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Archive: December 2006 Minutes
12-11-06 Marketing and Publicity Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Marketing and Publicity Committee Meeting Minutes
12/11/06
Regency Building in New Bedford
Members present: Charlie Winterhalter, Chair; James Butler, Roy Nascimento
Members absent: Thomas Davis, Anthony Folco, Fernando Garcia, Andrew Guilbeault, James Mathis, Charles Ryan
Workforce Development System staff attending: Craig Baker, Ed Dennehy, Diann Haynes
James Butler motioned to approve the 10/13/06 minutes. Tony Folco seconded and the vote was carried unanimously.
Roy Nacimento motioned to approve the 11/13/06 minutes. Jim Butler seconded and the vote was carried unanimously.
Charlie Winterhalter brought the group up to speed on latest developments in gathering other organization’s annual calendars to see if we can compliment any marketing in the region. In addition to the Career Centers, we’ve asked SRPD, SCEC, and have on file the SRPEDD plan. We’ll also be contacting the Chamber for planned events.
The group reviewed the boilerplate document. Ed Dennehy added that New Directions is now New Directions SouthCoast, Inc. The group also reviewed marketing plan modifications that more accurately reflect the current activity of the WIB.
In reviewing the marketing plan changes, Jim Butler said the WIB to the average person means nothing. How can we give it a personality? Job seekers need to know the Career Center. We need to connect employers to influences in the community. Charlie added that a large number of businesses do not know about the Career Center. We can’t just have stuff in print. We need to reach out to them and draw them in to take advantage of training efforts.
Ed Dennehy said the calendar he put together highlights the events he’d like to promote. Efforts now will focus on developing the action steps to promote a selected group of events for the next meeting.
Meeting adjourned @ 9:00am.
Next Meeting: Jan 8th, 2007 8:15am – 9:15am – Regency Bldg.
Respectfully submitted,
Craig Baker
12-07-06 Executive Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
12/07/06
Brandon Woods of Dartmouth
Members present: Joseph Michaud, Chair, Kathleen Del Sordo, Vice-Chair; Susan Peterson, John Fernandes, Richard Mello, Charlie Winterhalter
Members absent: David J. Ferreira (called), Charles R. Simpson (called), Anthony Sapienza (called), Michael Kramer (called), Bruce Morell (called)
WIB Members present: Peter Kavanaugh
Workforce Development System staff attending: Len Coriaty, Ed Dennehy, Brian Hannon, Sheila Sullivan-Jardim, Carl Waal
Chair, Joseph Michaud, called the meeting to order at 4:40 p.m.
Chair Michaud announced that he was in possession of two written voting proxies from committee members Tony Sapienza and David Ferreira.
Susan Peterson made a motion to accept the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Richard Mello and carried unanimously.
GNBWIB Executive Director, Len Coriaty, presented proposed WIB bylaw revisions. Len reported on an Executive Committee recommendation to place a cap on the membership of the WIB. The cap is being established to promote efficient management of WIB matters, to ensure a quorum is met, and to establish value for being selected as a WIB member. Len recommended that the membership be capped at 45 and that level be achieved from the current level of 69 members over the next three years through attrition. Chair Joseph Michaud stated that most boards are much smaller than the WIB in order to be more effective in their work. L. Coriaty reported that there were a number of WIB members who are delinquent in regard to attendance at quarterly and subcommittee meetings. Other bylaw revisions included clarification that non-WIB members may not make a motion at a WIB meeting, as well as clarification of WIB member appointment terms for Career Center partners and non Career Center partners. S. Peterson made a motion to
accept the recommendations and to forward them to the full WIB. The motion was seconded by Richard Mello and carried unanimously. John Fernandes described our structure that allows for involvement without a person being a full WIB member.
Susan Peterson reported on the Finance Committee’s acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report. S. Peterson reported that there were a few pending issues; New Directions lease not complete, DWDA reserve funds, and the need for a new Assistant Treasurer in the event Chuck Simpson is elected to the WIB Chair position. L. Coriaty reported that the WIB received a WIA Performance Incentive Award and presented a spending plan for those dollars to include:
$ 1,500 – Employee Appreciation;
$ 1,000 – Adaptive equipment upgrades for the Career Center’s disabled customers;
$ 1,000 – Upgraded software for the Youth Department Case Managers;
$ 6,500 – Upgraded equipment for the Career Centers and staff with special emphasis on
providing ergonomically correct workstations; and,
$10,000 – Additional ITA funding for WIA Title I Adult customers.
