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Was this the meeting: Lots of issues here....
http://www.michigan.gov/dleg/0,1607,7-154-28077_28313_28319_28324_32052-211641--,00.htmlDECEMBER
12, 2008
KELLOGG CENTER
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN
MINUTES
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chair
Ms. Velma Allen, Vice-Chair (via teleconference)
Mr. Mark Eagle
Ms. Geri Taeckens
Ms. Margaret Wolfe
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
None
MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND STAFF PRESENT
Mr. Patrick Cannon
Ms. Sue Luzenski
Mr. Leamon Jones
Ms. Gwen McNeal
Ms. Susan Turney
Ms. Elizabeth White
Ms. Marcie Brink-Chaney
Ms. Diamalyn Gaston
Ms. Sherri Heibeck
Ms. Sherry Gordon
Mr. Shig Toda
Ms. Michelle Visscher
Ms. Karyn Silky
Mr. Bernie Kramer
Ms. Carla Haynes
Ms. Nichole Wright
Ms. Christine Boone
Mr. Bob Robertson
GUESTS/ATTENDEES
Ms. Barbara Schmidt
Mr. Terry Eagle
Mr. Joe Sontag
Ms. Jessica Madden
Mr. Tony Windham
Ms. Lydia Lane
Ms. Mary Warr
Ms. Mary Wurtzel
Ms. Debbie Huntley
Mr. John Munro
Ms. Vickie Munro
Ms. Kimberly Munro
Ms. Esther Polmanteer
Dr. Sarah Hinkley
Mr. Jim Vicenzi
Mr. Lou Maniaci
Mr. Bob Rafferty
Ms. Brenda Cuddeback
Mr. Matt Brink
Mr. Dale Layer
Ms. Diane Layer
Mr. Ron Storing
Mr. Stan Gramke
Mr. Shane Jackson
Mr. Greg Keithly
Ms. Gwen Botting
Mr. Sam Tocco
Mr. Richard Clay
Mr. David McNear
Ms. Dee Robertson
Ms. Lydia Schuck
Mr. Fred Wurtzel
Mr. Larry Posont
Ms. Anne Zanger
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole was called to order at 9:08 a.m. by Chair Jo Ann
Pilarski.
REAPPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS
Ms. Pilarski congratulated Commissioner Taeckens and Commissioner Allen for
reappointment to the Board by the Governor.
Ms. Pilarski asked Commissioner Allen and Eagle to report at the next
commissioner meeting on any changes they may recommend to the Commission's
Bylaws.
VICE CHAIR SELECTION
MS. WOLFE MOVED, SECONDED BY MS. TAECKENS TO NOMINATE MS. ALLEN FOR VICE
CHAIRPERSON; THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
There were no other nominations and Ms. Allen agreed to continue
as vice-chair.
COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES
Ms. Taeckens reported on the group of MCB staff, parents and
Board of Education members who came together as a result of the youth
transition
panel held at the September 19 Commission meeting. This group is called the
Comprehensive Design Team for Quality Education for Students who are Blind
or Visually Impaired (CDT). Two meetings have been held which have resulted
in forming a temporary mission statement and subcommittees.
Ms. Taeckens also reported on the Business Enterprise Program
(BEP) Elected Operators Committee ( EOC) meeting which was held on September
20.
Issues discussed were retirement and license revocation. A second meeting
was held by phone on November 13th in which James Chaney was elected the new
Chairperson of the EOC.
Ms. Wolfe attended the MCBVI and NFB conventions. Both
conventions were very informational.
Ms. Wolfe also attended Diversity Training held in October for
MCB staff. The training focused on communicating across cultures to help
work
through issues. An additional reward to attending this conference was
spending time with the staff, getting to know them and experience first hand
the
level of commitment and dedication of the MCB staff.
At the end of November, Ms. Wolfe attended two days of the mini
adjustment program held in Battle Creek. She gave a presentation on library
services to the disabled and talked about other services available like
Mopix. Again, Ms. Wolfe was impressed with staff running the mini
adjustment program
and enjoyed her time.
