Category: Board 2020

Cowlitz County Community Network Board Meeting
Cowlitz County Administration Building Annex, 2nd Floor Conference Room
Tuesday, September 15, 2020 | 11:30 – 1:00PM

MINUTES

Present: Kay Gunter, Louise Brown
Present by Phone: Michael O’Neill, Olivia Aumiller, Laurie Severson
Absent: Tiffany Ames
Quorum: Yes
Staff: Amber Rosewood

Additions to Agenda
There were no additions to the agenda.

Welcome and Introductions
Michael welcomed attendees and thanked everyone for their participation. A call-in option was provided, gathering guidelines were observed and seating allowed for social distancing.

August 18, 2020 Minutes and Updates
The Board meeting minutes were sent to members for their review prior to the meeting. Of the five Aug action items, four were completed. CCN will write and distribute a press release for the Child Care Partnership Grant once the agreement is finalized.

Motion to approve the Aug 18, 2020 Board meeting minutes as presented (Kay); second (Louise). The vote was unanimous, and the motion carried.

Monthly Financial Report
The Sep Itemized Voucher amounting to $3,010.78 was presented to the Board for review and approval. The bills presented for Sep Payment were:

Invoice 464-2020 Cowlitz County Purchasing Svc Phone, Jul 2020 $ 10.78
Invoice 2020 9T Cowlitz County Treasurer, Oct. Payroll/Processing $3,000.00

Motion to approve the voucher as presented (Kay); second (Olivia). The vote was unanimous, and the motion carried.

Expenses and account balances for the period of Aug 1, 2020 through Aug 31, 2020 were:

Payroll $ 2,335.55 Red Canoe Savings $ 10.16
Payroll Fees $ 54.66 Red Canoe Checking $ 4,543.22
$ 2,390.21 Cowlitz County Treasurer $ 62,726.49

ACTION: Update the monthly financial reporting document to include account transactions. (Amber)

Under Notice 2020-65, a payroll tax deferral is available to Network staff between Sep 1, 2020, to Dec 31, 2020. Staff requested that CCN continue collecting payroll taxes rather than deferring.

Motion to continue collecting payroll taxes for CCN staff through the allowed deferral period (Louise); second (Kay). The vote was unanimous, and the motion carried.

Grant Status Report
The Board discussed options for updating the website and adding social media platforms for CCN and directed staff to start working on the project. Staff will build a new WordPress site on another domain and then request a transfer by the Network’s IT service provider More Power Technology Group. The current CCN Facebook page is inaccessible, and staff will create a new page in addition to adding Instagram and Twitter accounts.

ACTION: Begin updating the Network website and add social media platforms that include Financial Literacy, Behavioral Health and Child Care content. (Amber)
ACTION: Research community resources and add the correct guide/links to the website and social media platforms (Amber)

Cowlitz County Health & Human Services Financial Literacy Grant $10,000
Financial Literacy Training | Jul 1, 2020 – Jun 30, 2021
Aug Request: $686.00 | Remaining Balance: $8,162.00

Financial Literacy funding is for training at-risk youth and financially vulnerable families. Training topics are geared to the audience and may include Bank on It, Setting Financial Goals, Borrowing Basics, Saving for Cars/College/Housing, etc. CCN sends Financial Literacy emails to community partners and families, including lessons for children, and information on budgeting and credit for adults.

Cowlitz County Health & Human Services Behavioral Health Grant Yr 3 $10,800
Help for At-Risk Youth with Behavioral Issues in Child Care | Jul 1, 2019 – Jun 30, 2021
Aug Request: $629.00 | Remaining Balance: $ 8,942.00

Behavioral Health funding provides technical assistance and training for childcare providers who serve children with behavioral issues and offers training and resources for family members who have children with behavioral challenges. CCN sends Behavioral Health best practice emails to community partners, child care providers and families.

Community Foundation of SW WA Behavioral Health Grant: $25,000
Help for At-Risk Youth with Behavioral Issues in Child Care | Awarded Dec 2019
Aug Expenditures: $936.00 | Remaining Balance: $13,665.35

The Behavioral Health funding provides technical assistance and training for childcare providers who serve children with behavioral issues and offers training and resources for family members who have children with behavioral challenges. The Network applied for Cycle 2 funding.

