Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Executive Committee Meeting -ZOOM Only
Minutes
Present: Deborah Barmack, Carole Beswick, Mike Burrows, Ken Coate, Kevin Dyerly, Louis Goodwin, Mark Kaenel, Lowell King, John Mirau, Dan Murphy, Vikki Ostermann, Bansree Parikh, Michael Rivera, Kristine Scott, Ray Wolfe, and Frank Zabaleta.
Announcements: 1) Congratulations were expressed to Inland Action member, Inland Behavioral and Health Services, who recently received a $592,488 grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to help with the recovery form the COVID pandemic which includes significant investments in affordable health care programs. 2) On November 17, 2021, Greg Bradbard, Inland Action representative for member National Community Renaissance, was appointed to the California Volunteers Commission by Governor Newsom. Congratulations were expressed.
The information on both will be posted on the Inland Action web site in the “Making a Difference” tab.
Lowell King, Chair, presiding.
Mark Kaenel, Treasurer, reminded the group that the third quarter financials and Treasurer’s summary are posted on the Inland Action web site. Inland Action is in a very good position financially, and the 2022 draft budget will be calculated after the Personnel Committee meets this week. If membership dues increase it will likely be a minor increase which is subject to Board approval.
Advocacy 2022
Federal advocacy is still in flux as the COVID-19 pandemic and its new variants continue. Additionally, the Congressional calendar will not be available until December. Hypothetically the Federal advocacy dates would be Sunday, March 13 returning Wednesday, March 16, 2022. As a venue outside of congressional buildings has been suggested for our meetings, Inland Action can reserve the brownstone where we have held our recent D.C. receptions. As previously discussed, Inland Action may consider having a smaller but focused delegation make the trip depending on the current environment. The group will need to decide about the trip by January in order for staff to make hotel and air reservations.
Advocacy in Sacramento would likely be best suited to Monday, April 18-19, 2022, as legislators will have returned from their recess (4/7-/17) and is well in advance of the May revise. Committees will need to prepare as this timeline only gives them four weeks upon returning from D.C. Staff can schedule two Inland Action meetings for state Committee work, and Committees will also be encouraged to meet on their own if necessary. The Sacramento COVID protocols will be reviewed as many legislators are still not in their Capitol offices.
Congressman Aguilar will be contacted to advise us on current D.C. advocacy and what may be the most effective in March (in-person vs. Zoom, regular group or “strike team”, etc.). It is important to understand membership expectations regarding advocacy during this time. Additionally, members are asked to share information from their lobbyists on how best to conduct our advocacy.
Staff requests suggestions for speakers (scheduled for February and March) which may educate and assist with issues raised by Committees.
Since returning to in-person meetings in September, the in-person attendance has steadily grown, and the Zoom participation has remained strong. Social interactions are missed by many and have been an integral part of the group dynamics. It is suggested that Inland Action budget and provide a social event quarterly. Suggestions included both social events and tours that bring people together such as spring golf & reception, a gathering at the new San Manuel Casino, an event at the historic San Bernardino Rail yard, and tour of Amazon Air. Further suggestions are welcomed and should be directed to Carole or Deborah.
The draft redistricting maps appear to split the north and south areas of the City of Redlands which is of great concern as the entire City is a community of interest. Inland Action should look at the draft and weigh in on this important issue.
Meeting adjourned at 8:28 a.m.