COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Mr. Earl Steenstra, Chairperson
Mr. Steven Handschu
Ms. Holly Ann Pierce
Ms. Margaret Heiser
Ms. Sharon Cantrell
Mr. Jose Moreno
Ms. Maria Martinez
Ms. Nancy Dokter
Ms. Ashley Oakley
Mr. Sam Garcia
Mr. Ken Ziegler

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole began with a discussion of “Newsline for the Blind.” Mr. Bowman expressed his concern that “Newsline” may not be receiving adequate funding to keep it in operation. Mr. Cannon provided information on how “Newsline” was initially funded and said that funding of “Newsline” was a collaboration between the Commission for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind/Michigan, and the Library of Michigan. Mr. Cannon also said that other funding sources were being explored, such as “fee-for-service.” Meetings are also being held with other potential funding sources. The Commissioners agreed to make a motion during the regular meeting in support of “Newsline.”
Mr. Handschu raised the issue of a recordkeeping system for client services as they pertain to instruction for skills of blindness. Director Cannon suggested making this one of the measurements for his performance review. This item was also added to the agenda of the regular meeting.
The Board discussed the proposed Commission Board retreat and decided to discuss the subject again when the full Board is present.

REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM
Chairperson Steenstra called the meeting to order at 10:20 a.m. Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

MS. GREENE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. BOWMAN, TO APPROVE THE JUNE 19, 2000 MINUTES AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment at this time.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Director Cannon distributed to the Commissioners copies of the newly printed MCB Orientation Packet. He explained that the purpose of the packet was to provide information to new Commissioners and staff as they come on board. Copies will be available in the regional offices.
Mr. Cannon reported that he had attended the Mini-Adjustment Workshop which was held in Sault Ste. Marie the week of July 17-21 and been able to participate for the entire week. He said that it had provided him with a different perspective than he had had before and he found it very enriching. He encouraged Commissioner participation in a future Mini-Adjustment Program.
Mr. Cannon said that the tenth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) had been celebrated the week of July 24. Many activities were held in Washington, D.C., as well as in Michigan and across the country.
Mr. Cannon also reported that the Vision 2020 Process Design Team was continuing to meet and that the next meeting was scheduled for August 28 and 29 in Kalamazoo. The Design Team has opened up the dialogue to other components of the agency throughout the state.
Finally, Mr. Cannon said that on September 6, 2000 MCB would be co-sponsoring with the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind a forum entitled, “Discovering the Possibilities—A Blind Services Forum.” The keynote speaker is Mr. Bob Askey. Mr. Cannon extended an invitation to the Commissioners to attend the Forum.

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

NEWSLINE FOR THE BLIND

MR HANDSCHU MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. BOWMAN, THAT THE COMMISSION 1) STATES ITS SUPPORT OF “NEWSLINE,” 2) WILL SEEK ALL APPROPRIATE FUNDING SOURCES, 3) THAT ONE OF THOSE SOURCES WILL BE AN APPROACH TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO INSTITUTE A SYSTEM SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE INTERPRETIVE NETWORK OF DEAF CITIZENS AND 4) THAT ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE METHODS WILL BE AN APPROACH TO THE LIBRARY AND THE LEGISLATURE FOR INCREASED FUNDING FROM THE LIBRARY OF MICHIGAN.

MR. BOWMAN MODIFIED HIS SUPPORT TO INCLUDE CONCERNS RAISED DURING THE ENSUING DISCUSSION.

Mr. Bowman asked that the motion be withdrawn and a new motion be drafted over lunch and voted on following the lunch break.

MR. HANDSCHU WITHDREW HIS MOTION AND MR. BOWMAN WITHDREW SUPPORT.

MR. HANDSCHU MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. GREENE, THAT THE COMMISSION DIRECT THAT A RECORDKEEPING SYSTEM OF INSTRUCTION IN SKILLS OF BLINDNESS PROVIDED TO CLIENTS AND PROFICIENCY LEVELS REACHED BY THOSE CLIENTS BE ESTABLISHED AND THAT THESE ELEMENTS BECOME A PART OF THE DIRECTOR’S PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT PLAN. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Training Center Report and the Consumer Services Report were moved to the afternoon portion of the agenda.

