Meeting called to order at 8:08 am

A QUORUM WAS PRESENT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (WDB)

Of Genesee & Shiawassee Counties

Meeting Minutes

Sylvester Broome Jr. Center

4119 North Saginaw Street

Flint, MI 48505

Friday, May 31, 2002

8:00 a.m.

PRESENT: Michael Zelley, Harry Blecker, Barry Bomier, Marlene Nicole for Todd Brian, Howard Bryant, Denise Chambers, Lewis Driskell, John R. Potbury for Larry Ford, Cheryl Gifford, Tom Gilbertson, Gary Gosaynie, Margaret Gulick, Jimmy King, Ivan Love, Carl Monroe, Edith Prunty-Spencer, Khalil Saab, Gary Smith, Diane Travis, Barbara VanTol, Ryan Hammond

STAFF PRESENT: Alicia Johnson, QB Pittman, Sharon Bowen, Craig Coney, Tanesha Malone, William Hetchler, Lila Lipscomb, Debbie Rose, Kimberly Etheridge, Shauna Knight, Koya Clemons, Sherry Goble

OTHERS PRESENT: Peter Goodstein, Larry Allen and Andre Hatter

I. Meeting called to order at 8:25 a.m.

II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 1, 2002: A motion to accept the minutes of March 22, 2002, as they were mailed, was made by Ms. Chambers and supported by Mr. King. Ms. Chambers asked that on page three (3) of the minutes item number six (6) be deleted.

A. Shiawassee County Subcommittee: Mr. Gosaynie gave an overview of the subcommittee meeting that was held two weeks ago at Baker College of Owosso. He stated that the subcommittee had an opportunity to walk through Baker’s new automotive technology center and ask questions.

Mr. Love inquired about the solicitation of TANF funds. Ms. Johnson answered that two-year contracts are provided to the WIA service providers so that continuity of services could be provided and that we are proposing to do the same for the Work First program. Mr. Love asked if she was talking about going to Individual Training Accounts. Ms. Johnson stated that no we already have that and are looking at going into vendor agreements with some of the training sites. Mr. Love asked, if there was some kind of a qualification for individuals receiving services under TANF income eligibility or an eligibility qualification prior to one being accepted in a TANF funded program. Ms. Johnson answered that with the TANF program, all referrals come from the FIA, so the determination is made at application by FIA and the clients are sent over to us for assistance with employment.

B. UNEMPLOYMENT AGENCY: Ms. Travis reported the name change from the Unemployment Agency to the Bureau of Workers and Unemployment Compensation, and the effects of early retirement on the agency and preparation for the Remote Initial Claim system (RIC). Ms. Travis was asked if the (RIC) has been activated. She stated no, there are still a few problems. She was asked if there is an anticipated start date. Ms. Travis replied she has not been given a date. Mr. Zelley asked about the redesign of the agency and what affects, if any, it would have on CAI and the day-to-day operations. Ms. Travis stated that it should not affect CAI and with 58% of the organization leaving, it is going to have an impact on the way services are delivered in the future. Approximately 1 in 4 people would be replaced. Mr. Zelley asked that as the task force is put together in the redesign of the agency, we should have actual people including those with disabilities be considered, Ms. Travis stated that there will be a public forum and our views can be heard at that time. She will get back with us on the date of this forum.

C. MICHIGAN REHABILITATION SERVICES: Mr. Monroe discussed the Distance Learning Budget which is hoped to be implemented the next fiscal year. He then discussed the grant funded learning resource center open house, which is on June 14^th from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. He discussed the effects that early retirement has had on his organization. He stated that his alternate Suzanne Howell would be present at the next meeting. Mr. Monroe mentioned the Disability Council and its three major issues. Mr. Monroe stated that CAI has taken a leadership role in the state in terms of trying to change not just the physical structure of the building, but the program structure relative to the incorporation of people with disabilities enabling people to operate independently. Mr. Zelley stated that Mr. Monroe is retiring and that Ms. Howell will be his replacement. A gift was presented to him in recognition of his service to the board.

D. FAMILY INDEPENDENCE AGENCY (FIA): Ms. Chambers gave an overview of the upcoming FIA events, including the second annual celebration of success which will be held in July, the start of the second class at Baker College and the early retirement affects on the organization. She also discussed the Before and After school project and the television informational show which airs on Comcast at 8:00 p.m. on Fridays. Mr. Zelley expressed concern over the loss at the manager’s level and that FIA is an important partner to CAI in terms of the Work First program referral. He asked if she sees that being jeopardized with the loss of so many employees. Ms. Chambers stated that she did not think there would be too much interruption, however, you can’t do the same amount of work if you are missing 25% of the workforce and until she has her numbers, she will not be able to give a true picture. Mr. Zelley asked if she foresees a significant affect on CAI in Genesee and Shiawassee counties and the service providers, on the way business is done. Ms. Chambers replied that she did not foresee any changes in this. He asked her to let them know if the WDB could be of any assistance.

E. EDUCATION ADVISORY GROUP (EAG): Mr. Zelley asked that Ms. Johnson include an EAG report on all future agendas. He stated that Mr. John Olsen is retiring and asked that he give an update on the EAG and some parting remarks. Mr. Olsen gave an overview of his work history in education in Genesee County. He gave an overview of the Education Development Plan in Genesee County. He stated that he will remain on the board for Flushing Community Schools and that he will be working next fall supervising 10 technical student teachers for Ferris State University. Mr. Zelley stated that the automated career planning program is a remarkable achievement.

B. CHAIRPERSON’S COMMENTS: Mr. Zelley asked that each board member turn in their bios to the CAI staff. He stated that he was appointed to the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board for two-year term. He discussed the statewide conference by MI Works! on July 30 and 31^st on the employment of citizens with disabilities, featuring assistive technology. He stated that the next board meeting has been rescheduled to July 19 due to timing related issues that have to be voted on. He stated that the November board meeting will also be rescheduled.

C. PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Ms. Johnson reported for Ms. Loving in her absence. Ms. Johnson elaborated on the change of the board meeting date to July 19th. She discussed a possible partnership with some private and some other public organizations to institute a neighborhood improvement project particularly with the neighborhoods surrounding the Broome Center. She discussed expansion of services in partnership with FIA as it relates to the 40-hour work requirement. She spoke of the work being done with the Mission of Peace and the Catholic Charities. Ms. Johnson elaborated on the Operation Fast Break program announcing the next graduation June 4, 2002 with Mr. Zelley the keynote speaker.

V. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned 9:35 a.m.

_________________________________________

Ms. Katie Wolf

Secretary, Workforce Development Board

Date: ________________________