[nfbmi-talk] Fw: MCB Minutes - June 23, 2006

Tue Aug 9 15:36:46 UTC 2011

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Kingaby, Tish (DLEG) 
To: MCB2020-L at LISTSERV.MICHIGAN.GOV 
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2006 1:41 PM
Subject: MCB Minutes - June 23, 2006

APPROVED

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND
JUNE 23, 2006
VICTOR BUILDING
LANSING, MICHIGAN

MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chair                    Ms. Sheila Ashcraft

Mr. Richard Grant                                 Ms. Geri Taeckens

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

None (Vacant position)

Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) STAFF PRESENT

Mr. Patrick Cannon                                Ms. Tish Kingaby

Ms. Melody Lindsey                              Mr. Leamon Jones

Mr. Fred Wurtzel                                    Ms. Susan Turney

Ms. Sherri Heibeck                                Ms. Diamalyn Gaston

Ms. Constance Zanger                          Ms. Lucy Edmonds

Mr. Joe Pelle                                          Ms. Judy Wallace

Mr. John McEntee                                 Mr. James Hull

GUESTS/ATTENDEES 

Ms. Irma Zuckerberg                             Ms. Kim Walsh

Mr. Doug Spade                                    Mr. Michael Clement

Mr. John Victory                                     Ms. Gwen Botting

Ms. Mary Wurtzel                                   Mr. J. J. Jackson

Ms. Valarie Barnum-Yarger                   Mr. George Wurtzel

Ms. Jeannette Brown                             Mr. Casey Dutmer

Mr. Bill Park                                            Mr. Carl Pilarski

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

The Committee of the Whole was opened by Chair Jo Ann Pilarski at 9:08 a.m.  The meeting was audiostreamed.

COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

          Ms. Geraldine Taeckens reported review of draft brochures that the Image and Identity Team is proposing for statewide distribution.  Ms. Taeckens participated in the weeklong Discovery Learning session held in Escanaba the week of June 12, a training which focuses on demonstrating the many ways people who are blind can use non-visual cues, especially in orientation.  Ms. Taeckens said that the training was excellent.  She commented on her perspective that staff and volunteers require constant training on recognizing the needs of blind people to be independent, and not provide help unless requested or under dangerous conditions.  Ms. Pilarski said this would be a good subject for consumer dialogue.  Ms. Taeckens also attended the Ad Hoc Committee on Training Center Services meeting held June 19, which she said was very productive and that good progress has been made in three sessions.

          Ms. Sheila Ashcraft reported a visit to the Pontiac Lions Club, at which she provided information on the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) website and placement opportunities for MCB clients.  Ms. Aschraft also attended the MCB Service Delivery Focus Design Team meeting, which is working on the Policy Manual as there are sections in the manual which need addressing.  Ms. Ashcraft said attendance at that meeting by Ms. Jeanette Brown, from Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services, Client Assistant Program, was extremely helpful.  

Discussion was held regarding MCB's business networking practices, including a recent meeting with Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and a handout distributed to all of the account reps at that meeting which describes the services provided by MCB and Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS). 

          Mr. Richard Grant and Ms. Pilarski had no commission activity to report.

ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR

Discussion was held regarding the election of a Vice Chair, to succeed Commissioner J.J. Jackson who had resigned from the board, effective May 31, 2006.  Ms. Ashcraft was nominated by Mr. Grant and indicated she would accept the nomination.

AUGUST MEETING

Discussion was held regarding logistics of travel to Escanaba for the August 21 meeting.  Commissioners Ashcraft and Grant indicated a wish to travel on the state plane, if approved.

PREVIOUS ISSUES

Ms. Tish Kingaby reported that the One Stop Inclusion Workgroup Summary Report on accessibility of the Michigan Works! Centers was distributed to the board in late May, and read aloud a letter sent May 2 by Chair Pilarski on behalf of the board and staff to Governor Granholm regarding the disposition of funds from the sale of the previous Michigan School for the Blind (MSB) property (letter attached).

