Minutes of the Annual Meeting

 Minutes

 Oklahoma Council of the Blind

2002 Annual Convention Business Meeting

September 22, 2002

 

The 2002 business meeting was called to order at 9:30 A.M. in Tulsa at the Tradewinds Central.  The President reviewed the agenda.

 

Minutes from the previous meeting were filed as presented.

 

The Treasurer’s report, which was filed as presented, reflected the following as of September 17, 2002:  Beginning Balances, $29,068.72; year to date income,$10,561.53; year to date expenses, $5,648.89; and year to date income/expenses, $4,912.64.  Our net worth is $26,264.75.  We should have two more vehicle fundraiser checks to report by the end of our fiscal year, September 30th.

 

In her President’s report, President Sanders said many present accepted the challenge of becoming power paddlers.  During the past three years OCB has realized many goals including the creation of a model web site, increased access to meetings via teleconferencing, raising over $10,000 through the vehicle donation project and the development of a statewide 800 number which affords chapters access to the number on a local basis.  The Tulsa chapter was commended for its fundraising efforts on behalf of the Council and for helping to subsidize this convention.  President Sanders expressed appreciation for the opportunity to attend the ACB 2002 National Convention.

 

Constitution and Bylaws Chairman Vicky Golightly reported the following changes:

 

1.                     Article II Section 3, which will necessitate renumbering the succeeding sections in the article.  “Beginning January 1, 2004,those members who have been listed on the affiliate list of the American Council of the Blind as having an invalid address for two consecutive years shall be removed from the membership list of the Council.  They may be reinstated for membership in the Council upon request and by providing current contact information to the secretary.”

 

2.                     Article III, Section 3.  “The Board of Directors of the Council shall meet at least quarterly.”

 

3.                     Article 4--delete ending section of section 1 and insert in section 2.  “Any absentee nominee must make a written statement to the Nominating Committee of willingness to serve if elected.”

 

Resolutions Committee Chairman Joe Fallin presented the following resolutions:

 

02-01:  The Council expresses appreciation to consumers who communicated their opinions to DRS in favor of continuing specialized, distinct services to the blind and further _expression of appreciation to the Director of DRS and the Commission of DRS for taking the views of blind consumers into account and further that the President appoint a committee to enter into dialog with the department and others to explore the implementation of a separate state plan for Visual Services.  Passed.

 

01-02:  Establishment of an annual award to recognize exemplary service in the field of blindness in the name of LeRoy Saunders.  Passed.

 

01-03:  Calls for the last weekend in September to be the time of the OCB Annual Convention.  After a motion to table this resolution failed, the resolution also failed.

 

02-04:  The OCB shall take steps to work with the Insurance Commission to find insurance protection coverage for pedestrians, including those who are blind, who are hit by uninsured motorists.  Passed.

 

02-05:  Visual Services Administrator Raymond Hopkins honored for his dedicated service in the field of blindness.  Passed.

 

02-06:  OCB shall work with ACB to implement and develop necessary standards to insure the safety of pedestrians in regard to high-speed conveyances, which travel on streets and sidewalks.  Passed.

 

02-07:  The President shall write a letter thanking Lisa McLaughlin, Jeanne Meyer and others for working at the Braille literacy booth at the state fair in Oklahoma City.  Passed.

 

02-08:  Commendation of the Tradewinds Central for providing a place for us to have this convention.

 

Dale Lamar, Nominating Committee Chairman, presented the slate of officers up for election for the coming year.  Officers for the next year are:  President, Randy Howard; First Vice-President, Joe Fallin; Second Vice-President, Vicky Golightly; Secretary, Elaine Boykin; Treasurer, Paul Miller; Public Information, Judy Hansen, Board Members at Large:  Tommy Robertson, Jeanne Meyer and Julie Brantley; and Alternate ACB Delegate, Marilyn Sanders.

 

After chapter reports, President Sanders thanked everyone for their efforts to support the continuation of specialized services for the blind.  She also stated that packets given to people attending the monthly commission meetings would be available on the DRS web site.

 

Thirty-six people registered for the convention.

 

Gail Van Dawsem was the lucky winner of the cedar chest.

 

President Sanders turned control of the meeting to next year’s president Randy Howard.  Howard said that he believed that OCB could reach its goals only if everyone works as a team and continues to communicate.

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:05 A.M.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Lynn (Vicky) Golightly, Secretary

 

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