The following members were present: Arly Ellingson, Jenni Elsbernd, Karen Miller, Melissa Johnston, David Runyon, Linda Watson, Kathy Schwartzhoff, Malinda Riley, Sharon Rich, and Bill Deutsch.

The meeting was called to order by Sharon at approximately 5:05 p.m.

Linda and Dave reported that all staff for both the State Incentive Grant (SIG) and Drug Free Communities (DFC) were hired. The positions are: Jenni Elsbernd—Prevention Specialist; Melissa Johnston—Project Coordinator for SIG grant; Kathy Schwartzhoff—Community Coordinator; Malinda Riley—Youth Coordinator.

Reports from Sub Groups

1) Youth—Malinda reported about two meetings SODA students have been part of.. They are planning a dance on January 27th. Malinda called a DJ, found a location for the dance. Payment for the DJ will be paid through the Methodist Grant as neither SIG or DFC can pay for this type of expense. Sharon will sign the contract for the DJ. Students are in charge of decorations. Students will be bringing a canned good to the dance to “give back” to the community. These goods will go to area food banks. Things are going very well at the Youth Center with activities and volunteers.

2) Parent—Bill reported that Families In Action will start in January in Elgin. Check the website for dates. The classes will be taught by Bill and Karen Tenneson from Helping Services.

3) Community—Stephanie Murphy has offered to lead this committee.

4) Mentoring—Jenni will be going to the Across Ages training at the end of January in Dubuque. She is reading much information about mentoring.

Tax Receipt form—Karen showed us some examples of forms she has found. They were reviewed with recommendations to add the value of the item to the form. Karen will be checking with Susan Kirby, a CPA from West Union to consult on further rules related to this form and to consult her about tax services for the VCC.

Financial Reports—It was recommended that VCC staff bring a cumulative in-kind log form for donations given at the center to each monthly meeting. Other members should all have a in-kind form so that if someone gives them a donation that you can bring the in-kind documentation form to each monthly meeting. We presently have a balance of $ 1638.00. Major expenditures were SODA t-shirts and CADCA (a membership fee for coalitions). Karen needs to know all sources of funds since she is to be keeping track of these. Dave is still waiting on approval of contracts from DFC and SIG.

Report on Office Space - Things came together very quickly finding office space for the VCC staff. They will be located in the former City Clerk’s office in the basement of the Larabee Building in Clermont. City Council had a special meeting to discuss use of the space. Concerns were expressed regarding how long staff would be there. A three year lease is being signed for $ 300.00 per month. Discussion about how staff would answer the phone. There is some confusion about Helping Services role in the grants. Helping Services is the fiscal agent for the grants, help supervise staff, and support work of the VCC. It was decided to answer the phone “Valley Community Coalition”. VCC staff will be moving into the office space soon. They are in need of desk, chairs, and basic office supplies. The youth center is in need of a vacuum cleaner.

CADCA Conference - Who is attending the CADCA conference in February—Sharon will talk to Al and Tim about going. Kathy will check into if CADCA needs actual names or numbers of people. CADCA is a coaliton building entity based in Alexandria, VA. Their annual conference is in Washington, DC February 11-14th.

Insurance needs—Sharon sent out various e-mails. Specific needs are that the VCC needs to have Officers and Director’s insurance. Sharon will check this out more.

Scholarship criteria—A sheet was reviewed from the VCC criteria committee. Two $1,000.00 scholarships will be given through Dollars for Scholars. Dave recommended that before announcement was made, be sure the budget has been approved for all grant entities. There was no official approval of the information.

Plans for January-February Large Group Coalition meeting—It was recommended to have the meeting in January versus February as one quarterly event has already been missed. It was also recommended to NOT have the meeting on January 29th due to the 6th grade ski trip. Kathy will ask Melanie Reed, staff person for the Iowa Mentoring Partnership, to come and speak about the benefits of mentoring. Kathy is already asking her to something in Decorah and we will try to get the two event close together. Jenni will talk about the Across Ages program and seek members for the mentoring committee.

Other items—Melissa will be working on the newsletter announcing the new staff and other happenings of the VCC. Arly shared he knows of a rehabilitated meth user that would like to do some speaking to share the dangers of meth. It was discussed that it is important to listen to his story to be sure that the presentation would meet the needs of the audience. Perhaps some youth could preview his presentation to see if he connects with you.

Next meeting of the Steering Committee will be January 7th, 2003 at the Larabee Building in Clermont in the new VCC staff office space.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Schwartzhoff, CPS II