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Archive: March 2009 Minutes
03-04-09 Executive Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
03/04/09
Southcoast Hospitals Group – Fairhaven
Members present: Chair, David DeJesus, Jr.; Richard F. Mello, Maria O. Pinarreta, Roger W. Masson, Charles R. Simpson, Jr., Christopher J. O’Neil
Members absent: Bruce Morel (called), David J. Ferreira (called), Ronald F. Rheaume, John Fernandes (called)
Other WIB Members in attendance: Joseph Notini
Workforce Development System Staff in attendance: Len Coriaty, Edward Dennehy, Jean Fox, Steve Grant, Jason Wentworth
Chair DeJesus called the meeting to order at 4:50 p.m.
Before moving to Consent Agenda, Chair DeJesus notes Asst. Treasurer David Pelletier has resigned from the board and calls for a letter to be produced conveying to Mr. Pelletier the sincere thanks of the WIB for his service.
Consent Agenda:
A motion was made by Christopher O’Neill and seconded by Richard Mello to approve the draft minutes of the 1/28/09 Executive Committee meeting, as well as the WIB Treasurer’s Report through 1/31/09. The vote to approve was unanimous and carried.
Operations Review:
Chair DeJesus addressed the recent Operations Review which was submitted to Mayor Scott Lang on February 18, crediting efforts made by Craig Baker, COO, Ed Dennehy, New Directions, and Len Coriaty, CEO, to produce an honest review and an outstanding report. All participating in the effort were thanked, the Chair noting that the 9th draft was submitted for approval. Mr. Coriaty noted that the first 16 pages were details in review accepted by Mayor Lang as presented. Page 17 reviewed a number of actions implemented since July. Page 18 described an initial plan of actions listing 22 action items to be implemented and reviewed thoroughly. According to Mr. Coriaty, Mayor Lang was impressed by the report in response to his concerns, also noting that 83% of those who apply for Unemployment Insurance get their first check within 3 weeks. This confirms that necessary services are happening.
Returning to the plan of action, Mr. Coriaty further explained that a monitoring tool will be developed to insure accountabilities over of time on action items. Page 22 reflects the need for immediate and ongoing support from Mayor Lang to implement these actions and to advocate for beneficial changes in the state WIB system, with Mr. Coriaty highlighting the need for better, more comprehensive data collection. The Mayor has asked for further details to call a meeting with Secretary Suzanne Bump and Department of Workforce Development Michael Taylor. A meeting between Mayor Lang, Chair DeJesus, and Mr. Coriaty to present information for this meeting is still pending. Chair DeJesus, referring to the last part of meeting, noted that potential regional economic stimulus assistance will be reviewed later in the meeting. Mr. Mello complimented all efforts on the Operations Review, but raised his concerns about the WIB as stimulus clearinghouse; its ability to handle such a task and to maintain transparency. After Mr. Coriaty noted he was unsure of the “clearinghouse” reference, Mr. Mello clarified his concern asking how communities will be involved. Mr. Coriaty stated that this would be addressed later in meeting. The Chair noted Mr. Charles Simpson’s effort to re-chart the course of the report and commended all for addressing the Mayor’s concerns without interrupting service. In turn, Mr. Coriaty commended the Chair for showing considerable flexibility and sacrifice during the process. Mr. Simpson applauded the report as a good piece of work and noted that the WIB is powerless to make necessary changes in an efficient manner without active support from Mayor. In closing, the Chair noted that Mr. Baker made clear his concerns regarding duplicated data entry among different organizations.
Nomination Process for Assistant Treasurer:
With Mr. Pelletier’s resignation, ExCom will open the process to accept nominations for Assistant Treasurer. Mr. Coriaty reported Peter Muise’s interest in increased responsibility within the WIB, and recommended that the Executive Committee ask Mr. Muise to stand for that position. Mr. Coriaty called for an ExCom endorsement for Mr. Muise to be Asst. Treasurer. The election, to be held at the upcoming quarterly meeting, provides the sufficient 10 day advance notice to board. This written notice will inform the board of Mr. Pelletier’s resignation, that an election will take place at the 3/18 Quarterly Meeting, the nomination of Peter Muise, and it will open nominations to the Board. The Chair will ask if there are final nominations at the Quarterly Meeting.