Director Cannon thanked Commissioner Wolfe for attending the
mini adjustment program and extended an offer to all Commissioners to attend
at
some point in the future.
Mr. Eagle shared that the Service Delivery Design Team met in
December but he was unable to attend due to prior commitments. The college
policy
group has met twice and Mr. Leamon Jones will give an update on that group
in his report.
Mr. Eagle also attended the National Federation of the Blind (
NFB) convention in November. A highlight for Mr. Eagle was meeting Marc
Maurer
the National President of the NFB who was the banquet speaker.
Ms. Pilarski reported that she attended the Planning and Quality
(PAQ) team meeting. The commission meetings and administrative reports
reflect
the goals of the PAQ team meetings.
Ms. Pilarski also attended the Diversity Training in October.
As Ms. Wolfe stated, meeting and getting to know the staff was again a
highlight.
COMMISSIONER COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Chair Pilarski had asked commissioners if they would keep the
same committee appointments, all agreed to do so: Geri Taeckens - Elected
Operators
Committee; Mark Eagle - Service Delivery Design Team; Velma Allen - Image
and Identity Team; Margaret Wolfe - Diversity Team; Jo Ann Pilarski -
Planning
and Quality (PAQ) Team. Commissioner representatives to the Consumer
Involvement Council (CIC) attend on a rotating basis: Mark Eagle stated he
will
attend the January 12, 2009 meeting. Ms. Luzenski will send out dates of
other CIC meetings for commissioners to participate.
DIRECTOR'S 2008 EVALUATION AND 2009 PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
Commissioners met in closed session on December 3 to share
results of the 2008 Directors Evaluation and discuss 2009 Performance
Objectives.
Ms. Luzenski read the six 2009 objectives for Director Cannon. Chair
Pilarski reported the final score for the Director's 2008 Evaluation was a
2.8 out
of 3.
ISSUES/QUESTIONS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
Ms. Luzenski reported that the Communications Protocol document
was sent to Commissioners as a result of discussion from the retreat on
September
18.
Also, as Ms. Taeckens reported, the Comprehensive Design Team
for Quality Education for Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired (CDT)
was
created as a result of the youth transition panel held at the September 19
Commission meeting. The CDT has held two meetings and will host a town hall
type meeting at the Kellogg Center immediately following this commission
meeting.
CONSUMER DIALOGUE
The consumer dialogue question "Braille: What is its role in
technology of the 21st Century?" is in honor of the 200th anniversary of
Louis
Braille.
Mike Ellis spoke about how important using and knowing Braille is from the
standpoint of spelling, emergency uses, reading books and for everyday use.
He said that although he is a strong proponent for the use of technology, it
is still critical for blind persons to be adept in the use of Braille in
order
to function independently. One of the most important tools is the slate and
stylus.
Mr. Leamon Jones stated that people need some means to assist themselves on
a daily basis. As an agency, MCB needs to emphasize the importance of
Braille
as the most successful blind individuals in employment are persons who know
Braille.
Ms. Gwen McNeal spoke about anything that the Commission can do to work with
the Department of Education and emphasize the need and the purpose for
Braille
can only benefit MCB clients.
Ms. Pilarski shared a story about when she first lost her vision and she
went back to her school district and discovered that her own school district
was
not teaching the blind or visually impaired to read Braille like the other
kindergartners were learning to read letters.
Ms. Taeckens questioned what can we do about the lack of response of
educators to start teaching Braille early on? Ideas could be to hold slate
and stylus
classes as part of the summer programs or to have a slate and stylus
competition to get people excited.
Ms. Pilarski asked if current MCB staff have come in contact with school
districts who are offering Braille?
Ms. Beth White told a story about a consumer who lost her vision in her
teens, never learned Braille and was lost when her technology failed her.
Her school
did not push Braille and it was very clear to this consumer that she needed
to learn Braille.
Mr. Cannon noted the MCB Training Center has begun focusing on changes in
the teaching methods of Braille which is benefiting the students and
allowing
them to learn Braille at a quicker pace.
Mr. Terry Eagle shared a story of his parents being blind and 3 of his 5
siblings. The major form of communication between the kids and parents was
Braille.
