APPROVED

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

JANUARY 21, 2OO3

CADILLAC PLACE

DETROIT, MI

MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

Ms. Peeti Greene, Vice Chairperson

Mr. J. J. Jackson

Ms. Barbara Thomas

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

Mr. Robert Adler

MCB STAFF PRESENT

Mr. Patrick Cannon

Ms. Melody Lindsey

Ms. Tish Kingaby

Mr. Larry Best

Mr. James Buscetta

Ms. Corda Moss

Ms. Gwen McNeal

Mr. Leamon Jones

Ms. Janis Benstead

Mr. Russ Sheehan

Ms. Connie Henshaw

Ms. Aliyamma Lukose

Mr. Bob Arnold

Ms. Lisa Cook

Mr. T. King Nelson

Ms. Claudia Jones

Mr. Fred Wurtzel

Mr. Joe Pelle

Ms. Renee Biondo

GUESTS

Mr. John Victory

Mr. James Brady

Ms. Carole Osmar

Mr. Dave Siler

Mr. Geer Wilcox

Mr. Casey Dutmer

Ms. Karen Arendall

Ms. Nancy Moss

Ms. Maria Wurtzel

Ms. Sheila Ashcroft

Mr. Donald Knox  

Ms. Marcia Brink-Chaney

Ms. Marylee Alzner

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

            The Committee of the Whole was called to order by Chairperson Pilarski at 9:20 a.m.  Ms. Pilarski expressed her appreciation for the calls and cards regarding her husband’s surgery.

COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

            Ms. Thomas said she would be attending the Mini-Adjustment Workshop in Sterling Heights on Thursday, January 23, 2003.

            Mr. Jackson attended the Consumer Involvement Council (CIC) Meeting in Lansing on January 6, 2003.  The CIC is in the process of reviewing a letter outlining some concerns and issues which they wish to send to the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB). Mr. Jackson said the issues included standardizing an approach to determining assistive technology needs for all MCB clients.  At the present time, a counselor determines this on an individual basis.  A second concern was to encourage MCB to meet with its partners, such as Department of Education, to review client services collaborations.  Mr. Cannon said he believed this letter would be received in time to be reviewed under Board Correspondence at the February Commission meeting. Mr. Jackson reported that Geer Wilcox, a retired clinical social worker, was elected as new Chair and Larry Wanger, from the Grand Rapids Center for Independent Living, was elected Vice Chair.

Ms. Greene was unable to attend the last two meetings of the Cultural Diversity Committee, and requested that Mr. Jackson report on the status.  Mr. Jackson reported that the Committee was working on a letter to recruit new members, so that the Committee would reflect the diversity in the population.  When the letter is finalized, it will be submitted to Mr. Cannon for his review and signature.  Ms. Greene invited anyone who was interested to attend the next 2003 Cultural Diversity Committee meeting scheduled for February 6, 2003, at the Victor Building, Lansing.  Ms. Greene also announced that she had met with Mary Lou Olivarez-Mason, Executive Director of the Spanish Speaking People for the State of Michigan, who indicated that she would send representatives to attend the February 6, meeting.

DIRECTOR CANNON’S EVALUATION

The Director’s competencies and performance objectives for 2002 were reviewed and Ms. Pilarski gave the average rating by the commissioners for each item.  Ms. Pilarski said Commissioner Adler abstained from participating in this evaluation, as he did not feel his brief association with the Commission gave him enough foundation to form a constructive opinion.  The evaluations were completed utilizing a rating scale of one (low) to five (above expectations).  Commissioners made favorable comments during the evaluation. Ms. Pilarski commented that the ratings, when averaged out, would score about 4.4, which was an excellent evaluation.

            Regarding the performance objectives for the 2003 evaluation, commissioners asked that the format be improved for easier completion, as there was some confusion as to when a rating was required.  The proposed 2003 performance factors were reviewed.  Mr. Cannon pointed out that the Section I competencies (three items) were unchanged.  Under Section II, Performance Objectives, a new objective had been added to ensure timely annual evaluations of Business Enterprise Program (BEP) operators by the Promotional Agents.  After discussion, it was agreed that these evaluations should be completed by the end of the third quarter (September 30).

The Committee of the Whole was adjourned at 10:05 a.m.

REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

            The regular meeting was called to order at 10:20 a.m.  Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 16, 2002 MEETING AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT

            Sheila Ashcroft, E-Blind, Pontiac, expressed her appreciation regarding the Assistive Technology Program.

