KCB Board Meeting – November, 2015
The monthly meeting of the Kentucky Council of the Blind Board of Directors was held via conference call on Monday, November 30, 2015. President Deb Lewis called the meeting to order at 8:03 PM eastern time. Answering the roll call were Deb Lewis, Joey Couch, Deb Trevino, Rick Boggess, Carla Ruschival, Bill Deatherage, Amanda Selm, Gerry Slusher, Elaine Weisbard, Adam Ruschival, “Cisco” Slusher, Debbie Deatherage, Frank Campbell, Bill Roberts, Natalie Beyers and Shirley Stivers. Lisa McKeown joined the meeting late. Michelle Haycraft was absent. Guests Bill Wright, Melanie Peskoe and Dave Trevino were present.
President Deb Lewis called for reading the October 19 board meeting minutes and summary. Since copies were distributed in advance, Debbie Deatherage made a motion to dispense with their reading and for their approval. The motion was seconded by Elaine Weisbard. Rick Boggess discussed minor changes made after distribution of audio and large print copies. The minutes and summary were unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Carla Ruschival indicated the October 31 balances were the same as those reported at the KCB Convention on November 14. Adam Ruschival made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report. The motion was seconded by Bill Deatherage and unanimously approved.
Carla Ruschival reported that event insurance for the 2015 KCB convention cost $655, exceeding the $500 originally approved. Carla indicated she consulted with President Deb Lewis before signing the agreement. Adam Ruschival made a motion to approve the additional $155 for the insurance. The motion was seconded by Natalie Beyers and unanimously approved.
Chapter Reports
Eastern Kentucky Christian Council: Frank Campbell reported the chapter’s Christmas party will be on December 19 at noon at Ponderosa in Hazard. No further activities are planned.
Northern Kentucky Council: Gerry Slusher reported the chapter’s Christmas party will be from 2-5 PM on December 12 at Rima’s Diner at 635 Madison Avenue in Covington. The chapter will pay for the meal; each person is responsible for the gratuity. There will also be an optional $10 gift exchange. Gerry also reported that sales of “peel to save” cards are going well.
Greater Louisville Council: Deb Deatherage reported the chapter is selling pecans and “peel to save” cards. GLCB Roundabout will be held on December 11 and 18. A large crowd is expected to attend the Christmas party on December 5 at United Crescent Hill Ministries.
Tri-State Library Users Group: Adam Ruschival reported that Cassandra Culin’s storytelling session at the KCB State Convention was well received. The chapter also arranged for an event at GLCB Roundabout but no regular meetings have been held. The chapter will hold a conference call at 8 PM on December 9. They also hope to hold a January business meeting and elections.
Guide Dog Users of Kentucky: Bill Deatherage reported that ACB president Kim Charlson spoke at the KCB convention about GDUI’s successful lawsuit against Hawaii in the 1990s allowing guide dogs into the state. Prior to that time guide dog users planning to take their dogs to Hawaii had to quarantine their animals for 6 months. The chapter elected the following officers: Bill Deatherage, president; Michelle Haycraft, vice president; and Deanna Scoggins, secretary/treasurer. Carla Ruschival indicated that anyone joining GDUKY by February 6 will be eligible to win a $50 gift card. One does not have to be a guide dog owner to join.
Support Alliance of the Visually Impaired: Bill Roberts reported that 21 people (including 5 guests) attended the chapter’s November 10 meeting. The presentation by Gay Pannell, Kentucky Office for the Blind Independent Living Administrator, was well received. Members discussed upcoming “peel to save” card sales and future fundraising ideas. Members are interested in a speaker on taxes. The December meeting will include a soup and sandwiches potluck and the meeting time will be from 12-2:30. Rick Boggess reported that 50 to 60 of the “peel to save” cards have sold.
