Absent:

Chris Rosa, Vice Chair; Frances Pizzola, Member-at-Large; A. Georg Fleischer; Michele Greene; Sally Johnston; Michael Kennedy; Jack White.

Meeting:

Bobbi Linn called the meeting to order at 10:12 AM by welcoming everyone in attendance. The meeting began with a quorum present.

The Chair opened the floor for an "open discussion" segment. No issues/comments were made.

The Chair requested a motion on the minutes of June 14,1999. Moved by Maria Dibble, second Gisela Distel, to accept the minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Executive Director's Report/B. Williams:

A. Monthly Activity update:

• In June and July, we went through the nomination process and appointment process with VESID. It is now in the hands of the Regents for their approval in September or October.
• Certain aspects of the Communications Outreach Coordinator position have been contracted out. T.K. Small is assisting with communications in NYC. Kathy Raeihle is handling the website. Sue Meineker is constructing our next newsletter.
• In June, the NCIL conference was a big event.
• A great deal of work on public policy issues.

B. "Mission Possible" update:

Copy provided in your packets. Two banners have been acquired, (1) puts NYSILC out there with all our contact information, and (2) "Ask Me About NYSILC's New ..." Both are used to promote NYSILC and let people know what we're doing.

Discussion was had regarding NYSILC's name. Any name change will require the change be filed in every county within the State.

C. Strategy Grant Plan update:

During the first 9 months we sent a great deal of time on issues of public policy and committee work, not leaving time to go out and obtain monies. The items that grants we going to be sought for have been able to be covered internally within our current contract.

D. NYSILC Resources Purchases for CILS and Satellites:

At the August Executive Committee meeting it was decided to spend approximately $20,000 of NYSILC contract funds on the CILS and satellites. Resources purchased were based on needs expressed in 704 reports and at regional forums and focus group discussions. Resources include Grants Guide Plus and calendars, and allows for one grant to be written, then sent to Grants Guide Plus for review and recommendations for changes to strengthen the request; a Nonprofit's Guide to Lobbying; from the Wilder Foundation: a Marketing Workbook and a Strategy Planning Workbook, diskettes included; a set of 7 "Points of View" tapes; and for the Federal centers, reference binder and diskette containing EDGAR, Federal forms, 704 Reports, etc. Balance of funds will be spent on a statewide Public Relations campaign - 30 second open captioned PSA individually tagged for each center for TV, radio, and print media; as well as a "how to" kit. Paid ads were discussed, as well as "Dateline" type coverage.

E. SPIL Funding Priorities and a Response to RSA :

At the NCIL Conference, OSERS and RSA, discussed several issues, in particular in 2 regions, but not Region II, where RSA decided not to honor the SPIL and the funding priorities in the SPIL when they were in the process of allocating funding in those particular states. This decision was contested. In the event increased funds become available when the Federal budget gets passed, the funding priorities will be addressed as identified in the SPIL. Grants may also be available for CILS and/or satellites to compete to win. Modifications to the SPIL would have to go through the chain" of approval again.

Moved by Joe Bravo, second by Maria Dibble, to establish a committee that over the next couple of months will specifically work on addressing this and making recommendations back at the next council meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

Committee volunteers: Mary Ewing, Joe Bravo, Bobbi Linn, Marianna Brown and Denise Figueroa. Absent Council members, CIL Executive Directors, VESID and CBVH will be invited to participate as well.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer reported June and July financials. James Billy moved, seconded by Maria Dibble, that the reports be accepted. Motion carried unanimously.

1999-2000 Proposed Budget was presented for approval. Brief discussion was had regarding several categories. Motion by Maria Dibble, second by Joe Bravo, to accept the proposed budget. Motion passed unanimously.

David DuBois, President of RCIL's Board and faculty member of Empire State College, requested co-sponsorship by NYSILC of a pre- or post-conference event at the "Disabled but Enabled and Empowered" conference. Brad Williams and Joe Bravo were instructed to follow up with Dave, and bring back a recommendation at the November council meeting.

Recognition of Charles McGrady: Marianna Brown, James Billy and Stephanie Lawton presented Odessa McGrady, Charlie's wife, and Evelyn Jean Clarke, Charlie's daughter, with a plaque honoring Charlie's service to NYSILC.

Executive Committee Report: Report tabled due to absence of Chris Rosa.

Personnel Committee/A. Pavlak: At a meeting on 7/16/99, Brad's six months review was performed. Recommendation was made to the Executive Committee in August granting Brad $2,500 in salary and a vehicle lease allowance of $2,500. Also discussed was the establishment of a 403(b) Retirement Plan as well as a percentage Employer contribution, not to exceed 4% of an employee's salary.

Motion by the Executive Committee to authorize the Executive Director to establish a 403(b) Retirement Plan for current and future employees. Motion passed with one abstention.

Public Policy Committee/B. Williams: Brad Williams reported, in Fran Pizzola's absence, that the Public Policy Committee worked towards and celebrated the $1.5 million increase to the CILs. Special Education Reform - the Legislature had to enact certain changes until compliance was met. The comprised Senate position was passed. WIIA - 26 out of 31 Congressional NYS members are co-sponsors. This bill is currently in the Ways and Means Committee. "Olmstead" came down in our favor, statement papers explaining this decision have been disseminated. Kendra's law was passed in spite of our best efforts.

Transition Committee/R. Shepherd: A meeting has been scheduled for 10/12/99 and will be reporting at the next Council meeting.