Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Home
About Us
Adult Basic Education Services
Archive
Bulletin Board
Calendar
Career Centers
Committees
Contact the Staff
Directions
Elected Officials
E-Mail the Board
Membership Directory
Mission Statement
New Member Page
News
Organizational Charts
Partners
Related Links
Reports
WIA Five-Year Plan
Workforce Training Fund
Youth Council
Archive: October 2007 Minutes

10-18-07  Executive Committee Meeting  
Back to Archive Page

Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
10/18/07
First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union – Fairhaven

Members present: Charles R. Simpson, Chair; David DeJesus, Jr., John Fernandes, David Ferreira, Michael Kramer, Richard Mello, Bruce Morell, Maria Pinaretta
Members absent: Anthony Sapienza (sent written proxy), Charlie Winterhalter

Workforce Development System staff attending: Adam Chapdelaine, Len Coriaty, Ed Dennehy, Jean Fox, Steve Grant, Carl Waal

Guests attending: David Mackley, David Manning

Chair Simpson called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.

Chair Simpson announced he received a written voting proxy from Tony Sapienza prior to the meeting.

Chair Simpson introduced and welcomed David Mackley, Director of the MA Department of Workforce Development, and David Manning, MA Division of Career Services and thanked them for attending.

Chair Simpson then proposed to take Mike Kramer’s presentation out of order and hearing no objection, asked Mike Kramer to begin his report.

FY ’07 Member Survey Report: Mike Kramer informed the committee that the Member Survey Report had been completed and was approved by the Performance Measurement Committee at their meeting on Monday, October 15, 2007. Mike explained that it had been a difficult process, and that the initial effort to get members to fill out a survey yielded few responses. However, a second attempt to get them to fill out paper copies of the survey was more successful. Mike then provided the following highlights and recommendations from the report.
  • Concern with the response. There is a need to have a critical mass of WIB members that understand the WIB in order to achieve success. However, those that did supply feedback on the survey provided very good feedback.
  • Need to challenge the WIB staff to use the data compiled in the survey and put it into a context through which action can be taken.
  • A need to educate members of the WIB about the activities and initiatives that the WIB is involved with. This needs to be done quickly when a new member is appointed in order to have an effective membership. Through this education, the WIB can begin to speak in one voice despite its diverse makeup.
  • A need to hold members to a standard for their commitment to the WIB. The survey demonstrated that 4-6 hours a month is reasonable, but most are currently giving 1-3 hours. There is a need to find out what the real need for time commitment is and then hold members to it.
  • A need to make members feel that their contribution to the WIB is meaningful and that their effort is spent wisely. Currently, only 50% of respondents felt like their time was used effectively.
  • A need for the development of a leadership succession plan for the WIB that will enhance efforts to develop new leadership and lessen the burden on those who continually take on leadership roles.
  • Creation of a mechanism for thanking members for their contribution beyond the recognition at the annual meeting, especially those who do the heavy lifting.
Mike closed by saying that the data collected in the survey was very good and many positive things came out of this survey. He thanked the members of the Performance Measurement Committee and stated that such a survey needs to be done more often.

Chair Simpson then thanked Mike for his yeoman’s work on the survey and stated that Mike agreed to stay on as the chair of the Performance Measurement Committee, and agreed with Mike that it should be a WIB member that chairs the committee. The Chair continued in saying that he has put in many hours over the past few months and that he has seen that many WIB members don’t understand the operation of the WIB. This lack of understanding has led to reasonable expectations being formed by members that are unreasonable in real terms. For this reason he has been dedicated to educating current WIB members. To this end, the Chair asked that the executive director put together a bullet list of WIB activities that the WIB staff have been involved with since the last Quarterly Meeting (one month). The four page list was then distributed to the Executive Committee. The Chair has also worked with the Mayor to build a commitment “ask” into the re-appointment and nomination of members. The Mayor has agreed to do so, and the Chair will continue to work with the Mayor’s Office on this and also educating the Mayor in general on the operation of the WIB. Currently, there have been five prospective members approached with one responding no, and the other four not responding. He also asked that members of the Executive Committee give him suggestions for WIB members that should be brought into the leadership pipeline.

