APPROVED

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

JUNE 24, 2005

201   N. WASHINGTON SQUARE, VICTOR BUILDING

LANSING, MICHIGAN

MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chair                    Mr. J. J. Jackson, Vice Chair

Mr. Robert Adler                                    Ms. Sheila Ashcraft

Mr. Richard Grant

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

None

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND (MCB) STAFF PRESENT

Mr. Patrick Cannon                                Ms. Tish Kingaby

Ms. Melody Lindsey                              Mr. Leamon Jones

Ms. Susan Turney                                  Ms. Sherri Heibeck

Ms. Carla Hayes                                    Mr. Robert Robertson

Mr. Fred Wurtzel                                    Ms. Mary Jenkins

Ms. Peggy Jackson                                Ms. Betty Rush

Ms. Constance Zanger                          Ms. Amber Pike

Mr. James Baird                                    Mr. Will Droll

Ms. Beth White

GUESTS/ATTENDEES

Dr. Walter Betts                                     Dr. Edward F. Stein            

Ms. Jean Chabut                                    Mr. Joe Sontag

Mr. Casey Dutmer                                 Mr. Geer Wilcox

Ms. Tandy Bidinger                               Ms. Valarie Barnum-Yarger

Ms. Deborah Miela                                Mr. Richard Simons

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

The Committee of the Whole was opened by Chair Jo Ann Pilarski at 9:05 a.m. who announced the internet audio-streaming of the entire meeting.  Ms. Pilarski asked the board to introduce themselves to the listening audience. 

COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

Mr. Richard Grant reported his attendance at two Image and Identity Team meetings, one in May and one in June, at which discussion was held on the proposed telephone log which support staff will use to collect data on types of calls and information disseminated.  Other items discussed were the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) website, display banner and brochures. 

Mr. Grant also attended a Consumers Involvement Council (CIC) meeting in May at the Training Center.  Discussion centered on communication between the CIC and the MCB board, the style of the communication, and the identification of the roles of each.  Mr. Grant said Director Patrick Cannon clearly outlined the purpose of the CIC, which was to provide input to the board and make recommendations on policy.

Mr. J.J. Jackson said he attended a meeting at which representatives from organizations of parents’ groups met with Ms. Pilarski and Mr. Cannon.  Ms. Lydia Shuck and Ms. Gwen Botting helped to ascertain the needs of visually impaired students in Michigan and to identify the gaps in provision of services.  Mr. Jackson also attended the Youth Leadership Forum at Michigan State University at which he was privileged to be the key note speaker for their kick-off ceremony.  Mr. Jackson commended the staff from MCB who were mentors during this week-long activity for young people with disabilities.  Mr. Jackson also attended the Windmills training session provided for MCB commissioners and staff, conducted by Mr. Cannon the previous day, and a meeting with the Red Cross organization, who wish to identify how they can serve the blind and visually impaired community.

Mr. Jackson said that in previous commission meetings, discussion had been held concerning Mr. Stevie Wonder, and the possibility of Mr. Wonder’s participation in promotional events on behalf of blind people in Michigan.  Mr. Jackson described and presented to the MCB director an autographed picture of Mr. Wonder which he had donated in order to show his support and willingness to serve in a capacity deemed appropriate at some future time.  Mr. Cannon thanked Mr. Jackson on behalf of the Commission.

Ms. Sheila Ashcraft attended two Service Delivery Design team meetings.  In April, work centered on college assessments at which representatives from Michigan State University’s disability office discussed preparation of blind students for college and the university’s expectations.  In June, discussion among the twenty or more stakeholders was held on various job placement issues, such as dealing with inconsistencies in services between different agencies.  Ms. Ashcraft said it appeared that the Partnership Forums which began last week might answer some of these inconsistencies, to eliminate duplication of services and identify gaps in service. Additionally, the topic of training was discussed and the necessity confirmed that not only the clients, but also the staff should be aware how to use current technology.

Ms. Ashcraft said she would be attending a conference called ‘The Eye and the Auto” which brings the medical, scientific and automotive industry communities together to discuss improvements in technology and improve safety in driving.

