Marin Chapter of the California Grand Jurors’ Association

Minutes

Membership Meeting of Sep 17, 2009

Present at the meeting were: Trish Hibben, Frank Keenan, Lowell Smith, Sterling Harwell, Karin Hern, Catherine McKown, Judy Chapman and Ted Freeman. B. Bolger  (… and some others; I did not get the list I am afraid.)

There was a large turnout of about 20 folk.)

Paul Helliker General Manager of the Marin Municipal Water District was introduced by as the speaker by Lowell Smith.  He mentioned recent grand jury reports on water issues and passed out some charts showing the expected water situation until 2025, demand and possible shortfalls.  He talked of possible rationing plans and voluntary conservations as time goes on.  There was considerable discussion and questions having to do with a great variety of related issues.  Incentives to conservation were mentioned.  Also the use of cisterns to collect grey water was briefly discussed.  According to Mr. Helliker, the bay is not a cesspool.  It is less salty than the ocean and scientific data says that there is nor problem with bay water.  In discussion of tier rates it was pointed out that 80% of water users are in the tiers 1 and 2 and 20% in tiers 3 and 4.

Minutes and the agenda were approved, each unanimously.  A letter about the Sacramento Conference was read by Catherine and she mentioned that Ted Freeman is running for re-election to the San Anselmo Town Council.

Betty Mattea pointed out that the new makeup of the Community Activity Committee is heavy with former grand jurors, many of which are in the room.  (Is that the correct name of the committee?)

Judy Chapman, Foreperson of the 2009-2010 Marin County Grand Jury spoke, informing us to the extent possible how things were going with the standing grand jury.  She said that there were no slackers on the jury.  She had some concern about non-responsive responses that were coming in to last year’s reports. She said that they felt welcome but could use a bit more space, like, for example, another interview room.  She would like more clerical help.  There was also some discussion of computers and cyber problems.  She made it clear that she was open to ideas from the Chapter. (Her email address is judychapman@sbcglobal.net )

A motion having to do with the temporary lack of cash flow in the budget was adopted unanimously.

Committee Reports:

   Speaker program-The speaker program for the October 15 meeting will be a tour of the Health and Wellness Center in San Rafael at 2-4PM.  Chuck Daldorf of the League of California Cities is scheduled to be the speaker in November.

   Orientation- Reported that 10 chapter members participated in the  local training for the new grand jury, and they did a super job.

   Membership- is looking to increase membership.  Next meeting is October 9, at 10:30AM in the Civic Center cafeteria.

   Communications/Technology-  They have met and are working out their responsibilities and the email list.  They have been training some members of the grand jury in computer us.  It has been well received.  They would like to have a training module schedules in next year’ training program.

   Public Issues- They will be having a meeting: all are invited.  They hope to put some hot issues together and want to involve citizens in the issues.  They may plan a forum.

   Social- The committee provided coffee for today’s meeting and will be supplying “out-house margaritas” at the picnic. At the picnic the first 20 cars are free.  Senior parking after that is $7 per car.

   Public Outreach- is “looking for a few good men and women” at their first meeting on September 28th.  They will send speakers out to recruit grand jurors.

   Continuity and Excellence in Reporting are looking for people to join.

   By-Laws- They have met and have people updating the by-laws.  They will get the product to the Board next month.  They will do Policy and Procedures in the Spring.

   Nominations/Elections- will use current procedures, protocols and by-laws for this next election.

A measure to pay $60 toward registration for up to four chapter members, a total of $240… contingent upon recipients writing a short report and reporting to the membership at the November chapter meeting.  Should there be more than four members who apply, the $240 shall be divided by the number of applicants was approved unanimously.

Miscellaneous item – There is a proposal on the CGJA ballot to expand the state board from 12 to 24 members.  The view was expressed that it works better at 12 and would be very unwieldy at 24.

Ted Freeman, Chapter Secretary

(approved 1/21/2010)