FRESNO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Government Affairs Council
MEETING Minutes
Wednesday, June 8th, 2016
12:00 p.m.
PRESIDING
Ruth Evans, Chair
Brian Domingos, Vice Chair
- Call to Order and Roll Call
Chair Ruth Evans called the meeting to order at 12:07 p.m.
Present: Ahle, Avakian, Dhindsa, Domingos, Evans, Ewell, Gordon, Jacobsen, LeMay, Miller, Salazar, Salisch, Smith, Solis, Torossian, Zabrycki
Absent: Hunsaker
Staff: Nathan Alonzo
- Legislative Updates
Shannon Major (Senator Berryhill) reported that the budget process was beginning in the legislature and their office would be looking into it closely. They are also hopeful that their Flexible Workweek scheduling bill SB-985 will succeed.
Sandra Garcia (Congressman Costa) informed the GAC that the congressman sent letters to the administration and to the legislature in regards to water and finance.
Brittney Watson (Senator Vidak) said that their office is closely monitoring the budget process.
Erica Mello (Congressman Valadao) reported that the House appropriations committee passed significant energy provisions with California water provisions in recent legislation. She also informed the GAC that Congressman Valadao is now a part of the Conference Committee on Military Construction and VA Bill.
- Approval of Minutes for the meeting of May 11th, 2016
A motion to approve the minutes of May 11th, 2016 was made by LeMay, seconded by Dhindsa and passed unanimously.
IV. Presentations
- Kevin Meikle (Fresno Yosemite International Airport) Airline Incentive ProgramINFORMATION
Kevin Meikle and his staff from the airport presented their Airline Incentive Program and answered questions from members of the GAC. A motion to support their program before it goes to council on June 30th was made by Domingos, was seconded by Dhindsa and passed unanimously.
- Jane Sumpter (City of Fresno) Fiscal Year 2017 Budget INFORMATION
Jane Sumpter and Bruce Rudd from the City of Fresno came and presented the City’s FY-2017 budget and answered questions from the GAC in regards to specific provisions of the budget.
V. Legislative Items
- California K-12 Schools Construction Bond- ACTION
Speaking: Jeff Becker-Coalition for Adequate School Housing (In Favor)
Jeff Becker presented information on the bond and answered questions from the GAC members. A motion to support was made by Dhindsa, was seconded by Miller and passed by a 9-5 vote.
- No Blank Checks InitiativeACTION
Speaking: Kyle Griffiths-Citizens to Protect California Infrastructure (In Opposition)
Kyle Griffiths spoke to the GAC about the bond and answered questions on concerns over the bond. A motion to oppose the initiative was made by Brian and was seconded by Dhindsa and passed unanimously with .
- SB-985 (Berryhill) Flexible Work Week ACTION
A motion to support the bill was made by Jacobsen, was seconded by Gordon and passed unanimously, with Torossian abstaining.
- SB-1063 (Hall) Wage Differentials: Race or EthnicityACTION
A motion to oppose the bill was made by Dhindsa, was seconded by Domingos and passed unanimously.
- AB-2768 (Thurmond) Taxes: Credit: Donation of FoodACTION
A motion to support the bill was made by Dhindsa, was seconded by Domingos and passed unanimously.
- AB-2261 (Hernandez) Labor: Duties ACTION
A motion to oppose the bill was made by Dhindsa, was seconded by Domingos and passed unanimously.
- SB-1167 (Leyva) Employment Safety: Indoor Heat Regulations ACTION
A motion to oppose the bill was made by Salazar, was seconded by Dhindsa and passed unanimously, with Torossian abstaining.
VI. Tracking Update INFORMATION
Staff presented the current status of the legislation that the GAC has weighed in on and informed the GAC on the failure of the AG overtime bill and how local representatives voted on that.
VII. Chair’s Report – Ruth Evans
-Eggs and Issues with Congressman Valadao- Wednesday June 29th at Pardini’s
VIII. Adjourn
Evans adjourned the meeting at 1:32 p.m.