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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-19-2013 CSW Approved minutesCOUNTY OF KAUAI Minutes of Meeting OPEN SESSION Board/Committee: I COMMITTEE ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN Meeting Date I June 19, 2013 Location Mo`ikeha Building — Meeting Room 2A/B Start of Meeting: 5:12 p.m. End of Meeting: 6:17 p.m. Present Chair Ulii Castor; Vice -Chair Jade Battad; Treasurer Ihilani Laureta; Members: Charee Watters Also: Ex- Officio, Lisa Ellen Smith; Boards & Commissions Office Staff. Support Clerk Cherisse Zaima Excused Cherie Mooy; Deslynn Jaquias and Regina Carvalho Absent SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Call To Order Chair Castor called the meeting to order at 5:12 p.m. with 4 members present. Approval of Regular Open Session minutes of May 15, 2013 Ms. Battad moved to approve the minutes as Minutes circulated. Ms. Laureta seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0. Treasurer's CSW 2012 -09 FY 2012/2013 Committee on the Status of Women Budget Report Staff reminded the Committee that at the previous meeting a motion was made to purchase books and videos for a media library and that the list of items must be purchased before June 30, 2013 in order to utilize this year's budget monies. Ms. Watters asked whether they will lose the money if they do not spend it to which Staff replied that it will go into the General fund and will not carry over. Ms. Watters asked whether there was a budget sub - committee in place that works on that. Ms. Battad replied no and that she feels that the Committee was not a hundred percent sure on what exactly the money could be spent on and that they are still learning. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session June 19, 2013 Page 2 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Ms. Watters asked if someone was investigating that to provide a report to the Committee. Ms. Laureta stated that she will be working with a County Attorney to find out, per County Charter, what they are allowed to spend the money on which will enable her to provide monthly reports to the Committee. Ms. Watters suggested they have a plan as well as a Plan B. Ms. Laureta explained that the plan would come after they are able to determine what they can spend the money on, but right now it's a matter of working with the County Attorney and after that, they will be better able to commit to events or be more visible in the community which will allow them to utilize the funds given by Council. Ms. Castor mentioned that they are learning as they move forward but understands that it is important to create a plan so that they are not in the same situation next year, reiterating that Ms. Laureta is the new Treasurer and she will be working with the attorney. Ms. Watters asked when a report would be presented and if it could be put on next month's agenda to which Ms. Laureta replied that it would depend on when she gets a chance to work with the attorney considering that she cannot do it during her work hours, also noting that the attorneys are very busy. Ms. Watters stated that she feels very uncomfortable as a member of the Committee not knowing where they are going and asked if they could speed it up a little, further asking if it is within the rules to receive a report by email. Ms. Battad stated that Ms. Laureta can't communicate that information directly with the members; however, Ms. Smith commented that communications can be routed through the Boards and Commission staff for distribution to the members. Ms. Battad commented that she doesn't feel that it is a time - sensitive issue at this point because aside from the media library items, there are no anticipated purchases for this fiscal year which will be ending on June 30. She feels that there is time for Ms. Laureta to research and work with the attorneys so that they are not in the same place come June Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session June 19, 2013 Page 3 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION 30 of next year. Ms. Watters asked about the Committee's budget request and upon hearing from the members that it had already been submitted, stated that she does not have a copy of it. Staff and committee members explained that the budget has already been submitted and is done so by the Office of Boards and Commissions who determines the amount allotted; the Committee does not influence that in any way. Ms. Wafters asked whether each Committee /Commission receives the same amount to which Ms. Castor replied no because each Commission has different requirements. Ms. Smith mentioned that the County's operating budget is available for viewing online at the kauai.gov website. Staff mentioned that they have not been assigned a new attorney for the Committee since the previous attorney's retirement which may also hinder Ms. Laureta's opportunity to provide new information on the budget by the requested date. Ms. Laureta commented that it was mentioned previously by Attorney Mona Clark that if the Committee wished to request additional monies, they would need to submit a request to the County Council. Based on Ms. Laureta's past experience as a former employee of the Council, she shared that the Council would ask that the request include the past spending history. Due to the Committee's minimal spending, the request would most likely be denied unless they could provide a justification for a specific event /function with relevant line items. Ms. Battad added that with the way the Committee has been utilizing their budget thus far, there is a possibility it could get cut further to which Ms. Watters stated that it is then important that they spend the money. Ms. Battad expressed that she does not think this Committee is a "spending money body" that should just spend money simply because they have received it, further commenting that she has no problem with it going back to the County's General Fund should they not use it. She feels they have done a lot this year in the Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session June 19, 2013 Page 4 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION rebuilding of the Committee and increased attendance and feels that the things they have achieved and the service they have offered to empower women are not necessarily connected with dollars; dollar amounts do not measure the level of their success. She further noted that as they are becoming more aware of what is out there, there have been numerous things they have participated in and would like to be a part of in the future; they are learning and growing as they move forward. Ms. Battad is confident that Mayor Carvalho understands their passion and drive and feels he would be supportive and continue