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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (WDB)

Of Genesee and Shiawassee Counties

Meeting Minutes

Broome Center                               

4119 N. Saginaw Street

Flint, MI  48505

Friday, October 26, 2007

8:00 a.m.

 

PRESENT:    Lewis Driskell, Jimmy King, Cheryl Gifford, Mary Sumpter, Erik Eastman, David Miller, Sheryl Thompson, Margaret Gulick, Lawrence Moon, Robert Hardy, Alan Hartter, Sue Howell, Kevin Keane, Vera Perry, Cheryl Peterson, Jerry Ragsdale, Elizabeth Saab for Khalil Saab, Cunesha Sanders, Gary Smith

 

ABSENT:  Harry Blecker (excused), Edward Donovan (excused), Willie Middlebrooks

 

STAFF PRESENT:    Craig Coney, Kim Etheridge, Helen Brown, Tammy Irving, Nichole Taylor, Richard Curtis, Sharon Bowen, James Lofton, Eunita Mixon-Wingfield, Peggy Kendrick, Audra Moore, Pam Beebe, John Rhymes

OTHERS PRESENT:  Peter Goodstein,

 

I.                   CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Lewis Driskell, Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m.

II.                ACTION ITEMS:

A.     Election of Chair of Workforce Development Board:  Mr. Driskell, Vice Chair, opened the floor for WDB Chair nominations.  Mr. Erik Eastman nominated Mr. Jimmy King.  Mr. Driskell asked for any additional nominations.  Mr. Miller moved to close the nominations.  Mr. King stated that he would like to take the position for approximately six months due to his desire to retire.  Ms. Perry expressed concern regarding the six month commitment.  The nomination was reopened asking if any member would like to nominate themselves or anyone else for the position.  No nominations were made. Motion to nominate Jimmy King as Chair was supported by Mr. Ragsdale.

MOTION PASSED
Ms. Perry voted nay.

B.     Election of Secretary of Workforce Development Board:  Mr.  King entertained nominations from the floor to nominate someone or self for WDB secretary.  Mr. Eastman asked what was expected of the position.  Mr. Coney answered they will be responsible for signing off on certain documents and they will be a part of the action team.  Nomination made by Mr. Miller for Mr. Kevin Keane to serve as secretary and supported by Mr. Eastman.

MOTION PASSED

C.     Approval of WDB Minutes of September 28, 2007:  A motion to accept the minutes of September 28, 2007 was made by Mr. Driskell and supported by Mr. Eastman.

MOTION PASSED

D.    Approval of WDB Minutes of October 19, 2007:   A motion to accept the minutes of October 19, 2007 was made by Mr. Driskell and supported by Mr. Eastman.

MOTION PASSED

III.             UPDATES:

A.     CEO Search Committee:  Mr. Lawrence Moon gave an update on the CEO search.  He thanked Mr. Coney and Ms. Candice Miller for their assistance.  He stated that they will meet again on November 8th.  He stated that they are asking for information from the state to make sure the correct steps are followed.

B.     MDLEG Rehabilitation Services:  Ms. Howell stated that the fiscal year ended on September 30th.  She stated that they are operating on a highly reduced budget and they are still providing services and none has been delayed.

C.     Department of Human Services:  Ms. Thompson stated they are operating in the same mode and do not have a balanced budget.  She stated they are going forth with the JET program.

IV.              INTERIM PRESIDENT’S UPDATES:  Mr. Coney introduced Interim Chief Financial Officer, Diane Ward.  She gave a brief background of her previous career and experience.  Mr. Eastman wants to see executive summaries and how CAI is benchmarking with other MWA’s in the state.  He stated that seeing a balance sheet or cash flow would be helpful in making decisions.  Mr. Coney stated that Ms. Ward came high recommended by the County Controller regarding her work ethic and skill level.  He attended the Michigan Works Director’s Meeting and stated that there were new Trade rules coming in and Ms. Janet Howard from DLEG is preparing a statement to go out.  The executive team is meeting weekly for the resolutions of the findings and Mr. Martini and Ms. McAvoy have been very beneficial.  He stated CAI is working with EL Hollingsworth Trucking Company through HIDC to obtain training for participants.  He met with the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce regarding peer mentoring.  He reported that the Cycle III monitoring is going on and is part of the State’s normal monitoring.  They are looking at procurement and making sure we are following proper procedures. Once it is completed there will be an exit interview. He stated that we met all the requirements in the Adult and Youth Programs and that CAI saw more adults than Detroit.  CAI sees approximately 20% of the state’s population in different programs which does not include TANF and that in spite all of the issues, customers have not been affected.

V.                 CHAIR’S UPDATES:  Mr. King asked that the form entitled, “WDB List of Affiliations Calendar Year 2008” be completed.  He recognized Ms. Elizabeth Saab, alternate for Mr. Khalil Saab.  He discussed the money received from Mott Foundation which will assist with the CEO search.  Mr. Coney stated that Abraham and Gaffney will be at CAI to provide financial assistance and they are highly recognized in the State of Michigan and also monitor our service provider network, however there is no conflict.  Mr. Coney also mentioned that Ms. Shirley Eichenberg will be here along with Abraham and Gaffney to get CAI up to speed as far as fiscal responsibility goes.  Mr. King mentioned that the action team is working on resolving issues and Ms. Eunita Mixon-Wingfield’s huge contribution.  Mr. Martini gave an update on the progress of the findings resolution.  Ms. McAvoy gave her background and experience and is happy to offer her expertise.  Mr. King encouraged each board member to attend the action team meetings which only last approximately one hour.

VI.              PUBLIC COMMENTS:  Mr. Michael Fernandes, HIDC, expressed concern about the new rules and how frustrating it can be and his need for clarification.

VII.           NEXT MEETING DATE:  The next WDB meeting will be Tuesday, November 20, 2007, at the Broome Center.  Mr. Coney recognized staff for all of their hard work. 

VIII.        ADJOURNMENT:  Meeting was adjourned at 8:43 a.m.

 

 

Kevin Keane

___________________________________

Mr. Kevin Keane

            Secretary, Workforce Development Board

                                                                        Date: 11/20/07

 

 

 

 

 

 

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