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Archive: February 2007 Minutes
02-26-07 Marketing and Publicity Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Marketing and Publicity Committee Meeting Minutes
02/26/07
Regency Building in New Bedford
Members present: Chair, Charlie Winterhalter, Charles Ryan, Michelle Hantman, James Butler
Members absent: Anthony Folco, Roy Nascimento, Thomas Davis, Andrew Guilbeault, Fernando Garcia, James Mathis
Workforce Development System staff attending: Craig Baker, Diann Haynes
Jim Butler motioned to approve the January 8, 2007 meeting minutes, Charlie Ryan seconded and carried unanimously.
The group discussed making sure the billboard graphic represents the ethnically diverse population that we serve. Once the graphic is selected, the graphic will be included into the design and we can begin firming up the price to have it made. The One-Stop Career Center business brochure is also scheduled to be completed soon. It was suggested that Brenda Francis should be a part of the committee because much of the marketing is focusing on the Career Center.
Jim Butler discussed a workforce development page he would like to run in the Compass. The page needs sponsorship with the idea that businesses could have their logo on the page along with an article about their company and how they are helping workforce, education, and/or economic development. It was suggested that businesses be surveyed to see if they would be willing to sponsor in the amount needed before moving ahead with development. The added value would be that Jim is discussing with Tom Davis a Business Park section that would also enable sponsoring businesses to list their job openings at no charge in a separate section.
With a limited budget, the group is still looking for ways to take advantage of free coverage to market and promote. Effort should be made to create public service messages that the media will carry.
Meeting adjourned @ 9:15am.
Next Meeting: April 9, 2007 8:15am – Regency Bldg.
Respectfully submitted,
Craig Baker
02-15-07 Executive Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
02/15/07
Brandon Woods of Dartmouth
Members present: Kathleen Del Sordo, David J. Ferreira, Michael Kramer, Richard Mello, and Susan Peterson
Members absent: Charles Simpson (called), Bruce Morell (called), John Fernandes (called), Anthony Sapienza (called), Charlie Winterhalter
WIB Members present: Carl Waal
Workforce Development System staff attending: Len Coriaty, Ed Dennehy, Jean Fox, Steve Grant, Sheila Sullivan-Jardim
The meeting was called to order at 4.35 p.m.
Consent Agenda
No quorum – No Vote
Susan Peterson gave the Treasurer’s Report. She noted that the Finance Committee voted to assign $20K in monies that were available from unexpended salary reserves, lower fringe benefit costs, and unfilled positions to ITAs. Sue indicated that there have been no rent payments on the Quest Center building because there is still no lease. As a result, $65-70K earmarked for rent remains in the reserve fund. She also noted that no money was budgeted for rent last year at all because of the agreement with the city to make physical improvements to the building in lieu of rent payments. Finally, upon consolidation of the WIB and its financial arm, the books will need to be changed.
Ed Dennehy commented on Career Center utilization. So far this fiscal year, some 6,000 people have been served. He projects that 11,000 people seeking assistance with their job search or unemployment benefits will take advantage of the Career Center by the end of the fiscal year, outpacing last year’s utilization. This number is for both New Bedford and Wareham. However, he indicated that there has been a noteworthy influx of unemployable people, most of whom are immigrants lacking proper documentation. The skill gap is widening, he said.
Richard Mello then commented on the RD&P Committee meeting that took place earlier in the day. The first issue discussed concerned procurement procedures. The procurement document needs revising and updating. DWDA and WIB staff will conduct a review and make recommendations to the committee.
Detailed discussion ensued on the Workforce Competitive Trust Fund (WCTF), with Len Coriaty providing some clarification. The committee agreed to move forward with a manufacturing proposal, with the WIB as the lead and move forward with a customer service proposal in conjunction with the Wareham skills center initiative with New Directions Southcoast, Inc. as the lead. With the recent commercial development in Wareham, some 700+ jobs will be created within the year. Retailers have stressed the need for enhanced customer service skills, particularly among entry level candidates. The state has targeted WCTF monies totaling $1.1 million for four workforce investment areas in Southeastern Massachusetts. The committee concluded that these two areas would have the greatest likelihood of being funded.
Len also noted that the committee was exploring the possibility of approaching SRPEDD in connection with a $25K, six-month planning grant, which would target Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analyses of area communities. These analyses would permit the development of a model incorporating education, business, and training. Sue Peterson, in her capacity as a SRPEDD Board member was confident that limiting target communities for the analyses would pose no problem and mentioned several examples (Taunton River Watershed Project) where such was the case.
