KCB Board Meeting – December, 2012
The monthly meeting of the Kentucky Council of the Blind Board of Directors was held via conference call on Thursday, December 20, 2012. President Deb Lewis called the meeting to order at 9:10 PM eastern time. Members present were Deb Lewis, Deb Trevino, Joey Couch, Rick Boggess, Carla Ruschival, Bill Deatherage, Debbie Deatherage, Jim Shaw, Birchell “Cisco”
Slusher, Adam Ruschival and Bill Wright. Members Patti Cox, Frances Gregory, Donnie Parrett and David Perry were unable to attend. Guests Krysti Sykes and David Trevino were also present.
President Deb Lewis called for the reading of minutes from the last board meeting. Carla Ruschival reported that the minutes had been posted for review but that not everyone seemed to have received them. Furthermore, a hard copy was not readily available. Consequently, Carla made a motion, which was seconded, to postpone reading of the minutes until our next meeting. This motion was unanimously approved.
President Deb Lewis informed the board that if anyone wishes to request a change in board rep, she should be notified at least 30 days in advance.
Chapter Reports
Eastern Kentucky Christian Council: Joey Couch reported that the Council held its Christmas dinner on December 8 at Ponderosa in Hazard. Adam Ruschival and Rich Marcy traveled from Louisville to eastern Kentucky to attend the party. There were lots of prizes, including one of the discount cards being sold by the Greater Louisville Council. The Council is checking into holding its next meeting at a different location which features local writers.
Northern Kentucky Council: Birchell Slusher stated that the annual Christmas party was held at Golden Corral on December 15th with guests from the Louisville Council in attendance. There were lots of door prizes and everyone enjoyed playing Dirty Santa. Over the past year the Council has faced challenges locating a meeting place due to construction at the local library. Consequently, several of its meetings have been conducted on the conference line. The chapter is delaying several activities until it can establish its 501(c)3 status as a nonprofit. Any assistance with getting this issue resolved would be appreciated. They are planning a meeting on January 7 to discuss this issue.
Greater Louisville Council: Carla Ruschival updated the board on activities of the Greater Louisville Council. The Council is in the middle of two fundraisers and had a bargain table at the annual Christmas party. The party was a huge success with excellent attendance and lots of good food. Deb Lewis also coordinated a crafts and cookie exchange. Looking ahead, there are several activities planned for January and February. These include a dine out at Dish on Market on January 12, GLCB in the Afternoon on January 16, and bingo on January 18. There are tentative plans for a possible tour at some point in January. There will also be a business meeting, spaghetti dinner and workshop on emergency preparedness on February 9.
Carla Ruschival presented a fundraising idea which would involve collecting old used donated cell phones and/or iPads for possible resell on Ebay or Craig’s List. Since this is a possible statewide project, proceeds would be shared by the Louisville Council and KCB. Rick Boggess inquired about the market for phones deemed to be beyond repair. Carla responded that there is very little market for these. Deb Trevino made a motion that KCB proceed with plans to collect and resell these donated used phones and iPads. Rick Boggess seconded the motion which was then unanimously approved by the board. Carla stated she will soon post this information on the distribution lists and will get it on the web and Facebook pages. She encouraged everyone to share the information with all their friends on Facebook and Twitter.
Tri-State Library Users Group: Adam Ruschival updated the board on the chapter’s activities. The program at the November conference was a great success and they are planning a 6 PM meeting on January 8 at Clifton Pizza on Frankfort Avenue. (It should be noted this meeting is usually held on the first Tuesday of the month but it is being moved back a week due to the New Year’s holiday.) At the meeting, there will be election of officers, Adam will discuss 2013 dues and there will probably be a speaker.
Guide Dog Users of Kentucky: Deb Lewis presented information on chapter activities. Their offerings at the statewide convention in November were well received with lots of positive comments on Dr. Tolar’s presentation and about 18 people attended the evening social activity.
