APPROVED

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

SEPTEMBER 22, 2OO3

TAWAS BAY HOLIDAY INN RESORT

EAST TAWAS, MICHIGAN

MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

Ms. Peeti Greene, Vice Chairperson

Mr. Robert Adler

Mr. J. J. Jackson

Ms. Barbara Thomas

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

None

MCB STAFF PRESENT

Mr. Patrick Cannon

Ms. Tish Kingaby

Ms. Melody Lindsey

Mr. Larry Best

Mr. Leamon Jones

Mr. Fred Wurtzel

Mr. Raymond Kirklin

Ms. Elizabeth White

Ms. Rosalind Byers-Lang

GUESTS

Mr. Ronald Roots

Ms. Sharon Roots

Mr. Joseh A. Marcus

Mr. Clarence Haas

Ms. Laverne Haas

Ms. Gayl Meger

Ms. Manuela Kress

Ms. Sandra K. Suddendort

Ms. Annabel Ranger

Ms. Valarie Barnum-Yarger

Mr. Terrance Payton

Mr. Eric Seal

Ms. Toni Wiles

Ms. Lynda Leideker

Mr. Mike Romeo

Mr. David Cooper

Ms. Andrea Mester

Ms. Naomi Larman

Mr. Leo Fitzpatrick

Ms. Debra Sayles

Mr. David Wentworth

Ms. Julie Doherty

Mr. Robert Teachout

Ms. Elaine Kristi

Mr. Glenn Whitten

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

            The Committee of the Whole was called to order by Chairperson Pilarski at 9:02 a.m. 

COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

Ms. Peeti Greene announced that a Diversity Training session for Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) staff and commissioners would be held October 16 2003 in Okemos. The training, advocated by MCB’S Cultural Diversity Committee, would focus on five cultures: African-American, Asian-American, Latino-American, Native American and Arab-American.

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski and Mr. J.J. Jackson attended the Consumer Involvement Council meeting on August 4, 2003 at the Training Center. 

Ms. Pilarski attended the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Elected Operators Committee (EOC) meeting on September 6, 2003 in Grand Rapids. Significant items discussed were operator training; demonstration of equipment to clean out deep fryers in the concessions; and a proposed cooperative training program with the State of Indiana.

MCB Long Term Strategic Plan

At Ms. Pilarski’s request, Director Patrick Cannon gave a short history on the development of the MCB Long Term Strategic Plan, beginning with the subsequent formations of the Vision 2020 Design Team, six focus design teams, and the Planning and Quality (PAQ) Team.  The PAQ team, a combination of the original Vision 2020 Team, MCB managers and supervisors, used data from surveys completed by staff, stakeholders and consumers, to prepare the Long Term Strategic Plan through 2007.  Mr. Cannon explained this is an evolving document, the result of several draft versions, which is broadbased in content and not meant to be specific.  The short term plan for the year 2004 would be produced by the end of the year and would be more detailed.

Ms. Pilarski asked the gathering for feedback.  Mr. Robert Adler felt the document may be too large and suggested it would be better to minimize the goals, concentrating on those which MCB can best carry out.

Ms. Barbara Thomas felt that a direct target should be included to contact physicians, ophthalmologists, etc.  Mr. Cannon suggested that this might be included in the short term plan for 2004.

Mr. Adler asked whether students at medical or ophthalmology schools were given instruction on what to do when a person becomes legally blind. Mr. Cannon said that MCB was in contact with Ferris State University and private entities to keep them apprised of MCB’s services.

Ms. Thomas suggested development of a public service announcement (PSA).  Mr. Cannon said that MCB had talked with Family Independence Agency (FIA) but since television stations are no longer required to air a certain number of PSAs and do it at their inclination, FIA does not feel it is worthwhile to expend funds to produce the PSAs.  Mr. Cannon said that FIA had helped them produce an information video on MCB and that he was optimistic that MCB’s proposed move to a new department might produce a different outlook on PSAs.  Ms. Greene said that the cable companies were willing to air PSAs but that personal contact was more helpful in getting them aired.  Ms. Greene said that doing outreach to various volunteer groups to help them spread the word should be a task for the focus teams. Ms. Thomas suggested that big industries might help in producing PSAs as a write-off or that students in broadcasting schools might produce them as part of their curriculum.