Mr. Robert Adler said that, at the request of Chairperson Pilarski, he was involved in following through on an issue raised prior to and at the April 18 Commission meeting regarding claims of cronyism, favoritism and fraud in the Business Enterprise Program.  Mr. Adler had stated that he was not interested in innuendo, however, if there were specific allegations for which proof and documentation could be provided, he would certainly feel compelled to investigate the matter.  One complaint lodged by Mr. Edward Osmar, who is the husband of an operator, alleged that a previous operator had intentionally underrepresented sales and committed fraud.  Following a further discussion with Mr. Edward Osmar, Mr. Adler met with Mr. Fred Wurtzel and Director Cannon and reviewed an extensive report prepared by the BEP staff.  Their conclusion was that while it appeared there was some underreporting, it did not behoove the Commission to follow through and try to collect its portion of these unreported sales or to report any possible tax fraud.  Mr. Cannon clarified that the BEP operators paid a set-aside of 10 percent of their profits back to MCB and the set-aside amount in question possibly owed to the Commission was approximately $2,000.  Additionally, vigorous auditing by the Department of Labor and Economic Growth was expected in the future.  Mr. Adler said he was satisfied that steps had been taken to avoid such occurrences in the future through audits and monitoring and complimented Mr. Wurtzel and Mr. Cannon on their work.  A letter was sent to Mr. Osmar by Mr. Adler on behalf of the Commission, along with the supporting documentation.  Ms. Ashcraft complimented the thoroughness of the documentation and some internal audit spreadsheets which she reviewed.

Ms. Pilarski said that Elected Operators Committee Chair Joe Sontag had expressed that favoritism was practiced depending on whether an operator belonged to a specific consumer organization, and cited a particular operator’s complaints.  Mr. Cannon said that the Commission would not condone any favoritism and any such action should be reported to him immediately.  Additionally, in speaking personally with the specifically named operator, Mr. Cannon had been assured that, following a brief misunderstanding, the operator was extremely happy with the Business Enterprise Program.

Ms. Pilarski said that Mr. Sontag also expressed dissatisfaction with communication and Mr. Cannon said he has twice offered to set monthly or bimonthly telephone conferences with Mr. Sontag and Mr. Wurtzel, but that Mr. Sontag has not yet responded.

Ms. Pilarski reported her activities which included attendance at a Planning and Quality Team meeting in April, and a meeting with the parents of blind children who hope to plan a forum in October to prioritize the issues their children face.  Additionally Ms. Pilarski attended a Partnership Forum, which is the first of three conferences to focus on resource mapping, at which Mr. Carl Suter, Director of the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation was the keynote speaker.  Ms. Pilarski also attended the Windmills session conducted by Mr. Cannon.

Ms. Pilarski complimented the commissioners for their deep involvement and commitment and said she was proud to be part of the board.

TRAVEL TO SAULT STE MARIE

          Mr. Cannon said that in exploring various methods of travel to the Upper Peninsula for the August meeting, and specifically the use the state plane, it would in this case be more economical to travel by car.   A van is available for use by Lansing area commissioners and staff which would further increase efficiency.  The commissioners were asked to contact Ms. Tish Kingaby regarding their travel plans and preferences.

REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

          The regular meeting was called to order at 10:15 a.m.  Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.

MS. ASHCRAFT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. J. J. JACKSON, TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 18, 2005 MEETING, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT

          There was no public comment.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

          There was no Board Correspondence.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Mr. Patrick Cannon, State Director, called attention to the written MCB report which contains descriptions of many activities.  In particular, Mr. Cannon reported on the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act and rehabilitation programs which are under assault in Washington.  Two issues are the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), under which the Rehab Act falls, and the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration’s (RSA) regional offices.  Michigan is part of a six state region with offices in Chicago, and MCB receives technical assistance support, training and monitoring from that regional office.  Also, the Office of Services for the Blind within RSA has been eliminated.  Many supporters of public rehabilitation have raised their voices in protest, and a rally was held May 26 in Washington DC at the US Department of Education.  Subsequent action by the Appropriation Subcommittee did not suggest any change in the Department of Education’s budget.  In Congress, the WIA reauthorization has been underway for almost a year now, with the Senate version being perceived as far better than the House version by rehabilitation advocates as the latter includes redirection of rehabilitation dollars away from rehab agencies to the One-Stop Centers.  Mr. Cannon said that MCB is a member of the two major rehab organizations, CSAVR and the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) which are strong advocates for rehab programs.  Additionally, the National Governors Association (NGA) has indicated their support for exempting public rehabilitation programs from any consolidation efforts by Congress.

