[nfbmi-talk] revised Minutes National Federation of the Blind of Michigan Board Meeting April 24 2014

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    revised Minutes National Federation of the Blind of Michigan Board Meeting April 24 2014 
Quorum yes Larry Posont, Mike Powell, Joe Sontag, Terri Wilcox, Mark Eagle, Dave Robinson, 

Derek Moore and Mary Wurtzel.

Secretary's Report, Terri Wilcox.  Dave Robinson moved to adopt the March 20 minutes.  Joe 

Sontag seconded the motion.  The minutes were adopted.  
Treasurer's Report, Mark Eagle.  The Pnc account has $82.75.  The youth account has 

$9,841.40.  The general account has $72,605.85.  Terri Wilcox moved to adopt the Treasurer's 

Report.  Mike Powell seconded the motion.  The Treasurer's Report was approved.

Introduction of Participating Members 
President's Report, Larry Posont.  Scholarship letters to the national office are completed. 

 Christine Boone is on the Scholarship Committee.  Jernigan Scholarship letters were also 

sent.  Requests for financial assistance for National Convention need to be completed by May 

1.  Requesters must register for Convention,
work the exhibit table and attend the banquet.  An email was written to Mr.  Rodgers that 

questioned why the Anderson building was taken off the bid line before the designated two 

weeks had been completed.  It has also been claimed that no qualified blind vendor has bid 

for the location.  There was a long discussion concerning the Bep and hiring.     
Walk/A/Thon/Quarterly Board Meeting, May 17, Lansing Michigan, Mark Eagle.  The pledge form 

has been sent out.  Dave Robinson reported that the Walk-A-Thon has been postponed.  

Elizabeth Mohnke stated that the Walk-A-thon will be postponed until next year. 
Flint Chapter Start up, Dave Robinson.  Dave Robinson reported that twelve people attended 

the new Flint Chapter.  Dues are $5.  The next meeting is May 10 at 11:30.  Officers were 

elected.  The constitution will be sent to the National office, Larry Posont and Terri 

Wilcox.  Dave Robinson moved to approve the Flint Constitution.  Mary Wurtzel seconded the 

motion.  The motion passed.  The Flint Chapter Constitution will be sent to Terri Wilcox and 

Larry Posont.  Dave Robinson moved to allocate $50 from the Affiliate as startup funds for 

Flint.  Mary Wurtzel seconded the motion.  The motion was approved. 
Bell Program, Terri Wilcox.  The granter is graciously providing a grant for youth.  Terri 

Wilcox sent out a budget for the Bell Program.  The Bell Program will be held at the Ann 

Arbor Community Center.  Liability insurance will be necessary.    
Summer Science Spectacular Donna Posont.  Fred Wurtzel reported on the cost of tandem bikes. 

 The total is $15,157.  There is a plan for twelve students and eight staff.  A contract is 

needed to be signed with the university.  Science aspects of baseball will be explained at 

the Tiger Game.  The students will learn skills of blindness such as riding the people 

mover.  Mary Wurtzel moved to approve the budget for both summer youth programs as 

recommended.  Mike Powell seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  Students will be 

accepted on a first come first served basis unless they do not fit the criteria for the 

program.  
Liability Insurance, Fred Wurtzel.  Fred Wurtzel reported that liability insurance will be 

purchased for the Board with riders for events.  
New Business: Changes of Minutes must be made by a Board Member at the next meeting.  This 

complies with Roberts Rules of order.  Joe Harcz suggested setting aside a fund for those in 

serious need.  
Old Business: Dave Robinson reported that Pretty Lake Camp is ten miles west of Kalamazoo.  

We would have the Leadership Retreat on September 5-6.  If approximately 30 people attend, 

cost for two nights would be $50 per person, plus $12 for linen, plus meals.  It is a nice 

facility recommended by Lydia Schuck.  Dave Robinson moved to allocate $3,000 in order to 

hold a Michigan Leadership Seminar on September 5-6.  Mike Powell seconded the motion.  The 

motion was approved.  
State Convention is October 10-12.  Elizabeth Mohnke reported that the Vernal Equinox week 

end was an excellent experience.  Larry Posont is working on a mug with the Braille alphabet 

and a message to sell for National Convention.  
Terry Smith was brought in to speak at the Business Enterprise Program workshop.  An open 

discussion will occur next Thursday night concerning taking our message to the streets in 

May.  
Mary Wurtzel reported that she and Fred Wurtzel are new grandparents to Willow Bell.  
Mike Powell moved to adjourn at 9:57.  Dave Robinson seconded the motion.  The meeting was 

adjourned.