Motion to approve the FY ’07 Member Survey Report and that the Executive Committee prioritize recommendations from the report and report back monthly made by John Fernandes, and seconded by David DeJesus, Jr. Approved unanimously.

Consent Agenda - Move to approve the minutes of the 9/06/07 Executive Committee and the Treasurer’s Report through 9/30/07. Motion made by David Ferreira, and seconded by John Fernandes. Approved unanimously.

Committee Updates (and VOTES)

Integrated Budget Modification
Bruce Morell informed members about modifications to the integrated budget approved by the FinCom, including the movement of $14.2K to sustain the Work Certified program and expand it in New Bedford, additional funding for ITAs ($40K), $15K to renew the WIB’s efforts toward quality infusion.

Motion to approve the Integrated Budget Modification made by B. Morell, and seconded by David DeJesus, Jr. Approved unanimously.

WIB Credit Line
Bruce Morell explained that the WIB applied for a $300K line of credit in order to eliminate the liability that the City of New Bedford has on the books for rehabilitation of the Quest Center Building. WIB Chair Chuck Simpson updated the Committee on his discussions with the Mayor to assist the City in removing the obligation off the City books provided there is a plan for recovery by the WIB for meeting cash flow needs as well as unfunded liabilities.

John Fernandes addressed the fact that the agreement referenced New Directions Southcoast and not “primary contractor”. The committee agreed to change the terminology from “New Directions Southcoast” to include “primary contractor or the successor”.

Bruce Morell made a motion to approve transfer of $300K from reserve funds to the City of New Bedford, contingent upon securing the line of credit up to $300K and securing agreement with the City to create a new lease or modification for the current Quest Center space occupied by New Directions Southcoast, Inc. Further, the cost for the space would be $1,000 per month for 48 months. Motion was seconded by David DeJesus and passed unanimously.

WIB Reorganization

Proposed position classification
Chair Simpson stated that the pay scale for the WIB’s Director of Operations is too low and needs to be raised. He also stated that in the future there needs to be a reassessment of the pay scale for the entire WIB staff. Len Coriaty then described the rationale for the proposed change in the classification of the Director of Operations, stating that the position replaces the former Strategy & Policy Director and was developed to encompass a more broad responsibility in the day-to-day operations of the WIB office. The intent is to minimize the involvement of the ED in the assignment, implementation and completion of staff assignments, as well as to distinctly perform the duties as listed in the job description. The expectations of the position would be that of a deputy director of the WIB with oversight of other director level staff.

Based on a recent salary survey conducted by the MA Workforce Board Association, the pay range is considerably lower than other WIB’s in the state for similar positions and responsibilities, and it is believed we have not attracted the number or caliber of candidates for the DOO position due to the rather low pay scale advertised for the work involved. The recommendation is to increase the position from a Grade 8 to a Grade 9. This move would increase the pay scale from $48K-$63K to $55K-$71K. Len added that the increase was in the budget based on the Youth Council Director electing not to obtain health benefits through the WIB.

David Mackley added that strong WIB’s invest in talented staff and that flexible, articulate people are needed to support WIB operations.

Motion to approve the proposed position classification made by Bruce Morell, and seconded by John Fernandes. Approved unanimously.

Other Business

Chair Simpson updated the group on the “Now Hiring” initiative that the WIB and New Directions Southcoast are working on for Mayor Lang. He reported that a proposal that would require the Mayor to ask for money from the Governor had been formulated, but the Mayor did not make it to a scheduled meeting with Len Coriaty and Ed Dennehy. Bruce Morell stated that it was important to remind the Mayor that New Directions Southcoast is independent and no longer a department of the city.

