State of Oklahoma
Commission for Rehabilitation Services
Department of Rehabilitation Services
3535 NW 58th Street, Suite 200
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 9, 2016
PRESENT
Lynda Collins, Commission Chair
Steve Shelton, Commission Vice-Chair
Jack Tucker, Commission Member
Carol A. Brown, Commission Assistant
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 10:30 am by Commission Chair Collins. All Commissioners were present.
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
Commission Assistant Brown confirmed the Commission for Rehabilitation Services is in compliance with the Open Meetings Act.
REPORTS
INTERIM DIRECTOR REPORT
Commissioner Collins recognized Cheryl Gray, Chief of Staff who was reporting for Noel Tyler, Interim Director. The Interim Director with other staff met at the Office of Management and Enterprises Services for a tour of the Information Services Division. It has been decided the Professional Development Unit will be in charge of WINGS. In a meeting with ABLE-Tech, updates on OKDRS partnerships and activities were discussed. The OK Works Conference was attended by the Interim Director and several OKDRS staff was involved.
LEGISLATIVE
Commissioner Collins recognized Kevin Nelson, DRS Legislative Liaison, who gave his report and reiterated the State’s budget is still critical. The Legislature has two weeks left before retiring for the session. It appears there is an anticipated cut of approximately 13.3%.
FINANCIAL STATUS REPORT
Commissioner Collins recognized Kevin Statham, Chief Financial Officer, who gave the Financial Status Report as of March 31, 2016. With the proposed budget cuts, Finance is trying to keep client and student services at a priority.
FY 2018- FY 2015 CAPITAL OUTLAY REQUEST EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Commissioner Collins recognized Kevin Statham, Chief Financial Officer who gave the report which is a request for capital dollars to provide for some of the infrastructure needs. It is given today for any questions. The Chief Financial Officer will work with the Interim Director before the next Commission meeting at which time it will be given as an action item, for a vote.
PERSONNEL ACTIVITY
Commissioner Collins recognized Goli Dunkle, Management Services Administrator, who gave the personnel activity report as of April 22, 2016. The jobs posted are direct client services.
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Commissioner Collins recognized Mark Kinnison, VR Administrator. The CSAVR in DC was attended and all staff had an opportunity to visit Oklahoma’s Legislative members. At this point, there are 52% successful closures and the goal for the year is 60%.
VISUAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Commissioner Collins recognized Paul Adams, Interim VS Administrator. Visual Services is working with the Oklahoma School for Blind on summer jobs for the students, wanting to inspire young people.
OKLAHOMA ABLE TECH REPORT
Commissioner Collins recognized Linda Jaco, Associate Director of Sponsored Programs for OSU Department of Wellness. The many programs and partnerships with OKDRS were discussed; i.e., banking loans, direct loan program, Oklahoma’s Workforce, and OMES.
UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF THE APPOINTMENT OF A PERMANENT DRS DIRECTOR
Commissioner Collins reported the Governor has made a decision to do a special audit; and until the audit is complete there will be no selection of a permanent DRS Director.
ACTION ITEMS
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 11, 2016
Commissioner Collins asked for review and discussion with possible vote to approve April 11, 2016 Commission for Rehabilitation Services Regular Meeting Minutes.
Motion was made to approve the minutes. All Commissioners were present and voted in the affirmative. Motion passed.
OKLAHOMA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
Commissioner Collins recognized Betty Stephens, OSD Business Manager reporting for KaAnn Varner, who is ill.
The April, 2016 donation report was given.
Motion was made to approve the April, 2016 donations. All Commissioners were present and voted in the affirmative. Motion passed.
OKLAHOMA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF FUND 235
Commissioner Collins recognized Betty Stephens, OSD Business Manager reporting for KaAnn Varner. The four projects were reviewed by Ms. Stephens.
Motion was made to approve the OSD Fund 235 Projects. All Commissioners were present and voted in the affirmative. Motion passed.
OKLAHOMA SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND
Commissioner Collins recognized Larry Hawkins, Interim Superintendent.
The April, 2016 donation reports were given.
Motion was made to approve the April, 2016 donations. All Commissioners were present and voted in the affirmative. Motion passed.
Announcements
Date and location of next regular meeting of the Commission for Rehabilitation Services:
Monday, June 13, 2016 at 10:30 am
Department of Rehabilitation Services
3535 NW 58th Street, Suite 200
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
Adjournment
Meeting was declared adjourned by Commission Chair Collins, at 11:30 am.