APPROVED 2/17/04

CORRECTED 4/19/04

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

DECEMBER 15, 2003

MICHIGAN WORKS! OFFICE

LANSING, MICHIGAN

MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson     Mr. Robert Adler

Mr. J. J. Jackson                            Ms. Barbara Thomas

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

Ms. Peeti Greene                                                    

Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) STAFF PRESENT

Mr. Patrick Cannon         Ms. Tish Kingaby

Mr. Larry Best                 Ms. Melody Lindsey

Mr. Leamon Jones           Ms. Gwen McNeal

Mr. Fred Wurtzel             Ms. Diamalyn Gaston

Ms. Elizabeth White        Ms. Renee Biondo

Ms. Joann Woodward      Ms. Michelle Visscher

Ms. Sherry Gordon          Mr. Shig Toda

Ms. Janis Benstead        Ms. Dee Robertson

GUESTS

Mr. David Hollister           Mr. Dennis Sykes

Ms. Mary Wurtzel           Mr. Larry Posont

Ms. Donna Posont          Mr. Geer Wilcox

Ms. Charis Austin           Mr. Casey Dutmer

Mr. Joe Sontag               Mr. Danny Fleming

Ms. Michelle Moxley       Mr. Tim Ruddon

Mr. George Wurtzel         Mr. Arney Chapman

Mr. Richard Canen           Ms. Sandy Canen

Ms. Elizabeth Mohnke     Ms. Diane Mohnke

Mr. Elham Janshan          Mr. Mark Eagle

Ms. Debra Wright             Mr. Albert Griffith

Ms. Kim Traverse             Mr. Dan Furton

Ms. Beverly Puchalski      Ms. Joan Wright

Ms. Krista Robertson        Ms. Heather Hatlon

Ms. Regina Smith (Interpreter)   Mr. Paul George

Mr. Marcus Simmons        Ms. Stenetta Burroughs

Mr. Adam Emerson           Ms. Lydia Schuck

Mr. David Hilliker               Ms. Alison Hilliker

Mr. Eric Seal                                                            

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

            The Committee of the Whole was called to order by Chairperson Pilarski at 9:03 a.m. 

COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

As the Commission’s new liaison to the Business Enterprise Program, Mr. Robert Adler reported his participation in tours of six vending facilities given by Mr. Fred Wurtzel, and meetings of the Elected Operators Committee.  Mr. Adler also attended one day at each of the conventions of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Michigan and the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI), held in November.

Mr. J. J. Jackson reported his attendance at the Cultural Diversity Committee meeting November 6, 2003 in Flint, at which a video demonstrating an exercise in discrimination called “Blue Eyes” was shown.  Mr. Jackson attended both state consumer organization conventions and was impressed with the agendas and participation by representatives of the national organizations.  

As the new liaison to the MCB Services Delivery Design Team, Mr. Jackson attended his first meeting held in Lansing, November 18. Discussion was held about benchmark data collection on college assessments from other states.

Ms. Barbara Thomas attended the MCB Image and Identity Team meeting in Lansing on December 11, 2003.  Dialog was held regarding approaching the Lions Club to publicize the existence of MCB, preparing flyers for use in doctors’ offices, and possible 25^th anniversary celebration activities.  Ms. Thomas attended the MCBVI convention in Southfield on Friday, November 14, 2003.

Ms. Pilarski attended the Planning and Quality (PAQ) team meeting in Lansing December 8^th.  Ms. Pilarski also attended both state consumer conventions and thanked both organizations for their fine events.  

DIRECTOR’S EVALUATION PROCESS

Ms. Pilarski said that discussion had been held regarding the Director’s annual evaluation and a decision was made to pursue the possibility of an evaluation in closed session, with the results announced at a future Commission meeting. 

COMMISSIONER RETREAT

Ms. Pilarski reported that a Commissioner retreat was held Sunday, December 14 at which many subjects were discussed, including Camp Tuhsmeheta (Camp T); changes in Commission meeting day, meeting agenda format and inclusion of more in-depth blindness issues; and Training Center issues and philosophy.