Ms. Marci Brink-Chaney stated that the reason she became a Vocational
Rehabilitation teacher was so that she could teach Braille to students.
Learning
Braille opened up her world and she will never forget the first time she
could read a book.
Ms. Mary Wurtzel said she has always used Braille and loves Braille. All of
her college notes were taken in Braille using a slate and stylus.
CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM
The regular meeting was called to order by Chair Jo Ann Pilarski
at 10:09 a.m. Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. EAGLE TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE
SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 RETREAT; THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MS. WOLFE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. TAECKENS TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE
SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 COMMISSION MEETING; THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPROVAL OF DIRECTOR'S 2008 EVALUATION
Ms. Pilarski led a discussion on the Commissioners Performance Evaluation of
Director Cannon, noting that he received a high performing rating with a
cumulative
score of 2.8 on a scale of 1 to 3.
MR. EAGLE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. TAECKENS TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR'S 2008
EVALUATION; THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPROVAL OF DIRECTOR'S 2009 PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
MS. WOLFE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. EAGLE TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR'S 2009
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES; THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
BOARD CORRESPONDENCE
Ms. Luzenski stated there was one piece of board correspondence
received by Chair Pilarski on October 8, 2008 from Mr. Richard Clay, of
Advocates
for the Blind. The Chair responded directly to Mr. Clay.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ms. Mary Wurtzel informed attendees that NFB members have
established the Commission for the Blind Taskforce, which met to come up
with areas
that the Taskforce identified as needing improvement and then met with
Commission staff to talk about the first four priorities.
CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT
Mr. Leamon Jones reported that as staff continues to work with
consumers, community partners, employers and other stakeholders and as MCB
reflects
on the 30th Anniversary activities that occurred employment for individuals
who are blind remains a top priority. Participants in the Anniversary
celebrations
included representatives from U.S. Congress, a local State representative
and employers all recognizing the Commission and the individuals that MCB
serves.
Project Search is a new program that provides opportunities for
jobs in all industries including health, financial and food. This program
places
individuals in mainstream jobs with equal pay.
The Diversity Training program was held sponsored by the
Diversity Committee and MCB, and was provided by RCEP staff. This program
focused
on staff working with individuals in developing opportunities, careers and
independence for MCB consumers.
Other outreach activities have included the Poverty Program,
held throughout the state, which focuses on how agencies can help to stamp
out
or affect poverty by partnering with other agencies and sharing resources.
MCB continues to work with various other agencies, specifically
with the Department of Community Mental Health and Michigan Rehabilitation
Services
to develop an agreement to providing an expanded array of services for
persons with multiple disabilities. This collaboration will answer the
questions
of what kinds of services will be provided, who will provide them and how
these services will be delivered.
The Commission and Michigan Rehabilitation Services held a joint
meeting collaborating on a number of different topics, including the
apprenticeship
program talked about by the CVS Pharmacy representative. MCB was also able
to include senior level counselors in this meeting.
Ongoing projects include working with school districts
developing agreements to expand transition services, training for staff in
regards to
working effectively with veterans, staff training on serving prisoners
reentering society, collaboration with the Centers for Independent Living
and Statewide
Independent Living Council continues and planning for Section 107 monitoring
review coming up in March.
The consumer services division is constantly looking for ways to expand and
improve services. The College Policy Committee is reviewing ways for
consumers
to obtain college degrees and how the Commission can best assist them.
Another policy area is the Small Business Policy which explores
entrepreneurial
opportunities and assists individuals in providing information in how
individuals can be successful in business.
MCB Achievement Honor Roll Awards
Mr. Leamon Jones announced several awards honoring individuals who were
successful in their vocational goals in 2008, as well as employers and
community
partners who contributed to the success of MCB clients. All but one of the
recipients were able to accept congratulations in person, one was via
teleconference.
Awardees are as follows:
Consumers: Ms. Lula Lane, Ms. Esther Polmanteer, Mr. Dale Layer, Ms. Kim
Munro and Mr. Gamaliel Soto.
Employers: Grand River Gastroenterology and Lakestate Industries.