Discussion was held as to whether the board had endorsed the request to the Governor without full information, as the final language of the bill signed by the Governor differed from the board's intent.  Progress was described to the board of two separate bills, one of which had been proposed for Newsline funding which was integrated into the MSB bill at the last hour on the Senate floor.  Mr. George Wurtzel, Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB), state they did not recommend this change. Representatives of both MCB and OUB said that although they were pleased the majority of funds were assigned to the Department of Education's MSB Trust Fund, and not the State's General Fund, they were extremely surprised that the final distribution earmarked 95 percent for use by Camp Tuhsmeheta (Camp T) with the remaining 5 percent assigned to Newsline for the Blind of Michigan.  Ms. Pilarski reiterated that she believed it was entirely appropriate for the board to send their letter and its language was correct.

CONSUMER DIALOGUE

          Mr. John Victory opened the consumer dialogue session which allows interaction between attending members of the public and the board and assists in building trust and relationships.

Ms. Mary Wurtzel, NFB Lansing Chapter, said she believed Newsline had been included in the MSB bill due to a deadline of June 30 for Newsline funding and reiterated that NFB of Michigan did not advocate for any MSB proceeds to go to Newsline.

Ms. Taeckens said that when she raises issues to do with MCB's efforts in communicating abilities of blind people and MCB's growth and improvement in this area, she meets with defensiveness and is often informed these efforts are already being made.  Ms. Pilarski said that defensiveness is probably a reasonable reaction as it is difficult for any hard-working professional who already has many duties and expectations to be given direction or suggestion on how they should be performing their job.

Ms. Gwen Botting read a letter, distributing copies to attendees, thanking the board for their action in sending the letter to the Governor regarding MSB proceeds and commending Mr. George Wurtzel's efforts in advocating for these funds to go to the MSB Trust Fund. 

Mr. Casey Dutmer raised the issue of the Business Enterprise Program which is encountering problems nationally, including the lack of highly skilled workers, and how MCB could address the training needed to develop better skilled workers with higher expectations.  

REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

          The regular meeting was called to order at 11:05 a.m.  Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.  Ms. Pilarski said that the board was currently awaiting an appointment for the vacant commissioner position.  

MS. ASHCRAFT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. TAECKENS, TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 24, 2006 MEETING, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT

          Mr. Casey Dutmer said that although nothing has yet been brought to the attention of the board, he is concerned about the possibility being discussed by the State of Michigan's Office of Retirement Services about changes to the BEP retirement program, involving a change in the formula using net income instead of net proceeds, which would lower vendor retirement pensions by approximately 10 percent.  He believes that BEP should be involved in discussions regarding any such proposed changes.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

          There was no Board correspondence.

MCB DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Mr. Cannon referred the Board to the written MCB Report and information previously submitted to the Board and posted on the MCB website.  Mr. Cannon specifically mentioned participation with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) in the Partnership Forum; at which three key strategies were identified to help promote employment of people with disabilities: marketing, communications and information sharing, and soft skills (employability and good work habits) training.

Mr. Cannon reported attendance at the spring meetings of the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) and the National Council of State Administrators for the Blind (NCSAB), at which the Randolph Sheppard Act was a particular topic.  Scrutiny of the Business Enterprise Program is being conducted by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions which is looking at the value of the BEP and the possible inclusion of other people with disabilities in the program.  The new program monitoring and technical assistance by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) was also discussed, and Mr. Cannon reported that RSA would be conducting its first on-site visit to Michigan August 1-4 since its reorganization.

Mr. Cannon also referred the board to the award won by MCB at the Lansing Board of Water and Light's chili cook-off, the college prep program for youth, and the Visions 2006 technology fair.  Mr. Cannon reported 35 participants in the mini adjustment program in Clare, with the next program planned for Lansing the last week in August.  Mr. Grant commented on the thoroughness of the MCB written report.

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. TAECKENS, TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR'S REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND ECONOMIC GROWTH REPORT

          Ms. Irma Zuckerberg, DLEG Acting Deputy Director, thanked the board for their invitation to the meeting although, as announced in May, this was her last day working for the State of Michigan. Ms. Zuckerberg said she was joining the staff of previous DLEG director, David Hollister, at his new organization, the Prima Civitas Foundation, which has a goal to transform mid Michigan's economy, focusing on jobs of the future: homeland security, advanced manufacturing, construction and skilled trades, health care, and alternative energy and fuel cells.  