Representatives from the consumer organizations, the Consumer Involvement Council (CIC), the Elected Operators Committee (EOC) of the Business Enterprise Program (BEP), and the Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB) were invited to join the group.

Commissioners discussed some future agenda topics including technology updates, School for the Blind, and Camp T.  Director Patrick Cannon said that during the retreat it was also indicated that a meeting is planned at Camp T in February to which commissioners would be invited.  Commissioners said it was important that MCB be proactive in advocating for more effective utilization of Camp T, and that it should not go the way of School for the Blind, the loss of which is felt deeply by the blind community which needs such resources to teach empowerment and independence.

Regarding the Training Center, Ms. Pilarski inquired if the progress of the graduates was tracked, or whether the students were invited to contribute suggestions.  Mr. Cannon reported that a project is planned with a doctoral student at Michigan State University to do an unbiased survey on these subjects.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Kim Traverse said that Camp T had been an extremely important part of their family life where lifelong friends had been made and that recent parent/child events at the Center were well received.

Ms. Lydia Schuck and Mr. George Wurtzel endorsed the importance of the networking achieved by Camp T.

Mr. Larry Posont, a representative of OUB which ran Camp T several years ago, said the Camp was renovated about three years ago and is in extremely good condition.  Mr. Posont said the camp could serve 60-70 kids in a summer program and that OUB’s mission was to pursue grants and funding to keep future programming beyond the next two or three years.  He invited all attendees to visit the camp.

Ms. Mary Wurtzel said that the closing of the School for the Blind came as a surprise move effected by the Senate when the Department of Education (DOE) was supporting its continuance, and that it should not be assumed that the same would not happen to Camp T.

Mr. Cannon said that entities involved in Camp T and the School for the Blind have all indicated a willingness to work together to enhance educational opportunities for blind youth.  Commissioners would like a statement prepared showing the history of these institutions and the staunch support offered by the Commission. Mr. Jackson suggested a focus group meeting be arranged between concerned citizens, DOE, MCB, OUB, and others, in order to start the dialog. 

The Committee of the Whole was adjourned at 9:55 a.m.

REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

            The regular meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m.  Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 20, 2003 MEETING, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT

            Mr. Larry Posont, OUB representative, said that a meeting was planned at Camp Tuhsmeheta for the weekend of February 20-22 for blind children and parents with the goal of proposing how to run the camp for next summer and the following year.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

            There was no Board Correspondence.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

            Mr. Cannon thanked attendees for their participation in the meeting and called attention to the written MCB Report included in the Commissioner packet and distributed via Newsline and the MCB listserv.

Mr. Cannon reported that State Representative Doug Spade had introduced legislation which passed in both houses of the Michigan Legislature and had been signed into law by Governor Granholm regarding electronic textbooks to be made available to blind and visually impaired college students.

Mr. Cannon said about 800 people in the public and private rehabilitation field attended the annual Michigan Rehabilitation Conference held in Traverse City.  Presentations were made by MCB staff on the Vision 2020 initiative, the 25^th anniversary of the Commission, and the Michigan High School High Tech project.  Mr. Cannon expressed his pleasure at being the banquet keynote speaker.

Mr. Cannon said MCB was well represented by approximately 15 commissioners and staff at the two consumer organization conventions held in November.

In the fall, Mr. Cannon said he and Ms. Gwen McNeal attended the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) conference.  Presentations included Ms. Joanne Wilson, Commissioner for the Rehabilitation Services Administration who talked about the importance of building alliances with consumer organizations. Other topics included reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act, implementation of the Ticket To Work program, the lack of system technology trainers and competency assessment for such trainers, workshops on the Randolph-Sheppard Act, technology and independent living.  The NCSAB Conference is one of the most important events for MCB and it is hoped attendance can be continued.

Regarding the reauthorization of WIA, the US Senate has passed its version which includes Title IV, the Rehabilitation Act, and is far more favorable than the House version in that it retains the RSA commissioner as a presidential appointee.  Additionally, Mr. Cannon and Ms. Jaye Balthazar, director of Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), should be appointed to the Michigan Workforce Investment Board.  A conference committee will work out the differences between the two versions.

