Contra Costa

Children and Families Commission

MINUTES

September11, 2000

Item 1.0 Call to Order.

The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m.

Item 2.0 Roll Call.

Commissioners in Attendance:

Kaye E. Burnside, Tony Coln, John Cullen, Terrissa Hein,Kathleen Tabor, Dr. William Walker, Dr. Michael Zwerdling

Alternates in Attendance:

Danna Fabella, Mary Foran,Ronda Garcia, Barbara Langsdale, Dr. Paula Moten-Tolson, Linda Smith

Item 3.0 Consent Items.

Item 3.1 Approve Minutes.

The Commission voted to approvethe minutes.

Item 3.2 Acknowledge MonthlyFinancial Reports.

Executive DirectorBlasingame reviewed the financial reports with the Commission.

Item 4.0 Old Business.

Item 4.1 Update fromImplementation Committee.

Commissioner Tabor gave anupdate on the work of the Implementation Committee and how the Committee lookedat implementing and funding strategies.She also reviewed the retreat agenda.

Alternate Foran thenstressed the importance of the Commission being there for the full discussionof implementation of the strategies, and to go away from the retreat with thefeeling that the Commission made good decisions.

Item 5.0 New Business.

5.1 Evaluation Planning.

Executive Director Blasingame discussed with theCommission the importance of evaluation and how it needs to be included fromthe beginning of the process with grantees.She informed the Commission that consultants are being considered andthat she and Commissioner Tabor have spoken with the Lewin Group and ZoeCardoza Clayson about evaluation.Brenda then stated that she and Commissioner Tabor would like to moveforward with getting letters of qualifications from both listed above.

Commissioner Tabor stated that she recommends theCommission begin a 3-month planning process with an evaluator. The evaluator must interface with the statecommission on the critical issues being discussed at the state level.

The Commission agreed to open up the RFQ to alarger pool of candidates, and asked that any Commissioners or members of thepublic who know anyone that meets those qualifications forward those names toExecutive Director Blasingame.

5.2 Discuss Commission Structure.

CommissionerCullen discussed with the Commission the need to formalize the structure of theCommission and staff and stated that materials would be sent to Commissionersat a later time for future discussion.

Item5.3 Update on State Commission:Priority Program Funding.

ExecutiveDirector Blasingame informed the Commission of the following:

1.    Matchingchild care dollars from the state have not yet been released. The state has $10-15 million statewide andhas not yet set up parameters for distributing the funds.

2.    Thestate has an unknown amount of funding set aside for demonstration projects,pilot programs, and innovative programs.

TheCommission had a discussion and reached consensus to request that the statecommission coordinate with the local Commission when giving funding to localissues / statewide issues that may impact the local Commission. The Commission wants more than to say theyare aware of applicants, but to give approval or statements about whether ornot the proposal is consistent with the local strategic plan and/or meets statedgoals.

3.    Statemedia campaign. The state is doing anRFP process for media relations / public education. There is a budget of $90 million to get a uniform message out tothe entire state. The state does nothave direct funding for local Commissions media campaigns. The state will be handling the big mediabuys with the emphasis on Prop 10 awareness and public education about issuesthat affect children 0-5 and their families.

PublicComment

KateErtz-Berger: The city of Concord haslost 80-100 child care providers, thats hundreds of slots gone.

JaniceTownsend: Thanks to the Commission.

Brenda: Yes, family daycare does need a piece ofyour pie.

FirehouseSchool: I would like to lend my voiceto those of others regarding child care.

DorothyStewart: Ditto colleagues voices here.

Item5.4 Executive Directors Report.

ExecutiveDirector Blasingame informed the Commission of the following:

        Two new staff members have been hired:

o Lisa Johnson,Grants Program Manager

o Tracy Irwin,Civic Engagement and Public Education Coordinator

        Materials Development Update:

o A brochure isbeing worked on

o Weve completedand a reader friendly version of the Strategic Plan in both English and Spanish

        Gabriela Castelan gave the Commission an update on thefollowing legislature:

o AB 212

o AB 25

Item6.0 - Communications / Correspondence.

TheCommission acknowledged receipt of communications and correspondence as listedon the agenda.

Item7.0 Adjournment.

Themeeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.