[nfbmi-talk] draft meeting minutes
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Tue Sep 14 19:18:46 UTC 2010
DRAFT
MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND
AUGUST 27, 2010
VICTOR CENTER,
201 N. WASHINGTON SQUARE
3RD FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM A/B
LANSING, MICHIGAN
MINUTES
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chair Mr. Michael Geno, Vice Chair Mr. John Scott Ms. Geri Taeckens
Ms. Margaret Wolfe
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
None
Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) STAFF PRESENT
Mr. Patrick Cannon Ms. Sue Luzenski
Mr. Leamon Jones Ms. Sherri Heibeck
Ms. Susan Turney Mr. James Hull
Ms. Constance Zanger Mr. Bob Robertson
Ms. Christine Movalson Mr. Jim Shaw
Ms. Lisa Kiesel Ms. Shannon McVoy
Mr. Dan Furton Ms. Alicia Lurry
Ms. Phyllis Njoroge Ms. Shawnese Laury-Johnson
GUESTS/ATTENDEES
Mr. Larry Posont Mr. Joe Harcz
Mr. Larry Scott Mr. Fred Wurtzel
Mr. Mike Ellis Ms. Sharon Dutmer
Mr. Joe Sibley Mr. Casey Dutmer
Ms. Grace Menzel Ms. Debbie Huntley
Ms. Lydia Schuck Ms. Kimberly Mohnke
Mr. Marcus Simmons Ms. Karen Simmons
Ms. Terri Wilcox Mr. Nick Wilcox
Ms. Deb Weiss Mr. Dave Robinson
Ms. Elizabeth Mohnke Ms. Mary Wurtzel
Mr. Bill Lozier
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole was opened by Chair Jo Ann Pilarski at 9:05 a.m.
Mr. Michael Ellis shared with participants that this was his last meeting doing audio streaming but he would be working in the future as a consultant while MCB intern, Jim Shaw, takes over the audio streaming for meetings. Mr. Ellis also shared that he would be presenting a plaque to the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped for all the wonderful reading opportunities provided by the library. He gave a special thanks to Commissioner Wolfe for her part in providing library services in the past.
COMMISSIONER UPDATES
Commissioner Geno stated that the Technology Committee did not meet and he has not been apprised of upcoming meeting dates. He also shared that the B E P Ad Hoc committee has been very productive and time well spent for all participants who have brought great ideas and attitudes to the table.
Commissioner Scott reported that the budget workshop held the day before for Commissioners was very informative. He said it brought forth the realization that MCB’s operation is very complicated. Commissioners thanked Director Cannon from shielding the Commission from budget cuts, and commented that the training was enlightening on the day to day workings of the Commission, the challenges of setting up cash matches and the complexity of the budget process as a whole.
Commissioner Wolfe had no commissioner activities during this 2 month duration between meetings.
Chair Pilarski confirmed that all Commissioners received a copy of the updated MCB Action Plan which is a product of the Planning and Quality (PAQ) team.
Commissioner Taeckens thanked everyone that worked on this latest draft of the College Policy as this was a huge undertaking and a daunting task. She reported on the process that took place with a workgroup facilitated by Grace Menzel in June. All participants in the workgroup and Commissioners received an updated draft, plus all comments and feedback received by Commissioner Taeckens from consumers and staff. Commissioner Taeckens stated that the board will be voting on this current draft policy and it is her recommendation that it be voted in for one year. Commissioner Taeckens also touched upon two items within the College Policy document that were inadvertently changed or deleted and will be restored to what the workgroup recommended.
OTHER
Chair Pilarski asked Commissioners to comment on board correspondence received right before a Commission meeting and how this should be handled. The consensus was that this should be reported on during the board correspondence segment of the meeting. Chair Pilarski asked that people try to submit board correspondence 10 days before a meeting as it may not be seen by Commissioners before a meeting if it comes in too late. Ms Luzenski stated she would forward this new board correspondence to Commissioners to ensure that they see it.
Chair Pilarski asked Director Cannon to speak about the accessibility and content of the MCB website. He shared that in almost every MCB Report there is a website section highlighted and the website is maintained by Susan Turney. Website maintenance is the hardest part. Ms. Susan Turney gave an overview of the website set up and assured attendees that every item on the website is accessible and compatible with Jaws.
