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Archive: April 2007 Minutes
04-26-07 Executive Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
04/26/07
Brandon Woods of Dartmouth
Members present: Charles Simpson, Jr., Kathleen Del Sordo, John Fernandes, David J. Ferreira, Michael Kramer, Richard Mello, and Susan Peterson
Members absent: Bruce Morell (called), Anthony Sapienza, Charlie Winterhalter
WIB Members present: Carl Waal
Workforce Development System staff attending: Len Coriaty, Joan Branton (Consultant), Ed Dennehy, Jean C. Fox, Annie Massicotte
Chair Simpson called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.
Consent Agenda
A motion to approve the minutes of the 03/08/07 Executive Committee meeting passed unanimously.
Ms. Peterson noted that the Treasurer’s Report is current through April 2 and reflects that, with 75% of the year completed, 65 – 70% of the budget has been spent. There may be some remaining funds, which may be looked at as part of the merger discussion. The report was accepted by unanimous vote.
Mr. Simpson asked that handouts regarding the merger be withheld for the time being because the Finance Committee had engaged in a discussion on this topic and concluded that there is insufficient financial information (phones, rent, lease expenditures, capital expenditures) to make an informed decision; nor has there been a comprehensive management analysis for a decision.
Mr. Coriaty noted that the issue may have become somewhat “blurred” in that the merger discussion just held was more a discussion on co-location, which is only a part of the merger process. Further investigation of the cost implications of co-locating WIB/DWDA is ongoing.
Ms. Peterson noted that there would be (one-time) capital costs associated with the move and merger. There will also be on-going cost. In addition, New Directions will be bearing some financial burden because of the move and the resulting unoccupied space. She also recognized that there is no clear picture yet of the financial benefits of collocation, although there will certainly be administrative and functional benefits.
Mr. Simpson further noted that the implications of the move go far beyond DWDA. Mr. Dennehy will be in a rent deficit situation; in addition, he only has a one-year lease. He could conceivably have no space in a year. Looking at the WIB, the telephone cost would have been a necessary expense at some point down the road.
Mr. Fernandes asked how the merger came about in the first place. Mr. Simpson informed him that it centered on an accountability issue. The mayor has fiscal responsibility for the region. The “line” [on the organizational chart] goes straight to Mr. Coriaty. Yet, the fiscal arm of the WIB is currently residing with the primary contractor, which may change at some point. This is not a managerially sound arrangement, according to Mr. Simpson. In fact, he noted that from a management perspective, he would be more comfortable having the Youth Council sharing space with New Directions.
Mr. Coriaty also responded to Mr. Fernandes, stating that the issue has been on the table for the last six years. The Mayor decided that DWDA and New Directions should be clearly separated from the city and become 501(c)(3)s. Since the Mayor has fiscal control, and since he has direct communication with the WIB, he was asked to consider combining DWDA with the WIB. New Directions Southcoast, Inc. was established as a 501(c)(3) last year.
Mr. Coriaty handed out a chart illustrating the new organizational configuration.
Discussion ensued in connection with the chart. Mr. Coriaty informed the meeting that the new chart shows the WIB as fiscal agent and is connected to the Mayor by a solid line, denoting the WIB’s financial accountability to the City of New Bedford. The dotted lines to New Directions from both the Mayor and the WIB signify that the City and the WIB have policymaking and oversight responsibility. Mr. Coriaty and Ms. Branton explained that the state is requesting this information and must have it by Monday.
Mr. Kramer then advised the committee that both a strategic plan and the business plan need to be finalized. Some decision on this move must be made soon. He would like the financial issues resolved to the point where the Finance Committee is comfortable with the decision, being mindful that additional ongoing costs incurred as a result of the merger will impact operations. He expressed some concern about merger costs and the overall impact on the WIB’s operational budget and service delivery capacity.
Mr. Simpson noted that synergies typically emerge when people are brought under one roof. If $25,000 is taken from ITAs, the synergies must be demonstrated. Mr. Kramer stated that structural integrity can be maintained with a two-location configuration. Once again, Mr. Simpson stressed that the financial operation should not be paired with one of its vendors. Mr. Kramer asked if the question of location had legal implications.
Mr. Fernandes observed that the space is only part of the problem, as there are a number of managerial and financial concerns. There could be problems with the lease. He would like to know what the real cost of this merger is going to be, and he indicated that consideration should be given to moving the entire WIB if cost savings can be realized.
