August 16, 2006
The meeting was called to order at approximately 10:00 a.m. by Mr. Michael Adamus.
There were no additions to the agenda and no corrections to the minutes. There was a request in the order of the agenda by Ms. Orstein to start with the topic of recruitment.
Ms. Passle Helminksi motioned to approve the agenda and the minutes from the last call (July 17, 2006). Ms. Carolyn Vidt seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Ms. Barbara Orstein and Mr. Matthew Seeley worked up a written description of the expectations for a youth representative to the council. Other members of the Executive committee reviewed it as well before it was sent to Ms. Marji Beyers at OVR to distribute to district administrators and managers. It will also be distributed to the Centers for Independent Living via Ms. Orstein and it will be added to the PaRC website.
Ms. Orstein noted that in seeking new members to the council that it was important to remember geographic area and keeping a culturally diversified council.
It was noted that Ms. Elena Picech has sent a letter of resignation to the office. Ms. Picech was the IDEA representative to the council from the Parent Education Network (PEN). Members asked that the staff send a letter to Ms. Louise Thieme, Director at PEN requesting a replacement for Ms. Picech.
Other categories of representation that still need filled are in mental health. Ms. Carol Ward-Colasante is currently in USQ waiting for someone to replace her. An individual has contacted the office and requested an appointment form that Ms. Ward-Colasante had spoken to about the council. Ms. Linda Rusinko has expressed her desire to resign from the council due to work obligations. Ms. Rusinko represents the deaf and hard of hearing category.
It was noted that persons who are interested in serving on the council need to be reminded that actual appointment is from the Governor, not the council.
The following item was added under the consent agenda:
Ms. Passle Helminski motioned to approve the Full Council Meeting Agenda for the September 2006 meeting. Mr. Micki Greenstein seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Members were reminded that the OVR State Board meeting would be held in the afternoon after the PaRC Full Council meeting in the morning. Members are always encouraged to try and attend the OVR meeting as well.
Members discussed the importance of all members reviewing the OVR policies prior to the meeting. Members asked that the review of the OVR policies be put under Mr. Gannon's report, so any questions could be asked at that time and then a separate vote would be held for the approval of the OVR policies.
Mr. Donald Zeigler informed the committee that he planned to attend the September Workforce Investment Board meeting in Reading. He hopes by attending to keep disability issues on the table.
Members discussed that they felt it important and the role of this committee to keep members of the PaRC and other stakeholder groups aware of any actions that might adversely effect OVR services. A new goal #4 was added to the executive committee's goals. It reads:
Goal #4: (new) To ensure that the Full Council is aware and updated on activities that would support their actions beyond the council in order to preserve OVR.
It was discussed that several committees due to not spending a large portion of their budgets in recent years decided to decrease their budgets this year. Members stated their desire that OVR will use funds not used by the council for more customer services. Also, this year per OVR's request the council will only be holding four full council meetings rather than six which will also be a cost savings.
Ms. Carolyn Vidt motioned to approve all committee goals and budgets for 2006 - 2007. Ms. Passle Helminski seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Members reviewed the slate of members running for Chair, Vice Chair and Member at Large. Prior to the vote at the Full Council meeting each member running for an office will be allowed approximately two minutes to state why they are seeking an office.
Legislative Committee - Ms. Helminski stated that the committee is waiting for feedback from OVR on the position paper. Hopefully, the position paper can be approved by Full Council in September.
Customer Satisfaction Committee - Public forum to be held August 30th in Erie, PA.
CareerLink Accessibility Committee - Ms. Vidt stated that the committee is working with Mr. Autro Heath and Ms. Crystal Adams on changes to the posters to make them more accessible to all. At this time, the committee is reviewing and making suggestions for changes to the 2007 CareerLink Guidelines that will be sent to Ms. Pam Shaw of Workforce Development for consideration.
Mr. Michael Adamus mentioned a CareerLink Survey that Ms. Chava Kintisch with Pennsylvania Protection and Advocacy had developed. They asked for the PaRC to provide a link to their website for individuals to take the survey. Staff stated that this was possible and that the website has many links to various groups already. The Disability Agenda committee will be informed of this action as well.
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 10:00 a.m.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at approximately 11:20 a.m.