Motion to adjourn at 5:57 pm., made by Richard Mello, seconded by John Fernandes.

Respectfully submitted,


Adam Chapdelaine
Youth Council Director

10-18-07  Finance Committee Meeting  
Back to Archive Page

Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Finance Committee
10/18/07
First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union – Fairhaven

Finance Committee members present: Bruce Morell, Chair; David A. Pelletier, Susan B. Peterson, Maria O. Pinarreta, Charles R. Simpson, Jr., Carl Waal
Finance Committee members absent: (all present)

WIB members in attendance: David DeJesus

Workforce Development System staff in attendance: Len Coriaty, Ed Dennehy, Steven Grant

Guests: From DCS: Holly Hill-Batista and Dave Manning, From City of NB: Norm Audette

Chair Bruce Morell called the meeting to order at 3:35pm.

  1. Consent Agenda:
    The Minutes of the 09/06/07 Finance Committee meeting, and the Treasurer’s Reports through 09/30/07 were approved unanimously on a motion by Susan Peterson, seconded by Dave Pelletier.

    Bruce Morell questioned the negative cash balance from the treasurer’s report. Steve Grant explained that due to an issue on unemployment compliance there was a delay in releasing funds therefore many checks were written but held. The issue was resolved and money finally received in October.

  2. Fiscal Reports / Updates:
    1. WIB - Steve Grant reported that spending was on track for all funding streams other than for timing differences or delay in receiving vendor invoices. ITA’s for Adult and Dislocated Worker are well ahead of plan and in fact, Dis. Wkr. has exceeded original budget limit. He explained that he authorized increase to limit in anticipation of favorable modifications to the budget.

      Youth summer wages ended up very close to budget compared to prior years. Reasons cited were better attendance and the fact that the Youthworks program was extended and there would be no shift of WIA wages to Youthworks as in the past.

      Susan Peterson asked if the policy to limit ITA access to local area residents has been effective. Ed Dennehy commented that the policy was in place but there had been no applicants from outside the local area at this point.

    2. DCS - Nothing to report on the DCS side.

    A motion to accept the financial reports was made by Dave Pelletier, seconded by Maria Pinarreta, and carried unanimously.

  3. Committee Updates (and VOTES):
    1. Steve Grant reviewed the changes for the 1st Integrated Budget modification.
      Recommendations were:
      1. Use additional carry-in money for ITA”s, additional unbudgeted youth fringe costs, and reduce draw on reserve funds.
      2. Use $99K in Quaker NEG funds which are treated as Dislocated Worker program income, to fund a new case manager, provide support services, support $40K in additional ITA’s, and free-up salaries previously budgeted to Performance to allow 24 new participants in Work Certification.
      3. Use additional One-Stop state allocation for CQI training $15K, Professional Development $19,500, Career Center Equipment upgrades $20K, new Job Developer $25K, and free-up salaries from WIA and Perfomance to increase ITA’s or reduce reserve draw $14K.
      4. Use $18K in salary and fringe freed up by Rapid Response funds for ITA’s.

      Other items mentioned for the budget were the Mayor’s Summer Program - $85K; Hope Collaborative - $14K; and $9K more in Connecting Activities.

      Len Coriaty mentioned that the use of One-Stop money for CQI and professional Development was in keeping with the recommended uses put forth by DWD. He also said it was important that funding be allocated to continue the WorkCert initiative and that the service could now be offered to New Bedford residents.

      Ed Dennehy explained that the professional development funding would be used for training for the assessment staff. It would also allow for a pilot program that would result in employees becoming certified in workforce development.

      Carl Waal offered that the funding for upgrades to Career Center equipment should be supported to whatever extent possible.

    A motion was made by Chuck Simpson to approve all recommendations for the budget modification. Motion seconded by Susan Peterson and passed unanimously.