Mr. Simpson made a motion to nominate Mr. Muise for election to Assistant Treasurer, Maria Pinarreta seconded, approved.
COMMITTEE UPDATES
Finance and Performance Measurement Committee – Roger Masson
Mr. Mello, referencing FinPMCom’s discussion surrounding the charter for New Directions, expressed his feeling that the WIB is overseeing public money and that the correct thing to do is to issue an RFP.
Mr. Masson asked for clarification of the terms of a charter extension. Steve Grant clarified that it will be an extension and, based on an assessment of performance, an action will then be taken. It could be renewal or the issuance of an RFP. The Chair stated that the time to bring up a potential RFP would be in December after a recommendation is made.
Business Development Committee – Chris O’Neill
Though no specific recommendation or vote was called for, Mr. O’Neill noted that this committee was increasingly active, with excellent guidance by Director of Development Bridget Alexander. A subcommittee had been formed to explore the potential to create joint WIB/New Directions co-branding, and that this subcommittee was close to making recommendations (pending a discussion with key stakeholders. Through co-branding of logos and website integration, New Directions and the WIB have the opportunity to cleanup and clarify outside perceptions of both organizations.
Ms. Alexander and Mr. O’Neill also met with Terri Romanovitch (Bristol Community College), and Diane Nichols and Kevin Phelin from Downtown New Bedford, Inc. (DNB) regarding the WIB’s role in assisting small businesses, particularly downtown. From this meeting, it was clear that the WIB is still a largely unknown commodity. In addition to educating small businesses on the role of the WIB, outreach should be made to offer aid to these businesses in the form of grant application assistance. Through groups like DNB, the WIB can access membership databases to build small business contacts and offer this assistance. Returning to co-branding, joint WIB/New Directions presence at trade shows or event sponsorships would help to build outreach capacity and create a clear vision of the two organizations’ roles. Greater, more robust partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce and New Bedford Economic Development Corporation would also increase the value of WIB and New Directions services.
Mr. Simpson recommended that open meetings regarding stimulus funding could also be an opportunity to give the public information regarding the WIB/New Directions (roles, responsibilities, etc.). Mr. Coriaty noted the opportunity for widespread public outreach in concert with this event. Mr. O’Neill stated he will discuss this potential with Ms. Alexander. The Chair closed by noting a close relationship with the WIB could also expand DNB connections throughout the region.
Mr. Coriaty expressed a cautionary note in offering grant application assistance to small businesses to int resisdents and cited one High Performing Board in Massachusetts that targets services to the 100 largest employers in their region.
Youth Council – Jean Fox
Ms. Fox stated that the RFP process for in school/out of school funding ($500K) had begun and there was discussion of a more limited scope, noting that the process to bring in new vendors last year failed. This RFP would support a 2 year grant cycle program, promoting 21st century skills, business engagement, green jobs training, and work readiness (a critical deficiency according to employers). Assistance in this effort has been provided by Mr. Baker and John Fernandes.
Ms. Fox noted that Junior Achievement (JA) is now being engaged, with a member of JA now on the Youth Council. The JA curriculum, according to Ms. Fox, highlights work readiness and features instruction and tutelage by business professionals. Ms. Fox is also working to connect JA with the Mayor’s Youth Council.
Ms. Fox also recounted her recent positive experience at the Good Jobs Green Jobs Conference in Washington DC, stating that a whole new approach to workforce is developing, combining union and environmental concerns, energy conservation, and alternative energy. Ms. Fox noted that the GNBWIB is actively involved in this shift with recent Green Jobs initiatives.