Mr. Cannon said the next Mini Adjustment Program would take place in Clare January 11-16 and others are planned in Southfield, Ann Arbor and in the thumb area of Lower Michigan.  Specialized programs for the deaf-blind and youth populations are also being planned.

Mr. Cannon concluded his report with the announcement that following the Commission’s strong, long-term desire that it be transferred out the Family Independence Agency to an agency more aligned with its goals, purposes and ideals, the Governor’s Executive order transferring MCB to the Department of Labor and Economic Growth had officially taken effect December 7.

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

OVERVIEW OF THE NEW DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

Mayor David C. Hollister, Director of the new Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG), was greeted by Ms. Pilarski, who expressed MCB’s appreciation for his work with the disability community.  Mr. Hollister introduced Mr. Dennis Sykes, the Deputy Director to whom the Commission would be reporting.

Mr. Hollister welcomed MCB to DLEG, explaining that the goal of the new department was to streamline state government and create a seamless one-stop operation through labor, which is its strength, and economic growth.  The goal assigned to Mr. Hollister by the Governor is to create “Mitten Envy” among others states which will know Michigan for its great universities, cities and jobs, and its accommodating and welcoming people.  Mr. Hollister said that at a “Cool Cities” Conference held the previous week, the speaker Richard Florida emphasized the need that everyone was important, that the state must accommodate diversity and that no-one should be left behind.

Mr. Hollister said he planned to work from his successful Lansing model, growing and unifying the community, developing collaborative, inclusive, and can-do/problem solving strategy, and replicate this at the state level.

Mr. Hollister welcomed the Commission to DLEG, describing all of the agencies and departments which now comprised the new department.  He said the intention was to avoid the new department becoming a huge bureaucracy.  Mr. Hollister said it was planned to restructure the Michigan Workforce Development Board to link it with and elevate it to the level of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

The six principles of the new department articulated by the Governor and adopted by DLEG were described by Mr. Hollister: work within limited resources and undertake growth strategy; build on existing strength of manufacturing, tourism, agriculture; invest in infrastructure with cutting edge technology; incorporate life long learning; nurture diversity; and reinvest in core communities.

Regarding MCB, Mr. Hollister said there were no plans to change its structure and operation.  Mr. Hollister congratulated the Commission on its 25^th anniversary.

Following Mr. Hollister’s presentation, Mr. Adler commented that there was a strong sentiment in the room regarding the continuance of Camp Tuhsmeheta and its importance to the blind community.

Ms. Pilarski said that with the two rehabilitation agencies being placed under the same department, there was concern that they would be merged and stressed that the blind have separate and different issues from MRS.  Mr. Hollister assured the Commission that there were no plans for such a merger.

Mr. Cannon said he was pleased to work with Mr. Sykes, with whom he had worked successfully for accommodation and accessibility in the planning and design for Lansing’s baseball stadium, which had become a nationally acclaimed model for accessibility replicated by other cities.

Ms. Pilarski thanked Mayor Hollister and Mr. Sykes for their attendance.

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Leamon Jones referred to the MCB Report in which many outreach activities were detailed.  Efforts are continuing in transition work, to help students prepare for the change from high school to work or college.

The Michigan High School High Tech project is under development in the Grand Rapids area and is now extending to the next pilot in Flint. This program focuses on vocational activities for students.

In the Southeast Region, the staff is involved with a group called Detroit Youth Overcoming Challenges whose program is related to transition activities within the school district and is linked with Michigan Works!

Mr. Jones said dialog had been held with School for the Blind to determine ways to identify more students who are blind or visually impaired.  Mr. Jones and Ms. Elizabeth White met with Ms. Kathy Brown who provided them with a statewide list of students who have disabilities which they will use as a base to determine students whose disabilities include blindness.

MCB Achievement Awards

Mr. Jones announced several awards honoring individuals, employers and community partners who were successful in their goals. 

In the category of employer awards, Ms. Cynthia Caldwell recognized Neal Lindsay of the Burlington Coat Factory, Auburn Hills, Mr. Tim Ruddon of Gryphon Place, Kalamazoo, and Lueder’s Shoe Store of Coldwater.