Committee Reports
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Carla Ruschival reported the November 30, 2012 balances. Joey Couch made a motion for approval of the treasurer’s report. Birchell Slusher seconded the motion which was then unanimously approved.
Convention Update/Review: The board spent considerable time discussing the statewide KCB convention which was held at the Kentucky School for the Blind on November 16-18.
Carla Ruschival reported that an estimated $200 worth of items were reported missing from the dorm and moved that the board consider reimbursing KSB for the missing items. This motion was seconded and unanimously approved. Although this has not been a problem in the past, Carla indicated that we will ask for a walk through prior to conventions in the future. This should help clarify responsibility should concerns arise in the future.
Carla Ruschival indicated that conference attendance was excellent. It appears that things ran smoothly and that the presentations, meals, exhibits, memorial service and special activities were all well received. Carla suggested that we order less potato soup and slightly increase the amount of chili we order next year. Adam Ruschival also suggested that we try to have designated microphone runners to deliver the microphone to those wishing to speak during sessions. These individuals should probably be someone with partial vision or a sighted volunteer.
Bill Wright asked if Jeff Thom had discussed television accessibility (more specifically audio description) in his convention address. Board members indicated they did not recall that this was covered. Carla informed the group that ACB will soon be convening a group to deal with audio description concerns.
Awards Committee: Jim Shaw presented the Awards Committee report. He reported that the outstanding service award was presented to Ninth District Councilwoman Tina Ward-Pugh at the Greater Louisville Council Christmas party. She was unable to be present to accept this award at last month’s state convention. Jim also thanked committee members Adam Ruschival, Elaine Weisbard, and Leonard Watkins.
PR Committee: Carla Ruschival reported that the Pocket Pages project (especially the sections for Louisville and the Louisville metro area) is moving along. The past couple of weeks have seen little progress because of a problem with the thumb drive containing the cleaned up version. There is some hope that the file can be successfully recovered. APH has contributed 24 reams of paper for the project. KCB has applied for a grant to help with the cost of the project but the award date has been pushed back because over 2000 grant applications were received. Even partial funding would help insure that the statewide section can be produced. Carla suggested that chapters in other parts of the state might want to consider using the format to produce local versions of the document. She indicated there is a precedent for this since the Lions Club in northern Kentucky used the Louisville version of the document to produce it for people in northern Kentucky several years ago. This document, which can be made available on our website, through doctor’s offices and at other locations around the area, can be a great tool for PR.
Carla Ruschival also reported that the Public Relations Committee (more specifically Joey Couch and Natalie Beyers) is also working on updating our Facebook and Twitter pages with the hope of attracting more visitors. Last week the KCB website had over 200 hits, there were 63 visitors to our Facebook page and approximately 30 people visited the Twitter page. There is hope we can get some pictures on our Facebook page and Carla has figured out how to make more people page administrators. We know that agencies like Bookshare and Fred’s Head follow what happens on our Facebook page. In addition, Carla reported that the 63 people who like our Facebook page have over 20,000 friends. So, there is tremendous public relations potential.
Bill Wright thanked Carla and Adam Ruschival for sending him a CD copy of the Sound Prints radio program while he was out of town. People unable to receive the radio program can contact Carla or Adam to request a CD copy which can be easily produced since they have equipment which permits them to make copies quickly and easily.
