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Archive: March 2008 Minutes

03-06-08  Executive Committee Meeting  
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
03/06/08
First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union – Fairhaven

Members present: Charles Simpson, Jr., David J. Ferreira, Roger Masson, Richard Mello, Maria O. Pinarreta, Charles Winterhalter
Members absent: David DeJesus, Jr. (called), Bruce Morell (called), John Fernandes (called), Anthony Sapienza

WIB Member present: Carl Waal
Guest in attendance: Michael Kramer

Workforce Development System staff in attendance: Len Coriaty, Ed Dennehy, Jean Fox, Steve Grant, Louise Pelletier

Chair Simpson called the meeting to order at 4.35 p.m.

Consent Agenda:

A motion was made by Maria Pinarreta and seconded by Roger Masson to approve the draft Minutes of the 01/24/08 Executive Committee. The vote to approve was unanimous.

David Ferreira made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report, which reflects information through 01/31/08. The motion was seconded by Maria Pinarreta and carried unanimously.

Committee Updates

The committee took no action on the Charter Review Report, until a final report is issued by the Finance and Performance Measurement Committee.

Committee Updates

Other Business

Chairman Simpson noted that the New Directions Business Plan was well done and suggested that Mr. Dennehy conduct a comprehensive review of the Hampden County Plan to see how that plan addresses primary contractor issues and performance funds. Unfunded liabilities remain a major concern. Mr. Simpson further noted that the Hampden County Plan could be easily implemented locally. He emphasized the need to show progress towards a program and indicated a willingness to sit down with the New Directions Board Chairman and Mr. Dennehy in an effort to achieve this goal. In addition, he noted that New Directions is a 501(c)(3) that was created with no funds. Chairman Simpson requested that a discussion on an appropriate financial system be held at the next Executive Committee meeting. He further requested that copies of the plan be distributed to the entire Executive Committee as well as the Finance and Performance Committee, and all parties should provide Mr. Dennehy with feedback. Mr. Dennehy advised the committee that the plan is currently in draft form and awaits WIB feedback.

Mr. Winterhalter informed the committee about Business Development meetings. There has been good (about two-thirds) attendance at the first couple of meetings. He has divided the membership into three groups: Resource Development, Marketing, and Business Development. The next meeting is March 11. The team is working on formulating findings and goals for a document that can be presented at the next WIB Quarterly Meeting.

In addition, Mr. Winterhalter explained a concept, for which he will be requesting Executive Committee approval, to present at the next Quarterly Meeting. The idea was conceived by WIB staff member Craig Baker and is designed to help kick off the Youth Expo and the Summer Jobs Program. Each Board member would be asked to either provide a job for a youth or contribute $1,000 to the effort. The idea is “GIVE OR GET,” is essential to the WIB’s existence,” and is a vehicle for engaging all 60 members.

Mr. Coriaty reminded the committee that 269 youth were served in stipend and job opportunities last summer. The goal is a 10% increase, to 296. The approximate per-person cost is around $1,000. Mr. Coriaty noted that the recent Youth Summer Jobs kick off meeting with Mayor Lang and Attorney General Martha Coakley was extremely well attended and resulted in a number of committed jobs (10 from EDC, 20 in the Business Park, 10 through the Community Foundation, 10-12 from Nelson Hockert-Lotz and Domino’s) as well as a $10,000 donation from Attorney General Martha Coakley and $10,000 from Sprague Plumbing.

Mr. Winterhalter agreed that holding onto the 48 jobs secured last year and adding the recent 40 pledges is a good start. However, the $200,000 in support from the state last year is unlikely to be available this year. His hope is that the program can generate 200 jobs and $200,000 in funding. Mr. Coriaty informed the committee that he and Mr. Dennehy will be attending a strategy session tomorrow on the summer jobs program.

Maria Pinarreta made a motion to approve the presentation, which was seconded by Richard Mello. Chairman Simpson asked for discussion. Mr. Kramer asked if the funding covered the administrative costs of the program. Mr. Dennehy noted that there were some problems last year due to the paucity of money allocated for administration. Mr. Simpson advised the committee that the WIB’s financial arm is charged with ensuring that the budget contains appropriate administrative funding.

The motion was then voted and carried unanimously.

Chairman Simpson reminded the Executive Committee that he will not be available for the next Quarterly Meeting. Mr. DeJesus will be asked to chair the meeting.

Mr. Coriaty then informed the committee that a 5-member Youth Council Director Search Committee has been assembled and that interviews will be scheduled in the next couple of weeks.

Regarding some legislative follow up issues, Mr. Coriaty stated that he has been working with the Association and the Workforce Solutions group to support Governor Patrick’s initiative to add $4 million to the budget. In addition, there is a push for recapitalization of the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund. For One-Stops, the request is to increase the funding to $7.5 million, up from $5.5 million, partially to offset the federal cuts. Regarding Adult Education, Rep. Koczera is working to increase the $30 million proposed to $40 million. Mr. Coriaty noted that the $4.1 million appropriated for Connecting Activities is still below the $7.2 million received in the Economic Stimulus package, which should be the target in order to provide more internships for young people. We hope to return to the $7.2 million level in 2 years, the ask this year is for $5.7 million.