Mr. Coriaty explained that the Mayor has a vision of expanding the downtown administrative offices for Economic Development, BCC, the WIB, and others into one location. Thus far, the state has focused primarily on providing funding for more classroom space.
Ms. Del Sordo referred back to the chart and asked if the WIB had a direct line to the Mayor. Mr. Coriaty advised the meeting that the hierarchical set up has been changed because the WIB’s designation as fiscal agent changed the dotted line to a solid line to the Mayor. Ms. Del Sordo wanted to know more about the relationship of New Directions to the WIB and to the Mayor, particularly with regard to financial issues. Ms. Branton noted that the WIB now has fiscal responsibility, so any New Directions financial problem would go to the WIB first. Mr. Simpson reminded the committee that the Mayor has options. He can refuse to reappoint a person. He can withhold funds.
Ms. Brandon noted that the WIB has a “tricky” dual role. There is to be a blending of the administrative and oversight functions. The fiscal agent must connect back to the Mayor because it is totally responsible to the Mayor. In numerous communications with the state, she was informed that the dual role is difficult. The state offered no real solutions.
Accountability and oversight rests with the Board, advised Mr. Simpson. The Board is appointed to deal with it.
Referring to the chart, Ms. Brandon confirmed that New Directions should not have a solid line to the mayor.
Mr. Simpson advised modifying the chart so that the mayor is on top, and the word “contractor” is added to the New Directions box. Committee members discussed the name of the chart, ultimately agreeing that it should be entitled simply, “Greater New Bedford Workforce Development System.” The chart was approved as modified and will be submitted to the state on Monday.
Mr. Mello shared details of the discussion held at the Resource Development & Planning Committee meeting earlier in the day. The Business plan this year will focus on trends in key sectors such as manufacturing, which continues to decline, and Transportation, Retail, and Health Care, where more people are being referred for employment.
Mr. Dennehy reported about 40% of the people passing through the Career Center doors are chronically unemployed (that is, they have exhausted their unemployment benefits); another 40% are recently unemployed; and about 20% require skills upgrades (GED, ESOL, other trainings). Literacy among both the younger and older job seekers continues to plague the workforce and its options for growth. The federal government wants the unemployed in jobs almost immediately. If they cannot land a job quickly, the focus should be on training. However, the local service area has the lowest educational attainment level in the state, when unemployment profiles of claimants from all the WIBs are compared. Also, the region has the highest number of job seekers who hold no credential (diploma or degree) at all. This makes the demand for training resources even greater.
The Business Plan will also contain information on funding, with a focus on quality of service versus quantity served as well as on anticipated collaborative efforts, perhaps with other WIBs. Mr. Mello reminded the meeting that ITA funds typically run out early in the year.
Finally, the Business Plan will address the need for volunteers and for more area businesses to use Career Center resources. He noted that, although local Career Center use by business outpaces the national rate of 2%, area businesses often are unclear about the advantages. Mr. Mello suggested the implementation of a method to entice businesses to utilize the Career Center. Offering them recognition in some way might generate follow-on interest by other businesses. It would certainly help build awareness of the Career Center’s business services.
There was some continued discussion on the business enticement suggestion. Mr. Fernandes suggested sending the idea to the WIB’s marketing committee. He also noted that the topic of partnering with Economic Development is frequently raised in meetings, but does not appear to be given any follow through. Economic Development is the entity that is bringing in businesses, but the Career Centers are not made aware of the types of workers new businesses will require, and what specific skills the workers will need to be successful in the new jobs. In the case of Stop & Shop, the Career Center was the go-to facility to recruitment. However, there are reportedly a number of new businesses that intend to set up shop in the area, and the Career Center has not been apprised of the employment details. Mr. Simpson agreed that the Planning Committee should investigate this disconnect. He will also be discussing the issue with Mr. Sapienza and invite him to the next meeting to talk about building this relationship.
Mr. Coriaty shared some of the details of a recent conversation he had with Mr. Tom Davis of the New Bedford Business Park. Evidently, Mr. Davis signed a Purchase and Sale Agreement with a New York-based food distribution company. The company will have 40 positions to fill and has requested that the WIB provide some recruitment assistance. Mr. Davis will be obtaining job requirements and passing them along. The jobs typically pay $40, 000 per annum. This type of arrangement has occurred with other companies as well, Mr. Coriaty stressed.
The Compassion Fund grant effort is underway, headed by Craig Baker. Mr. Mello reported that a needs assessment survey had gone out to numerous CBOs and FBOs in an effort to define population and capacity building need.