Ed Dennehy reported that training funds would be running out early in the new year. E. Dennehy also reported on prioritizing local residents for these funds. Other workforce investment areas can send clients to our workforce investment area in order to access training dollars. J. Fernandes asked how the state distributes the training dollars, to which Ed Dennehy responded that they are formula funds. E. Dennehy also stated that local boards can set priority with regard to residents, and recommended that we do so. Peter Kavanaugh asked how much, in total as well as per client, funding is available. E. Dennehy responded that there was $130,000 available this year for approximately 40 clients. S. Peterson motioned for acceptance of the recommended spending plan associated with the incentive award. J. Fernandes seconded the motion. Upon discussion, P. Kavanaugh inquired as to the “employee appreciation” line. E. Dennehy described it as an employee holiday party. P. Kavanaugh asked that the decision to use funds for employee events be discussed in an executive session. E. Dennehy stated that we would need to see if that in any way violated the open meeting law. P. Kavanaugh suggested that WIB members fund such a party as opposed to using these types of dollars. The motion passed unanimously.
Richard Mello gave the Resource Development & Planning Committee Report and gave a Worker Certification handout. R. Mello also described the need to identify and engage a prominent local person to be a “champion” for Literacy Works. L. Coriaty added that this person needs to be visible in the community as well as increase resource development activities. A prospective “Champion” is under consideration. A lengthy discussion followed in which the Executive Committee discussed the need for a mobilization of the community around education attainment and literacy needs.
Shelia Jardim reported for the Performance Committee and added that 20 Board members participated in the business survey process. S. Jardim also stated that the OSCC partner portion of the survey was completed. S. Peterson commented on the difficulty of contacting employers with respect to the business survey.
Brian Hannon reported on the Youth Council. B. Hannon provided some programmatic updates including $60,000 in resource development. B. Hannon went on to describe an issue with performance reimbursement in regard to an FY ’06 vendor grievance. B. Hannon reported the following: In FY ’06, an out-of-school WIA vendor, the YouthBuild program, did not meet contracted performance standards. YouthBuild completed the year meeting 66% of the performance standards. All WIA contracts require that vendors meet a 90% standard. YouthBuild requested a grievance procedure seeking special consideration concerning a performance exemption. This request for exemption, equal to $8,931, was based on the following:
- YouthBuild did not receive adequate referrals from the framework Services Provider. YouthBuild felt they were unable to meet performance by no fault of their own.
- The lack of referrals due to mutually exclusive intake, enrollment service processes of both agencies
- YouthBuild spends $7,100 per youth - they were funded at $5,000 per youth via the WIA contract. YouthBuild, even if given full reimbursement, “loses” $2,100 per WIA youth.
- YouthBuild was given exemption in FY ’05 by the previous Youth Council Director.
The issue followed the Youth Council grievance process, first being presented to the Youth Council Director, then the Youth Council Executive Committee, and then the full Youth Council. The Youth Council Director first denied YouthBuild’s request and recommended that the YC Executive Committee also deny the request. On 10/20/06, the YC Executive Committee decided to put the issue to the full Youth Council for vote.
On, 11/29/06, the full Youth Council voted to give YouthBuild special consideration based on reasoning bulleted above. The Youth Council voiced a strong desire to ensure the grievance procedure did not punish a vendor for actions outside of their control. Youth Council feedback centered on how this process was able to do so, while preserving the integrity of the procedure. Furthermore, the Youth Council charged the Youth Council Director with evaluating and reporting on the performance standards and how they will impact vendors in the future. This information will be provided by the next Youth Council quarterly meeting. P. Kavanaugh questioned why a program, which did not meet the established performance standards, would be given special consideration. B. Hannon responded that the final YC decision was based on the idea that a vendor did not receive adequate numbers of referrals in order to be successful. S. Peterson made a motion for accepting the YC’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by John
Fernandes and carried unanimously.
Charlie Winterhalter provided the Marketing and Publicity Committee report. C. Winterhalter reported that the committee is refining the WIB message and drawing parallels between the message of economic development and other partners such as the SouthCoast Education Compact, the SouthCoast Development Partnership, etc.
L. Coriaty provided the Executive Director’s report. L. Coriaty reported that volunteers were needed for Monday’s Workforce Development Transition Team meeting at UMass Dartmouth. L. Coriaty also referenced the WIB Association White Paper, which will drive the statewide message to the transition team.
Chair Michaud asked if there was additional business to which the group expressed tremendous gratitude for his work with the WIB. The Executive Committee applauded Chair Michaud’s dedication to the Board.
