<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML><HEAD>
<META content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv=content-type>
<META name=GENERATOR content="MSHTML 8.00.6001.19412"></HEAD>
<BODY dir=auto bgColor=#ffffff>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Much as predicted here. At least there was a
response.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>What do you think?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message -----
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; font-color: black"><B>From:</B> <A
title=garsvend@aol.com href="mailto:garsvend@aol.com">Garnet</A> </DIV>
<DIV><B>To:</B> <A title=mcenteej1@gmail.com
href="mailto:mcenteej1@gmail.com">John McEntee</A> ; <A title=suncat0@gmail.com
href="mailto:suncat0@gmail.com">Joe Sontag</A> </DIV>
<DIV><B>Sent:</B> Tuesday, May 14, 2013 17:28</DIV>
<DIV><B>Subject:</B> Fwd: Port Huron and Mentors</DIV></DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV><BR><BR>Sent from my iPhone</DIV>
<DIV><BR>Begin forwarded message:<BR><BR></DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE type="cite">
<DIV><B>From:</B> "Zanger, Connie (LARA)" <<A
href="mailto:zangerc@michigan.gov">zangerc@michigan.gov</A>><BR><B>Date:</B>
May 14, 2013, 12:53:58 PM EDT<BR><B>To:</B> "<A
href="mailto:Garsvend@aol.com">Garsvend@aol.com</A>" <<A
href="mailto:Garsvend@aol.com">Garsvend@aol.com</A>><BR><B>Cc:</B> Rob
Essenberg <<A
href="mailto:rob.essenberg@yahoo.com">rob.essenberg@yahoo.com</A>>, "<A
href="mailto:resolutioncomm@sbcglobal.net">resolutioncomm@sbcglobal.net</A>"
<<A
href="mailto:resolutioncomm@sbcglobal.net">resolutioncomm@sbcglobal.net</A>>,
"<A href="mailto:sjx3@sbcglobal.net">sjx3@sbcglobal.net</A>" <<A
href="mailto:sjx3@sbcglobal.net">sjx3@sbcglobal.net</A>>, "<A
href="mailto:keathleygreg@yahoo.com">keathleygreg@yahoo.com</A>" <<A
href="mailto:keathleygreg@yahoo.com">keathleygreg@yahoo.com</A>>, "<A
href="mailto:jiggyzee@att.net">jiggyzee@att.net</A>" <<A
href="mailto:jiggyzee@att.net">jiggyzee@att.net</A>>, "Kevin Tomczack (<A
href="mailto:momandmikey@hotmail.com">momandmikey@hotmail.com</A>)" <<A
href="mailto:momandmikey@hotmail.com">momandmikey@hotmail.com</A>>,
"Nathanual Prater (<A href="mailto:thecrave@me.com">thecrave@me.com</A>)"
<<A href="mailto:thecrave@me.com">thecrave@me.com</A>>, "<A
href="mailto:lisalweber@yahoo.com">lisalweber@yahoo.com</A>" <<A
href="mailto:lisalweber@yahoo.com">lisalweber@yahoo.com</A>>, "<A
href="mailto:osvrjo@gmail.com">osvrjo@gmail.com</A>" <<A
href="mailto:osvrjo@gmail.com">osvrjo@gmail.com</A>>, "<A
href="mailto:lucynmisty@yahoo.com">lucynmisty@yahoo.com</A>" <<A
href="mailto:lucynmisty@yahoo.com">lucynmisty@yahoo.com</A>>, "Hull, James
(LARA)" <<A href="mailto:hullj@michigan.gov">hullj@michigan.gov</A>>,
"Rodgers, Edward (LARA)" <<A
href="mailto:rodgerse@michigan.gov">rodgerse@michigan.gov</A>>, "Luzenski,
Sue (LARA)" <<A
href="mailto:LuzenskiS@michigan.gov">LuzenskiS@michigan.gov</A>>, "Pemble,
Mike (LARA)" <<A
href="mailto:PembleM@michigan.gov">PembleM@michigan.gov</A>>, "Belknap,
Katie (LARA)" <<A
href="mailto:BelknapK@michigan.gov">BelknapK@michigan.gov</A>><BR><B>Subject:</B>
<B>RE: Port Huron and Mentors</B><BR><BR></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE type="cite">
<DIV>
<META name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 14 (filtered medium)">
<STYLE>@font-face {
font-family: Wingdings;
}
@font-face {
font-family: Wingdings;
}
@font-face {
font-family: Calibri;
}
@font-face {
font-family: Tahoma;
}
@font-face {
font-family: Comic Sans MS;
}
@page WordSection1 {size: 8.5in 11.0in; margin: 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; }
P.MsoNormal {
MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"; FONT-SIZE: 12pt
}
LI.MsoNormal {
MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"; FONT-SIZE: 12pt
}
DIV.MsoNormal {
MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"; FONT-SIZE: 12pt
}
A:link {
COLOR: blue; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; mso-style-priority: 99
}
SPAN.MsoHyperlink {
COLOR: blue; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; mso-style-priority: 99
}
A:visited {
COLOR: purple; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; mso-style-priority: 99
}
SPAN.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {
COLOR: purple; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; mso-style-priority: 99
}
P.MsoListParagraph {
MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-style-priority: 34
}
LI.MsoListParagraph {
MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-style-priority: 34
}
DIV.MsoListParagraph {
MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-style-priority: 34
}
SPAN.EmailStyle17 {
FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri","sans-serif"; COLOR: #1f497d; mso-style-type: personal-reply
}
.MsoChpDefault {
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-style-type: export-only
}
DIV.WordSection1 {
page: WordSection1
}
OL {
MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0in
}
UL {
MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0in
}
</STYLE>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
<DIV class=WordSection1>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">Good
morning, Garnet;<O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%"><O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">Thank
you for your inquiry regarding the Port Huron Vending Route. It is
always appreciated when Committee members and operators bring their questions
directly to the Agency, rather than continue to wonder and speculate.
