COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Mr. Earl Steenstra, Chairperson
Dr. Velma Allen
Mr. Donald Bowman
Ms. Peeti Greene
Mr. Steve Handschu

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
None

STAFF PRESENT
Mr. Patrick Cannon
Ms. Connie Kreiner
Mr. James Buscetta
Mr. Larry Best
Ms. Melody Lindsey
Ms. Rose Dunlap-Gist
Mr. Bernard Kramer
Mr. Bob Utrup
Mr. Mike Welch
Ms. Beth Smedley
Mr. John McMahon
Ms. Susan Anderson

GUESTS PRESENT
Ms. Jonelle Thibault
Ms. Janeile Cannon
Ms. Louise Archer
Ms. Darlene Piconi
Mr. Tom Ford
Ms. Patricia Labadie
Mr. Gordon Marshall
Ms. Bernice Marshall
Ms. Helmi Lepisto
Ms. Huwaina Johnson
Ms. Gladys Emerson
Mr. Jim Emerson
Ms. Theresa Nelson
Mr. Dave Moyle
Ms. LeAnne Ford

Mr. Steenstra explained that the notation of “open space” on the agenda was an idea that came out of the Vision 2020 process. He enumerated items that might be discussed in open space if time permitted. Mr. Handschu asked that the Omvig Report be one of the items to be discussed. Mr. Cannon explained that the report from Mr. Omvig is one of many pieces of information which are being gathered to evaluate operations at the Center. He said the response from Center staff on the Omvig Report and the Vision 2020 initiative are all part of the ongoing process.

Mr. Bowman said that he had heard Candace Miller, Secretary of State, on the radio talking about electronic voter information available on the Secretary of State website. The website address is www.sos.state.mi.us. Mr. Handschu suggested that the Commission put a note on the MCB website which directs people to that information.

Mr. Steenstra said that one of the items to be discussed in the Committee of the Whole was the Director’s Performance Management Development Plan (PMDP). Mr. Cannon provided a progress report on some of the items in his PMDP. One of those items was an evaluation of the Training Center and Mr. Cannon said that that was ongoing with numerous initiatives, such as the staff in-service, the Omvig Report and the Vision 2020 process. He said there was also an objective about modifying the evaluation mechanism which measures Training Center clients’ skill levels attained while at the Center. A tool of this type is also under consideration to measure vocational rehabilitation clients’ skill levels also. Further, Mr. Cannon explained that a process was underway which would provide for new guidelines of conduct for Center clients by the end of this fiscal year. Another objective was relative to strategic planning and Mr. Cannon said that was well underway with the Vision 2020 initiative. Also, the Commissioners have been receiving reports relative to the budget and staffing issues which had resulted in a letter to the Governor from the Commission Board. Still another objective which is ongoing has to do with developing a plan for technology applications for clients and staff. This will continue to be an important objective as technology keeps evolving. There is also an objective about developing a communications strategy for the agency and a Marketing and Public Relations Committee has been established to meet that objective. Mr. Cannon said that the objective on staff development is one that he feels is being met particularly well through the Capital Quality Initiative training, through the Vision 2020 initiative, as well as through training opportunities for staff to increase their knowledge and skills in a variety of areas. Finally, there is an objective about promoting greater consumer involvement. This objective is being met by the ongoing Consumer Involvement Council and by greater staff participation in the two consumer group state conventions. Mr. Cannon concluded by saying that it is not too early to begin thinking about specific performance objectives that Commissioners would like to see for the 2001 calendar year.

Mr. Steenstra requested that copies of last year’s evaluation be sent to the Commission Board.

Mr. Steenstra provided an explanation of the Vision 2020 initiative. Mr. Kramer added that the Executive Management Team had charged the Vision 2020 Committee to provide a report by October 12. He said that the process was multi-layered and that it was providing a lot of opportunity for people to have input who have never had that opportunity.

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

Chairperson Steenstra called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
DR. ALLEN MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. GREENE, TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 21, 2000 MINUTES AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment at this time.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE
There was no board correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE TO THE BOARD
Mr. Handschu shared a letter to the Governor which he had written to the Governor announcing that he was resigning from the Board effective September 30. He said that his circumstances no longer permitted him to spend enough time in Michigan to adequately meet the responsibilities of a Michigan Commission for the Blind Commissioner. His letter further stated that MCB was being forced to serve the FIA bureaucracy at the expense of the MCB clients. He thanked the Governor for the opportunity to serve as a Commissioner. Mr. Steenstra said that Mr. Handschu had served the Board for nine years and that the Board would be presenting him with commendations later in the meeting.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Cannon highlighted several items that were included in the written report, such as a blind services forum which had taken place in Ann Arbor on September 6. He said that the event had been very successful.
Further, Mr. Cannon said that a slogan contest was underway and suggestions were being sought from staff, commissioners, consumers, consumer organizations and anyone else who may have an interest.
Mr. Cannon said that the Strategic Planning Committees were continuing to meet. He explained that these committees arose from the strategic planning that the Commission had undertaken about ten years ago. He said that the Committees were taking a look at whether or not they need to continue as standing committees.
Mr. Cannon reported that the annual convention of the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI) would be held on October 13-15 in Sarnia, Ontario. Also, the National Federation of the Blind/Michigan would hold its annual convention on November 10-12 in Grand Rapids. He hoped that the Commission would have good representation from the Commissioners and staff at these conventions.
Mr. Cannon noted that the Access Board website is www.access-board.gov and said that the MCB website address has been shortened to www.mcb1.org. He thanked Sherri Heibeck for her efforts to accommodate that.