Ms. Pilarski asked for clarification of what the agency could do regarding this threat to rehabilitation dollars and services.  Mr. Cannon said that as recipients of federal funding, the Commission could not lobby or carry out grass-roots lobbying efforts, but that the two Michigan consumer organizations, and the commissioners as private citizens, were free to advocate as they deemed appropriate.

Mr. Cannon reported on the Partnership Forum sponsored by MCB and Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) which was planned as a resource mapping opportunity to help identify people with disabilities who may not be receiving assistance in achieving employment, and to try to identify duplication of effort among the various agencies.  The forum held June 21 was attended by over 180 people and two more forums are planned for August 24 and October 20.

Mr. Cannon said the Governor’s Long Term Care Task Force had completed their report which was presented to the Governor on June 9, at which time Governor Granholm announced an Executive Order to implement three of the major recommendations of the report. 

Mr. Cannon reported the mini adjustment program in Escanaba had been very successful with 32 clients participating.  The next mini is scheduled for Jackson the week of August 28, and the final mini of the year is planned for the Saginaw-Bay City-Midland area in the fall.

SERVICE RECOGNITION AWARDS

          Mr. Cannon presented Ms. Carla Haynes, Administrative Services Division, with a certificate of award for 30 years of services with the State of Michigan, and Mr. Fred Wurtzel presented BEP staff with certificates of award to Ms. Constance Zanger for 30 years of service and Ms. Mary Jenkins for ten years of service.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. GRANT, TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR’S REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Jackson formally presented the Commission with the picture of Stevie Wonder previously described, and Mr. Cannon thanked Mr. Jackson and Mr. Wonder on behalf of the Commission and its clients.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

Ms. Pilarski introduced Ms. Sherri Heibeck, the newly selected Manager of the Administrative Services Division.  Ms. Heibeck reported that MCB’s budget was in very good shape, with 60 percent expenditures at 66 percent through the fiscal year, which allows the Commission to authorize fall tuition and carry out BEP renovations.  BEP rent was reduced due to miscalculations on the Cadillac Building facility and cash match is also at very good levels.

Regarding technology, Ms. Heibeck reported that work has been ongoing to interface System6 with the Michigan Accounting Information Network (MAIN) and testing is underway.  This will improve efficiency as the support staff will no longer need to enter duplicate information in both systems, and will also facilitate checks and balances by the auditors.  Ms. Heibeck said System6 is also undergoing security testing with the interface to the BEP system, which will allow BEP staff to access case information wherever the Internet is available.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. ADLER, TO ACCEPT THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM (BEP) REPORT

Mr. Fred Wurtzel, Manager of the Business Enterprise Program, invited attendees to the Lansing Chili Cook-off which was taking place that evening, with MCB staff participating in the competition. Mr. Wurtzel expressed gratitude to Mr. Patrick McGlinchey from the State Plate for the use of his commercial kitchen to prepare the chili.

Mr. Wurtzel reported preparation over the previous two months to provide Mr. Adler with information regarding the complaint made by Mr. Osmar and said he believed that this investigation had a satisfactory outcome.  In addition, Mr. Wurtzel said that discussion had been ongoing for several months with the auditing office at the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG), and it has been arranged that audits will be performed on the BEP operations so that all facilities are audited over a five-year rotation.  Audits will be done on a random basis and it is expected these will begin in October.

Following training of new BEP operators, Mr. Wurtzel said an after action review is being conducted.  It is planned to take into account the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act but to combine this with consideration of the large amount of reading required to complete training and the high degree of stamina required to be a successful operator.