In connection with the Apprenticeship Working Group, Mr. Mello noted that meetings will be held on a quarterly basis going forward.
Mr. Coriaty advised the committee that he, Ms. Fox, and Mr. Simpson will meet next week to review the short list of prospects for Chairing the LiteracyWorks Initiative. A two-tiered configuration is under consideration, with a strategic planning Cabinet and a practitioner-level Advisory Committee. Ms. Fox noted that a Quarterly Report had been prepared and submitted to the state.
Performance Measurement Committee Chair Michael Kramer reported his committee is currently looking at vendors and partners. They will also be looking at a follow-up Board Member Survey.
John Fernandes reported that interviews for all six candidates for Youth Council Director have been set up for May 2. He would hope to move at least two, possibly three, forward to Mr. Coriaty for the final decision. Mr. Fernandes asked if the candidates had undergone an initial screening. Mr. Coriaty verified that he and another staff member had screened about forty applicants.
Mr. Coriaty presented the Executive Committee with additional merger-related handouts. The Personnel Policy of both the WIB and DWDA were reviewed. The Executive Committee received recommendations on job descriptions. Major changes include five (5) additional hours of work for DWDA employees; preparation of warrants to be Steve Grant’s responsibility going forward; and some changes to benefits. Copies of the benefits changes were circulated and explained. There is a recommended change in the vacation leave accrual policy for employees of 10+ years; DWDA holidays are reduced from 12 to 11; DWDA’s vacation carry-over will be reduced to the existing limit for WIB staff; and there are also changes to the dental insurance benefit. Ms. Del Sordo suggested retaining a consultant to review the entire benefits package to see if some economies could be realized. Ms. Peterson then pointed out that the WIB will be paying Social Security for DWDA employees as well as the dental, thereby increasing costs for the WIB. Mr. Coriaty noted that much of the expense is just a resource shift. The 457B has an employer match as does Social Security. However, the 457B option is still open. Mr. Simpson requested a dollar value be attached to the benefit. The Executive Committee acts as the Personnel Board and in that capacity should receive a total estimated cost of the employee benefits package.
Mr. Simpson asked for a vote to approve the benefits changes. Approved. Mr. Simpson also asked for a vote to engage a consultant to look at the entire package. Approved.
Mr. Coriaty circulated the revised WIB CEO Agreement, with substantive changes highlighted in gray. The changes reflect the role of the WIB as the fiscal agent and drop DWDA. The document contains two new paragraphs on page 3. There was discussion concerning the inclusion of “New Directions” in the administration/oversight language. Mr. Dennehy suggested deleting everything in the first sentence of the first new paragraph after “related funds.” Mr. Simpson then asked when the state needed the document. Mr. Coriaty stated that it was due on Monday. Mr. Simpson inquired about prior approval of this Agreement. Mr. Coriaty commented that everything except the highlighted sections and words had been approved by previous boards and the Mayor. Since the only change needed is the deletion on page 3, Mr. Simpson asked for a vote to approve. Approved.
The committee then discussed the Drug and Alcohol Policy. Mr. Coriaty reminded committee members that the Drug and Alcohol Policy Working Group, with input from Mr. Kramer, had reviewed several policies. The proposed policy closely mirrors the policy in place at Southcoast Hospitals Group. Discussion ensued leading to the following recommendations; strike reference to disclosure to Human Resources and Supervisors and direct all disclosure to the Executive Director, strike the second chance clause, and require that all employees sign the policy as a condition of employment.
Mr. Coriaty distributed a WIB Member Roles & Responsibilities Acceptance Form for future use for approval by the Committee and the Mayor, requesting members review and comment on the draft form.
Mr. Coriaty distributed a copy of letter from the state regarding the first Administrative Review of the conducted by the state. There were no findings and it was an overall complimentary review.
Recommendation from Chair to ignore absurd comments by a WIB member widely distributed and unsubstantiated. If the issue is pushed forward further with actual evidence of malfeasance, the charge will be fully investigated by the Executive Committee and responded to appropriately.
Mr. Coriaty reminded Committee members about the Mayor’s breakfast for community leaders the following day to request support for the Mayors Summer Jobs for Youth Initiative.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean C. Fox
04-26-07 Finance Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Finance Committee
04/26/07
Brandon Woods of Dartmouth
Finance Committee members present: Susan Peterson, Chair; David Pelletier, Maria Pinarreta, Chuck Simpson, Carl Waal
Finance Committee members absent: Bruce Morell (called)
Workforce Development System staff in attendance: Len Coriaty, Joan I. Branton, Ed Dennehy, Steve Grant, Annie Massicotte
Chair Susan Peterson called the meeting to order at 3:40 pm.