KCB Next Generation: Amanda Selm reported that seven members attended the KCB State Convention in 2014 while 16 attended in 2015. Chapter members elected Amanda Selm as secretary and Matt Selm treasurer. Lisa McKeown is the new board representative. Members will dine out at Kansai Japanese Steakhouse on Hurstbourne Parkway at 6:30 PM on December 4 and participate in the GLCB Christmas party on December 5. Their next meeting will be a phone conference call at 8 PM on January 10. Joey Couch will let Carla know the number to be used for the call.
Committees
PR/Membership: Rick Boggess reported the committee met on November 4. Ideas for the December newsletter were discussed. (Carla reported the newsletter will be mailed on December 1.) The calendar and webpages continue to be updated. Board summaries for 2014 and 2015 have been posted. The 2013 summaries will be posted in coming months. Work on establishing contact with disability service offices on the four year college campuses will begin after the first of the year.
Carla Ruschival reported that the GDUKY email list has been set up and subscription instructions will be sent out once the trial is completed.
The board list has now been updated. Those not receiving board email should contact Carla.
Adam Ruschival reported the Cds which are being mailed will contain the newsletter and Sound Prints. Sound Prints contains an update on the ACB Radio Holiday Auction and an edited version of the Next Generation Golden Apple presentation at the 2015 convention. Amanda Selm reported that 17 people watched the Golden Apple presentation on Periscope.
KCB Convention: Joey Couch and Deb Lewis reported the convention went very well. Deb Lewis received a complaint about a chapter changing its meeting time. Meeting times should change only if the program gets behind schedule.
Resolutions: Adam Ruschival thanked Byron Sykes and Matt Selm for assisting with the four resolutions which were considered and approved at the 2015 state convention. The four resolutions called for full funding for the KY Office for the Blind, recognized KY Office for the Blind staff for their ongoing efforts, expressed support for increased braille and technology instruction at KSB, and thanked Ramada Inn North staff. Links to the resolutions will be active in the “about KCB” section and the “advocacy” section on the KCB webpage.
Elaine Weisbard made a motion to accept the chapter and committee reports. The motion was seconded by Adam Ruschival and approved.
Old Business
SRC Update: Deb Lewis provide an update on the October 23 meeting. Allison Flanagan reported that only category I is open for service due to budgetary constraints related to inadequate state funding and the inability to shift funds designated for transition services for students ages 14-21. Jenny Tyree had seven people start new jobs in one day. Chad Hunt has been hired to fill the deaf-blind director position. Individual legislators should be contacted and encouraged to support the additional $933,000 OFB funding request.
Adam Ruschival also reported on the October 24 Blind Vendors Committee meeting. There are 53 vendors employed at active sites with a few additional people without sites. The vendors committee is requesting a significant funding increase. While there are needs to upgrade and replace equipment, the request may be unreasonable given the current budget concerns at OFB. Vending sites at APH, KSB and LC Industries have been combined. The committee voted to remove the set aside (7% of net sales which was set aside to assist with purchase of equipment and insurance.)
New Business
Carla Ruschival pointed out that the ACB midyear meetings are set for the last weekend in February. By January we should have an idea about legislative priorities and will need to determine if we need to send anyone.
Elaine Weisbard informed the board that the Metro Disabilities Coalition will be having its Breaking Barriers Awards meeting March 21 and is looking for sponsors. GLCB and statewide chapters may want to purchase a table to share information.
In response to Joey Couch’s question related to adding Sound Prints to the ACB Link app, Carla reported it cannot be added as a podcast but they can link to our podcast. This is being worked on.
Announcements and Adjournment
Adam Ruschival reminded members this is a good time to get braillers repaired at KSB.
Adam also reminded the board that OFB now has large print calendars.
Carla reported the ACB Families Tax Workshop will be January 24 at 9 PM eastern on the chapter’s conference line. It will be conducted by the same person who did the workshop two years ago. Questions may be submitted in advance. The workshop is open to anyone. There are plans to produce an audio CD but there can be problems when people do not mute. A group is working on a possible solution.
Carla reminded members the ACB Radio Holiday auction will be on December 6. There will be lots of promotions over the next week.
Adam Ruschival made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. The motion was seconded by Joey Couch and unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.
Submitted by Rick Boggess, KCB Secretary
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