Ms. Fox discussed questions from the community regarding stimulus funding and noted that she would be convening a meeting with various community organizations to discuss this influx of money and how it could be best used.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act:
Discussions between Mayor Lang, Chair DeJesus, Mr. Coriaty, and Mr. Baker have produced an outline for a regional planning and implementation team which will convene stakeholders to help development and implement a plan to disperse ARRA funds over a 2 year cycle. This team (to be led by the Mayor, Chair, and WIB senior staff) will also include junior WIB staff, and regional leaders from the business, labor, and education community in addition to non-profit organizations and faith and community based organizations. Funding would go through WIA and would be primarily for job training, complementing ARRA’s focus on construction, health care and green jobs, and, therefore, the regional planning and implementation team would be asked to ID priority training needs for support. In addition to scheduling meetings with regional leadership, the WIB will help to identify those who require short term training and would also set the agenda for an initial meeting, provide current information, and plan to open discussion to the wider community.
Also, Mr. Coriaty acknowledged that senior WIB leadership is working to strengthen links to the NBEDC and the WIB and that the City, NBEDC. Mr. Coriaty stated that funds were to be transferred from the Federal to State governments no later than 30 days after ARRA was signed into effect, and that funding would go from State to WIBs between 60-90 days after the State received it from the Federal government. Mr. Coriaty also estimated that out of the $6-8 billion appropriation for Massachusetts, $50 – 60 million of that would go to the State’s through WIA. Out of that amount, approximately $2.5 million would come to the GNBWIB.
Mr. Mello asked if WorkCert fell into that training category previously mentioned. Mr. Coriaty explained that that particular program hadn’t been discussed but it could be. Mr. Mello pointed out that there were only 2 business leaders listed on the initial list of potential regional planning and implementation team members, and felt that there should be greater business representation. Mr. Masson agreed with this point. Mr. Coriaty stated that he will look at sectors with the most action and seek more representation there. Also, an attempt will be made to engage those familiar with the WIB and those who can be counted on to contribute. This will allow for a short learning curve and work to be done in a timely, effective and efficient manner.
Ms. Fox inquired about plans to schedule regional meetings. Mr. Coriaty responded that he needed to review this with ExCom and the Mayor.
Ms. Pinarreta noted that these efforts constituted a very good start, and made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mello and approved unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 PM.
Next meeting: 4/15/09 – 4:30PM Fairhaven Home Care Conference Room
(Southcoast Hospitals Group) in Fairhaven
Respectfully submitted,
Jason Wentworth
LiteracyWorks Entrepreneur
03-04-09 Finance and Performance Measurement Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Finance and Performance Measurement Committee
03/04/09
Fairhaven Homecare Conference Room
Finance and Performance Measurement Committee members present: Vice Chair Roger Masson, Edward J. Dennehy, Peter J. Muise, Joseph Notini, Maria O. Pinarreta, Charles R. Simpson, Jr., WIB Chair David DeJesus, Jr.
Finance and Performance Measurement Committee members absent: Chair Bruce Morell (called), James C. Nichols, John Fernandes (called)
Others in attendance: Len Coriaty, Steven Grant, Richard Mello
Vice Chair Roger Masson began the meeting at 3:08 pm.
Consent Agenda: Roger Mason mentioned the discussion around voting rights for co-chairs since he could not attend the previous meeting. It was decided to clarify any issues in meeting with Chair or Executive Director.
A motion to approve the 1/28/09 meeting minutes was made by Ed Dennehy and seconded by Maria Pinaretta. All were in favor.
A motion to approve the Treasurer’s report through 1/31/09 was made by Maria Pinarreta and seconded by David DeJesus. All were in favor.
Finance Report
Steve Grant reported on spending variances to date. He reported on unfavorable variances for Equipment Lease & Maintenance, Premises, Consulting & Other Fees, Travel, and Individual Training. Most of the variances being due to timing but some of the maintenance and other fees variance were due to unplanned items relating to software migration from New Directions and computer services.
He noted that favorable variances exist for Staff Training, Group Contracts (mostly timing), Fringe Benefits, Mayor’s Program for tuition reduction, Youth Pilot program, and NDSC Contract Fees. Ed Dennehy noted that he would use some of the New Directions lag related to salaries and fringe to hire another intake specialist. Mr. Simpson asked about the cost of that position and was told the salary range is $23,000 to $29,000. Mr. Simpson asked about the tuition reduction program and when told the first payment of $10,000 to New Bedford Public Schools was advanced, he had concerns about accountability. Mr. Grant noted that the contract contained language to assure details on participants served had to be provided for subsequent payments.