          Ms. Zuckerberg thanked Pat Cannon for his outstanding work, advocating for people with vision impairment and for supporting MCB's goals and mission.  With a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling, working both as a vocational evaluator at Peckham with Mitch Tomlinson and as director of City of Lansing Parks and Recreation Programs for People with Disabilities, Ms. Zuckerberg said she had a long working relationship with Mr. Cannon.  She said DLEG was very proud to have MCB in its department and was committed to continuing its relationship with and support of the Commission.

          Ms. Zuckerberg reported on the recent successful meeting with the MEDC account managers, which Mr. Cannon had requested, and the distribution of a handout describing MCB and MRS services.  Ms. Zuckerberg said an additional DLEG focus was communicating workforce development strategy and that although emphasis is often placed on Michigan's job losses, it was also a fact that many jobs had been created.  There are both job vacancies and people who are unemployed, but there is a gap between the workforce available and the highly skilled workers that businesses need and Ms. Zuckerberg said it was vital to provide training to bridge this gap.  The Michigan Opportunity Partnership, a DLEG initiative, exceeded last year's goal to place 30,000 people in jobs and has a current goal to place 40,000 people. 

          Ms. Zuckerberg thanked the board, staff and director of MCB, and said she hoped their paths would cross again.

MCB CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Leamon Jones, Director of the Consumer Services Division, highlighted sections from the written MCB report, and reported that Consumer Services works closely with numerous agencies, including Michigan School for the Blind, which is developing programs for youth in transition with the goal of a pilot program this fall to be implemented in the K-12 system. 

Mr. Jones said staff training continues, including the second phase of Building Trust Relationships which involves having a coach go out with staff to help develop employer relationships.  At the Clare mini adjustment program, many local employers took place in mock interviews, which led to job opportunities for participants.  Mr. Jones described the many summer youth opportunities being offered in collaboration with many community partners, information on which has been published and distributed statewide. 

The number of cash match agreements with many partners has increased significantly over last year, especially the Intermediate School Districts which Mr. Jones said is extremely helpful in developing programs for youth, especially in technology and soft skills training.  Collaboration with community employment agencies is ongoing to assist in job placement for MCB clients, including contracted assistance.

Mr. Jones said an ad hoc committee has been formed at MCB to survey careers of the future and how MCB can adjust its programs to reflect the need to fill these jobs, especially those regarding technology which is constantly changing. 

In filing State Plans with the RSA, Mr. Jones reported a request made by the RSA to amend language in a section of the Policy Manual Section XVI, Administrative Policy, Item J-Serving People Who Are Employed, to reflect the removal of any "absolute dollar amount" on services.  Discussion was held regarding the suggested language which was provided to the board in the commission packet.

MS. ASHCRAFT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. GRANT, TO ACCEPT THE POLICY MANUAL CHANGE, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

          In conclusion, Mr. Jones presented a Certificate of Recognition for twenty years of service to the State of Michigan to his secretary, Diamalyn Gaston.

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. TAECKENS, TO ACCEPT THE CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRPERSON

          Ms. Pilarski asked for nominations for a vice chairperson to the commission board.  

MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. GRANT, TO ELECT MS. ASHCRAFT AS VICE CHAIRPERSON. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

          Mr. Cannon informed the board that Leader Dogs for the Blind had invited MCB to hold its commission meeting at their facility, and that although the 2007 meeting schedule had already been approved, Mr. Cannon suggested that the February meeting be changed from Cadillac Place, Detroit to the Rochester site.  The board agreed and Mr. Cannon said a revised 2007 meeting schedule, along with a proposed 2008 meeting schedule which would include Cadillac Place, would be presented at the August commission meeting.

Recessed for lunch at 12:00 p.m.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

          The meeting was reconvened at 1:05 p.m.  

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM REPORT

Mr. Doug Spade, Liaison, and Mr. Mike Clement, Analyst, with the Department of Management and Budget's (DMB) Supplier Diversity Program outlined the establishment of their positions, and their duties which are to identify disability-owned businesses, advise them of potential opportunities for state contracting, and assist them in the Invitation To Bid (ITB) process.  This work involves their office in assistance to the Business Enterprise Program.

