Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Virtual Meeting via ZOOM
Minutes
Present: Deborah Barmack, Carole Beswick, Mike Burrows, Ken Coate, Kevin Dyerly, Louis Goodwin, Mark Kaenel, Lowell King, John Mirau, Bansree Parikh, Michael Rivera, Kristine Scott, Ray Wolfe, and Frank Zabaleta.
Louis Goodwin, Past Chair, presiding.
Motion by L. King/ Second by K. Scott/Passed: Minutes from March 30, 2021.
Mark Kaenel, Treasurer, summarized the year-to-date financials ending June 30, 2021. The Executive Committee had been asked to review the P & L Budget vs Actual and the Balance Sheet that were posted on the Inland Action web site in preparation for the meeting today.
Motion by K. Coate/Second by K. Dyerly/Passed: The Year-to Date-Financials for period ending June 30, 2021 are approved as presented.
Mark reminded the Committee members of Inland Action’s Operating Reserve Policy which states that six months of operating expenses should be maintained in a segregated bank account or cash instrument, such as money market funds or certificates of deposit. Per the approved 2021 budget the annual operating expenses total $150,000 requiring $75,000 to be held in reserve. To be in compliance with the policy, Inland Action will transfer the needed $17,000.00 from the business checking account to an existing CD that will come due in August.
Kristine Scott gave an update on the Inland Economic Growth & Opportunity initiative (IEGO). She summarized current priorities:
- IEGO is pursuing completion of an application for a $600M Community Economic Resilience Fund. This grant opportunity will be very competitive throughout the State but is needed to further IEGO priorities and strategies that include quality job creation, environmental sustainability, and inclusive growth.
- IEGO is seeking a Communications Contractor from the Inland Empire in order to launch an integrated network communications plan. A Communications Contractor addressing both internal and external communications strategies is needed.
- IEGO is accepting applicants for an Executive Director. The Executive Director will be hired by Inland Empire Community Foundation and primarily accountable to the IEGO Executive Committee, a governing core group made up of diverse leaders from across the region.
Many new partners have been added to the IEGO table to foster more inclusive regional decision making. These additions, however, may have diluted the core business-based group, The group will need a much clearer message focused on job development and a business plan to re-engage business partners.
The Executive Committee reviewed staff recommendations for resuming in-person meetings, including a Zoom option, beginning September 14, 2021. Inland Action will follow all State and County health guidelines and will be flexible to meet guidelines as needed. Staff will be trained on the new electronic equipment that allows for the Zoom option. Social distancing is recommended and wearing masks will be welcomed. Coffee and water will generally be available, but food service is discontinued. Guests will be welcomed but staff requests that members advise staff of guests, both in-person and Zoom, in advance of meetings.
The group discussed pros and cons of resuming pre-pandemic meeting start time of 7:30 a.m. vs. the current 8:00 a.m.
Although the Zoom meetings have proven to be effective and increased member participation the group is missing the networking and personal connections of in-person meetings. Social engagement events held on a quarterly basis in various locations were discussed. Motion by K. Coate/Second by K. Scott/Passed: The July 20, 2021, Moving Forward with COVID-19 recommendations by staff will be adopted, with further consideration being given to meeting start time.
Meeting adjourned at 9:06 a.m.