COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Ms. Peeti Greene, Vice Chairperson
Dr. Velma Allen
Mr. Donald Bowman
Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Mr. Earl Steenstra, Chairperson

MCB STAFF PRESENT
Mr. Patrick Cannon
Ms. Lisa Kisiel
Mr. James Buscetta
Ms. Melody Lindsey
Mr. Bernie Kramer
Mr. Larry Best
Mr. Robert Tinney
Mr. Fred Wurtzel
Mr. Charles Dunn
Ms. Corda Moss
Ms. Sherry Gordon

GUESTS
Ms. Virginia Bailey
Ms. Amy Baron
Ms. Vera Bella
Mr. Cecil Burns
Ms. M.J. Burns
Ms. Diana Mohnke
Ms. Elizabeth Mohnke
Mr. Carl Moquist
Ms. Dorothea Moquist
Mr. William Neller
Ms. Peggy Burrett
Mr. Donald Cripps
Ms. Jackie Cripps
Ms. Beatrice Forward
Ms. Marge Griggs
Mr. Walter Griggs
Mr. Alfred Quade
Mr. Michael Quade
Ms. Rhea Quade
Ms. Kristina Richard
Ms. Geraldine Sanders
Mr. Wayne Smith
Ms. Lynn Hagus
Ms. Margaret Hensley
Ms. Virginia Hensley
Ms. Louise Jackson
Ms. Jill Strohpaul
Mr. Philip Treadway
Mr. John Victory
Mr. Gere Wilcox
Mr. Ron Wilcox
Ms. Mary Jo McMorrow

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Vice Chairperson Greene called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.
Ms. Greene requested that Mr. Bowman and Ms. Pilarski review the statewide staff meeting which was held on June 11, 2001 in DeWitt. Mr. Bowman advised that the morning session began with a dialogue about trust. Seventeen cluster groups were formed and topics of interest or visions for the future were discussed.
Ms. Pilarski advised that she was particularly interested in the tilting strategy, stating that there is so much potential among the staff.
Both Mr. Cannon and the facilitator, John Victory, spoke as to how well the meeting went and Mr. Victory outlined some of the “strategic thinking clusters” that were a product of the meeting.
Ms. Greene then asked Mr. Victory to give a brief synopsis of the previous day’s Commission retreat. Mr. Victory said that the conversation had centered around the potential of the agency becoming a Type I agency, different organization policies, commissioners’ roles and responsibilities, and responding to the public.
One of the items not discussed at the retreat because there was not enough time was the Omvig Report. It was decided to discuss the report during the “open space” portion of the agenda. Ms. Lindsey joined the Commissioners at the table. Ms. Lindsey stated that in looking at the report, there were twenty-seven recommendations and there were probably twenty on which the center staff would more or less agree.
Ms. Greene asked if the issues concerned are policies. Ms. Lindsey responded that some of them could be policy issues. Mr. Cannon commented that the majority of the recommended changes relate more to practices and procedures than a specific policy. One that might be most important to get Commissioner involvement on would be Recommendation 12 which deals with client choice. That is part of the mandate in the latest revisions in the Reauthorized Rehabilitation act of 1998, and the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) has made it clear as to how client choice is to be interpreted. Ms. Lindsey advised that the recommendations that have been implemented are the things that are least controversial.

REGULAR MEETING CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM
Vice Chairperson Greene called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
DR. ALLEN MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. PILARSKI, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 21, 2001 MEETING AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Gere Wilcox stated that he had been asked to serve as a consumer advocate for the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan and that he is aware that a number of people are requesting to attend training centers outside the state and that a number of consumers are having difficulty getting their choices met.
Ms. Virginia Bailey said that she has been dealing with blindness and low vision and is now legally blind. She stated that the Commission is providing lots of help in the Battle Creek area.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE
Ms. Greene noted that there were two pieces of correspondence that were included in the Commissioners’ packets. The first was a reply from the Dean at Michigan State University in response to a letter the Commission sent on the vision impairment program that is scheduled for elimination. The second piece of correspondence was regarding concern over the funding levels for the youth low vision program and a response to that letter.

DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Director Cannon called attention to the written MCB report and highlighted some of the items in the report. Mr. Cannon advised that Eddie Timanus would be visiting the State. Mr. Timanus is a blind sportswriter for USA Today. He gained national acclaim as a five-time champion on the game show, “Jeopardy.” He will be appearing at three different functions in which the Michigan Commission for the Blind is participating.
Mr. Cannon said that he and Jim Buscetta attended a meeting of the Governor’s Workforce Commission that was held at the Michigan Career and Technical Institute where a variety of subjects were discussed, including accessibility of the one-stop centers around the state.
Further, Mr. Cannon advised that Congressman Capuano has introduced legislation that calls for Medicare reimbursement for certain kinds of rehabilitation services for the blind. This legislation was introduced in the last congressional session and did not gain passage, but is being re-introduced.
Mr. Cannon stated that the next Mini-Adjustment Program would be in Gaylord from July 15 through July 20. The Mini-Adjustment Programs have grown over the last three years. Prior to 1998, there were three or four Mini-Adjustment Programs each year and the participation was 18 to 20 people. In recent months, the participation has been closer to 50 and six programs a year are being held.
DR. ALLEN MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. PILARSKI, TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR’S REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT
Mr. James Buscetta indicated that he had attended a meeting of directors and field administrators in Kansas City. He said that states are having discussions about quality versus quantity in terms of rehabilitation; they are talking about reorganizing; they are talking about where they fit into the Workforce Investment Act system; they are talking about their public image, their ability to deliver services with reduced funding, and a variety of other issues. Mr. Buscetta stated that he thinks the 2020 process is helping MCB to be slightly ahead in terms of the future.
Mr. Buscetta advised that staff had recently completed a training on building trusting relationships which has to do with a new way of marketing clients to employers. Staff rated this training as one of the best training programs ever offered.
Ms. Sherry Gordon reported that there are currently eight students participating in the college prepatory program. She advised that these students have obtained permission to take one class and earn college credit during the summer semester at Western Michigan University.
Ms. Gordon further stated that the Kalamazoo Field Office is continuing to look at the potential for relocation with a Michigan Works office. The Michigan Works Office in Kalamazoo will have space opening up in December.
Ms. Gordon also advised that she serves on a committee which looks at training possibilities available at the Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI). Over the summer, instructors at MCTI will receive in-service training about how someone who is blind or visually impaired can work in specific areas.
Ms. Lisa Kisiel, a vocational rehabilitation counselor from the Kalamazoo Office, advised that she has been focusing a lot of energy on networking and seeing the value and how that helps consumers and clients get the services they need to become employed. Ms. Kisiel indicated that she attends monthly inter-agency forum meetings which are held at Davenport University. Several different agencies in Calhoun and Branch County come together and share job leads and information and learn about each other’s services so they can better assist consumers and provide them with the services they need.
Mr. Bob Tinney reported that he works with computer technology in employment situations for clients and staff statewide. Mr. Tinney reviewed some of the latest technology that is available and stated that training opportunities for consumers is still a need.
DR. ALLEN MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. PILARSKI, TO ACCEPT THE CONSUMER SERVICES DIVISION REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

CONSUMER INVOLVEMENT COUNCIL
Ms. Charis Austin, Chairperson of the Consumer Involvement Council (CIC), and Ms. Michelle Visscher, MCB Liaison to the CIC, were present to provide an update on CIC activities. One of the topics for the next CIC meeting will be the proposed changes for special education rules.
Ms. Austin stated that the April CIC meeting was held in Grand Rapids. The Vision 2020 Design Team was invited to come and talk about the dialogue process and explain the Vision 2020 process. Later that day, a number of consumers went to the FIA appropriations hearing to testify about the MCB budget.
Ms. Austin said that the CIC has adopted questions for an agency report card to distribute to consumers. Items include relationships between MCB and the organized consumer movement and MCB policies and procedures. Commissioners will receive a copy of the survey and are welcome to complete and return it, as well. Ms. Austin further stated that another issue the CIC is addressing is their by-laws.
Ms. Visscher thanked commissioners who have attended CIC meetings, stating that it is apparent that it has made an impact on the group. Mr. Bowman indicated that the organization of consumers showing up at the FIA appropriations hearing was very beneficial in bringing the MCB budget situation to light. Mr. Bowman further stated that organized consumers can make an effective political statement.
Mr. Cannon also expressed his appreciation for the support of CIC members and others who came to speak on MCB’s behalf.
MS. PILARSKI MOVED, SUPPORTED BY DR. ALLEN, TO ACCEPT THE CONSUMER INVOLVEMENT COUNCIL REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Battle Creek Low Vision Support Group
Mr. Bernie Kramer introduced Ms. Bea Forward. Mr. Kramer stated that many communities were represented from Calhoun County, and that one of the most enjoyable parts of his job has been to work with Ms. Forward and her team from the Battle Creek Low Vision Support Group.
Ms. Forward indicated that the group was glad to be in attendance and noted that they moved their meeting in order to attend the Commission meeting. Ms. Forward gave a history of the support group, stating that one of the things she has seen as a result of their meetings is a change in attitude of the people who are coming.
DR. ALLEN MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. PILARSKI, TO ACCEPT THE BATTLE CREEK LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