Ms. Janis Benstead introduced a special consumer award to Mr. Mark Eagle, who represented Michigan at the National Youth Leadership Forum.

Ms. Joann Woodward introduced and recognized those honorees receiving the Consumer Achievement Awards: Ms. Deborah Wright, Ms. Laura Fletcher, Mr. Arney F. Chapman, Ms. Michelle Moxley, and Mr. Albert Griffith.

Ms. Michelle Visscher introduced the honorees receiving the Community Partner Achievement Award, Mr. Richard Canen and Ms. Sandy Canen, who operate an employment assistance group.

Mr. Fred Wurtzel introduced Mr. Danny Fleming, who received the Operator of the Year Award under the Business Enterprise Program.

Mr. Jones congratulated all the recipients for their dedication and hard work. 

Mr. Jones concluded his report with the announcement that Ms. Gwen McNeal had been selected for the East Region Supervisor position. 

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

CONSUMER INVOLVEMENT COUNCIL (CIC) REPORT

Mr. Geer Wilcox, Chair, and Ms. Visscher, CIC Liaison, reported that due to budget concerns, the CIC cut back their meetings throughout the year to three meetings and some teleconferences.  One of the CIC’s main goals this year was supporting the transition forum for students leaving high school, in which parents had been very active, and CIC had presented some recommendations to MCB about further involvement.

Another topic had been Training Center issues, including a review of the Omvig Report’s 27 recommendations.  CIC feels some of the goals were being achieved, including those moving from a medical model to an educational model of rehabilitation, providing the option to use sleepshades for all training, etc.  CIC members stayed overnight at the Center to experience its operation.

CIC had passed some bylaws and as these are subject to approval by the Commission, they will be forwarded to MCB shortly.

Additional topics discussed were a handout packet with consistent information for statewide distribution to new clients, expanded use of the website, and continued development of the MCB Agency Report Card.. 

Mr. Wilcox said that the terms of Ms. Linda Brown and Ms. Elza Bryan were concluding and that Mr. Dick Grant would be joining the CIC. Mr. Larry Wanger is the vice chair of CIC.  The next meeting is January 26, 2004 in Lansing, which Ms. Peeti Greene will be attending as Commission liaison.  Ms. Visscher concluded the CIC report by stating that rotating Commissioner liaisons would also help bring varying experience and opinion to the CIC. 

Mr. George Wurtzel approached the board and presented an award to Ms. Pilarski on behalf of the OUB.

Recessed for lunch at 11:55 a.m.

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            Chairperson Pilarski reconvened the meeting at 1:10 p.m.

STATE CONSUMER CONVENTION REPORTS

MICHIGAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED (MCBVI)

Ms. Charis Austin and Mr. Casey Dutmer thanked the Commission for participation in the retreat and reported that no resolutions were passed at their convention for consideration by the board.  

Ms. Austin said that conventions would be held for the next three years at the Howard Johnsons in Grand Rapids, which was a very accessible hotel. 

As part of the convention, a focus group discussion was facilitated by the Statewide Independent Living Council, whose full report would be forthcoming.  Ms. Austin said that the gist of the focus group comments included more funding for independent living; technology training for seniors; referrals to the Commission; transportation; volunteerism.  United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan (UCP) is holding a Transportation Conference in May which Ms. Austin urged blind people to attend.

Other topics of the convention were Camp T and voting access.  Mr. Dutmer explained that while the Direct Recording Electronics (DRE) voting machine was preferred by MCBVI and a resolution of support had been drafted, the Secretary of State had, in the meantime, opted for optical scanning voting machines.  A goal of MCBVI is to train registered voters in the use of this machine.

A focus of the convention was employment and a distinguished panel of successful blind individuals related their stories in which a common thread was that someone gave them a break.  Mr. Mitch Pomerantz, Director of the American Council of the Blind, was the keynote speaker.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND (NFB) OF MICHIGAN

Ms. Mary Wurtzel gave a report on their convention, whose theme was literacy, and included many facets such as Braille, library and computer literacy.  National President Dr. Marc Maurer was the keynote speaker, and seminars were held by the student division, led by Ms. Allison Hilliker, and the Parents Group.  Ms. Wurtzel thanked the Commission for the lunch and focus group sponsorship.