Citing no other business, Chair Michaud closed the meeting at 5:51 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Brian J. Hannon
Youth Council Director
12-07-06 Finance Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Finance Committee
12/07/06
Brandon Woods of Dartmouth
Finance Committee members present: Susan Peterson, Chair; Maria Pinarreta, Chuck Simpson
Finance Committee members absent: David Pelletier (called), Bruce Morell, (called)
Workforce Development System staff in attendance: Len Coriaty, Ed Dennehy, Steven Grant, Carl Waal, Annie Massicotte
Chair Susan Peterson called the meeting to order at 3:33 PM.
- Consent Agenda:
The Minutes of the 11/16/06 Finance Committee meeting, and the Treasurer’s Report for the period 11/01/06 through 11/30/06 were approved on a motion by Maria Pinarreta. The motion was seconded by Chuck Simpson and carried unanimously.
- Fiscal Reports / Updates:
- DWDA - Steve Grant reviewed FY ‘07 spending through 11/30/06. Ed Dennehy estimates ITA funding will run out of money by January. Chuck suggested Ed should report to the Executive Committee members at their meeting immediately following the Finance Committee meeting.
At the last Finance Committee meeting Steve noted that MRC had cut $35K from the budget. Susan had asked if this cut was made to every WIB or just GNB. The question was tabled until further research could be done. Carl Waal reported that the money is in fact available for New Bedford.
A motion to accept the DWDA Fiscal Report was made by Maria Pinarreta, seconded by Susan Peterson and carried unanimously.
- WIB - Annie Massicotte presented the WIB Expenditure Report through 11/30/06. Spending is on track.
A motion to accept the WIB Fiscal Report was made by Chuck Simpson, seconded by Maria Pinarreta and carried unanimously.
- New Directions / DWDA Updates:
FY 2006 WIA Performance Incentive Award – The GNB Workforce Investment Area, through the Career Center Operator, has met or exceeded the annual goals for all 17 WIA Title I Performance Measures, and have qualified for a $20,000 Performance Incentive Award.
The Leadership Team, consisting of the Executive Director and Deputy Director of New Directions; the Executive Director, Director of Strategy and Policy, and Resource Development and Planning Director of the WIB Staff; the DCS Field Manager; and the Fiscal Agent, are making the following recommendations for the expenditure of these funds:
- $1,500 – Employee Appreciation;
- $1,000 – Adaptive equipment upgrades for the Career Center’s disabled customers;
- $1,000 – Upgraded software for the Youth Department Case Managers;
- $6,500 – Upgraded equipment for the Career Centers and staff with special emphasis on providing ergonomically correct workstations; and,
- $10,000 – Additional ITA funding for WIA Title I Adult Customers.
Chuck Simpson made a motion to approve the Recommended Use of FY 2006 WIA Performance Incentive Award. The motion was seconded by Susan Peterson and carried unanimously.
501(c)(3) Application – Ed stated the application has been submitted, and they are in business with a temporary letter.
Quest Center / ND License Agreement – It was suggested that Ed ask the City Solicitor’s office for a draft lease so the Finance Committee can review it.
WIB / DWDA Consolidation – Len stated that a letter had been sent to the State from the Mayor, requesting that the GNBWIB be designated as the Fiscal Agent.
- Other Business
Reserve Interest Earning Recommendation – Steve stated that this was an ongoing process. He’s working on an RFP to go out after the first of the year.
Residency Requirement – Ed informed the committee of a residency requirement recommendation to the Resource Development & Planning Committee that was approved for forwarding to the Executive Committee. It provides priority status to GNB workforce investment area residents over residents from outside this area.
LiteracyWorks – Len announced that Commonwealth Corporation has lifted the freeze on their share of the funding and the WIB is moving ahead as previously planned.
- Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 4:25 PM on a motion made by Maria Pinarreta, and seconded by Chuck Simpson.
Next meeting: 01/18/07 – 3:30 PM – Brandon Woods of Dartmouth
Respectfully submitted,
Annie Massicotte
Business Office Manager
12-07-06 Resource Development and Planning Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Resource Development and Planning Committee
Meeting Minutes
12/07/06
GNB WIB Conference Room 207
Members present: Co Chairs, Richard Mello, Paul Correia, Ed Dennehy, Lisa Jochim, Eddie Johnson, Jeffrey Travers, Marilyn Whalley
Members absent: Co Chair David Mackley, Debora Britton-Flores, Dean Robert Ward, David DeJesus Jr., James Snow
Workforce Development System staff in attendance: Len Coriaty, Craig Baker, Sheila Sullivan-Jardim
Chairman Richard Mello called the meeting at 8:12am.
Consent Agenda
Minutes of the 10/19/06 meeting were approved on a motion by Ed Dennehy, seconded by Eddie Johnson, and carried unanimously.