Community Partners: Dr. Walter Betts (posthumously), MTB Rehabilitation
Services and New Horizons.
Mr. Jones congratulated all the recipients for their dedication and hard
work.
MR. EAGLE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. WOLFE TO ACCEPT THE CONSUMER SERVICES
REPORT AND ACHIEVEMENT HONOR ROLL AWARDS; THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Eagle stated that during the discussion in the afternoon regarding the
four Administrative Law Judge decisions he would be recusing himself from
discussion
and voting on the two Cheri Eagle matters and the Sam Tocco matter.
MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. WOLFE THAT THE BOARD RECONVENE IN A
CLOSED SESSION AFTER LUNCH FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING ATTORNEY/CLIENT
PRIVILEGED
DOCUMENTS INCLUDING SAM TOCCO COMING BEFORE THE COMMISSION BOARD THIS
AFTERNOON; THE MOTION CARRIED BY ROLL CALL VOTE WITH TAECKENS, WOLFE AND
PILARSKI
VOTING AYE AND EAGLE VOTING NAY.
Mr. Eagle stated that he did not believe the exemptions for a closed meeting
had been met and did not feel it necessary that the Board reconvene in a
closed
session. Barbara Schmidt, Attorney General's office representative stated
that there has been an attorney/client privileged document circulated to
commissioners
which gives grounds for the Board to go into a closed session for
discussion.
Recessed for lunch at 11:40 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened in closed session at 1:03 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened in open session at 2:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Richard Clay of Advocates of the Blind shared that his
organization changed their name to reflect what they do as advocates. Mr.
Clay thanked
MCB staff for meeting with representatives from Advocates of the Blind and
responding to a request made to provide new clients an introductory packet
of
information that would inform clients about services, resources and the
appeal process available to clients.
Mr. Terry Eagle stated that he felt that it was excessive for
the Commission to hold the meeting at the Kellogg Center and the expense of
the
meeting could have been used to benefit the Business Enterprise Program and
its operators.
Mr. Fred Wurtzel informed attendees that the NFB National
Convention will be held the first week of July at the Renaissance Center in
downtown
Detroit. Also Mr. Wurtzel thanked Director Cannon and Governor Granholm in
helping to get the information out for the upcoming national convention.
BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM (BEP)
Ms. Constance Zanger, BEP Manager reported on BEP activities
including new opportunities with the USPS contract closer to being finalized
and
a St. Clair Shores coffee shop being opened. The Highway Vending Program
celebrated 25 years of existence at the Clare Welcome Center with Mr. Shane
Jackson
developing the program and participants included Ron Marabate, Director
Cannon, and Gary Parobek.
A proposal has been drafted to provide laptop computers to all
new Business Enterprise Program students and operators. This proposal is a
collaboration
between BEP staff and the vocational rehabilitation counselors. This
drafted document has been submitted to the Elected Operators Committee for
their
review.
Ms. Zanger addressed Commissioners questions that have arisen in
regards to the role of the BEP Promotional Agents (PA).
List of 4 items
. PA's engage in field work, meeting with each operator at least once every
6 weeks to look at the facility and the BEP business itself. The PA develops
a 12 month snapshot of the operators business, this information includes
what the sales are, purchasing practices and labor expenses. The
information
generates dialogue between the PA and the BEP operator to help with any
changes needed or issues. Each of these visits are documented with the PA
entering
the information into a central database.
. An annual evaluation occurs during the summer months, which involves the
PA filling out a questionnaire which was developed in conjunction with the
EOC.
This document helps to develop a master plan for the BEP operator which
assists them in budget, planning and identifies equipment needs for the
future.
. PA's may be called upon to develop equipment specifications for new or
existing facilities, work with building management in new locations to lay
out
facilities and determine priorities for getting the business up and running,
and also for developing new business opportunities.
. Lastly, PA's provide instruction and education for BEP operators on a one
on one basis or provide a recommendation on where the BEP operator can get
the
training that they need.
list end
Ms. Zanger then reported on the procedures of the license revocation
process.
List of 4 items
. The promulgated rules specify the reasons for license revocation. These
rules were developed in conjunction with the Elected Operators Committee.