Ms. Gayl Meger, Michigan Works! Standish Office, proposed that a section on MCB and its services might be included in the Michigan Works! standard employer manual, next to a section that already exists for Michigan Rehabilitation Services.

Mr. Ron Roots from Tawas said that television was a good way to reach people who are blind, as they will still listen to it, and their friends will pass on information they have seen.

Mr. Joseph Marcus described his experience as he became blind, and asked the Commission for direction because the ophthalmologist could no longer help him.  Mr. Adler said that the Commission does not hold out false hope of restoring sight, but that MCB can help people achieve independence through training in blindness skills and other services.

Ms. Debra Keyes, Bay County Division on Aging, said it would be helpful if MCB would provide an educational component which their staff could use as a tool or resource when advising seniors.

Ms. Andrea Mester said that getting the word out about MCB was very necessary, as many people have no knowledge of it.

The Committee of the Whole was adjourned at 10:10 a.m.

REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

            The regular meeting was called to order at 10:25 a.m.  Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 23, 2003 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. Cannon welcomed the audience, explaining that it was MCB’s purpose in holding Commission meetings around the state to allow people to attend and voice their issues, and learn more about the Commission and its services.

Mr. Cannon reported that Governor Granholm had reappointed Ms. Pilarski to the Commission and designated her as the chair.

Mr. Cannon said Governor Granholm had issued Executive Order 2003-14 on September 17, 2003 which created the new Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) and transferred the Commission for the Blind to the new department from the Family Independence Agency (FIA).  Mr. Cannon gave a brief history of the Commission and its placement in various departments in its 25 years of operation.  Mr. Cannon also explained the scope of the changes covered under the Executive Order, including the transfer of the Commission on Disability Concerns from FIA to DLEG, and advised the board that the legislature had a 60-day period in which it could reject the order. Pending that legislative action, the transfer of MCB will not take place until November 17, 2003.  Mr. Cannon said many blind people felt that MCB more properly fit in a department that focused on employment rather than welfare.

Mr. Cannon said that celebrations of the 25^th anniversary of the Commission would begin October 8^th with an open house at the MCB Training Center, showcasing the achievements of the Commission and its clients.  Invitees include all individuals, past and current, who have served as appointees to the board, staff and former employees.  Mr. Cannon said that Governor Granholm had been invited but at this time it was not known if she could attend.

Mr. Cannon said that in July the Governor had selected him as her Disability Policy Advisor, and that he was pleased to accept that designation.  Mr. Cannon said he expected to continue as director of the Commission in his new role.

Governor Granholm also signed “Freedom to Work” legislation on July 2, 2003, that allows all Social Security Supplement Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients to work without jeopardizing their health care benefits.

Mr. Cannon said the vote on the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act was still underway in Washington, with the act having passed the House and now awaiting action by the Senate when it returns from summer recess.  There is still controversial language in the act passed by the House, including the right for governors to redirect rehab dollars to the one-stop centers. Mr. Cannon said it is anticipated that the amount of rehab dollars that governors could redirect may be capped. Another section would diminish the role of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) commissioner, making it an appointed civil service position rather than a presidential appointment.  It is expected that the reauthorization of the act will be completed before the end of the year.

Mr. Cannon reported that in June approximately 45 staff had attended a workshop on the Americans With Disabilities Act, thirteen years after its enactment, so that teachers and counselors would learn about changes and reinterpretations of the law.  As reported earlier in the meeting, a cultural diversity training is scheduled for October 16, 2003.

In July, Mr. Cannon and Mr. Leamon Jones attended a two-day Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Region V meeting in Chicago.  The RSA is the federal agency which oversees public rehabilitation agencies.  Issues included the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act and the Rehabilitation Act.  Mr. Cannon said that Mr. Jones attended as the new director of the Consumer Services Division, a personnel action made since the last Commission meeting.  In addition, Mr. Jones has selected Ms. Diamalyn Gaston as his secretary.