Len noted that those who receive the planning grant may subsequently pursue an implementation grant. The total statewide funding for these grants is about $2 million.
Richard then discussed the Apprenticeship Working Group. He noted that organized labor is looking for statewide involvement, not just in New Bedford. The Mayor is expected to meet with Chuck and Len for an update on this topic next week. In essence, everyone agrees to support the ongoing efforts.
Richard asked Jean Fox to summarize the LiteracyWorks effort to date. Jean informed the committee that she had been actively meeting with various stakeholders and gathering information. It is clear that immigration (both legal and illegal), high school retention, and educational attainment will likely be key components of the LiteracyWorks Advisory Committee’s discussions. Jean also informed the committee that the LiteracyWorks Advisory Committee is not yet in place but that good communication has occurred during the week. Once there is a champion in place, action will be taken on finalizing committee composition.
The final topic discussed at the RD&P Committee meeting was the FY ‘08 Business Plan. Craig had presented his recommendations to the committee. These include preparation of a 2 – 3 year plan; recognizing that core services are at the Career Center, which is already stretched thin; being prepared to function/prioritize in the event of a significant (15%) funding cut; continuation of Work Cert, LiteracyWorks, and P 21; engaging in more aggressive and diversified resource development.
Mike Kramer advised the committee that the latest (4th) draft of the Charter Review has been circulated.
Sheila Sullivan-Jardim delivered the Youth Report. She informed the committee that the Youth Council did not receive the $60K DYS grant; however, the proposal was funded at $40K from another source. This success was due largely through an innovative training model and Brian’s positive interaction with DYS.
Youth Program procurement for FY ‘08 is slated to begin this week. Information on the effort will be posted on the WIB website in the next day or two. There was consensus that continuing with “youth voice” was essential. This year in-school youth will be involved in the in-school procurement process; out-of-school youth will be involved in the out-of-school youth procurement process.
The meeting for the Drug and Alcohol Policy Working Group has not yet occurred. Efforts are underway to schedule this meeting.
Len delivered the legislative update. He informed the committee that he and Craig had met with Rep. Koczera regarding the possible expansion of the Work Certification Program and requested $200K for each of the next two years. The program is producing tangible results with both employers and job seekers. Len noted that we are also preparing a 6-month no-cost extension of the current program from the state. He also noted his work with Senator Montigny’s staff and a letter that went out today to Senator Montigny requesting $200K for the next two years. This amount would extend the program to some 200 people each year. In addition, it would allow for expansion of services beyond the three communities currently served.
Len then discussed the WIB delinquency report. He and staff have compiled a list of members who have not been attending meetings, nor have they called in their absence. There are 11 names on the list. Where the Board is somewhat burdensome at its current level of 67, these members are taxing the time and resources of staff who attempt to contact them regularly and who ensure that they are kept current on WIB activities and events. A total membership of 45 is preferred. Len agreed to work with Chuck and bring the matter of delinquency to the Mayor’s attention.
The WIB office has been undergoing an operations monitoring exercise focused on WIB certification. The review appears to be going well. After meeting with monitoring personnel tomorrow, Len expects a written report within 30 days.
For the summer youth employment effort, the mayor has pledged to fund 250 slots. Len reported that the campaign will be broadened to approach more businesses for employment commitments or funding. This effort also includes 150 14-15 year olds who will be in stipend positions.
Len reminded the committee that the Graduation Summit will take place on Monday, March 5th in Worcester.
Citing no other business, the meeting adjourned at 6:04 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean C. Fox
02-15-07 Finance Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Finance Committee
02/15/07
Brandon Woods of Dartmouth
Finance Committee members present: Susan Peterson, Chair; Maria Pinarreta, Carl Waal
Finance Committee members absent: Bruce Morell (called), David Pelletier (called), Chuck Simpson (called)
Workforce Development System staff in attendance: Len Coriaty, Ed Dennehy, Steve Grant, Annie Massicotte
Chair Susan Peterson called the meeting to order at 3:30 pm. She welcomed Carl Waal as a new member to the Finance Committee.
- Consent Agenda:
The Minutes of the 01/18/07 Finance Committee meeting, and the Treasurer’s Report for the period 01/07/07 through 01/31/07 were approved on a motion by Maria Pinarreta. The motion was seconded by Carl Waal and carried unanimously.