WA Department of Commerce Child Care Partnership Grant $60,000
Child Care Access Report | Apparently Successful Applicant
Aug Expenditures: N/A | Remaining Balance: N/A

CCN is an apparently successful applicant for a WA Department of Commerce Child Care Partnership grant to support local partnerships to develop action plans that stabilize and expand child care capacity for underserved areas and for historically marginalized communities. CCN’s proposal funds the supplemental work of the Cowlitz Community Charter (CCC) as outlined in the 2020 Annual Agenda and Objectives. CCN will call a meeting of the CCC for Sep 24, 2020 to review the grant objectives and gain commitments from partners. CCN has submitted a letter of support for a Round 2 Child Care Partnership Project proposal by Workforce Southwest, focused on addressing the child care crisis from the business perspective. Board members reviewed the proposed agenda for the Sep 24 meeting of the Cowlitz Community Charter and discussed meeting objectives.

 ACTION: Prepare meeting space and technology for in-person attendees attending the virtual CCC meeting on Sep 24, 2020. (Amber)

Upcoming Events
Youth and Family Link is holding virtual Community Baby Shower events and distributing Beyond the Alphabet activities to client homes.

Board Action Items

Staff Action Items

1. Update the monthly financial reporting document to include account transactions.
2. Begin updating the Network website and add social media to include Financial Literacy, Behavioral Health and Child Care content.
3. Research community resources and add the correct guide/links to the website and social media platforms.
4. Prepare meeting space and technology for in-person attendees attending the virtual CCC meeting on Sep 24, 2020.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 20, 2020, 11:30am-1pm

Cowlitz County Community Network Board Meeting

Cowlitz County Administration Building Annex 2^nd Floor Conference Room

July 15, 2020, 11:30 – 1:00PM

MINUTES

Present: Michael O’Neill, Kay Gunter, Louise Brown, Tiffany Ames

Present by Phone: Olivia Aumiller

Excused: Laurie Severson            

Unexcused: None           

Quorum: Yes

Staff: Amber Rosewood

Additions to Agenda

There were no additions to the agenda.

Welcome and Introductions

Michael welcomed those present, thanked everyone for their participation and introduced the new coordinator. Gathering guidelines were observed and seating allowed for social distancing. 

June 17, 2020 Minutes and Updates

The Board meeting minutes were sent to members for their review prior to the meeting. Of the four action items listed, three were completed. The item to invite the Community Foundation Program Officer to the Board meeting on July 15^th was postponed allowing for the transition of the coordinator and additional board discussion.

Motion to approve the June 17, 2020 Board meeting minutes as presented (Tiffany); second (Kay). The vote was unanimous, and the motion carried.

Approval of Expenditures

The Itemized Voucher amounting to $3,019.36 was presented to the Board for review and approval. The bills presented were:

Invoice 343-2020              

Cowlitz County Purchasing Svc Phone, May 2020                     $19.36

Invoice 2020 7T                

Cowlitz County Treasurer, Aug Payroll/Processing             $3,000.00

Payroll for the period June 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020 was $3008.75, which includes the cost of the payroll and associated employer costs. Payroll processing charges were $54.66. As of June 30, 2020, the balance in the checking account used for payroll and payroll processing was $3,073.82. All other Network funds are held with the Cowlitz County Treasurer’s Office.

Motion to approve the voucher as presented (Louise); second (Tiffany). The vote was unanimous, and the motion carried. 

Grant Status Report

Cowlitz County Health & Human Services Financial Literacy        

Grant: $10,000

Financial Literacy Training                                                                            

July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021        

Amount expended through June 30, 2020: $9,060                             

Amount reimbursed: $9,925

The Financial Literacy funding is for training at-risk youth and families who are financially vulnerable. The training topics are geared to the audience and may include Bank on It, Setting Financial Goals, Borrowing Basics, Saving for Cars/College/Housing and more depending on the participants. Due to Covid-19 health and safety guidelines, and the cancellation of school, the Network is not able to continue in person training.  The Network sends Financial Literacy emails to community partners and families, including lessons for children, and information on budgeting and credit for adults. The emails have received excellent response and will continue after the Covid-19 pandemic. The Board will allocate time at the next meeting to discuss additional engagement opportunities.