- Consent Agenda:
The Minutes of the 02/15/07 Finance Committee meeting, and the Treasurer’s Report for the period 03/01/07 through 04/02/07 were approved on a motion by David Pelletier. The motion was seconded by Carl Waal and carried unanimously.
- Fiscal Reports / Updates:
- DWDA - Steve Grant reported on spending through 03/31/07. Steve projects a carry-out of $6K to $10K for each of the WIA funding streams. Limits have been reached on ITA’s for Adults and Dislocated Workers. Steve also is anticipating a higher Audit expense for FY ’07 because he’ll have to distinguish between ND and NDSC, as well as pay for an Audit for DWDA. An RFP for Audit bids will go out by mid June. Steve will look into whether he can issue just one RFP for all three entities (ND, NDSC, Inc. and DWDA). Steve stated the Vendors are a little slow getting their invoices in for In-School Youth, DTA Literacy, DOE Adult Education, and Connecting Activities, but it is expected all will spend out according to plan.
- DCS - Carl Waal reported the following:
The bid to paint the Career Center closes 4/26. Presently the lowest bid received is $22,000. The hope if to receive bids between $15K - $18K.
Steve Grant handed out the FY ’07 Annual Integrated Budget (for comparison). Wagner Peyser had a carry in of $220K. FY ’08 is expected to be considerably less. Chuck asked what the complications will be to transfer Title 1 money to cover Wagner Peyser salary and fringe for 16.5 FTE’s – to remain fully staffed.
Negotiations are in progress to rent the Harpoon Room for $7K in order to conduct UI Hearings all day Friday, and every other Monday.
- WIB - Annie Massicotte presented the WIB Expenditure Report through 03/31/07. DWDA invoicing is caught up through February. Spending appears to be on track.
A motion to accept the Fiscal Reports was made by Dave Pelletier, seconded by Chuck Simpson and carried unanimously.
Len handed out attachment Q – FY 07-08 Allocations to Local Workforce Investment Areas Compared. New Bedford is up 10.3%. A question came up about what formula is used because Bristol shows an increase of 29.4%. Len agreed to provide the formula.
- New Directions / DWDA Updates:
Quest Center / Lease Agreement – Ed stated that he signed a 1 year lease that provides for 2 additional years.
WIB / DWDA Merger – The following documents were handed out and discussed at the meeting: Budget implications, Classification Pay Schedule, Job Description Revisions, Merger Benefits Changes, Staff Benefits Summary (Life, Health, Dental, and LT Disability). The budget implications of the merger, although not fully documented at this time, appear to be fairly significant in this first year. The Integrated budget will be impacted by the possible move of DCS staff to Union St. We are negotiating a shared cost of appropriate IT equipment. Further discussion ensued in connection with the co-location.
Reserve Interest Earning – There was discussion regarding the cost to move DWDA staff to Union Street. Chuck has a meeting scheduled with the Mayor to discuss.
- Other Business
None
- Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 4:55 pm on a motion made by Carl Waal, and seconded by Maria Pinarreta.
Next meeting: 05/10/07 – 8:30 am – GNB Career Center.
Respectfully submitted,
Annie Massicotte
Executive Assistant / Office Manager
04-26-07 Resource Development and Planning Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Resource Development and Planning Committee
Meeting Minutes
04/26/07
GNB WIB Conference Room 207
Members present: Richard Mello, Chair; Paul Correia, David DeJesus, Ed Dennehy, Eddie Johnson, Jeff Travers
Members absent: Debora Britton-Flores, Lisa Jochim, Lisa Lemieux, James Snow, Dean Robert Ward, Marilyn Whalley
Workforce Development System staff in attendance: Craig Baker, Len Coriaty
Meeting start at 8:10am.
Consent Agenda
Minutes of the 03/08/07 meeting were approved on a motion by Ed Dennehy, seconded by Paul Correia, and carried unanimously.
The group discussed how the WIB addresses trends in unemployment. The WIB uses feedback from the career centers in conjunction with researching industry cluster data (ie. Healthcare), statistical data, and available funding to help determine what grants we apply for and to determine training. We also look at ways to attack the literacy problem through LiteracyWorks and to keep at risk students in school. We look at transferable skills in jobseekers that match the industry need.
