Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Open Board of Directors Meeting
San Bernardino Community College District
114 S. Del Rosa Drive
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Minutes
Present: Deborah Barmack, Carole Beswick, Tom Brickley, Mike Burrows, Louis Goodwin, Scott Hofferber, Matthew Isaac, Erik Johnson, Mark Kaenel, Al Karnig, Lowell King, Bill Lemann, Dale Marsden, Sue McKee, John Mirau, Dan Murphy, Steve PonTell, John Prentice, Brian Reider, Kristine Scott, Paul Shimoff, and Ray Wolfe.
Guests: Trish Almiron, Sheriff McMahon, Mark Rivera and Todd Warden.
Announcements: 1) Assemblyman Jay Obernolte has introduced AB 2341 to authorize increased judgeships which would benefit the Inland Empire. Inland Action has sent a letter of support. 2) Goodwill of Southern California announced that Patrick McClenahan has been named their new CEO. 3) The County Board of Supervisors will take a position on SB 1387 at their meeting on June 14, 2016. Support from the business community to oppose the bill and keep local control on the SCAQMD Board was requested. 4) Please submit your request for reimbursements on the Sacramento trip as soon as possible so we may close the books on this trip. 5) Alta Pacific Bank is proposed as a new member. Mark Kaenel, formerly of Pacific Premier Bank, will serve as the member.
M/S/P: Minutes from May 24, 2016.
Tom Brickley introduced Mayor Carey Davis.
Mayor Davis expressed his appreciation for Inland Action and its continuous support of the city. He introduced Mark Scott who was hired in February and will serve as the City Manager.
Mayor Davis gave an update on the City’s bankruptcy proceedings. Since filing a third disclosure statement, they have addressed and resolved the two objections made. The next hearing will be held on June 16, 2016, to decide if the City can move to the next step, confirmation. The City has focused on efficiency, reducing debt, new taxes/increasing revenue and organizational improvements. The City is transitioning toward more of a “contract” city which will allow it to live within their means. Mayor Davis stated that the City will save in the following areas: waste removal $2.8M annually with a one time savings of $5M, renegotiating City water $1M annually, soccer field maintenance $300,000 annually, city fire service contracting with the County $7-8M. They have struggled with financial audits but have now completed the 2013-2014 audit and expect completion of the 2014-2015 audit by this August. They have made good progress and hope to emerge from bankruptcy by year end.
Public safety has been identified as the number one priority, and the City is budgeting to increase the police force. Currently they have re-implemented the operation safe streets program which is a joint task force comprised of city police and deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The agencies are working together to combat street crimes with proactive enforcement. They also plan to incorporate a Ceasefire Program which has been successful in Oakland and Stockton. Ceasefire is a data-driven violence-reduction strategy coordinating law enforcement, social services, and the community to reduce gang/group-related homicides and shootings. It seeks to combine the best of community energies, social services, and strategic law enforcement to reduce gun violence associated with gangs/groups far more effectively than these entities operating alone.
The charter review committee has presented their suggested changes to the City Charter and review hearings are set for June 13 and July 13.
Mark Scott stated he is enthusiastic to be in San Bernardino and was extremely impressed by people like Mike Gallo and the Mayor, in addition to how the city and community came together and handled the December 2nd attack. He summarized his extensive experience in local government and city management in particular. He served as city manager in Fresno during a very troubled time and was able to avoid bankruptcy. He is sensitive to the issues facing San Bernardino.
The charter reform is critical to the City and will establish clear lines of authority. He is a firm believer in partnerships and stated that local governments need the support and insight from businesses. Mr. Scott stated he appreciates and needs partnerships with Inland Action and others for the City to succeed. He wants to attract investors, create wealth and change the reputation of the City.
A Q & A period followed.
Meeting adjourned at 8:33 a.m.