Oklahoma Council of the Blind
 
March 10, 2007 Board Meeting 
 
Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
 
President Sanders called the meeting to order at approximately
1:30 pm. 
Present were Perry Sanders, Jeri Cooper, Jeanne Meyer, Vicky Golightly, Elaine Boykin Dowdna, Julie Brantley, Teresa Kruta,
Cathy Tuton, Lori Leach, Jean Jones, Norman Dalke, Tommy 
Robertson, Darrell Burch, Joe Fallin, Chris Gilbert, Rob Hill,
 Kathy Whaley, Ron Whaley, Cindy Dechant
 
January Minutes were approved as distributed on the listserv.
 
Treasurer's report was approved as distributed on the listserv.
 
President Sanders asked if anyone wanted to just take some
time to celebrate Judy's Memories. Several offered delightful 
stories and sentimental ones as well. It was certainly agreed 
with heartfelt emotions that Judy Pool Hansen was, and is, OCB! 
 
Newsletter: The newsletter will be published in mid April. The 
majority of the newsletter will feature information about the OCB
convention and a bio/memories of Judy Pool Hansen. Please 
send all any stories about Judy to Vicky Golightly. Portions of the
newsletter will be put out on the older blind information line and 
on the web site. 
 
Legislative Report: Jean Jones provided an update on state 
legislation affecting the blind.
 She reported that SB-648 by Senator Garrison had been
introduced to blend Oklahoma law with new federal law relating 
to accessible instructional materials. Unfortunately SB-648 was 
defeated in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education
on a 4-4 party line vote. Because the Legislature has a new rule
forbidding reconsideration of a failed bill any time in the two-year 
session in which it failed, It is unlikely that SB-648 can be revived 
before 2009.
 Jean also reported on HB-1923 by Rep. Ken Luttrell 
(D-Ponca City). This bill allows motorcycle and bicycle drivers facing
 a steady red light to proceed through the light if they have first come
 to a stop and if they think the light change is triggered by the
 presence of a vehicle and has not detected their presence, and 
also if there is no person in the crosswalk. The bill passed the 
House Judiciary Committee subcommittee on Homeland Security 
on February 7. It has until March 15th to pass the full House. A 
similar bill, SB-131 by Randy Bass (D-Lawton), did not make it out
of Senate committee.
 
 Convention Chairman Cathy Tuton and Vicky Golightly 
reported on the Convention. The Convention is Sept. 28-30 at 
the Holiday Inn Airport in Oklahoma City. Unfortunately, the convention 
date is the same time as the BEP meeting. In 
keeping with Judy Hansen's wishes, the Convention will be 
about the history of OCB, ACB and Oklahoma. Paul Edwards 
has agreed to speak at the convention. President Sanders 
suggested Bob Henry, former Attorney General, for a banquet 
keynote speaker, who would talk about the history of Oklahoma. 
Vicky Golightly, chairperson of exhibits at the convention, asked
 people to contact her with suggestions of vendors. 
Registration will be $80. If possible, DJ will be Jay Doudna. 
 Please send first time Scholarships to Vicky Golightly.
 
 President Sanders asked if Teresa Kruta would serve the
remainder of Judy's term and she accepted.
 
 Members voted to establish the Judy Pool Hansen Advocacy
 Fund. This committee will develop guidelines and will consist of 
Cindy Dechant, Vicky Golightly, Julie Brantley, Elaine Boykin 
Dowdna. The Resolutions Committee will draft a Resolution prior 
to the next convention.
 
 Disability Awareness Day: Contact Rhonda Laws to reserve
 a table as soon as possible. Legislative Guide Training will begin 
at 9:00 a.m. followed by Legislative Visits. 
 
 President Perry Sanders appointed Tommy Robertson as
 Nominating Committee Chairman.
 
 Sustaining Sponsorship Committee Chairman Jeanne Meyer
 explained the concept of the Sustaining Sponsorship Committee
 guidelines. Members were reminded that although membership does
 not require contributions this is a way to allow members to contribute
 to the expense of OCB by sending contributions to offset the dues
 charged to the chapter.
 Listed below are the new Sustaining Sponsorship funds
 contributed:
 Cindy & Mike Dechant
 Teresa Kruta
 Vicky Golightly
 
Affilliate News:
 
Heartland: New Officers are President Cathy Tuton, Vice President –
 Vicky Golightly, Secretary Steve Herera, Treasurer Frances
 Poindexter, Public Information Officer Sandy Webster.
 
TCB: They're having another bowl-a-thon on April 21, and on 
March 31 - a Legislative Seminar.
 
Muskogee: April 28th Picnic 2:00, Civitan Park, Bring a covered 
Dish.
 
Next OCB Meeting - Saturday, June 9 - conference Call 9 a.m.
 
Meeting adjourned at approximately 3:30 pm.
 
Respectfully submitted
Jeri Cooper, OCB Secretary