MCCGJA
Meeting
Minutes –
March 15, 2007
Members
Present:
Betty Mattea, President; Shelly Wolff, Vice
President; Catherine McKown,
Secretary; Bernie Bolger, David Brown, Dennis
Brown, Connie Kloh, Gene Dyer, Ted Freeman, Owen Haxton, Karin Hern, Joan Holmes, Albert Lozano, Ronald Lucas,
Ann Marie Melanephy, Jack Olive, and Scott Tye
Guests:
Jury Arnold (Supervisor), Brad Breithaupt
(IJ), Anne Crouse (BOS), and Tanya Maxwell (BOS)
Speaker: The featured speaker was Judy Arnold, Supervisor from
District 5 (North Marin) who spoke about her background, brought and discussed copies of the County
of Marin Report to the Community and
responded to numerous questions from the floor.
The County theme is sustainability.
There are 3 E’s: Environment, Economics and Social Equity. The environment is getting a lot of attention. Supervisor
McGlashan and Judy want an economic specialist to provide oversight. She described a need to start things to bring
in revenue. Social equity – affordable housing. There are 3 baylands corridors. The whole point is St. Vincents-Silveira.
Many communities don’t want to be in the corridor (Bel Marin, etc.). BOS have 5 priorities, stated in the county
wide plan: healthy communities, safe communities, sustainable communities, environmental preservation, and community
participation. They are also working on issues surrounding the following: children, wildfire management, ADA policy
review, developing a community justice plan, and managing for results (going to show what work for what money).
Approval
of this agenda.
Minutes January and February minutes – Jan. 18; M/S – Approved
Feb. 15 minutes – M/S – Approved.
Report
from Foreperson - Karin Hern – The jury
has 2 published reports: Hogtying and Charter Schools. Another report to be approved today; there is another one
in the pipeline. They are planning to release a report every 2-3 weeks. She exclaimed, “it’s a great jury.” Social
activities, including wine tasting. Re. recruitment: Connie and Karin spoke to the county retirement group. Approximately
30 applications have been received so far. There will be an insert in today’s IJ.
Question
from member regarding reports resulting from complaints. Karin stated that the first two reports were internally
generated. They have received almost 60 complaints so far. Question re. methodology on charter schools report –
did you question those districts that were not advocates. Yes.
President
Mattea announced that April 19 is next meeting.
Election
Committee - Al Lozano. Ted Freeman to
give report. He described the process of last year. There is one person for each position and an extra one for
the Board. Nominations will be open from the floor. Contact Al or Ted if you are interested. The May meeting will
be the last time to nominate from the floor. Al got to 98% response from those who have a phone. The election will
be held in June; new officers in July.
Continuity
Committee - Gene Dyer. The committee called
a meeting with Karin and Connie (Foreperson and Pro Tem). Purpose is to see the system work. How should the follow-up
to reports be done? There will be a meeting of the committee at 10:30 in the cafeteria on Wednesday. They will
identify the problem, consider options, and possibility of legislative challenges. Status report. We might do a
survey. Past jurors to help. Ted will be teaching continuity at state training. Gene, Ted, Dennis, and Owen are
on the Continuity Committee. They would like to ask Jack Friesen to join.
Treasurer’s Report – Irwin and his wife are out of town so no report. Ann
Marie is present, and she is handling reservations for the annual reunion. She brought checks to give Betty. 14
people have signed up so far.
Membership – Owen Haxton. The chapter has 83 members. Have been making
contacts for the reunion luncheon. Forepersons for the last 6 grand juries (133). Owen covered years 1991-99 (139
attempted contacts).
Telephone tree (item #12). Move
to next month’s agenda.
President’s
Report – Betty Mattea. Bob Abeling reminded
her about the $200 donation to the Soroptimists for the Sounding Board program for 2007. M/S to contribute this
amount. Approved. Orientation meeting – decision to cut some speakers to ½ hour to include more county people.
Reception of incoming jury will be held on Wednesday, July 18, at 4 p.m. at The Club at McInnis Park. It will be
approximately 2 hours. The jury appreciated it last year. Karin suggested a speaker: Gary Giacomini (Buck Institute).
Speakers – Lowell Smith. On April 19, we will show the Sounding
Board video as our “featured speaker.” On May 9, Brad Breithaupt will be featured speaker at the reunion. In May,
an update on several reports. Suggestions for speakers: someone from the League of Women Voters; North Bay Council,
a consortium of employers in Marin/Sonoma (their mission is economic growth that is compatible with the environment);
and SIRS (Sons in Retirement) organization.
Comments on subjects not on agenda.
Suggestion re. the template
for party - spell “McInnis” correctly.
The meeting was adjourned at
11:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Catherine McKown, Secretary