Mr. Wurtzel informed the commissioners that the vending machines in the Victor Building now had Braille markings which they intended to provide on all BEP vending machines, and he invited the commissioners to visit these and also the Victor Building facility run by the new operator, Mr. Richard Kent. 

ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE (EOC) REPORT

          Mr. Joe Sontag, Chair, referred the board to three motions passed by the EOC.  The first motion, originally presented at the April 2005 commission meeting, was not approved pending further and satisfactory exploration of a complaint lodged during the meeting.  Mr. Sontag said the motion, made at the September 2004 EOC meeting, stated that before any operator could be demoted and awarded a location, the location be first placed on the bid line with both licensed operators and potential operators being given an opportunity to bid on the location.  Mr. Sontag requested approval by the board of this policy change. 

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO SUPPORT THE MOTION, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

          Mr. Sontag said the second motion concerned the draft of a letter to be sent to state departments regarding the Business Enterprise Program and the change in promulgated rules concerning catering by the BEP facilities for in-building events.  The third motion concerned the requirements that operators storing MCB equipment in their facilities provide insurance on the equipment.  These two motions did not require Commission action.

          In answer to queries, Mr. Wurtzel said that plans were being pursued to work on a central commissary, with consideration of utilizing part of the previous Michigan School for the Blind, and to expand the Cadillac Building facility to include an outside seating area.

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO ACCEPT THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

HEALTH ISSUES AND THE BLIND

DR. WALTER BETTS, Low Vision Specialist, College of Optometry (College), Ferris State University said he had been with the College for 26 years and taught eye disease courses for the first sixteen of those years, while providing low vision services as a private practioner in the Grand Rapids area.  He presently teaches low vision courses at the College and is certified to practice low vision services which he does as an optometrist with the Association for the Blind 2-3 days a month.

Dr. Betts outlined various issues of people facing blindness and said his primary goal was to help them learn daily living tasks and stay as independent as possible.  He provides low vision aids to help with reading and driving, whenever possible, and finds electronic optical devices extremely beneficial. Dr. Betts developed a loaner system which has been very successful, whereby the client takes home a piece of equipment to try out for two weeks before they decide whether to purchase it.

Dr. Betts talked about getting word out to other optometrists and ophthalmologists and he said the retinal specialists should specifically be targeted.  He has found that students are most influenced by word of mouth and part of his course includes speakers, including the Newaygo County support group who are especially inspirational.  Dr. Betts said that much planning should be done to anticipate the needs of the baby boomers who will be experiencing sight problems, to provide referrals for rehabilitation, and that it would be helpful if those experiencing normal aging vision changes could be treated at private practices, and not take the slots at low vision clinics which are required by people with more serious vision problems. 

DR. EDWARD F. STEIN, Committee member and past president, Optometric Institute and Clinic of Detroit (OIC) said he was also past president of the Michigan Optometric Association and consultant to the program Healthy Eyes Healthy People 2010.  Dr. Stein commented that the best way to get the word out about the services of MCB was to be extremely persistent and urged MCB to request the opportunity to present at Michigan Optometric Association regional meetings on a regular basis.  Dr. Stein said the OIC, now located in the Cadillac Building, also worked closely with MCB.

          Dr. Stein said that under the Healthy Eyes Healthy People 2010 program, one of the goals is to reduce visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy and part of his work is to help create greater awareness of the need to have a dilated eye exam every year.  There are 74 providers signed up to offer these services, and OIC can provide this exam at reduced fees or free of charge to those who cannot afford the fee.  Dr. Stein said that people with impaired glucose tolerance are at a high risk of diabetes, which if they developed full-blown diabetes, would raise the number of people in the US with this condition to 33 million and add approximately $100 billion in health care costs.  Dilated eye exams can help detect this condition and together with preventative measures, such as vital lifestyle changes, can reduce the risk.

          Dr. Stein is also involved in the Diabetes Partners in Action Coalition, a wide group of practitioners and agencies whose goal is to deal with the growing problem of diabetes in Michigan.

Recessed for lunch at 12:35 p.m.

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          The meeting was reconvened at 1:20 p.m. 

HEALTH ISSUES AND THE BLIND (Cont.)

