October 19, 2007

Call To Order:

President Duran called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Roll Call:

Those present at roll call: President Duran, Vice President Fuschetti, Secretary/Treasurer Underwood, Trustees Baker, Henderson, Howell, Laflin, Lock, Nigosian, and Walker. Also present were General Manager Donald Gomsi, Assistant to the General Manager Diane Glanz, Administrative Assistant Anita Jones, Scientific Operations Manager Branka Lothrop, PhD, Operations Manager James Saulnier, Finance Administrator David I’Anson, Fleet/Facilities Supervisor Schroeder, Vector Control Technician Martinez, and Legal Counsel Lisa Copeland. Trustee Macknicki was absent.

1. Confirmation of Agenda:

Trustee Lock requested removal of Closed Session Item 11A of October 20, 2007, Agenda. Motion was approved unanimously to approve revised Agenda.

2. Public Comment:

None

3. Strategic Planning Session with District Consultants

§ Overview of Strategic Planning Process

§ Introductions

Consultants Linda and Milan Hamilton introduced themselves. Linda provided information on their business and gave an overview of what would be taking place.

4. Preparing Ourselves for Strategic Planning

§ Review of Mission Statement

§ Review of Board/Staff Roles & Responsibilities

§ Review of Our History and What We Have Learned

§ Review of SWOT Analysis & Focus Question

Linda reviewed the District mission statement and, after input from attendees, decided it was time to revisit the mission statement.

Attendees reviewed the document “Communication Protocols for Special Districts’ Board and Staff,” and discussed proper protocol in order for Trustees to speak to Legal Counsel. Legal Counsel Copeland stated she speaks directly with President and sometimes with Chair of Personnel Committee; which is typical. The District should look at writing a protocol for use of legal counsel and formalize it. Trustee Walker added that the District should consider including the document in the Trustee’s manual. Trustee Lock requested that an alternate chain be identified for staff to follow if the formal chain is unproductive. Trustee Henderson responded that the document be for board use only and that there be a separate document for staff. Trustee Nigosian suggested that staff should go to the Board President and not pick and choose a Trustee. Trustee Howell requested that the document address how to handle the situation if an attorney contacts a Trustee on behalf of a staff member. Trustee Walker added that it should also state how to deal with the media. President Duran added that if there is a problem you can’t solve with the General Manager, then they need to go to the President of the Board. If that doesn’t work, go to the personnel committee.

The history of the District from 1957-2008 was discussed. Also discussed were the significant events at the District and the significant events that took place in the nation in general that impacted the District.

Linda discussed SWOT analysis and made some additions and modifications. The main focus question asked was: “How can we as Board and Staff of the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, over the next 3-5 years, work together to meet the demands of a rapidly growing/changing population and environment?”

12:05 p.m. Working Lunch

(Reconvened at 12:42 p.m.)

5. Practical Vision Workshop:

What do we want to see in place in 3-5 years as a result of our actions?

Linda led the workshop and activity: “What do you want to see in place 3-5 years from now?”

Break

6. Underlying Contradictions Workshop:

What is blocking our vision from being realized?

Milan led the workshop and the group worked through a worksheet on what is blocking the District from moving toward its vision.

Adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Recess until October 20, 2007 at 9:00 a.m.