Mr. Spade explained that 2005 Public Acts 90-91 were passed last summer establishing a goal of awarding at least three percent of Michigan's contract value to businesses owned by persons with disabilities or veterans with service related disabilities, with a required annual report to the state legislature by DMB on the progress of this goal.  Contracts of $25,000 or larger are bid through DMB's purchasing operations, with individual departments handling bids of less than $25,000, and all existing contracts are listed for reference on the website www.Michigan.gov/doingbusiness.  

Mr. Clements said much of their work so far has been updating the current disability-owned vendor list and verifying that businesses are in fact registered correctly.  Many companies were registered in error and work is ongoing to improve the vendor registration format and eliminate misinterpretation.  It is also hoped to improve the system to alert vendors to the ITBs relevant to their business or service, rather than the present system where the vendor must constantly check the ITB list.  Mr. Clement also described the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC), regionally located throughout Michigan to assist with all levels of government contracting, with which they are also working closely.

AUDIO SERVICES FOR THE BLIND

Ms. Kim Walsh, Director of the Detroit Radio Information Service (DRIS) WDET-FM, Wayne State University, gave information on the background of audio services for the blind and the impact these services have on the audience.  Ms. Walsh has worked in radio reading industries for over twenty years, and is also the First Vice President for the International Association of Audio Information Services (IAAIS) which is an association of approximately 140 independently operated volunteer services that use audio technology to turn print into speech, and which encourages the preservation of audio information. Many of the operations in the United States are affiliated with National Public Radio.

Ms. Walsh said radio reading services received legislative permission approximately 30 years ago to use copyright material without express permission.  In Michigan, WKAR's Radio Talking Book was the first service founded, followed closely by the Detroit Radio Information Service (DRIS).  DRIS provides reading of more than 100 newspapers and magazines a week and special targeted programming, such as access to public forums, support groups, community events, and in special circumstances such as emergency situations, access to timely information, etc. 

Ms. Walsh said the future direction for audio information services, besides the radio which is a medium very much trusted by older citizens, includes digital radio, webcasting, dial-in services, audio archives of newspapers and the need for technology which is both accessible and affordable for the audience.  Current estimates are that the weekly radio audience nationally is more than a million people and it is believed that functional vision impairment of adults 45 years of age or older will affect one in six Americans, or almost 25 percent of the elder population that cannot read print.  In Detroit, about 30,000 of the 128,000 senior citizens require audio information services, not just radio reading, but also descriptive video, audio description of stage plays, handbills, retailer flyers, etc.  Approximately 400,000 citizens in Michigan would benefit from such services, which are not available at this time especially in rural areas.  Ms. Walsh said equal access for all citizens to these services is a vital goal, for instance through the purchase of reasonably priced radio receivers for digital radio.  In closure, Ms. Walsh offered her services as a resource at any time.

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Ms. Melody Lindsey, Director of the MCB Training Center, reported the hiring of a new receptionist, Mary Carter, and that it was hoped to post the new Technology Specialist position shortly.  Regarding technology, Ms. Lindsey said that wireless technology had been installed at the center so that now students could access the internet from their laptops in dorm rooms.  An updated college assessment developed by a team of field and center staff has been implemented which Ms. Lindsey said addresses current issues such as technology for people who are going to college. 

At the NCSAB spring conference in April, Ms. Lindsey participated on a panel on training centers for the blind, many of which have different approaches to providing training services.  It is expected that training centers will be a focus of the NCSAB fall meeting.  Ms. Lindsey also made a presentation as a member of a panel on Independent Living, at which the MCB's mini adjustment programs were described.  

Discussion was held about collaborative efforts with the State of Michigan Office of Services to the Aging in providing independent living services to older citizens. 

Ms. Lindsey said plans for the Quest for Success program at Camp T, July 23-28, were progressing well, with ten of the targeted twelve referrals filled.  

