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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-20-15 CSW Open Session MinutesCOUNTY OF KAUAI Minutes of Meeting OPEN SESSION Board /Committee: Committee on the Status Of Women Meeting Date Wednesday, May 20, 2015 Location Mo'ikeha Building — Meeting Room 2A /B Start of Meeting: 5:05 p.m. End of Meeting: 6:08 p.m. Present Chair Sharon Lasker ; Vice -Chair Virginia Beck; Members: Edie Ignacio - Neumiller, Liza Cabal - Trinidad, Regina Carvalho (Left the meeting at 5:27 p.m.), Kathy Crowell, and Jenai Yoshii; Kauai Representative to the State of Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women/Ex- Officio Lisa Ellen Smith Also present: Board & Commissions Office Staff: Support Clerk Mercedes Omo Excused Member Uli'i Castor Absent SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Call To Order Chair Lasker called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. with seven (7) members present constituting a quorum. Chair Lasker welcomed new member Jenai Yoshii to Committee. Approval of Regular Open Session Minutes of April 15, 2015. Minutes Chair Lasker called for a motion to approve the meeting minutes of April 15, Ms. Ignacio - Nuemiller moved to approve the 2015. meeting minutes. Vice Chair Beck seconded the motion. The motion carried 7:0 Budget/ • Committee on the Status County Budget Expenditures Report for Fiscal The Budget Report for May 2015 showed a total expenditures of $1253.03, Year 2014 -2015 with a remaining balance of $746.97. Chair Lasker pointed out that any decisions to expend the remaining balance in the budget must be made at the next meeting in order to meet June 30th fiscal deadline. She suggested that the Committee use the remaining balance to purchase additional promotional items. Chair Lasker also informed the members that the Committee's budget for Fiscal Year 2015 -2016 have been reduced from $2000.00 to $1000.00 Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Meeting - Open Session May 20, 2105 Page 2 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Ms. Cabal- Trinidad asked what type of items are in stock to which Ms. Omo replied tote bags, plastic tumblers, ID pouches with built in key ring, and spiral -bound wraparound journals. Chair Lasker asked if an inventory list could be prepared so that the Committee can determine what items needs to be replenished. Ms. Omo responded that she would compile a list of the items and report back to the Committee at the next meeting. Ms. Omo mentioned that the Committee could use more pink polo shirts. Chair Lasker stated it would good idea for the Committee to place an order for new polo shirts. Ms. Carvalho asked if anyone from the Committee had the opportunity to provide input regarding the Committee's budget for Fiscal Year 2015 -2016, or was the decision to reduce the budget in half left to Boards and Commissions Administrator. She noted from what she understands the Administration called for an 8% percent reduction as opposed to 50% reduction. Ms. Omo responded that the budget review process is not within her purview and that all final the decisions are made by the Administration. Vice Chair Beck asked why the members are being reimbursed for mileage. Ms. Omo responded that Federal and State law requires all public service volunteers who use their personal vehicles to attend board or committee meetings be reimbursed for mileage. Ms. Smith pointed out that anyone who serves on a board or committee have the option to either accept or decline mileage reimbursement. Ms. Cabal- Trinidad stated moving forward she elects not to receive mileage reimbursement. Staff acknowledged Ms. Cabal - Trinidad request not to receive mileage. Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Meeting - Open Session May 20, 2105 Page 3 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Ms. Smith stated having been told prior that the Committee's budget for Fiscal year 2015 -2016, would be reduced to $1000.00, she took a proactive approach and requested $2000.00 in grant aid from HSCSW which was approved. She stated although the Committee still needs to go through Council for approval to receive and expend the monies, the grant funding does not need to be expended by the ending of the current fiscal year as previously taught. Additionally, Ms. Smith stated she would like to see more participation at the next legislative session but would talk about it when the topic comes up on the agenda for discussion. With no further discussion, Chair Lasker called for a motion to receive the Budget Report for fiscal year 2014 -2015, as submitted. Vice Chair Beck moved to receive the Committee's budget for Fiscal Year 2014- 2015, as submitted. Ms. Ignacio- Nuemiller seconded the motion. The motion carried 7:0 State Grant Funding The Balance Report for the State grant funding as of May 2015 showed a total expenditures of $940.81, with a remaining balance of $7148.81. Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Meeting - Open Session May 20, 2105 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Chair Lasker stated she was relieved to hear that there was no set deadline to expend the monies before the current fiscal year as previously taught. She stated the original intent was to use a portion of the money to cover the cost for the Rise of the Wahine event by the end of the current fiscal, but now that the pressure is off the Committee can continue to move forward with the event. Ms. Carvalho asked for an update on the request from the YWCA for financial support for one showing of the film the Hunting Ground. Chair Lasker stated that the item is listed on the agenda and will be addressed when it comes up for discussion. Ms. Ignacio - Nuemiller moved to receive the With no further discussion, Chair Lasker called for a motion to receive the State grant funding budget report as of May Budget Report for the State grant funding. 