January 3, 2006
The meeting was called to order at approximately 1:00 p.m. by Mr. Michael Adamus.
There were no additions to the agenda.
Ms. Carolyn Vidt motioned to approve the agenda and the minutes from the last call (November 16, 2005). Mr. Micki Greenstein seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Mr. Michael Adamus discussed his concern about the relationship between the council, OVR and Labor and Industry. Mr. Adamus stated that he feels we've gotten off track. He suggested holding a closed meeting after the regular Full Council meeting in February to discuss concerns. He is concerned, however, that a closed session may have negative connotations. Ms. Jamie Ray noted that the only way to have a closed door meeting is to discuss personnel matters. Otherwise the council's meetings fall under the Sunshine Act.
Mr. Adamus noted that as the advisory committee to OVR, the council can disagree with OVR from time to time. Mr. Adamus noted his concern that at times it appears that PaRC members change their views to agree with OVR Board members.
He noted that the council is independent, however at the same time the council is very interested in working with the OVR Board and other stakeholder groups. PaRC members have to know that it is okay to disagree at times. Possibly this could be discussed as part of orientation. Members felt that it was best that this matter be brought up and discussed as soon as possible. Mr. Adamus has been considering writing Secretary Schmerin a letter about his concerns and the council's willingness to work with all groups. Another suggestion was for Mr. Adamus, as the Chair of the PaRC, to have a sit down meeting with Secretary Schmerin to see how he feels the council could best work with OVR and Labor and Industry. What does the Secretary see as the important issues?
Ms. Vidt stated that she thought that the Secretary should receive a copy of the timeline of activities of the CareerLink Accessibility committee. She is concerned if the Secretary has received all the information. Ms. Vidt stated that a letter should be sent to preface the timeline.
Ms. Vidt noted that members feel that CareerLink issues are significant enough to be a standing committee rather than an ad hoc or under the Disability Agenda committee. Members would like to see this voted on at the next Full Council meeting. Once voted as a standing committee, CareerLink issues would need to be removed from the Disability Agenda committee goals.
Members discussed the following changes to the agenda for the next meeting. The meeting will adjourn at 12:30 p.m. with a break at 10:30 a.m. Ms. Jamie Ray asked to have a CAP update added under the updates. The state plan attachment and the legislative papers will be part of the consent agenda.
Ms. Jamie Ray requested that a correction be made to the State Plan attachment under the CSAVR bullet, it should read National Business Community, rather than PA business community. Staff will make this correction.
Ms. Carolyn Vidt motioned to approve the State Plan attachment as discussed at today's meeting. Mr. Micki Greenstein seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Mr. Adamus explained that the committee was working up a narrative type paper versus the standard type position paper this year. The narrative would follow the typical day in the life of a person with a disability, who works. Members thought it would be good to try the narrative style as long as it was readable and not too long. Members of the legislative committee will work on writing the narrative. It will then need to be emailed out to the executive committee for approval prior to the Full Council meeting.
No meeting was planned at this time.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 2:05 p.m.