Mr. Cannon reported that 156 clients had been served through the mini-adjustment programs in fiscal year 2003.  Four programs are planned for the next fiscal year to take place in Mount Pleasant, a city to be selected in the Thumb area of Michigan, Romulus, and Southfield.  In addition, two specialized programs will be presented for youth and for Deafblind.

Mr. Cannon said that Mayor David Hollister, director of the new Department of Labor and Economic Growth had been invited to the December 15, 2003 Commission meeting in Lansing, and had accepted.

Mr. Jackson asked about the disposition of Camp Tuhsmeheta, a 360-acre facility located in Greenville, and operated by the School for the Blind under the Department of Education.  Mr. Cannon said a meeting was scheduled with Dr. Jacquelyn Thompson, Department of Education, and Eric Rader of the Governor’s Office to discuss the possibility of transferring Camp Tuhsmeheta to the Commission for the Blind.  Also, at this meeting, identification of K-12 students who are visually impaired will be discussed.

Chair Pilarski congratulated Mr. Cannon on his selection by the Governor as her Disability Policy Adviser, and Mr. Leamon Jones on his new position as Consumer Services Division Director.

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

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

            Mr. Leamon Jones reported that his staff have been working on services for youth, introducing them to rehabilitation programs and training that is available, and working with community partners.  Mr. Jones said the high school high tech program pilot beginning in MCB’s Western Region will also give further opportunities to youth.  In the Eastern Region, a program is being developed partnering American Employers and Youth Voices with schools to do programs to allow youth to identify employment opportunities and obtain jobs skills.  Also, cash match programs are being developed through the intermediate school districts to help youth to become familiar with job sharing and job training opportunities.

            Mr. Jones said the transfer of the Youth Low Vision program from  Central Office to the field has been very positive.  Procedures are being developed to assess the effectiveness of the program and to provide more services.

            Training opportunities continue to be offered to the staff, particularly in the area of vocational development and job placement.   Ten new staff have completed the first phase of training by Gilmore and Associates to develop concepts of job placement.  A refresher course will be offered to all  staff in the next year, as job placement concepts are continually evolving.

Mr. Jones reported that the RSA 107 Review was held in August and was completed successfully.  One area to be evaluated in the future is MCB’s competitiveness in the present economy.  Another area is partnerships.

Mr. Jones reported that in addition to the selection of Ms. Gaston as his secretary, efforts are continuing to fill positions for the Eastern Region Supervisor and a teacher/counselor for the Escanaba office.

Mr. Jones participated in the Deafblind retreat on September 12, 2003 and said it was very educational for him and an area of focus in the coming year.

In their last meeting, Mr. Jones said the Services Delivery Design Team held discussion on the potential use by MCB of Camp Tuhsmeheta if it could be transferred.

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

REGIONAL UPDATES AND COMMUNITY PARTNER REPORTS

            Ms. Elizabeth White reported that the second pilot for the high school high tech program is planned for Flint. 

Ms. White said that in Port Huron, the Blue Water Center for Independent Living (CIL) and the local office of the Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) have been working with MCB to develop plans to provide services for those who may not be eligible for MCB services or for MRS’ independent living services. It is hoped to involve Lions Worlds in Little Rock to help train the CIL staff and get a cash-match agreement in place.

Au Sable Valley Community Mental Health

            Ms. White introduced Ms. Lynda Leideker and Ms. Toni Wiles of Au Sable Valley Community Mental Health who reported on their Supportive Employment program. They have about 180 candidates with mental retardation, half of whom wish to work, and 67 of whom work in the community and the three county area in which they operate: Ogemaw, Iosco and Oscoda.  Their philosophy is to facilitate each individual’s potential to work, giving them respect in their community, greater independence and improved quality of life.  There are about 50-60 businesses which will work with the program to employ people with disabilities and there is a peer support group called Job Club that meets once a month.  They help people develop their own micro enterprises or home businesses.  One very successful business developed, with the support of MCB, is Neighbors, Inc. and Ms. Wiles introduced Mr. David Cooper and Mr. Mike Romeo.

