PRESENT: Jenni Tilton-Flood, Celeste Branham, Luke Shorty, Pam Proulx-Curry, Zakk Maher, Maryalice Crofton
The members convened at 3pm using the virtual meeting technology.
Discussion items:
Follow up from Maine Climate Corps briefing of ENR. After Maryalice completed the briefing, the committee members looked at draft language that would implement some recommendations in the report. A committee bill was sent for printing. This doesn’t commit members to any stance on the content but allows it to be assigned back to committee for public hearing.
Commissioners discussed how to approach preparing for a public hearing and support. It is expected the bill will be printed next week and, during the Thursday session, sent to the committee. The ENR analyst thinks the public hearing will be end of the month – probably 2/28.
Given the make up of Communications and Public Policy task force, an ad hoc committee needs to take the lead on any work for this. The group formed and members will be Jenni, Luke, Celeste, John Portela with Zakk on communications as an FYI.
Status of work with Thenera Bailey and scheduling in meeting agendas. Celeste reported on the meeting with this consultant. Five areas of work were agreed to: review of identity statement; training with staff and training with board; help DEI subcommittee develop long range plan; and help identify modifications in grant making processes. Thenera will develop a scope of work for the contract which we hope to have in place by mid-March. Celeste is going to send along the revised identity statement for immediate review and feedback.
Commission appointments. There was a discussion with the Director of Boards and Commissions who made a commitment to take action on appointments before February 28.
Commission orientation segments online (ready for testing 2/14). Maryalice thanked Pam for reviewing the modules. Nathan is now automating these with Kelsey’s help. The set will be ready for Exec member testing on 2/14. The goal is to have them ready for use with the new set of commissioners expected this month.
MAB match concern. For 9 years, the Commission has benefitted from the Maine Association of Broadcasters’ PEP program that provided significant match on radio and tv spots. The one staff member, Executive Director Suzanne Goucher, died unexpectedly on January 21. MAB is unable to execute any contracts right now while the board deals with the loss of a very long-time knowledgeable leader. The Commission will need to closely watch support grant match and help Bryan develop alternatives for communication.
Task force updates/needs.
Maine Service Fellows held its second meeting and reviewed the host site selection materials. Based on discussions, there will be several updates but Celeste pointed out that Kelsey is doing a very good job of pulling things together. The next meeting will review the final edits and consider a new document. Three task forces are meeting next week so there were no updates (E&E, Grants, and Communications). There was a discussion with Luke about a role for Research and Evaluation in overseeing the development of Climate Corps. It was agreed the group would take this on but not as a long term assignment.
Other. Luke requested that succession planning be added as a regular agenda item in the future.
There being no other discussion items, the members dispersed at 4:06 pm.