Quarterly Meeting of the State Committee of Vendors
Friday, June 14, 2024, 8:30 a.m.
Chairman, Randall Crosby called the meeting to order at 8:30 am. Vice Chairman, Kurt Ponchak called the role.
The following individuals were present; Randall Crosby, Chairman; Kurt Ponchak, Vice Chairman; Mitzi Bowen, State Committee of Vendors Recording Secretary
District Representatives; Wanda Feldsteen, District 1; Colton Knight, District 2; Mark Turner, District 3; David Stevens, District 5; Phil Hubbard, District 6; Jim Warth, District 7; Sead Bekric, District 8; Orlando Ramirez, District 9; Antonio Gonzalez, District 10
Bureau of Business Enterprise Staff; Bill Findley, Bureau Chief; Maureen Fink, Operations Manager; Alan Risk via Teams, Compliance Officer; John Ahler, Business Analyst; Brian Ashworth, Region 1 Business Consultant; Bernie Kaiserian, Region 2 Business Consultant; Jay Payne, Region 3 Business Consultant; Tony Arduengo, Region 4 Business Consultant; Alecia Brown, Region 5 Business Consultant; Mary Ellen Harding, Administrative Services Consultant; Andrea Mendez, Administrative Assistant II
Division of Blind Services; Robert L. Doyle, Director
District Alternates/Licensed Vendors; Jose Quintanilla, District 7 Alternate; David Alvarez, TJ McCormick, and Mike McCrea
Guests; Sonia
Career Technology Training Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired staff; Angela Elgaard and Tina Fearnley. Trainees; Jorge Otiniano, Jeremy Fountain, and Andrew Willson
Motion to adopt the agenda – Hubbard; Seconded – Knight; Adopted without objection. Motion to accept the minutes from the last committee meeting held on March 8, 2024, as written - Hubbard; Seconded – Knight; Accepted without objection
Two-Tiered Pricing – Jim Warth
Operators are under the impression we can only charge 10 cents per item when customers use a noncash method at vending machines. Ohio vendors have been charging 25 cents per item since the inception of credit card readers. Supposedly this has not created any problems. Warth plans to increase it to 15 cents starting August 1 of this year. He will change the machine labels and wants to give his customers time to adjust to the new rate. Hubbard commented that his customers complain about paying 10 cents on products that he charges $5.50 on for example. Each operator can decide how they choose to pass costs along to their customer, but it is advised to beware of pricing themselves out of the market. John Ahler pointed out our program continues to increase sales, yet the number of transactions is decreasing. It is suggested to consider lowering prices to increase sales volume. Warth commented that customers are receiving incentives for using credit cards and we are paying for that.
Micro Market Policy – Colton Knight
A work group collaborated two months ago to establish a policy that more appropriately considers vending and micro market compliance. Motion to accept modifications to policy manual section 5.2 (vending machine compliance) – Ponchak; Seconded – Hubbard; 5.2 would be renamed to Retail Unit Compliance. The definitions would include shelving, vending machines, coolers, fresh food etc. The policy will include the percentage of fresh food to be maintained during peak demand with the percentage declining as the sales volume decreases. Consultants will create a plan with vendors that factor in a location’s weekly peak times. Ponchak called the question. Feldsteen – yes, Knight – yes, Turner – no, Stevens – yes, Hubbard – yes, Warth – yes, Bekric – Yes, Ramirez – yes, Gonzalez – yes, Crosby – yes, Ponchak – yes. Motion passed 10 to 1.
Policy Manual Amendments – Alan Risk and Colton Knight
The policy manual was reviewed for punctuation, grammar, and appearance issues. This included updating or removing obsolete information such as links to websites. Motion to accept proposed manual changes – Ponchak; Seconded – Warth; Alan Risk used an editing program to identify and correct the above mentioned items. Robert Doyle also wanted our program to be referred to as the BEP rather than BBE. All other states use BEP. The training center in Daytona has a new name – The Career Technology Training Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Selection cycle candidates will be contacted by e-mail (not mail) per current policy. Hadley will be removed since they no longer provide us with CEU opportunities. Equipment fees will be added to allowable business expenses. A few items will be sent back to subcommittees for further review such as the amount of training required in Daytona, under letters of sanction changing words to vendor misconduct, changing emergency vendor replacements by the consultant to by the agency, the definition of highway and non-highway vending, etc. Ponchak called the question. Motion passed without objection.