            Ms. Pilarski congratulated Geer Wilcox on his election as Chair of the Consumer Involvement Council.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. THOMAS, TO ACCEPT THE NEW OBJECTIVES FOR THE DIRECTOR’S 2003 EVALUATION.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MS. THOMAS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO FORMALLY ADOPT THE DIRECTOR’S 2002 EVALUATION AND FORWARD IT TO THE DIRECTOR, FAMILY INDEPENDENCE AGENCY.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            Ms. Pilarski reiterated for those people who did not attend the Committee of the Whole portion of the meeting, that Mr. Cannon had received a fine evaluation for the calendar year 2002.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

            There was no Board Correspondence.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

            Mr. Cannon called attention to his written MCB report previously distributed to the Commission, indicating that he wished to highlight a few sections of the report. 

            Mr. Cannon officially introduced Tish Kingaby, the new administrative assistant for the Commission Director, and expressed his appreciation for those who had helped since Connie Kreiner retired in August, 2002, especially Corda Moss and Carla Haynes.

            Mr. Cannon said the first article detailed plans for the next Planning and Quality (PAQ) Team, which is part of the Vision 2020 Initiative, to meet January 27, 2003.  Self-assessments and self-evaluations of the agency had been completed, and data had been gathered from many sources, including staff and stakeholders.  The six focus design teams have been meeting with stakeholders and consumer organizations, and have prepared reports.  This data will be reviewed at the PAQ Team meeting, at which priorities will be identified for action with the aim of completing a strategic plan by the end of the year.

            Regarding the mini-adjustment workshops, one is in progress this week in Sterling Heights, which had attracted 54 participants, a higher than average number. Mr. Cannon urged the commissioners to attend and is pleased Ms. Thomas will be attending Thursday.  Mr. Cannon and Ms. Kingaby will also join the program through Thursday.  Future programs in 2003 will take place in Cadillac, Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Escanaba.

            Mr. Cannon reported on the U.S. Access Board’s Public Rights of Way Access Advisory Committee, which held a public hearing in October in Portland, Oregon.  The public comment period ended in October and the Committee received 1,400 responses on proposed rule making for pedestrian crossings, detectable warnings, etc.  These comments are available on the Access Board’s website, www.access-board.com.

            Mr. Cannon concluded with comments regarding the new appointments of twelve of the thirteen department heads selected by Governor Granholm.  The new director of the Family Independence Agency (FIA) is Nannette Bowler, with whom Mr. Cannon has a scheduled meeting. Mr. Cannon requested and received approval by the Commission to invite Ms. Bowler to attend the February 18, 2003 meeting of the Commission.  Mr. Cannon also expressed his optimism regarding support for the Commission’s activities under the new Governor.

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

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

            Mr. Buscetta reported that the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) 107 Monitoring and Technical Assistance Review should be finalized shortly and sent to the Commissioners before the next Commission meeting. Specific mention was made regarding three areas:

(1)                 MCB’s relationship with special education in Michigan and the need to make stronger collaborative efforts with this community. There is a problem identifying blind children in Michigan schools as they are included in a group identified as disabled. Presently, the only indicator is the number of requests received for reading enhanced or Braille materials.  The Youth Low Vision program has been moved to the field staff and this should facilitate contact with younger blind students. 

(2)                 Building better relationships with the Michigan Works! Offices. About two years ago, MCB contacted all Michigan Works! Offices and offered its services of free technical consultation in placing assistive technology equipment to aid the visually impaired.  Recently, a $500,000 grant was made available to Michigan Works! and it is hoped that they will utilize these funds for such equipment and work with MCB.

(3)                 MCB must adjust its verbiage in its regulations on the Trial Work Experience policy covering a plan for individuals and agreements with community partners to utilize community rehabilitation programs.

Mr. Buscetta reported on the Ticket To Work program.  In Michigan, only 12 tickets from the first round of mailing (approximately 3,000) have been issued so far in this voluntary work program, and nationally 90 percent of the tickets have been issued by state agencies, to clients already known or served by those agencies.  The second mailing was due to be sent in mid January, but had not been done to date.  Funding has not been sufficient to entice private enterprise to become involved.  As present, MCB is in the process of establishing its payment routing resources in able to accept referrals.

Mr. Buscetta said there has been discussion regarding proposed changes in the policy manual on maintenance and expenditures for our clients, as these differ depending upon training circumstances.  MCB will be presenting a draft change to the policy manual to offer uniformity of these services for clients to the Consumer Involvement Council to solicit their input.  It is planned to present the draft to the Commission at the April meeting.

Commissioners expressed concern at the ongoing problem in identifying blind students in school districts. Mr. Cannon said MCB has a memorandum of agreement with Special Education Services which had pledged to help identify the number of visually impaired students in the K-12 school system; however, this had not yet been accomplished, apparently due to a problem with the disabilities coding system.  Mr. Cannon stated that staff would be following up again with the Office of Special Education Services in the Department of Education.