  4. Chuck Simpson reviewed his discussions with the Mayor in regard to the $300K Quest Center obligation and how it is very important that the city be able to get the liability off the books in November. He stressed that signing any agreement to release the funds voluntarily would be contingent on approval to secure a line of credit and the modification of the current lease for New Directions occupancy of the Quest center. He highlighted that the agreement on the lease would be virtually the same as the plan approved under the Kalisz administration. It was explained that the reduction of the lease expense to $1,000 per month would allow for payback to the reserve at the rate of $6,266 per month.

    Chuck Simpson made the motion to approve transfer of $300K from reserve funds to the City of New Bedford, contingent upon securing the line of credit up to $300K and securing agreement with the City to create a new lease or modification for the current Quest Center space occupied by New Directions Southcoast, Inc.. Further, the cost for the space would be $1,000 per month for 48 months. Motion was seconded by Maria Pinaretta and passed unanimously.

  5. Other Updates:
    Meeting with Auditor: Len Coriaty mentioned that a lengthy meeting was held with Mary Sahady, himself, and Steve Grant. He said the auditor came away with a better understanding of our system and relationships between the WIB, New Directions Southcoast, and DWDA/City of New Bedford.

  6. DCS Funding:
    Dave Manning and Holly Hill-Batista gave a presentation on the Allocation Formulas for Workforce Grants. Key points related to WIA, Wagner Peyser, and State One-Stop funding were highlighted. Holly explained the relationship of unemployment, census, and geographic area all contribute to the state and local allocations.

    She stressed that WIA allocations, being a federal mandate, could only be altered by an act of Congress. She also mentioned that the 2000 census drives the WIA calculations and probably will until 2014.

    Another key point related to the One-Stop funding was the current system of distribution is very much politically driven. Current efforts to get improved reporting of Workforce Board performance could lead to a better allocation method.

    Dave and Holly agreed to return to a future meeting to continue the discussion.

  7. Adjourn:
    The meeting adjourned at 4:55pm on a motion by Chuck Simpson, seconded by Susan Peterson.
Next meeting: 11/15/07 – 3:30 pm – First Citizens’ Federal CU in Fairhaven
Respectfully submitted,


Steve Grant
Director of Finance

10-18-07  P 21 Subcommittee (of the full YC)
Back to Archive Page

Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
P 21 Subcommittee (of the full YC)
Meeting Minutes
10/18/07
New Directions Southcoast, Inc. - Quest Center

Members present: Carl Alves, Chair
Members absent: Peg Curro, Nancy Feeney (called), Jane Jacobsen, Lynne LaBerge, Reverend David A. Lima, Gloria Williams

Workforce Development System staff attending: Tanya Alves, Wendy Andrade, Rochelle Andrews, Adam Chapdelaine, Heather Frank

Guests present: Kristen Almeida, Connecting Activities (CA); Jeanne Nesto, Department of Mental Health (DMH)

Chairman Carl Alves called the meeting to order at 2:35pm (no quorum – no votes).

Chair Alves briefly discussed the priorities that had been set forth in the last meeting of the group.

Group then discussed the formulation of a response to the new P21 RFP. The discussion centered around the use of the new funds through this RFP being used to maintain Rochelle’s position as P21 coordinator and the hiring of an Employment and Training Specialist to supplement Rochelle’s work. The breakdown of funds discussed was as follows:

$85,960 – Staff and Fringe
$2,500 – Bristol Community College (Perkins Provider)
$12,540 – Emergency and Support Services

The group agreed that Adam Chapdelaine would take the lead in writing the response to the RFP, but Chair Alves and Jane Jacobsen would play a supporting role. The group also agreed that though the deadline for submission was December 14th, a response should be formulated as soon as possible.

The group then discussed the National Retail Federation Certification model that Pathways coordinator Heather Frank was implementing with Pathways participants. The model involves training and certification in retail, followed by subsidized placement in a retail position.

The meeting then closed at 3:25 pm.

