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Archive: May 2007 Minutes
05-10-07 Executive Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
05/10/07
Brandon Woods of Dartmouth
Members present: Charles Simpson, Jr., Chair, Kathleen Del Sordo, Bruce Morell, Michael Kramer, Richard Mello, and Susan Peterson
Members absent: John Fernandes (called), David J. Ferreira (called), Anthony Sapienza (called), Charlie Winterhalter (called)
Workforce Development System staff attending: Len Coriaty, Ed Dennehy, Jean C. Fox, Annie Massicotte
Chair Simpson called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. He advised the committee that John Fernandes and David Ferreira had authorized him proxy due their inability to attend the meeting.
Consent Agenda
A motion to approve the minutes of the 04/26/07 Executive Committee meeting passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report
Susan Peterson presented a summary sheet to the Committee. She noted that the WIB is at 71% of its funding at this time. She added that, although currently understaffed, the WIB has retained two consultants to fill staffing needs on a temporary basis. Ms. Peterson anticipates that the WIB will be at 95% or more by the end of the fiscal year.
Discussion ensued in connection with the blending of the WIB and the DWDA. Ms. Peterson informed the Committee that all necessary paperwork had been filed with the State. Len confirmed submission of documentation, noting that the state expects to take up to six weeks to review the materials and generate a letter, which can be expected by mid-June. Certification would likely occur in September. However, the WIB has been accepted as a transition fiscal agency.
Ms. Peterson then stated that a number of merger issues/concerns had been resolved, specifically those issues pertaining to the alignment of personnel and benefits. She noted that the costs of the move are still on the table. Ms. Peterson informed the Committee that it would be prudent to consider the move, assuming that forbearance for Purchase Street is granted by the Mayor.
Mr. Simpson elaborated on the lease forbearance and on his reasons for supporting Ms. Peterson’s recommendation. The reasons include:
- Structurally – there is a liability for the Mayor in terms of his fiduciary role.
- Managerially – synergies will likely develop over time, which have dollar value. Structural deficiencies may be uncovered. Staffing levels may be reduced, and overall productivity may increase.
- Monetary -- The Purchase St. and Union St. costs are probably equivalent. There may be a way to deal with the short-term leases. The move represents a good reason to grant forbearance. In addition, the $15K data costs – an estimate that may be on the high side – are costs that will be realized in any event.
Mr. Simpson has sent a letter to the Mayor in connection with the Purchase St. lease and requested forbearance. Mr. Simpson supports Ms. Peterson’s motion, predicated on a conversation with the Mayor. Ms. Peterson added that the state is involved in an intensive structural review of all 16 WIBs and is looking for efficient and logical arrangements.
Mr. Mello asked whether or not Mr. Simpson felt that, due to media scrutiny, written approval from the Mayor should be solicited. He also wanted to know if an auditing process, with periodic reviews, should be undertaken. Mr. Simpson responded by saying that the WIB’s regular audit should suffice. However, this conclusion is based on the WIB’s current management. New individuals in new or different roles may impact the end result.
Mr. Dennehy suggested going forward in any event; Mr. Simpson agreed, but noted that it would be advisable to speak with the Mayor first. Ms. Peterson reiterated her preference to proceed with the move; however, she cautioned the committee that it should be accomplished frugally.
Ms. Peterson then discussed banking options. Steve Grant’s request for bids came back with several proposals. Citizens Union presented the most favorable banking option for the WIB. She asked the Committee for a motion to authorized Mr. Grant to proceed with arrangements at Citizens Union. VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Peterson directed the attention of Executive Committee members to the Budget Summary Sheet. She noted that there are comparisons of FY 06 through FY 08. Once again, there is a loss of funding. However, she indicated that more money is likely to become available as the year progresses, as occurred during this fiscal year. Mr. Coriaty noted that the $100K for the local one stop career centers is in the House budget and may be approved.
Ms. Peterson asked for a motion on the budget as presented (incomplete at this time). Mr. Morell made the motion; Ms. Del Sordo seconded. VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Business Plan
Mr. Mello informed the Committee that the third draft of the plan had been reviewed with Craig Baker. Craig had outlined the changes made from the first version, and it was agreed that a more proactive approach to the Plan would be incorporated into the narrative. Mr. Baker will reformat and revise. The next draft will be forwarded for review shortly. The Plan must be approved by the WIB at the May 23 meeting. As a result, another meeting date must be scheduled to approve the final submission. The Committee VOTED UNANIMOUSLY to accept the draft plan.
