KCB Board Meeting – May, 2018
President Debbie Deatherage called the monthly meeting of the KCB Board of Directors to order via conference call at 7:38 PM (Eastern) on Monday, May 21, 2018. Answering the roll call were Debbie Deatherage, Joey Couch, Gerry Slusher, Rick Boggess, Carla Ruschival, Amanda Selm, Josh Gentry, Bill Wright, Sheryl Lott, Deb Lewis, Matt Selm, Bill Roberts, David Smith and Adam Ruschival. Jonathon McCarty checked in late. Frank Campbell and Winter Renfrow were absent. Guest Patti Cox was also present.
President Debbie Deatherage called for reading the April 16 board meeting minutes and summary which were distributed in advance. Joey Couch made a motion, seconded by Amanda Selm, to dispense with their reading and approval. The motion was approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Carla Ruschival reported April 30 balances. Rick Boggess made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report. The motion was seconded by Bill Wright and approved.
Old Business
President Debbie Deatherage asked Amanda Selm for a convention planning update. Amanda invited Patti Cox to provide a hotel update. She reported the only available dates at the Ramada Inn North on Zorn Avenue are November 16-17 at $79 a night. Carla Ruschival made a motion to hold the 2018 KCB convention on November 16-17 at the Ramada Inn. The motion was seconded by Joey Couch and approved. Amanda shifted discussion to possible speakers. After considerable discussion the board voted to invite Brian Charlson. President Deatherage will call him to extend the invitation.. Amanda will schedule a planning committee meeting soon.
Carla provided an update on the KCB e-Racers. Approximately $925 has been pledged. Although contributions will be accepted after June 28, money received after that date will not be reflected in totals reported at the AC convention. Adam Ruschival made a motion that KCB pledge $500 to support the e-Racers. The motion was seconded by Joey Couch and approved.
In response to a request from President Deatherage, Carla Ruschival provided an update on ACB convention preregistration. She reported that about 40 people (31 definite and 8 or 9 possible) plan to attend with a projected cost of approximately $12,000 for the hotel stipend. Carla pointed out offering this stipend was not possible in 2013 because of large financial obligations such as the Sound Prints contract with Clear Channel. Despite discussion about whether to cap the number of available stipends, there was no action. Members need to contact Carla to reserve rooms by Wednesday so she can give a number to the convention coordinator. It is better to over estimate the number of nights needed since it is easier to release unneeded rooms rather than trying to secure them later. Those who have personally made reservations should also contact Carla so the rooms can be pulled into the block. The board delayed selection of a delegate, alternate delegate and nominating committee representative until we have a better idea when people plan to attend.
President Debbie Deatherage asked Carla Ruschival to provide an update on the proposed October 1 merger of the KY Office for the Blind and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Many of the proposed changes involve consolidating administrative functions and do not impact service delivery. OFB has already posted some new positions in anticipation of the merger. In fact, for the first time in many years the state will draw down full federal funding which should result in increased services. GLCB has voted to support the merger. Rick Boggess made a motion that KCB support the merger with the hope that all parties will continue to work together to improve rehabilitation services to all visually impaired Kentuckians. The motion was seconded by Joey Couch and unanimously approved.
Chapter and Committee Reports
Eastern Kentucky Christian Council: Since Frank Campbell was absent, there was no report available.
Northern Kentucky Council: Gerry Slusher reported that participation in the conference call has increased to about 14 since they moved to the second Wednesday of the month. There will be a chapter picnic at the Slusher’s house on May 26. The chapter has set up a page and is collecting money to support the e-Racers.
Greater Louisville Council: David Smith reported the chapter held its quarterly meeting on April 27. Cora McNab provided a phone update on the proposed OFB Voc. Rehab. Merger. Members unanimously voted to support the merger and elected four new board members. Thirty-six people attended the May 5 Derby party at United Crescent Hill Ministries. Amanda Selm shared party planning ideas at the May 11 meeting.
Tri-State Library Users Group: Adam Ruschival reported the chapter will hold a business meeting and Page Turners at the May 25 Roundabout.
Guide Dog Users of Kentuckiana: Josh Gentry reported seven dogs had their eyes examined on May 18. There was some media coverage by WAVE 3 News. Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the May 28 conference call has been moved to May 29.
Support Alliance of the Visually Impaired: Bill Roberts reported 15 members and two guests attended the May 8 meeting where they enjoyed sandwiches and snacks and heard about Sheryl Lott’s experiences while getting her guide dog, Pepsi, at Southeastern Guide dogs. Members also received updates about the planned June 2 fishing outing and June 9 garage sale. They also discussed putting together a cookbook to sell. Rick also shared information about supporting the e-Racers. SAVI has pledged $100 to support the team.
KCB Next Generation: Matt Selm reported that members plan to attend the May 26 Louisville Bats game. Those wishing to go to the gift shop should notify Amanda Selm and arrive by 5:15; everyone else should meet at the stadium at 5:45. There will not be a picnic this summer. The next conference call meeting will be on June 10 at 8 PM>
KCCLV: Amanda Selm reported members spent time discussing the proposed OFB/Voc. Rehab. merger during their May 1 conference call. David Smith reported that the May 10 in person meeting was devoted to discussing accessible shopping apps and the ACB convention. The next meeting will be from 1:30-3:30 on May 24 at UCHM.
PR/Membership: Rick Boggess reported the committee met using Zoom on May 9. Carla reported the May newsletter was at the printer and should be mailed shortly. There are more than 300 on the newsletter email list. Webpage and calendar updates continue. Busy schedules have prevented Carla and Jonathon from getting together to discuss Twitter. Since Rick has had little luck with AudioNow, Carla will check with them. The committee agreed it would be a good idea to have a Zoom conference meeting at 7:30 on May 14 to talk about ACB preregistration. The next meeting will be on June 13.
Rick Boggess made a motion to accept chapter and committee reports. The motion was seconded by Gerry Slusher and approved.
Announcements and Adjournment
Adam Ruschival reminded everyone that tomorrow is election day and encouraged them to vote.
Rick Boggess made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Adam Ruschival and unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 9:06 PM.
Submitted by Rick Boggess, KCB Secretary
Download Summary: KCBBoardMeetingMay2018
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