BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Allan Brenner, President
Thomas B. Scott, Vice President
Alice Hackney, Dept. of Rehab. Designee
Jeff Neidich, Member

BOARD STAFF PRESENT
Jane Brackman, Executive Officer
Albert Balingit, Staff Legal Counsel

DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Antonette Sorrick, Deputy Director, Board Relations
Linda Hooper, Acting Director, Office of Examination Resources

GUIDE DOGS OF THE DESERT INTERNATIONAL [GDDI]
Brian Van Dusen
Ann Mercer
Mindy Romero
Katryn Robinson
Jill Browning
Emily Carey

GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND [GDB]
Keith Tomlinson
Terry Barrett

GUESTS
Harry Thomas
Sherrill Neidich

President Brenner called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and welcomed all attendees. Roll was called and the present four members constituted a quorum for doing business. Tom Scott moved and Alice Hackney seconded that the minutes of the April 6, 2006 meeting be adopted as written.

web site: To be in compliance with SB 796 the following must be added to the Boardquote's web site by January 1, 2007: FAQs, Forms, How to File a Complaint, Decisions Pending and Opportunities for Public Participation, Meetings, Laws and Regulations, Comments on Draft Regulations.

GUIDE DOG DAY: Scheduled for the first or second Saturday in April, 2007, the event will be held in Los Angeles, San Diego and the Bay area.

SCHOOL STANDARDS: The schools were asked to comment before the next meeting on an inspection check list drafted by Jane Brackman. Allan Brenner said that the Board is very serious about getting input and participation from licensees and added, "We want to work very closely with the schools and consumers to make sure that as we review [these issues] and perhaps make changes that theyquote're done in everyonequote's best interest. Hopefully wequote'll have consensus and agreement. So please participate. Remember that anything that is not said will not be heard and dealt with." Questions were asked as to whether or not part of the Health Certificate requirement should be amended due to privacy issues. Albert Balingit said he would report at the next meeting.

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE: A question was asked as to whether or not Board meetings could be held at the schools. Linda Hooper remarked that in her opinion, if Board members are not conducting tests, then meeting at school s does not present a conflict of interest.

A closed session was called so that the Board could discuss testing issues. Upon completion of the discussion, the Board went back into open session.

TESTING COMMITTEE: The Board accepted the recommendation of the testing committee, hence Anne Mercer (GDDI) and Ashley Hussey (GDB) passed their June 16, 2006, exams. Jeff Neidich made a motion that was seconded by Alice Hackney, "The subcommittee that conducts exams should have the authority to make and publish the decision to pass or fail an apprentice without having to make a report to the full Board." The motion was adopted.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT: 1) Un-licensed individuals employed by out of state schools are providing guide dog instruction in California. It was recommended that the Executive Officer review the way other Boards handle this and make a report at the next meeting. 2) Fee Structure: GDB has asked the Board to review Business and Professions Code 7200.7 regarding the school license fee renewal, because the school feels it is being unfairly penalized for providing exceptional services as a result of their substantial reserve which has increased almost fourfold since 1994 when the statute was enacted. 3) Legislation: Even though AB 2278 was pulled, ID tags for Assistance Animals will continue to be discussed because the public is confused about the Service Dog provision in the ADA. Tom Scott made a motion, seconded by Jeff Niedich, and unanimously passed, that the Board oppose the intent of AB 2278. SB1376 extends Board Sunset to 2011. 4) FY 2005/2006 budget was presented. 5) Canine science researchers are seeking participation by guide dogs schools. Any schools interested in participating should contact the Executive Officer. 6) GDB passed its annual inspection conducted on August 15, 2006. 7) The strategic plan was reviewed. New part time employee Esterly Gilmore was welcomed.

PRACTICAL EXAM PRESENTATION: Office of Examination Resources Acting Director Linda Hooper conducted a Power Point presentation that described the legal, professional and technical standards used to develop legally defensible licensing examination. After lengthy discussion about the practical exam, the Executive Officer said that these issues would be addressed at the Practical Exam workshop, scheduled for January, 2007.

PULBIC FORUM: Terry Barrett reported that GDB employee Emily Simone met with the Lt. Governor to discuss a number of issue affecting handlers. Keith Tomlinson announced that the annual Animal Care Conference will take place in April, 2007, in Sacramento, and suggested that the Board and other schools consider taking an active role.

At 12:30 p.m., with no further business, the meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Jane Brackman
Executive Office