BLINDNESS TRAINING PLANNING COMMITTEE
Director Cannon updated attendees on the newly formed group which met on July 30th comprised of staff and representatives of National Federation of the Blind-Michigan (NFB-M) and Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI). Discussion centered around blindness training for the staff. Questions were asked of what worked well, how things could be done better and what improvements could be made. One immediate outcome from this meeting was an update in the consumer welcome letter on what consumers can do if they’re not happy with the services they are receiving from the Commission.
Other suggestions on staff training included working with those clients who are low vision. This item will be discussed at the next Consumer Involvement Council meeting.
Mr. Larry Posont, NFB-M added that he felt the outcome of the meeting did not meet what Commissioners intended for the meeting to be. He believes this committee was staff heavy and that staff attitudes on blindness were not discussed. He stated that the Board needs to restate the purpose and get this committee on track.
Mr. Joe Sibley, MCBVI found the meeting very informational and was pleased the committee clarified the client advocacy options in the Consumer Welcome Letter. He agreed with Mr. Posont on not truly understanding what the intent of the Board for this committee is.
Director Cannon clarified that staff training is an administrative function and appreciates the input of the consumers that were involved.
Commissioner discussion included clarification on consumer input expectations; that there are future meetings on this topic; Board comment on the intent of this committee was to help train staff to handle the large influx of future blind for the various reasons and degrees of blindness and possibility of having less funding and less staff; the possibility of starting this committee with a staff member and a designee from each of the consumer groups; training being an administrative function; how important the exchange of ideas and communication is; and finally that the focus should be on the final goal of the committee.
Director Cannon clarified that the subject of blindness training for staff is an extension of an internal committee that has already begun looking at succession planning and the challenges of continuing quality services which include staff training.
Recessed for break at 10:12 a.m.
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The meeting was reconvened at 10:30 a.m.
CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM
The regular meeting was called to order by Chair Jo Ann Pilarski at 10:30 a.m. Roll call was taken and a quorum was present. Attendees at the meeting introduced themselves.
Chair Pilarski informed attendees that there will be an opportunity to submit a public comment to be read during the discussion of the College Policy.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JUNE 18, 2010
COMMISSIONER GENO MOVED, SUPPORTED BY COMMISSIONER WOLFE TO APPROVE THE BOARD MINUTES FROM THE JUNE 18, 2010 COMMISSION MEETING.
There was no discussion.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JULY 20, 2010 SPECIAL MEETING
COMMISSIONER WOLFE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY COMMISSIONER SCOTT TO APPROVE THE BOARD MINUTES, AS AMENDED, FROM THE JULY 20, 2010 SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING.
Discussion included Commissioner Scott asking for an amendment to the adjournment motion in which he moved to adjourn and Commissioner Geno seconded. Commissioner Taeckens corrected a typographical error and asked that a statement be added referencing an issue of staff possibly breaching confidentiality.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BOARD CORRESPONDENCE
Ms. Sue Luzenski reported there were numerous pieces of board correspondence received:
1. Ms. Apryl Thurston regarding a request for college services that was granted by staff.
2. Mr. Joe Harcz regarding more free technical assistance FOIA.
3. Mr. Joe Harcz regarding open state plan process.
4. Mr. Joe Harcz regarding SRC training module technical assistance
5. Mr. Joe Harcz regarding public hearings official question.
6. Mr. Joe Harcz regarding MCB should actually read rehab act and follow it too.
7. Mr. Joe Harcz regarding were MCB Commissioners and consumers involved with this?
8. Mr. Joe Harcz regarding MCB bound by several laws in these regards.
9. Mr. Joe Harcz regarding official board correspondence re FOIA and OMA.
10. Mr. Joe Harcz regarding germane to MCB budget and cash match in service
11. Ms. Gwen Botting regarding MCB college policy and observations on the client/counselor relationship.
12. Mr. Fred Wurtzel regarding MCB college policy.
13. Ms. Elizabeth Mohnke regarding MCB college policy.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Commissioner Pilarski asked attendees to keep comments focused on issues or concerns, under 3 minutes and informed attendees that Commissioners do not engage in dialogue at this time.