Work Certified: Sheila Sullivan-Jardim updated the group on Work Certified. There are 15 participants in the current class and 28 of the 35 that have already gone through have found jobs averaging over $12/hr. She explained we are looking for a 6 month extension. We also submitted with Lisa Jochim’s Lifelong Learning group for some additional funding. Should hear this week on that.
Len Coriaty added that the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund RFP may offer an opportunity to include Work Certified as we view it as a staple program.
Literacy Works: Craig Baker explained that we’ve reestablished the commitment from CommCorp for $30K after the funding freeze. We’re in the process of second interviews for the entrepreneur.
Apprenticeship: In preparation for the Patrick/Murray transition team, Eddie Johnson asked the committee to take a boston.com article under consideration when discussing apprenticeships. Richard Mello said this was a Mayoral priority. Len Coriaty said the Apprenticeship workgroup has established two areas to concentrate. Some of the group will focus on enforcement of ordinances while others will concentrate on a Career Center event on Jan 23, 2007, and ways to more quickly increase numbers. Eddie added that a focus on women and non-traditional occupations still needs to be addressed. It’s a good bargaining tool. We should look to have an executive order to uphold these ordinances.
The group discussed how undocumented workers and prevailing wage affects the process. Paul Correia pointed out a Northeastern University study that shows the contribution immigrants make to the economy and that we need to focus on educating employers so they do not fear being tagged as hiring undocumented workers.
Eddie Johnson mentioned New York’s building trades program where 2 cents per man-hour gets put into a fund to help pay for training. He’s trying to get MA to look at this model where a board sets rates, supplements staff and determines classroom training that can be funded. Marilyn Whalley agreed saying we need to show people need this and negotiate with unions to provide supplemental training.
Eddie said immigrants without training create problems and we should look at how to get real Americans into programs. Ed Dennehy added that this involves a majority of non-union shops.
VOTE - Local Eligibility Requirements: Ed Dennehy provided history on eligibility requirements for One Stop Career Center services and requested to prioritize Title I funds for local individuals as we see folks from Fall River come here as Fall River runs out of money.
Marilyn Whalley motioned to accept the requirements as presented. Lisa Jochim seconded and the vote was carried unanimously.
Len Coriaty said this will be added to the Business Plan.
Snapshot/WIB Portfolio: Craig Baker asked the committee to consider whether the snapshot be used to show staff effort or broader community-wide initiatives. He added that the staff can show their direct involvement but would have a difficult time gather information on efforts in other organizations - many in other towns that we don’t even know exist today. Len Coriaty said we can work toward showing in what capacity we were involved – 5% for some things and 100% for others.
Craig presented a model for a WIB portfolio and urged the group to consider what measures make sense and getting the WIB on board. It was agreed that this is not yet ready for submitting the Performance Measurement Committee until further defined.
Adjourned at 9:25 am.
Respectfully submitted,
Craig Baker
12-04-06 Performance Measurement Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Performance Measurement Committee
Meeting Minutes
12/04/06
GNB Career Center
Members in attendance: Mike Kramer, Chair; John Fernandes, Roger Masson, Carl Waal
Members absent: Jean C. Vulgaris (called); Larry Weldon (called)
Workforce Development System staff attending: Ed Dennehy, Mike Travers, Sheila Sullivan-Jardim
Chair Mike Kramer called the meeting to order at 1:05pm.
Minutes of the November 13, 2006 meeting were accepted. Motion to approve minutes made by C. Waal, Seconded by M. Kramer.
Operations Report
The Executive Director reported on the CC operations and distributed the Performance report. The Veteran’s representative will be leaving to take a new job and the position is open. There may be difficulty in filling the position due to the number of ‘sots’ the state has available statewide.
Charter Review
R. Masson has agreed to randomize the list of businesses, which were obtained from ALMIS (America’s Labor Market Information System) database. The Director of Strategy & Policy gave an update on the status of the Business Services survey. Some results are coming in, but slowly. Due date is not until the 8th and a reminder will be sent out to participants. R. Masson will send additional names to S. Jardim in case callers need more names to meet their goal of six.
Committee Goals
Committee goals were distributed at the last PMC meeting. These goals were drawn from the Business Plan and the Association goals. They are acceptable to all members of the committee and measures were established to determine progress.
Other
We are currently undergoing the WIB Certification process and appear to be in full compliance with DCS. Results of the certification will be announced at the end of December.
The Planning Committee has asked the PMC to collaborate on developing qualitative measures. As they are still in the beginning stages of this process, they will approach the PMC when more definitive steps have been formed.
Motion to adjourn: Made by J. Fernandes, Seconded by C. Waal. Approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila Sullivan-Jardim
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