REPORT ON DEAFBLIND SERVICES
Ms. Cindy Caldwell and Ms. Dee Robertson reported that the Deafblind Unit is currently providing services to approximately 80 clients with Usher Syndrome, Rubella, fetal alcohol syndrome, tumors and various other etiologies. The staff continues to work very closely with Community Mental Health, Intermediate School Districts and consumer groups. Currently, the Deafblind Unit is delivering intervenor services via cooperative, cash-match agreements with the following partners: Pines Behavioral Services in Coldwater, Thresholds, Inc. in Grand Rapids, Hiawatha Mental Health Services in the eastern Upper Peninsula, Genesee County Mental Health, Macomb and Oakland Regional Center, Community Living Services in Detroit, Lifeways in Jackson, Walled Lake Intermediate School District and Holt High School. Ms. Caldwell stated that Michigan is recognized as a national leader in developing and delivering intervenor services to deafblind adults.
The fourth annual Deafblind workshop was held August 11-13, 2000, at the DeSales Conference Center in Brooklyn, Michigan. MCB co-sponsors this event with the Division on Deafness, the Holley Ear Institute, the Michigan Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (MIRID) and Self-Help for Independence in Michigan to Equalize Deafblindness (SHIM-DB). At the workshop, interpreters received hands on training for tactile signing, and consumers enjoyed the social and educational activities. In addition, Ms. Dee Robertson attended the weeklong conference of the American Association of the Deafblind in Columbus, Ohio, along with forty Michigan deafblind residents.
Ms. Caldwell informed the Board that the four-year federal grant for services to deafblind children and young adults, beginning March 30, 2000, was awarded to Central Michigan University. The new program is known as “DBCentral” and is under the directorship of Nancy Hartshorne, Ed.S., who is also a parent of a deafblind child. The Deafblind Unit has already experienced an excellent working relationship with DBCentral and looks forward to four years of cooperation and collaboration.
Ms. Caldwell expressed appreciation for the excellent work of Ms. Judi Dillinger, the Deafblind Services Secretary, and said she has been a tremendous help in assisting the Deafblind Unit.
Ms. Caldwell introduced Mr. Jose Moreno, a June, 2000, graduate of Holland High School. Mr. Moreno attended a summer program at Northern Illinois University and has been accepted in the nine-month program at the National Institute for the Deaf. Mr. Moreno exhibited his sculpture, of Aztec design, that recently won a national art competition for high school students. Mr. Moreno’s mother and teacher accompanied him to the meeting and expressed their appreciation for the assistance he has received from the Michigan Commission for the Blind.

MICHIGAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM
Ms. Margaret Heiser, an analyst with the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns (MCDC), told the Commissioners that one of the major projects for the Commission for this year had been the recently held Youth Leadership Forum. The Youth Leadership Forum is a leadership-training program for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities. The students who attend have the opportunity to cultivate leadership, citizenship and social skills. Twenty-five high school students with disabilities participated in the forum which was held July 16-20, 2000 at Michigan State University. Successful adults with disabilities served as mentors during the Forum. Ms. Heiser thanked Mr. Cannon and the Commission for the Blind for the assistance provided by Gerry Such, Tom Ray, Dee Robertson and Bob Robertson. She also thanked MCB for canvas bags which were provided to the participating students. She indicated that MCDC is hoping to have a second Youth Leadership Forum and hoped that the Commission for the Blind will again join in the planning efforts.

The meeting adjourned for lunch at 12:35 p.m.

The meeting was called back to order at 1:22 p.m.

Mr. Steenstra said that the afternoon agenda would be changed to accommodate Ms. Holly Ann Pierce who had another appointment.

ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE REPORT
Ms. Holly Ann Pierce presented the Elected Operators Committee meeting motions from the June 17, 2000 meeting. One of the motions dealt with an Elected Operators retreat and another dealt with the hiring of a secretary for the EOC. None of the motions required Commission action.