Mr. Coriaty then spoke about a couple of earmarks. Rep. Koczera is working to secure $100,000 to continue Work Cert and bring it to New Bedford. Rep. Cabral is pushing for earmarks for fishermen’s safety and environmental cleanup. He is expected to speak to the Chair of Ways and Means next week. Mr. Coriaty is drafting a letter for Mayor Lang’s signature requesting additional funding for the summer youth jobs initiative as well.

Mr. Coriaty expanded on the fishermen’s issues some by stating that they do not have the same organization and cohesiveness that agricultural interests have. Rep. Cabral is interested in changing this situation by building some consulting time into the budget to explore ways to organize the fishermen.

Mr. Coriaty shared information about his recent meeting with the Assistant Commissioner at DTA, during which he presented information on two Work Cert scenarios – one at the Career Center and one through a long-time local vendor. DTA has some employment and training dollars. Mr. Coriaty believes that the session was fruitful.

Mr. Mello asked if there were other plans for Work Cert in the event that DTA declined to support it. Mr. Coriaty reminded the members that BCC continues to offer the course for a fee and that the WIB will continue its efforts to expand the program.

Mr. Simpson then informed the committee about a dinner meeting he attended with Mr. Coriaty, during which they had an opportunity to speak with DWD Director David Mackley and David Manning from DCS in detail about how state and federal funding must be allocated within programs. Mr. Mackley and Mr. Manning were shown the “flash card” prepared for Mayor Lang recently, which detailed all local sources and uses of revenue, may well become a model for statewide use.

Mr. Coriaty noted that the WIB was awarded $20,000 from the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts – Acushnet Foundation Fund – to provide program development services for the Early Literacy Consortium.

Mr. Simpson cited the Fall River Herald-News article about Adam Chapdelaine’s elevation to Elections Commissioner in that city and noted that Adam made an excellent contribution in his short time with the GNBWIB.

He then presented the Massachusetts Workforce Board’s self-evaluation tool, which he would like to use as an evaluation instrument for the Executive Director. The use of the tool was agreed to by consensus.

Adjourn
Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,


Jean Fox
LiteracyWorks Entrepreneur

03-06-08  Finance and Performance Measurement Committee Meeting  
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Finance and Performance Measurement Committee
03/06/08
First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union – Fairhaven

Finance and Performance Measurement Committee members present: Roger W. Masson, Vice Chair; Ed Dennehy, Michael Kramer, Susan B. Peterson, Maria O. Pinarreta, Charles R. Simpson, Jr., James F. Snow, Carl Waal
Finance and Performance Measurement Committee members absent: Bruce Morell, Chair (called); Dave DeJesus (called), John Fernandes (called), Eddie L. Johnson, James C. Nichols, David A. Pelletier (called)

Workforce Development System staff in attendance: Len Coriaty, Steven Grant, Louise Pelletier

Guests in attendance: Richard Mello, Norm Audette

Vice Chair Roger Masson called the meeting to order at 3:14pm.

  1. Chair's Welcome: Vice Chair Roger Masson welcomed all to the meeting.

  2. Consent Agenda:
    Minutes of the 1/24/08 Finance and Performance Measurement Committee meeting, and the Treasurer’s report through January 2008, were approved unanimously on a motion by Carl Waal, seconded by Susan Peterson.

  3. Fiscal Reports
    1. WIB - Steve Grant presented the fiscal report noting nothing unusual. He reminded all that the ITA fund for both Adult and Dislocated Workers has been used up other than a little money designated for DTA clients. The first payment has been made on the Quest Center MOU. The City was given $100,000 and we have NOT accessed the line of credit. He stated the Lead Operator is under budget by about $95K due to salary lag. Since positions have not been filled in anticipation of the rescission most of the lag should remain in spite of the increase in medical insurance cost.

      He mentioned that about $10K more was moved from Youth Wages to count towards the budget of the P-21 grant. To date about $30K of youth wages have been applied to YouthWorks and P-21, and although it would be difficult to apply that money to new programs this year the carry-out to ’09 could be useful.

      Len Coriaty asked about the number of youth served with jobs in light of moving the expenses. Ed Dennehy discussed the numbers and timing of the start of the programs. Len thought we should look to serve a few more since it would involve fewer weeks of pay.

    2. DCS - Carl Waal discussed layoffs and other changes looming for DCS. There is a plan to lay-off 60 workers if the state comes up with funding to cover the fringe benefit shortfall. If the state does not come up with that money up to 260 would be laid off. He also mentioned “reengineering” at the Hurley Building that will emphasize quality and efficiency. Carl said his position would go away and he would be moved to the Veterans area.

