[Occupymendocino] Minutes of 1st 2nd Tuesday

[John Fremont]

  The organizer of the group John Fremont, gave an introduction regarding
his vision of the purpose of the group-to listen to the community about
their ideas and criticisms of matters relating to the business of the F.B.
City Council, to lend support to each other as well constructive criticism.
  The first meeting was organized to have the structure of Facilitator,
Secretary, to record minutes, Timer, to keep track of the length of peoples
statements (5min) and Stacker, to designate the order of speakers on a given
topic.
  It was decided to go around the circle for introductions and a brief
statement of each person's focus of interest.
     Bernie McDonald--fire destruction issues
     Ann Rennacker--Hare Creek Project, Transfer Station--water issues,
wants testing for toxic leaching around nearby GP bark dump.
     Charlotte Thorbecke-- Transfer Station--Mike Sweeney's influence.
     Bebe Grace-Charter County
     Russ-- Monetary system of County. In favor of Occupy Mendocino's
efforts to keep local control over County $.
     Keith Wyner-- Presenter for slide show on Charter County. Filling in
for Agnes W. who was not feeling well. Involved in effort to have a vote on
the question of a County Charter on the 2016 ballot.
     Bruce Broderick--Involved with Citizens for Appropriate Land Use which
contested the negative mitigation declaration and won by a favorable vote
through the City Council--a short term victory. Also involved in water
issues & interested in electrical vehicles.
     Jesse Lee Van Sant--F.B local living outside city limits so has never
been able to vote in elections or on Fort Bragg issues.  Thinks citizen
oversight a good idea. In favor of using the organizing structure currently
in use at Occupy Mendocino meetings. Came in support of the County Charter
presentation.
     Sheila Dawn Tracy-- Supports the proposal for a County Charter. Also
interested in the Transfer Station issue-- not supportive of Mike Sweeney's
proposal. Also involved in the GP mill site meetings regarding removal of
toxins and suggestions for community involved planning for future use of the
site.
     Tomas Dertner-- Interested in the the issues surrounding the Hare Creek
Project and the old Coast Hotel. He thinks another location should be found
for the latter proposal.
     Rex Gressett--Commented on using organizational structure used by
Occupy Mendocino. Not in favor and didn't have high regard for OM in general
stating he didn't believe they had accomplished much.  
     In favor of a motion brought forth as an advisory group that if a
certain number of signatures are gathered from citizens of F.B for the
purpose of allowing those outside city limits voting privileges , that it be
accepted as  the will of the people  by City Council.
     John Gallo-- a planner by trade.  Interested in the GP mill development
. Has seen instances where multinationals move into a local area and the
people lose all control.  Thinks it is worthwhile to explore option of a
Charter City as a way of keeping local control over money and issues.
      Carrie Durkee--said she thinks the Occupy movement has changed the
conversation nationally. Believes the current group should honor and respect
each other's vision to work for a better way and use a creative process.
Current interest-- Move to Amend. Currently lobbying state and other elected
officials for an amendment to the Constitution stating that corporations are
not people and do not have equal rights to citizens.
      John Fremont-- A member of the Grand Jury for the past year. Can get
complaints heard or explain why it doesn't "pass muster" for a more involved
inquiry.  Posed the question of what would it take to get a vote for
"95437"  group?
     There was discussion of  staying with the current organizing structure
or voting on a switch to Roberts rules of order. No decision was made. 
     Presentation of information in support of a County Charter.
     Jesse Lee made introductory remarks that the information presented was
a result of research and 3 year's work by those involved with Occupy
Mendocino.
She said the Charter County proposal provides a format to have legal
protection so that locals don 't get rolled over by outside interests.
Current plans are to have an initiative on the ballot in June of 2016.
	Specifics: Protects home rule.  In regard to current language in the
Trans Pacific Trade agreement currently under discussion nationally, would
protect the County if corporations sue to protect what is currently their
right to make unlimited profits.
      Creates local autonomy over local environmental laws & labor laws
among others.
      Can be amended to meet the future needs of the people. 
      If it passes, a group of 15 people with the most votes will be elected
to a commission to write out the specific language of the Charter.
      Potential: Could include authorization for a  County Public Bank for
ethical investment of County monies;
      Could include a community bill of rights;
      Would determine the specifics of County gov't  powers, roles and
salaries of various staff positions outside of the DA, the Sheriff's office
and the Assessor's office.

 Focus of next meeting:
    Process for moving forward
    Prioritizing issues of most relevance and timeliness.
    Debate on recall issue?
 Eric Reid will be the facilitator of the next meeting to be held at Town
Hall at 6pm Tuesday June 9th
            Respectfully submitted by Sheila Dawn Tracy  .