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT
Ms. Lindsey reported that she had received a report from the Center Beautification Committee and implementation of their recommendations has begun. She said that they were starting with the areas the students use the most. Ms. Lindsey also reported that the area that was formerly the smoking area will become the technology center. A committee has been formed and will be providing recommendations for the technology center.
Ms. Lindsey also reported that Mr. Dick Linihan has been promoted to the maintenance supervisor position which leaves his former position as maintenance mechanic vacant.
Ms. Lindsey said that the Vision 2020 meeting would be held on August 28 and 29 at the Center and invited all the Commissioners to attend.
Finally, Ms. Lindsey reported that she had been invited to participate in the World Blind Union meeting by RSA Commissioner Fred Schroeder. The meeting will be held in Melbourne, Australia November 16-26, 2000. Ms. Lindsey will be one of 35 delegates from the U.S.

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

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT
Mr. Buscetta reported that seventeen Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) have been signed. MCB will be very close to having all 27 agreements in place by the end of the fiscal year.
Mr. Buscetta also reported that the State Plan has been approved effective July 1, 2000 and will only require a minimal update each year for the next five years. Copies of the State Plan will be distributed once the braille copies are complete.
Mr. Buscetta advised the Commissioners that training for mediation services for staff and the Client Assistance Program (CAP) would be taking place on September 21 and 27. He welcomed Commissioners to attend the trainings. Commissioner Handschu initiated discussion on the respective roles of rehabilitation counselors and clients in the development of the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) and to what extent the IPE is binding on both the consumer and the agency.

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

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT
Mr. Best reported that the FY 2000 budget year was 83 and 1/3 percent complete and the agency has spent at the rate of 81.5 percent. He also reported that he was concerned with Social Security reimbursements for the fiscal year and will be monitoring the situation.
Mr. Best said that the gift fund had received a large bequest from the estate of a former employee at the Training Center.
For FY 2001, Mr. Best reported that the agency was receiving an increase of $311,400 in the appropriations bill.
Further, Mr. Best reported that the problems continue with the funding of the BEP facility in the new 525 Building. Mr. Douglas Howard, FIA Director, met with officials at the Department of Management and Budget to seek funding from that Department. That meeting had not had favorable results and Mr. Best was recommending that the Commission only provide services in the space allocated when necessary funds became available. Mr. Cannon noted that Mr. Best’s recommendation was consistent with the position formerly adopted by the MCB Board. Mr. Cannon suggested that this be an item for discussion when Mr. Howard is in attendance at the October Commission meeting.
Mr. Best said that Regina Wesley had recently started in the Detroit Office as a new Counselor.

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

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT
Ms. Constance Zanger presented the Business Enterprise Program report in the absence of Mr. Wurtzel. She said that the BEP Administrative Rules were in the final review process. Once final approval is received, public hearings will be held. She asked the Commission Board to consider participating in the public hearings and indicated that the hearings would be scheduled in conjunction with Commission meetings.
With regard to the DMB issues, Ms. Zanger said that two meetings had been held with DMB staff to try to build a rapport so that the Commission will be taken into consideration as plans are being made for new or refurbished state building office space.
Finally, Ms. Zanger reported that a new class for vending stand trainees was in their third week of training and would complete their training on September 29.

MR. HANDSCHU MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. BOWMAN, TO ACCEPT THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MOTION REGARDING NEWSLINE

MR. HANDSCHU MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. GREENE THAT 1) THE COMMISSION GO ON RECORD OF STATING THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR THE NEWSLINE PROJECT IN MICHIGAN; 2) ENCOURAGING FURTHER COLLABORATION EFFORTS TO ENSURE CONTINUED FUNDING TO SUSTAIN AND EXPAND THE NEWSLINE PROJECT; 3) THAT THE DIRECTOR WORK WITH COLLABORATING PARTNERS TO EXPLORE RESOURCE STRATEGIES; 4) THAT THE COMMISSION APPROACH THE STATE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO EXPLORE THE FEASIBILITY OF FUNDING FOR PROJECTS SUCH AS NEWSLINE THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF TELEPHONE SURCHARGES OR OTHER APPROPRIATE FUNDING MECHANISMS. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment at this time.

Mr. Bowman requested that the Commission send a letter of appreciation to Mr. Jose Moreno for sharing his talents with the Commission and congratulating Mr. Steven Evans, another Deafblind client, for his accomplishments also.

ADJOURNMENT

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