      Susan Peterson asked who the Career Center staff would report to. Carl said there would be a new regional manager with expanded territory. Ed mentioned that the Career Center staff remains under the direction of the CC Director. It was discussed that if the state looks to the expanded lay-off the effect locally would be very bad. There could be even less DCS staff to absorb operating costs based on FTE’s and we will likely have to absorb a greater share of the cost with local funds. It was also mentioned that DTA funds (performance) are not guaranteed to continue at current levels.

      Len asked if we had received any guidance on cost sharing for next year. Steve Grant said there was nothing specific but that we would have to determine a methodology that was acceptable to push any costs to the state side.

    3. Operations Report - Ed Dennehy presented the Operations Report. He mentioned that the WorkCert grant ended Jan. 31st and that the final number of trainees was 116, with 85 having entered employment by Feb.29th. He mentioned that BCC was now running a limited WorkCert program and that DTA was approached to fund a program for DTA clients.

      Another request was made for Rapid Response Set Aside money for Multi-Layer employees. Since the closing was not eligible for inclusion in Trade classification funding another $120,000 is needed to serve that group.

      Since ITA funding has run out for Adults and Dislocated Workers there is now a waiting list of 77, Mostly Adult, seeking training. The career center is doing as much as they can to service them in house but both clients and staff are getting frustrated. Sue Peterson asked about the level of hiring. Ed said it is real slow right now with a little activity for retail, CNA, and a few stitcher jobs.

      They also lost their Trade case manager and another employee is filling that position. The level of activity at the Career Center is still at a high pace.

      Ed also mentioned that the Wareham CC will have to relocate in July since the town is taking over that space. The staff is looking for alternate locations. Steve Grant asked if it was mandatory to keep a Wareham presence. Len noted it is a WIB call but we do get additional funds for having a second location. Ed said the town administrator is helping to find an appropriate location.

      Ed mentioned that the flu has been taking its toll on staff. There was some discussion of offering flu shots in the future through visiting nurses or the CVS program.

    4. Charter Review Report - Mike Kramer noted that the final report was still being vetted by his committee and he also would like the Lead Operator to review it before it is finalized. He stressed that the report is favorable and that New Directions has done an outstanding job with progress in many areas. The report will definitely be recommending a renewal of the charter.

      Mike Kramer made a motion to approve the renewal of the charter pending the issuance of the final report. Sue Peterson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

    A motion was made by Susan Peterson to accept all reports presented. Maria Pinarreta seconded and it passed unanimously.

  4. Updates
    Len Coriaty asked Steve Grant to report on the Literacy works funding, the Reserve balance. It was noted that $20,000 has been secured from the Community Foundation and Commcorp has approved round two funding of $30,000 to cover Dec. 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008. This includes $10,000 to convene a Literacy Works summit. Steve reported that the WIB was now covering about $26,000 of the City’s $30K pledge. Len noted that Jean Fox was adding the duties of Early Literacy Program Specialist in connection with the CD funding. The Performance Reserve fund was reported to be at about $477,000 after making the payment of $100K on the Quest MOA.

    Chuck Simpson stressed the importance of maintaining the reserve at a substantial level for forward funding purposes. He said his last conversation with Mayor Lang included a promise that the City was committed to make good on the Literacy Works pledge. Norm Audette added that the city is trying but it is very difficult as they continue to make asks from the same sources.

    Chuck noted that in addition to paying on the Quest agreement the reserve is the only source to cover unfunded payroll liabilities which run currently at $98K for New Directions and $41K for the WIB.

    Sue Peterson asked if funding from Commcorp would be in jeopardy if the city did not meet its pledge. Chuck Simpson said this does not send a good message and at some point a decision might have to be made to stop funding Literacy Works.

    Ed Dennehy commented on DTA funding. He was told that DTA would probably not provide retention payments which we budget for about $15,000, and he continues to hear that performance funding is not guaranteed to remain at its current level 8in the future.

    Roger Mason and Len Coriaty touched on the reorganization plan and efforts to engage more members in WIB activities. It was noted that all members currently tabbed for inclusion in this committee’s working groups would be invited to the next meeting. We will try to identify the group leaders at that time. Len encourage committee chairs to consider several techniques developed by staff to engage the members and noted progress from the Business Development Committee, where members have reviewed assignments and some have actually chosen to move to workgroups based on their interest and expertise.

    Len noted that Louise Pelletier and Maria Pinarreta attended the National Conference recently. They picked up information that might lead to a different approach to teaching WIB members about the overall duties and responsibilities of WIBs. We may do some training in a classroom setting vs. the online training now provided.

  5. Adjourn:
    Susan Peterson moved to adjourn at 4:35pm. Chuck Simpson seconded and meeting was adjourned.
Next meeting: Tentatively schedule 4/17/08 – 3:00 pm – Site to be announced.
Respectfully submitted,


Steve Grant
Director of Finance
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