The following responds to your two inquiries.<O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%"><O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">Regarding
the I-94 Port Huron Vending Route:<O:P></O:P></SPAN></U></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">You
are correct. The condition at of the Port Huron Vending Route had
seriously deteriorated. Not only had Mr. Pertee failed to service the
vending route, he also failed to maintain the equipment and report equipment
malfunctions. While the Agency cannot verify your assertion that
Mr. Pertee failed to pay sales tax, you may be correct that he was deficient
in this aspect of his business, as well.<O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%"><O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">And,
you are correct that it is the Program’s goal to provide opportunities for
blind persons to have a viable means of making a living. To that end,
Agency staff attempted to work with Mr. Pertee to assist him in properly
managing this facility. You may also know that more than one E O C
member attempted to help Mr. Pertee. Perhaps even Mr. Pertee’s
classmates reached out to him. Unfortunately, Mr. Pertee was not
receptive to these attempts.<O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%"><O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">Mr.
Pertee surrendered his license to operate a Business Enterprise Program
facility in the State of Michigan on Friday, May 3<SUP>rd</SUP>, turning over
his keys to Agency staff that afternoon. On Monday, May 6<SUP>th</SUP>,
a product inventory was taken and the vending machine locks removed and
replaced. On that same day, the Agency signed a temporary operator
Agreement with All Star Vending. It is the same Agreement the Agency
uses when engaging any temporary operator. Just as other temporary
operators use State of Michigan equipment, All Star Vending, as the temporary
operator, is using State of Michigan equipment. All Star immediately
began servicing the sites on the vending route.<O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%"><O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">On
Friday, May 9<SUP>th</SUP>, B E P management and E O C leadership visited 3 of
the 6 sites on this vending route. This group found the vending machines
(except where waiting for parts) to be fully functional, immaculately clean
and fully stocked. <O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%"><O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">While
this may not be the way you would have resolved this issue, the Agency chose
this resolution as best for the Program for the following
reasons:<O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"
class=MsoListParagraph><!--[if !supportLists]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">The
Agency’s Memorandum of Understanding with M DOT includes this condition:
<I><SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt">Assure that vending machines
will not be inoperable more than 12 consecutive hours without just
cause. Assume complete responsibility for damage or theft of vending
machines, vending machine areas and all contents. Vandalized machines
will normally be removed within 24 hours. One of each product type
machine must be operable and vending products at all times.
</SPAN></I><SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt">Given this requirement, the
vending machines had to be brought back to full service
immediately.<I><O:P></O:P></I></SPAN></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"
class=MsoListParagraph><!--[if !supportLists]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">The
need for an operator was immediate. To comply with the Memorandum of
Understanding, the Agency could not leave the vending facility unattended
while the established bid process unfolded and an operator could be
identified.<O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"
class=MsoListParagraph><!--[if !supportLists]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">The
Agency considered many temporary operators, including recently graduated
students. It was our judgment that a temporary operator would not have
the resources as you described to build up the vending route. And, it
was our judgment that it would be a grave disservice to turn the vending route
over to a brand new operator.<O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"
class=MsoListParagraph><!--[if !supportLists]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">The
repair service procurement process the Agency is constrained to use is
cumbersome and causes delays in bringing equipment to full service. You
are all too well aware, perhaps painfully so, of the delays that occur due to
the repair service process. In light of the need to meet the conditions
of the Memorandum of Understanding, the Agency did not have the luxury of
completing the repairs. <O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"
class=MsoListParagraph><!--[if !supportLists]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">The
need for fully stocked vending machines was immediate. While the State
of Michigan has a statewide contract with Gordon Food Service, the Agency has
recently had significant difficulties with Gordon’s honoring B E P purchase
orders issued against the contract. Most recently these difficulties
have been experienced at Cadillac Place and the Environmental Protection
Agency. Again, In light of the need to meet the conditions of the
Memorandum of Understanding, the Agency did not have the luxury of utilizing
the established product procurement process.<O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"
class=MsoListParagraph><!--[if !supportLists]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">Finally,
the Agency wished to have the facility up and running well prior to the first
of the summer holiday weekends. <O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%"><O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">Any
one of these factors would be a challenge for an operator coming to this
facility. Taken all together, the Agency judged it to be onerous to
expect an operator to assume these responsibilities. Additionally, the
Agency wished to have the facility up and running well prior to Memorial Day
holiday weekend; and to have it well established by the Labor Day holiday
weekend. It was our judgment that the use of All Star Vending as a
temporary operator was the right solution.<O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%"><O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">Early
in October, the Agency will evaluate the business. Based on the
evaluation results, the facility (all 6 sites) will be placed on the bid
line.<O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%"><O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">Regarding
Mentors:</SPAN></U></B><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%"><O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">The
Agency has often used retired B E P operators as mentors for struggling or new
operators. The Agency has used Bill Myers as a mentor on several
occasions. And despite our pleas, Bill has always refused payment for
his services. Recently, the Agency arranged with Tom Carpenter to mentor
Henry Mosley as Henry moved from the Hannah Building to the Romney Building, a
politically very sensitive facility. Also recently, Brenda Karsies
mentored new operator Silvia Trevino at the Kent County D H S office.
