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Archive: October 2008 Minutes
10-22-08 Executive Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
10/22/08
Southcoast Hospitals Group – Fairhaven
Members present: Chair, David DeJesus, Jr.; David J. Ferreira, Roger W. Masson, Richard F. Mello, Bruce Morell, David A. Pelletier, Ronald F. Rheaume
Members absent: John Fernandes, Maria O. Pinarreta (called), Charles R. Simpson, Jr. (called), Charles e. Winterhalter, (excused)
Other WIB Members in attendance: Joseph Notini
Workforce Development System Staff in attendance: Len Coriaty, Edward Dennehy, Steve Grant, Jason Wentworth
Chairman DeJesus called the meeting to order at 4:43 p.m.
Consent Agenda:
A motion was made by David Ferreira and seconded by Roger Masson to approve the draft minutes of the 09/04/08, 09/17/08, 10/06/08 Executive Committee meetings and WIB Treasurer’s Report. The vote to approve was unanimous.
Committee Updates
Business Development committee - Len Coriaty
Mr. Coriaty reported that the committee had not met since the last ExCom meeting. He noted that WIB Chair Dave DeJesus recently appointed new members to the committee, including: Dave Cabral of Five Star Manufacturing, Dennis Galvam of NSTAR, and Chris O’Neil of Tomlinson O’Neil Insurance Agency. With the support of WIB Director of Development Bridget Alexander, the committee is looking to refocus its efforts in accordance with strategic planning.
Finance and Performance Measurement Committee – Bruce Morell
Mr. Morell informed committee members that the primary focus of the F&PMCom has been on the implementation of the strategic plan. The Committee authorized establishment of a Strategic Planning Working Group to guide and assist staff in the Board’s preparation to reapply for High Performing Workforce Board certification.
Bruce reported that it’s been determined by the City’s auditor that the WIB, as the Mayor’s Fiscal Agent for State and Federal funds, is a component part of the City. The City has fiduciary responsibility for all such funds. Future audits of the WIB will be included in the City-wide agency audit; the WIB will pay for the WIB portion of the City audit, and the WIB will receive a separate audit report. Rich Mello noted that there currently is a separate and distinct WIB audit.
Also, authorization was given for New Directions Southcoast to procure training software.
Report from the Executive Director / CEO – Len Coriaty
Mr. Coriaty announced the appointments of new members and new committee assignments: Alice Oliveira (Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission) to Youth Council, Peter Muise (First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union) to Finance and Performance Measurement Committee, Rick Colon (Verizon) to Youth Council, Charles Sisson (Coastline Elderly Services, Inc.) to Business Development Committee, Chris Shannon (BCC Tech Prep Director), to Youth Council, and Derek Santos (New Bedford Economic Development Council) was appointed to the Business Development Committee. Efforts will continue to populate committees. Mr. Coriaty also reported that the Mayor was able to secure funding for the planned Project Manager position from Secretary Bump, Executive Office of Labor & Workforce Development.
Mr. Coriaty informed the Committee that Secretary Bump announced the appointment of Michael Taylor, Director, MA Department of Workforce Development. A question was posed on the State’s intention to continue with the High Performing Boards (HPB) Initiative. Mr. Coriaty said the process will continue. Continuing with the topic of HPB, the State announced a revised schedule to apply for HPB certification. Round II application deadline is March 2, 2009 and Round III in September of 2009. Mr. Coriaty noted that the $100K award for achieving HPB status is Federal money and not subject to State 9c cuts.
Mr. Coriaty reported the FY ’09 Annual Business Plan has been approved by the state.
Mr. Coriaty recounted that a request was made by Roger Masson and Chair DeJesus to obtain applications of the two regions that achieved HPB status in the first round for the purposes of analysis and to determine why they were successful. Len introduced a report titled, “What Can We Learn – A Comparative Analysis of Successful High Performing Board Applications” prepared by Craig Baker. The two boards submitting successful applications that were used in the analysis were Hampden County Regional Employment Board and North Shore Workforce Investment Board. Findings were presented categorically to match the four designated sections of the HPB application; Strategic Planning and Implementation, Measuring Success, Managing the Work of the Board, and Oversight and Development of Financial Resources.
