MARIN COUNTY CHAPTER, CALIFORNIA GRAND JURORS ASSOCIATION

(Minutes of the Membership Meeting September 21, 2006, 2006)

Attendees: Dennis Brown, Gene Dyer, Ted Freeman,  Owen Haxton, Betty Mattea, Irwin Taranto, Stu Brown, Al Lozano, Don Graf, Nick Clark,  Lowell Smith, Joan Holmes, and Shelly Wolff

 

9:30 a.m. Lowell introduced Cathy Summa-Wolfe from the College of Marin.

 

She gave a frank discussion about the history and problems of the College of Marin (COM).

She is Communications Director there and has been here for about six months.  She came to the COM from Cabrillo College.  She noted that at the COM there was declining enrollment, faculty unrest, and no confidence in the administration.  She pointed out that 40 to 50% of the students don't make it after they transfer to a four-year college.  Many then come back to community colleges as a safety net

 

She stated that there is a most difficult faculty and a failed administration.  On the other hand she had praise for Dr. White the current president of the College.  She pointed out that the Indian Valley campus is a hot issue.  Among the problems are that there is no separate listing of courses per campus.  She indicated that the College of Marin is 10 years behind in technology, but a bond issue had been passed for about $240 million to be used for modernization.  A large part of this money is to go to the Indian Valley campus, which will be a drain on the money.

 

She said there is a prioritized list for upgrading.  The list includes a physical education building, a science building, a student center, and a fine arts facility.  The enrollment has been declining for about 15 years.  Right now it's about 34% down from its height in 1986. In the past year, however, it has grown about 1%.

 

Al Lozano pointed out that he hasn't seen a needs assessment based on the needs of the students.  Cathy Summa-Wolfe replied that there is a needs assessment in place, and there also is a new academic vice president who is involved.  She points out that there are people who won’t drive the 101 corridor, so there is a need for multiple campuses.  They are trying to help the people in Marin City and the Canal area where they have a strong English as a Second Language program.

 

 

 

 

10 25 a.m. Betty called the meeting to order.  It was determined that a quorum was present.

 

There was no grand jury report.

 

It was announced that up to $50 can be paid for attendance at the CCJA meeting in Redding.  Some seven or more people will be going from the Marin chapter.  Upon their return they are to apply to the treasurer for the $50 towards their meeting expenses.

 

Irwin announced that he had moved $5,000 from the checking account where it received a very low interest rate of 0.7% to a 3.5% CD.  There was approximately $700 left in the checking account.  The signatures on the account are Irwin and Owen.  Betty should be added to the account.

 

The commendation to the grand jury from the Board of Supervisors is to be sent by regular mail and e-mail.  Connie or Owen will write the promotional letter to go with it.

Al moved that Betty be authorized to spend up to $400 for the distribution.  Approved.

 

The up-to-date list of all CG JA members will be sent from Betty to Irwin.

 

Owen pointed out the current list was current up to on or about September 15.  More members have been added since then bringing the total to 43.

 

Stu noted that two changes needed to be made to the _Policy and Procedures Manual.  They are that in the calendar the date by which the Treasurer sends the roster to the membership is changed from Sept.15 to Sept. 29, and that the entry following "Twice a year" now should read "Treasurer provides roster to each Active Member."

 

It was moved and passed that there will be no meeting in December.

 

Lowell indicated that Marty Miller's presentation will be moved to November 15. Consequently there would be no speaker scheduled for the October meeting.

 

Several people were suggested as possible speakers: Vernel Crittenden, Breithof, and the president of the league of women voters.

 

Because so many people would be attending the Redding Meeting, Owen moved that the October meeting be canceled.  Seconded and passed.

 

Lowell will meet with Betty to draft a new work plan.  They need input from the committee.

 

Gene wanted us to contact the Board of Supervisors to follow up on and whether or not they will follow up on grand jury recommendations.  Stu will contact the new person at the BOS who is involved at this.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 a.m...