Mr. Buscetta introduced two new staff, Janis Benstead and Lisa Cook, who have been hired as rehabilitation counselors assigned to the Lansing office.

REGIONAL REPORT

Mr. Jones reported that the Eastern Region was continuing work with the City of Detroit regarding identification or enhancement of housing, transportation and employment opportunities for the blind. 

MCB is also collaborating with Michigan Works! and other community offices to identify more vocational and employment opportunities, and follow-up efforts to assist clients to keep their jobs.

Other activities included: working with students 14 and older in Macomb County schools to develop job seeking skills; participation in a job fair in Monroe County which generated future opportunities to provide vocational training information and the invitation to participate in the next job fair scheduled for April; involvement in a job fair held by the City of Detroit, which provided a survey identifying 800 disabled persons; continuations of mini-adjustment programs and employment readiness programs; a program last summer for young high school students to give them exposure to employment practices and behaviors, from which twelve students gained jobs in local establishments; collaboration with universities to identify higher education rehabilitation counseling programs which resulted in two internships; assisting in Adult Education programs to gain GED and Braille skills.

Mr. Jones said they plan attendance at the February 7, 2003 Western Wayne ISD program on technology, and at an assistive technology fair at Cobo Hall sponsored by the Rehab Institute of Wayne. Anyone wishing to attend these functions was invited to contact Mr. Jones.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS REPORT

Ms. Karen Arendall, Manager of Visually Impaired Services at the Detroit Receiving Hospital-University Health Care, reported that last year 130 students attended, for a total of 1,330 training days. The students come for the day on a pre-arranged schedule, and receive a stipend for lunch.  Local training is helpful for those students who cannot leave home for an extended period and offers them immediate opportunities to practice skills in their homes and neighborhoods.  Ms. Arendall described procedures for contact, referral and training, including pre-vocational evaluation, and emphasized the individual management that each client receives, including discussion of both the client’s and counselor’s goals and subsequent satisfaction levels.

Ms. Arendall introduced Ms. Nancy Moss, Vice President of Professional Services at Detroit Receiving Hospital (DRH) who expressed her appreciation of the long-term collaboration with MCB and their ongoing efforts to improve their services.  Mr. Cannon said Mike Patton was a great ambassador for their program, with his creative approaches to orientation and mobility training.  As a previous student of DRH, Commissioner Thomas strongly complimented this program.

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

            Recessed for lunch at 11:55 a.m.

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            Chairperson Pilarski reconvened the meeting at 1:00 p.m.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISEPROGRAM

ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE REPORT

            Mr. Casey Dutmer, chairperson, Elected Operators Committee (EOC), reported that the EOC approved the proposed changes to the operator evaluation policy, with a rating range from positive six to a negative six, and with a trial period of a year to review its effectiveness.  No negative feedback from the operators had been received regarding this change. Ms. Pilarski commended the EOC on their work to recognize a more equitable policy in evaluating the operators based on their ability, customer service and satisfaction, and seniority.  Ms. Osmar said the EOC hoped that field activity reports would identify and address problems as they arise to prevent negative evaluations.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. GREENE, TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSED ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE POLICY AMENDMENT, ALLOWING FOR MORE VALUE POINTS WITH THE EVALUATION PART OF THE PROMOTIONAL SYSTEM FOR OPERATORS, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MS. GREENE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. THOMAS, TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSED ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE PROMOTIONAL POLICY CHANGES, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MS. THOMAS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSED ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE POLICY AMENDMENT, REMOVING THE COMPLIANCE PORTION OF THE PROFIT PERCENTAGE POLICY, ALLOWING THE PROFIT PERCENTAGE POINTS FROM THE PROMOTIONAL SYSTEM TO TAKE CARE OF ITSELF, PENDING THE APPROVAL OF THE BODY OF THE OPERATORS, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Dutmer reported an upcoming workshop, April 11-13, at the Kellogg Center, East Lansing, with a theme of relationships and planned presentations by Ron Young, a food service consultant from Washington, D.C., and representatives from the Health Department.

Ms. Greene asked whether a vending operation would be established in Cadillac Place, as it was now leased by the State of Michigan. Mr. Wurtzel said there were vending machines on the third, sixth, and ninth floors.  MCB has reserved a space that a deli recently vacated in a prime spot in the lobby area of the first floor; however, there is no ventilation, which is a major issue. There are no plans this fiscal year to add an operation. 

