| MINUTES: July 1, 2002
Hercules Senior Center
111 Civic Drive, Hercules, CA
Item 1.0 – Call to Order.
The meeting was called to order at 6:13 p.m. Item 2.0 – Roll Call.
Commissioners in attendance:
Maria Theresa Viramontes-Campbell, Dr. Michael Zwerdling, Cindy Wheeler, Violet Smith, Carol Weadon for Dr. Paula Moten-Tolson, Supervisor John Gioia, Dr. William Walker, Pat Stroh for Tony Colón, John Cullen Alternates in attendance:
Susan Wittenberg, Barbara Langsdale Item 3.0 – Consent Items. Item 3.1- Approve minutes for June 3, 2002 meeting. Item 3.2 - Review, Discuss and Acknowledge Financial Reports for May 2002. Item 3.3 - Executive Committee Report.
Chairman Cullen informed the Commission that the following items were discussed: - Received an update on the year-end contracting process and preparations for the FY ‘01-‘02 Audit that must be completed and submitted to the state in October.
- Discussed participation in and supporting the development of the next children’s report card for the county.
- Discussed a request from the Mental Health Commission for a Commission Member to participate in a Commission/Advisory Board. Alternate Cindy Wheeler will represent the Commission.
- Discussed and developed the agenda of the July 1, 2002 meeting.
- Met in closed session to discuss, develop and perform the evaluation of the Executive Director.
Item 3.4 - Executive Committee Recommendation to increase salary of Executive Director.
Chairman Cullen stated that the Committee met in closed session on July 17, 2002 to conduct the second annual performance and salary review of the Executive Director. Assessments included information submitted by Commission members, community members, and the Executive Director. The evaluation form documents performance in eleven (11) areas, identifies future work targets, and rates overall job performance. In recognition of her accomplishments, the Committee is recommending moving Ms. Blasingame from step three ($6698/mo) to step five ($7385/mo) on her six step scale, retroactively effective January 24, 2002, her anniversary date. The Commission voted to approve Item 3.0 – Consent Items.
Item 4.0 - Executive Director’s Report.
Brenda Blasingame gave the following report: - A Year In Review
Brenda reviewed the Implementation Highlights FY 00/02 with the Commission. She stated that the $12.8 million dollars allocated reflects funding decisions made by the Commission over the 18-month period. The annual report will reflect actual dollar amounts allocated as well as data collected.
- Statewide Branding and Name Change
The State Commission has voted to officially change its name to First 5 California. The State Commission has requested local commissions also adopt this name. Brenda requested Commission members to give feedback regarding changing the name of the Commission to First 5 Contra Costa.
The Commission held a discussion and requested Brenda speak with other local Commission and learn whether they plan to change their names.
Commissioner Cullen requested that this issue be brought back to the Commission as an action item on the September 2002 agenda.
- Update on State Budget
- Tobacco Taxes
A tobacco tax has been introduced by the Governor to benefit the general fund. Another initiative has also been added which will bring the total tax on a pack of cigarettes to 65 cents per pack. The State is proposing raising the age to purchase tobacco to age 21. There is no backfill provision for Prop 10. should these measures pass.
- Early Childhood Mental Health System
As requested by the Mental Health Commission, included in the packet is a copy of a letter sent to the Governor. Brenda will request the Executive Committee approve a letter to the Governor regarding this issue since the Commission is funding early mental health. Item 4.1a - Demonstration and presentation of Network of Care Website by Bruce Bronzan from Trilogy – Integrated Resources.
Bruce Bronzan and Afshin Khosravi of Trilogy – Integrated Resources conducted a presentation to the Commission of the Network of Care Website.
The Commission then held a question and answer session. Bruce Bronzan stated that Trilogy – Integrated Resources has full responsibility for the development and maintenance of the website.
Commission Viramontes-Campbell stated that she would like the Commission to consider providing access to computers for those who do not readily have access to them.
Brenda Blasingame replied that staff has discussed the issue and has discussed approaching foundations to purchase computers for the Family Resource & Learning Centers and for the School Readiness Initiative.
Alternate Wittenberg stated that she is concerned about those who are moderately literate and their ability to access the website.
Bruce Bronzan replied that a "reader" could be added to the site, which is used for those who are visually impaired. All Network of Care Websites comply with the A.D.A and include foreign languages.
Supervisor Gioia asked Bruce Broznan about the range of cost for maintenance on the site.
Bruce Broznan stated that a reasonable range would be approximately $3000-$5000 per month and monthly fees could drop to $2500 per month as more local commissions begin using the Network of Care website. Consider the following recommendations: - To approve the Executive Director negotiating a contract for customized development of the Network of Care Website for Contra Costa in an amount not to exceed $150,000.
- To approve the Executive Director negotiating development of a maintenance contract for the website and to work on the development of partnerships with other county agencies and other Commission’s throughout the state for the purposes of reducing the on-going maintenance cost of the website.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the Executive Director negotiating a contract for customized development of the Network of Care Website for Contra Costa in an amount not to exceed $150,000, and to approve the Executive Director negotiating development of a maintenance contract for the website and to work on the development of partnerships with other county agencies and other Commission’s throughout the state for the purposes of reducing the on-going maintenance cost of the website.
The Commission voted and approved the stated motion. Public Comment.
Kate Ertz-Berger, Director, Contra Costa Child Care Council, commented on the need for infant childcare in the county. She stated that there is higher need for childcare in this county and that there are two infants for every infant care slot available. Dorothy Stewart, Old Firehouse School, updated the Commission on child care issues.
Item 5.0 - Committee and Program Updates. Item 5.1 – Program and Evaluation Committee.
a) Family Friendly Community Grants
Lisa Johnson reviewed the staff report with the Commission. Consider the following recommendation: To approve funding for one (1) implementation grant in the total amount of $20,000 for a Family-Friendly Community Grants planning grantee. A motion was made and seconded to approve funding for one (1) implementation grant in the total amount of $20,000 for a Family-Friendly Community Grants planning grantee. The Commission voted and approved the stated motion.
b) Update on Grantee activities
The Commission received an update from Cheryl Maier of Opportunity West, Teen Parent Resource Center, a Parent Education and Support grant recipient. The Commission received an update from Rita Shank of Ujima, Substance Abuse Services grant recipient. Following the presentation there was an opportunity for Commission members to ask questions of the grantees. Item 5.2 – Commission Events Calendar. The Commission received the most recent events calendar. Item 5.3 – Mini-Institute on School Readiness.
The Commission participated in a facilitated discussion regarding the State Commission’s School Readiness Initiative presented by Mary View-Schneider, from the UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities. At the conclusion of the presentation Brenda Blasingame stated that staff is meeting with the Mount Diablo school district. Meetings were held in Bay Point and in the Monument area. Alternate Wittenberg is working with Debi Silverman in West Contra Costa. The first application will be for the Mount Diablo School District. Item 6.0 – Communications.
The Commission acknowledged receipt of communications. Item 7.0 – Adjourn.
The meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m. |