New Business
Carla informed the board that the Sound Prints contract is up for renewal and solicited input from members on its possible renewal. The annual contract will begin with the upcoming show scheduled for broadcast on December 26. The cost per show will increase from $170 to $180 and will be for 51 (possibly 2 or 3 less due to preempting) weeks since Christmas is on Wednesday next year. Carla pointed out that, if shows are shortened because of programming conflicts, they often add in interesting segments from previous shows to fill in the shows which are disseminated through other venues such as ACB radio. The projected cost of the new contract will be around $9500. This past year the Greater Louisville Lions Club gave $5000 toward the cost of the show but they probably will contribute only about $3000 this coming year. Adam Ruschival made a motion to renew the Sound Prints contract for another year. Bill Wright seconded the motion. Adam pointed out the program has been broadcast for about 10.5 years. The fact that WKJK is broadcast over Iheart Radio means that the show can be heard around the world. Citing the recent broadcast of the ACB auction, it was noted that KCB has developed a good working relationship with the management at WKJK. However, it was agreed that we need to continue to monitor whether or not it is cost effective to continue paying for the show. Carla pointed out that there is a clause in the contract which allows either KCB or the station to cancel without penalty provided a 30-day notice is given. The board voted unanimously to approve a new Sound Prints contract.
Carla Ruschival proposed that the board consider whether or not KCB should obtain a credit card. She pointed out that this is an idea she has opposed in the past. However, she has concluded that having a credit card offers some advantages in setting up some Ebay accounts which can be linked through Giving Works which is a subsidiary of Mission Fish. Approved nonprofit organizations appearing in their listings may receive contributions from individuals searching for ways to donate and may have their links posted in other people’s listings thus expanding exposure and increasing the potential for additional donations. She pointed out that ACB has actually received some contributions in this manner. By having a credit card on file, Ebay will often reduce or waive fees since such organizations are perceived as being more stable. In addition, having a credit card in the organizations name will open up the possibility of accepting PayPal payments which is considerably cheaper than charges for processing credit card transactions. Deb Trevino made a motion, which was seconded by Joey Couch, authorizing the treasurer to obtain a low limit credit card under KCB’s name. Carla stated that she will consult with Lane Waters in the ACB Minnesota office before attempting to establish the account. The motion was approved unanimously.
President Deb Lewis indicated that planning continues for the Crossroads Leadership Conference which will be held on March 15-17 in Louisville. Hotel rates are approximately $79 per night. Carla Ruschival added that the registration fee has not been established. She also pointed out that there will be an article about the conference (with further details) in the January Braille Forum. Deb Lewis thanked everyone who has helped and indicated that anyone can attend the next planning meeting which is scheduled on January 6 at 3:00 eastern time. The meeting will take place on the conference line.
President Lewis stated that the legislative conference in Washington, D.C., is quickly approaching. Given the high cost (rooms are about $150 a night and no pressing priorities established through the ACB national office) there appears to be little reason to attend this year. She stated that we might be more effective working with our legislators. Carla indicated she has been in contact with Melanie Brunson to express concerns about the apparent lack of an agenda. There is a possibility that ACB might revisit the issue of providing durable medical equipment under Medicare. Since the registration deadline is January 29, it was suggested that we delay any decision about attending until our January meeting.
President Deb Lewis recently visited the Charles McDowell Center to present information about KCB to a group. Officials at the center would like for someone representing KCB to come every quarter. She hopes to take more handouts to the next meeting.
President Deb Lewis reported that KCB did not give out any scholarships last year and asked the board for input on whether we should consider doing so in the future. Adam Ruschival suggested appointing a committee to examine this issue and report back to the board. Deb Lewis indicated that Paula Wiese is interested in this issue and asked for at least two other people to volunteer for this committee. When no one else volunteered, she encouraged people to consider this and to contact her by early January if interested. Carla Ruschival pointed out that the scholarship had been discontinued a couple of years ago when there appeared to be little interest with many recipients not showing up to accept the award. At that time, the plan was to make money available to students for technology or other needs. The committee has been charged with looking at this issue and will provide further direction at the February board meeting.
President Deb Lewis asked if there was further business for consideration. Hearing none, Bill Wright made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Birchell Slusher and the meeting adjourned at 10:50. The next board meeting will be held on the conference line at 9 PM on January 17.
Submitted By Rick Boggess, KCB Secretary
Download Summary: KCBBoardMeetingDecember2012
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