to provide funds to the Committee. Ms. Watters asked why so many people have left the Committee to which Ms. Battad replied that she is not comfortable speculating on the reasons. Ms. Watters asked whether there are any records from exit interviews to which Staff replied that Boards and Commissions does not have a formal exit interview process and members wishing to resign can do so freely. Ms. Battad added that Committee /Commission members are volunteers. Ms. Watters noted that she understood that and that she does have a degree in Volunteer Management. She stated that it doesn't mean you treat volunteers with any less professionalism to which Ms. Battad retorted that she doesn't feel they were treated unprofessionally in their exit and shared some of the reasons that past members left, such as to be on other Commissions and others due to family situations, none of which she feels had anything to do with professionalism. Staff interjected to explain that though the Status of Women is an advisory committee as opposed to a chartered commission, they are held to the same standard in every aspect; every committee, board or commission that falls under the Office of Boards and Commissions is treated uniformly and none of them hold formal exit interviews. Ms. Watters stated that she thinks because of the Committee's retention issue, whether it's justified or not, there ought to be some record of why people left so that they know that it wasn't Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session June 19, 2013 Page 5 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION dissatisfaction. Staff commented that they don't want people to feel obligated to explain why they no longer wish to serve to which Ms. Watters expressed her opposition, stating that if it is personal reasons, that would be something to state. Ms. Smith noted that the discussion was veering away from the Treasurer's report at which time Ms. Castor redirected the meeting. Ms. Laureta stated that she will be submitting a request to Staff for information from the County Attorney regarding allowable expenditures to be presented at the next or following meeting; it will be an on -going process as they obtain new information. Ms. Watters stated that she is in agreement with Ms. Battad that it's not the point of spending, the money should follow their intentions but as a fairly new member, she has been pretty confused about what their intentions are. There was extensive discussion on the history of the Committee and the difficulties they have encountered in the past, but that they are at a point of rebuilding and relearning in order to be better equipped to function efficiently as a Committee. Ms. Castor asked for a motion to accept the Treasurer's Report to which Ms. Watters stated that no motion is necessary and the presentation takes the place of a motion. Staff commented that if the Chair wished to ask for a Ms. Battad moved to accept the Treasurer's motion, she could do so. Ms. Castor repeated her request for a motion. Report. Ms. Smith stated she could not second due to her ex- officio status and Ms. Laureta felt she could not second a motion for her own report. Ms. Waiters did not second the motion as she felt it was not necessary. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session June 19, 2013 Page 6 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Communications CSW 2013 -14 Email dated May 17, 2013 from member Nancy Nagarkar to the Committee on the Status of Women announcing her resi ation _ng Business CSW 2013 -15 Election of Secretary Ms. Battad moved to defer this item to the July 17, 2013 meeting. Ms. Laureta seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0. CSW 2013 -13 Presentation by Ihilani Laureta ➢ Discussion on Crime statistics among young women on Kauai ➢ Explanation and discussion on the Legislative process ➢ Discussion and decision - making on the possibility of implementing a Legislative workshop Ms. Laureta stated that this item may need to be deferred because her office has implemented a new data system and she was unable to obtain the crime statistics; however, the new system will provide more accurate, detailed information which she would prefer to present at a future meeting. Ms. Laureta was able to provide a handout on the Kauai Youth Report which was put together by the Kauai Planning and Action Alliance. In looking at potential committee events, the handout could be a good foundation as it provides informational statistics for Kauai on teen pregnancy, crimes committed by young women, college enrollment plans, teen mothers, etc. In reference to the Legislative process, Ms. Laureta reported that rather than do a presentation on the Legislative process, she has contacted Susan Marinelli who is part of the Legislative Reference Bureau which educates the public on the Legislative process. She will be on Kauai later this year to hold free workshops around the island and has offered to do a special type of workshop for the County. Ms. Laureta is working on obtaining Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session June 19, 2013 Page 7 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION more information on it and compiling some of the lengthier online PowerPoint presentations into something more user - friendly for the committee members. Ms. Smith commented that she had attended a presentation by Ms. Marinelli several years ago, noting that the Legislative process is slightly different here and feels that it would be a great idea for the Committee Ms. Battad moved to defer Ms. Laureta's entire members to attend. presentation to the July 17, 2013 meeting. Ms. Watters seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0. CSW 2013 -16 Report and follow -up discussion on Drub; Court Graduation ceremony held on May 31, 2013 attended by Committee on the Status of Women members Staff distributed a letter of appreciation from Life's Choices Coordinator Theresa Koki. Ms. Castor thanked the members that were able to attend for providing leis for the graduates and food for the pot luck. Ms. Battad stated that she was able to attend and shared how moved she was by the ceremony and the personal stories shared by the graduates. She felt that the leis and food were greatly and warmly received, especially for the graduates who did not have family present to support them. Ms. Battad expressed her gratitude to Ms. Koki, her advisory committees as well as Joey Savino of Drug Court and all his staff for everything they do in spite of their recent budget and staff cuts. Ms. Watters, who also attended, shared that it was a very well put together event, very moving and standing room only. Many families were there for support. Ms. Battad encouraged members to attend, further mentioning that she left Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session June 19, 2013 Page 8 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION feeling really inspired to be more involved with Drug Court. Members shared stories about their experiences at drug court and the people they interacted with. CSW 2013 -17 Discussion as it relates to the annual essay contest and funds gpproved by the Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women for 3 contest winners to attend the 2013 Healthy Living: Mind, Body, Career Conference being held on September 27, 2013 on Oahu Ms. Smith stated that the Committee had previously discussed having contest winners attend the Hawaii International Women's Leadership Conference, which is not going to be held this year. However, the opportunity to attend this conference came up and Ms. Smith took it upon herself to request that the funds initially requested from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women (HSCSW) to be set aside for the International Women's Conference be redistributed for 3 young women to attend the Healthy Living Conference. Though she did not get the permission from this body to do so, she felt it was an "on- the - floor" decision she had to make. The conference is free and the HSCSW funds will cover 3 young women; the Committee will need to fund one Ms. Battad moved to have 3 essay contest chaperone and Ms. Smith will be the second chaperone, funded by the winners, accompanied by a chaperone from the State. Committee on the Status of Women, attend the Healthy Living: Mind, Body, Career Conference. Ms. Watters seconded the motion. Ms. Watters asked for clarification on whether the HSCSW will be paying for the 3 young women to which Ms. Battad replied yes, that $2,000 has been allotted and that the Kauai Committee on the Status of Women would be paying for one chaperone. Ms. Castor requested nominations for Motion for attendance to the conference carried a chaperone. 4:0. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session June 19, 2013 Page 9 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Ms. Smith added that the County Attorney's office will need to prepare a Liability Waiver form for the 3 young women attending the conference. Ms. Battad stated that she would be interested in volunteering to be a chaperone and further mentioned that time is of the essence to get the essay contest advertised right at the beginning of the school year and work quickly from there. She requested that members submit their ideas for an essay topic to be voted on at the next meeting. Ms. Watters asked how this contest has been advertised in the past to which Ms. Battad replied that they have sent letters to the schools' principals and guidance counselors and contacted the DOE District Superintendent as well as the local radio stations. Ms. Battad will do some research to find out how to publicize the contest and reminded the Committee that they are focusing on the high school age group, grades 9 -12, so the subject matter should be age appropriate. It was determined that the essay topic should relate to the theme of the conference to be submitted to Staff prior to the next meeting. CSW 2012 -32 Discussion and decision - making as it relates to potential Committee events and projects for FY 2013/2014 (On- going) There was discussion on events that the Committee regularly participates in and events they would like to take part in. Announcements Ms. Smith made the following announcements: - HSCSW submitted a letter to the University of Hawaii (UH) selection committee for a new president and requested the selection committee make considerations for some of the concerns that they Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session June 19, 2013 Page 10 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION have regarding quite a bit of violence and unlighted areas on the UH Manoa campus. They want to ensure that UH considers these concerns as well as the many aspects of women's rights and issues when selecting the new president. - Maui County received a grant from HSCSW for their Young Women of Promise award - HSCSW gave $1,500 to the Na Wahine Surf Fest back in February - Dating Violence and Teen Pregnancy ads are currently being aired on KQNG radio. Ms. Smith will not be attending the National Association of Commissioners on the Status of Women Conference in July so she has asked that the money that would have gone toward that be put toward an additional week of radio ads. She can forward information on the conference if anyone is interested. Staff announced that the community meeting for the proposed Adolescent Treatment & Healing facility will be held on June 27 at the Lihu`e Neighborhood Center. Life's Choices Coordinator Theresa Koki encourages Committee members to attend. Staff noted that the content of the feasibility study being presented at the meeting may be brought up for discussion at future CSW meetings; therefore, per Sunshine Law requirements, if more than 2 members wish to attend, it must be posted as a meeting. Ms. Smith reported that with the end of the budget year approaching, they have some funding leftover, so if the Committee knows of any organizations wishing to request funding from HSCSW, please encourage them to do so. Ms. Battad stated that when they did the last essay contest, they had a maximum 250 word count because they wanted it to be limited to one page. Ms. Watters stated that as a former professor, she thinks there needs Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session June 19, 2013 Page 11 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION to be a specific word count as one page could mean anything as far as spacing and size. Ms. Battad stated that is the reason they made it 250 words. Ms. Watters asked if Ms. Battad was volunteering to be the chaperone for the conference to which Ms. Battad replied that it should be voted on, though she would like to be considered. Staff suggested that it could be put on the next meeting's agenda with nominations submitted ahead of time. Next Meeting — July 17, 2013, 5:00 p.m. at the Moikeha Building in Meeting Room 2A/2B. The Office of Boards and Commissions will no longer be providing bottled water to our members starting July 1 st, 2013. This is one of our sustainability goals. Staff will provide cold water using a filtered system (i.e. Brita), so please bring in your water bottle that was provided to you. Adjournment Ms. Laureta moved to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Watters seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 pm. Submitted by: Reviewed and Approved by: Cherisse Zaima, Staff Support Clerk Charlene Castor, Chair () Approved as circulated (add date of meeting approval). ( X) Approved as amended. See minutes of August 21, 2013 meeting.