Net Profit Expectation – John Ahler and Kurt Ponchak
Net profit expectation needs to be evaluated since it is used as a performance measure when vendors apply for facilities. Costs of goods and employee wages have increased. Micro markets must be factored in. One suggestion is to consider a sliding scale per facility type. The question arose as to whether we should use net profit as a performance measure. One vendor failed to meet their net profit expectation in 2023. Two additional questions were asked. Do we have a real problem with our current policy and can reports be manipulated to meet requirements? It was suggested we modernize our food service to decrease costs. The topic is being referred to the finance subcommittee for further review. It was commented that we are receiving more set aside funds than we have the authority to spend. It is estimated at $29,000.
Seminar Planning – Jose Quintanilla and Mary Ellen Harding
We have two hotel options for our next seminar. The Rosen Plaza and Rosen Centre are both quoting a rate of $149.00 per night. Rosen Centre is offering more meeting space. If the committee chooses Rosen Centre, there will be a $20,000 minimum requirement for a banquet meal or food service. Rosen Plaza does not have the requirement. The State cannot make food purchases. Our vendors would be responsible for the $20,000 fee to Rosen Centre. There are fees for bringing in your own food as well. This includes samples. The arrival date for Rosen Centre is August 21, 2025. The arrival date for Rosen Plaza is August 28, 2025, which is Labor Day weekend. Motion to select Rosen Centre – Knight; Seconded – Turner; The discussion included which exhibitors to invite, should we ask for sponsorship from Randolph Sheppard Vendors of America (RSVA) or National Association of Blind Merchants (NABM), do we invite other states, and should our committee incorporate to have spending abilities? Knight moved to rescind motion and discuss tomorrow; Seconded – Turner.
Combining of Facilities 593 and 629 – Brian Ashworth
Facility 629 is the Centre of Tallahassee. Tony Dagraca has been operating it since April 2021 on a Type II. Remote work options are available, and the building will not be repopulated to its original capacity. Tony’s Type I facility (593) made $243,000 in sales last year. The combination would make a more viable route. Motion to combine Facilities 593 and 629 – Ponchak; Seconded – Turner. It was commented that there are several dining options at the entrance to facility 629. Crosby called the question. Gonzalez – yes, Ramirez – yes, Bekric – yes, Quintanilla – yes, Hubbard – yes, Stevens – yes, Stevens – yes, Knight – no, Feldsteen – yes, Crosby – yes; Ponchak – yes. Motion passed 10 to 1.
Nominations Process Policy 8.4 – Kurt Ponchak and Colton Knight
This policy will apply to elected positions for the Grievance and Selections panels. The chair will appoint committee reps and/or alternates to a nomination subcommittee for the purpose of reviewing and making nomination recommendations to the full committee. The Vice Chair will lead the subcommittee. Part of policy 8.4 includes the compliance officer notifying the statewide body of vendors of a vacancy no less than sixty calendar days prior to a vote. Interested vendors should fill out an application expressing their interest in serving and for which position(s). There is an option to conduct interviews. Motion to adopt revision five of policy 8.4 (nomination process) – Knight; Seconded – Ponchak; Comments includes this process allows for interested vendors to self-nominate, gives the subcommittee time to review pertinent qualifying criteria to be considered, and allows the full committee more time to make an informed decision. All nominees will be presented to the full committee. Nominees may be scored by the subcommittee in advance. Hubbard commented he would like to see term limits in the future. Warth called the question. Feldsteen – yes, Knight – yes, Turner – no, Stevens – yes, Hubbard – yes, Warth – yes, Bekric – yes, Ramirez – yes, Gonzalez – yes, Crosby – yes, Ponchak – yes. Motion passed 10 to 1.
