PRESENT: Ed Barrett, Rob Meinders, Matt L’Italien, Becky Hayes-Boober, Nate Rudy, Zakk Maher, Jamie McFaul, Maryalice Crofton
The task force convened by videoconference at 8:30 am.
GTF planning grant applications
Three proposals are being recommended for funding.
First Draft Motion for Commission:
MOVE that the Maine Emergency Medical Services’ AmeriCorps grant proposal for a 1-year planning grant be funded for no more than $60,000 with the stipulation that budget be adjusted before the federal submission deadline to reflect the federal match elimination. The AmeriCorps funds awarded do not require a match.
Recommend motion be approved by ML and NR seconded. Discussion: NR believes this will help identify for servicing marginalized communities and expressed excitement for the opportunity. Roll call: All GTF members approved the motion to be presented at the Commission meeting.
Second Draft Motion for Commission:
MOVE that the Kennebec Valley Council of Government’s AmeriCorps grant proposal for a 1-year planning grant be funded for no more than $60,000 with the stipulation that corrections and clarifications described in the report from reviewers are addressed before the federal submission deadline. The AmeriCorps funds awarded do not require a match.
Recommend motion be approved by ML and BHB seconded. Discussion: NR – just wanted to note that this is a new effort for them to work with marginalized communities and to perhaps work with immigrant populations and hopes that the commission can track their process that. It was mentioned that there is an opportunity for collaboration with The New Mainers Project in Augusta. RM – that is part of the purpose of the grant, and they are trying to work with immigrants, and they are doing DEI work. Roll call: All GTF members approved the motion to be presented at the Commission meeting.
Third Draft Motion for Commission:
MOVE that the Unity College Sky Lodge’s AmeriCorps grant proposal for a 1-year planning grant be funded for no more than $60,000 with the stipulation that corrections and clarifications described in the report from reviewers are addressed before the federal submission deadline. The AmeriCorps funds awarded do not require a match.
Motion made to approve by BHB and seconded by RM. NR – inquired about the financial aspects of the program there was some concern about being able to manage the funds. MC – they have not been a direct federal grant and their budget does demonstrate a lack of understanding. It is possible to learn but this will be something that they really need to work on. Becky – in the audit there were some issues and findings, but they are rectifying it
Roll call: NR abstains, and ML had a Conflict of interest and abstained. The other GTF members approved the motion to be presented at the Commission meeting.
Policy regarding AmeriCorps Stipend
Last year the Commission approved a policy that set the minimum AmeriCorps living allowance at $20,000 for Maine programs. In the meantime, the minimum wage in the state rose so that amount is not equivalent any longer. Rather than change the amount every year, recommend changing the policy to say that the minimum living allowance will be equivalent to 1700 hours of service multiplied by the state minimum wage. The policy discussion is pressing because we must issue the AmeriCorps Competitive Request for Applications immediately. This change would mean the policy doesn’t need to be revised every year.
Currently that would raise it from $20,000 to $22,100 minimum. There is a motion from NR that the GTF approve the policy revision and was seconded by BHB. Roll call: unanimous yes, the motion carries to full commission.
Motion to adjourn ML moved and NR .
8:47am adjourned