Friday, December 4, 2020
Executive Committee Meeting
Virtual meeting via ZOOM
Minutes
Present: Deborah Barmack, Peter Barmack, Carole Beswick, Ken Coate, Kevin Dyerly, Louis Goodwin, Mark Kaenel, Lowell King, Pam Langford, P.T. McEwen, John Mirau, Michael Rivera, Dan Roberts, Kristine Scott, Paul Shimoff and Ray Wolfe.
Announcements: 1) The Leaders Lunches will continue and are worthwhile. They have now marked one year since the meetings began. Consistent communication has benefited the group.
Kristine Scott Past Chair, presiding.
Carole Beswick reported on her discussion with Congressman Aguilar regarding 2021 advocacy opportunities. Congressman Aguilar anticipates that all meetings in the Capitol would be virtual until at least mid-2021. He suggested that early September would be the soonest a group would be able to travel, but that it is just a possibility. The House is contemplating the possibility of Congressionally Directed Funding opportunities and would be marking bills about March – May. Should there be critical issues of importance, there is a slight chance of very small (three to four people) in-person meetings. Our Congressional delegation appears to be quite comfortable with the Zoom meeting format and are engaging in those meetings based upon availability. Congressman Aguilar’s staff is available to assist in making arrangements for those types of meetings. Inland Action should be prepared to wait a while for any Washington, D.C., agency meetings as the process for filling vacancies will take some time. If Inland Action feels that a delegation Zoom Townhall meeting would be beneficial for important issues (such as the West End Transportation Hub), he would be willing to talk with Inland Region caucus.
Motion by L. Goodwin / Second by L. King/Passed: Minutes from September 29, 2020.
Mark Kaenel, Treasurer requested discussion and feedback on the 2021 budget. Discussion items of concern related to expenses and revenue included:
- Budget amounts for Washington, D.C. trip costs should remain so we are ready when there is the opportunity. We will not budget for a Sacramento trip. Adjustment to the budget may occur.
- Continuation of virtual meetings and related costs are expected to remain the same for 2021 as they are currently. A virtual Townhall meeting will be explored.
- Program expense- if we meet in person food & beverage can be budgeted
- Staff compensation-will be addressed at a separate meeting by the Leadership/Personnel Committee
- Inland Action current membership is stable and has grown. Amazon Air will likely join next year.
- Given the economic effects of the pandemic dues should remain the same for 2021.
Inland Action is a very liquid organization and has far more in reseve than the prescribed 6 months of operating expenses mandate.
Members discussed advocacy for 2021. Virtual advocacy might take place in the spring as the new administration will need transition time to populate staff and agencies. Inland Action may consider very small, targeted groups (3-4 members plus an IA staff member) in addition to virtual meetings. The group should be aware of, and nimble in, using alternative virtual platforms that many Agencies now require.
Regional representation on State appointments and commissions is of great value to the region. As there has been a good deal of interest by members it is important that applicants have support in the process. There is both a need and a desire so Inland Action will create an Appointments Committee. Staff and Chairman Louis Goodwin will work on selection of a Chairperson.
John Mirau has been an excellent and longtime leader of the Membership Committee. Increased support is requested both with retention of members and new member outreach. Committee members will be selected.
Inland Action will schedule a virtual retreat for a Saturday late in January 2021. The retreats help set direction and tone for the group so should continue. An option for golf following the meeting will be considered.
Issue development for the Federal Legislative platform must be fluid. Committees should be addressing timely focus. Ear marks have been a big part of focus and Committees should be prepared with specific “asks”.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.