Motion to move general policy revisions discussion to a later time if needed – Ponchak; Seconded – Knight; Passed without objection.
BBE Updates – Bill Findley
Lillian Pemberton was notified by Garrett Ripa during our last committee meeting that her facility (Krome Federal Detention Center) no longer wanted her services excluding vending machines. We have had the facility since 1999. Krome’s position is they are not under Randolph Sheppard. In 2012 a commissary was added, and items could be ordered through software. Krome’s intent is to contract with a security company that will perform most/all services. 34 CFR Subpart A – Definitions (vending facility) was quoted by Bill Findley. Findley and David Chappell (our attorney) wrote a letter stating the agency’s position and requested a meeting. A follow up letter was sent after no initial response. Findley, Chappell, Mr. Ripa, and their attorney had a cordial, but unproductive meeting in April. Krome’s position remains unchanged. An arbitration request was sent to Randolph Sheppard Administration (RSA) in May. The agency is prepared to file an injunction but is unable to until Krome officially acts to remove Lillian. Fink commented we had to remove machines in order to have the commissary which they asked us to operate when it opened. RSA asked if the agency would be open to mediation. The agency and Lillian will agree to it. Robert Doyle stated Krome has asked for an extension to review matters. We were not awarded Tyndall food service. Communication is either being withheld or lost. There are certain protocols in place that have not been followed. David Chappell made a Freedom of Information Act request to RSA regarding all documentation relating to the solicitation in April. Follow-up attempts have been made with RSA and we are still waiting for any relevant documentation. Tyndall claims to have a blind individual operating things and finds that acceptable. We have submitted a permit for a hundred machines at Eglin AFB. Engineers were supposed to inspect areas of placement for space and electrical concerns and the process has slowly begun. Arbitration is scheduled for February 2025. A similar situation exists for Hurlburt Field vending though not as bad. They want us to pay utilities, but our position is no since we will not have the best locations. At some point Hurlburt and Eglin need combining to make a viable location. NABM filed a lawsuit against Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) in February. There has been no movement from the federal government yet. Key West Army has offered a six-month contract extension good through November. Longtime trainer in Daytona, Steve Moss retired in May. A small reception was held in his honor. Angela Elgaard will be moving to Pensacola and taking over that area as the business consultant in June. Tina Fearnley is taking another position at the Daytona Training Center. Both snack bar instructor positions are being advertised. The agency has a top candidate, Raven Pulliam, in mind for the lead instructor position. Randall Crosby appointed interviewers who conducted interviews with the top two candidates. The interview panel unanimously agreed that Mr. Pulliam was the best choice. Mr. Pulliam’s experiences include food service, teaching, and BEP leadership. The decision needs to be made whether he will perform as a state employee or under contract through Daytona State College. A draft request to rescind the Mini Randolph Sheppard exemption afforded to colleges, universities, and Department of Correction facilities was submitted for review. This would be for the next legislative session which would start in March of 2025. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will discontinue contracting with us to sell Sunpass. The demand is decreasing, there is a multi-state pass, and FDOT is working on a smaller/cheaper version. The pass serves 22 states.
Budget Report – Bill Findley, Kurt Ponchak
We are at the end of the fiscal year and things are shutting down. We have a little bit of money for any emergency Projects. Next fiscal year some accounting changes will occur in hopes of a better reporting system. We need to close the Bank of America account. Ponchak asked what committee members want to see on the budget reports in the future. There is a lot of turnover in the state’s finance office. A means to pay purveyors and reimburse vendors faster needs to be established. Reporting is temporarily inconclusive since we made a change from Bank of America to Wells Fargo. Ponchak mentioned we need to request an increase in our spending authority from the legislature. Legislative requests were due this week. We will request spending authority prior to the next deadline. Items committee reps want to see in future reports include how much each consultant spends, how much is spent on each facility, how much are we paying to any one purveyor, what is being spent on equipment/renovations, how much is spent on repair reimbursements verses other types, etc.
