISSUES FROM LAST MEETING

The follow up issues regarding Business Enterprise Program administrative items will be reported on this afternoon by Ms. Constance Zanger, B E P Manager.

CONSUMER DIALOGUE QUESTION

          Chair Pilarski posed the consumer dialogue question:  "How to more effectively engage consumers in the processes we do at the Commission for the
Blind."  Chair Pilarski stated there are several design teams and the Consumer Involvement Council (CIC) as ways for all to more effectively participate
in the Commission.

Director Cannon shared the different ways in which MCB has provided ways for consumers and consumer organizations to become involved with the Commission
beginning with the Planning and Quality Team (PAQ).  Current committees offered allow for participation by phone and call-in numbers are provided both
on the activity list and the MCB website.

Mr. Mark Eagle stated that he felt the existing committees should not be limited to consumer groups, but be open to all who wish to participate. MCB should
be open to public collaboration in addition to public participation.

Director Cannon shared that the design teams are open for all to participate.  The Planning and Quality (PAQ) Team and CIC meetings have designees from
consumer organizations and parent groups.

Terry Eagle stated that collaboration and participation from consumers has not been wanted by staff.  MCB should not be restrictive on who participates.

          Ms. Susan Turney stated that the committees who are open to participation by all do have the call-in and passcode information posted on the website
on the events calendar.

Mr. Jim Moore said that the Vision 2020 Committee is good but he feels most of the committees are not geared to put people to work.

Recessed for break at 9:40 a.m.

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          The meeting was reconvened at 9:50 a.m.

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

The regular meeting was called to order by Chair Jo Ann Pilarski at 9:50 a.m.  Commissioner Taeckens will not be able to attend in person but will be joining
the meeting in the afternoon.  Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.  The meeting was not able to be audio-streamed over the Internet due to illness
of the audio stream technician.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

COMMISSIONER WOLFE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY COMMISSIONER ALLEN TO APPROVE THE BOARD MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 12, 2008 COMMISSION MEETING; MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

COMMISSIONER WOLFE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY COMMISSIONER ALLEN TO APPROVE THE BOARD MINUTES FROM THE MARCH 4, 2009 SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING; MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

Three items of correspondence to the Board were received in the Commission office from Jessica Madden, Randy Madden and Donna Rose, each addressing concerns
regarding the resignation of Commissioner Mark Eagle.  Chair Pilarski stated at the meeting that she directly responded to each letter received.

Public Comment

Geer Wilcox stated that he has been involved with the Commission through his participation with NFB-M, the CIC, the PAQ Team and Service Delivery Design
Team (SDDT) and has always felt included in and welcomed at all committee meetings he has attended and participated in.

Mr. Terry Eagle stated that if a Commissioner doesn't show up at a meeting it reflects on their seriousness as a commissioner and they should resign.  He
also commented on the BEP Assistant Manager position which has been posted as open to only State employees, this reflects an attitude about blindness,
this job should be opened up to everyone to get the best talent and he finds the hiring practices of MCB deplorable.

Ms. Mary Wurtzel apologized on behalf of the NFB Taskforce for having to cancel the scheduled meeting with the MCB Director and said the meeting would be
rescheduled.

           Chair Pilarski asked Director Cannon to comment on agency hiring procedures and explain when recruitment is extended beyond state employees.
 Mr. Cannon stated that state agencies are expected to hire from within state government in order to not expand the size of state government, unless it
can be demonstrated that it is unlikely that a qualified person for the vacant position could be found within the state government structure.

          From the audience, Mr. Eagle said that Mr. Cannon was lying.

Michigan   Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI)

Joe Sibley, new President of the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI) shared personal background on his vision loss and background
of how he came to be connected with MCBVI.  Mr. Sibley also gave an update on MCBVI activities, both past and upcoming, and outreach activities MCBVI has
been involved in. Mr. Sibley took questions from Commissioners and the audience.   Discussion included audio description in movie theaters, Professional
Speakers Bureau, Visually Impaired Persons for Progress (VIPP), the MCBVI national convention in Orlando in July, out reach activities to schools and the
MCBVI audio description project with the Americal Council of the Blind (ACB).  He also commented on the ACB's successful lawsuit against the U.S. Treasury
to produce currency as accessible to people who are blind.