MS. JEAN C. CHABUT, Deputy Director for Public Health, Office of Michigan Surgeon General explained the role of the Michigan Surgeon General and some critical public health issues.  Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, appointed by the Governor, is the first state level Surgeon General in the country and serves as the advocate for the citizens, on an unbiased, non-partisan basis.  The focus of their office is on population based health, looking at health issues that affect large numbers of people and ways to make the general population healthier.  The first step was to produce the Healthy Michigan 2010 health status report which was evidence based, with best practices established, and includes ten focus areas: chronic disease, lifestyles, tobacco, substance abuse, mental health, maternal and child health, immunizations, injuries and violence, healthy environments, and infections and emerging diseases.  Ms. Chabut gave statistics from this report.

          Ms. Chabut said that the leading causes of death in 2002 were heart disease, cancer and stroke, followed closely by diabetes, but the real cause of these deaths was lifestyle, being overweight, not exercising, and smoking.  There is also a very high dollar cost associated with these preventable diseases.  Michigan ranks 3rd in the country with overweight people.  Ms. Chabut said that leisure time activity has been built out of Michigan’s lifestyle: communities are structured in such a way as to be inaccessible to shops except by car; children don’t walk to school anymore, nor do they have recess; in urban areas, safety is an issue for people who wish to walk; and often both parents have full time jobs which leads to greater consumption of fast food. Ms. Chabut said that 30 minutes a day of activity would do a great deal to improve a person’s health.  Tobacco causes more deaths in Michigan than AIDS, alcohol, murder, car crashes, fires, drugs, and suicide combined, causing a substantial health burden.  The Governor’s Fitness Council estimated that physical inactivity among 4 million Michigan adults cost $8.9 billion in 2002.

          Regarding diabetes, Ms. Chabut said that Michigan has an estimated 817,000 adults who have diabetes, 590,000 of whom have been diagnosed and 227,000 who have the disease but are not yet aware of it.  Including those who have pre-diabetes, a condition when blood sugar is elevated but not yet to diabetic levels, the figure jumps to 2.4 million.  Diabetes costs Michigan about $4.7 million a year in medical care and an additional $5.7 million in lost productivity.  Blindness from diabetic retinopathy is about 90 percent preventable with proper screening, care and lifestyle changes.

          Ms. Chabut said that in May 2004 Dr. Wisdom released the Surgeon General’s prescription for improving the health of Michigan citizens which included the main components of promoting healthy lifestyles, protecting families and communities, and eliminating health disparities including the prevention and control of chronic diseases.  The Healthy Michigan fund is helping with various programs involving stakeholders in promoting better health in Michigan.  Ms. Chabut said the Commission would be welcome as a stakeholder or participants in many different levels of these programs.

MS. PEGGY JACKSON, Supportive Services Supervisor, MCB Training Center said she also participates in a diabetic support group, as well as a health partnership and a faith-based program in Battle Creek at which they do health fairs, blood pressure and vital signs checks.  All these assist her with health education and counseling at the MCB Training Center, which Ms. Jackson said she was pleased was becoming an educational model rather than a medical model.  Clients coming to the Center are there to train for skills of blindness, and Ms. Jackson said that those who have learned independence in treatment of their own medical condition are more able to concentrate on their blindness rehabilitation.

          Ms. Jackson said that part of her duties includes teaching clients how to use new technology, and with Ms. Melody Lindsey as a participant, Ms. Jackson demonstrated the AccuChek Voicemate to show how she teaches someone to take a reading of their glucose levels.

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Ms. Melody Lindsey, director of the MCB Training Center, reported that on June 21, the Guidelines Review Team met at the Training Center.  Chair Pilarski attended this meeting and Ms. Lindsey thanked her for her contribution and perspective.  Ms. Lindsey said a great deal was accomplished in this review, including separation of policy and guideline issues, and she believes these are on track for review and approval by the various teams before presentation to commissioners for adoption.

Ms. Lindsey announced the hiring of Ms. Laura Schmelzer as rehabilitation services coordinator for the night shift, effective July 5, and reported a position description for a technology trainer has been submitted to Civil Service.