DBS/DOE Updates – Robert Doyle
Those who are in On the Job Training (OJT) and away from home will receive the standard $36 per diem per day that all travelers receive through the state. Further review will take place to include consideration on a case-by-case basis and according to the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Criteria applies differently to individuals training near their home. The state has completed reclassifying positions and pay scales. The governor signed our budget this week. We received the money requested for Tyndall but did not get the contract. Meetings have been held with Daytona State College in hopes they can assist us with acquiring some business such as vending on campus, provide additional training, hiring DBS clients, and other resources we could use since we do have a contract with them. We have been given some advice regarding our request to rescind the Mini Sheppard exemption. For example, to make it more palatable, we may want to request a phase in period to prevent either side from being overwhelmed. Discussion needs to remain open when it comes to Sunshine law, keeping vendors informed, collaboration, a code of conduct, etc.
Motion to postpone further policy discussion and hear from Region 3 today moving the other regions to unfinished business tomorrow – Ponchak; Seconded – Hubbard; Passed without objection.
Daytona Training Report – Training Staff
The current class of 3 has finished the food service module and is working on micro markets. Jay Payen and Brian Ashworth have done a great job putting the micro market together. The students and committee members asked questions of each other. The question arose as to how the trainees heard about our program. One said through a friend, one said his mother was a former Deputy Director of DBS, and one heard through the Lighthouse. It was asked if we offer CEU’s for participation on committees or boards to increase involvement. The intent for not allowing this is to provide training that can be used for our businesses and upward mobility. What are the biggest hurdles new vendors encounter in their first six months? One answer was obtaining/retaining employees. Another was financial management. A third is the willingness to move and not turn down an opportunity.
Training Report – Mary Ellen Harding
Three people were scheduled for the next training class. One temporarily backed out due to a family member’s medical issues. Depending on the incoming trainer two more may be ready to join the next class.
Type II Update – Maureen Fink
We have twenty-eight Type II’s. Seven are on the current bid sheet with two rest areas in Longwood being advertised together. Others will go on future bid sheets. Some are still being analyzed for viability.
Business Analyst Report – John Ahler
Forty-eight monitoring reviews and four coaching visits have been completed this fiscal year. Trending issues continue to be improper inventory calculations and not reporting business expenses properly. How can we convince vendors to report accurately in order for them to truly know their businesses? Some exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis. Cash sales for 2022-2023 were $6,247,083.61 vs $4,979,375.90 in 2023-2024. The number of cash transactions for 2022-2023 were $3,507,110 vs $2,586,760 in 2023-2024. The average cash sale went from $1.78 to $1.92. Swipe credit sales for 2022-2023 were $4,411,496.49 vs $3,008,037.25 in 2023-2024. The number of swipe transactions for 2022-2023 were $1,748,705 vs $1,111,532 in 2023-2024. The average swipe transaction went from $2.52 to $2.71. While swipe credit transactions and sales have dropped, Tap to Pay, Apple credit, Google Pay, and other forms of credit have increased exponentially. Multi-vend transactions have remained the same at 1.1 items per transaction. The average Net sale for 2022-2023 was $2.17 and Average net sale for 2023-2024 was $2.37 (cash and credit). Total sales and transactions for 2022-2023 were $18,836,317.25 and $8,665,993. Total sales and transactions for 2023-2024 were $17,858,945.72 and $7,529,988. The program made .5 million last year in 2 tier pricing set at 10 cents.
Compliance Officer Report – Alan Risk
We are 42% into the reporting period for CEU’s. Ninety-eight vendors must meet the requirement by the next seminar. We have 111 active vendors with six unassigned and seven who do not need to meet the requirement. By now vendors should have at least 1.25 credits to meet the expected pace. Eighty-six have met that goal. Twelve are behind and the consultants have been notified. One grievance has been filed in 2024. The grievance involved the agency’s and committee’s decision to merge two facilities. The grievance went in favor of the agency and is currently awaiting Robert’s final decision. We are currently in a bid cycle. Six facilities were advertised with 7 applicants. Three locations received no applicants. All candidates will qualify for an interview. Two trainees have been licensed in 2024. Nine trainees have been licensed this fiscal year.