National Federation of the Blind ( NFB   -M)

Mr. Fred Wurtzel, President of National Federation of the Blind -Michigan (NFB-M) commented on the importance of representation by the blind organizations,
informed participants that the National NFB convention will be held in Detroit in July and spoke regarding the attitudes of blindness including "Blindness:
 Handicap or Characteristics."

Mr. Mike Powell spoke about the new Louis Braille coin, Braille literacy and bringing back Braille respectability as only 10% of blind people read Braille.

Mr. David Robinson spoke regarding the Kenneth Jernigan Institute giving background on the organization, its purpose and current and future programs.  One
of the goals of the organization is to double the number of Braille readers by 2015.

Mr. Wurtzel then entertained questions from both Commissioners and attendees.  Dr. Allen said that she supported Mr. Wurtzel's belief that differences of
opinion can be expressed respectfully and constructively.

COMPREHENSIVE DESIGN TEAM FOR QUALITY EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED ( CDT )

Gwen Botting, Chairperson of the Comprehensive Design Team for Quality Education for Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired (CDT) presented information
regarding the formation of the CDT, its goals and the launching of the CDT's first public presentation to the Michigan Association of the Education and
Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MAER) at the education conference taking place in April.

Future projects of the CDT include development of a preschool brochure, a Braille-A-Thon being held in June in Lansing, and a mentoring program.  Commission
meeting attendees participated on the ensuing discussion on youth transition.

Recessed for lunch at 12:04 p.m.

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          The meeting was reconvened at 1:00 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Three individuals presented public comment via email.

Ms. Jessica Madden wrote regarding her concerns with the dismissal of Mark Eagle as Commissioner stating, in her opinion, that Mark has always advocated
for persons with disabilities, was passionate about his position on the Commission Board, and wrote of the matter being handled inappropriately, asking
that MCB and the State Board of Ethics reconsider the decision of removal of Mark Eagle from the Commission.

Mr. Randy Madden wrote regarding his concerns with the dismissal of Mark Eagle as Commissioner including his opinion that the State Ethics Board decision
was premature and based on irrelevant information, Mr. Eagle has attempted to avoid potential conflict of interest situations and that Mr. Eagle has always
advocated for blind, visually impaired and disabled individuals.

Mr. Mark Eagle wrote that it was a great privilege to serve as a Commissioner having always advocated on behalf of people with disabilities.  He stated
that he believes he did what he could to prevent potential conflicts-of-interest and that his resignation was not a choice that was his.  He closed by
wishing the Commissioners well and stating that it was an honor to serve as a Commissioner.

Mr. Wurtzel commented on the sensitivity of the Commissioner resignation issue and he said he was not ready to comment until he had more facts.

Mr. Jim Moore stated that he is confused because two blind people have been forced off of the Board but not any of the sighted people; possibly a better
selection method should be used.

Chair Pilarski stated that Commissioner appointments are done by the Governor's Appointments office.

BUSINESS   ENTERPRISE   PROGRAM REPORT (BEP)

Ms. Constance Zanger, B E P Manager introduced the new chair of the Elected Operators Committee (E O C), James Chaney.

Ms. Zanger reported that the next Business Enterprise Program (B E P) managers' class will be underway in April and two of last fall's class participants
are currently working.

She reported on a new initiative which will provide laptop computers for all B E P manager students and some current licensees.  Ms. Zanger stated this
will commence with the April 2009 B E P manager training class.

B E P staff are preparing for the 40th Annual B E P workshop scheduled for mid-April.  Ms. Zanger provided an overview of the workshop agenda whose theme
is "30 Years of Success."  Features of the workshop include a Saturday morning plenary session featuring Pat Cannon, Leamon Jones and Sherri Heibeck of
MCB and Bob Adelman an energetic entrepreneur who spoke at the National Business Leadership and Superior Training conference in April 2008.