• ACTION: Prepare a draft roadmap for FL grant during the Covid-19 pandemic for Board discussion. (Amber)

Cowlitz County Health & Human Services Behavioral Health      

Grant: $22,900

Help for At-Risk Youth with Behavioral Issues in Child Care           

July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2021

Amount expended through June 30, 2020: $11,129                           

Amount reimbursed: $9,736

The Behavioral Health funding provides technical assistance and training for childcare providers who serve children with behavioral issues and offers training and resources for family members who have children with behavioral challenges. Due to Covid-19 health and safety guidelines, the Network is not able to continue in person training. The Network sends Behavioral Health best practice emails to community partners, child care providers and families. The emails have received excellent response and will continue after the Covid-19 pandemic. The Board will allocate time at the next meeting to discuss additional engagement opportunities.

• ACTION: Prepare a draft roadmap for BH grant during the Covid-19 pandemic for Board discussion. (Amber)

Community Foundation of SW WA Behavioral Health Grant       

Grant: $25,000

Help for At-Risk Youth with Behavioral Issues in Child Care           

Awarded December 2019

The Behavioral Health funding provides technical assistance and training for childcare providers who serve children with behavioral issues and offers training and resources for family members who have children with behavioral challenges. Work on this grant started, but due to Covid-19 health and safety guidelines, the Network is not able to continue in person book clubs, groups or trainings. The Network sends Behavioral Health best practice emails to community partners, child care providers and families. The emails have received excellent response and will continue after the Covid-19 pandemic. Board members met on June 22^nd to create a roadmap forward. The Community Foundation Program Officer has expressed interest in keeping in touch with the Network and the work on the grant.

• ACTION: Invite the Community Foundation Program Officer to a Network Board meeting. (Amber)

WA Department of Commerce Child Care Partnership Grant

Child Care Access Report                                                                             

Award Announcements Pending

The WA Dept. of Commerce is soliciting two rounds of applications to support local partnerships to develop action plans that stabilize and expand child care capacity for underserved areas and for historically marginalized communities. Grants will be awarded up to $100,000 and applications for round one awards were due on June 13, 2020. The Network submitted a proposal requesting funds to supplement the work of the Cowlitz Community Charter as outlined in the 2020 Annual Agenda and Objectives. The proposal included letters of support from the Longview School District, Youth and Family Link and the Children’s Discovery Museum. Award announcements are expected on July 24, 2020. Updated Award Announcement date is August 3, 2020.

• ACTION: Send completed grant application to the Board. (Amber)  

Upcoming Events

Olivia said Youth and Family Link will be hosting a back to school backpack distribution on August 7, 2020 and invited the Network to provide a flyer for distribution.

• Prepare a flyer with information regarding the Network and how to sign up for Financial Literacy emails. (Amber)

Board Action Items

There were no Board Actions Items assigned.

Staff Action Items

1. Prepare a draft roadmap for FL and BH grants during the Covid-19 pandemic for Board discussion.
2. Invite the Community Foundation Program Officer to a Network Board meeting.
3. Send completed Child Care Partnership grant application to the Board.
4. Prepare a flyer with information regarding the Network and how to sign up for FL emails.

Next Meeting: TBD pending Board member survey

Cowlitz County Community Network Board Meeting

Cowlitz County Administration Building Annex 2^nd Floor Conference Room

June 17, 2020, 11:30 – 1:10PM

Present: Board members Michael O’Neill, Kay Gunter, Louise Brown, Tiffany Ames, Olivia Aumiller, Jill Groves for Laurie Severson and Sharon Weinhold, Coordinator.

Excused: None

Unexcused: None

Quorum: Yes

Additions to Agenda: Retirement of Network Coordinator

Welcome and Introductions: Michael welcomed those present and those on the phone and thanked them for their participation. Seating allowed for social distancing.