Regional/District Updates – All
Region 3 – Jay Payne
Keurig Dr Pepper Machines have been installed at Coleman Prison and more installs are to come. Machine removal has been a challenge due to badging, staffing, and other logistical issues. Two VA clinics have been surveyed. One is in Clermont and the other in Tavares. KSC has inquired about more micro market locations. A meeting will be held next week. Failing infrastructure is preventing us from placing ROBO Burger as planned. A follow up survey is scheduled for later next week. The Mims Southbound Rest Area was expected to close as early as July and it has been postponed with no date given at this time. Facility 635 (Brevard Route) had one drink and one snack machine installed at two locations. Two more installations are planned before the end of the year. Facility 285 (Daytona Route). We installed one 4-wide snack and one generic glass front drink at the new Daytona Beach VA Specialty Clinic. Sales are doing well for the first two months. We also added one 3-wide snack machine to the Deland FDOT location. Their snack bar recently closed. Facility 999 (Daytona Training Center). The micro market has been fully installed and is operational. A training day for the Daytona staff and students will be announced later next week. Facility 466 at KSC is currently under a Type II LOFA and on the current bid cycle. The prior contract was canceled at the location’s request.
District 5 – David Stevens
There is nothing to report at this time.
District 6 – Phil Hubbard
Four Red Bull machines have been installed at KSC.
Policy Discussion – Kurt Ponchak and Colton Knight
Colton suggested we assign sections of the policy manual to different work groups for further review. Examples include adjusting the training timeframe, reevaluating what business expenses can be deducted from the monthly business report, the grievance process, our interaction with VR services, defining micro markets and the different types, etc. We want to ensure we are complying with the terms of the Technical Assistance Circular. We want to ensure we are taking advantage of the dollars available to our program. It was suggested we create a code of conduct and consider disciplining ourselves. The concept is if someone is out of line a motion can be made to ask said person to leave the room for a cooling off period. Questions included dress code, would there be a guardian, who can make the motion, would there be tier levels of disciplinary action based on the number of events, etc. An ethics law already exists, but should we sign a document that states we will abide by it? Ponchak, Warth, Knight, and Hubbard volunteered to review this project. Hubbard thinks we need to have term limits for the selection and grievance panels. Opinions are varying, but some agree that terms could last longer for the grievance panel since it does not convene as often. Maybe terms should be staggered as they are for the selection panel. Sead Bekric thinks only active licensed vendors should be electable for either panel. A catalog of prior grievance decisions should be available for training purposes to those serving on the panel in the future. A mock grievance was suggested as a CEU event.
Motion to add old business back into today’s agenda – Ponchak; Seconded – Warth; Passed without objection.
Region 1 – Brian Ashworth
Four more vending sites were surveyed on Tyndall Air Force Base as part of an effort to increase sales for Facility 620 (Panama City Route). The base has acknowledged our request and is working on obtaining proper permits to process the placement of machines at those locations. Ron Jones had a successful changeover with Donna Galley for Facilities 577 and 578 (I-10 rest areas). To comply with DMS’s request to help decrease the temperature inside the market and to reduce the total number of coolers located inside Department of Education (DOE) (Facility 361) we swapped out two open-air coolers for two glass-front coolers. Jason Carpenter is in the process of combining products into the new coolers and we will have the empty coolers removed once that is completed. Ponchak invited and Coke United held a CEU event at their distribution center in Tallahassee. Eight vendors attended. A new countertop coffee machine was installed at DOE (Facility 361). The prior one could not accept cashless payments. Ricky Ruzicka took over his first location, Fort Knox (Facility 470) as a Type II from Jason Carpenter. Debbie Malmberg has retired after forty plus years in the program. Jennifer Zavala has taken over Facility 488 (I-10 Welcome Center). Debbie has been instrumental in assisting our vendors and the program in many ways over the years. Financial approval has been given to install camera systems at the Jefferson County Rest Areas. Viking Security won the bid, and the project cost is estimated to be over $12,000 for both sides. FDOT will require new signs that include camera surveillance information. If the installation and use of the systems is successful, we will construct an RMA to be administered by the procurement office for all rest area camera installations to be completed over a two-year period.
