Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Open Board of Directors Meeting
San Bernardino Community College District
114 S. Del Rosa Drive
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Minutes
Present: Deborah Barmack, Peter Barmack, Carole Beswick, Ann Bryan, Mike Burrows, Ken Coate, Jake Coin, Kevin Dyerly, Ashley Gaines, Louis Goodwin, Scott Hofferber, Fran Inman, Jay Jimenez, Mark Kaenel, Lowell King, Pam Langford, John Magness, P.T. McEwen, John Mirau, Tomas Morales, Dan Murphy, Roman Nava, Michael Rivera, Kahlil Saba, Kristine Scott, Steve von Rajcs and Ray Wolfe.
Guests: Gayle Covey, Adam Eventov, Dennis Gutierrez and Mike Tulisiak.
Announcements: 1) Dates for the 2017 advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. will be Sunday, March 12 to Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Members are reminded that their dues includes three nights at the hotel and the flight to D.C. 2) Members were asked to share advocacy issues of interest with the group and/or a committee. 3) A substantial number of gift cards have been collected from the membership for donation to the Children’s Fund.
M/S/P: Minutes from December 6, 2016.
Michael Rivera introduced Supervisor James Ramos, Chair, San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.
Transportation
The Supervisor indicated he is a supporter of Express Lanes as is a majority of the SANBAG Board. He stated that the bottom line for him is to keep everything moving. It is important to everyone, business and individuals. Currently three of the County Supervisors are in opposition.
Needed transportation construction continues in Yucaipa. Additionally, great progress is underway on the Rail to Redlands project. A heavy financial investment for two of the stations has been made from the private sector (ESRI and the University of Redlands are committed to the project). Since SANBAG has been awarded a TIGER grant and obtained funding from the State the project will move ahead and construction will begin next year. The new rail will be called Arrow.
Education
The Supervisors are committed to working together to achieve the Cradle to Career education and career opportunities they have envisioned. They are more focused on education which will liberate individuals and open options.
Support of non-profits
The Board of Supervisors have very little discretionary funds but can assist and support non-profits by highlighting them through the successful three year old “Give Big” program. This year Give Big, held on November 29th,, had donations totaling over $279,000.
Homelessness
Homelessness in the county is a large and complex issue that they are tackling. Late last year they had great success with a program that focused on housing Veterans. The program identified and successfully homed 400 plus vets. The model they have created will continue and they will now expand the reach to the “chronically” homeless. Funding for programs that assist our homeless youth are particularly challenging as there is a lack of consistency between the definitions used by school systems and HUD.
Public Safety
The December 2nd attack of last year highlights the need for our public safety personnel to have all the equipment and tools they need to handle any situation.
Along with AB 109 the recent passage of California Proposition 57, Parole for Non-Violent Criminals has and will continue to further negatively impact public safety. The monetary savings for the state are substantial but the shift creates public safety challenges at all other levels.
Economy
Growing business and developing employment is a priority. San Bernardino International Airport continues to grow as a fixed base operator offering maintenance, repair and overhaul services. Supervisor Ramos supported local control for Ontario International Airport and now will support its growth.
The City of San Bernardino coming out of Bankruptcy with new leaders and charter is promising for the whole region. The Board of Supervisors looks forward to and will support the plans put forth by the City’s elected officials.
A Q & A period followed.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 a.m.