CALHOUN COUNTY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
Ms. M. J. Bruns, Planning Manager, Calhoun County Workforce Development Board, stated that the Workforce Development Board covers Barry, Branch and Calhoun Counties. Ms. Bruns shared the strategic plan of the Workforce Board. The Workforce Board has identified five goals, including increasing the development and use of educational development plans for young people; improving the skills of entry level workers; strengthening incumbent workers’ skills; increasing basic computer technology and literacy; and improving the performance of the adult education system and the use of competency based instruction for adult learners. Ms. Bruns reviewed several programs that are available through the Workforce Board.
DR. ALLEN MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. PILARSKI, TO ACCEPT THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT
Ms. Lindsey began by reporting that the FOCUS (Focusing on Creating Ultimate Success) Program, a two-week pilot program to address the backlog of referrals to the Training Center has recently started. Ms. Lindsey stated that Mr. Jim Baird is doing an outstanding job of coordinating this program. Further, an evaluation will be completed to assess the effectiveness of the program.
Another issue Ms. Lindsey reported to the Board was regarding the dialysis center in Kalamazoo. Currently, there is one slot at the dialysis unit reserved for MCB students, but as soon as the current student is finished, there will be no more room for MCB students at the unit. A meeting was arranged and as a result of the discussion, MCB will maintain a slot at the dialysis unit.
Ms. Lindsey indicated that she will be attending a conference in Nebraska of center directors from various states. She will be participating in a panel discussion on changes in rehabilitation and how to facilitate those changes in training centers.
Regarding the June 11 statewide staff meeting, Ms. Lindsey said that, overall, everyone seemed to be very positive about it. She told of one staff person who did not want to attend the meeting and of the positive experience she had and how it helped her to see that she is a part of “the big picture.”
Mr. Bowman said he would like to have further discussion on the MCB Training Center and the Omvig Report which was previously discussed at the Committee of the Whole meeting. He also remarked on the client choice issue raised during the public comment period. There was considerable discussion by Commissioners and staff on the issue of clients requesting training at centers located outside the state. Mr. Cannon emphasized that the desires of clients are always considered in the development of each individual’s rehabilitation program and that efforts are made to accommodate choices to the extent possible. It was suggested that the Commission staff would develop a draft policy on the subject of consumer choice which will be presented to Commission for discussion at a future meeting.
MS. PILARSKI MOVED, SUPPORTED BY DR. GREENE, TO ACCEPT THE MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT
Mr. Lawrence Best reported that the current 2001 budget was an extremely tight budget, and he complimented all managers and staff for their assistance in helping to keep expenditures down. As of the end of May, the budget process is two-thirds (66.7%) through the budget year. Overall, the agency has spent 61.8%. By program, Administrative Services is at 61%, the pass-through, such as rent and cost allocation items is at 57%, the Rehab Program is at 60.5%, the Training Center is at 67%, BEP is at 61%, Independent Living is at 63% and Youth Low Vision is at 77.9%.
Mr. Best said he wanted to acknowledge and express sincere appreciation for the fact that twenty-two people had shown up at the appropriations hearing in Grand Rapids to speak about the MCB budget. As a result of that meeting, Representative Jansen, who is the Chair of the Appropriation Subcommittee for the Family Independence Agency, asked to meet with MCB staff and others to discuss items that were raised by the consumers. The result is a total of approximately $125,000. Also for next year, the cuts will be at two percent instead of the previously rumored four percent.
Mr. Best also commented on his concerns about agency funding now and in the future and the impact of the fiscal constraints on MCB’s Rehabilitation and Business Enterprise Programs. He said he will incorporate these concerns in a comprehensive document which will be forwarded to Director Cannon within a few days. Mr. Cannon stated that he will share the document with Commissioners.
MS. PILARSKI MOVED, SUPPORTED BY DR. ALLEN, TO ACCEPT THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOTION BY MR. BOWMAN, SUPPORTED BY MS. PILARSKI, TO CONVENE AN ADHOC COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE A VARIETY OF SCENARIOS WITHIN THE MCB STRATEGIC VISIONING PROCESS TO ASSESS THE PLACEMENT OF THE MCB WITHIN STATE GOVERNMENT, TO RECOMMEND TO THE COMMISSION BOARD A SERIES OF POSSIBILITIES BASED ON THE FINDINGS AND DATA DEVELOPED. THIS COMMITTEE WILL CONSIST OF VOLUNTEERS FROM CONSUMER GROUPS, CONSUMER COUNCILS, STAFF, MCB COMMISSIONERS, LABOR UNIONS, BASICALLY ANYONE WHO IS CONNECTED WITH MCB WHO WOULD LIKE TO SERVE ON THE ADHOC COMMITTEE.

