Minutes of South Dakota RehabACTion Annual Meeting

Monday, March 6, 2006 at 5:00 P.M.

Ramkota Convention Center

Pierre, South Dakota

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Alan Vandenburg.

Board Members Present: President, Alan Vandenburg; President-Elect, Margie Helgeson; Past President, Richard Gardner; Treasurer, Bernie Grimme; Secretary, Linda Lockner; Member at Large, Lisa Pierce; Provider Member, Nikki Moir.

Approval of Minutes:

Minutes of the last membership meeting were reviewed. Julaine Arient-Rollman moved, and Rich Gardner seconded the motion to approve. All in favor.

Legislative Update:

Grady Kickul gave a legislative update. He said that he and Bernie Grimme have been out to all the offices. They are putting the final touches on the state plan for submission and public meetings. Order of Selection implementation is being proposed for October 1 for general Rehabilitation Services, but not SBVI. In addition to giving a rundown on WIA reauthorization and other legislative items, Grady talked about the proposed elimination of the Migrant Seasonal Farm Worker program and RSA regional offices. He said that Sue Renkin-White is now our liaison in Washington, D. C. She will be coming to South Dakota June 13-15. An on-site monitoring team from RSA will be coming sometime after October 1.

ARAN Consortium Update:

Richard Gardner and Margie Helgeson attended a board meeting for ARAN in Texas. Catriona McDonald, our legislative lobbyist, reported that it is likely that reauthorization will not be acted upon until after the election. The ARAN budget is about $3000. per month for operation. This includes Catriona’s fee and the newsletter. Last year South Dakota kicked in $1500. Texas kicked in $5,000. Margie said that ARAN had a board meeting on 2/21. Rich said that we should do what we can to do outreach with the VR people in other states to see if we can promote RehabACTion organization in their states.

Membership Report:

Bernie Grimme said that the membership number is 107 now. The web site has a member list.

Treasurer’s Report:

Bernie Grimme presented the treasurer’s report and said that it is also posted on the web site in greater detail. Margie Helgeson made a motion to approve the report, which was seconded by Julaine Arient-Rollman. All in favor.

Fall Conference:

Dan Rounds reported on plans for the Fall Conference. He said that Region 8 RCEP will come to South Dakota and partner up for the conference. It will start early in the morning and be held at the Holiday Inn in Spearfish. A block of rooms is available at State rates, but conference goers should book early. Dan reviewed the speaker lineup and said that CTAT is helping with speakers. The planners hope to have four tracks going simultaneously. They are targeting 300 attendees from the region. Lisa Werlinger and Lori Linco will handle the local arrangements. The conference will have a western theme. There will be a Deadwood night.

Nominations Committee Report:

Margie Helgeson presented the slate of candidates for the new officers and board members at large of SD RehabACTion. They include:

President-Elect: Cindy Ryan

Secretary: Linda Lockner, Patty Williams

Treasurer: Bernie Grimme

V. R. Member at Large: Lisa Pierce, Keith Rouse

Provider Member at Large: Nikki Moir, Carole Qualm, Dan Rounds

Passing of the Gavel Ceremony:

Alan Vandenburg passed the gavel of the office of the President to Margie Helgeson. Margie continued conducting the meeting as new president of SD RehabACTION.

Additions to the Agenda: None

Old Business: None

New Business:

Donations to ARAN: Margie Helgeson referred to Rich Gardner’s report about ARAN needing contributions from the states in the consortium. Bernie Grimme presented some discussion points. He said that other states can be brought into the consortium that could also be sources of funds. There are a finite number of counselors, but providers can offer great potential for growth in the organization. Julaine Arient-Rollman moved that we donate some funds for the consortium up to $3000. Bernie seconded Julaine’s motion. All in favor.

Election of Officers:

Margie Helgeson conducted the election of new officers and members at large. She said that the results of the election will be posted.

Adjournment:

Rich Gardner moved, and Nikki Moir seconded that the meeting adjourn. All in favor.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda J. Lockner, Secretary