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

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT
Mr. Best said that MCB was eleven of twelve months, or 91 2/3%, through the fiscal year and, overall, the financial reports indicate that 86% of the budget has been spent. For FY 2001, he said that a $270,000 increase in authority had been received of which $105,700 is general funds. He said that is only a 2.75% increase over the current year. The total appropriation available in general funds is just slightly less than four million dollars , which is slightly less than what was funded five years ago when the agency was moved to the Family Independence Agency (FIA).
Mr. Best reported that MCB is participating in a five-year capital outlay plan that the Department of Management and Budget is requiring of all state departments. As a result, $400,000 of capital outlay funds have been reserved for use to replace the Training Center roof, repair broken paving and parking places, and provide a backup generator for use during power outages and other emergencies.
Mr. Best has submitted boilerplate requests for the 2002 fiscal year which include an increase in Commissioners’ per diem from fifty dollars to one hundred dollars per meeting and also authority to automatically carryover any balances in the gift fund, operator set-asides and in Social Security reimbursements at year’s end. MCB will also request an additional half a million dollars in general fund match which has been done before to no avail, again ask for an additional $300,000 of general fund to enhance the senior blind program, and again request to be restored to 118 full-time employees.
Under personnel, Mr. Best reported that a General Office Assistant had been hired to replace Mr. Bob Griffin. His name is Charles Dunn and he will begin work on October 2. Mr. Best announced also that, sadly, Mr. Dale Heckmann, MCB’s most senior BEP promotional agent, had submitted his retirement papers due to illness.
Finally, Mr. Best distributed the most current MCB scoreboard which is displayed in the Central Office in the display case. These are also intended to be posted in all outstate MCB offices.
Discussion ensued about the 525 Building. Mr. Best said that a letter to all state department directors has been drafted for FIA Director Howard’s signature which reminds them of P.A. 260 and the Randolph-Sheppard Act and asks them to include BEP early on in plans for food services in any building plans which may be underway.

MR. HANDSCHU MOVED, SUPPORTED BY DR. ALLEN, TO ACCEPT THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

TRAINING CENTER REPORT
Ms. Lindsey said that the Vision 2020 Design Team Committee meeting had been held at the Center and that both students and staff had participated in the meeting. She also reported that Ms. Rena Simms, an employee with the Southeast Alaska Independent Living Center in Juneau, would be participating in an in-service beginning September 18 through September 27.
Ms. Lindsey reported on activities that are in response to the Omvig Report and also to the recommendations from Center staff. A committee has been formed dealing with technology services for the Center. Also, she reported that off-campus housing is being considered which would give students more experience and independence. She has also seen an increased emphasis on independence in meeting the medical needs for students. She said there was also an increased responsibility for the students in the kitchen, as well. Ms. Lindsey said that one of the most positive actions that has been taken in response to the Omvig Report are weekly meetings she has been having with students.
There was lengthy discussion regarding the Omvig Report and the Commission Board’s responsibility to it.
Finally, Ms. Lindsey reported that Larry King would be off on sick leave for at least a month due to knee surgery. She also thanked Mr. Handschu for his many years of working to improve the lives of blind persons in the State of Michigan.

MS. GREENE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY DR. ALLEN, TO ACCEPT THE TRAINING CENTER REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Because the meeting was running late, Mr. Steenstra asked Mr. Buscetta to provide his report after the lunch break.

RECOGNITION OF MR. HANDSCHU
Mr. Steenstra said that Mr. Handschu had served the blind community with passion and noted his vast historical knowledge of services to the blind.
Dr. Allen presented Mr. Handschu with a plaque from the Commission for his nine years of service on the Commission Board. She also read a certificate of special tribute from Governor Engler.
The meeting adjourned for lunch at 11:57 a.m.

The meeting was called back to order at 1:08 p.m.

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT
Mr. Buscetta said that Melody Lindsey and Amy Daniel had attended a Rehabilitation Services Administration training on informed choice for clients. This information will be shared with staff at a meeting on October 5 in conjunction with the Vision 2020 Design Team meeting. RCEP staff from Southern Illinois University will also be on hand to present on informed choice. Also regarding informed choice, Mr. Buscetta said that he hoped to start a task force very soon to develop an evaluation of services that are purchased and obtained for clients. He also invited Commissioners to attend mediation training which will be conducted for staff on September 21 or 22.
Further he said that he and Karla Hudson had attended the Rehabilitation Services Administration training on placement in Philadelphia.
He invited Commissioners to participate in the Michigan Rehabilitation Association Conference, November 1-3. One of the co-sponsors of this year’s conference is the Michigan Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MAER).
Mr. Buscetta reported that 19 of the 25 Memorandums of Understanding (MOU’s) have been signed and indicated that he hoped to have all 25 signed by the end of the year.
A position statement on the State of Michigan Medicaid Buy-In under the Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 was provided to the Commission Board. Mr. Buscetta explained that the program would allow working citizens with disabilities to access Medicaid coverage to address health care needs that are not met by an employer-based health plan, Medicare, or other third party health coverage.