Neighbors, Inc.

Mr. Romeo explained the history of the development of their company, a recycling business established with a single dumpster at the old Wurtsmith Air Force Base and since moved to a 5000 square foot building with six employees.  MCB became involved by helping Mr. Cooper purchase baling machines and begin his own business within the recycling center.  Mr. Romeo complimented the many agencies and groups which have helped them achieve the esteem they feel with this successful operation.  Mr. David Cooper described the various workings of the recycling center, and in particular the baling machines and how recycled goods are processed.

Regional Update

            Mr. Raymond Kirklin, of the MCB Flint/Saginaw offices, whose area cover ten counties in north-eastern lower Michigan, reported a success story in his area which concerned a person who wished to become a singer, overcame problems in getting her degree with the help of MCB, and eventually achieved her goals with a cruise line contract.  At a recent benefit concert she gave, Kirklin said that, in a newspaper report on the benefit, no mention was made of her blindness but rather her achievements as an individual.

Michigan Works! Standish Office

Mr. Kirklin introduced Ms. Gayl Meger, business liaison with employers in Arenac County.  Ms. Meger commented that she still discovers a great many people who do not know of the Commission’s existence, and that generally people will not look until there is a need.  Ms. Meger reiterated her suggestion that a section on MCB be included in their employer manual.   Ms. Meger explained how Michigan Works! operates and clarified that they are not state of Michigan employees, although a state employee will assist people in filing Unemployment Compensation forms at their office.  Their staff maintain the forms, assist people with job employment services for job seekers, help laid-off workers during their transition, and are contracted with FIA to help people on assistance find jobs.  The offices are One Stop Centers and additional services include Michigan Rehabilitation Services, 4-Cs (a child day care for people getting a job), veterans services, and the availability of a resource room.

Iosco Regional Education Service Agency

Mr. Kirklin introduced Ms. Julie Doherty, the Visual Impairment Coordinator for Iosco Schools.  Ms. Doherty gets referrals from the school district, does assessments, and arranges low vision screenings.  Ms. Doherty serves as a resource person with information on equipment for the visually impaired. In October, she will be trained to run the vision and hearing screeners for birth through five years old.

Iosco Economic Development Forum

            Mr. Kirklin introduced Mr. David Wentworth who explained that about 4 years previously, a competition had been presented to economics students attending Michigan’s universities with the prize to be awarded to the student who could provide the best scenario for solving Iosco County’s economic development problems.   A plan was developed based on preserving their communities and environment while expanding their economy, which included a course taught at the Michigan State University Extension for people wishing to start their own businesses.  

Recessed for lunch at 11:55 a.m.

            -------------------------------------------------------------------

            Chairperson Pilarski reconvened the meeting at 1:15 p.m.

CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM REPORT

Ms. Manuela Kress gave a brief overview of the Client Assistance Program (CAP), which is part of the mandated Rehabilitation Act, formerly housed within Michigan Rehabilitation Services.  In 1997, it was placed in the Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service (MPAS), a private non-profit agency which exists in every state.  Offices are located in Lansing, Livonia and Marquette. A new program under the Ticket to Work legislation is Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of SSI and SSDI (PABSS) who wish to return to work. 

Ms. Kress manages both these programs which serve about 600 clients a year, 50 of whom this year have been legally blind, and includes training and outreach to underserved and unserved populations.  They try to solve problems at the lowest level possible, working with clients and counselors, before proceeding to higher levels, or ultimately a hearing, which they try to avoid as much as possible as they are very labor and time intensive.

Plans for the future include a meeting with the MCB Training Center on policies; and a self-advocacy guide being developed for clients that covers many repeat inquiries and helps them through the appeal process.  Ms. Kress said it was her intention to become more knowledgeable of MCB’s policies and procedures.

Ms. Kress said most of the calls received from clients concerning MCB have to do with job placement and training, not finding or not advocating for jobs with employers; training programs outside the state which some consider better than Michigan’s; and Ticket To Work issues.  Ms. Kress said MCB staff are very receptive to solving problems.