Ms. Lydia Schuck, a parent representative of the Consumer Involvement Council stated she would like the training center staff to be trained in planning and facilitating the presence of people who have autism and increase training of staff to handle people with autism. Secondly, she added there can be creative solutions to problems even during a budget crunch and Ms. Schuck asked that the lack of money should not be used as an excuse for not providing services.
Mr. Joe Harcz, who introduced himself as an advocate stated that the Agency has violated several laws over the past several years. He made a suggestion that to stop the Agency from being sued they should stop breaking the law. He further added that the accessibility of the website isn’t at issue it’s the content therein and clients aren’t getting information upon request in a timely and public manner.
Ms. Terri Wilcox, secretary of NFB-M spoke about the college policy which the new policy, although better than the old, still poses a concern on the memorandum of understanding and holding the students harmless. Other issues she cited were materials not being given in a timely manner or in accessible format, timelines and asking parents to support students.
Mr. Larry Posont asked the Board about the closed session at lunch which the Chair indicated was not happening.
Ms. Kimberly Mohnke, of NFB-M stated she has seen the college policy and noted concern on holding the student harmless for the memorandum of understanding. She stated the DELEG form does not have a clear purpose and there are times that students are unable to attend school fulltime.
Commissioner Taeckens informed attendees that there is a sentence in the proposed policy that was accidentally deleted which does hold the students harmless if there is failure by the University to provide something for the student.
Mr. Fred Wurtzel thanked all the participants in writing this new college policy as he was on the original college policy committee. However there are still issues as stated by others and he asked the Board to look closely at the legal questions brought forth by Kimberly Mohnke. Some of these potential legal issues include asking parents for money and the grey interpretation of students benefitting from a grant.
Ms. Elizabeth Mohnke, NFB-M and current college student thanked Commissioner Taeckens for putting the statement on holding students harmless back in the draft college policy. She also stated that there are references to the rehab act that don’t appear accurate. Ms. Mohnke appealed to the Board to make sure that all information included in this college policy is correct. There is also the issue of the new DELEG form and what its purpose is.
Mr. Larry Posont asked about board correspondence and whether it goes on the website, is buried in the beauracracy or it has to be asked for under the Freedom of Information Act in order to be read.
COLLEGE POLICY
Chair Pilarski stated that the Board was going to go through the draft College Policy section by section and suggest any modifications and then make a motion on that section.
Commissioner Taeckens explained that the all day meeting drafting this document had twenty-five participants including eleven consumers, two board members, a Protection and Advocacy Representative and staff.
Chair Pilarski stated there are some grammatical issues and is asking that staff review for typographical errors. Director Cannon indicated this will be done before sending this draft to the Rehabilitation Services Administration for approval.
Preamble
The Board found the Preamble to be okay.
Statement of Fundamental Principles
Change the word “failures” to “challenges”.
A. Prerequisites for college and other post secondary training
Discussion included not overprescribing so many skills and the college assessment requirements document be adjusted to reflect passing only the skills that would affect one’s ability to pass college. Those skills are looked at to assess the minimum level of function and identify skills that may need to be addressed to help students achieve their goal of higher education.
A1. Remove “and independent living” from this paragraph.
The Board supports this change.
Section A 2-10, 12 is fine.
MOU paragraph at end of Section A
Add to paragraph: “If there is a dispute over which entity will provide a necessary accommodation the Michigan Commission for the Blind shall be responsible for providing the accommodation until the dispute is resolved.”
Remove “all” before Institutions and Universities
Add to end of MOU paragraph
“The commission shall endeavor to recover the costs for which the educational Institutions shall be responsible.”
Section A 11: Add “needed” before “available free of charge”
COMMISSIONER Geno moved, COMMISSIONER Wolfe secondED to accept all amendments made to college policy through section A from the beginning.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
B - Accreditation
COMMISSIONER TAECKENS MOVED, COMMISSIONER WOLFE SECONDED TO ACCEPT SECTION B.
Change “should” to “shall” in last sentence.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
C – Financial Aid
Opening paragraph: remove sentence “According to Rehabilitation Act 361.48 F MCB counselors are required to ask the parents-guardians of potential MCB students if they are willing to participate in the financial support of their son-daughter’s post-secondary training-educational costs.”