MR. HANDSCHU MOVED, SUPPORTED BY DR. ALLEN, THAT THE COMMISSION BOARD GO ON RECORD AS SENDING A LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR STRONGLY SUPPORTING THE MEDICAID BUY-IN FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES IN MICHIGAN AND EXPLAIN WHY IT IS CRITICAL TO THE EMPLOYMENT OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND ALSO ATTACH TO THE LETTER THE DOCUMENT FROM THE MIJOB COALITION AND URGE THE GOVERNOR TO CONSIDER THE PRINCIPLES EMBODIED IN THE MIJOBS COALITION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

REPORT ON THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED

VOLUNTEER ASSISTANTS (VIVA) PILOT PROJECT
Mr. Bob Utrup introduced Mr. Mike Welch, Independent Living Specialist in the Upper Peninsula, and Ms. Theresa Nelson, Director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Delta County. Mr. Welch said that after the project was presented by Mr. Utrup, he began looking for a community partner. He said that the RSVP program had a cadre of trained volunteers. They conducted their first training in July and have seven referrals to-date from Delta County. Ms. Nelson introduced each of the VIVA volunteers. Mr. Welch said that the volunteers will be aiding to expedite services to the client by making referrals and helping to fill out application forms so Mr. Welch can begin rehabilitation teaching immediately.
Mr. Welch also reported that he was currently serving 150 clients, with 125 people waiting for services and 78 additional clients that are new referrals. Mr. Welch serves all of the counties in the Upper Peninsula with the exception of the Luce, Mackinaw and Chippewa Counties which are served by Ms. Rose Dunlap-Gist.
Mr. Utrup also introduced Ms. Dunlap-Gist and Ms. Dunlap-Gist said that she also sees clients in ten counties in northern Michigan. She said that in the Eastern U.P., she is getting one to two referrals per week. She also indicated that VIVA projects were being developed in the Petoskey and Traverse City areas. Ms. Dunlap-Gist introduced Ms. Lee Ann Ford, a graduate student at Western Michigan University, doing her internship in Sault Ste. Marie. Ms. Ford is doing in-home work with many of the clients in the Eastern U.P. Ms. Ford said that she will be the first graduate of Western Michigan’s Distance Education Program and explained how the Distance Education Program works.

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

NORTHWEST REGION REPORT
Mr. Bernie Kramer introduced the staff from the Escanaba office and stated that they do an outstanding job in working together and forming community partners. Mr. Mike Welch said that the report was going to take the format of depicting what a typical week looks like for each of the staff.
Mr. John McMahon distributed a template map so that the Commission Board could follow along with the distances that staff in the U.P. cover. The distance factor also impacts other issues such as supervision, technical support and getting clients to the Training Center.
Mr. Welch spoke on the issue of demographic populations in the U.P. In Keewanaw County, there are 2,078 people with Marquette County having 61,792 people.
Ms. Sue Anderson reported that the Escanaba Office will have five successful case closures in competitive employment for FY 2000. There are also ten homemaker closures.
Mr. McMahon reported that a liaison with a job developer has been established who primarily works with MCB clients. He introduced Ms. Darlene Piconi who said she has been a job developer/employment training specialist for ten years. She said that she has mostly worked in the Houghton/Hancock area and the relationships she developed in that area have opened doors for further opportunities in other counties.
Ms. Beth Smedley presented the employment statistics in the U.P. She said there were great fluctuations between summer and winter employment and noted that that is why it is important to have the assistance of someone like Ms. Piconi.
She said that the office had also contracted with two orientation and mobility instructors in that past year. One is Gary Garn who works in the Eastern U.P. and was unable to be at the meeting. She introduced the other instructor, Mr. David Moyle who works out of the Delta County area. Mr. Moyle said that he was a former client of the Commission and that he serves nine counties.
Ms. Smedley continued by telling about the three support groups in the U.P. The group that has been around the longest is the Sault Ste. Marie VIP’s (Visually Impaired Persons) which is running almost independently. The Delta VIP’s are growing stronger and the Marquette VIP’s are trying some creative, innovative projects.
Mr. Welch stated that the Escanaba staff is looking to expand so that clients feel welcome and are able to meet privately with staff when necessary and to also provide clients with a computer for their use.

MR. HANDSCHU MOVED, SUPPORTED BY DR. ALLEN, TO ACCEPT THE NORTHWEST REGION REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Handschu noted the passing of Ms. Jennica Fergason. Ms. Ferguson was a volunteer at the Training Center.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. David Moyle, O&M instructor serving eleven counties and over a dozen school districts, said that he would like to see referrals to the Commission prior to the age of fourteen. He urged the Commission to become involved with the Special Education Directors.

ADJOURNMENT

MR. HANDSCHU MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. GREENE, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.