Mr. Coriaty, based on this analysis, plans to incorporate policies and procedures of successful applicants that are currently not instituted. He also noted that there have been successes in implementation but that there is need for more complete documentation. Mr. Coriaty noted that the Hampden County and North Shore WIBs had been focusing on these issues for more than a year and were at the level that they could show progress as measured by that plan. A review of the report by ExCom was recommended and feedback and questions were welcomed. Mr. Coriaty stated that progress being made through respective committees to document impediments and remediation should provide the basis for an ongoing agenda item at the committee and board level, with the previously mentioned need to document & report activities and systems already in place. Chair DeJesus, in closing, noted that the Strategic Plan has to be the driving factor in the process.
Career Center – Ed Dennehy
Mr. Dennehy presented statistics to the ExCom regarding usage of the Career Centers. Current traffic is on pace for 14,000 customers visiting the Career Centers this year (about 250 per day). They serve 251 employers (52 new to the Career Center this year) and continue outreach to businesses. In the past 3 month period, a total of 354 job matches have been documented. Mr. Dennehy noted that the number is misleading [understated] due to lack of follow-through of businesses and/or jobseekers with staff. Additionally, the current state of the economy means there are just not as many jobs. He noted that the current average wage for job seekers is $11.64 per hour.
Mr. Dennehy noted successful collaborations with BCC, the WIB, and the City on a Brownfields Training grant application.
He also highlighted a proposal for Prisoner Reentry Grant funding, an initiative led by the WIB, in which BCC, the Career Center, and the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office partnered, along with the Bristol WIB and the Fall River Career Center. If approved, the grant would mean $700,000 over two years to implement a program that starts transitional assistance and job skill development “behind the walls” and assists in the transition process upon release. Mr. Dennehy noted that this is an especially tough group to serve from his perspective as most come for placement possessing very minimal skills. The Career Center utilizes employers who take advantage of various incentive programs, numbering about 6.
He also asked for clarification on what is needed to report to the ExCom in the future. Chair DeJesus suggested presenting how people track through the system and utilize services, and why there are only 350 people hired. As a Board, it would be helpful to be conversant about how the system works and speak to why the numbers are what they are. The Chair noted that the Mayor has the impression that people are not being served and that a presentation for the full WIB would go a long way to correcting those impressions. A question was asked regarding seasonal employment and whether those individuals who are off utilize the Career Center service.
Ed was asked if employers inform the Career Center if jobs listed are new jobs or to fill existing positions. Mr. Dennehy said that there currently is no method of tracking that information.
Mr. Mello inquired as to how long individuals generally remain out of work as some could be on the list for more than a year, affecting annual statistics. Mr. Dennehy was not sure if the number was captured and stated that he would find out.
Other Business
Chair DeJesus proposed that the Executive Committee draft and send a letter of thanks to the Mayor, voicing their appreciation for allowing an open process and frank conversation regarding the search for a project manager. The Chair also recognized that the Mayor had delivered the additional external funding sought for the position.
Mr. Mello noted that New Directions has, for the 4th year in a row, achieved a performance incentive award. He went on to suggest that this accomplishment be formally acknowledged at the Quarterly Meeting.
Conversation continued on the current state of the national and state economies and the potential negative effects of additional state cuts and passage of Ballot Question 1 (regarding dissolution of state income tax).
Adjourn
David Ferreira motioned to adjourn; Mr. Mello seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
Next meeting: 12/3/08 – 4:30pm – Fairhaven Home Care Conference Room
(Southcoast Hospitals Group) in Fairhaven
Respectfully submitted,
Jason Wentworth
LiteracyWorks Entrepreneur
10-22-08 Finance and Performance Measurement Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Finance and Performance Measurement Committee
10/22/08
Fairhaven Homecare Conference Room
Finance and Performance Measurement Committee members present: Bruce Morell, Chair; Roger Masson, Vice Chair; David DeJesus, Jr., Edward J. Dennehy, Joseph Notini, David A. Pelletier, Susan B. Peterson
Finance and Performance Measurement Committee members absent: John Fernandes, James C. Nichols (called), Maria O. Pinarreta (called), Charles R. Simpson, Jr. (called), James F. Snow
Workforce Development System staff in attendance: Len Coriaty, Craig Baker, Steven Grant
Guests in attendance: Normand Audette
Chair Bruce Morell call the meeting to order at 3:03pm.
Consent Agenda:
Susan Peterson moved to approve the 9/4/08 Finance and Performance Measurement Committee Minutes. David Pelletier seconded. Roger Masson moved to approve the 9/17/08 Joint Executive Committee (and) Finance and Performance Measurement Committee minutes. David DeJesus seconded. Susan Peterson moved to accept the WIB Treasurer’s Report through 9/30/08. Roger Masson seconded.