The Program did not compensate these mentors, and for reasons of client
confidentiality, cannot inquire of Voc Rehab if they provided this
service. While we have reached out to other retirees, they have not
always been willing or available to assist.<O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%"><O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">It
is hoped this information has been helpful to you, Garnet. As always, if
you have further questions or require additional information, you are invited
to contact me or James Hull.<O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><I><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%"><O:P></O:P></SPAN></I></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215968; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%">With
best regards always,<O:P></O:P></SPAN></B></P>
<DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; COLOR: #215868">Constance
Zanger<O:P></O:P></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; COLOR: #215868">Business Enterprise
Program Manager<O:P></O:P></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; COLOR: #215868">Bureau of Services for
Blind Persons<O:P></O:P></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; COLOR: #215868">Department of Licensing
and Regulatory Affairs<O:P></O:P></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; COLOR: #215868">517/335.3639<O:P></O:P></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; COLOR: #215868">517/335.5140
(facsimile)<O:P></O:P></SPAN></P></DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><O:P></O:P></SPAN></P>
<DIV>
<DIV
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: #b5c4df 1pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 3pt">
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">From:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> <A
href="mailto:Garsvend@aol.com">Garsvend@aol.com</A> [<A
href="mailto:Garsvend@aol.com">mailto:Garsvend@aol.com</A>] <BR><B>Sent:</B>
Saturday, May 11, 2013 4:35 PM<BR><B>To:</B> Zanger, Connie
(LARA)<BR><B>Cc:</B> <A
href="mailto:abj.vending@yahoo.com">abj.vending@yahoo.com</A>; <A
href="mailto:jrvending87@yahoo.com">jrvending87@yahoo.com</A>; <A
href="mailto:sunkat@wmis.net">sunkat@wmis.net</A>; <A
href="mailto:sjx3@sbcglobal.net">sjx3@sbcglobal.net</A>; <A
href="mailto:keathleygreg@yahoo.com">keathleygreg@yahoo.com</A>; <A
href="mailto:resolutioncomm@sbcglobal.net">resolutioncomm@sbcglobal.net</A>;
<A href="mailto:jiggyzee@att.net">jiggyzee@att.net</A><BR><B>Subject:</B> Port
Huron and Mentors<O:P></O:P></SPAN></P></DIV></DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><O:P></O:P></P>
<DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Hi
Constance,<O:P></O:P></SPAN></P></DIV>
<DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> I
was very disappointed to find out that the Port Huron<BR>vending route was
turned over to the private sector. I know this route<BR>was run down and needs
a lot of work. Mr. Pertee had this route for<BR>almost 2 years and no real or
effective corrective action ever took<BR>place. How could anyone not paying
sales tax, not filling the<BR>machines, no inventory, etc. last so long. Now,
why is the agency<BR>taking a job opportunity away from a qualified candidate?
Why are you<BR>turning state owned equipment over to the private sector? I've
heard<BR>the inventory was an issue. There has been many inventory
shortage<BR>issues in the past and there was always a way to deal with it.
I'm<BR>sure if an existing operator was to accept this route they would
be<BR>willing to use their own money for the starting inventory. Just
like I had to do.<O:P></O:P></SPAN></P></DIV>
<DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The
agency could get caught up in less than 30 days. I feel the agency took
the<BR>easy way out even though the agency is just as responsible for
the<BR>condition of this route as the prior operator. It's a shame.
Isn't the <O:P></O:P></SPAN></P></DIV>
<DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">purpose
of the agency to employ blind people and not sited
people.<BR> Also. I would like to know how many
operators have agency<BR>provided mentors? I would like to know who the
mentors are and how<BR>much they are getting paid? Is VR or the BEP
paying for their<BR>services? Are there former BEP retirees providing that
service?<O:P></O:P></SPAN></P></DIV>
<DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Thanks
as always,<O:P></O:P></SPAN></P></DIV>
<DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Gar<O:P></O:P></SPAN></P></DIV></DIV></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></HTML>