[nfbmi-talk] Minutes, National Federation of the Blind of Michigan Board Meeting November 13 2014

[trising at sbcglobal.net]

Minutes, National Federation of the Blind of Michigan Board Meeting November 13 2014
    Quorum yes, Larry Posont, Terri Wilcox, Mark Eagle, Dave Robinson, and Sarah Norwood.  Secretary's Report, Terri Wilcox.  The 
State list is being cleaned up not the flyers.  Dave Robinson moved to approve the Secretary's Report.  Sarah Norwood seconded the 
motion.  The Secretary's Report was approved.
Treasurer's Report, Mark Eagle.  The General Account has 58,911.83  The newsline account has $2,083.26 The Youth account has 
21,539.87  The invoice for State Convention has not arrived.  Terri Wilcox moved to approve the Treasurer's Report.  Sarah Norwood 
seconded the motion.  The Treasurer's Report was approved.
Introduction of Participating Members
President's Report, Larry Posont.  Larry Posont contacted the Americans with Disabilities Coordinator at the Capitol.  There will be 
a meeting concerning accessibility at the Capitol and the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan will participate.  A 
discussion was had with President Riccobono concerning Agency and Americans with Disabilities Act issues.  Conference Call 
Participants who do not identify themselves.  A couple participants call the board meeting and do not identify themselves. 
Conference call services that cost would hang up on people who block their numbers.
The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan Constitution Committee consists of Mike Powell and Joe Harcz.  Send Mike Powell an 
email and copy Larry Posont if you want to be on this committee.  Dave Robinson moved to have the first reading of the New 
Constitution at the first Quarterly Board meeting next year.  Sarah Norwood seconded the motion.  The motion was approved Align the 
Constitution with the National one.  The Michigan bylaws are being sought.
Legislative Committee Report, Mark Eagle.  A letter is being drafted as an introduction for new state Senators and Representatives 
concerning the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan.  The committee is reaching out to the Public Service Commission for 
Newsline.  The Committee is also making sure the Guide Dog law in Michigan is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  A 
letter needs to be drafted to the Secretary of State about Accessibility.  Some things may need to be printed for the Legislature at 
a cost of $100.  Membership Committee Report, Mary Ann Robinson.  The membership list has been broken down by geographical areas.  A 
chapter member from each chapter is needed to contact people from each area.  Marcus Simmons has a white cane list for area codes 
586 313 and 248.  Mary Ann Robinson and Larry Posont will talk and assign each geographical set of names to each chapter.  There are 
still plans to restart the Members at Large Chapter.  The first conference call will be Saturday, November 22 at 11:00.  Hannah 
Furney will be facilitating.  The McComb County Chapter will begin soon.
Braille Mug Sales.  Travel mugs would cost $12 if 144 were purchased.  They would need to be sold for $20.  Chapter Presidents can 
sell mugs to raise money for the affiliate at $15 without shipping.
New Business: Colorado put out an announcement for an National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Coordinator.  Could Michigan have 
a Coordinator or Executive Assistant? A valid driver's license should not be required for employment.  It eliminates people with 
disabilities.  An item for immediate attention should be discrimination in hiring against people without driver's licenses.  One 
suggestion is a press conference.  In the Bureau of Services to Blind Persons blind people are not being hired.  People who are 
hired have a requirement to have driver's license.  A press release is recommended.  It should go to the Legislature and the Press. 
In the next week, The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan will ask for a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley. 
The Executive Directive suggests hiring people in government, but there is inaccessibility in governmental agencies for consumers. 
The Human Service Division nationally is addressing valid driver's license requirements.  The hotel will be observed in Lansing for 
next year's State Convention.  The first weekend of the month is preferred for State Convention.
Sarah Norwood moved to Adjourn at 9:43.  Terri Wilcox seconded the motion.  The meeting was adjourned.














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