Challenges identified:
- funding is limited for the scope of the problem
- high rate of high school dropouts and high unemployment
- finding funding
- providing premium services and pushing ITAs toward critical industries, though
we run out of money
- implementing RETM
- accelerating job attachment
Regarding roles for the WIB in FY ’08:
Jobseeker:
- getting information to jobseekers (marketing services)
- prove to jobseekers we are doing things
- new funding
- ensure whoever is providing services has the resources
Businesses:
- sectoral initiatives
- increase working relationships with EDC and companies coming to our region
- marketing toward businesses to get them more involved in workforce development
- illustrate dollars and cents benefits to businesses
- give recognition and show community relations of businesses
- get publicity for their businesses
Training Resources:
- establish funding priorities
- increase role as convener/partnership builder/outreacher
- better link to support and help mobilize other efforts
- leverage economies of scale to maximize resources
Craig Baker updated the group on the business plan schedule.
Eddie Johnson motioned to adjourn. Paul Correia seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
Adjourned at 9:10 am.
Respectfully submitted,
Craig Baker
04-23-07 Performance Measurement Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Performance Measurement Committee
Meeting Minutes
04/23/07
GNB Career Center
Members in attendance: Mike Kramer, Chair, Roger Masson, Carl Waal, Larry Weldon
Members absent: John Fernandes (called), David Maher
Workforce Development System staff attending: Ed Dennehy, Mike Travers, Lara Stone
Chair Mike Kramer called the meeting to order at 1:10 pm.
Minutes of the March 5, 2007 meeting were accepted. Motion to approve minutes made by Larry Weldon, Seconded by Carl Waal.
Operations Report
The Executive Director of New Directions reported on the CC operations and distributed the Performance report. An extension for Worker Certification Grant has been approved without cost through October of 2007 in order to serve the targeted number of people outlined in the grant. Two Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund Applications were submitted from this region (Manufacturing focus in New Bedford and a multi-partner application for a Skills Center in Wareham). 65 Proposals were submitted and Ed outlined that the response back from the State might be delayed into May. Carl Waal discussed targeted outreach to employers and the Committee suggested that it would be beneficial to track how/if the targeted outreach is working and what to attribute increases to at the Career Center.
2006 WIB Assessment/Charter Review
Committee reviewed the materials for 2006 WIB staff, board and Executive Committee assessment as part of 2006 Charter Review. Discussion was held as to what is a “reasonable” expectation to make of WIB members and their participation in annual and committee meetings. It was determined that the survey would be reviewed, updated and re-sent in May of this year so that results could be tallied by PMC Mtg on June 11th at 1PM. PMC Members will schedule to meet with Ex. Comm. in Sept. to review results and to follow up on commitments made by Ex. Comm. last year.
FY '08 Business Plan Review
PMC Members were encouraged to attend the joint meeting of the Planning and Finance Committees to review the FY ’08 Business Plan. Meeting is scheduled for May 10th from 8:30 to 9:30 AM.
FY '08 Charter Review
PM Committee members discussed the staggered Charter Review process for the next several years:
Business Services and WIB Assessment ‘06-‘07
Partners & Vendors ‘07-‘08
Job Seekers ‘08-‘09
Ed Dennehy and staff present performance and organization highlights annually. The approach for the fall will be to tack onto a quarterly CC Partners Meeting (Ed will provide this information to the Committee) and establish a Vendor Meeting date. Concerns surfaced regarding vendor attendance at such a meeting and the fact that there are only about 12-15 vendors that frequently partner with the Career Center to enroll customers. Effort will be made to outreach to vendors and ensure their participation. Contract with vendors will also be reviewed. The calendar for Charter Review this year will be as follows:
Sept. 2007- Review of WIB Survey results with the Executive Committee
Sept.- Oct. 2007- Career Center Partners Meeting
Sept.-Oct. 2007- Vendor Meeting
Other
Next Meeting of the Committee was changed from June 4 to June 11 at 1:00 PM at the Career Center. This will allow results of WIB survey to be tallied and discussed at the meeting.
Motion to adjourn at 2:12 PM: Made by Larry Weldon, Seconded by Carl Waal. Approved.
The next PMC meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2007, 1:00 PM at the GNB Career Center
Respectfully submitted,
Lara H. Stone
Consultant
© 2001 Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
227 Union Street, Suite 206, New Bedford, MA 02740-5946
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