Respectfully submitted,


Adam Chapdelaine
Youth Council Director

10-15-07  Performance Measurement Committee Meeting
Back to Archive Page

Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Performance Measurement Committee
Meeting Minutes
10/15/07
GNB Career Center

Members in attendance: Mike Kramer, Chair, John Fernandes, Roger Masson, Carl Waal
Members absent: David Maher (called)

Workforce Development System staff attending: Ed Dennehy, Jean Fox, Brenda Francis, Marc Tarpey

Chairman Kramer called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m.

Minutes of the September 17, 2007 meeting were accepted. Motion to approve made by John Fernandes, seconded by Carl Waal.

Operations Report
Ed Dennehy, President of New Directions Southcoast, Inc. reported on the continuously expanding career center utilization. The annual usage is expected to significantly outpace the project 10,000 clients served. The dislocated worker account has been exhausted; there is about $40,000 left in the adult account. As a result, ITA monies will be completely expended far earlier than previously anticipated. Ed recalled the situation last year, when Bristol’s funding ran out in the fall, and their clients were being directed to New Bedford. A new policy, requiring service to local clients first, was quickly implemented.

Discussion ensued relative to the rapid depletion of ITA funding and possible alternative sources. Brenda Francis reported that Rapid Response funds, targeted to victims of large layoffs, are really the only other funding sources once the federal funds have been fully utilized. This is a statewide situation. Mr. Dennehy pointed to New Directions’ recent efforts to identify short-term credentialed training as a means to augment training options and optimize dollars.

Mr. Dennehy then reported on the finalization of JSJR Plan goals at 159 Entered Employments and 500 Individuals Served. In connection with Work Certification, Mr. Dennehy noted that 10 persons graduated from the last class on Sept. 28. The grant itself runs out at the end of this month. The WIB is working with Dartmouth and the state to expend the few remaining funds.

NEG has been approved for the 62 former Quaker Fabric employees enrolled in the career center. There is a contract with the Bristol WIB to reimburse for services provided to those former employees. Regarding WCTF, Mr. Dennehy informed the committee that the advanced manufacturing training is going well, but the work readiness component will not start in November, as initially projected. Due to a glitch, that training will commence in January. As for the Multi-Layer (Polaroid) plant closing, the Rapid Response Team reported that some 40 of the 95 former employees expressed an interest in biotechnology training. The feasibility of establishing a class is being investigated. Mr. Dennehy recalled a similar class designed by WPI, but he does not yet have a concept of the level of commitment on the part of participants. There is set-aside grant money that is available through December.

Mr. Dennehy then stated that the recent Partners Meeting was very successful and noted that he included the survey with his report. In addition, the Vendors Meeting has been scheduled for Oct. 30. He also reported on a recent communication from DCS regarding favorable adjustment to performance numbers, particularly the adult dislocated placement rate. The numbers have been recalculated. A conference call is scheduled for Oct. 16 to discuss these more attainable goals. The details will be available at the next meeting.

Mr. Kramer asked how the Partner information gleaned from the survey could best be utilized. Ms. Francis noted that, in addition to the data from the survey, there is significant anecdotal information. Clearly, all parties were looking to see quality improvement through enhanced communication. Ms. Francis advised the committee that efforts to improve communication are already in place; e.g., the updated matrix and updated referral form. Additional efforts may be anticipated, with particular emphasis on improving the Web site to increase access and information. Tracking is also critically important. In addition, Mr. Dennehy stressed the importance of building open relationships with partners. Mr. Kramer asked Brenda to provide monthly status on progress. Ms. Francis agreed, and noted that action items and time lines are part of the overall effort to solidify and improve communication.

