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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.KFAB.20200813.RegularKids First Mission: Promote the availability of quality, affordable early childhood care & education, and provide access to early childhood information and resources. Kids First Advisory Board Meeting Minutes Friday, August 13, 2020 In attendance: Stefan Reveal, Sue Way, Chad Schmit, Beth Cashdan, Rebecca Pascal, Robin Strecker, Shirley Ritter, and Nancy Nichols Guests: Andrea Benda, Kadi Kuhlenberg, Jessica Garrow Minutes for 7/10/202 meeting: Beth moved to approve, Rebecca seconded, MPU. Yellow Brick lease discussion: Kids First Advisory Board discussed the lease language for the new 2020-2021 leases for the Yellow Brick. Kadi Kuhlenberg called in and discussed Playgroups current situation, her concerns about the lease terms, her concern about the health of her staff and children as well as her concerns around being able to keep Playgroup open and follow all the State and County health rules for the near future.  Stefan moved to amend the Yellow Brick lease to include the following language, Sue seconded, MPU. "Due to the nature of the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, the provision found in the forgoing lease at Article VI, Sec. 1 entitled "Effective Use of Space," shall be waived until January 31, 2021. Notwithstanding this waiver, during the term of the waiver, the tenant must take all appropriate steps to remain open as long as possible with as many children as reasonably possible. On or before January 31, 2021 the parties shall confer and determine if such a waiver should be extended for an additional period of time. If no conference occurs or no extension is agreed upon, the waiver is no longer in effect as of January 31, 2021." Program concerns and discussion: Kids First Advisory Board discussed additional program concerns for all the programs. The Kids First Advisory Board discussed supporting programs and families with a variety of options. They also talked about equity when determining needs. If was universally agreed that programs and families needed more support. Kids First Advisory Board directed the Kids First staff to develop a funding menu from which the programs could apply for funding that they may need. Staff will develop these funding ideas and will share this with the Kids First Advisory Board for comment and approval.  Sue moved that Kids First staff work with public health and the providers and to spend up to $50,000 to reimburse and support childcare programs and staff with needs that may include health screening, staffing support, program and family support. Rebecca seconded, MPU. Funding for August: The Kids First Advisory Board agreed to continue the preschool subsidy ($5,000 per classroom) to programs for August support. CMC update: Shirley met with licensing at the CMC location and has direction to move forward with the consideration for an infant room at CMC. The next step is to meet with the Fire Marshal and see if fire requirements can be met as well. Ordinance and bylaws for Kids First Advisory Board: Discussion continues with the City of Aspen attorney about the ordinance and bylaws for City of Aspen advisory boards, and how this affects the Kids First Advisory Board. The City Charter states that volunteer board members must be residents of The City of Aspen. The Kids First Advisory Board has not had that as a requirement and would like to have members be from the area that we serve. Jim True is working on options for our board. We will wait to hear further. Next meetings: - Kids First Advisory Board Friday – September 11th Friday – October 2nd Friday – November 6th Friday – December 4th