Connie Mendenhall

The Commission discussed several agency updates including the Orientation Center for the Blind's student enrollment, youth and adult retreat programs, and new partnerships for recreational activities like running clubs and audio darts. Additional topics included community outreach efforts with the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, collaborative programs with Vanderbilt University and the Filomen M. D'Agostino Greenberg Music School, and staff professional development initiatives. The Board reviewed the agency's new mission, vision, values, and organizational culture statements, as well as updates on the Vocational Rehabilitation State Plan. Approval was granted for student center membership at the YMCA and a gifts and bequests request.

The meeting included updates from the Director, public comments, and discussion and approval of several agenda items. These included the FY27 Budget and Capital Ask, the 2026 Commission Meeting Calendar, a Pre-ETS Policy, Client and Staff Driver Policies, a G&B Policy Training for IL clients, and the Center Student Handbook. There was also a closed session to discuss Gifts and Bequests, which was ultimately tabled for further information gathering.

The meeting included a consideration of a closed session, followed by discussions and approvals regarding Gifts and Bequests #150 and #149.

The meeting included the introduction of Stacy Cervenka, updates from the Agency Director, and discussion regarding the ETT programming for the summer. There were also discussions on how to communicate and view success stories on Facebook and the website. The financials, Friends of the Library line, and efforts to allocate monies into the correct programs were also discussed.

The meeting included a Commissioner Training Presentation by AAG Samantha Wagner.