BEP
operators are responsible for taking care of equipment, the general
facility, submitting reports and paying the set-aside fees.
. License revocation is a last resort and can only occur for the reasons
identified in the promulgated rules. When an issue of compliance arises the
PA
meets with the operator and develops action steps to resolve the issue and
follow up with the operator. If insufficient progress is made, the PA
consults
with the BEP Manager, the PA may recommend that the license revocation
process begin.
. A letter is issued, the rules that are believed to have been violated are
listed, the Agencies next steps are outlined and the operator is informed of
how to return to compliance. After issuance of the letter the operator has
30 business days to achieve compliance. After the 30 business day period
has
passed the operator, PA and BEP Manager meet again and the operator explains
how they have come back into compliance with the promulgated rules.
. The follow up meeting can have several different results: the operator can
show they are back in compliance, the action is then discontinued and the
operator
is notified that they are in compliance by a letter; the operator may have
made some progress and at the discretion of the PA and BEP Manager the
action
is dismissed and another meeting is set for 30, 60 or 90 days to review
progress again; a probationary agreement may be drawn up and specific goals
are
listed and have to be met within a specific time period; and finally, if
there is no progress a summary of the meeting and the lack of results is
drawn
up, a letter is sent with the summary and notification that they have been
determined to not be in compliance. Also at this time the operator is
notified
of the process for requesting an evidentiary hearing.
list end
Discussion focused on how the letters of notification are sent. Ms. Zanger
stated that the notice of revocation is sent by certified mail and regular
first
class. Notifications for late payments and regular bills are sent regular
first class mail only. Ms. Taeckens asked for clarification of what the PA
involvement is when an operator is showing signs of trouble. Ms. Taeckens
encouraged that a written policy be established in regards to license
revocation.
Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Decisions
Ms. Zanger introduced four ALJ recommendations to Commissioners
as a result of grievances filed by BEP operators and Commissioners were
asked
to either accept or reject the decision.
1. Mr. Rutherford Beard is seeking compensation for lost
earnings due to the closing of the cafeteria in the Lewis Cass Building.
The
ALJ recommended that the Commission deny reimbursement of lost earnings, but
asked that the Commission offer lost income insurance as an optional
purchase
for operators.
MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. WOLFE TO ACCEPT THE ALJ RECOMMENDATION;
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY WITH TAECKENS, ALLEN, EAGLE, WOLFE AND
PILARSKI
VOTING AYE .
Ms. Pilarski asked if renters insurance is offered to
operators and if it is possible for the Commission to offer a group package.
Ms. Zanger
stated that the BEP Staff would explore the feasibility of obtaining a group
package but expressed reservations that participation of operators would be
sufficient to make it a viable option.
2. Ms. Cheri Eagle is stating that the request for
documentation and alleged random selection process is unfair and against
program rules.
The ALJ recommended decision is that the petitioner is required to supply
the documentation for purposes of facilitating a planned audit but be
removed
from the representative sample list as the list was not random and that MCB
be specific in which documents are needed and what location will be audited.
MS. WOLFE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. TAECKENS TO ACCEPT THE ALJ RECOMMENDATION;
THE MOTION CARRIED WITH TAECKENS, ALLEN, WOLFE AND PILARSKI VOTING AYE ;
EAGLE
ABSTAINED.
3. Ms. Cheri Eagle is asking if the MCB hearings policy
is proper and was the action of the Commission removing the petitioner from
the
on the job training list correct. The ALJ recommended decision states that
the Commission allow the petitioner a hearing as the petitioner was not
notified
that she was removed from the On the Job Trainer program so the request for
hearing should be admitted. Also the Commission approve the award of two
Operator
Points to Petitioner and utilize Petitioner's excellent operation to train
future operators.
MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. WOLFE TO ACCEPT THE ALJ RECOMMENDATION;
THE MOTION CARRIED WITH TAECKENS, ALLEN, WOLFE AND PILARSKI VOTING AYE;
EAGLE
ABSTAINED.