- Fiscal Reports / Updates:
- DWDA - Steve Grant reported on spending through 01/31/07. Planned new hires by New Directions Southcoast should result in no additional lag in salaries going forward. To date there is significant lag in the fringe line due to over budgeting for dental coverage, as well as the fact that medical coverage costs will be closer to 25-26% - compared to the budgeted 28%. Steve has also accrued payroll taxes to cover the unemployment tax over the next two quarters.
Steve stated he would not recommend moving all salary lag into the ITA line, and suggested keeping some as carry-over. Ed Dennehy said he would not object to moving $20K of the salary lag into the ITA line. Carl Waal made a motion to transfer $20K from the salary lag line to the ITA training line. The motion was seconded by Maria Pinarreta and carried unanimously.
Steve also mentioned that some of the lag can be considered spent this year because he’s already paid out approximately $7K for client travel, books and uniforms for Adults and Dislocated Workers (in comparison to $6,700. total spent last year).
Under the DTA Post Employment Services (PES) we have exceeded incentive payouts by about $9K. The necessary internal communication/procedures required to keep that item within budget has been corrected so it should not present a problem going forward. Ed approached DTA about increasing this year’s funding for PES, along with offering to increase DTA Skills Enrollments and Entered Employments. DTA has agreed to increase PES by $20K and we have agreed to take on 6 additional enrollments and 4 additional Entered Employments. The additional $20 will cover our $9K shortfall and allow continued incentives for the remained of the Fiscal Year.
Based on the balance of funds in the WorkCert budget, an extension was requested through 09/30/07.
- DCS - Carl Waal reported the following:
There will be no MOU forthcoming with MRC. Due to severe funding shortfalls, be will no longer have DCS staff stationed at MRC. The downside is the loss of $25k from MRC. On the other hand, with ongoing business services challenges, we have our most experienced employer rep back with us an additional day each week.
We have received additional funding to support the SkillStart program - the food stamp support program operated by our JRJS/EAS staff at the DTA office. We intend to utilize the money to support job development by New Directions staff out of the career center.
Repainting of the CC interior is out for bid, with the closing date of March 2nd. This project is being funded by DCS facilities.
Office build out at the CC may begin as soon as the end of the month. The project will take about two days. Several staff are being shifted - in addition to their computer systems and phone lines.
- WIB - Annie Massicotte presented the WIB Expenditure Report through 01/31/07. DWDA invoicing is caught up through December. Spending appears to be on track. For the next Finance Committee meeting, Annie will add DCS rent, WorkCert, and LiteracyWorks to the WIB budget, as well as to the Expenditure Report.
A motion to accept the Fiscal Reports was made by Carl Waal, seconded by Maria Pinarreta and carried unanimously.
- New Directions / DWDA Updates:
Quest Center / RFP / Lease Agreement – Ed stated he is not aware of any reason the City would want to stick to a 1 year lease. The lawyers did not want to discuss the issue ahead of the RFP process. Carl Waal stated that the GNB CC is very busy between 8:30a and noon, and they’re seen as many as 181 people come through the doors during that timeframe.
WIB / DWDA Consolidation – Len reported that a working group (Steve, Rosetta, Sheila and Annie) had met to review both sets of benefits and had made recommendations. Len plans to meet with the group to review the recommendations. He also plans to meet with Hampden County Executive Director who has recently gone through a similar consolidation. Steve has been putting together a list of the DCS required documents, which need to be reviewed by Len, and are due to DCS by 3/30/07. Once their review is completed, DCS is expected to issue a letter by 5/18/07 agreeing in principle to the certification of the WIB as Fiscal Agent. DCS will follow-up with an on-site audit in September, 2007.
- Other Business
Reserve Interest Earning – Steve stated that in January he sent out 6 letters different banks and credit unions. He received a response from Slade’s Ferry that they could do better than what we presently get from Bank of America. He also spoke to 3 credit union reps. The credit unions did not express an interest since they cater more to individuals than businesses.
Steve is contesting the bill that he received from Sovereign for $6,900 – a fee for not maintaining a required balance. Sovereign had previously waved this fee and Steve has never received notification otherwise.
- Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 4:30 pm on a motion made by Carl Waal, and seconded by Maria Pinarreta.
Next meeting: 03/08/07 – 3:30 pm – Brandon Woods of Dartmouth.
Respectfully submitted,
Annie Massicotte
Business Office Manager
02-15-07 Resource Development and Planning Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Resource Development and Planning Committee
Meeting Minutes
02/15/07
GNB WIB Conference Room 207
Members present: Richard Mello, Chair; Paul Correia, Ed Dennehy, Eddie Johnson, Jeffrey Travers
Members absent: Deborah Britton-Flores, David DeJesus, Lisa Jochim, Jim Snow, Dean Robert Ward, Marilyn Whalley
Workforce Development System staff in attendance: Craig Baker, Len Coriaty, Jean Fox
Meeting started 8:12am.