Ms. Zanger commented on three issues from the December 2008 commission meeting which included providing timely information of B E P and E O C meetings to
the Commission Board liaison; beginning the process of getting general business loss of income insurance quotes for B E P operators and soliciting the
level of interest; and lastly, Ms. Zanger informed the Board of newly instituted procedures for certified mail notification of bills for annual health
license reimbursement, letters for late set-aside fee penalties and notification of compliance review.

Commissioner Taeckens joined the meeting via telephone.

ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE REPORT ( EOC )

Mr. James Chaney, new chair of the Elected Operators Committee (EOC) asked that Ms. Zanger read the EOC motions for Board action.

1.      The first motion states that the Operator Selection Points System Revision to allow only one three point activity per year.

Discussion included reasons for limiting points, the activities which allowed B E P operators to be awarded three points, and who decides how many points
each activity is worth

COMMISSIONER WOLFE MOVED TO ACCEPT, COMMISSIONER ALLEN SECONDED TO SUPPORT THE OPERATOR SELECTION POINTS SYSTEM REVISION TO ALLOW ONLY ONE THREE POINT ACTIVITY
PER YEAR.  THE MOTION WAS REJECTED UNANIMOUSLY.

2.      The second motion stated that all upward mobility training completion with a passing score be awarded three points.

COMMISSIONER ALLEN MOVED TO ACCEPT, COMMISSIONER WOLFE SECONDED TO SUPPORT THAT ALL UPWARD MOBILITY TRAINING COMPLETION WITH A PASSING SCORE BE AWARDED
THREE POINTS; THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

3.      The last motion stated that an Operator requesting a profit percentage review have the following occur:

a.       The Operator will identify all areas draining profit in a written document;

b.      Promotional Agent schedules a review 30 days out using the 30 day period to conduct the review;

c.       The Promotional agent submits the report to the review committee.

Mr. Chaney brought to the Board's attention that this process will help the Operators avoid issues and possibly the grievance process.

COMMISSIONER TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY COMMISSIONER ALLEN TO SUPPORT AN OPERATOR WHO IS REQUESTING A PROFIT PERCENTAGE REVIEW THAT INCLUDES THE OPERATOR
IDENTIFYING ALL DRAINING PROFIT AREAS; THE PROMOTIONAL AGENT SCHEDULES A REVIEW 30 DAYS OUT; AND THE PROMOTIONAL AGENT SUBMITS THE REPORT TO THE REVIEW
COMMITTEE; THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

Ms. Heibeck reported on three audits that MCB is in the process of going through:  the State Single Audit performed by the State of Michigan's Auditor General's
Office; the biennial COSO Internal Control Evaluation and the Federal 107 monitoring review by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).  RSA will
issue a preliminary audit report in August which will include recommendations on improving MCB's systems and services.

The Commission Board received an appeal for a denied gift fund request in the amount of $15,000 submitted by Hazell Brooks.

Discussion included that the request did not fit any of the criteria for awarding gift fund proceeds.

COMMISSIONER WOLFE MOVED TO REJECT HAZELL BROOKS' GIFT FUND REQUEST, COMMISSIONER TAECKENS SECONDED; THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY ROLL CALL VOTE WITH
COMMISSIONERS ALLEN, TAECKENS, WOLFE AND PILARSKI VOTING AYE .

MCB   CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Jones reported on staff visits to the Project Search training site in Cincinnati for staff to learn more in depth about the components necessary to
have a viable Project Search program.  The purpose of Project Search is to provide employment for persons with severe disabilities with the program partners
being the Intermediate School Districts, Vocational Rehabilitation agencies, Community Rehab, Community Mental Health's as well as local businesses.

Mr. Jones touched on collaborations with the B E P program including the newly trained managers to receive computers and providing summer work experience
opportunities for youth with B E P Operators.

Summer program opportunities are continuing to be explored for youth and MCB staff is hoping some of the summer opportunities may possibly turn into year
round jobs for some participants.

