[nfbmi-talk] Minutes National Federation of the Blindof MichiganBoard Meeting March 20, 2014

Elizabeth Mohnke lizmohnke at hotmail.com
Mon Mar 31 23:10:16 UTC 2014


Hello Mark,

My understanding of a standing committee is one that does not need any kind 
of approval to continue to exist year after year. However, since the 
decision to promote a college scholarship program is approved on a year by 
year basis, I do not see how the college scholarship committee could be 
considered a standing committee.

In fact, as I understand it, the college scholarship committee has always 
been formed after the board approves the funds for the college scholarship 
program. In 2011, I formed the college scholarship committee after the board 
approved the funds for the college scholarship program. In 2012 there was no 
college scholarship committee as the board did not approve the funds for the 
college scholarship program. Last year, in 2013, the college scholarship 
committee was again formed after the board approved the funds for the 
college scholarship program.

While I do not have a problem with people stating their desire to volunteer 
for this committee, I do believe it is a bit premature for the college 
scholarship committee to start working as the funds have not yet been 
approves to sponsor such a college scholarship program. Since the board has 
not always approved the funds for a college scholarship program within the 
past recent years, I do not see how there could be any guarantee that this 
will indeed happen again this year.

Since the board did not make any decisions in regards to the college 
scholarship committee during this meeting, I believe it should not be 
reflected this way in the minutes. For example, if the minutes simply stated 
that questions and concerns regarding whether or not the state affiliate 
would once again sponsor a college scholarship program, and Mark Eagle and 
Terri Wilcox volunteered to look into this possibility further, I would not 
have a problem as I believe this type of statement better reflects what 
actually took place during the meeting.

Warm regards,
Elizabeth

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Mark Eagle" <markaeagle at yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2014 5:48 PM
To: "NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] Minutes National Federation of the BlindofMichiganBoardMeeting March 20, 2014