The meeting was recessed for lunch at 12:05 p.m.
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The meeting was called back to order at 1:20 p.m.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT
Mr. Fred Wurtzel said that at the last Commission meeting that Commissioner Bowman had asked about the repair policy. The repair policy will be discussed during an Elected Operators Committee teleconference. Mr. Bowman had also asked about the Attorney General issue regarding catering. A meeting is scheduled on June 20 with Christine Derdarian, Assistant Attorney General, to discuss that topic.
Mr. Wurtzel stated that the food court at the McNamara Federal Building has yet to open. An inspection by the Detroit Health Department is scheduled soon.
Further, Mr. Wurtzel said that there has been no progress in finding a funding system to pay for the cost of the 525 Building which has been named “Constitution Hall.” Solutions are still being sought.
Another building, the Operations Center Building, which has about 1,500 people at the State Secondary Complex is in the same situation. There are a lot of requirements for services with little resources with which to construct this facility.
Ms. Kristina Richard stated that she was appearing before the Board on behalf of the Elected Operators’ Committee (EOC). Regarding the 525 Building, the EOC has a motion for the operator coming into the building to be selected through an interview process instead of based on seniority. Discussion ensued and Mr. Bowman stated that the current policy needs to be re-examined if an exception must be granted in order to maintain quality. MR. BOWMAN MOVED THAT THE REQUEST FOR AN EXCEPTION TO THE CURRENT PROMOTIONAL POLICY BE APPROVED, SPECIFICALLY FOR THE LOCATION AT CONSTITUTION HALL, IN HOPES THAT FUNDING WILL BE LOCATED AND PLANS WILL BE ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD. THE MOTION WAS SUPPORTED BY DR. ALLEN AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Bowman called for a report at the next Commission meeting on the progress that has been made in deliberations for changes in the promotional policy.
Ms. Richard invited the Commissioners to the EOC teleconference on June 23. Mr. Wurtzel advised that it was an open meeting and anyone who wished to participate could.
DR. ALLEN MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. PILARSKI, TO ACCEPT THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Ms. Charis Austin, Chairperson of the Consumer Involvement Council, said that she had led the effort to get the Commission for the Blind more funding and she said that she would appreciate any comments or suggestions that any staff or Commissioners have in terms of how to get the word out to the consumers so that more people can participate in this effort.
Ms. Bea Forward said that on behalf of the Battle Creek Support Group she wanted to say thank you for the opportunity to be at the meeting. She said that discussions at lunch had been about the support their group could lend to help with the budget situation.
Ms. Elizabeth Mohnke commented on the Omvig Report and attending training centers out-of-state. She said she has trying to attend an out-of-state training center and is not receiving support to do so at this time.
Ms. Virginia Bailey said that she had attended the Mini-Adjustment Program in Jackson and commended staff for the gracious treatment afforded them.
Mr. Wurtzel provided an update on the program at Michigan State University and advised that MSU has placed a moratorium on admissions of new students to their program training teachers of deaf-blind and mobility and rehabilitation teaching for visually impaired students. He said that this may be a long-term deliberation on the part of MSU and that it may be necessary to stay involved and hoped that more support for the program would be forthcoming. He said there are a lot of reasons why Michigan State is uniquely positioned and qualified to maintain this program compared to other facilities that may be available in Michigan.

ADJOURNMENT
DR. ALLEN MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:16 p.m. The next meeting will be on Monday, August 20, 2001 at the Victor Office Center in Lansing, Michigan. The Committee of the Whole will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the regular meeting will start at 10:00 a.m.