[nfbmi-talk] updated Minutes, National Federation of the Blind of Michigan February 12 2015

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Minutes, National Federation of the Blind of Michigan February 12 2015
Quorum, yes Larry Posont, Terri Wilcox, Mark Eagle, Dave Robinson, Mary Wurtzel and Sarah Norwood
Secretary's Report, Terri Wilcox.  Mary Wurtzel moved to adopt the November 13 Minutes.  Dave Robinson seconded the motion.  The 
Minutes were approved.
Treasurer's Report, Mark Eagle.  The General Account has $53,191.11  The Newsline Account has $2,083.42  The youth Grant has 
$13,382.35 Terri Wilcox moved to adopt the Treasurer's Report.  Mary Wurtzel seconded the motion.  The Treasurer's Report was 
approved.  Introduction of Participating Members
Washington Seminar, J.J.  Meddaugh.  J.J.  Meddaugh sent a follow up letter to Representative Trot.
Agency Report A letter was written to Rodgers thanking him for Newsline.  The national scholarship announcement was sent out by the 
Agency.  A letter was sent to Heibeck asking for a meeting.  The letter has not been answered.  The Newsline contract was signed for 
another year at a cost of $13,000 per quarter.
Legal Actions of the Affiliate A letter will be sent to the Board regarding the settlement.  National Federation of the Blind Senior 
Committee? Mike Powell participated in the senior committee conference call.  Small groups of seniors may be created.  All 
generations should be in chapters.
Committee and Division Reports.  Legislative, Mark Eagle Mark Eagle and Fred Wurtzel have a meeting with the Capitol Director next 
week.  They will evaluate what is being done and encourage accessibility.  Raised character and Braille signage must be on every 
permanent room.  Questionnaire results are coming in from the surveys that were sent to Legislators.  These show positive results.
Membership It is a goal to get 750 new members into the Federation this year.  The Members At Large Chapter met.  Grand Rapids, 
Flint, and Kalamazoo chapters will be strengthened before the McComb Chapter is started.
Dog Guide The Dog Guide committee has an interest in getting the Legislature to change the law regarding service dogs.  The minority 
leader responded to the questionnaire regarding Guide Dog law and is interested in compiling legislation.
Fund Raising A 16 oz.  travel mug is being investigated that can hold hot and cold beverages.  144 mugs can be purchased for $13.35 
each and sold for $25.  These should be ordered and advertised in The Braille Monitor before Convention.  Sell them at Convention!
2015 Budget A meeting is being set up with a document.
Braille The national position regarding Ueb and Nemeth is being investigated. Outreach concerning Braille is occurring.
Merchant's Division Committee Report, Dave Robinson, Fred Wurtzel, Terry Eagle, Joe Sontag.  The committee met by phone and will 
speak with Nicky Gacos and Terry Smith.  The Business Enterprise Program is using state money to hire interns who are not blind.  A 
conference call will occur next week.
Human Services Committee Report, Mary Ann Robinson Mary Ann Robinson will meet with the Jackson Chapter of the National Association 
of Social Workers.  The Human Services Division had a meeting on February 3.
A Scholarship interview was requested and completed.  700 applicants are wanted and will be completed by the end of March.
Youth Outreach 2015, Fred Wurtzel.  The University of Michigan in Dearborn is the best setting for the youth program.  Alternate 
housing sites are being investigated though Doubletree gave excellent service with breakfasts included.  The cost would be $16,300 
to have the program at the University of Michigan Dearborn.  The granter agrees to fund the program for the summer.  Southeastern 
Michigan programs draw students from Southeast Michigan.  Programs on the Western side of Michigan draw students from the Western 
side.  The National Organization of Parents of Blind Children was aware of camp last year.  The goal is to have 12 students, 12 and 
up.  The proposal will be sent to the granter and the Board.  Tentative dates are July 25 to August 1.  Terri Wilcox moved to 
support the Youth Science program, with support from the granter, with a budget of 16,300.  Sarah Norwood seconded the motion.  The 
motion failed due to a lack of quorum.
The May Board Meeting will be May 2 or 16.
National Convention 2015 $3,000 was allocated for members who want to go to National Convention and need financial assistance. 
Contact Larry Posont by May 1.
State Convention 2015 Fred Wurtzel, J.J.  Meddaugh, Jordyn Castor.  There was a suggestion about having Convention downtown.  A 
recording of Convention is suggested.
 Affiliate constitution and bylaws A meeting will occur concerning this Monday at 11:00.
New Business: A motion was filed to have the judge enforce the settlement agreement regarding the Michigan flyer.  A meeting with 
the college administration occurs Thursday, February 19.  Terri Wilcox will attend the meeting. Sarah Norwood moved to Adjourn at 
10:14. The meeting was adjourned.

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