Chair Pilarski asked the question of why the
petitioner was removed from the On the Job Training list. Ms. Zanger stated
that petitioner
violated the signed contract by not adhering to the dress code. Ms. Wolfe
stated this issue is about that she was not notified and given the 15 day
response
time to request a hearing. Ms. Taeckens asked if there are standards to
follow in identifying OJE trainers. Ms. Zanger stated there are not policies
or
procedures that follow all the way through.
4. Mr. Sam Tocco's BEP operator license was revoked. The
ALJ recommended decision states three things:
Block quote start
A. The Commission reinstate petitioners BEP license as he was in compliance
with probationary paperwork at the time the Commission revoked his license;
B. That the petitioner be assigned a better established or less demanding
route;
C. Petitioner be ordered to pay the outstanding balance due to the
Commission before his operators license be reinstated.
Block quote end
MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. WOLFE TO REJECT THE ALJ RECOMMENDATION;
MS. WOLFE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS TAECKENS TO WITHDRAW THE PREVIOUS MOTION.
MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. WOLFE TO REINSTATE THE LICENSE OF MR.
SAM TOCCO; THE MOTION CARRIED WITH TAECKENS, ALLEN, WOLFE AND PILARSKI
VOTING
AYE ; EAGLE ABSTAINED.
Chair Pilarski also recommended that Mr. Tocco receive some
additional training.
MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. WOLFE TO REJECT THE ALJ RECOMMENDATION
OF FINDING MR. SAM TOCCO A SUITABLE SITE ; THE MOTION CARRIED WITH TAECKENS,
ALLEN, WOLFE AND PILARSKI VOTING AYE ; EAGLE ABSTAINED.
Ms. Taeckens commented that handpicking routes and businesses
for operators would be micromanaging the system. Ms. Wolfe stated that
there
are protocols to be followed and this would not fit into those protocols.
MS. WOLFE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. TAECKENS TO REJECT THE ALJ RECOMMENDATION
ON THE MATTER OF PAYMENT TO THE COMMISSION;
MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. WOLFE TO WITHDRAW THE PREVIOUS MOTION.
MS. WOLFE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. TAECKENS TO ACCEPT THE ALJ RECOMMENDATION
BUT AMEND TO PAY BACK THE OUTSTANDING HEALTH LICENSE FEE AND LATE SET-ASIDE
FEE AND PENALTY TOTALING $303, BUT NOT PAY BACK THE AMOUNT OF THE INVENTORY
SHORTAGE; THE MOTION CARRIED WITH TAECKENS, ALLEN, WOLFE AND PILARSKI VOTING
AYE ; EAGLE ABSTAINED.
Discussion centered on why the monies were owed and how that is
determined. Ms. Zanger clarified that inventory shortages when operators
leave
the facility can cause money to be owed.
ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE (EOC)
Mr. Shane Jackson reported on behalf of new EOC chair James
Chaney. The EOC is currently working on motions that will be brought to the
Commission
for action at the next Commission Board meeting. The Randolph Sheppard Act
is a hotbed item that the EOC is focusing on and is planning on meeting with
building managers to begin building new relationships between BEP operators
and building tenants.
Two motions were brought forward as a result of the EOC meeting
held in September.
The first motion is regarding allowing the Building and
Equipment Management course to be taken online. Board action is required as
this is
a change in policy.
MS. WOLFE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. TAECKENS TO ALLOW THE BUILDING AND
EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT COURSE TO BE TAKEN ONLINE; THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
The second motion was to permit BEP operators from other states
to transfer to Michigan and become eligible to bid on facilities in Michigan
providing that their service in other states is consistent with Michigan's
criteria.
MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. WOLFE TO SUPPORT THE POLICY TO ALLOW
BEP OPERATORS FROM OTHER STATES TO TRANSFER TO MICHIGAN ; THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Discussion included questions on whether new operators would be
able to take one course within the BEP program if that was all they were
lacking.
Ms. Zanger stated yes.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT
Ms. Sherri Heibeck spoke on the BEP Telephony system sharing
that the telephony system is up and running, also the BEP seniority points
report
has been given to Libera, the program developer. The final step is for the
two programs to be integrated so when BEP operators call into the telephony
system the seniority point information can be retrieved with a touch of a
button.