Youth Council
Mr. Simpson noted that the list of Youth Council Director candidates has been culled to a final three. Interviews with the candidates have been set for next week.
Regarding the Youth Council Slate of Officers for next year, Mr. Simpson proposed that John Fernandes serve as chair, Diane Rivet be retained as Secretary/Clerk, and that Nelson Hockert-Lotz assume the vice chairmanship.
Mr. Simpson presented the committee with information on the recommendations for next year. In a discussion with John Fernandes, Mr. Simpson agreed that the Youth Council serves a wide geographic area, yet little has been accomplished in the surrounding communities. Both men believe that outreach should occur, despite the realization that the funding will not be affected by interacting with other communities. Mr. Simpson used Wareham and the 500 new jobs that are anticipated as an example of a town that might have benefited from some outreach.
A motion to accept the funding proposal as submitted was made by Ms. Peterson an seconded by Ms. Del Sordo. VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Simpson then informed the Committee that he has not yet compiled a slate of officers for the WIB. He expects to accomplish this in short order. He emphasized that the individual selected to serve as chair must have a good relationship with the Mayor. In addition, the present officers are unable to continue in their roles. He reminded the Committee that the Executive Committee nominates the slate. If there are nominations from the floor put forth during the meeting, an election will take place at that time.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean C. Fox
05-10-07 RD&P Committee (AND) Finance Committee
JOINT Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Resource Development and Planning Committee (AND) Finance Committee
JOINT Meeting Minutes
05/10/07
GNB Career Center
RD&P Committee Members present: Chair Richard Mello, Paul Correia, Ed Dennehy, Lisa Jochim, Eddie L. Johnson, Lisa M. Lemieux, Marilyn Whalley
RD&P Committee Members absent: Debora Britton-Flores, David DeJesus, James F. Snow, Jeffrey Travers, Dean Robert Ward
Finance Committee Members present: Chair, Susan B. Peterson; Bruce Morell, Charles R. Simpson, Carl Waal
Finance Committee Members absent: David A. Pelletier (called), Maria O. Pinarreta
GNB WIB Members in attendance: Michael Kramer, Charles D. Ryan, Carl Waal
Workforce Development System staff in attendance: Len Coriaty, Craig Baker, Steven Grant, Annie Massicotte
RD&P Committee Chair Richard Mello called the meeting to order at 8:35am. Introductions were made around the room.
As a point of order, Len Coriaty suggested having two separate votes:
- RD&P Committee to vote on Plan
- Finance Committee to vote on Integrated Budget
FY '08 Business Plan
Len Coriaty explained that DCS had made some changes to the Plan format. Craig Baker will review these changes, and make his best attempt at answering any questions.
Craig began with the jobseeker section: The policy of the WIB was reviewed with suggestions that it be shortened in the future, removing the examples and some of the lower level details. Emphasis was made around the importance of remaining flexible as a key component of the policy.
Both the need for education in retail and filling job vacancies in retail has increased. We need to clarify what we have learned from retailers so that we can best align job training to fit the requirements in these vacancies.
Regarding business services and what we are capable of doing, Michael Kramer said we need to understand what we have now and articulate it versus the state averages. We are already doing a lot compared to the state averages. It’s important that we remain flexible in what we offer to best meet local need.
We look at the best jobs for the largest number of people, so we look at large companies first. Ed Dennehy said small businesses have worked well in local neighborhoods for specialized groups (example, language issues and individuals with disabilities). He added that surveys have shown that those who have used the career center are satisfied and those who haven’t, were not dissatisfied.
Regarding healthcare, Len Coriaty said we are working on a 9-region federal grant application and that we are dealing with Southcoast Hospitals to bring any of three pilot programs to this region. In addition, we are collaborating to help inform state policy. Ed Dennehy added that 34% of ITAs are in the healthcare field and that healthcare fills a lot of positions in our area. Furthermore, we have a strong relationship with the human resource departments of healthcare facilities in the area. The challenge is that there are high paying jobs in healthcare, yet many that come into the career center do not have the skills needed.