Roger Mason commented that the WIB should consider some sacrifice under the current economic conditions, like most everyone else has. He noted that it would be something that could be touted if the WIB were to sacrifice a small percentage of salaries in favor of direct services. Joe Notini noted that the business of Workforce Development increases as other businesses are adversely affected. Chuck Simpson noted that the level of customers and work through the Career Center also translates into more work for the WIB staff. Mr. Masson noted it was only his opinion and was something that would be well received.
Mr. Masson asked about New Directions authority to hire without board approval. Mr. Grant noted that New Directions was working within a contract and had the ability to make such moves as lag occurred.
Dave DeJesus asked about the Youth Pilot program and if that money could be moved to help with Career Center expenses. Mr. Grant noted that it was more difficult to move youth allocations since expenses have to relate to youth staff and services. Len Coriaty noted that an RFP is planned that will encourage new, innovative programs. Mr. Grant noted that $5K is set aside in the new budget from Wagner Peyser flexible funds to supplement that type of program. Mr. Simpson noted that the Youthbuild program was an example of an excellent program that we could not fund due to WIA regulations.
Operations Review
Dave DeJesus and Len Coriaty said they would defer discussion on the operations review to the Executive Committee.
Budget Modification
Steve Grant distributed an updated integrated budget and a budget form detailing each variance from the current approved budget. He noted the new funding and increases or decreases to various funding streams, most significant being the cut to JSJR, the increase in One Stop funds, the Re-entry grant, and funding provided by state sources to cover DCS employee reassignments. He noted that one result the changes is an overall increase of $32,000 for WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker training funds.
Mr. Grant and Mr. Notini explained that the most significant point with this budget is the provision of $126K of Wagner Peyser 90% carry-out funds. Len Coriaty brought up the issue of risk of losing those funds since the state has gone back and forth on the ability to carry-in that funding in recent years. Mr. Notini explained that he has worked closely with staff in Boston for the purpose of having those funds available to support local staff in F/Y 2010. Mr. Grant told the committee they still had the final say on using some of that funding this year. He said we could modify the local cost sharing agreement which allocates Career Center cost based on headcount to the 50/50 split we used in prior years when Wagner Peyser funding could support it. He estimated that could make up to another $45K available for training. Steve said that with the stimulus money being available for training soon he would recommend leaving the carry-out intact. Mr. Simpson asked how long it would be until we know the risk of losing the funds. Joe said that would be about 30 days.
Chuck Simpson made a motion to vote: to submit the modified budget as presented with the understanding that the Executive Director would advise the Chair of any material variances until submission date. It was agreed by unanimous vote to submit the budget.
Charter
Len Coriaty told the committee that the current charter ends on 6/30/2009. He said that Craig Baker reviewed the language in the current charter and found many outdated elements. His suggestion was to re-write the document but that it would take some time. Len suggested a vote on extending the charter until re-written and a decision is made to put out an RFP or go Sole Source for a new charter. Chair Dave DeJesus asked for discussion on going sole source or with an RFP. Mr. Coriaty said there are many reasons to stay with NDSC, based on performance, monitor reports, and improvements made based on the ops review. Roger Masson said he would favor an extension and it would be ridiculous to put out the RFP due to the good performance. Peter Muise said he would favor a six month extension tied to a decision on the RFP. Mr. Grant recommended a 1 year extension since it simplifies budgeting and contracting for the full fiscal year.
Peter Muise made a motion to extend the charter with the stipulation that a recommendation for sole source renewal or RFP process be made by December 31, 2009. Motion seconded by Maria Pinarreta and approved by all except Ed Dennehy, who abstained.
Chuck Simpson stated that the board should be prepared with a statement if it decides to go sole source.
Dave DeJesus motioned to adjourn. Ed Dennehy seconded. All were in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 4:45pm.
Next meeting: Wednesday, 04/15/09 – 3:00pm – Fairhaven Home Care Conference Room
(Southcoast Hospitals Group) in Fairhaven
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Grant
Chief Financial Officer
© 2001 Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
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