Client surveys for Vocational Rehabilitation and Independent
Living, developed in conjunction with Leamon Jones, Christine Boone and Bob
Robertson
are in process. Bob Robertson will be updating attendees.
Ms. Heibeck shared about the technology training which was held
in November for staff. This was a two day hands on training program and
another
session will be held in the spring for staff who did not attend the fall
training.
The Fiscal Responsible Organizational Group (FROG) is up and
running and focusing on finding efficient and cost effective ways to
purchase client
equipment and services.
Budget items which MCB is currently focused on include obtaining
Federal Authority for FY 09, new laptops for employees and beginning the
upgrade
of the Training Center.
MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ALLEN TO ACCEPT THE ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES REPORT; THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
TRAINING CENTER REPORT
Ms. Christine Boone reported on new staff at the Training Center
including Karen DeVera a new counselor, Gail Toda will be joining the Center
as a Rehabilitation Teacher beginning on Monday, December 15, the Technology
Specialist position is still being approved by Civil Service and finally the
goal is to have a new shop teacher in place in January.
The Career Planning Curriculum will have Wendy VanElk teaching
full time. This class has three components including Jobs Class which
includes
career exploration, the second component is World of Work (WOW) class which
focuses on resume development and public presentation. Lastly, students
will
go through the work experience portion with opportunities ranging from
volunteer opportunities to internships and paid positions.
The Training Center took six students skydiving at the end of
October which was a positive experience for everyone involved. Excellent
press
coverage resulted in a front page story in the Kalamazoo Gazette with one of
the center students assisting in writing the press release.
Ms. Boone stated a goal in 2008 was to institute a Braille
survey to understand how students were learning and what the Braille
competency levels
were at the beginning and ending in training. This survey has begun and
results are still pending. Teaching changes that have already occurred
including
learning Grade 1 and Grade 2 Braille together has resulted in students being
ready to check out a book from the Center library and have the ability to
read it.
The Training Center held a 30th Anniversary celebration on
October 1st and the Open House will happen on December 16th.
MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. EAGLE TO ACCEPT THE TRAINING CENTER
REPORT; THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
REPORT OF CLIENT SURVEYS
Mr. Bob Robertson reported on the survey results of successful
case closures for the fiscal year 2008. MCB staff worked together, along
with
Brenda Cavanaugh of Mississippi State University to develop questions for
both Independent Living (IL) clients and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
clients.
The questionnaire was administered over the phone by Doug Spade and Mike
Clement of the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns. The IL portion
is
still being administered. Seventy-nine of 160 closed VR cases responded and
responses were positive overall and helpful. When this study is completed,
the results will be used to identify areas needed to be addressed in order
to maintain the Commission's commitment to continuous improvement.
MR. EAGLE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. TAECKENS TO ACCEPT THE CLIENT SURVEY
REPORT; THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Director's Report
Director Cannon briefly touched on the fiscal and staffing
challenges that MCB will be facing, including 52% of MCB staff being 55 or
older
next year. Further breakdowns of this percentage are nearly 80% of the
teachers at the Training Center being 55 years or older next year; 2/3 of
the Central
Office staff and 45% of field counselors and teachers.
In the interest of time Director Cannon referred Commissioners to the
written MCB report which had been submitted to them. There was no further
discussion.
MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. EAGLE TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR'S REPORT;
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MS. ALLEN MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. TAECKENS TO ADJOURN; THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:35 p.m.
_______________________________
Chair Jo Ann Pilarski
Date:___________________________
----- Original Message -----
From: "Larry Posont" <president.nfb.mi at gmail.com>
To: "NFBofMichigan List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2010 7:32 PM
Subject: [nfbmi-talk] bullet proof draping
> Hi Nfb Members, its Larry. There has been a lot of talk on the list about
> the security guards and bullet proof draping. Does anyone know what
> happened in 2008 to cause Cannon to discuss bullet proof draping with Bob
> Robertson via memos?
>
> Please respond to my email and let me know.
>
> Thanks, Larry
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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