March 18, 2020 Minutes and April 15 and May 20, 2020 Updates: The Board meeting minutes and April and May updates were sent to the Board members for their review prior to the Board meeting. Of the six action items listed in the March minutes, five were completed. One action item, the item to provide an outline of the report to spread community awareness of the current support needed for children and families, and the effects that ripple outward across the system due to gaps in services was not completed. A special meeting will be held on June 22 to develop this outline.

Motion to approve the March 18, 2020 Network Board meeting minutes and April 15 and May 20, 2020 updates as presented: Jill; second: Kay. The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

Grant Status Report:

Current Grants Status as of May 31, 2020:

-Financial Literacy Training ($10,000). This funding for Financial Literacy Training is available for one year through June 30, 2020 and will be used to train at-risk youth and families who live in poverty or have very low incomes, are homeless or at risk of homelessness, or are financially vulnerable. Amount expended through May 31, 2020, $9,061; amount reimbursed, $7,542.

-Behavioral Health Grant Help for At-Risk Youth with Behavioral Issues in Child Care ($22,900). This funding for Behavioral Health training is available for two years through June 30, 2021. The funding will be used to help children with behavioral challenges in child care by providing training for childcare providers and family members who work with and/or have children with behavioral challenges. Amount expended through May 31, 2020, $9,735; amount reimbursed, $8,954.

-Community Foundation for SW Washington ($25,000). The Network received $25,000 from the CFSWWA in late December 2019. The funding is available through December 31, 2020. This funding will be used to support and help the growing number of children with behavior challenges, including those with extreme behavior and mental health challenges, and enhance the work of the Community Charter members in gaining more resources in our community for these children and their families. Amount expended through May 31, 2020, $1,620.

-Financial Literacy Training ($10,000). The Network received a follow-on grant for Financial Literacy Training which will be available for one year from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. The funding is for the same purpose as the previous Financial Literacy Training grant. Reporting against this new grant will begin in July 2020.

Approval of Expenditures:

The Itemized Voucher amounting to $4,483.76 was presented to the Network Board for review and approval. The bills presented were:

Invoice 2020 1 ELE    Cowlitz County Elections Copies                                     $5.28

Invoice 288-2020        Cowlitz County Purchasing Svc Phone, April 2020       $19.21

Invoice 2020 6T          Cowlitz County Treasurer, July Payroll/Processing   $3,000.00

Invoice L137213         State Auditors Office, Assessment Audit 2019             $226.20

Invoice 2020 2                        Sharon Weinhold, Supplies/Mileage                           $1,765.34

Invoice 2020 2 for $1,765.34 includes amounts to be paid for Cowlitz Community Network 2-year domain renewal, $75.71; annual DNS and Website Hosting, $104.05; Ofc365 Yearly Subscription, $162.15; fixing undeliverable email issue, $526.99 and annual Professional/General Liability Insurance, $895.00.

Payroll for the period May 1, 2020 through May 31, 2020 was $2,507.56, which includes the cost of the payroll and associated employer costs. Payroll processing charges were $54.66. As of May 31, 2020, the balance in the checking account used for payroll and payroll processing was $3,126.83. All other Network funds are held with the Cowlitz County Treasurer’s Office.

Motion to approve the voucher as presented: Kay; second: Tiffany. The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

-State Department of Commerce Childcare Partnership Grants. Michael brought to the Board’s attention a Department of Commerce grant opportunity that is soliciting applications to support local partnerships to develop action plans that stabilize and expand childcare capacity for underserved areas and for historically marginalized communities and families. Grants will be awarded up to $100,000. Applications are due on July 10, 2020. Michael suggested that the Network Board review this opportunity and discuss the grant opportunity further.

ACTION: Provide the State Department of Commerce Grant information mentioned at the Board meeting to the Board. (Michael)

ACTION: Review the State Department of Commerce Grant opportunity and begin to prepare an application if appropriate. (Network Board and Coordinator)

Audit Results: The Office of the Washington State Auditor completed the Cowlitz Community Network Assessment Audit for the period January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019. The report, published on May 21, 2020 stated that “based on the procedures performed, nothing came to our attention in the areas we reviewed that caused us to believe the Network was not in substantial compliance with applicable state laws, regulations, and its own policies, or had significant weaknesses in controls over the safeguarding of public resources.