Consent Agenda
Minutes of the 01/18/07 meeting were approved on a motion by Ed Dennehy, seconded by Eddie Johnson, and carried unanimously.
Procurment Manual:
Ed Dennehy said we need a manual that applies specifically to the WIB and include language for the “lead operator” instead of being specific to New Direction. New Directions would make it’s own manual, using the WIB one as a basis. The New Directions board is expecting him to come back with something on how to conduct fiscal business. To date, the manual has worked and needs to be looked at more closely by staff.
Len Coriaty clarified that the existing manual was put together in response to a state audit. It includes a conflict of interest form, and that state and federal requirements must be met first. Paul Correia expressed concern that members could still influence procurement. Members would need to refrain from voting and sign the form up front. Len Coriaty assured that we will continue to scrutinize and that one of the most important things we do is maintain the integrity of these contracts as a neutral broker.
WCTF Grant:
Craig Baker reviewed the grant and the group agreed that the three options made sense to pursue. 1) New Directions be the lead for the customer service/ skills center. 2) GNBWIB pursue manufacturing 3) See if SRPEDD will apply for a planning grant.
Apprenticeship:
Eddie Johnson said we need a statewide plan and that it will be discussed with the WIB Chair. The Chair and Mayor would need to submit a letter to the governor and that trying to do this through the apprenticeship group is too fractured. Len Coriaty updated the group on the progress of the apprenticeship working group to date and suggested we bring Umass Dartmouth into the mix.
LiteracyWorks:
Jean Fox gave an update of her progress pointing out that a major issue with immigrants is the complexity around dealing with documented versus undocumented individuals. Paul Correia added that immigrants fill a huge labor gap. Jeff Traverse said that with public funds the children born in the US are eligible with many parents ineligible. Len Coriaty said these are the most compelling issues for the advisory board.
Paul suggested that a component of citizenship be ESOL and that ESOL/Immigrant services be helping with CORI’s and available services to help these people. Jeff suggested mandatory orientation for parents.
Jean and Len are working with the Mayor to identify a champion. Tony Sapienza declined to champion the initiative. Jean will continue looking at successes from other entrepreneurs.
Business Plan:
Craig Baker suggested we bring the Chairs from each committee and other stakeholders to begin discussing our FY’08 business plan. We should also consider what happens in lieu of another budget cut.
Adjourned at 10:00 am.
Respectfully submitted,
Craig Baker
(NOTE: Added to these 2/15/07 RD&P minutes (on 3-09-07) per Craig Baker’s request)
Summary of Three Compelling Issues for the LiteracyWorks Initiative
1. Immigration
The population of undocumented aliens is increasing, while the number of legal aliens entering the region has declined. The illegal status of so many people taps local resources, including education and health care. These individuals are not eligible for financial aid for higher education, nor can they legally work. Also, stricter controls and restrictions on green card renewal have created a subpopulation of formerly legal aliens. They do not renew for fear of deportation. Immigrants have been filling a labor “gap,” but they overwhelmingly lack technology and higher level job skills. However, those enrolled in area ESOL classes tend to demonstrate a solid work ethic and noteworthy motivation that employers may find appealing. Adding a citizenship component to ESOL might be a useful tool.
2. Graduation Rates
Only about 57% of New Bedford high school students graduate. Some of the dropouts eventually attend GED classes and obtain a credential, but most are either attempting to enter the workforce with substandard skills or are unemployed. Because job creation in this region hinges on technology and other more advanced skill sets, local dropouts are not finding jobs as easily as their parents did 20 –25 years ago. As a result, they are also tapping into local resources. Many educators have observed that students are “giving up” on their education to enter the job market and help provide support to their families and their lifestyle. Others have observed that a significant portion of the area population does not comprehend the necessity of a high school diploma to earn an honest wage. Still others point to the growing number of students with limited English proficiency. Renewed emphasis on literacy and earning power, starting in elementary schools and continuing throughout high school, should be considered.
