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 21^st Century?" is in honor of the 200^th 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 30^th 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.

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).

• 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.

Ms. Zanger then reported on the procedures of the license revocation process.

• 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.

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:

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. 

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 30^th Anniversary celebration on October 1^st 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

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