E.U.P. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

  Preliminary Minutes

  April 15, 2004

The E.U.P. Workforce Development Board meeting was held at the State Street Village Inn in St. Ignace.  Workforce Development Board President, Jim Wagner, called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m.   As a quorum of was not present at that time, Jim Feil of the E.U.P Intermediate School District provided a presentation of their services.  A quorum was present at 4:20 p.m. upon the arrival of Workforce Development Board Member, Ernie Maas.

Workforce Development Board Members Present:

Tony Bosbous
Betty Daniels
Jim Feil
Jeff Holt
Ernie Maas
Joe Halvorsen (Alt)
Sandee Raappana
Dave Ramsay
Ken Smith
John Ufer
Jim Wagner

Workforce Development Board Members Absent:

Cheryl Blue
David Goldthorpe
Jill Hazel
D J Hoffman
Kathy Langhals
Louis MacDonald
Carmen McLaren
Jen Prpich
Pat Shimmens

Bold names denote private sector.

Guests Present:

Jeanne Donovan
Judy Ezop
Nick Ferro
Mickey Parish
Michelle Ribant

Staff Present:

Gwen Worley
Kim Wilcox
Larry Marion

Jim Feil and Michelle Ribant of the E.U.P. Intermediate School District provided a presentation of the services offered to school districts in the Eastern Upper Peninsula .  The ISD is best known for professional development, special education services, technology, and curriculum assistance.  Jim indicated that the EUP is one of the leaders in technology of Michigan schools with wireless internet service and ITV usage.  Due to reductions in funding, the need to propose a millage to offset costs was also described.

Mickey Parish, President of Bay Mills Community College, provided an update of the academic programs being offered.  He explained that the College is primarily operated by funds received from grants, which allows the tuition costs to be fairly low.  It is a tribally controlled community college which requires enrollment to be at least 50% Native American.  He introduced Nick Ferro and Jeanne Donovan from his staff who help oversee grant writing and recruitment.  He also described the online courses being offered and the building trades program which is scheduled to begin in the Fall.

There was no public comment addressed at this meeting.

The minutes of the March 18, 2004 , Workforce Development Board meeting were approved as submitted following a motion by Jeff Holt and support by Ernie Maas.

Workforce Development Board Members reviewed the results of the Fee-For-Services Survey sent to area employers.  Out of the 40 surveys mailed, 10 responses were received.  The results received indicate that employers would not use many of the services as they could be done in house or the need would be low.  Jeff Holt moved to file the results and not proceed with providing fee-for-services at this time.  Dave Ramsay supported.  Motion passed.

Several informational items were reviewed.

Director Worley mentioned that a draft policy issuance regarding WIA allocations for PY 2004 has been received.  According to this draft, the E.U.P. anticipates an average decrease of approximately 20% in the funding of WIA programs.  The WIA programs include Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth programs.  She also mentioned that this year’s Reed Act Plan expires at the end of the year and it is not anticipated to be replaced.  She will keep the WDB updated on final amounts when they are issued.

The possibility of scheduling the majority of the WDB meetings in Sault Ste. Marie was discussed due to the fact it has been difficult obtaining a quorum.  The importance to have the meetings in the tri-county was also mentioned.  Upon further discussion, it was decided to continue meetings in all counties as it could be a form of public recognition of the Workforce Development Board in all counties.

As there was no old business, the meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m. following a motion by Dave Ramsay and support by Jeff Holt.

                Jim Wagner                                                                                    June 17th, 2004

                Jim Wagner                                                                                       Date Approved

E.U.P. Workforce Development Board

Prepared by Kim Wilcox.