3. Educational Underattainment
There is consensus that the region’s low educational attainment rate is problematic. In light of the fact that most new jobs require at least some education beyond the high school level, this aspect of the workforce is becoming more critical. Given the financial constraints under which many area residents operate, college tuition and fees become prohibitive. Families often consider it more expedient for their teen to enter the workforce than to enter college. For decades, people could leave high school and obtain one of the once-plentiful manufacturing jobs in the region. Generations of families often worked for the same company. There was no perceived need to pursue higher education. However, out sourcing and relocation have eliminated a significant number of jobs in the manufacturing sector. There is fierce competition for the remaining entry-level manufacturing jobs. In addition, college graduates are leaving the region and the state in record numbers, citing a number of reasons. This “brain drain” impacts overall educational attainment.
02-05-07 Performance Measurement Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Performance Measurement Committee
Meeting Minutes
02/05/07
GNB Career Center
Members in attendance: Mike Kramer, Chair; Dave Maher, Carl Waal, Larry Weldon
Members absent: John Fernandes (called), Roger Masson, Jeanne Vulgaris
Workforce Development System staff attending: Brenda Francis, Sheila Sullivan-Jardim, Mike Travis
Chair Mike Kramer called the meeting to order at 1:05pm.
The Chair welcomed the newest member, Dave Maher, to the Committee. The Chair also reminded the Committee that with the addition of the new members, quorum is now three out of the seven members present.
Minutes of the January 8, 2007 meeting were accepted. Motion to approve minutes made by L. Weldon, Seconded by C. Waal. Approved.
Operations Report
The Career Center Director reported on the CC operations for the Executive Director and distributed the Performance report. She reported the following:
- The attached Performance Measurements Summary Report is a new version of the Weekly Report and has resulted from an effort to provide more accurate and up to date data from the MOSES System. Numbers for the EAS population are not specified in the Plan because of the changes in the method of reporting. It is still a work in progress and there will be some refinements over time. This report shows the same information categories as before but also shows the source of the data.
- The performance numbers and percentages are looking very good through January and we feel confident that we will again reach our goals in all WIA categories. Work Cert numbers are still low and a six-month extension is being requested.
- The level of activity at the Career Centers has not slowed down at all this year and, at this rate, they project servicing 11,000 job seekers by the end of the FY. There are a lot more job seekers recently with significant barriers to employment, primarily those with very low education levels and many Spanish speakers little to no English. The word has gotten out to the community that the Career Center is the place to go to for employment. While this is good news, it also presents a challenge as to how they serve all these clients. The Career Center is continuing to work on a referral system that will allow them to refer out clients who may be served better elsewhere (Family services, Legal services, ESL etc.).
- The ITA balance is as follows: Adults: $17,553, Dislocated Workers: $3740, and Youth: $18,115. There is also the $10,000 from the Performance Award.
- New Directions Southcoast has received notice from the IRS that their application for 501(c)(3) status has been approved.
- A first draft of a customer satisfaction tool is expected during March.
- Staff have been participating in Baldrige training and Myers Briggs training over the course of the year as a professional development activity. The staff have been very receptive to this training and management recognizes the value added to employees.
Charter Review
The latest draft of the Charter review was sent out to Committee members and comments are being solicited. We have found that most of the small businesses contacted are companies with 1-2 employees, mostly family, who are not doing any hiring. As most businesses use the CC for hiring purposes, we need to find a different way to serve these small businesses. This could be through the Chamber, identification of tax incentives, apprenticeships etc. Also discussed was the breakdown of businesses by size. S. Jardim will forward this information to the Committee.
Other
The Wareham CC through New Directions will be applying for a Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund grant. The focus of the grant will be Customer Service in the retail, hospitality and tourism industries. We will also have the opportunity to build in a Work Cert component. The three year grant will primarily serve existing businesses the first year and incorporate businesses from the new mall in Wareham the second. Partners in this endeavor include CVS, Home Depot, Staples, the Brockton WIB, Southcoastal WIB and Cape Cod WIB.
The Committee will be reviewing the recommendations made by the PMC to the Executive Committee to see what progress has been made over the course of the year. M. Kramer will forward the materials used in last year’s assessment to the Committee for review. S. Jardim will forward the chart that was developed regarding the consistent absenteeism of Board members.
Jean Fox has accepted the position of Literacy Entrepreneur and started with the WIB on January 16th. She will be networking the different Literacy programs throughout the region and developing a strategy on future collaborations.
New Directions has responded to the RFP put out by the city for the premises on Purchase ST. It is believed that they are the only organization to respond to the RFP. They should hear more on this during the month of March.
Motion to adjourn: Made by C. Waal, Seconded by L. Weldon. Approved.
The next PMC meeting is scheduled for March 5, 2007, at the GNBCC
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila Sullivan-Jardim
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