Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout082113_CSW Approved Minutes_1m(bd)(tt)COUNTY OF KAUAI Minutes of Meeting OPEN SESSION Board /Committee: Committee on the Status of Women Meeting Date August 21, 2013 Location Mo'ikeha Building — Meeting Room 2AB Start of Meeting: 5:10 p.m. End of Meeting: 6:05 p.m. Present Chair Uli'i Castor (arrived at 5:15 p.m.); Vice -Chair Jade Battad; Secretary elect Regina Carvalho; Members: Cherie Mooy and Charee Watters; Ex- Officio Lisa Ellen Smith Also present: Deputy County Attorney Andrea Suzuki; Board & Commissions Office Staff. Support Clerk Mercedes Youn; Administrator Paula Morikami; Administrative Aide Teresa Tamura; Life Choices Coordinator Theresa Koki Excused Members: Deslynn Jacquias and Ihilani Kali Absent SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Call To Order Vice Chair Battad called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m. Approval of Regular Open Session Minutes of June 19, 2013 Minutes Ms. Carvalho stated that she would like the minutes to reflect that she had Ms. Carvalho moved to approve the meeting an excused absence in the month of June. minutes as amended. Ms. Watters seconded the motion Motion carried 4:0 Treasurer's CSW 2013 -18 FY 2013 -14 Committee on the Status of Women budget Report The FY 2013 -14 budget reflects a current balance of $1333.28. The total expenditures to date were $662.72 of which $162.72 went to mileage reimbursement and $500.00 to purchase books from Barnes & Noble for the CSW Library. Vice Chair Battad called for a motion to accept item CSW 2013 -18 for the Ms. Mooy moved to accept item CSW 2013 -18 record. for the record. Ms. Carvalho seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0 Ms. Wafters stated that she would like to introduce /add two new items to Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session August 21, 2013 Page 2 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION the agenda for discussion. The Committee was advised that pursuant to the Sunshine Law adding an item(s) to the agenda is not permitted if the item is of reasonably major importance. The purpose is to give the public sufficient time to submit testimony on any of the items listed on the agenda. Staff advised Ms. Watters that she could request that her items be placed a future agenda during the announcements. Business CSW 2013 -15 Election of Secretary for the remainder of 2013. Vice Chair Battad opened the floor for nominations. Vice Chair Battad nominated Ms. Carvalho for the position of secretary The Committee unanimously agreed to nominate for the remainder of 2013. Ms. Carvalho accepted the nomination. Ms. Carvalho to the position of Secretary for the remainder of 2013. CSW 2013 -19 Discussion and decision - making on essay contest topic relating to the Healthy Living, Mind, Body, Career Conference ➢ Selection of essay topic ➢ Advertising ➢ Nomination/Selection of chaperone to accompany contest winners to the conference Vice Chair Battad informed the Committee that due to unfortunate circumstances the essay contest would have to be canceled. She explained that there was not enough time to implement the essay contest due to a lack of a quorum in July. She inquired whether funding was secured by the State to pay for the contest winners and a chaperone. Ms. Smith confirmed that the State has approved funding for travel for one chaperone and two contest winners and that deadline to register was last week. Ms. Smith suggested that the Committee either reach out to the Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session August 21, 2013 Page 3 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION community or approach school counselors or teachers at the local high schools to see if they could recommend a student who would benefit from the conference. Vice Chair Battad stated that the topic is not an agenda item and therefore any discussion or decision - making should not continue. She noted that even if the item was placed on the next agenda it would not give Staff enough time to make the necessary travel arrangements and that the registration deadline had already passed. Ms. Mooy stated that she felt that the agenda item was broad enough to allow the Committee to discuss the conference and make changes to the selection process. Deputy County Attorney Suzuki stated that the agenda item is to select a chaperone to accompany the contest winners to the conference. Vice Chair Battad stated if the language read as Discussion on the Conference it would have allowed the Committee to have a broader discussion but the agenda specifically narrows the discussion to the nomination/selection of a chaperone to accompany the contest winners to the conference. Ms. Mooy asked whether the selection of a chaperone could be done today. Vice Chair Battad explained that due to the cancellation of the essay contest the selection of a chaperone would no longer be necessary because the essay contest had to be canceled. She expressed her unhappiness that the Committee has missed out on a great opportunity and hoped that at today's meeting, the Committee has learned a valuable lesson. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session August 21, 2013 Page 4 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Ms. Smith questioned whether it would be appropriate for her to contact HSCSW Executive Director Catherine Betts to inform her that the Committee is unable to attend the conference due to unforeseen circumstances. Vice Chair Battad agreed that it would be the appropriate thing to do. Ms. Carvalho expressed her interest in attending the conference as an individual. Ms. Smith stated the conference is free and that she would be more than happy to hold a place for her if she plans to attend. Ms. Watters asked if there was another alternative solution. In regard to the selection, Deputy County Attorney Suzuki explained that it could become problematic if the Committee decided to have a free for all and went ahead and made a selection without sufficient public notice as the Committee would be in violation of the Sunshine Law. She explained that all Committee business must be sufficiently detailed on the agenda to give the public adequate notice to decide whether to participate or not. Vice Chair Battad stated that she agrees with Ms. Suzuki. She cautioned the Committee that if it went ahead and made a selection without proper public notice it would be a violation of the Sunshine Law. Chair Castor entered the meeting at 5:15 p.m. Vice Chair Battad expressed her heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Smith for going the distance in securing the funding for the conference. She suggested that the Committee write a letter of appreciation to Ms. Betts to thank her for her help, and at the same time apologize on behalf of the Committee for not being able to attend the conference due to unseen circumstances. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session August 21, 2013 Page 5 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Staff acknowledged the request and will draft a letter for approval by the Chair before sending it to Ms. Betts. Ms. Watters stated that in order to prevent this situation from happening again, what other options are available to the Committee when a meeting has to be canceled due to a lack of a quorum. She asked whether it would be appropriate to form an executive committee who would need approval at the following meeting for decisions made by the executive committee. Ms. Tamura advised the Committee that they could call for a special meeting but the agenda must be posted six (6) days prior to the date of the meeting. Vice Chair Battad stated that the lesson learned is that the Committee knew in advance that it needed to make a decision regarding the essay contest but due to a lack of a quorum no decisions could be made. She stated that she supports the idea of holding a special meeting if a situation like this happens again. Ms. Watters asked who is responsible to call for a special meeting. Vice Chair Battad stated that the Committee is responsible but ultimately the decision lies with the Chair. Ms. Carvalho questioned when the decision was made to participate in the Healthy Living, Mind, Body, Career Conference. Ms. Smith stated that she attended a CSW meeting in April to discuss the Governor's Leadership Conference however, it was determined at a later date that the conference was not going to happen. She stated that she later heard about the Healthy Living, Mind, Body, Career Conference at a HSCSW meeting on Oahu in Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session August 21, 2013 Page 6 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION which time she made a request on the floor to ask for funding to send the winners of the essay contest and one chaperone to attend the conference. She stated that the conference is sponsored by the UH Commission on the Status of Women and is geared towards college students with HSCSW being a co- sponsor. Ms. Mooy suggested that the Committee hold the next essay contest in the Spring upon notification from the State that the conference would indeed take place. This would give the Committee enough time to implement the conference in a timely manner, notify the winners by August in order for Ms. Mooy moved that upon receipt of Staff to make the necessary travel arrangements. confirmation that the Healthy Living, Mind, Body, Career Conference that the Committee start the process for the essay contest in April. Ms. Watters seconded the motion. Ms. Carvalho stated that the Committee should have the essay contest in the Spring regardless of whether there is a conference or not. She noted that the Committee can always determine the prize at a later date. Ms. Watters stated that she would not enter a contest without having knowledge of what the prize would be. Ms. Smith suggested that perhaps the Committee can present the winners with a plaque from the Mayor. Chair Castor advised the Committee to stick to the item at hand and refrain from discussing other issues not on the agenda. She noted that if the Committee wanted to discuss other matters she would instruct Staff to place it on the next agenda. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session August 21, 2013 Page 7 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Deputy County Attorney Suzuki stated that she agrees with Chair Castor. She explained that the discussion should be relative to the Healthy Living, Mind, Body, Career Conference and the selection/nomination of a chaperone to accompany the winners of the essay contest. Ms. Watters asked whether at this point the motion on the floor is moot. Deputy County Attorney Suzuki stated that she is fine with the motion because it relates to the Healthy Living, Mind, Body, Career Conference. She stated that at this point, the motion is to have an essay contest upon receiving notification from the State that the conference would indeed take place. Chair Castor called for the vote. Vice Chair Battad questioned whether she could abstain from voting. Ms. Smith said yes. Based on a lengthy discussion, Ms. Mooy decided to withdraw her original motion. The Committee then requested the item be placed on the next agenda for discussion on the logistics of the 2014 essay contest in the Ms. Mooy moved to withdraw her original Spring. motion. Ms. Watters withdrew her second. CSW 2013 -13 Presentation by Ihilani Kali ➢ Discussion on Crime statistics among young women on Kauai ➢ Explanation and discussion on the Legislative process ➢ Discussion and decision-making on n the possibility of implementing a Legislative workshop Deputy County Attorney Suzuki stated that this type of presentation is usually done by the person who requested it. She explained that the sub- topics listed are part of Ms. Kali's presentation to which only she can provide the information. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session August 21, 2013 Page 8 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Chair Castor suggested that the Committee defer this item for continued discussion at its meeting in September in anticipation of Ms. Kali's return. CSW 2013 -20 Discussion and decision - making to participate in the County of Kauai Health and Wellness Fair on Friday, September 20, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. at the War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihue Life's Choices Coordinator Theresa Koki gave a brief overview of the 2013 Health and Wellness Fair. Ms. Koki asked if the Committee would like to partner with Life's Choices Kauai in recognition of CSW's September Women's Health Month. Vice Chair Battad mentioned that in the past, the Committee did express its willingness to assist Life's Choices Kauai with the Health and Wellness Fair in its official capacity. Ms. Mooy asked what type of help and support would the Committee assist with. Vice Chair Battad stated that partnering with Life's Choices Kauai would be beneficial to the Committee because it would be listed as a co- sponsor of the event. Ms. Carvalho added that the Committee would also be involved with the set -up and break down of the event. Ms. Koki asked whether the Committee wanted to be a tag line in recognition of September's Women's Health Month. She stated that the Life's Choices Health and Wellness Fair is being held in recognition of National Recovery Month and that vendors from around the island will be offering services for people who need help in getting their lives back together again. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session August 21, 2013 Page 9 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Vice Chair Battad stated that in the past, the Committee did a cooking demonstration and, with the assistance from Ms. Mooy, was able to bring in KCC nursing students to do blood pressure checks and provide flu shots. Vice Chair Battad asked how would the Committee participate this year? Ms. Watters stated that it was brought to her attention that there is an absence of food stamps at the Farmer's Market, which she felt would make a difference in a woman's nutrition. She asked Ms. Koki whether she approached an agency that specializes in nutrition for women. Ms. Koki stated that the Department of Health will be at the fair to present information on the SNAP Program. Chair Castor reminded the Committee to stick to the discussion relative to its participation in the Health and Wellness Fair. Ms. Koki shared with the Committee that to date she has received applications from seven vendors and that the deadline to reserve a space is on September 6m Ms. Carvalho suggested that the Committee approach Ms. Jaquias to see if she is willing to do a Zumba class. Ms. Koki stated that she already has a vendor who would be doing a Zumba class but will support another class. Ms. Carvalho stated that Savita Agarwal has indicated to her that she would like to hold an empowerment class twice a month to cover different topics that affect women on a daily basis. The classes would be free to all women on Kauai. She noted that maybe Ms. Agarwal might be interested in participating in the Health and Wellness Fair. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session August 21, 2013 Page 10 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Ms. Watters pointed out that the discussion is going off topic. Chair Castor stated that if Ms. Agarwal is interested in becoming a vendor at the Health and Wellness Fair she can fill out the registration form with Ms. Koki. Ms. Carvalho suggested that the Committee think about other women's organizations that would be interested in participating in the Fair. Ms. Koki stated that it would also help to have each organization participating in the Fair bring in more people. She indicated that she would email Ms. Agarwal directly to invite her to participate in the Fair and that the Committee could also invite non - committee members under their umbrella as long there it has no concern about the liability issues. Ms. Smith stated that it would all depend on what each vendor provides at the Fair. Ms. Carvalho suggested that the Committee provide some type of food dish at the Fair. Chair Castor asked for specifics. Vice Chair Battad asked whether other vendors would be providing food. Ms. Koki stated that she has one vendor that will provide nutritional food samples. Ms. Carvalho noted that whatever type of food the Committee chooses to provide can be determined at a later date. Vice Chair Battad pointed out that the Fair is scheduled for September 20t" and Committee's next meeting is scheduled for September 18th. She stated that due to the timeframe the Committee needs to decide today what it wants to do. She stated that she supports having the KCC nursing students under the umbrella of the Committee. Ms. Mooy stated that she would put the proposal on her clinical schedule for 28 nursing students to do blood pressure checks and provide cardiac education. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session August 21, 2013 Page 11 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Ms. Mooy also offered to contact the sustainable living group on campus to see if they are willing to participate in the Fair. Deputy County Attorney Suzuki suggested that the Committee make a motion and vote for the actions it wants to do. Vice Chair Battad noted that the Committee is definitely participating in the Fair and will be passing out CSW brochures as well as provide nutritional food samples. Ms. Carvalho noted that she would like to provide information on basic first aid but would need to speak to some people. Vice Chair Battad stated that the Committee might want to consider passing out various health information including contraception items /information. Ms. Watters suggested that the motion made should be broad enough in case the Committee needed to explore other ideas it wants to provide at the Fair. Deputy County Attorney Suzuki suggested that the Committee make a motion to cover what it had already decided upon and then make another motion to appoint two Committee members to fulfill other needs that might arise relating to the Fair. Staff advised the Committee to include a budget amount for expenses incurred relating to the Fair. Vice Chair Battad noted that she would more than likely help Ms. Koki with other aspects of the Fair and therefore she cannot commit to serving food at the table. She suggested that instead of serving food, which in her opinion can be quite cumbersome, that the Committee provide cold refreshments. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session August 21, 2013 Page 12 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Ms. Carvalho suggested that instead of serving a hot dish maybe the Committee might want to provide a healthy snack that has been prepared ahead of time. Ms. Watters suggested that the Committee leave the decision on the actual food item open. Vice Chair Battad stated that the Committee should make a motion on what it has already discussed and then make another motion to appoint two members to fulfill other matters that may arise relating to the Fair. Ms. Watters noted that she would not be able to attend the Fair because she will be in Minnesota visiting family. Ms. Mooy stated that she would not able to help out at the CSW table because she will be assisting the KCC nursing students. Chair Castor indicated that the Kauai Museum is having two events on the same day as the Fair and may not able to attend. Chair Castor called for the motions. Ms. Carvalho moved that the Committee on the Status of Women partner with Life's Choices Kauai on its upcoming Health and Wellness Fair on September 20th which includes providing nutritional snacks /drinks and various information and services. Vice Chair Battad seconded the motion. Motion carried 5:0 Vice Chair Battad moved that she and Ms. Carvalho be tasked with other duties relative to the Life's Choices Health and Wellness Fair and the Committee on the Status of Women. Ms. Watters seconded the motion. Motion carried 5:0 Ms. Carvalho moved that the Committee allocate Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session August 21, 2013 Page 13 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION funds up to $350.00 to purchase items relating to its participation in the Life's Choices Health and Wellness Fair on September 20, 2013. Vice Chair Battad seconded the motion. Motion Boards and Commission Administrator Paula Morikami explained to the carried 5:0 Committee the County's procurement process. She stated that all purchases made up to $350.00 by the Committee for the Health and Wellness Fair will be done through the Boards and Commissions Procurement Card process(P- card). No receipts will be accepted for reimbursements. Ms. Carvalho asked whether the P -card is only used toward certain vendors. Ms. Morikami stated that only vendors that accept the P -card will be utilized. She advised that the Committee provide a list of items in advance so that Staff can purchase the items in a timely manner. Announcements Chair Castor announced that the next meeting will be on September 18, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. at the Mo'ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A/2B. At the request of the Committee the following items will be placed on the next meeting agenda for discussion: • October Breast Cancer Awareness Month "Think Pink" Walk- A -Thon event. • Discussion on the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event in April 2014. • Possible participation in the Drug Court Graduation on November 15, 2013. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session August 21, 2013 Page 14 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION • Presentation by Savita Agarwal seeking the Committee's support in holding a women's /teen empowerment class twice a month to help those who need support with self - esteem issues, body image, dealing with peer pressure and making better choices, etc. • Discussion on Committee membership. At the request of Ms. Watters the following item will be placed on the October agenda. • Discussion on March 2014 Women's History Month Adjournment Chair Castor stated that she would like to encourage all the members to Vice Chair Battad moved to adjourn the meeting. attend the monthly meetings. Ms. Carvalho seconded the motion. Motion carried 5:0 At 6:05 p.m. the meeting was adjourned Submitted by: Mercedes Youn, Staff Support Clerk (X) Approved as circulated on 10/16/13. ( ) Approved as amended. See minutes of meeting. Reviewed and Approved by: Uli'i Castor, Chair