Reports:
Steve Grant presented the Report on Financials for September 30, 2008, highlighting areas where lag in some line items shows higher than the planned expenditure(s) including fringe, WIA youth wages and the Special Assistant position.
Len Coriaty added that the Mayor is looking for outside funding to help with the Special Assistant and that the WIB will move forward with reviews and interviewing for the position. There was $30K allocated for training that was also being considered for the Special Assistant position. Coriaty explained that if the Mayor finds the $25K in outside funds, the $30K in training will still be available. Roger Masson added that it looks like the Mayor is making good on his position to not use training dollars.
Sue Peterson motioned to accept the Report on Financials for September 30, 2008. Roger Masson seconded.
Ed Dennehy presented the Career Center Operations Report explaining that this is the 4th year that that Career Center will receive a $20K Performance Award from the state for meeting or exceeding all performance requirements.
He said the Career Centers are much busier with the 13 week Unemployment Insurance extension. Wait times on the phone is sometimes running near 2 hours. Sue Peterson asked if there is a way to increase staff. Dennehy said that the Division of Career Services will look to increase the staff at the call centers.
Ed Dennehy said the Job Expo was successful but won’t know the numbers on employments for 2-3 months. He added that they are also looking into what Joseph Abboud employees will need for training as there are many Portuguese that may benefit from English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
Ed Dennehy suggested that some training money be used to fund the Adult Basic Education/Literacy program that was cut 50% by the Department of Transitional Assistance. He added that doing away with the program would make it difficult for us to meet performance numbers (15 participants in ESOL and 10 in ABE).
Bruce Morell asked why Individual Training Account expenditures were so low. Dennehy attributed it o more dislocated workers (that access separate funds) and that DTA individuals use DTA funds, not ITA. Sue Peterson suggested ˝ of the Mayor’s fund be applied to the DTA cuts while Roger Masson suggested getting Mike Longo on this and doing something much larger, perhaps at the Zeiterion Theater for ABE. Craig Baker explained that Literacy Entrepreneur Jason Wentworth was looking into these types of options. Dennehy suggested the $30K be used to fund the ESOL program that was cut. He then explained additional cuts from Fisheries and other programs he has experienced that reduce his ability to train fisherman by approximately 80%.
Susan Peterson moved to accept the Career Center Operations Report. Roger Masson seconded.
Updates:
Craig Baker led the group through an exercise to begin thinking about short term goals that can be measured against the strategic plan. He asked that a working group be formed to develop these in more detail and identify other ways we can improve the High Performing Board application. Bruce Morell asked that other WIB members be engaged for this project.
Steve Grant explained that the latest Systems Certification shows the WIB to be “conditionally certified”, in particular around the ’07 procurement process, but that the monitor said it was not a big deal and that improvements are already apparent.
Craig Baker informed the group that the decision to move forward with a CQI consultant in November is still on track.
Bruce Morell explained that for auditing purposes, the WIB is legally separated from the City and yet must still comply with the City’s auditing criteria. Therefore, the WIB must be included in the City’s audit. To avoid duplication, the WIB will plan to pay for part of the City’s audit that also meets the WIB’s requirements to have its own stand-alone audit as a 501(c)(3). We will still look at segregation of duties between New Directions and WIB monies moving forward.
Ed Dennehy suggested that the Performance Award be used to buy a $15K, 3-year license for WIN or KeyTrain, which would provide additional levels of assessment for Literacy and Skills. In addition, there are training components to improve skills, and the software can be accessed over the web, from home. Sue Peterson motioned to support the acquisition of the software providing due diligence was given in consideration of other priorities. Roger Masson seconded.
Len Coriaty updated the group on the status of LiteracyWorks explaining that CommCorp, in the midst of their own cuts, will honor about $8K to date and terminate the contract. He added that there are enough funds through other sources to sustain the position with fringe until February 20, 2009 and that Jason is looking at ways to further sustain the position with potential funding from Peabody and Community Foundations as examples.
Susan Peterson motioned to adjourn. David DeJesus seconded.
Meeting adjourned 4:38pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Craig Baker
Chief Operating Officer
10-06-08 Executive Committee Special Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
10/06/08
City Hall, City of New Bedford
Members present: David DeJesus, Chair; John Fernandes, Roger W. Masson, Richard F. Mello, Bruce Morell, Maria O. Pinarreta, Ronald R. Rheaume
Members absent: David J. Ferreira (called), David A. Pelletier (called), Charles R. Simpson, Jr. (called), Charles E. Winterhalter (excused)
New Directions Southcoast, Inc. Staff: Edward J. Dennehy
Guests: Mayor Scott W. Lang, William Burns and Catherine Rollins
WIB Staff: Len Coriaty, Bridget Alexander, Steven Grant, and Annie Massicotte
> Chair's Welcome
Chair DeJesus called the meeting to order at 4:20pm.