> Hi everyone,
>
> I don't think the board needs to make a motion to create the scholarship 
> committee because the scholarship committee is a standing committee. Just 
> like the resolutions committee. We don't vote every year to re-create it.
>
> As for the make up of the committee that is merely voluntary. No committee 
> by laws are in place to direct the committee at this time. The three 
> member of the committee are the state board secretary, state board 
> treasurer and 1 other at large position.
>
> Although money hasn't been appropriated we have had a meeting about 
> recomendations to the board. Such as scholarship dates, deadlines, 
> application and application process. Our findings will be presented to the 
> board at a future state board meeting.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Mark Eagle
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Elizabeth Mohnke <lizmohnke at hotmail.com>
> To: NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Monday, March 31, 2014 3:04 PM
> Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] Minutes National Federation of the Blind of 
> MichiganBoard Meeting March 20, 2014
>
>
> Hello Terri,
>
> Thank you as always for producing these minutes. However, I have a couple 
> of
> questions I would like to ask in regards to these minutes.
>
> First, if I recall correctly, I do not believe Donna attended this
> conference call. Therefore, how was it possible for her to make a report
> during this meeting if she did not attend it in the first place? If 
> someone
> else gave the report during the conference call, then I believe this 
> person
> should be mentioned in the minutes as the one who gave the report.
>
> Second, near the end of the minutes it states that "Mark Eagle and Terri
> Wilcox will be on the State Affiliate  Scholarship Committee." However, I 
> do
> not recall any discussion or motions made to create such a committee. If 
> the
> state affiliate would like to sponsor a college scholarship again this 
> year,
> then I believe the state affiliate board would need to make a motion to
> create such a committee and provide the appropriations to spend on a
> scholarship  program. Since there was not a motion to create such a
> committee during this meeting, I do not believe the minutes should reflect
> the creation of such a committee.
>
> I believe the minutes should adequately reflect what actually took place
> during the meeting, and not necessarily what should have taken place 
> during
> the meeting, nor intentions of what should take place after the meeting.
> Therefore, if you could please change the minutes to adequately  reflect 
> who
> provided reports during the meeting, I would greatly appreciate it.
>
> Thanks,
> Elizabeth
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: <trising at sbcglobal.net>
> Sent: Monday, March 31, 2014 2:20 PM
> To: "nfbmi List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [nfbmi-talk] Minutes National Federation of the Blind of
> MichiganBoard Meeting March 20, 2014
>
>>
>> Minutes National Federation of the Blind of Michigan Board Meeting March
>> 20, 2014
>> Quorum Larry Posont, Joe Sontag, Terri Wilcox, Mark Eagle, Derek Moore 
>> and
>> Dave Robinson      Secretary's Report, Terri Wilcox.
>> Dave Robinson moved to adopt the January 23 Minutes.  Derek Moore 
>> seconded
>> the motion.  The motion passed.  Treasurer's Report, Mark
>> Eagle.  The numbers were the same as during the Quarterly Meeting.
>> Introduction of Participating Members President's Report, Larry
>> Posont.  Donna Posont is having a Birding Week end.  The Agenda has been
>> posted.  Space is still available to attend.
>>
>> Fund Raising Committee, Mark Eagle, Marcus Simmons and Joe Sontag.
>> Background research was done on dividend companies.  Three
>> companies were targeted.  The President or Board can determine how much
>> money to put into the project.  Dividends are paid at least
>> once a year with some paying every three or four months.  It is necessary
>> to decide how much money to put toward dividends for the
>> next 18 months.  The Board needs a detailed report to decide whether
>> dividends is a good way to earn more money.  Who would manage
>> it and what taxes are involved? Leadership Seminar Follow Up.  Leadership
>> Seminar in Michigan, Dave Robinson, Mike Powell, Mary
>> Wurtzel, and J.J.  Meddaugh.  The date is for the Michigan leadership
>> Seminar is September 5.  Kim Mohnke and Mike Powell will
>> create the list of invitees to the retreat.  The President can also
>> invite.  Fred Wurtzel and Lydia Schuck are working on the
>> program plus inviting someone from the national office to come and
>> facilitate.  Washington Seminar Follow Up, J.J.  Meddaugh.
>> Follow up with Walberg? Upton? Bentivolio? It is necessary to speak
>> directly with Walberg.  Walberg is on KMI on Friday and might be
>> reached.  The Kmi phone number and time for Walberg's visit via radio are
>> needed.  RepresentativeCongressman Dan Kildee said he
>> would support Teach and Subminimum Wage legislation.  National 
>> Convention,
>> 2014, Orlando Florida July 1-6 Rosen Center Hotel.
>>
>> National Convention Funding Assistance? People must register for
>> Convention, sign up to work the exhibit table and register for the
>> banquet in order to obtain assistance.  They must also call or email 
>> Larry
>> Posont at (313(727-3546 or (906) 387-3546 or email at
>> president.nfbmi at gmail.com Four or five people have requested assistance
>> for National Convention.  It is likely that people who
>> request assistance will receive $250 unless more than twelve individuals
>> request assistance.  A glass cup with the Braille Alphabet
>> is a possibility as a sale item for National Convention.  The mug would
>> sell better with a lid.  Sell mugs for $10.  May 17 Board
>> Meeting/Walk-A-Thon in Lansing? The Walk-a-thon will be followed by a
>> meeting and picnic.  Check the list serv rather website for
>> details.  The pledge forms will be out later this week.  Insurance will 
>> be
>> obtained for the Walk-a-thon.  The Bell Program is August
>> 4-15.
>>
>> Mailing List Etiquette Report by Joe Sontag and Nick Wilcox.  Nick Wilcox
>> and Joe Sontag will develop guidelines for the listserv.
>>
>> Science Camp Report, Fred Wurtzel.  Science Camp is July 28 to August 1.
>> Resolutions Update.  Marcus Simmons is helping get a Dr.  Nemeth day into
>> the Legislature. Senator Vincent Gregory is putting
>> together a bill.  Joe Harcz is working on Resolutions.  There was a long
>> discussion about blind vendors at the Capitol and State
>> Plate.
>>
>> The Dog Guide Committee will meet the second Sunday of each month at 6:00
>> via the conference line.  Old Business: A letter was
>> written regarding the wood carving show stating that the blind should be
>> paying to attend.  There is a vendor Fair in Lansing March
>> 21 showing six voting machines that could be used in Michigan.  Feedback
>> is sought.  There is a form available to obtain Hava funds
>> to improve accessibility at polling sites.  New Business: The Members at
>> Large Chapter will meet via the conference line on Monday
>> March 24 at 6:30 P.M.  The Flint Chapter will meet on April 12 at the
>> Flint Library.  The Meeting will be 12:00-2:00.  State
>> Convention is at the Holiday Inn Gateway in Flint from October 10-12.
>> Mark Eagle and Terri Wilcox will be on the State Affiliate
>> Scholarship Committee.  Joe Sontag moved to adjourn at 9-40.  Terri 
>> Wilcox
>> seconded the motion.  The motion passed.
>>
>>
>>
>> ---
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