OKLAHOMA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND

Quarterly Board Meeting

January 11, 2007

 

President Sanders called the meeting to order at approximately 9:10 pm on the conference line, 985-425-2620, #543.  Present were Perry Sanders, Elaine Boykin, Vicky Golightly, Judy Hansen, Kathy Whaley, Jeanne Meyer, Paul Miller, Laurie Leach, Jean Jones, and Jeri Cooper.

 

It was moved and seconded to accept the Minutes from the October-December meetings and Treasurer’s Report as distributed via email.

 

Vicky reported on the newsletter.  She stated the last one was a little longer and asked if the board wanted it to remain in this format or go back to a shorter version.  It was concluded Vicky use her discretion as to when she uses a longer version or shorter version.  The main reason for this is cost.

 

Judy reported on the 2007 convention which is going to be held September 28-30 in Oklahoma City at the Holiday Inn Airport, 2101 S. Meridian.  The meeting rooms are $500, hospitality room is free, and hotel rooms are $65.  Unfortunately this is also the same time the BEP (Business Enterprises Program) are having their convention in Tulsa.  It was suggested to maybe combine the two in the future.  Judy asked if funds were allocated from the Board for the convention.  A motion was made and accepted  to allocate $1500 for the 2007 convention.  After some discussion, a motion was made and accepted to raise the registration fee to $80 for the 2007 OCB Convention.  The next Convention Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 22, 9 pm, conference line.

 

Jean Jones gave an update concerning legislation.  She explained a change in the state law is required to comply with new national standards of accessibility of Braille instructional materials such as textbooks.  The bill will originate in the State Senate Education Committee and DRS is drafting the language.

 

President Sanders asked Laurie Leach to monitor our OCB phone line and for Jeri to train her.  They both agreed.

 

Perry asked Laurie to share some information she had received concerning voter’s information.  Laurie shared with the Board about how California has a great deal more information concerning our Voters Guide than what Oklahoma offers.  She has been in contact with Shelly Boggs of the Election board in Tulsa and in California and both are eager to assist her to bring something like this to Oklahoma.  Perry asked if Laurie and Jean could work together on possibly working out how this might be accomplished.

 

President Sanders stated for everyone to give special thought on considering nominations for the Gordon Stevens and Leroy Saunders Award.  There are many worthy people who need to be recognized.  Nominations should be sent to Elaine.

 

Judy gave a report on the Heartland Council.  They had 20 in attendance at their last meeting.  A new Special Needs committee was formed and they’re writing guidelines to assist blind individuals in need.  In February they’re going to Norman to the new weather center.  Perry commended HCB for their exceptional work on the reception for the legislative candidates in OKC last October.  Vicky stated that HCB would be conducting a type of Legislative seminar or workshop in March or April.  Judy recognized Kathy Tuton who is HCB Vice President for a job well done in presiding over their last meeting in her absence.

 

Jeri reported on the Tulsa chapter.  She stated that there were a couple of fundraising events coming up, the Las Vegas Tulsa Style, February 15, and the Dining in the Dark, October 6.  At their January meeting, a representative from the Election board came, and speakers for the next several months include Councilman Maria Barnes, Stan Lane, a volunteer for FEMA on Emergency Preparedness, and a representative from Blind Veterans.

 

Jeanne stated she needs all updated information from the chapters to keep the website current.  Oklahoma School for the Blind in Muskogee is having an open house on February 16, 2007.  The National Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired (NAPVI) will meet on February 17th at the library.

 

Perry said Pat Kelly had agreed to chair the Fundraising Committee.  Jeanne said she would chair the Sustaining Sponsorship Committee.  She also challenged the board members to take advantage of this to help with expenses.

 

Jean Jones reported on Visual Services.  She stated Linda Parker met with the Representative Sally Kern who is the chairperson for the committee who handles the budget for DRS in the House.  Rep. Kern visited the library and asked a lot of good questions.  Jean also stated the new Tech lab is expected to open on March 1.

 

Kathy Whaley asked if OCB wanted to donate toward the Oklahoma League for the Blind Annual golf Tournament fundraiser.  It was moved and seconded to allocate $500 for this event.

 

Perry encouraged everyone to respond to the currency survey that ACB is involved in.  President Sanders announced our next OCB Board meeting will be on March 10, 2007, 1:30 pm, at the library in Oklahoma City.  Vicky stated it would be right after the Credit Union meeting which will be at 10:30 am.

 

Adjourned at 10:30 pm.

 

Jeri Cooper

OCB Secretary

 

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