> Executive Committee
At the request of Mayor Lang, the Chair called a Special Meeting of the Executive Committee to discuss future plans for our High Performing Board (HPB) application.
Mayor Lang began by acknowledging the level of effort and expertise demonstrated by the Board in the HPB application process. He went on to say that he talked with Secretary Bump, and she proposed the following:
- She will send a team to work with the WIB staff to develop an application that will meet the State’s standards.
- Secretary Bump, aware that Mayor Lang suggested to the Board to bring in someone to help him, said she will seek funding for the position outside of Greater New Bedford formula funding.
Mayor Lang went on to say that he sees this as an opportunity to accelerate moving our agenda forward.
He stressed that the Board needs to provide tangible results particularly in connection with the following issues:
- Education
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Skill Training
- Job Vacancies
The Mayor stressed the need to find ways to solve these problems. He noted his attendance at the recent Gateway Cities Conference where he learned that there is a 1-year wait for ESL program slots, and a 1-year wait for diploma programs. His theory is to put 200 people in a room for some basic ESOL instruction. Noting not all participants will succeed, some will need tutoring support, while others will learn enough of the rudiments to motivate them to continue their efforts.
Len Coriaty announced that of the 16 WIBs, 8 submitted HPB applications. Of those submitting applications, 2 WIBs advanced to phase three. The GNB WIB was the only WIB in the Southeast region to apply in Round 1.
Len is awaiting specific feedback from the State; and said they will provide Technical Assistance. Each application was rated on the Strategic Plan, the Operating Plan, Performance Measurement Plan, and the Revenue Plan. A score of 80% or higher is required in each category.
A discussion relative to next steps ensued. Greater member engagement is needed, as is the establishment of solid benchmarks. Implementation will begin at the committee level and will be reported a the quarterly meetings.
Dave DeJesus stated the WIB is open to the State’s help.
Roger Masson asked what are the chances of seeing one of the accepted applications.
The Mayor stated that Secretary Bump asked the following questions: 1) What are we going to do? 2) How are we going to do it? 3) How do we implement it? 4) How much will it cost? 5) How do you prove efficiency?
Secretary Bump plans to bring together a group of Mayors to discuss what can be done to strengthen WIBs and asked for Mayor Lang’s participation on a task force.
In other business, Len stated that he’d received a call from Nancy Snyder from CommCorp. Due to 9 C budget cuts, CommCorp’s budget was reduced. As a result, they will no longer be able to honor their $30K grant for LiteracyWorks. The Mayor emphasized the critical need to fund Literacy Works. He indicated that wait-lists could grow significantly and costs could escalate 10-fold if the funds are not replaced.
The Mayor then excused himself from the meeting at 4:45pm.
It was then decided that Len would ask the 2 WIBs going forward to the next phase for a copy of their applications.
> Next Steps:
Chair DeJesus asked that the 10/22 Executive Committee meeting materials be distributed one week ahead of time. He asked Len to provide a summary of what is different. Also he’d like more information as to what Secretary Bump has to offer. We need a game plan to digest and to discuss.
John Fernandes asked about the data that has been amassed. How can it be utilized? What are other WIBs measuring?
Chair DeJesus asked Ed Dennehy if he could have a discussion with his peers at Hamden County and North Shore, prior to the next meeting, and report who assisted them in putting together their applications.
Len distributed a handout of “next steps” and asked the committee members to take a look them and contact him with questions.
Roger asked about the new position for the Mayor. Len stated that only 2 applications had been received to date, and Michael Longo was not among them. Len stated that he had been in conversation with Bill Burns of the Mayor’s office regarding this issue.
Maria wanted clarification about the Mayor’s suggestion that 200 people sitting on waitlists participate in a large-scale ESOL class. Roger stated that if the Mayor feels so strongly about this approach, either an attempt should be made to design and implement the program, or it should be dismissed. Ed Dennehy confirmed that experts say 15 is the optimum number of adult learners in a class. Maria then suggested recruiting retired teachers.
> Adjourn
Upon a motion made by Mr. Morell, and seconded by Mr. Mello, the meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Annie Massicotte
Business Office Manager
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