2015. Ms. Crowell seconded the motion. The motion carried 7:0 Informational Chair Lasker stated she was informed by Staff that Mr. Furfaro has requested briefing by that his presentation be deferred to the next meeting. Boards and Commissions Ms. Omo explained that in addition to the presentation Mr. Furfaro also Administrator wanted to provide the Committee with a briefing on the Five Practices of Jay Furfaro on Exemplary Leadership written by best - selling authors Kouzes and Posner. matters relating to the Kauai County With no further discussion, Chair Lasker called for the vote to defer the Vice Chair Beck moved to defer the Committee on presentation to the next meeting, presentation to the next meeting in June. Ms. the Status of Ignacio - Nuemiller seconded the motion. Women By- The motion carried 7:01 Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Meeting - Open Session May 20, 2105 Page 5 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Laws, Article V. Meetings, Sections 1 and 2 Presentation by Ms. Agarwal expressed her appreciation to the members who participated in Empowerment the Career Day event held at the Courtyard Marriott on April 17, 2015. Coach Savita Agarwal on Ms. Agarwal stated as a former member of the Committee trying to ascertain being proactive a quorum to conduct business has always been a major struggle for the by the way of Committee so much so that keeps the Committee from achieving its goals. engagement and She stated she understands that everyone has different schedules some are contribution more demanding than others and as a former board member on the YWCA she was glad to have had the courage to resign from the board simply because she felt that her own personal schedule could not meet the demands of the YWCA's meeting schedule. Ms. Agarwal stated would rather resign than stay in a position that was causing her stress. She stated as an Empowerment Coach she encourages anyone who wants to make a positive change to just do it even if it means resigning from the Committee. She stated anyone can still active with the Committee by volunteering to participate in any of the CSW's events. Ms. Agarwal stated each member must make a contribution in order for the Committee to be successful. She stated at some point a person must ask themselves these honest questions: 1) am I able to contribute and bring awareness to issues; and 2) do I even know what the issues are. She stated in order for a person to be a good contributor they must be able to identify what the issues are; formulate a plan and seek out the necessary resources that are needed to address the issues. Ms. Agarwal stated the Committee really needs members who are not afraid Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Meeting - Open Session May 20, 2105 '._- • SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION to do the work. She stated she met a lot of women in the community who are more than willing to do the work. In terms of collaboration, the Committee has the ability to collaborate with other women organizations because they share the same issues which is to empower women and girls of all ages who live in the community. At 5:27 p.m. Ms. Carvalho left the meeting. Business CSW • The YWCA Na Wahine Alaka'i O Kauai Awards Dinner, on Thursday, May 21, 2015, at the Courtyard by Marriott. 2013 -33 Chair Lasker called for a motion to allocate funds in the CSW budget to Vice Chair Beck moved to allocate enough cover the cost for seven (7) members to attend the awards dinner. funds to cover the cost for seven (7) members to attend the 2015 YWCA Na Wahine Alaka'i O Kauai Awards Dinner. Ms. Ignacio - Nuemiller seconded the motion. The Motion carried 6:0. • The Rise of the Wahine Film Event. (On- going) Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller stated that several were made attempts to contact the film producers but to date she has not received a single response. On the same note, she did manage to speak to Tony Kilbert who gave her a list of available dates in June. She stated as soon as the Committee makes a decision on the date she will schedule a walk - through with Mr. Kilbert of the facility. Chair Lasker asked if Mr. Kilbert had expressed an interest in becoming a co- sponsor for the event to which Ms. Ignacio - Nuemiller replied no. Ms. Smith stated since KPA (Kaua`i Performance Arts) does not want to be a co- sponsor perhaps the Committee could approach the UH Athletic Department. Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Meeting - Open Session May 20, 2105 Page 7 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Vice Chair Beck suggested that a member of the Committee contact the YWCA, but in doing so, the person needs to be clear on the type of sponsorship the Committee is asking for that does not include monetary donations. Ms. Cabal- Trinidad stated perhaps someone from the Committee could contact the Kauai Athletic Club. Ms. Yoshii stated she happens to know the owner of the club and if the Committee agrees she would initiate a call or email him about the event but before she does she would like more information about the film. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller noted that she would send her the information. • Co- sponsorship with the YWCA showing of the film "The Hunting Ground" (On- going,), (a) Communication dated May 15, 2015, from Executive Director Renae Hamilton to Chair Sharon Lasker, regarding a request for financial support in the amount of $500.00 was handed out to the members was provided to the members. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller clarified that the communication is a request for financial support for a second showing of the film the Hunting Ground. She stated that the first showing already took place on April 30th at the Kauai Community College cafeteria and that the second showing will probably happened in the month August during the new student orientation. Ms. Omo reminded the members that at the last meeting, the Committee voted and approve financial support in the amount of $550.00 for one of the showings. She stated if the Committee wants to amend the motion to coincide with Ms. Hamilton's request for $500.00, it still could, but if not, Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Meeting - Open Session May 20, 2105 Mme SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION the original motion would stand as is. Chair Lasker asked the members if they wanted to amend the motion, and if not, the motion will stand. The members all agreed to let the original motion stand. Ms. Smith asked whether the Deputy County Attorney had reviewed the letter to see if the concerns over the legalities was addressed to which Ms. Omo clarified that Ms. Suzuki - Andrade did review the letter and is in the process of drafting a letter of agreement which will submitted to Ms. Hamilton for approval and signature. Chair Lasker thanked Ms. Omo for the clarification and then called for the Ms. Ignacio - Nuemiller moved to receive the motion to receive the letter, communication dated May 15, 2015, from YWCA Executive Director Renae Hamilton. Ms. Cabal- Trinidad seconded the motion. The motion carried 6:0. • General discussion on streamlining timelines, improve better communication between members, implement all events efficiently within the required timeframe. Vice Chair Beck stated during the Career Day planning process she could not help but notice that some of the members were more engaged than others which to her was a bit dis- concerning. She stated she thinks that the problem is lies with the lack of communication and therefore suggested that the Committee take a portion of their funding to hold a professional communication training retreat. She stated the retreat will give the Committee an opportunity to work on its team building skills so that one member is not left holding the bag. Vice Chair Beck stated communicating via email has also been very frustrating for her because of the lack of response. She stated good Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Meeting - Open Session May 20, 2105 1 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION communication skills is imperative to the success of the Committee because without it things cannot move forward in a timely manner. With regard to streamlining the process she has a couple of ideas (that involves paper) which she believes will help the Committee to improve its work flow in terms of knowing what the other person is doing and who is accountable for what. She explained that because the nature of the Sunshine Law limits the Committee's ability to conduct business outside of a properly noticed meeting it does authorize certain interactions between members which could be used as a good communication tool. Vice Chair Beck stated although the event was successful the Committee needs to work on forming an organizational structure because of the numerous breakdowns that occurred during the planning process. She shared that seven of the girls from the Waimea High School will be meeting with the Waimea Rotarians to share their experience which to her is a good thing because it usually means that positive results have occurred. Ms. Crowell stated she was sorry about what had happened and thanked Vice Chair Beck for all that she has done for the Committee. She stated the members who was supposed to check with the high schools supposedly did, but the information was not distributed properly which made her feel that they were not taking their responsibility seriously. Vice Chair Beck stated she believes that the problem lies with not having someone to keep track of what each member is responsible for because rather than have Mercedes do it; it should be someone from the Committee. She stated moving forward perhaps the Committee should form subcommittees who can discuss between themselves matters relating to committee business and present their findings to the Committee at the next meeting. Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Meeting - Open Session May 20, 2105 Page 10 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Ms. Yoshii stated it sounds like the Committee is lacking assignable action items and although the Committee can refer back to the minutes she agrees with Vice Chair Beck that having subcommittees would help to improve the Committee's work. Ms. Cabal - Trinidad asked if the training workshop /retreat would require posting an agenda. Ms. Omo explained that per the Sunshine Law workshops would require posting an agenda and must be open to the public. However, if the Committee wants to hold a retreat she would need to check with the Deputy County Attorney regarding the legalities, if any. Vice Chair Beck stated the Sunshine Law is not conducive to how women work and believes that a retreat would allow a degree of informality in terms of giving everyone a chance to get to know each other on a more personal basis. She stated the Committee could change the island's way of thinking because the issues are not just about women. She stated and if the Committee feels that way then it makes the Committee just as sexist as any man alive. The Committee's goals should be about changing the way community thinks and that fairness should be applied to each gender. Vice Chair Beck stated the Committee should continue its discussion on holding a team building/ strategic planning retreat (at different location) versus having a workshop. Ms. Omo acknowledged Vice Chair Beck's request and will place the topic on the Committee's next agenda for continued discussion. • List of upcoming events for Fiscal Year 2015 -2016. Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Meeting - Open Session May 20, 2105 Page 11 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Chair Lasker stated based on the extent of the list it will take the Committee some time to over the entire list. Ms. Omo stated the purpose of the list is give the Committee the heads up on its coming events and that no decisions are needed at this time. Chair Lasker requested that the item be left on the agenda for continued discussion. Ms. Omo acknowledged the Chair's request and will keep the item on the agenda as an on -going item. Ms. Smith noted that traditionally the Committee have always supported the Drug Court Graduation ceremony by providing leis for the graduates and food for the luncheon. With regard to the Career Day event perhaps the Committee should think about holding the event during the Fall season. Vice Chair Beck stated she thinks it would be wise on part of the Committee to approach the counsels from the different high schools ahead of time to get their input on what month would be the best time to hold the Career Day event before the Committee starts to make any plans. Ms. Ignacio - Nuemiller stated she would like to add "Denim Day" to the list of upcoming events. Chair Lasker stated she would like to invite Ms. Valerie Wise of the YWCA to address the Committee. Ms. Valerie Wise stated she here today to share information and to ask for support for the "One Billion Rising" event which is scheduled for February 14, 2016. She explained that the event is a worldwide movement where people would come together to speak against sex assault, domestic violence, sexual harassment and other forms of violence usually targeted at women. The event is affiliated with the University of Hawaii PAU Program. Vice Chair Beck asked if the list refers to events that are happening in the community or events the Committee will be actively participating in. Ms. Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Meeting - Open Session May 20, 2105 Page 12 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Ignacio - Nuemiller replied the list refers to events that the Committee could possibly participate in. Vice Chair Beck stated the Committee needs to fulfill its commitments before it adds more things to the list. She stated the Committee can still collaborate but it should let the other organizations take the lead that way in the meantime the Committee can participate in less cumbersome way. She noted that the Committee is just a seven member organization compared to other women organizations that have more seven members. Chair Lasker stated there is a huge difference between planning a Career Day versus showing up for a Mayoral proclamation. Vice Chair Beck stated participation is an act or state of participating, or sharing in common with others. Collaboration means working together in a joint effort to achieve a specific goal. • Establishment of a two- member Subcommittee for the purposes of 1) tracking legislative bills affecting women in Kauai; and 2) provide live testimony during the 2016 Legislature session on the island of O `ahu. Ms. Smith stated one of the mission statements for the State Commission and subsequently the County Committees is to track the issues affecting women in Hawaii. She stated out of 35 legislative bills that were proposed only six were passed on for the Governor to sign. She explained the idea is to set -up a two - member subcommittee for purposes of tracking legislative bills; once the subcommittee is established she will assist in any way she can. She stated she wants two people who are totally committed and have the time to do it because it will involve flying over to Oahu for the day to give live testimony. Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Meeting - Open Session May 20, 2105 Page 13 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Vice Chair Beck stated she would think about it and would like to have a amended. See minutes of conversation about the time involved and whether the travel expenses will be covered by the Committee. Ms. Omo stated the travel expenses for two people will be covered by the State Grant funding account as long as it covers what is described in the State's mission statement. Ms. Smith stated in most cases it would require less than 48 hours' notice to provide written testimony which is why paying attention to the bills on the State's website on a daily basis is highly recommended. Ms. Omo suggested that the Committee keep the item on the agenda for continued discussion at the next meeting. Vice Chair Beck stated this a very important function because the Committee will have the chance to change the world but it has to participate actively. Announcements Next meeting — June 17, 2015, at 5:00 p.m, in the Mo'ikeha Meeting Room 2A /2B, Adjournment There being no further business, Chair Lasker called for a motion to adjourn Ms. Ignacio - Nuemiller moved to adjourn. the meeting. At 6:08 p.m. the meeting adjourned. Ms. Cabal- Trinidad seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously by a 6:0 vote. Submitted by: Mercedes Omo, Staff Support Clerk Reviewed and Approved by: ( ) Approved as circulated on June 17, 2015. (x) Approved as amended. See minutes of the June 17, 2015 meeting. Virginia Beck, Vice -Chair