February 7, 2019, Approved March 14, 2019
President Judy Wilkinson opened the meeting and Ardis Bazyn called the role. Rob Turner was absent, and 19 guests were present. A motion was approved to accept the January executive session minutes. The preliminary 2018 treasurer's report was accepted. A motion was approved for the president and treasurer to alert the Board of the current status of the CCB insurance policies within twenty-four hours.
Gabe Griffith and Jeff Thom shared some ideas the proposed by the Phoenix Committee. The committee developed a volunteer packet and resource guide. They discussed the possibility of moving away from an office set-up. The committee's unanimous consensus was on keeping the focus on the key mission of CCB. A dues increase was discussed. A fall remote auction is planned. A motion was approved to accept the Phoenix Committee report.
A notice was given for the California Energy Upgrade grant to be cancelled in liew of the PG&E bankruptcy. It may be reinstated, but we don't know yet. Jeff gave a Governmental Affairs update on bills and a resolution coming forward. Jeff asked participants to attend the conference and convention to celebrate CCB's 85th anniversary.
A motion passed for all expenses over $50 to be approved by Judy or Lisa. Paul Shane compiled a grant kit for CCB.
March 14, 2019, Approved April 11
President Wilkinson called the meeting to order and called the roll. Ardis Bazyn, Sarah Harris, and Sharlene Ornelas were absent, and 24 guests were present. A motion was approved to accept the February, 2018 minutes. A motion was approved to accept the December, 2018 minutes.
Judy discussed the Energy Upgrade California grant. We will be getting funding.
We're still needing some chapter rosters. The Board is working on an updated CCB brochure. Judy also mentioned subleasing the CCB office space, the ACB leadership meetings and a CCB auction.
The latest Blind Californian is on the website. The CCB credentials form is also online. A motion was approved to accept the Treasurer's report.
Some concerns were expressed about a second year in Fresno for the conference and convention: the higher room cost, only nine months between conventions, and the cost of a convention when we have limited funds. There would be no cost for not signing this contract. A motion was approved to rescind the previous approval to sign a contract for a 2020 convention with the Fresno Double tree hotel.
There was a lengthy discussion on the concept of holding a 1-day convention in multiple locations. Concerns included how special interest affiliates would be able to fulfill their constitutional requirements for meetings, the social aspect and accommodations for anyone needing to travel. Some convention committees would need to meet in advance. Exhibits, awards and lunches/dinners would have to be handled differently. A motion was approved to accept the concept of a one-day state-wide convention in multiple locations and that the date and locations be submitted to the Board for approval no later than the June Board meeting.
A motion was approved to request the Newel Perry Trustees to pay in three installments the remaining money in the trust down to the corpus to meet staffing and other ongoing expenses. As part of this agreement, the Board will forward monthly treasurers reports to the trustees.
Vivian Younger announced the membership focus call on "positivity in CCB" on April 10. We have two e-books on our web site, one for seniors and one on tax savings. We have had one chapter so far donate to help scholarship winners attend the convention. There will be a call for award nominees and Board candidates mentioned in this week's Happenings. The California Colossals will be walking again this year at the ACB convention.
The meeting adjourned.
April 11, 2019, Approved June 6
Judy called the meeting to order and roll call was taken. Ardis, Lisa and Paul were absent. Twenty-four members of the public were present at the beginning of the call.
A motion was approved to accept the March Board meeting minutes. Judy stated the landlord approved CCB subleasing part of the office so this should occur soon. Nicole has certified CCB membership with ACB. Our current membership number is under 600.
Greater Lakewood CCB chapter asked to be taken off the list of chapters. Several chapters have not submitted a list of members this year.
Volunteers will start answering phones on a part-time basis starting May 1. The EUC grant is moving forward. CCB will have braille and large print materials available at the convention.
Judy mentioned the need for more candidates for Board and officer positions. Ardis, Karen and Vivian are not running this year. A motion passed for the candidates' forum to take place on June 2. The candidates' statements are due April 26.
Judy announced the current sponsor list for the convention: Vanda for $5000, Sprint and Cruise automation for $3000, and RBG associates for $1000. Energy Upgrade CA will cover the cost of the programs. Announcements are complete and will be on the website soon. Printing is being done in house and they will be sent shortly.
The convention program is pretty much set. An Elvis impersonator will perform at the banquet. CCB is more than halfway with the needed room reservations. Jeff urged folks to make reservations.
After some concerns were expressed, Judy will appoint a subcommittee to discuss a membership privacy policy to recommend to the Board. Christie Crespin reminded participants of the May 15 deadline for scholarship applications. Karen Shrawder said the membership focus call was very positive. She will provide notes and Rob Turner will provide a link to the recording.
Judy reminded attendees of the credentials report deadline on May 6. She also said the first meeting of the CCB Auction Committee will be April 15.
The meeting adjourned.
May 9, 2019, Approved June 6
Judy opened the meeting and called the roll. Ardis and Paul Patche JR were absent, and 29 guests were present. Judy mentioned that she and Steve Mendelssohn attended a meeting about MediCal accessible formats. Mediation will continue, but CCB entered into a legal action with Disability Right California (DRC). The department wants to tackle giving formatted documents to IHHS recipients first.