In conclusion, Ms. Lindsey said that following seven years as Director of the MCB Training Center, she was announcing her resignation in late summer to take up a new position as director of the training center in Virginia.  Ms. Lindsey said it had been a privilege to work at MCBTC and that it has been an extremely positive learning experience.  The board and director expressed their congratulations and sorrow that she was leaving.

MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO ACCEPT THE MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT

          Mr. Fred Wurtzel, Manager of the Business Enterprise Program (BEP), who announced his retirement in May, said it was fitting that the Commission meeting June 23 was his last official duty.  Mr. Wurtzel was also congratulated by the board and wished a happy retirement.  Mr. Wurtzel said he expected to keep a positive relationship with MCB as he carried out more fully his role as President of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Michigan.

          Mr. Wurtzel said that in the BEP, a new partnership agreement with Kosch Food Services in Detroit had been established, which he said would be very beneficial to the program's cafeterias following the catering policy implemented in state government.  A catering exhibition is scheduled for August 23 to which various catering customers throughout state government will be invited. 

          As Mr. Thomas Kent, Chair of the Elected Operators Committee (EOC), was unable to attend the meeting to present a motion from the April EOC meeting, Mr. Wurtzel introduced Ms. Constance Zanger, assistant administrator of the BEP.  Ms. Zanger read the motion, which did not require action by the board and which concerns the publishing of operators' promotion points to them following the annual workshop and that points be made available to the operators for all future workshops.  Mr. Wurtzel said staff agreed with this recommendation, and although it is currently a very time consuming task, software upgrades to the system in January should facilitate this task in future.

          Mr. Cannon said that Mr. Wurtzel had been a valuable asset to the Vision 2020 Initiative as he often reminded the Planning and Quality Team about the nature of blindness, as well as for his technical expertise, and said that he would be missed for these contributions in addition to his dedication to the BEP.

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO ACCEPT THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT

          Mr. Fred Wurtzel demonstrated a new reading device called the Kurzweil NFB Reader which takes an instant picture of typed materials and reads the text.

          Mr. Casey Dutmer complimented Ms. Lindsey on her work, especially her involvement of both consumer organizations and willingness to be open-minded, and Mr. Wurtzel on working with him at the BEP and on many committees dealing with a variety of issues.

          Ms. Valarie Barnum-Yarger of the Statewide Independent Living Council said she was very pleased with increased involvement by the blind population and praised both MCB and Mr. Wurtzel, as a representative of NFB of Michigan, for the resulting benefits to all people with disabilities.

ADJOURNMENT

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

          The meeting was adjourned at 3:05 p.m.  The next meeting will be held on Monday, August 21, 2006 at the State Office Building, second floor conference room, 305 Ludington Street, Escanaba.  The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

Date

(MCB Board May 2 letter to Governor follows)

May 2, 2006

The Honorable Jennifer M. Granholm

Office of the Governor

Romney Building, 2nd Floor

Lansing, MI 48933

Dear Governor Granholm:

At our meeting held in Kalamazoo on April 24, 2006, the board of the Michigan Commission for the Blind adopted a motion in which we urge the Office of the Governor and the Legislature of the State of Michigan to deposit all of the proceeds from the sale of the former Michigan School for the Blind (MSB) property in Lansing, into the Michigan Department of Education's School for the Blind Trust Fund which was established for the benefit of Michigan's blind children.

Currently, House Bill 5354, passed by the House April 27 and awaiting action by the Senate, apportions only a minor amount to address the needs of the blind population in Michigan, and in particular its blind children.  Ms. Elizabeth Bauer, member of the Michigan State Board of Education, is in full support of the proceeds being deposited to the MSB Trust Fund and Superintendent Mike Flanagan has indicated his interest in this action.  These funds would provide urgent and long-term educational opportunities for Michigan's blind children.  While these modest funds would mean a great deal to blind children, depositing this money in the General Fund would be of little significance to the State's overall budget.

On behalf of the Michigan Commission for the Blind and the blind citizens of Michigan, we appeal to you to help direct these proceeds into the MSB Trust Fund.

Sincerely,

Jo Ann Pilarski, Chair

Michigan Commission for the Blind

JP/tk

Cc:      Elizabeth Bauer, State Board of Education

            Patrick D. Cannon, Director, Michigan Commission for the Blind

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