Ms. Kress offered to send a quarterly and annual report to the Commission; it was requested the annual report be sent in an electronic format to commissioners.  Mr. Cannon thanked Ms. Kress and said MCB is pleased with the cooperation between MPAS and MCB staff.

STATEWIDE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL (SILC)

Ms. Valarie Barnum-Yarger, Community Development Director, said SILC was a governor-appointed, cross-disability Council, mandated to have between 17 and 25 members, with a two-person staff, funded in part by MCB and MRS. 

Ms. Yarger announced that following the Commission meeting, a focus group meeting would be held which anyone could attend.  Feedback is sought on disability issues, blindness issues and community barriers.  Information from focus groups is compiled, presented to MCB and used by SILC in the development of their Statewide Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), due next July.  Summaries of constituent feedback are also given in an anonymous format to the Governor once a year.

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Ms. Melody Lindsey reported that a Consumer Involvement Council (CIC) meeting was held in August, highlighting the programs at the Training Center and featuring many Training Center staff.  A panel of students described their experiences, what they were learning and their goals.

The new college assessment tool was used over the summer for 26 students, nineteen of whom used large print and seven Braille.  A wide range of skill levels was determined among the students.

Ms. Lindsey said for the first time, the Training Center staff set up a program where a senior high school student could learn kitchen skills, in order to have experience which he could use to earn money when he attends college.

During the summer, staff from the Library of Michigan Services for the Blind came to the Training Center to talk about the need for materials on Braille and cassette.   Following this meeting, the selection has improved dramatically.

The Statler Center, out of New York, came to the Training Center to do a presentation on job training in the hotel industry. 

Ms. Mary Zemlich and Ms. Lynne Hall have been working on job readiness programs and have been successful in having a local company, Amazing Acrylics, give students the opportunities to develop job skills.  It is hoped to develop this into more far reaching opportunities in other companies.

On October 16, 2003, a day long meeting will be held for field staff and Training Center staff to discuss training issues for the students, and changes that need to be made.   It is expected that regular meetings will be held in the future to enhance communication regarding training and enhance services to the consumers.

In November, a technology seminar developed by the Technology Design Team will be held for MCB staff.  The Mini-Adjustment programs are being planned for next year and include special programs for youth and the Deafblind.  The Deafblind program, targeted for 15-20 people who have been deaf and are now experiencing vision loss, is being planned for Lansing during the week of June 20 or June 27, 2004.

Ms. Lindsey said additional activities include the plan for Mr. Jim Baird to work for a two-week period in the Upper Peninsula area to help Escanaba staff provide services; development of a team to work on the guidelines; and the ongoing partnership with the Kalamazoo County Medical Services where students do inservices at the Training Center.

Ms. Lindsey said Mr. Jim Baird will represent her at the next Commission meeting, as she will be at the second phase of the National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute in San Diego.

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

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Larry Best reported that no further news had been received regarding the audits, however, it is not expected that any funds will need to be refunded.

Mr. Best updated the Commission on the Roy Johnson Trust, for which he has been acting as trustee, and said he has been working with the bank to possibly end the trust due to dwindling funds.  Four $600 scholarships were awarded, two from the Roy Johnson Trust and two from the Earl Steenstra memorial fund.  Mrs. Mary Steenstra was pleased with the use of the funds.

Regarding the transfer to the new department, Mr. Best said all accounting will continue to be done through FIA, probably through the first quarter. A chart of accounts was published to the MCB staff to use for account coding in fiscal year 2004.  Year-end closing has again been moved up, similar to last year, with a very short closing.

Mr. Best said that 79 percent of the fiscal year 2003 budget has been expended through the end of August, however, costs have not yet hit the books for year-end training, strategic planning, Stanley Herman Trust Fund, and gifts.  It does not appear that MCB will overexpend.  About $204,000 of the separate Youth Low Vision $260,000 line item has been expended, with perhaps $30-40,000 still committed.  Due to the state’s poor budget situation, Mr. Best did not request additional funds from the federal government this year, as no funds could be spared for match from the state.  It is hoped to maintain the present funding.  Mr. Best met with the FIA budget analyst to confirm the amount in hand at the beginning of the new fiscal year.  The budget process for 2005 is already beginning.