Commissioners asked whether MCB could again request the Department of Management and Budget (DMB) to comply with the Public Act 260 regulations and to address the Commission regarding food service operation prior to leasing or building new facilities.  Mr. Cannon said the non-compliance by DMB was itemized on an unresolved issues list which he would be presenting to the new FIA director.  The board also asked whether the new DMB director, when appointed, could be apprised of this situation as soon as possible.  If a formal meeting is requested with the new director, the Commission requested that Ms. Thomas be invited to attend.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT

            Mr. Wurtzel introduced Mr. Joe Pelle, Detroit Region - Southeast Michigan Area.  Mr. Pelle reported that two new operators, in Jackson and Ann Arbor, are both doing very well, despite the loss of revenue in Jackson caused by the loss of early retirement employees and because welfare recipients no longer need to enter the building.

            Mr. Pelle said he spent time with people from the blind services in Florida, who visited the Detroit area food court prior to establishing their own operation, and advised them to establish a good relationship with the General Services Administration, which manages all the federal real estate property in the country.  Florida has more federal buildings than Michigan, including more prisons.  Michigan PA 260 specifically excludes facilities in state prisons.

            Ms. Thomas stated that the opportunity to work as a vendor should be explained to all clients who receive training from MCB and similar institutions, as this prospect was never discussed during her training period.  Mr. Wurtzel said that efforts should be made to promote the BEP to counselors and with the vocational rehabilitation program.  Mr. Wurtzel invited the commissioners to take a tour of the BEP training facilities and to contact him at any time.

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

MCB TRAINING CENTER (MCBTC) REPORT

            Ms. Lindsey reported a donation to the Training Center of $500 in December, which was used to add Braille books to the MCBTC library.

            Ms. Lindsey attended the Mini-Adjustment Workshop Monday, January 20, 2003 and commended Jim Baird and Bonnie Betz on their excellent work, and Mr. Jones’ staff for the high number of referrals.

            The Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI), part of the Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), provides job training for people with disabilities, however, programs had not been favorable to the blind. Ms. Lindsey met with staff from MRS in order to make the program more accessible and as a result, John Boes has agreed to be on call to assist when a student participates in the MCTI program.  Mr. Dennis Hart, Director, MCTI, requested attendance at future regional staff meetings to determine additional training needs.  Both Mr. Jones and Mr. Kramer support this idea.

            Ms. Lindsey introduced Russ Sheehan, who has been hired as the Rehabilitation Services Coordinator for MCBTC. 

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

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

            Mr. Best reported MCB’s expenditures at 20.1 percent against budget at the end of the first fiscal year quarter. Of this expenditure, the percentage breakdown by program is as follows:  BEP 30.7, Pass-throughs 25, Administration 17, Training Center 20.5, Rehabilitation 16.8, Independent Living 15, and Youth Low Vision at .1.  The expenditure for Youth Low Vision is low due to a temporary coding problem and the distribution of this program out to field staff.  Expenditures should increase as staff become familiar with the program, and they are encouraged to do so as the Legislature created a separate line item for this program adding another $10,000, for a total appropriation of $260,000.

            Mr. Best reported that, to date, no federal appropriations have been finalized for the current fiscal year and that presently estimates based on last year’s appropriations are being used.  The situation is still unclear for Fiscal Year 2004.

            MCB is exploring various ways of guaranteeing services for the next several years with the contractor for System 6 services.  In relation to the Department of Information Technology (DIT), Mr. Best said it was uncertain whether this newly created department would be restructured and employees reassigned to their original departments.

            Regarding personnel, Mr. Best reported that, in addition to the four new employees introduced at the meeting, Ms. Diamalynn Gaston was transferred from Secretary, Independent Living Program, to Secretary for the Lansing Regional Office, and Ms. Judy Black is the new Accounting Assistant 5 for BEP. Another counselor position for the Detroit area is vacant and when filled, should bring MCB’s employee count to 89.  MCB has only two more allotted positions, and Mr. Best said this would not provide all the positions necessary the meet the needs for field staff and a BEP secretary.   Mr. Cannon is still petitioning FIA to increase the head count.   The FIA director recently issued a memorandum regarding Central Office hiring freeze due to possible hiring imbalances throughout the state, but it is uncertain how this will affect MCB.

            Mr. Best said that BEP had retained Ms. Colleen Cooper to implement discussions at staff meetings, to help them facilitate tasks and distribute workload amongst themselves and the operators.  This action  appears to be very effective so far.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

            Gwen McNeal informed the group that Terence Mitchell, a very successful blind client who had brought national attention to MCB, had unfortunately passed away at the age of 31.

ADJOURNMENT

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

            The meeting was adjourned at 2:20 p.m.  The next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 at the Victor Building in Lansing.  The Committee of the Whole meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the regular meeting will start at 10:00 a.m.

JoAnn Pilarski, Chairperson

Date