Regarding the Training Resources section, Ed Dennehy said much of that we do is to prepare people for entry level work (example CNA – LPN) and that we will continue to build strong links to continuing education.
We also need to create stronger ties with Economic Development to better facilitate initiatives.
PLAN VOTE: A motion to accept the FY ’08 Business Plan as presented, with opportunity for additional edits and modifications as needed, was made by Marilyn Whalley. The motion was seconded by Eddie L. Johnson and carried unanimously.
FY ’08 Integrated Budget
Steve Grant reviewed the preliminary comparison of funding. Carl Waal reviewed DCS budget. The question was raised as to “How do we continue to provide quality service with less money?” We need to look at sources of revenues and decide on recommendations for cuts if necessary. If there isn’t enough money, we will need to prioritize and make the necessary cuts.
A discussion took place regarding the merger of DWDA and GNBWIB. It looks as if there will be two rents to pay (NDS, as well as with WIB). Ed stated that the Fiscal portion has co-located with ND for 4 years and in his opinion it’s a philosophical issue and shouldn’t happen.
Chuck stated that to him the issue is not philosophical, but structural. Chuck stated that #1 the fiduciary responsibility comes from the City of New Bedford, and #2 from a management control standpoint, that merging the 4 DWDA staff with the 5.5 WIB staff equals more efficiency.
Chuck plans to meet with the Mayor to possibly negotiate the DWDA/ND double portion of rent away.
After further discussion, Bruce Morell made the following motion: The co-location will occur if the City of New Bedford is made aware of the structural issues and is concerned, and if the City helps mitigate the duplicate rent payment issue.
The motion was seconded by Chuck Simpson and carried unanimously with one opposed (3 yeas and 1 nay by Carl Waal).
BUDGET VOTE: A motion to approve the FY ’08 Integrated Budget as presented to date (incomplete at this time) was made by Susan Peterson. It was seconded by Bruce Morell and carried unanimously.
Chuck Simpson requested that Len provide a copy of the mod changes from last year.
Meeting adjourned at 10:40pm.
Next RD&P Committee Meeting Date:
June 7, 2007 @ 8:00am, GNB WIB Conference Room.
Next Finance Committee Meeting Date:
June 7, 2007 @ 3:30pm, Brandon Woods of Dartmouth.
Respectfully submitted,
Craig Baker and Annie Massicotte
05-04-07 YC Planning Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Youth Council Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
05/04/07
New Directions - Quest Center
Members Present: Carl Alves, Chair; John Dianne Rivet
Members Absent: John Fernandes, Charles Simpson, Cynthia Walquist, Gloria Williams
Workforce Development System Staff Attending: Wendy Andrade, Craig Baker, Len Coriaty, Brenda Francis, Steve Grant
Chairman Alves called the meeting to order at 1:10pm.
Dianne Rivet motioned to accept the 5/3/06 meeting minutes. Carl seconded.
FY '08 Business Plan
Carl asked if there were any quantifiable successes of marketing that we could speak to in the FY’08 business plan. Wendy Andrade said there has been a significant increase in expressed interest from targeted groups ages 18 – 24. There has also been increased enrollments in occupational training. DYS is also helping to bridge opportunity gaps.
Brenda Francis suggested that if actual numbers are needed, that Carl ask the Career Center for assessments, enrollments, referrals, and age demographics.
Dianne Rivet motioned to accept the Youth Portion of the FY '08 Business Plan, and Carl Alves seconded.
ISY and OOSY Proposal Discussion
After review and discussion of the different proposals, the committee recommended that funding be discontinued for ArtWorks and total ISY participants be reduced to 121. After all funding allocations were reviewed, it was recommended that the $12,000 remaining in In-school Programs be used to increase Occupational Training to $38,000.
Dianne Rivet motioned to accept the recommended FY ’08 WIA ISY and OOSY Funding. Carl Alves seconded.
RFP Discussion
The group discussed the process, emphasizing the need to have new innovations and ideas for these funds. An “Improvements Needed” form was reviewed with additional suggestions made by Carl Alves. Craig Baker said he would add his suggestions and e-mail him an updated copy for review.
Meeting Adjourned at 2:30pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Craig Baker
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