Discussions that resulted with the RSA visit included being able to evaluate the success of youth programs, older blind programs, and the job placement/job
development programs; monitoring the cash match agreements; the use and opportunities of the stimulus funds and the need for a Comprehensive Needs Assessment.

Mr. Jones also reported that MCB has received information from the DELEG Deputy Director regarding green jobs and the No Worker Left Behind program.  Staff
has been asked to keep these initiatives in mind when out in the field.

He reported that the Commission has restored the Central Region in the Consumer Services Division. Now the West, Central and Southeast regions will allow
the Agency to better respond to consumers needs.

TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Ms. Christine Boone, Training Center Director reported that the new Industrial Arts teacher, Lee Greenacre has begun at the Training Center and is acclimating
well.

Ms. Boone reported that the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns is administering a satisfaction survey to Training Center students regarding their
time at the Training Center.

RSA spoke with MCB staff regarding the focus of the Training Center teaching skills of blindness while there should be more focus on learning employment
skills.  Ms. Boone pointed out that the new employment curriculum that was initiated last fall will incorporate teaching employment skills and the Training
Center has also begun an on-site intern program where students do various jobs around the Center.

The Training Center is scheduled for a building audit to assess and prepare for dormitory renovations and technology center construction.

Staff news includes the hiring of the technology instructor is under way and the job posting for the vacant O&M instructor has been posted.  Also the Certificate
Committee is in the process of completing a certificate for students who have completed training at the Training Center.

MS. ALLEN MOVED, SECONDED BY MS. WOLFE TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR'S REPORT; THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Director Cannon asked the Board to refer to the MCB report for the full details on all the reports delivered today. He highlighted the CSAVR and NCSAB conferences
being held in Bethesda in April.  Spending of the Federal stimulus money will be a focus of these conferences.

Director Cannon also reported on an innovative partnership between the United States Business Leaders Network and Getting Hired.com a new portal for recruitment
and hiring of qualified job seekers with disabilities.   He noted that the written MCB Report also has information on the popular mini-adjustment programs
with one program already having taken place in March, and other programs being held in Escanaba, Clare and Grand Rapids this year.

Director Cannon said a few words in regards to the resignation of Mr. Mark Eagle, saying that it was regrettable that some circumstances led to the conflict
of interest  issue coming before the State Ethics Board and then to Mark's decision to resign.  He added that he's known Mark for more than 20 years and
believes that he is a capable and committed young man who will surely be successful at his future endeavors.  Mr. Cannon stated that he remains a fan of
Mark Eagle's and wishes him every success in the future.

Director Cannon again asserted his appreciation for the fine Commission staff, stating that one of the most satisfying aspects of being at MCB is the opportunity
to work with so many talented, dedicated and caring individuals.  He said that because of the immense passion staff has for providing quality services
to clients it is most regrettable that a few consumers suggest that the Commission staff is uncaring simply due to differing views.

Mr. Cannon concluded his report by commenting on the federal monitoring visit recently conducted by RSA.  He said that the Federal audit which occurred
the first week of March was an eye opening and helpful week of meetings.  Items that were brought to MCB's attention were cash match agreements, Newsline
support and Business Enterprise Program expenditures including contributions to B E P retirement and rent.  Other preliminary feedback by the federal officials
focused on Comprehensive Needs Assessment, staffing and inadequate general fund appropriation by the state legislature.

MS WOLFE MOVED, SECONDED BY MS. ALLEN TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR'S REPORT; THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Prior to adjournment of the Commission meeting,  Director Cannon asked Susan Turney to give a brief description of the first ever Michigan Commission for
the Blind Annual Report , which was distributed to Commissioners and to meeting guests.  He called particular attention to the report's centerfold, which
highlights the achievements of several Commission clients.

ADJOURNMENT

MS.  WOLFE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ALLEN TO ADJOURN THE MEETING; THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

          The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m.  The next meeting will be held on Friday, June 19 at the Victor Office Center, Lansing.  The meeting will
begin at 9:00 a.m.

Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

Date