Mr. Geer Wilcox presented several resolutions to the Commission adopted by NFB of Michigan:

·          Resolution 0303, thanking the Governor for her executive order transferring MCB to DLEG.

·          Resolution 0301, expressing concerns that programs, services, personnel or other resources of the Commission not be commingled with those of MRS.

·          Resolution 0302, relating to Camp Tuhsmeheta, the closing of the School for the Blind, blind student count, unequal school text book provision to blind students, and other programs handled by the Department of Education (DOE) under the provisions of 1978 Public Act 260. This resolution also called for the transfer of Camp Tuhsmeheta and the School for the Blind from DOE to MCB with the subsequent responsibility for carrying out 1978 PA 260 requirements, including Braille production of text books to blind students. 

·          Resolution 0304, relating to the Training Center and the necessity for blind students to achieve competency and independence through an educational model training center rather than a medical model and that a tracking system be initiated to follow up on the progress of prior students.

·          Resolution 0305, expressing opposition to a proposed means test for college students.

·          Resolution 0306, relating to State Representative Doug Spade’s legislation providing text for college students in accessible format.

·          Resolution 0307, relating to reserving commercial properties for Business Enterprise Program operators operating under the Randolph Sheppard Act and opposition to proposed legislation waiving federal regulations and allowing private vendors to operate these properties.  Passage of this legislation, House Bill 4378, would have national impact.

Mr. Cannon said the resolutions were most effective when directed to the entities involved and to MCB’s legislative liaisons.  Mr. Wilcox said this was their initial presentation following the convention and that follow-up to the respective entities would take place.

Ms. Pilarski said that any questions regarding the School for the Blind should be forwarded to the MCB Director prior to the February MCB meeting at which it is proposed to include the School for the Blind as an agenda item.  Ms. Pilarski invited both consumer organizations to approach her at any time with items for the agenda. 

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Ms. Melody Lindsey reported her attendance at the National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute in San Diego in October.  Two more sessions will be held in February and June, 2004.

At the urging of parent groups during a meeting at Camp T, a program involving parents and blind children was initiated at the center which was met with great enthusiasm.  This program involves weekend training for cooking, daily living skills, eating techniques, etc., and is planned to be continued next year.

Ms. Lindsey reported that research was done regarding the emergency buzzers in the dorm rooms at the center, as these were not conducive to an educational model facility.    The buzzers were installed during its construction thirty years ago and because the facility was then classified as similar to a nursing home.  In order to enhance independence of students who would not have such emergency buzzers at their homes, and with the recommendations of the services delivery design team, it was decided to remove the buzzers.  Ms. Lindsay said that Ms. Peggy Jackson, head of the supportive services team at the center, said the buzzers had never been responsible for saving a life in her 18 years at the center.  Also the presence of the buzzers engenders a feeling that students can depend on the supportive services staff to carry out routine tasks.  It is the intent of the center to work with students to follow through themselves on emergencies, and that if a student chooses, a portable alert device may be provided to them.

Ms. Lindsey said the Center is also pursuing suggestions from students about preparing their own meals twice a week.

A very successful three-day technology training seminar was held for MCB staff during Thanksgiving week with several informative topics.  As a result, more in-depth e-book training for the Center staff is being developed to allow them work with the students, as knowledge of e-books is becoming a requisite at university level.

Ms. Lindsey said that the Center has been offered Braille books by the School for the Blind, which is weeding the majority of their collection.

Ms. Lindsey said that the Commissioner of the RSA has asked her to serve on the planning committee for the 2004 National Conference for Training Centers for the Blind, at which MCB made two presentations last year.  Ms. Lindsey also reported that the Center would study mentoring programs for which RSA has been making large grants available.

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

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Larry Best reported that MCB had successfully closed out the financial year, and had approximately $1,000,000 of unspent federal or social security reimbursements to carry forward.  Based on this, Mr. Best prepared and distributed a draft budget for the year 2004.  The federal appropriations have not been distributed yet but they are expected to be about the same amounts as last year.

