E.U.P. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

Preliminary Minutes  

June 15, 2006

The E.U.P. Workforce Development Board meeting was held at Studebaker’s Restaurant in Sault Ste. Marie.  Workforce Development Board President Jill Hazel called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.

Workforce Development Board Members Present:

Tony Bosbous
Gary Deuman
Jill Hazel
Aaron Hopper
Kathy Langhals
Sandee Raappana
Dave Ramsay
Pat Shimmens
Ken Smith
Aaron Tadgerson
John Ufer
Vicky Wagner
Barbara Weber

Workforce Development Board Members Absent:

Shirley Farnquist
David Goldthorpe
Joe Halvorsen
Jeff Holt
Ernie Maas
David Weber

Bold names denote private sector.

Guests Present:

Ray Cook
Ed DeTour
Nance Karst
Bill Sutter

Staff Present:

Gwen Worley
Kim Wilcox  

There was no public comment addressed at this meeting.

The minutes of the April 20, 2006 , Workforce Development Board Meeting were approved as submitted following a motion by Tony Bosbous and support by Aaron Hopper.  

Director Worley described the plans for Program Year 2006:  Michigan Works! System Plan, WIA Youth, WIA Youth Statewide Activity (High Concentration Youth), WIA Adult, WIA Dislocated Worker, Incumbent Worker, Service Center Operation Grant, Capacity Building Grant, and WIA Displaced Homemaker Plans.  

The Michigan Works! System Plan was reviewed.  This plan describes the method of operation of the Michigan Works! office.  Director Worley noted that this plan indicates that the WDB supports that the Consortium staff will serve as the One Stop Center Operator.

The WIA Youth Program totals $401,571, which is an approximate decrease of $100,000.  It was noted that additional WIA Youth Statewide funding will be received totaling $4,313.  This funding will be added to the WIA Youth contract and will be used to provide services to approximately two participants.

The WIA Adult Program for PY 2006 received a total allocation of $386,007 and the WIA Dislocated Worker Program total allocation is $372,157.  As the transfer of funds between these two plans is allowable, $70,000 will be added to the Adult Plan from the Dislocated Worker Plan.  This transfer will bring the total allocation for the WIA Adult Plan to $456,007 and the Dislocated Worker Plan will total $302,157.

The WIA Incumbent Worker totals $15,883 and provides training to employees currently employed to upgrade skills.

The Michigan Works! Service Center Operation Grant was described.  This grant totals $55,000, which is an increase of $15,000 and will provide funding to cover a portion of the overall service center expenses including salaries.

The Capacity Building and Professional Development Plan totals $24,000. Director Worley indicated that administrative funds total $480 and the remaining $23,520 reverts directly to the Michigan Works! Association to provide services to all of the Michigan Works! Agencies in the State.

The Displaced Homemaker Grant has a total allocation of $39,121 and will supplement the Dislocated Worker contract.  It is anticipated that approximately 13 eligible participants will be provided services with this grant.

Tony Bosbous moved to approve all of the PY 2006 Plans as presented.  John Ufer supported.  Motion passed.

Director Worley indicated that the MDLEG has announced their intent to fund coordinated regional strategies.  She mentioned that there are six elements of this planning grant.  Although the Central and Eastern U.P. Michigan Works! Agencies have decided to submit a joint proposal, the narrative stresses that the areas each agency covers are unique and cannot be considered a single labor market area.  The strategic goals are required to address potential worker dislocations and rapid response systems.  The E.U.P. anticipates approximately $43,200 should this strategic planning opportunity be approved.  Dave Ramsay moved to approve contributing to the coordinated regional strategy proposal.  John Ufer supported.  Motion passed.

The proposals received for the Program Year 2006 WIA Youth, WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker, and Employment Services Programs were described.  Director Worley indicated that Consolidated Community School Services provided the only proposal for each program.  CCSS is the current contractor of all WIA and Employment Services programs.  The contracts are to begin in Program Year 2006 with a possible extension of two additional years.  The total funds of the WIA Youth Contract are $341,000.  The WIA Adult Contract totals $387,000 and the WIA Dislocated Contract totals $265,000.  The contract award for the Employment Service Contract totals $66,000.  It was noted that funds for Re-Employment Services are not anticipated at this time.  Gary Deuman moved to award the contracts to Consolidated Community School Services to continue to operate the WIA Youth, WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker, and Employment Services programs.  John Ufer supported.  Motion passed.

This month’s spotlight was focused on Workforce Development Board Members Gary Deuman and Aaron Tadgerson. Gary and Aaron each provided a brief summary of their backgrounds and occupations.  Gary Deuman described the many aspects of his position as the Director of the Sault Area Career Center .  Other occupations he has held include Director of Alternative Education, Executive Director of Inter-Tribal Council, and various teaching positions.  Aaron Tadgerson is currently the Recruiter/Land Grant Writer for Bay Mills Community College .  He described many of his interests including volunteer work at the Boys and Girls Club of Bay Mills.

Board Members Dave Ramsay and Dave Goldthorpe were appointed to speak at the next WDB meeting.

Several informational items were reviewed.

Under new business, Jill Hazel provided statistical information regarding the high cost of doing business in Michigan , compared to other Mid-West States.

As there was no old business, the meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m. following a motion by Dave Ramsay and support by Barbara Weber.

 

                                Signed                                                                                                       8/17/06

                                                                                                                                                                                   

                    Jill Hazel, President                                                                                          Date Approved

        E.U.P. Workforce Development Board

 

Prepared by Kim Wilcox