District 1 – Wanda Feldstein
There is nothing to report at this time.
District 2 – Colton Knight
DMS will take temperature measurements over a weekend after coolers have been removed from the Turlington Building. It seems there is little cooperation from the Department of Management Services (DMS) and others in the building have complained of no a/c as well. A district member inquired about fair minimum return for those impacted by unforeseen events such as water issues at rest areas.
Motion to recess till 8:30 a.m. Saturday June 15 – Ponchak; Seconded – Hubbard; Passed without objection.
Saturday June 15, 2024, 8:30 a.m.
Region 2 – Bernie Kaiserian
Two new locations were added. Two machines were added to Alachua County Animal Control, Gainesville Route (Facility 608). Two machines were added to Nassau County Jail (Facility 218). Sales are great. Hugh Mansfield at the Duval County Courthouse (Facility 33) saw the second highest sales since COVID this April. Sales were over $36,000. Leroy Roberts saw sales of over $40,000 for March and April at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (Facility 239). This is the highest since COVID. Josh Kimrey hit a facility record by having over $42,000 in sales for April at the downtown Jacksonville route (Facility 513). Another facility record, Keith Banta did over $27,000 in sales for April on the Gainesville/Lake City route (Facility 608). Kevin Wheeler took over the I-75 Southbound Rest Area in Columbia County. Hugh does not plan to retire and hopes something will come available for him. Daryl Brinton is taking over for Jim Parkman who is retiring after fifty-seven years. Randy Shuster is recovering well after knee surgery. Keith Banta sells at lower prices, so his number of transactions is stable.
District 3 – Mark Turner
Mark read a text he received from Natasha Ginarte, District 2 Alternate, that stated how impressed she is with the members of the district and the continued increase in sales.
Region 4 – Tony Arduengo
Department of Children and Families (DCF) was added to the Polk County Route (Facility 634) in Bartow. Luquarn Moses has the Type II. The Lakeland VA has two drink machines installed. They are waiting snack machines. The Bradenton/Sarasota Route (Facility 555) airport does not want the current operator anymore. Valerie James has taken over in the meantime. Sales have been impacted due to the lack of service. Sam Weaver took over the West Tampa Route (Facility 161) last month. It will be on the January 2025 bid sheet. Installs have occurred at Social Security Administration (SSA) Tampa, United States Post Office (USPS) Administration, Erlich Post Office, and Hillsborough County IT. Another SSA is coming soon. The Brooksville Route (Facility 272) added Zephyrhills Post Office. It is averaging $10,000 a month. Some airports require vendors to be certified with the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). The criteria can be stringent so new operators would not be able to enter into contracts with certain airports. All airports may not be consistent on their requirement, and vendors need to update their information annually. There are no fees involved.
District 7 - Jim Warth
Warth’s micro market sales have increased since the installation of AI cameras. In addition, fresh food is not that profitable. Fresh food is ordered once every two weeks and 5% of it is discarded. Luquarn Moses is doing a very good job.
District 8 – Sead Bekric
Heavy rain last week caused some flooding issues in the rest areas at Alligator Alley. Humidity is causing visibility issues while looking at the machines. USI machines are not as bad, but they do need to work on the multi-vend problem. The Jofemar coffee machine is holding up nicely. They plan to come out with a 12-ounce cup. Sodexo is buying out John Murn from RSA Buying Group. The sales are impressive with the Red Bull machines. Bekric would like to work with Sodexo on getting machines faster. They are still at a $750 minimum and the pricing is amazing.
