November 29, 2022 -Executive Committee Minutes-Hybrid Meeting

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Executive Committee Meeting  

Minutes 

Present:  Deborah Barmack, Carole Beswick, Mike Burrows, Ken Coate, Kevin Dyerly, Louis Goodwin, Mark Kaenel, Lowell King, Bill Lemann, John Mirau, Dan Murphy, Vikki Ostermann, Bansree Parikh, Michael Rivera, Elizabeth Romero, Kristine Scott, Ray Wolfe, and Frank Zabaleta.

Announcements:  1) The Inland Action meeting next Tuesday will be off-site at the KVCR broadcasting studio.  Please let staff know if you plan to attend.  2) Senator Ochoa Bogh will host a Holiday Open House on Friday, December 2, 2022 from 6-8:00 p.m. at 1758 Orange Tree Lane, Ste. B, Redlands, CA.  Tickets and further information can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/senator-ochoa-boghs-holiday-open-house-tickets-461538061767

Louis Goodwin, Past Chair presiding.

Motion by L. King/Second/Passed: Minutes from July 26, 2022.

On November 8, 2022, the financial reports and Treasurer’s summary for period ending 9/30/22 were posted on the Inland Action web site, and Committee members were asked via e-mail to review prior to the meeting.  Treasurer Mark Kaenel commented on his report and asked for questions.  He praised staff for keeping within budget for the successful 60th Anniversary event.  Appreciation was expressed to Frank Zabaleta for his review and suggested revisions regarding our 2021 tax returns.  Work is starting on the 2023 budget, and the Personnel Committee needs to meet related to proposed budget expenditure

The age and ownership of office and staff computers was addressed by Carole Beswick, CEO.  Since Covid -19 staff has been increasingly dependent on technology. The Inland Action office PC and laptop are old (8 years old plus).  As all staff work a great deal from home, it is proposed that Inland Action supply Deborah Barmack, President, with a laptop rather than using her personal computer.  The Committee reviewed three proposals from Imagine Systems to purchase two new laptops for staff and one PC for the office.  Additional charges for set-up would be $600-$800.  Discussion ensued.  Further information is needed on specific variations recommended from JP Wilson at Imagine Systems.

Motion by K. Scott Second/Passed: Approve amended to the budget for expenditure of $4,500 plus set-up fees for three new computers.

The California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) will hold a 2023 Catalyst Conference in Sacramento on February 1-2, 2023.  Interested parties may join the waiting list to participate.  At the SGC Catalyst Conference, community leaders, funders, government policymakers, and academics will explore proven models that build capacity and catalyze infrastructure planning and implementation in frontline communities in California, as well as innovative public-private partnerships that deepen investment and accelerate decarbonization. During this historic moment, the Catalyst Conference will create space for peer-to-peer learning, partnerships, and the development of new standards and bold ideas that catalyze resilient, healthy, and thriving communities for all.  The conference will explore “Shovel Ready” vs. “Shovel Worthy” standards and explore challenges and opportunities in Justice40 implementation.  The Inland Empire needs to have representation at this conference, and Inland Action should participate.   Committee Chairs were asked to consider attending and to ask their respective Committee members.  Transportation and accommodations may be reimbursed by Inland Action.  Ken Coate and Michael Rivera expressed an interest in attending.   For more information go to  https://sgccatalyst.org/

Lowell King reported that the Nominating Committee met and is recommending a 2023 Slate of Officers for a vote of the full Board at the Annual Meeting.  The slate includes Kevin Dyerly as Chair, Michael Rivera as 1st Vice Chair, and Bansree Parikh as 2nd Vice Chair.   Catherine Pritchett is proposed as Secretary, with Frank Zabaleta as Treasurer and Mark Kaenel as Assistant Treasurer. Kevin Dyerly is working on possible Committee Chairs for the coming year.

The responsibilities of the Membership Committee, Appointments Committee and the Legislative Committees were discussed.

The Membership Committee will:

  • Develop a pipeline of potential Inland Action members and work with current members to introduce Inland Action to these candidate organizations.
  • Keep in mind the need for a balance of member type, i.e., non-profit, private business, manufacturing.
  • From time to time will engage the membership in a discussion focused on looking at member’s contacts who would be valuable members.
  • Participate in occasional luncheons for new member orientation.
  • Meet as needed, but no less than quarterly

The Appointments Committee will:

  • Track openings on State Boards and Commissions
  • Track appointments to such Boards and Commissions in our region
  • Develop a candidate list for State appointments
  • Contact the Governor’s Appointments Secretary to advocate for candidates and to build a relationship. Meet with the Secretary as needed.
  • Meet as needed, but no less than quarterly

The Legislative Committee will:

  • Review requests for Inland Action to take a position on State and federal legislation. These requests often come from members and occasionally from legislators and staff.
  • Be familiar with legislative positions in Inland Action issue papers and follow these bills to their ultimate disposition. This may require follow-up letters of support or opposition.
  • Be alert to pending legislation that would impact the Inland Empire and our members with the possibility of asking for member support or opposition.
  • Meet as needed, but no less than quarterly

Meetings dedicated to Committee work has been challenging for staff as many participate via Zoom.  Committee Chairs were asked to bring their personal devices (smart phone or tablet) to more efficiently accommodate their committee members who join virtually.  Mike Burrows will verify there is sufficient wi-fi bandwidth at all areas of the building.

The group discussed coordination among Committee Chairs regarding advocacy issues, as discussed in the retreat, pending issues, advocacy meeting format and issue paper constraints.                  

Meeting adjourned at 8:33 a.m.