C6: Board discussion included clarification that this is a spreadsheet that lays out all resources available to the consumer for monies towards tuition; the possibility of amending DELEG form to state “this is not a means test”; does this belong in a policy or is this just something that should be a common procedure. Commissioner agreed this statement should be kept in for the counselors sake and everyone reading this document.
C7: The Board asked for clarification of what documents need to be submitted. Mr. Jones shared a list of documents needed to be submitted by clients.
C 10 & 11: There was Board discussion on the legality of the issue of these. Items C 10 & 11 will be specifically pointed out when the college policy is forwarded to RSA. The Board decided to keep these in pending RSA approval of the legality of these statements
C15 – 18: The Board clarified that the out-of-state or out-of-country clause is not paid in full and capped at no greater than the highest tuition rate of an in-state college or university.
COMMISSIONER Taeckens moved to accept section C with the condition that particular request to RSA be made OF THE LEGALITY OF c 10 & 11, COMMISSIONER geno seconded.
There was no further discussion.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
D – Academic Progress
COMMISSIONER TAECKENS MOVED, COMMISSIONER WOLFE SECONDED TO ACCEPT SECTION D WITH AMENDMENT.
D2 bullet 2: Board discussion included promoting good communication between the counselor and consumer; add “prior to dropping the class” to the end of the sentence.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
E – Exceptions and Complaints
COMMISSIONER TAECKENS MOVED, COMMISSIONER WOLFE SECONDED TO ACCEPT SECTION E.
There was no Board discussion.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Conclusion
There was Board discussion about making this a policy that is handed out to the consumer with a signature page of both counselor and consumer on file to document it has been received.
Add to the Conclusion at the bottom: “The counselor/consumer team will show by signature that this policy has been reviewed and the consumer has received it.”
COMMISSIONER GENO MoveD to accept the document as amended herE in deliberation by the board with the citations of C 10 & 11, as noted earlier, pending RSA approval and that this policy be noted as approveD by the date of acceptance; COMMISSIONER Taeckens secondED
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Recessed for lunch at 12:40 p.m.
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The meeting was reconvened at 1:33 p.m.
Chair Pilarski thanked attendees for their patience before lunch while the Board reviewed and approved the College Policy. She also proposed some changes to the afternoon agenda to accommodate for the late time.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ms. Janeile Cannon, via email, congratulated Susan Turney and staff for the easy navigation of the MCB website and gave users a navigation shortcut to use on future visits.
Mr. Joe Sontag, via email, thanked Chairperson Pilarski, Director Cannon and others for assistance he received on his unemployment insurance agency issue he raised at the June commission meeting. He shared that he will not be able to attend the B E P Panel in the afternoon but stated that the legislative intent of P.A. 260 and promulgated rules are clear in stating that coffee and catering services in state buildings are to be provided by the Business Enterprise Operators. Mr. Sontag pointed out that the Attorney General’s office opinion on the B E P catering issue was rendered shortly after no assistance was given to an operator who was experiencing violations of the act.
Ms. Kim Walsh, Detroit Radio Information Service, via email, shared that DRIS is celebrating their 33rd year and stated awards received and upcoming events.
Ms. Diana Mohnke, via email, commented on the earlier college policy discussion and specifically about an amendment added saying that the colleges need to repay MCB which was not necessary to add. She then cited the section in the Rehab Act which addresses that.
Mr. Joe Harcz commended the Board for following the Rehab Act on the College policy. He also commended the Board on the determinations made on the Fellows, Tomczak and Brooks cases. Mr. Harcz went on to state that the Agency is still in violation of supplying materials in accessible format and in a timely manner. He also stated the State Plan on the website needs to be updated.
Mr. Fred Wurtzel shared his pleasure in the outcome of the College Policy discussion from the morning. He would like there to be more discussion on the DELEG form by the Board. Mr. Wurtzel touched upon the issue of staff training and the inadequacy of it and Commission Board should set higher standards for training.
Mr. Casey Dutmer, MCBVI, is participating in the B E P Ad Hoc Committee and stated the process is going well. He spoke about the use of a facilitator to keep these meetings productive and that MCBVI supports the continuation of this. Mr. Dutmer also spoke on the issue of who the employer of an operator is which, in his opinion, is the operator themselves.
Mr. Larry Posont, President NFB-M, shared that he sat through the budget meeting the day before which should be the beginning of the process of building the budget. The Board needs to act like a policy making board. He stated the Board gave up their power earlier in the day in regards to the staff training committee.