Mr. Best announced that it was his intention to retire at the end of February 2004, due to his uncertain health situation.  Ms. Pilarski wished him the best for the future.

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

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT AND
ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE REPORT

Mr. Fred Wurtzel gave an overview of the Administrative Law Judge process, under which operators with complaints against MCB could advance to a hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who has the authority to rule on complaints based on facts and law.  It is not a court of equity, but a decision on whether MCB followed the rules.  The final ALJ decision is then rejected or accepted by the Commission Board.  Any discussion or review of the ALJ hearings is held under closed session.  Mr. Wurtzel said that MCB staff support acceptance of the two ALJ recommendations presented to the Commission.  The Board concurred that no discussion was necessary.

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO AFFIRM THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DECISIONS ON DAWN THOMAS AND DOUGLAS BACON, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Wurtzel reported that space management continues to be a cause for concern, however, the Department of Management and Budget had identified $300,000 to build out the Operations Center cafeteria. This construction is well under way and should be completed within six weeks.  MCB will provide the equipment for the facility and it may be opened in November.  In the Treasury Building, however, there is a plan to reduce MCB’s space to put in a hot food operation, which MCB is opposing.

Mr. Wurtzel said that exploration has been made to develop joint training with the State of Indiana and a trip was made to inspect their facilities, which were found to be excellent.  At the present time there are more facilities opening up in Michigan than there are operators to fill them, whereas Indiana has more manpower than facilities. Mr. Eric Seal, Chair of the Elected Operators Committee, said the Elected Operators Committee supports the concept of perhaps a five-state regional training center for BEP operators to encourage ease of movement for them between the states with consistent training and facilities.

Mr. Seal said that discussion was held regarding an additional means to provide jobs for blind people with Blackstone Associates, a management company which fronts the money for facilities at military installations such as the Veterans Administration facility in Detroit and the proposed Homeland Security facility at Selfridge.

Mr. Seal said a budget meeting was planned in late October to deal with master plans for the facilities in the most efficient manner.  A master plan deals with the build up of a facility, to prioritize decisions on more and better equipment and technology, etc., to meet the needs of the operation.

Discussion was held regarding the fact that vending machines in BEP facilities are not accessible to the blind, without sighted assistance, and it was suggested that labeling or voice identification be investigated.

MS. THOMAS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. GREENE, TO HAVE THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM (BEP) MOVE FORWARD TO ACHIEVE ACCESSIBILITY AT ALL OF THE BEP FACILITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED, BY EXPLORING THE FEASIBIILITY OF MAKING ALL VENDING MACHINES ACCESSIBLE AS WELL AS ESTABLISHING TIMELINES TO MAKE ALL OTHER SUPPLIES AND SERVICES ACCESSIBLE. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Wurtzel reported a meeting with Mr. Mike Buhler of Leelanau Coffee Roasting Company in Glen Arbor to discuss the possibility of stocking a good quality coffee in the BEP operations.  Mr. Seal said it was the intent of the EOC to work more closely with the BEP staff to promote such services.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. THOMAS, TO ACCEPT THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT AND THE ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT

            Ms. Elaine Kristi, Program Coordinator/Vocational Coordinator of Arenac Opportunity gave a description of her facility, which has ten staff people and a bussing system, that provides services for the elderly and disabled, including employment and day care.  Ms. Kristi reviews all documentation for Medicare/Medicaid for people in the program, and manages supportive employment for their clients, which total about 75 people at this time.

Mr. Clarence Haas said new talking chip technology could be a solution to helping blind people navigate around restrooms, as it was impossible to standardize each facility.

Ms. Andrea Mester said it was imperative that Michigan Commission for the Blind not be identified with a department in its phone listings, as it is almost impossible for people and operators to find the number.  Ms. Mester also concurred with the need to make vending machines accessible.

ADJOURNMENT

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

            The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.  The next meeting will be on Monday, October 20, 2003 at the Centerpoint Marriott in Pontiac.  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