Member Survey
Mr. Kramer then asked the Performance Measurement Committee for a vote on the Member Survey Final Report. Mr. Fernandes suggested asking the Executive Committee to prioritize the recommendation list. Both he and Mr. Kramer noted that engaging Board members continues to be a difficult task for a number of reasons, and they recalled that Mr. Simpson had implored the Board to become involved at the last quarterly meeting. Mr. Kramer stated that the staff should be charged with implementing strategies. As he has said to Executive Director Coriaty and to Chairman Simpson, it requires a paid staff to do “the heavy lifting". Mr. Masson noted that prioritization is within the purview of the Executive Committee, not Performance Measurement. He then made a motion to submit the report as presented to the Executive Committee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Fernandes, and the carried unanimously.

Charter Review
Mr. Kramer reminded the committee that this year’s focus is on partners and vendors. The operations presentation will occur after the first of the year.

Discussion ensued relative to the distinctive, yet occasionally obscured, differences in relationships with partners and relationships with vendors. Mr. Fernandes asked if the difference was formally stated anywhere, to which Mr. Dennehy responded that it is not, as there is no formal definition, and that has caused some issues. Ms. Francis noted that sometimes partners are vendors as well; for example, MY Turn. In addition, she stated that all vendors have contracts, and all mandated partners have MOUs. Mr. Kramer requested clarification of roles be submitted as part of the Charter Review.

Additional discussion surrounding the ranking of vendors and partners followed, with Mr. Masson observing that vendor ranking should be readily quantifiable with a review of the dollars expended. Ms. Francis indicated that the Web upgrades and improved tracking will help with the ranking of partners. Ms. Francis noted, however, that the procurement process and customer choice impact vendor utilization. As a result, vendor performance ranking is more complex.

Concerns relative to the efficient utilization of scarce training funds ensued. Mr. Tarpey informed the committee that all the vendors state that they achieve 95% placement, but it is difficult to verify due to the varied clientele. Mr. Masson suggested making random calls to career center students to inquire about programs and placement success. Mr. Dennehy added that labor market analyses give customers information on job availability. Three recent employment activities for a specific job must be documented; in addition, there is an examination of the “fit” of a customer in a particular training program. Students are followed for a full year following training. However, Mr. Masson indicated that funds are not optimally utilized if folks do not succeed in training or at a job. Mr. Dennehy pointed out that there is a relative dearth of vendors in the area. People are unwilling or unable to travel to training sites outside the immediate area, which is why the short-term certificate programs are being investigated. Ms. Francis added that UMASS and BCC have been helpful in obtaining state approval for these programs. In addition, a number of customers sign up for training simply to keep their benefits. Once the benefits are exhausted, they cease attending the class and seek employment elsewhere. Chair Kramer agreed that the committee would review the Training Selection Packet and provide comment at the next meeting.

Ms. Francis then noted that there are 17 measurements through WIA, including employment and retention, which are met annually. Mr. Kramer asked whether or not the measurements have been static and whether or not a historical compilation of this data could be prepared. Mr. Dennehy reported that the information was available going back at least three years and that he would compile it for the committee. He noted that performance has continually increased. However, he suggested looking at the budget numbers from the beginning of the year before layoff funds are added. Mr. Kramer indicated that trends would be helpful in quantifying ITA needs. Mr. Fernandes noted that quality of success is the goal, yet the goal is under funded. What needs to happen to begin the lobbying process?

Mr. Masson wondered if ITA funds could be used for workplace training. Ms. Francis suggested using WTF funding for this purpose.

Mr. Kramer summarized the action points as follows:

  • Ms. Francis will continue to clarify relationships with vendors and partners
  • The committee will review the Training Selection Packet and provide input at the next meeting
  • Mr. Dennehy will develop three years of WIA measurement numbers
There being no other business before the committee, upon motion made by Mr. Fernandes and seconded by Mr. Masson, the meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,


Jean C. Fox
LiteracyWorks Entrepreneur
© 2001 Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
227 Union Street, Suite 206, New Bedford, MA 02740-5946
PH 508.979.1504 • FAX 508.979.5680
E-mail: Webmaster@gnbwib.org