January 4, 2005
The meeting was called to order at approximately 10:00 a.m. by Mr. Tom Walsh, Chair.
There were no additions to the agenda. Mr. Tom Walsh motioned to approve the agenda. Ms. Linda Rusinko seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Ms. Bette Peoples motioned to approve the minutes of the last meeting on October 26, 2004. Ms. Norma Flinchbaugh seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Ms. Linda Williams reviewed the final budget figures for FY 2004. To date, the PaRC's costs in 2004 totaled $77,056.62, leaving a balance of $47, 943.38. Ms. Williams noted that there were still three items outstanding for 2004. Final figures will be reported to the full council as soon as these items come in.
The orientation for new members will be held during the afternoon portion of the February 9th Full Council meeting from 1:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Members reviewed the proposed agenda for the orientation. Members were assigned to the various topics to discuss at the training. Each committee chair will be responsible for giving a brief overview of their committee's goals and responsibilities. Ms. Marji Beyer will provide an overview of the structure of OVR. (See orientation agenda for member and staff assignments). A question and answer time was also included in the agenda. A mentoring program was also discussed which several members thought was a good idea.
Ms. Williams reported that the council still needs members to fill the following categories: cognitive disabilities, business/labor/industry and mental retardation. Members would like to see consumers of OVR services fill these vacancies. Mr. Steve Suroviec from the ARC of PA contacted the office requesting information on the council. Ms. Judy Jobes had informed him that the PaRC was seeking an individual to fill the mental retardation category. Staff sent Mr. Suroviec information on the council as well as an application. Members discussed that there would be another group of members' terms expiring in July 2005. In March or April, the council will need to look at submitting paperwork for members' terms expiring in July. It was suggested that PaRC's openings be sent to all stakeholder groups.
Members reviewed the February 9th meeting agenda. There were no additions or corrections.
Ms. Bette Peoples motioned to approve the Full Council Meeting Agenda for February 9th. Mr. Mark Senk seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Ms. Williams informed members that there would be a test run on January 5th of the severe weather notification system. It was discussed that some members could receive two or three calls depending on how many numbers they had given to be reached at in case of severe weather. Members will be asked to respond back to the office as to whether or not they received the calls. Members that do not respond back will be contacted by the staff.
Ms. Marji Beyer informed members that dates had already been identified for the 2005 Retreat between OVR and the PaRC. The dates being considered are September 13th and 14th at the Radisson in Scranton. Further details will be given at a later date. It was discussed that the PaRC could have a public forum in the afternoon, after the OVR Board meeting. The northeastern part of the state is an area that the council has been looking at having a forum.
Mr. Mark Senk asked, if members would be interested in sending letters of support to the Iowa Department for the Blind to aid them in seeking a grant to develop training kits for nonvisual access technology. Due to a short time frame to return these letters, it was decided that members would need to do this individually rather than from the council as a whole. Letters must be received by January 10th.
Ms. Jill Weaver reported that the Customer Satisfaction Committee had sent a letter requesting information regarding EVAS to Ms. Cathy Wojciechowski, OVR attorney. Ms. Wojciechowski sent a letter back stating that all right to know requests had to be sent to Mr. Frank Kane, Right to Know Officer, at the Department of General Services. This letter has now been sent to Mr. Kane.
Mr. Donald Zeigler asked that the staff send the state plan attachment out to all members for their review. Members of the Executive committee will meet again, prior to the Full Council meeting to review and approve the state plan attachment.
The next Executive committee conference call will be on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 at 10:00 a.m.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 11:30 a.m.