Members Present:  Don Blough from Molyneaux Insurance, Sharon Rich, Linda Watson, Malinda Riley, Jenni Elsbernd,
Dave Runyon and Dorothy Wurster.
 

Financial Report--- Sharon stated that the check book is down to $250 due to paying the liability insurance premium.  Waiting for reimbursement from Helping Services and the Tobacco Coalition.  Not a lot of money to play with right now.  Dave stated that it might be a better idea if Helping Services covered program costs up to the amount of the insurance premium rather
than reimbursing the coalition for insurance costs. Steering Team thought this was a good idea and will explore options for next year’s insurance payment.

Sharon also shared that the VCC did not get the opportunity to apply for Tobacco Coalition funds this year.  This money has
been used to fund the Risky Business trip.  There was concern regarding how the Risky Business trip will be funded for next
year.  Sharon reported that Ruth Shemmel, Tobacco Coalition, stated that there might be funds available if there is money left
over at the end of the year.  Ruth’s concentration is on smoking cessation classes.  The VCC is still receiving $250 from the
Tobacco Coalition to fund ISU Extension staff that provide tobacco education for the 5th and 6th grade Youth Center.  This
$250 will not cover the cost of pizza and pop, that will have to come from VCC funds or from another source.
 
Report from Don Blough, Molyneaux Insurance, regarding VCC Liability Insurance Coverage--   Don agreed to
attend the Steering Team Meeting to help explain our coverage and to answer questions that had come up recently regarding
liability.  Don started by stating that liability is the VCC’s main exposure.  The insurance protects the entity, our agency
including employees and volunteers.  This liability coverage covers 1)-property damage or 2)-bodily injury including emotional
trauma.  As a volunteer or employee you can be sued but the odds are that the agency will be sued instead of the employee or
volunteer.  A suit is more likely to be filed against the VCC’s liability coverage rather than an employee’s or volunteer’s
personal coverage. The VCC’s $1 million coverage would be more appealing than someone’s personal policy.  Don made it
clear that there may be a chance that the employee or volunteer could still be named in the suit.
 
Don also brought up the topic of transportation in regards to VCC events.  If the VCC were to rent a vehicle to haul kids, the
passengers would be covered but not damage to the vehicle.  Don stated that using a school bus is a good choice since they
have their own liability insurance. If staff or a volunteer use their own personal vehicle than their own auto insurance would kick
in. The VCC’s policy would kick-in if somebody decided to sue. The driver is held liable for their actions.  He stated that our
biggest exposure is this issue and that we should make sure that we check all volunteer drivers for proof of auto insurance.
VCC staff will develop a form that all volunteer drivers will have to complete before they can transport youth.
 
Dorothy Wurster asked about coverage for mentors.  Don stated that in most circumstances the agency would be sued due to
the value of the VCC’s policy.  Jenni Elsbernd asked about the Sexual Abuse clause.  Don explained the Sexual Abuse
coverage.  He stated that the entity is covered and will not cover anybody who is found guilty of abuse­they are than a
criminal.  The VCC’s policy will cover defense costs for a volunteer or employee if they are accused of abuse but if it becomes
clear during the proceedings that that individual is guilty than the coverage would only cover the VCC under the suit.
 
Sharon Rich asked about the Good Samaritan Law.  Don responded by stating that an entity/agency cannot rely fully on the
Good Sam Law.  There is a Good Sam Law in Iowa but it is not something that can replace liability coverage.
 
Sharon Rich also shared the concern of what would happen if a fight between 2 youth broke out in the Youth Center.  Don
stated that we are covered if there was suit and we were found negligent.  The VCC coverage would cover bodily injury.
 
Sharon also asked why the insurance premium went up.  Don responded by saying that the premium may go up every year
with the way things were going in the insurance industry.  The premium could also go down if the insurance market becomes
more competitive.  Don projected a 3-5% premium increase for next year if we have no claims.
 
Malinda Riley asked if we had theft coverage.  Don stated that the VCC has $10,000 worth of coverage with a $500
deductible for theft. An amount of $500 or more needs to be stolen in order for us to make a claim.
 
Don ended things by stating that all insurance can do is respond to the suit not prevent it.  Usually the suit is settled before it
even has to go to court.  Don said to call him at any time with questions.
 
Reports from Sub-groups
Youth---Malinda Riley, Youth Coordinator, reported that SODA has a very busy summer.

