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TXT file 2023 January 26 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
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FCB Executive Committee Meeting January 26, 2023
A meeting of the Executive Committee was held on Thursday, January 26, 2023. The meeting began at 7:03 PM. Those in attendance were: Sheila Young, President; 1st Vice-President, Mikey Wiseman; 2nd Vice-President, Cassandra Jessie; Membership Secretary, Sally Benjamin; Recording Secretary, Mary Tyson; Treasurer, Mark Lear; and guests, Kati Lear and
Motion to approve the minutes of the October 03, 2022 meeting was made by Cassandra Jessie and seconded by Sally Benjamin. Motion passed.
Chapter Updates:
Palm Beach – Sally reported that Judy Doherty was unable to return and Patricia Moore was wondering how the chapter should proceed. Jason Goldfield and Matt Herskovits are willing to meet in an effort to solve chapter issues. Nothing can be done until such a meeting is held and we can find out what is going on internally.
Sarasota Chapter – Sally reported that she had been in touch with Richard Wilkinson who she believed was the President of that chapter . He is not, and she is wondering why no one has been in attendance at the Presidents Meetings. Kati advised that messages were sent to the wife of Marty Katzenberger who is the President, as he does not have a direct email. She never receives any response. This is Mary’s chapter and she will make contact with them.
Tampa Chapter – They turned in a list of officers and a roster to Sally and Mary will check and make sure that the rest of their documents were submitted. Mark will verify if the dues were received.
FCCLV Affiliate – Mikey reported that Lisa Kemp is no longer their treasurer and this will be addressed at their next meeting.
Jacksonville Chapter – Cassandra reported that they are doing fine and that Cachet Wells is their new president.
Miami Metro – Mikey reported that he has difficulty communicating with their president, Loraine Clement, as she does not have a computer and all messages must go through Julian. Cassandra advised that Loraine does respond to telephone communication and that would be the best way to proceed in the future. Kati said that she would call her to advise her of upcoming Presidents meetings.
Sheila has reached out to RSVF and has had no response. They have not officially dissolved their affiliate and we need to have this resolved. Cassandra will reach out to Colton Knight and report back to the Committee.
It was reported that Sarasota has just gotten three new members and Tallahassee has gotten two new members.
Unfinished Business:
Sheila was approached and asked if FCB would be willing to assist chapters in obtaining their own Zoom accounts as it was her understanding that they may be able to obtain a discount. No chapters have requested assistance and there is no additional information on this.
Discussion was had on the best way to obtain a new computer for the FCB Administrative Assistant. Mikey made a motion that Kati research a new computer and come back to us with a couple of options. Motion was seconded by Cassandra. Kati said she would need to go to Office Depot or Best Buy so that she could put hands on the computer. Sheila recommended she check with John Palmer as that is where she got her last desktop.
Mikey suggested that Kati approach DBS as a client to see if they would provide a new computer and updated software so that Kati can maintain her job. Kati advised that she had reopened her case in August in order to get a Brailliant 40 and has yet to receive approval. Cassandra advised that a paper trail needs to be established before DBS is approached by Mikey as her employer. The computer should be included in the request for assistance as well as the Brailliant. A new computer must be stressed as they may attempt to substitute a computer from Computers for the Blind which would not meet her needs. Cassandra advised that the state requires a client to sign a contract that the computer actually belongs to them for the first three years. The committee was not in favor of this approach. Kati will research the computer and bring information to the next Executive Committee meeting.
New Business:
Convention Update:
Mikey advised that Shana is no longer the contact person for the hotel. The email for those on the master list was sent to Kati for distribution. Any additional room nights other than Thursday through Saturday must be noted and Mark will be advised.
Banquet price has been settled for $40 per plate.
It has been proposed that the One Blood donation bus be on site on June 3, from noon to 6:00 Pm. and Mikey has advised the hotel. Service dogs will not be banned from the vehicle but it will be recommended that should someone with a service dog wish to donate blood that they make arrangements to board without their dogs as the bus has limited space. If One Blood wishes to put out a press release that is fine with us. This topic will be referred to the Convention Committee to make a final decision .
There will be no BRLF breakfast. They have requested an 11:00 AM meeting time on Friday.
Sheila has proposed an Officer Responsibility session for convention, put on by the Executive Committee and has requested our assistance. Saturday morning at 10:15 is the proposed time and it will be on FCB Zoom.
ACB Media has been notified of our convention dates.
Sheila was asked if there would be a community call game session where the winner receives one night at the hotel as first prize. Mary made a motion that one night hotel stay be awarded as first prize to the winning team on a Community Call competition to be held in March. Second prize will be $50 and third prize, $25. Motion was seconded by Cassandra. Motion passed.
Mikey has Reached out to Tampa, Orlando and Volusia County for possible future convention locations. He is open to any other workable suggestions. It was emphasized that these potential contracts will not be included in person at the midyear meeting.
Sheila asked Kati to send her a copy of our insurance policy so that she can see exactly what coverage we have.
Sheila met with Nancy Folsom who believes that the administrative assistant should receive a raise as she has not received one in two years. Mikey proposed that this be discussed at an in-person meeting prior to the Preconvention Board meeting in June.
Mary requested that we have an Executive Committee Meeting in the near future to try to resolve some of the concerns brought up at tonight’s meeting. The meeting was set for Thursday, February 16, at 7:00 PM.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted by,
Mary Tyson,
FCB Recording Secretary