Financial Literacy Training:

-Grant Details. The Financial Literacy Grant funding is for training at-risk youth and families who are financially vulnerable. The training topics are geared to the audience and may include Bank on It, Setting Financial Goals, Borrowing Basics, Saving for Cars/College/Housing and more depending on the participants.

-Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and cancellation of school, the Network was not able to continue in person training. The Network began to email weekly Financial Literacy information that includes lessons for children and information primarily on budgeting and credit for adults. To date, 14 Financial Literacy weekly emails have been sent to over 300 parents. The emails have received an excellent response and are planned to continue even after Covid-19 restrictions are removed.

-The Network prepared and sent an email in May to all elementary school teachers in the Longview and Kelso School Districts. The email invites the teachers to receive the Financial Literacy emails for use in their classrooms or request in person training. Several teachers have responded and are interested in sharing Financial Literacy information with their students. Network Board members suggested that if Covid-19 precautions and social distancing continue into the new school year, training could be offered by Zoom or some other virtual technique. Several Board members said they had experience with virtual training and would be happy to help.

Behavioral Health Grant:

-Grant Details. The Behavioral Health Grant funding provides technical assistance and training for childcare providers who serve children with behavioral issues and offers training and resources for family members who have children with behavioral challenges.

-Prepared and sent weekly (rather than bi-weekly) behavioral health best practice emails as recommended at the March 18 Board meeting.

-Surveyed Cowlitz County Child Care Center and Home Care providers to determine the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on their providing childcare and offered support. The survey showed:

     -For Child Care Center providers, all saw a drop in attendance in March. Most stayed open except for Head Start, 3 Rivers Christian, Kalama Early Learning Center, and the YMCA. Head Start continued to serve those children in urgent need, 3 Rivers Christian was closed for 5 weeks and re-opened May 11, and the Kalama Early Learning Center and YMCA are still closed. Most received State funding and participated in the Paycheck Protection Program. Those that are open began to see attendance improve in May but must limit class size in accordance Covid-19 policy. Attendance ranges from 40-70% of full capacity. Several providers expressed appreciation for the interesting and relevant best practice emails.

     -For Home Care providers, all stayed open. Several who serve primarily essential workers continued to have all slots filled. Those who did not serve mostly essential workers started to see attendance begin to pick up in May. Some had siblings who were not in school taking a slot resulting in the same number of children attending but fewer families participating. Many expressed appreciation for their Child Care Aware Coaches who helped with supplies. Several Home Care providers had questions about the quarantine and mask requirements. It was suggested those providers call the Health Department for official answers.

Covid-19 Grant. The Network applied for a Covid-19 Grant to be funded by WA DOH. DOH feedback was there were over 600 applications and the Network was not selected to receive funding.

Community Foundation for SW Washington Grant. –

-Work on this grant started but paused with the advent of Covid-19 restrictions and uncertainties regarding meetings. With Cowlitz County being approved to move more toward “normal”, it is time to re-energize the work. Board members expressed a willingness to begin discussions before the July Board meeting to create a roadmap forward. It was suggested that initial discussions begin online or on June 22.

-The Community Foundation Program Officer has expressed interest in keeping in touch with the Network and the work on the grant. The July Network Board meeting would be an excellent opportunity to present the roadmap to the Program Officer.

ACTION: Invite the Community Foundation Program Officer to the Network Board meeting on July 15. (Network Coordinator)

Retirement of Network Coordinator and Position Description: The Network Coordinator will retire from the Network on June 30, 2020. A potential candidate to fill the position has been identified and some information about the candidate’s work history was presented. A position description has been prepared that lists job responsibilities and desired qualifications. Board members requested an opportunity to interview the candidate and ask questions about their background, interest and qualifications. The interview date tentatively selected is June 22. Michael will touch base with the candidate to check availability. Board members were invited to submit interview questions.

ACTION: If the candidate for Network Coordinator is available, schedule the interview and reserve the meeting room for June 22.

Upcoming Events: Olivia said Youth and Family Link is planning a virtual baby shower to receive donations of baby items for distribution to those in need. Date TBD.

