Doug Godfrey called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m.. Board members and visitors were asked to introduce themselves to Rob Rice (Task Force Consultant).

II. Task Force

Rob Rice introduced himself and told about his past work history and his Consulting Firm, BayFirst Solutions. Rob gave a power point presentation to update the board on what had been done. Copies were passed out to all board members. After his presentation he took questions from the board and visitors. As Mr. Rice concluded his presentation, he explained that this was a one year study and he had only scratched the surface. BayFirst will be gathering more information and his firm will determine what is needed to improve services for the Deaf, Deaf Blind and Hard of Hearing citizens of West Virginia. Discussion was held as to who would be Rob’s contact at the Commission since the management had resigned. Mr. Rice also told the board if interim management was needed, his consulting firm did offer those services. He said he knew there were a lot of decisions to be made, including if the commission should remain in Romney or relocate to Charleston.

Board Members and visitors took a tour of the Division of Rehabilitation Services Library to view the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing’s collection that had been awarded to their library. Carol Johnson talked about how the collection could be checked out statewide and how complete it was. Mrs. Johnson commended Charity for purchasing a collection that reached every age group. Students who made bookcases for the collection were introduced to the board.

IV. Reading of the Minutes

Minutes from the June 6, 2002 board meeting were read. Pierre Sevigny made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Jimmy Harrison seconded. Motion passed.

V. Executive Session

Pierre Sevigny made a motion to go into Executive Session, Shana Phares seconded. Motion passed.

Gary Vandevander made a motion to close Executive Session, Pierre Sevigny seconded. Motion passed.

VI. New Business

Barbara King made a motion that the board look into getting an Interim Executive Director and that a committee be chosen from the board members that would meet with the Executive Director every month or more if needed to review data, ect. Jimmy Harrison seconded, motion passed.

Pierre Sevigny made a motion that we advertise for the Executive Director and Deputy Director position at the same time, to run for three months or as required by DHHR until filled. The advertisement will run in a several publications such as DeafDigest, Views, ect. Dr. Abraham seconded, motion passed.

Gary Vandevander presented Charity with a gift and thanked her for her service to the Commission.

Mike Sullivan made a motion that the board vote by secret ballot to decide if the Commission will remain in Romney or move to Charleston. The simple majority rules. Barbara King seconded. Motion passed.

A secret ballot vote was taken and the majority ruled that the Commission will be relocated to Charleston, WV. J.D Corbin and Pierre Sevigny will hand deliver letters on this decision to the staff of WVCDHH on September 6, 2002.

Pam Roush made a motion to store the Commission records in Barbara King’s office until the new Executive Director is hired. Dr. Spencer seconded, motion passed.

Terri Richardson explained to the board members that the budget information found in their folder was to be placed in their copy of the Commission’s 2002 Annual Report under the budgetary information.

The Board thanked Charity for the job she had done and wished her well in her new position at Gallaudet University.

Adjournment