Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-18-13 ApprovedCSW Minutes(bd)(tt)COUNTY OF KAUAI Minutes of Meeting OPEN SESSION Board/Committee: COMMITTEE ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN Meeting Date December 18, 2013 Location Mo'ikeha Building — Meeting Room 2A /B Start of Meeting: 5:05 p.m. End of Meeting: 6:01 p.m. Present Chair Uli'i Castor; Members: Regina Carvalho, Cherie Mooy and Edie Ignacio - Neumiller Also present: Deputy County Attorney Andrea Suzuki; Boards & Commissions Office Staff. Support Clerk Mercedes Youn; Administrative Aide Teresa Tamura Excused Jade Battad Absent Deslynn Jaquias SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Call To Order Chair Castor called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. Approval of Regular Open Session Minutes of October 16, 2013. Minutes Chair Castor called for a motion to approve the meeting minutes as circulated. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller pointed out that a correction needed to be made on page seven (7) of the minutes relating to announcements that the correct date of the "1St Annual Pink Sunday Women's Expo" should be on November 24th instead of November 4th Chair Castor called for the approval of the minutes, as amended. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller moved to approve the minutes, as amended. Ms. Mooy seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0 Treasurer's CSW 2013 -34 FY 2013 -14 Committee on the Status of Women Report budget /expenditures to date. Chair Castor reported that the remaining balance for FY2013 -14 is Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session December 18, 2013 Page 2 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION $1,172.76. She reminded the Committee that the Women's History month is coming up and that any plans for the event should be solidified in a timely manner. Ms. Carvalho asked what the cut -off date is to submit purchase items. Chair Castor replied that June 15th is the last day to submit purchase requests. With no further discussion, Chair Castor called for a motion to receive item Ms. Carvalho moved to receive the item CSW CSW 2013 -34 for the record. 2013 -34 as submitted. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0 Communications CSW 2013 -35 Communication received on November 21, 2013 from Ms. Ihilani Kali, tendering her resignation from the Committee on the Status of Women. Ms. Carvalho moved to receive item CSW 2013 - Chair Castor called for a motion to received item CSW 2013 -35 for the 35 for the record. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller record. seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0 Business CSW 2013 -24 Presentation by Savita Agarwal relating to empowerment coaching on various topics affecting women on a daily basis. Chair Castor suggested that the Committee defer the matter to the next meeting in January in anticipation of Ms. A arwal's return. CSW 2013 -29 Discussion on continued recruitment for the Committee on the Status of Women. Chair Castor noted that the Committee is having trouble keeping its members. Ms. Carvalho expressed her concerns that the Committee needs to focus and decide what its goals are and purpose. She commented that in the past, Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session December 18, 2013 Page 3 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION the Committee has done a lot of the same events year after year, but this time there seems to be a lack of focus which she felt could be the reason the Committee is losing its members. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller asked whether the Committee had set any goals last year to which Ms. Carvalho replied that the Committee was doing okay and was even starting to build up momentum until the issue of lack of a quorum became a problem, which caused the Committee to fall behind because no decisions could be made. Ms. Mooy stated that maybe the Committee should work on structure as something to offer to the people to want to participate. She added that the structure should be made up of the Committee's objectives and interrelated into the Committee's mission statement. Ms. Carvalho stated that the Committee should definitely do something to attract more people. Ms. Mooy pointed out that a Committee is a group of individuals working together for a common cause, but at this point the Committee does not even have a structure. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller mentioned because the Committee shares the same type of mission as other organizations she thought it would be great for the Committee to partner with other these organizations by helping with their programs. Ms. Mooy noted that before the Committee can do that it needs to establish goals and priorities and be fully committed, to which Ms. Carvalho agreed. Ms. Mooy suggested that the Committee should really think about what it really wants to do and put its thoughts into the minutes that the Committee is truly thinking about creating structure. She emphasized that each member should bring their ideas/suggestions to the next meeting for further Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session December 18, 2013 Page 4 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION discussion and decision - making. She shared with the Committee information about the AAUW (American Association of University Women) organization that is active in supporting education, women's rights (equal pay, domestic violence) including legislation for women's rights. She stated that each year members of the organization dressed in full costume would come into the public schools and do a presentation to 3rd grade level students about a famous woman. Chair Castor commented that each member should think about ways to improve the Committee on the Status of Women. Ms. Carvalho mentioned that Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller was a former CSW member many years ago and that the Committee at that time had a lot of successful events. Ms. Ignacio- Neumiller stated that she thinks the reason the Committee was successful back then is because they had a good cross section of women from the community. Ms. Carvalho noted that it would be great to have the same type of women on the Committee but in order to do that the members must be able to explain to these women what the Committee on the Status of Women is all about. Ms. Tamura suggested that the Committee place the matter on its January Ms. Mooy moved to put on January's agenda agenda to discuss updating its mission statement, and once it's established discussion and decision - making on a new it would make it easier for the members to explain to everyone what the mission statement for the Committee. Ms. Committee is all about. Ms. Mooy indicated that she would like to make a Carvalho seconded the motion. motion to place on the January agenda discussion on updating the Motion carried 4:0 Committee's mission statement. Chair Castor called for the motion and the vote. Ms. Carvalho noted that once the Committee has a few more members on board and a new mission statement she would like to plan on having a training workshop separate from what the Office of Boards and Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session December 18, 2013 Page 5 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Commissions has to offer. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller asked if any of the members know of other agencies and its contact people so that they could find out information about the type of projects that they are planning to have during the year then maybe the Committee could collaborate with these agencies, which would help the Committee to become more visible in the community. She mentioned that April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and the Y.W.C.A is already planning on doing a bunch of things and KCC's POW organization is also planning to do something too. She asked whether the Committee was looking to participate in a signature event such as a walk -a- thon or conference. Ms. Carvalho stated that the Committee wanted to attend the annual Women's Leadership Conference on Oahu but due to the lack of funding the Governor decided not have one this year so instead she and Savita went to another conference on Oahu that was sponsored by the State Commission of the Status of Women and held at the University of Hawaii Manoa campus. She mentioned that Ms. Catherine Betts, Director of the State Commission on the Status of Women, had expressed an interest in coming to Kauai to attend one of the Committee's meetings so hopefully by then the Committee would have a mission statement in place. Deputy County Attorney Suzuki advised the members that discussion on attending a conference should take place under agenda item CSW 2013 -33 and that the discussion at the moment should be on continued recruitment for new members. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session December 18, 2013 Page 6 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION CSW 2013 -31 Review of the Committees By -Laws and Sunshine Law for the State and County Boards. Deputy County Attorney Suzuki distributed a copy of her presentation outlining the Committee on the Status of Women duties, why the Committee is unlike a Board or Commission, and key rules in the By -Laws and Sunshine Law. Ms. Carvalho stated that the Mayor has several Advisory Committees; she asked why can't the CSW become an advisory committee because she felt that more things were being accomplished compared to being just a Committee. Deputy County Attorney Suzuki stated that CSW is actually required to advise the Mayor on women's issues. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller asked if it were possible to invite the Mayor to one of its meetings or have the members speak to him individually on Committee matters or see if he has any ideas on what he feels the Committee should be doing. Ms. Carvalho stated that it is her understanding that the Mayor fully supports the Committee and that it can do whatever it wants to do. She noted that the Committee needs to come up with a solid plan to have a strong committee and strong leadership. Deputy County Attorney Suzuki stated that she agrees with Ms. Carvalho that it is the Committee's duty is to help the Mayor and the State Commission on the Status of Women find ways for the betterment of Kauai. Ms. Carvalho noted that people only want to be on the Committee if asked by the Mayor. Deputy County Attorney Suzuki noted that the matter should be discussed during the on -going recruitment. Ms. Carvalho stated that the information was very helpful and that she realizes now, by bringing a matter onto the table, the Committee can discuss it and come u Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session December 18, 2013 Page 7 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION with a recommendation to the Mayor and have him contact these people because the Committee has never done that before. Deputy County Attorney Suzuki pointed out that Article 7, Section 1, of the By -Laws, states the Committee shall apprise the Office of the Mayor of its programs, project plans, and achievements through regular submission of meeting minutes and other relevant documents, reports, and materials. Under the By -Laws, the Committee should also submit their plans to the State Commission on the State of Women. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller pointed out that Article 4, Section 7, of the By- Laws states that any regular member of the Committee who is absent for three (3) consecutive meetings without prior consent of the Chair shall be expelled from membership. She asked Staff if the members respond back via email or a phone call to let her know if they are attending the meeting or not. Ms. Youn stated that usually if someone is unable to attend the meeting she would either receive an email or phone call from the member that they are unable to attend, which will be counted as an excused absence. CSW 2013 -33 Discussion on future Committee events for 2014 including but not limited to: • Women's March History Month (On- going) Chair Castor informed the Committee that she had the opportunity to speak with Jane Gray, Director of the Kauai Museum, who has expressed her willingness to support the Committee in any way she can. She stated that Ms. Gray even offered the use of the Kauai Museum courtyard to hold the March Women's History event however, she would like to learn more about the Committee's vision. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session December 18, 2013 Page 8 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Ms. Carvalho asked if Ms. Gray would be willing to provide the Committee with some of her own ideas on who she thinks would make a good candidate for Women's History month. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller suggested that the Committee invite Ms. Gray to its next meeting to which Chair Castor replied that she would ask Ms. Gray. Chair Castor also pointed out that Ms. Gray made a suggestion that the Committee honor someone who is still living and who can draw people to the event. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller stated that the members should take some time to really think about whom they would want as a guest speaker and continue the discussion in January. She noted that with Ms. Gray presence, the members could then ask her to offer some of her own suggestions. Chair Castor noted that Ms. Gray had suggested to her that the Committee could invite more than one guest speaker, but keep the presentation at a minimum. Chair Castor then noted that she would check the museum's event calendar for the month of March. Ms. Ignacio- Neumiller introduced Ms. Patricia Westinhausen, Campus Public Safety Manager at the Kauai Community College. She shared with the Committee that she and Ms. Mooy are Co- Chairs of the Pau Violence Kauai Committee. She explained that each campus throughout the UH system has its own committee on campus, and that the committee's former name was the Prevention of Violence Against Domestic Taskforce. Ms. Westinhauser stated that the Walk -A -Mile event is sponsored by Y.W.C. A. with KCC as a partner. She stated that at their last meeting, the projected date for the event would on be on Saturday, April 5, 2014. She mentioned that other events are in the early planning stages, which will include a lot of partnerships. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session December 18, 2013 Page 9 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Ms. Mooy stated that she thought it would be nice for the CSW to be visible at these events. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller questioned the extent of the Committee's participation in these events. Ms. Westinhausen stated that another meeting will take place either on a Wednesday or Thursday of the second week of January. She mentioned that the Y.W.C.A. is also planning another event called "One Billion and Rising" which is a worldwide event in which the participants would take part in a Flash Mob dance that would be televised throughout the country. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller stated that maybe she could invite the CSW members to attend. Ms. Carvalho asked Ms. Mooy if she would be willing to attend the meeting and report back to the Committee at its January meeting. Ms. Westinhausen commented that having the support of the Committee would mean a lot to everyone. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller stated that the Committee could help in other ways by providing water, help with registration or by handing out information, which could also include the CSW brochures, which she felt would help with the recruitment. Ms. Carvalho pointed out that a motion would be needed in January if the Committee decides that it wants to provide water at the event. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller noted that if the Committee decides that it wants to help the Y.W.C.A. it wants to be reassured that they are mentioned in the acknowledgements to which Ms. Westinhausen agreed. Chair Castor asked the members if they would like to discuss other future events. Ms. Carvalho mentioned that the Committee needs to start discussion on its participation in the 2014 Health Fair in September including a discussion on allocating funds to purchase more CSW bags. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session December 18, 2013 Page 10 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Ms. Mooy mentioned that she liked the idea that this year the Heath Fair was held at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Center. She asked if the Committee could make a motion to hold the event at the same venue next year. Chair Castor stated the event coordinator is Theresa Koki. Chair Castor noted that the Committee should also discuss October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month event. Ms. Carvalho noted that the CSW did not have one this year, but if someone would like to take charge of the event she would be okay with that or find out what other events are taking place in October for possible partnership. Ms. Carvalho shared with the Committee that last month she attended a County event where several people from the County were there to help serve a turkey dinner to the homeless people. She stated that as a member of the Kauai Economic Development Board she would like to know if it were possible for the Committee to volunteer some time to help with this type of community event. CSW 2013 -36 Approval of the Committee on the Status of Women 2014 Meeting Schedule. Ms. Carvalho asked if the meeting time was changed to 1:30 p.m. to which Staff replied that it was a typo and that there was no change in the starting time. Chair Castor called for a motion to accept the 2014 meeting schedule, as amended. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller moved to accept Committee on the Status of Women Meeting Schedule for 2014, as amended. Ms. Mooy seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0 Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session December 18, 2013 Page 11 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION CSW 2013 -37 Selection of 2014 Officers. Chair Castor stated that in anticipation of getting a few more members she Ms. Carvalho moved to defer item CSW 2013 - would like to suggest that the Committee defer this matter to the meeting in 36 to the meeting on January 15, 2014. Ms. January. Mooy seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0 Announcements Next meeting — January 15, 2013, 5:00 p.m. at the Mo'ikeha Building, in Meeting Room 2A/B. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller made the following announcements: • On November 15th she and Ms. Battad attended the Kauai Drug Court Graduation. • The Zonta Club is having a CD release party at Kilohana on Sunday, December 22"d , a donation of ten dollars will go towards the Zonta Club of Kauai Christmas fund. Entertainment by Malani Bilyeu. The fundraiser is in collaboration with the Garden Island Newspaper to get the community to donate money that would go towards purchasing gift certificates for certain individual (s) or families in need. • On Friday, February 7, 2014, the Zonta Club will be hosting its signature event "Eat Dessert First" scholarship fundraiser at the Kauai Beach Resort. Adjournment Ms. Carvalho moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:01 p.m. Ms. Mooy seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0 Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session December 18, 2013 Submitted by: Mercedes Youn, Staff Support Clerk (X) Approved as circulated on February 19, 2014. ( ) Approved as amended. See minutes of meeting. Page 12 Reviewed and Approved by: Regina Carvalho, Chair -elect