ACTION SUMMARY:

ACTION: Provide the State Department of Commerce Grant information mentioned at the Board meeting to the Board. (Michael)

ACTION: Review the State Department of Commerce Grant opportunity and begin to prepare an application if appropriate. (Network Board and Coordinator)

ACTION: Invite the Community Foundation Program Officer to the Network Board meeting on July 15. (Network Coordinator)

ACTION: If the potential candidate for Network Coordinator is available, schedule the interview and reserve the meeting room for June 22. (Sharon)

Next Meeting: July 15, 2020

Cowlitz Community Network

Status Report, May 20, 2020

The Network Board meeting for May 20, 2020 was not held due to COVID-19 and the “stay at home” requirement. This is a brief report of the actions that have occurred since the April 15 Status Report.

Status of Actions. One action still remains from the March 18 Board meeting. The action and status follows:  Action: Provide an outline of the report to spread community awareness of the current support needs for children and families, and the effects that ripple outward across the system due to gaps in services. (Michael)  Response: Michael has not provided the outline yet. [This is for the CFSSW grant.]

Grant Status Report.

Cowlitz Community Network Funds Report, 5/20/2020
Bank Account	$2,688	4/30/2020
Treasurer	$68,685	4/30/2020
	Reimbursable	Reimbursable	Received
	MoneySmart	BehaviorHlth	CFSSW
Funding/Authority	$10,000	$22,900	$25,000
Received	$6,821	$8,341	$25,000
Spent	$7,524	$8,954	$1,620
Remaining	$2,476	$13,946	$23,380
End Date	6/30/2020	6/30/2021	12/31/2020
BH: Year 1, $12,100; Year 2, $10,800

Expenditures. Expenditures were for March 2020 phone bill ($12.38) and payroll ($3,000.00). Network domain, hosting and Microsoft 365 renewals for the Network’s website are due in June. Estimated cost for all about $250. The Network’s liability insurance expires in early July; estimated cost $1000.

Audit of 2019 Financial Statements. We received notice on April 29 that the Office of the Washington State Auditor began their annual audit of the Network’s 2019 Financial Statements. The audit is expected to be completed within the next couple of weeks. The estimated cost is about $500.

Financial Literacy.

-Participated in a virtual meeting with County Commissioners on May 6 to share information about the Financial Literacy Grant which expires on June 30, 2020, discuss outcomes and request support for continued funding. The meeting was successful and the Commissioners agreed to fund the Network for Financial Literacy training in the amount of $10,000 for the period July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. A contract has been prepared and is going through the signature process.

-Prepared and sent three Financial Literacy emails to our contact lists. Two of the emails were trainings for older youth and included a lesson, activity and quiz. The third email was to parents about teaching teens about money. Response has been positive. ESD 112 has contacted us and asked if they could be added to the email list so they can share the emails with their providers. Compiled a list of elementary and middle school teachers in Longview and Kelso and will reach out directly to them to share the emails and offer Financial Literacy training for their classes during the next school year.

Behavioral Health.

-Sent four Behavioral Health best practice emails to the people on the BH email list. The emails, all relating to the current environment, include: Five Tips for Successful Home Learning, 75 Ways for Kids to Connect and Contribute, How to be a Safekeeper: Emotional Safety for Adults, and Coronavirus: How to Avoid Cabin Fever When Working from Home.

-Plan to reach out to Longview and Kelso school teachers to share the Behavioral Health emails.

Grant Opportunity. Prepared and submitted a grant application on April 23 to Washington State Department of Health for Community Outreach Funding Opportunity for those impacted by COVID-19. Would have thought we would have heard by now if the application resulted in funding as the grant funds are available only through July 31, 2020. Website says to expect to hear results by May 23.

Sharon Weinhold

Cowlitz Community Network

360-442-7089

Cowlitz Community Network

Board Meeting

County Administration Building Annex 2^nd Floor Conference Room

April 15, 2020

A Cowlitz Community Network Board meeting was not held in April due to the “stay at home” requirement related to Covid-19. The next Network Board meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2020, 11:30am.