Ms. Elizabeth Mohnke, NFB-M echoed Larry and Fred’s comments in regards to who’s in charge of leading this meeting, the Chair of the Board or the staff? She also stated that there was progress made on the college policy although the issue of the DELEG form still exists.
Ms. Mary Wurtzel commended the Board on the college policy process from the morning. She also commended Elizabeth Mohnke and other young attendees for all of their time and effort on the college policy.
Mr. Joe Sibley informed attendees the MCBVI conference will be held at the Howard Johnson Plaza in Wyoming, Michigan on October 14 – 17 and that the following 3 years it will be held in Lansing. Mr. Sibley stated he is pleased with the Board and what he is hearing at the Ad Hoc committee. He likes the use of a facilitator and the communication process seems to be working well.
ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE REPORT
Mr. Bill Lozier, acting on behalf of James Chaney, EOC Chair and Mr. James Hull, Acting BEP Manager reported on the elected operators committee. Mr. Lozier commented on a new graduating BEP class, a new class of students starting and one person completing on-the-job training under the reciprocity agreement. Also one of the two reinstated operators has been awarded a facility and another has bid and is waiting to hear the outcome. Mr. Lozier also updated attendees about the temporary operator in the Hall of Justice who is working towards becoming a permanent operator and has changed the building employees’ attitudes towards blindness. Staff anticipates with the influx of new operators that all sighted temporary operators will be out of the program in the near future.
Mr. Lozier reported on new training programs in the works including the Practical Experience Vending Stand Training (PEVST). He also updated participants on committee meetings that have occurred and what is upcoming for conferences and workshops.
He informed attendees that the subcommittees are moving forward on location evaluations and marketing CD’s created to promote the business enterprise program. Mr. Lozier also reported on the good progress made on the BEP Ad Hoc committee.
EOC MOTION #1
The first motion, for Board information only, focused on having a Highway Vending conference in September to meet with MDOT.
There was no Board discussion
EOC MOTION #2
The second motion, requiring board action asked that the Highway Vending meeting be handled like the Annual Workshop.
Board questions included the necessity of the mandatory attendance and consequences of not showing up.
COMMISSIONER TAECKENS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WOLFE TO ACCEPT MOTION #2.
Discussion included that calling an extra mandatory meeting is not in violation of any rule, staff indicated that Rule 47 allows for this training and individuals not attending mandatory training become ineligible to bid.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
EOC MOTION #3
The third motion, requiring Board action, states that mandatory meeting points will not be awarded for the Highway Vending meeting.
COMMISSIONER TAECKENS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WOLFE TO ACCEPT MOTION #3.
Discussion included which point system was currently being used by the BEP.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
EOC MOTION #4
The fourth motion, requiring Board action, asks that whomever the Sault Ste. Marie Coast Guard facility is awarded to agrees to enter into a teaming partnership with Acorn Foods which can be reviewed in a year.
COMMISSIONER TAECKENS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WOLFE TO ACCEPT MOTION #4.
Discussion and questions included requesting an explanation of the teaming partnership; whether this type of arrangement compromises the Randolph Sheppard Act; the bidding process and potential contract liability with Acorn Foods.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Commissioner Geno commended both Mr. Lozier and Mr. Hull on their informative and concise reports.
EOC AD HOC COMMITTEE UPDATE
Chair Pilarski asked both Mr. Lozier and Mr. Hull to give an update on the EOC Ad Hoc Committee. Mr. Lozier informed attendees that the two meetings that have been held so far have been very productive and been positive communication experiences. He added that the dialogue process is working well and it’s amazing how much more the group as a whole has in common. Mr. Lozier is hoping to move this committee from an ad hoc to a permanent committee.
Mr. Hull shared how the two meetings progressed and the committee has proven to be very enlightening in informing participants about what areas can be improved upon, how to move forward together and all stakeholders are bringing positive attitudes to the table.
Chair Pilarski stated she has heard very positive feedback from operators and all feel that everyone is moving forward.
