The meeting was called to order by Chair Vicki Marion at 4:20 pm. Roll Call by CIO Dianah Neff

None

The minutes were not approved. No quorum present.

Chair Marion stated that one of the goals of the Commission was to move forward with the Digital Divide white paper and present it to the Rules Committee. Chair Marion stated if the Commission is to succeed, it must come together as a group to truly agree on an agenda. She hopes to take what has already been accomplished by the Commission, add her perspective and passion for some of the initiatives and move the Commission forward.

Chair Marion shared with the Commission her promises as Chairperson:

1. To be candid;
2. Will not waste the Commission's time;
3. Will make the meetings worth your time; if you invest the time.

She added if it is felt as a group there is not enough energy to invest, she will recommend that the Commission be disbanded.

Chair Marion suggested coordinating the meeting dates to make it as easy as possible for all to attend the regularly schedule meetings. Member Dillon asked Chair Marion to confirm that she was suggesting results oriented meetings. Chair Marion agreed and reiterated she would not waste the Commission's time.

Chair Marion added she felt the Commission could be:

a) advisors on the use of technology and;
b) advisors on what the relevant contribution might be of the technology business community to the San Diego community and, how that fits back into the social issues.

Chair Marion stated in order for the Commission to have an effect, it would have to focus its agenda on issues that have upcoming action needed in the next twelve month period. She also suggested collaboration with other organizations in the City and region who are already doing work in science and technology. In forming a collaboration, the Commission would be able to advise the Mayor and City Council on issues outside the government structure.

Chair Marion asked members to give her time to work on a "winning strategy" to get those members who have not been consistent in attendance back to the meetings. She also added with the right agenda and meeting, she hopes to be able to get the absent members re-engaged. She plans to contact each member personally.

Chair Marion's suggestion to the Commission:

1) research on how to obtain a consultant;
2) have one strategy session (separate from the full Commission meeting);
3) organize a meeting to obtain a quorum;
4) take 2-3 months to re-organize and,
5) take 2-3 months to gain traction

Chair Marion asked members in attendance to attend a "working committee" meeting at the end of the week to begin a strategy session. Those attending agreed to this meeting. The meeting was set for March 11, 2000 at 2:00 pm at Member Dennis' home.

A. IT Strategic Plan

See Item VI - CIO Report

B. Digital Divide

The Digital Divide working group presentation was tabled because no quorum was present.

CIO Neff advised she could not present the City's IT Strategic Plan because of a delay in the IT Board meeting t approve the draft, which consists of the City Manager and Executive Team for the City. She added that part of the IT Strategic Plan identifies issues which address the Digital Divide and other technology related issues. Member Neff added, she would follow up to see if the Digital Divide white paper could be presented as a preliminary draft when she presents the IT Strategic Plan.

There was discussion regarding the following:

1) hiring a consultant	2) Commission budget
3) restructuring of the Commission	4) attendance
5) voting	6) meeting location

Mr. Dennis Gibson of the Mayor's office, asked as Chair Marion contacts members to advise them the Mayor's office is interested in their participation. In addition, if members feel they cannot commit to the Commission they can tender their resignation and inform the Mayor's office. At that point, the remaining seats could be filled.

Member Wright offered to assist in creating a process whereby the Commission could assist the Mayor and City Council when addressing the public and members of the press on science and technology issues. She will bring ideas to the next meeting.

Member Leap advised he has met with five Councilmembers since the last meeting, based on the Commission's approval at January's meeting. He added the Coucilmembers are very open to using the Commission as a resource. Member Leap also stated the Councilmembers are waiting for the Commission to assist them. The Councilmembers have varying issues, but with similar tones. He added, Councilmembers Stevens and Atkins are interested in the Digital Divide; while Councilmember Madaffer is interested in e-Government; Councilmember Peters interested in exploring creating a website that is highly useful to the constituency of the city; Councilmember Maienschein largely interested in exploring virtual offices on the website. Chair Marion added she envisions formulating a liaison-building agenda that is in keeping with each of the Councilmembers initiatives.

Mr. Gibson suggested the Commission go to the Rules Committee rather than the full City Council. Mayor Murphy chairs the Rules Committee. There the Commission could present its Vision, and Digital Divide white paper. Mr. Jenkins advised that the Digital Divide report has recommendations on policies that affect the City Budget. If the Commission wants to affect the City Budget, it would mean getting to the policy committee in April. Member Haddad suggested it may be more appealing if a Councilmember were to introduce the Digital Divide white paper during the budget process.

Chair Marion commented that the Digital Divide is an issue the City will be interested in. She would like to present it to both City Council and City Manager for recommendation. Chair Marion suggested these issues be deferred to the working group agenda. No final decisions reached on discussion items at this time. Their action items will be to report back with a plan, set meetings and make the work product match the available dates.

UPCOMING MEETINGS
March 28, 2000 - No Meeting
April 25, 2000

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:45 pm

An audio recording of the meeting is available upon request. Contact Bonnie Pearson at (619) 533-6565 if you are interested in receiving a copy.