Minutes of the Membership of South Dakota RehabAction

Pierre, South Dakota, 3/07/05

Call to Order: The Meeting was called to order by President, Richard Gardner.

Board Members Present: Richard Gardner, Alan Vandenburg, Bernie Grimme, Linda Lockner, Marjorie Helgeson, Nikki Moir, and Kim Crossan.

Bernie Grimme introduced Terry Brigance, current president of American RehabACTion Network. Terry gave an overview of the history and mission of A.R.A.N. He invited our attendance at the meeting of the ARAN Board to be help in Pierre tomorrow. He challenged us to help the organization grow into an even more viable organization.

Minutes of October 5, 2004 Membership Meeting: Richard announced that the minutes of the last meeting had been posted on the RehabAction web page and entertained a motion to approve the minutes. Gaye moved, and Janet Ball seconded that the minutes be approved. All in favor.

Legislative Update: Grady Kickul, DRS Director, gave an update on V. R. legislation on the state and federal levels. The reauthorization of WIA has been prominent this year. President Bush’s budget had significant cuts. V. R. 110 funding did not take cuts because of a C.O.L.A. Regional R.S.A. offices are closing 10/1. Other cuts include Supported Employment, Migrant Seasonal Farm Worker, and Projects With Industry programs. Also proposed was the elimination of the Assistive Technology Act as we know it. Grants would be replaced with loans. We will have to see what happens when Senate and House budgets are put together. H. R. 27, the WIA Consolidation Plus (block granting at the discretion of state governors) was proposed, but those efforts failed. The Senate version of WIA reauthorization (S-9) will be considered.

Officer’s reports--President’s Report: Richard gave a report on the state of South Dakota RehabACTion. He said that our first annual meeting was in 2002. This year, we have supported Employment Specialist training in Watertown and provided partial support of NAMI, Clerical Training, New Counselor Training, the Fall Conference, as well as being the fiscal agent for the Mid Winter Conference. We have also provided recognition awards: Director’s awards, C.R.C. recognition awards. SDRehabAction has provided legislative updates. Richard thanked Grady Kickul and Gaye Mattke for their support of SDRehabAction.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer, Bernie Grimme provided a handout of the Treasurer’s report including the provider account. He said that the treasurer’s report is also on the web site. Richard entertained a motion to approve the treasurer’s report. Dave Shearer moved, and Nikki Moir seconded the motion that the treasurer’s report be accepted as presented. All in favor.

Report on Fall Conference:

Nikki Moir reported on the plans for the Fall Conference. It is to be held October 11-13 at the Brookings Inn. The phone number for reservations is 1-877-831-1562. She said that the conference theme is S-U-C-C-E-S-S.

Nominations Committee Report: Alan Vandenburg announced that nominations for the RehabAction Board include the following slate of candidates: president-elect: Margie Helgeson, Emily Bennett; secretary: Linda Lockner, Patty Williams; member-at-large Randy Christenson, Lisa Pierce, provider member at large, Nikki Moir.

Provider Recognition Report: Bernie presented an outline about categories for new awards to be given at the Fall Conference. He asked for comments on these awards by April 15.

Presentation of the Gavel: Richard passed the gavel to Alan Vandenburg, incoming president, who at that point took over the business meeting. Alan asked if there any new business items to add to the agenda.

Election of Officers: Alan asked if there were any new nominations to add to the slate of candidates for office. Hearing none, he directed that ballots be distributed and collected.

Adjournment: Rich Gardner moved, and Julianne Arient-Rollman made a motion to adjourn the meeting. All in favor.

Presentation to Bernie and Shirt to Terry Brigance? Where does this fit in?