Minutes from May 28, 2013 Closed Meeting-Sac. Debrief

Tuesday, May 28, 2013 

  Closed Board of Directors Meeting

  San Bernardino Community College District

 114 S. Del Rosa Drive

 San Bernardino, CA 92408
 

Minutes 

Present:  Don Averill, Deborah Barmack, Peter Barmack, Carole Beswick, Tom Brickley, Bill Easley, Ron Fremont, Scott Hofferber, Mark Kaenel, Temetry Lindsey, John Mirau, Charlie Ng, Steve PonTell, Bev Powell, John Prentice, Kristine Scott, Larry Sharp, Paul Shimoff, Phil Waller, A.J. Wilson and Ray Wolfe.

Announcements: 1) A fundraiser will be held for Congressman Bill Shuster today, May 28 from 6-7 p.m. at the City Club in Los Angeles. Co-sponsor is Mobility 21. Information will be sent to the membership today.  2) Tom Torlakson, California Superintendent of Public Schools, spoke at the Quality of Life Summit held at UC Riverside on May 22 regarding implementation of Common Core and support for local discretionary spending.  Deborah participated in a small round-table discussion with him previous to the Summit. 

Discussions of modernization of the California Environmental Quality Act were well received by those with whom the group met.  The bill, which has a good deal of support, does not address major issues, but it is important to know that there is now discussion and movement for future CEQA changes.   

The Court funding through the new workload based model and funding of judges was discussed.  In general ,those with whom the group met were supportive.  The Governor’s office however will not change their plans to sweep the existing Court reserve funds.  A representative from the Governor’s office stated that as a department of the government the courts do not have the right to have reserves, but as a branch of the government reserves are permissible.  Further clarification is being sought. Additionally, it was suggested that further support is needed regarding court closures.  Large and or well know organizations such as the California Bar Association, California Chamber of Commerce and other business concerns should weigh in on this issue to strengthen the position. The group was told to focus on a trailer bill that will likely happen. 

The suggested changes to the Enterprise Zone will basically dismantle its usefulness in the San Bernardino region. Water agencies are moving forward and collecting revenue as the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) gains momentum.   

A water bond will likely dovetail with the BDCP.  The Cal EPA is preparing for a water bond ballot measure and supports the twin tunnel conveyance system.  

Active openings on various boards and commissions were discussed with the Governor’s Appointment Secretary.  The vacant seat on the Transportation Commission is expected to go to someone from San Diego.  Other openings were discussed and included a need for engineers, physical therapists, vocational nurses and acupuncture practitioners.  Applications for these and other appointments are on the Governor’s web site. George Reyes has applied for an appointment to the California State University Board. Inland Action will send a letter of support for his appointment. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 a.m.