     12 youth are signed up to help at the Dinner Theatre on June 18th
     20 youth are signed up to be in the Elgin Homecoming Parade on June 19th.  They plan to pass out pop.  Dave Runyon
     volunteered the use of his wagon for SODA to use in the parade.  Malinda will plan to call John Deere to arrange for a
     tractor or gator to pull the wagon.
     All Stars is currently under way and will continue through July 6th.  Smaller group of kids because of 4-H and
     softball/baseball.  Malinda stated that she is very pleased with the great things this group has accomplished so far.  The
     youth have been busy designing their own logo for t-shirts.  An adult volunteer agreed to contact the Clermont, Elgin and
     Wadena Betterment Committees to donate the cost of the t-shirts.
     June 26-27-Jr. High Campout at Beauhlaland is planned.  This has been a collaboration between SODA, Keith
     Hanson, Deb & Phil Kahler, Gerald & Arlet Schneider and Mary Olson.  There is space for 20 girls and 16 boys to
     attend.  A campout is planned for the High School at the end of July.
     Friday, June 11th is the trip to Noah’s Ark.  37 youth plan to attend.
     SODA plans to participate in the Clermont Parade on July 24th.  The kids would like to advertise for a Youth Center
     Open House during the parade.  SODA youth plan to give tours of the Youth Center and the VCC office during the
     Open House.
     July 13, 14 & 15­Get a Grip Conference.  6 SODA youth plan to attend.  For the talent part of the conference they
     plan to do a Who’s Line is it Anyway?  skit.  Malinda is still looking for a vehicle that can transport 7 passengers.
     Please let her know if you know of anybody with a vehicle she could use.
     August 7th­Tubing trip for SODA
     Eli Pollock and Tonya Lehmann were awarded the SODA scholarships.

Parent­Linda Watson

     Linda Watson stated that this sub-group has been inactive since Amy left.  Jenny Stolka will take over this sub-group.

Community­Dorothy Wurster, Community Sub-group Member

     A picture was put in the local papers promoting the signs that the community sub-group members presented to the
     Quarry Lodge stating “It is our store policy to ID everyone who is under the age of 30.”  Community SG members also
     presented the signs to other businesses in the Valley.
     Beverage Server Training is planned for June 17th at the West Union Legion Hall.  Letters have gone out to businesses,
     articles are in the area papers and radio stations are announcing it.  Community SG members will be making reminder
     phone calls.
     Keg registration­Community SG is working on implementing a keg registration and is researching the best way to do so.
     Sub-group members are still cleaning the Youth Center on an every other month basis.  They edit, fold, and prepare the
     newsletter for mailing.

Mentoring---Jenni Elsbernd, Mentoring Coordinator

     6 new Across Ages mentors were trained on 5/4 and 5/6
     On 5/13 new youth and mentors met for the first time at the 2nd annual Kick-off party.  Matches enjoyed TJ’s pizza, a
     trivia contest, door prizes and time at the youth center.
     The 6 new mentors are now enjoying one-on-one time together
     Valley mentoring added another match. Making a total of 5 matches in the program with room for 3 more matches to
     join.
     June 1st Across Ages had its first Appreciation and B-day party.  Cathy Molumby was the guest speaker for the event.
     21 people attended and enjoyed a catered meal, cake, punch and an awards ceremony.  Gifts of appreciation were
     donated to the program to present to participants.  Sarah Jacobs received a special award for her work in the
     Community Service component of the program.
     The May mentoring activity (horseback riding) had to be canceled due to the rainy weather.  Jenni will plan another
     horseback riding event in October because of the overwhelming interest in this activity.
     The Mentoring Sub-group did a great job planning, setting up and cleaning up for the Mentoring Party.  The sub-group
     will not meet again until September 8th due to Jenni’s maternity leave.
     Jenni’s last day will be June 16th and she plans to return on August 16th.  There will be no mentoring activities planned
     for July.  The next activity is planned for August 28th­Potluck picnic, fishing and recreation day at Gilbertson.  No
     mentor in-service or sub-group meetings till September.  All current Across Ages youth have completed their closing
     interviews and are scheduled to take their post-tests with Malinda in July.  All the youth, parents and mentors have been
     contacted to let them know what to expect during Jenni’s maternity leave. All matches know to contact he VCC office
     and talk with Malinda with any questions or concerns they have over the summer.

Other Information

Supporting Players Report­Sharon Rich

     A second Supporting Players training happened in May.  5 new youth joined making a total of 15 youth.
     5 new skits were developed at this training with 10 skits total
     Phyllis Gray from Upward Bound contacted Sharon and would like to have the group perform at Luther­Sharon will
     coordinate this with Phyllis.
     Supporting Players needs opportunities to perform so keep them in mind.
     Linda Watson thought it would be a great idea to have SP perform 1 skit at each All VCC mting.  Sharon will share this
     idea to the SP group and get their input.

 
Hiring

     Linda Watson stated that the new employee, Jenny Stolka, would be taking over the Parenting and Community
     sub-groups as well as Amy and Kathy’s responsibilities.  Jenny S. will be a full-time employee at the VCC.  She
     officially starts on June 9th with an orientation in Decorah.  Kathy will be done at the VCC the end of June and will
     pursue full-time work out of the Helping Services office in Decorah.