Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Member/Alternates Only Meeting
Virtual meeting via ZOOM
Minutes
Present: Deborah Barmack, Peter Barmack, Carole Beswick, Ken Coate, Kevin Dyerly, Louis Goodwin, Mark Kaenel, Lowell King, Pam Langford, Bill Lemann, P.T. McEwen, John Mirau, Dan Murphy, Michael Rivera, Dan Roberts, Kristine Scott and Paul Shimoff.
Motion by L. Goodwin/Second by L. King/Passed: Minutes from August 4, 2020.
Kristine Scott, Past Chair presiding.
Mark Kaenel, Treasurer reported that in his preliminary review of the balance sheet and P & L (year to date ending 9/27/20) reflects that the group is way ahead of budget with net income revenue. Additionally, the liquidity position and the accounts receivable positions are very good. He will do a complete summary and it will be posted on the website for member review.
Mark announced that he and his wife have relocated to Oregon. He has agreed to stay on as Treasurer and plans to stay engaged with the group with Board approval. Appreciation was expressed for Mark’s willingness to continue his active participation.
Mark reported on the monthly IEGO meeting held on September 25, 2020. The group seems to be getting much closer to firming up their mission statement that has been five years in the making. They have added a large number of new participants, many of whom are not business representatives which may affect their direction and focus.
Staff reported that long time member Century 21/Lois Lauer Realty has confirmed their resignation effective Oct. 1, 2020.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, communication with new members has been lacking, creating some confusion regarding appropriate representatives. It is suggested that a Membership Committee work on better orienting new members. One of the most effective tools has been the new member lunches.
During this period, these lunches can be replaced with Zoom orientation meetings. A virtual meeting for new members will be planned soon and the mentor program will be revived to help engage with these members.
Currently Inland Action does not invite candidates for elective office to speak at meetings or sponsored events within the six-month period prior to an election. Staff is advising a policy change as the California primary elections now take place in March. The current policy is very limiting, particularly when considering incumbents. This policy will prohibit inhibit IA from having members of Congress and California Assembly members from speaking at our meetings from October 2021 to March 2021 and from June 2022 to November 2022, or effectively half of the term to which they are elected to represent their districts. It is also limiting with respect to members of the County Board of Supervisors. IA should consider updating this policy to provide for effective communication with our elected officials. Discussion ensued and most agreed that the time frame should be changed to 60 days. The group was electronically polled and agreed to bring this as a recommendation to the membership at the October 13, 2020 meeting.
Committee members were asked to present the 12 proposition that will be on the November 3, 2020 ballot at the Member Only Inland Action meeting on October 13, 2020. Presenters will summarize the pros and cons of each measure in 3 minutes and indicate major supporters and opposition. No positions will be taken as this is only for informational purposes. Prop 14: P. Langford, Prop 15: J. Mirau, Prop 16: E. Romero, Prop 17: L. King, Prop 18: McEwen, Prop 19: P. Shimoff/J. Mirau, Prop 20: P. Barmack, Prop 21: K. Scott, Prop 22: M. Rivera, Prop 23: D. Murphy, Prop 24: B. Lemann, Prop 25: L. Goodwin.
The California Transportation Commission is very influential and makes all major funding decisions for state-funded transportation projects. Long time Commissioner Joseph Tavaglione’s term will expire in early 2021. Historically Riverside and San Bernardino Counties have taken turns to fill this position. Although the Governor’s Appointment Secretary did not seem aware of the practice, she is sensitive to the needed representation from our region. The group was asked to think of good candidates from San Bernardino County. It is likely the Governor would prefer to appoint a woman and someone of color. Riverside County already has a few candidates they plan to recommend.
As a member of the Uplift San Bernardino steering committee, Carole Beswick reported on their recent meeting. Led by Ginger Ontiveros, San Bernardino City Unified School District and Sandra Espadas, National CORE, the group is working to build a generation of successful adults who are committed to growing roots in San Bernardino. Too many of our well-educated people are leaving the area and strategies are being discussed on how to retain these meaningful individuals. Committee members will be sent the strategies list by e-mail.
Meeting adjourned at 8:58 a.m.