Region 5 – Alicia Brown
The South Broward Route (Facility 547) went out for a Type II. One operator applied and ultimately withdrew. We will now seek a third party. Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Facility 636) has a new operator, David Coe. This is a new facility, and other opportunities are being sought for growth. The West Palm Beach Courthouse (Facility 469) is still in the process of transitioning to a hybrid micro market/vending only. The contract is being updated with no set date for completion. The Broward Sheriff’s Office (Facility 612) is on the current bid sheet with no applicants. We are seeking a third-party vendor. The North Broward Route (Facility 501) is losing six post offices to consolidation at the distribution center in Pompano Beach. Total Sales to date are $818,118.48. This time last year, sales were $831,063.00 representing a decrease of roughly 1.5%.
District 9 – Orlando Ramirez
New licensees need to consider relocating since facilities are downsizing and there is little interest in food service anymore. One vendor lasted six weeks in a facility before it was placed with a third party.
Region 10 – Maureen Fink
Lillian Pemberton had over $68,000 in sales for both March and April at Krome Detention Center (Facility 510). This is a facility record. An arbitration letter has been sent to officials concerning the commissary. Sales at Miami FCI and Miami FDC (both prisons) are down over 70% since reopening. Visitations are allowed only two days a week. It is advised to temporarily combine the two locations and advertise them in September as a Type I opportunity. The State Regional Service Center (Facility 348) did $490,000 prior to the pandemic. Over the counter sales in 2023 were just over $148,000 since more staff work from home. It is now operated by a third party. A new hybrid micro market was installed at Southern Command (Facility 588). Commercial internet was installed to operate the card readers, but they will not work due to firewall issues. The location requested a few weeks of time to resolve the issue. If it can’t be resolved by the end of the fiscal year we will look into relocating. It is hoped the new consultant can start soon. There is someone in mind and we are waiting for approval.
Roundtable Discussion – All
We will be required to pay $20,000 for food at the Rosen Centre (if selected) as part of the contract for next year’s seminar. The State cannot pay for food service. The State can pay for entities to sponsor events. As a work around it is recommended we ask NABM to host the seminar. Motion to invite NABM to sponsor the 2025 Biennial Seminar and work with our planning subcommittee – Warth; Seconded – Bekric; Bekric called the question. Feldsteen – no, Knight – yes, Turner – no, Stevens – yes, Hubbard – yes, Warth – yes, Bekric – yes, Ramirez – yes, Crosby – yes, Ponchak – yes. Motion passed 8 to 2. Motion to hold the 2025 Biennial Seminar at the Rosen Centre beginning August 21, 2025 – Warth; Seconded – Ramirez; Feldsteen – no, Knight – yes, Turner – yes, Stevens – yes, Hubbard – yes, Warth – yes, Bekric – yes, Ramirez – yes, Crosby – yes, Ponchak – yes. Motion passed 9 to 1. Seminar planning meetings have been scheduled. Ponchak reviewed the reimbursement process to further define what can be reimbursed. We need to find better ways to address repair issues around the state. One concept to consider is vendors being reimbursed for labor if they can complete their own repairs. Modernizing the reimbursement process needs to be looked into. There is not enough time to work on additional spending authority for this term. We will work on it for the next one. Findley is attending portions of both the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and American Council of the Blind (ACB) conventions this July. National Association of Blind Merchants (NABM) will be there. Fink and Kaiserian will conduct a presentation at the ACB convention in Jacksonville. Darryl Brinton and Randall Crosby will host a panel discussion in Jacksonville. Maureen Fink visits many facilities around the state and expressed concerns over the appearance of some vending machines she sees. Examples are machines not working, unattractive labels, dirty coffee machines, etc. She asked committee representatives to pass this information along to their districts. Warth suggested we conduct a CEU event regarding hiring and employee retention. Bekric commented that QuickBooks now has an app. This means it should be accessible on app capable devices and it will connect to your bank. Most CPA’s use QuickBooks. He adds that Ray Ban/Meta has smart sunglasses that are under $300.00. They look normal, protect the eyes, and have a built-in camera that can read barcodes for example. In addition, you can make video calls through your contacts and What’s App will work.
Meeting adjourned
Meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.