James Collins has taken Duane Pool's place working on the EUC grant. He'll be at convention. Judy also mentioned that the executive committee met with the Newel Perry Foundation Board chair. Mitch Pomerantz asked for a budget and also if CCB could get by with less than the full almost $80,000 left before the corpus. CCB will finalize a budget before the donation is made.
Nicole will be gone for a week later in May, but she'll respond to messages about registrations when she returns. People can register online. Volunteers are handling the phones while Nicole is gone. Linda was the first to test answering the phone remotely.
Copies of the preliminary budget were sent to the Board. Expenses are listed as $170,274 and the revenue is placed at $193,427. This leaves a net of $23,153. The revenue includes $40,000 from the Newell Perry Trust. CCB office expenses are 22 percent of the budget and staff is 47 percent of the budget. Income also includes $10,500 from rent and utilities paid by a renter.
Lisa is projecting a $18,000 net for the convention. She went over a possible 2020 budget as well. It was felt perhaps an eighteen month budget might work better. She said if the office lease was terminated and office staff changed to part-time, the budget would drastically change for the positive. A motion was approved to accept the preliminary budget and treasurer's report.
Jeff gave a convention update. CCB is finalizing the program and asks for all info to be sent in by Monday. Members were urged to make reservations in the next two weeks since the room count is not what is needed to be to eliminate the $2800 meeting room expense. Jeff mentioned next year's convention will be a one day convention held simultaneously in three places. It will be on May 2. Locations have not been confirmed yet. Voting will take place at the three locations and a Zoom meeting will take place so those not attending can listen to proceedings, but cannot vote.
Gabe will hold a phone bylaws meeting on May 21. The audio version is on the phone and online versions are also available.
Judy appointed a work group to recommend a policy regarding the handling of member's information. She appointed Ardis, Steve M., and Vita Zavoli. The work group will be meeting soon.
Olivia asked who was in charge of the devotional service at the convention. Jeff said no one had volunteered yet so Olivia said she would handle it. Gail Crossan volunteered to assist her.
The meeting adjourned to executive session. A motion passed to authorize the President to expend funds for advertising the lease of office space. Legal matters were also discussed.
June 6, 2019, Approved August 9
When Judy opened the meeting and Ardis called the roll, all board members were present. After Judy read the proposed agenda, a motion was passed to accept it as read. A motion passed to accept the April 11 minutes. A motion to accept the May 9 executive meeting minutes. A motion passed to authorize the President to expend funds for advertising the lease of the office space.
Judy thanked those who worked on the CCB program. She said several CCB members answered phones while Nicole was gone. Judy said CCB was using Net Lupe to advertise the office. CCB did have one person who checked the office space for rent.
She said soon CCB would be able to sell the treadmill. There will be two versions to demonstrate - a manual version and an automated version.
Lisa reported the June 30 total cash on hand was $19,571. A motion passed to accept the treasurer's report.
Lisa read the proposed budget. The total expenses projected for 2019 are $181,039. The total revenue projected for 2019 is $203,120. If expenses and revenue are as projected, the net income would be $22,081. A motion passed to accept the budget and finance committee proposed budget. CCB will only request money as needed from the Newell Perry Trust fund.
The Membership Policy working group recommended the following policy:
"Each chapter or affiliate shall include in its bylaws an official policy statement governing the sharing of members' contact information with other CCB members. The policy should make clear that the chapter or affiliate is required to share roster and contact information with CCB, but that the chapter or affiliate is otherwise free, subject only to legal requirements if any, to adopt whatever policy it chooses for responding to requests for member contact information."
A motion was approved to accept the policy.
The proposed 1 day convention will take place on May 2, 2020 in several linked locations. The total number of persons needed for a quorum is 50 plus one third of the affiliate and chapter delegates. Special interest affiliates meetings may be held at their choice of locations or by conference call. Gabe will be the link between the convention committee and special interest groups. {See below.}
Judy outlined the case on MediCal giving specialized formats. DRC, DRA and DREDF are working on legal action and mediation. Airbnb has agreed to report on monitoring how they accept those with guide dogs and mobility issues. CCB is working with RBGG (Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld, LLP) on this issue. Michael Nunoz is working on the restaurant kiosk problem.
Gabe and Linda Porelle will give chapters and affiliate leaders a liaison Board member. Frank Welte, Credentials chair, will check the last several years of convention reports and send them to the Membership Committee. Judy may appoint a task force to check into this as well.
Gabe thanked Jake and Sammy for helping with audio set-up along with Gabe and Dave Jackson.
Judy thanked Board members retiring June 30: Ardis as secretary, and directors Karen and Vivian. She appreciates their continuing committee work. Linda said the BC is available online, in email, and audio on Newsline.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.
Executive Session June 27, 2019
When Judy opened the meeting and Ardis called the roll, Sharlene and Karen were absent. The new board members were present. A motion was passed for CCB to start mediation or structured negotiation to resolve the issue with the State Parks website. Discussion included making a recommendation for testers with screen readers, enlargement software, iPhone and android for usability and accessibility. The motion passed.
A motion was approved to hold the 2020 annual convention from June 3-6 at the Doubletree in Fresno. Since no proposal for a sublease was received by July 1, a motion was passed for the the president to enter into negotiation for a lease modification. The executive session ended at 8:27 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ardis Bazyn, CCB Secretary
California Council of the Blind