As of this time, Mr. Best said the almost $200,000 GF/GP funding inadvertently deducted from MCB’s budget by the Family Independence Agency, still had not been corrected.  This also affects the budget for future fiscal years, as this amount will not show in FY 2004 or FY 2005.

Regarding transition activities, it appears that MCB will continue to work through FIA Accounting for the remainder of the fiscal year, and personnel actions are also tied to accounting.  Mr. Best said MCB has been assured that the two DIT employees, Ms. Sherri Heibeck and Ms. Julia Burdgick, will continue to be assigned to the Commission.

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

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM (BEP) REPORT

Mr. Fred Wurtzel commended the 3-day staff training and reported that as a result of this training, their bookkeeping clerk Ms. Judy Black, has produced and revised essential forms in an accessible format for the blind staff.

Mr. Wurtzel expressed his opinion that one result of closing the School for the Blind and mainstreaming blind students into the classroom, is that many are excluded from activities in and out of the classroom which causes them to become more timid and less confident.  This affects their future careers and relates to the BEP as it is necessary to overcome this reticence in becoming a successful operator.

Mr. Wurtzel commended the board for appointing Mr. Adler as their liaison.

Mr. Wurtzel reported two operations in Constitution Hall and the Operations Center have become stalled.  It appears that MCB has done everything possible to get the necessary changes carried out without success.  Mr. Wurtzel hopes that transfer to DLEG will have a beneficial effect and provide some new business opportunities including the MSHDA office housed in the old state library building.

Plans are ongoing for a project to include Braille on pop machines and improving the accessibility of vending machines.

ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE (EOC) REPORT

Mr. Joe Sontag, Chair, thanked the Commission for the opportunity to participate at the Commissioner retreat and have serious discussion about many issues. Mr. Sontag reported that Mr. Eric Seal had resigned as Chairman of the EOC in October and at a special meeting, Mr. Sontag was elected Chair and Mr. Bill Myers was elected Vice Chair.

Several field meetings were held to establish tentative budgets, by facility and territory, which are hoped to be concluded when the MCB budget is final.  Mr. Sontag said Mr. Adler was especially helpful in giving business and marketing advice.

At the most recent regular meeting, discussion was held on the operators selection system in place since early 2003.  Some fine-tuning is expected, especially regarding the rating for experience, however, recommendations are not yet ready for presentation to the board. 

Mr. Sontag said that training issues were also discussed based on concerns raised by the training subcommittee, especially training for completely blind individuals; a follow-up meeting was held with BEP staff. 

Mr. Sontag praised the changes he has seen since he was last chair of the EOC in the early 1990s, especially the collaboration and cooperation between the operators and the BEP staff.

A resolution was presented seeking federal arbitration for the State Attorney General to represent MCB regarding a vending facility decision made at the George W. Young Postal Facility in Detroit.

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO SUPPORT THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISEPROGRAM RESOLUTION, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Casey Dutmer thanked the Commission for the invitation to participate in the Commissioner retreat.  Mr. Dutmer also commented that the speaker system in the room did not allow the audience to hear speakers clearly.

Ms. Lydia Schuck urged the Commission to determine how funds are being spent for staff and services at the School for the Blind.

Mr. George Wurtzel urged the Commission to help Camp Tuhsmeheta continue to run its programs.

Ms. Mary Wurtzel asked the Commission to help prevent a repeat of what happened to the School for the Blind and any negative actions regarding Camp Tuhsmeheta.

Ms. Allison Hilliker asked the Commission to help publicize the existence of the Michigan Association of Blind Students.  Ms. Hilliker also requested that student input be included on programs and services at the Training Center, and to encourage mentoring by older graduated students.

Mr. Fred Wurtzel, speaking as a private individual, commended the Commission for their recent, encouraging actions and openness to both consumer organizations. Mr. Wurtzel suggested that the consumer organizations be approached for possible funding that could be used in an effort to not lose federal matching funds.

ADJOURNMENT

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

            The meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m.  The next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at the Gateway Centre Holiday Inn in Flint.  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