BOARD DISCUSSION REGARDING B E P VENDING AS IT RELATES TO THE RANDOLPH SHEPPARD ACT AND PUBLIC ACT 260
Chair Pilarski deferred the panel to a later meeting as the agenda was running behind and two panel participants could not attend this meeting.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Director Cannon welcomed everyone and commended Commissioners on their actions from the morning in approving the College Policy. He also thanked all involved, especially Sherry Gordon, for their hard work on this policy. Sherry Gordon, MCB’s Assistant West Region Manager and a key player in the first college policy review committee, passed away in June. Director Cannon indicated that the policy will be forwarded to RSA for their review.
Director Cannon updated attendees on administrative changes within DELEG due to the retirement of DELEG Director Skip Pruss. Andy Levin is now the Acting DELEG Director and Liza Estlund Olson is now the Acting Deputy Director to whom the commission reports.
Director Cannon shared that LeeAnn Buckingham, a December 2009 MCB Honor Roll recipient was recognized in May as Lansing Woman of the Year and most recently she spoke at the ADA 20th Anniversary celebration on the Capitol steps in June.
He also reported that the U.S. Department of Justice is proposing new rules for the ADA including the kinds of furniture and equipment in medical offices or public places, the 911 emergency call system being more accessible and more accessible websites. The Department of Justice is also advancing rules on Mopix, a program promoting audio description in movie theaters and hoping to require more movie theaters to be equipped with this.
Director Cannon informed attendees the next two mini-adjustment programs will be held in Muskegon in September and Monroe in November.
Lastly, he stated that the final RSA report is still not available per his discussion with RSA Commissioner Rutledge.
Commissioner questions included why the report is not ready and whether the college policy has held up the RSA report.
Director Cannon responded that the status of MCB’s college policy is unrelated to RSA’s release date for their final report. He added that RSA’s process for monitoring and reporting is a lengthy one, explaining that RSA staff reviews several states and then go back to write their preliminary draft reports. After agencies respond to their draft report, RSA then conducts further internal reviews before issuing their final report.
COMMISSIONER TAECKENS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WOLFE TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR’S REPORT.
There was no Board discussion.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT
Mr. Leamon Jones, Consumer Services Director referred the Board to the written report for detail and stated he wanted to focus on a couple things he has been asked to report on.
The first item is data collection of consumer information used to assist in the consumers’ rehabilitation plan. Mr. Jones gave an overview of various forms that are used including the Federal 113 form and the Federal 911 form.
He also spoke about Standards and Indicators which are included in the State Plan. These standards and indicators are a tool used to allow blind agencies to compare themselves to similar agencies and determine how their own agency measures up. There are 7 standards and indicators and Mr. Jones went through each one and answered any questions by Board members. He also clarified that the standards and indicators are part of the State Plan. An agency has to pass at least 4 of the 7 of these in order to not be put on a plan for improvement.
Mr. Jones informed the Board on the process of updating the State Plan which includes minor changes and amendments each year but has had no Federal Rehabilitation or Congressional Amendments since 1998, meaning there has been no requirement to hold Public Hearings to review the current State Plan. The State Plan is based on the Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA), which is an information collection process occurring every 3 years. The CNA determines goals and objectives that end up in the State Plan.
Commissioner Taeckens asked Mr. Jones about data gathering and certain statistics that she believes would assist the Agency. Mr. Jones indicated that some of these statistics have been gathered and the information given to her and other statistical information is in the process of being gathered.
There was further discussion on other data ideas that Commissioners would want to know. Director Cannon offered that Commissioners could send their list of data gathering ideas to Commissioner Taeckens for her to compile and to then forward to the Director.
COMMISSIONER TAECKENS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WOLFE TO ACCEPT THE CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT.
There was no discussion.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
OTHER
Chair Pilarski commented on the upcoming meeting in December and various items that may end up on the agenda. She asked Commissioners to consider having a special meeting to relieve the agenda of some of these items. One possibility is to have a meeting on Thursday, December 9th the day before the regularly scheduled meeting.
Commissioner Taeckens reported on activities she has been involved in including the Braille-a-thon which was a great success. She also commented on activities she participated in at Camp T this summer She observed what a great contributor Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB) was to the success of these programs and that OUB did some great things this summer.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMISSIONER SCOTT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY COMMISSIONER WOLFE TO ADJOURN THE MEETING; THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:43 p.m. The next meeting will be December 10th with a possible half day meeting on December 9th.
Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson
Date
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