There are eight referrals for the Quest for Success week at Camp Tuhsmeheta, and Ms. Lindsey said it is hoped to have 15 referrals.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. ADLER, TO ACCEPT THE TRAINING CENTER REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Leamon Jones, Director of Consumer Services, referred the commissioners to the written material in the MCB Report and briefly highlighted several items from the report.

Mr. Jones reported that a key meeting was held May 13 with staff and stakeholders, including parents, providers, teachers and teacher/consultants, to help develop policies and procedures for the Youth Low Vision program, and that the document which evolved from that meeting would be presented for review to the Planning and Quality (PAQ) team and the Consumer Involvement Council (CIC), with the hope it could then be presented to the Board for approval at the August meeting in time for the policy to be implemented for the new school year.

A Small Business Banquet sponsored by MCB and Michigan Rehabilitation Services will be held on August 11 and Mr. Jones said that MCB has three entrepreneurs who have been nominated as a result of operating successful businesses following rehabilitation services.

Mr. Jones was pleased to report the successful signing of a contract with Saginaw Valley Rehabilitation Center, effective June 1.  This company has hired a number of MCB’s previous contractual staff  which will enable them to provide continuity of services to MCB clients in independent living programs.

SSI/SSDI/MAINTENANCE PROPOSED POLICY REVISION

          Mr. Jones outlined proposed changes in the MCB Maintenance policy, submitted to the Commissioners in their meeting packet.  The policy has followed the approval path through the PAQ and CIC.

MS. ASHCRAFT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO ACCEPT THE REVISIONS TO THE SSI/SSDI/MAINTAINANCE POLICY, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO ACCEPT THE CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

CONSUMER INVOLVEMENT COUNCIL REPORT

Mr. Casey Dutmer, Chair, and Ms. Elizabeth White, MCB’s CIC liaison outlined the three motions passed by the CIC which were submitted to the Commissioners in their meeting packet.  One motion supported the Maintenance Policy on a Plan-Do-Study-Act basis for a three year period.  Another motion recommended that in establishing the Commission agenda, priority be given to CIC and BEP reports, when possible, before community partner and guest presentations.  Mr. Dutmer said this motion was made as a result of the February Commission meeting, when a quorum was not present during the CIC report, although no action was required by the board at that time.  The third motion moved the location of the September CIC meeting from St Ignace to Lansing or Flint.

          Mr. Dutmer said that Mr. Joseph Harcz had resigned and been replaced by Mr. Michael Geno.

          Mr. Dutmer said the May 16 meeting had been productive and communications since that time had improved.  Ms. White said the minutes published for that meeting would be amended to reflect that business was not concluded that day as they did not have a quorum. 

          Mr. Dutmer said that as CIC meetings had been cut in frequency, that all other MCB team meetings should also be reduced.  The board and Director Cannon responded that the frequency of meetings throughout the agency had generally been reduced in response to the need to limit the cost of meetings.  Further, Mr. Cannon added, reducing CIC meetings from four to three times a year and Commission meetings from nine to six times a year was consistent with the request to reduce expenditures.

          In regard to a resolution made by both the Michigan Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI) and the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan (NFB), that MCB form a task force to develop performance standards for technology users, it was suggested that the Technology Design Team also become involved.  Mr. Dutmer is hopeful that representatives from CIC, MCBVI and NFB will be involved in this task force.  Mr. Dutmer commented that the consumer report card had been forwarded by the CIC to the Commission and that he would appreciate feedback on the report.  He also stated that more consumer participation with MCB’s PAQ team would be appreciated.

PUBLIC COMMENT

          Mr. Casey Dutmer said he felt there was still misunderstanding about consumers and their role in the Consumer Involvement Council.

          Mr. J.J. Jackson said Stevie Wonder hosted a press conference to announce the first ever described music video which he hopes will encourage others to follow suit.

ADJOURNMENT

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:28 p.m.  The next meeting will be on Monday, August 15 at the Quality Inn and Suites, Sault Ste Marie.  The Committee of the Whole meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the regular meeting will start at 10:00 a.m.

Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

Date