Minutes of February 22, 2001 Meeting

Modern Maturity Center - Dover, DE

Members Present: Jeffrey Bross, Ed Capodanno, Judy Cherry, Alice Coleman, Clifford Crouch, Patricia DiEmidio, Teresa Gallagher, Orlando George, Saundra Johnson, Samuel Lathem, Joseph Letnaunchyn, Patrick Liverpool, Robert McLeod, William McCloskey, John McMahon, Vince Meconi, Hon. Ruth Ann Minner, Frank Mossman, Michael Ratchford, Sandra Reyes, Fred Sears, Doug Smith, Harold Stafford, David Tanner, Duane Wayman, John Wik, Dallas Winslow. 

  1. Introduction Of The Governor - The Honorable Ruth Ann Minner commended the Board, those representing government, cabinet secretaries, USDOL reps. and others in attendance, on the accomplishment of WIA goals, including providing jobs & job training, which has changed the lives and future for many Delaware citizens. She highlighted some of these accomplishments and stated that if the public and business communities continue to work together, Delaware will remain in its good economic status.

  2. Minutes of Last Meeting - The minutes of September 13, 2000 were approved.

  3. Committee Reports -

    4. Public Relations & Community Outreach - Harold Stafford reported that the goal of this committee is to develop a brand name for the WIB to become well known. The committee has developed a membership list and a one-page ad of services & programs available to help get the message out. In addition, two public service announcements are being aired on 20 radio stations across the state.

    Other activities already in progress are:

    1. to develop a product statement for mass mailings; 

    2. develop a 10-minute power-point presentation; 

    3. develop a speaker's bureau & have everyone participate; and 

    4. to have an open-house of all one-stop career centers for a hand-ons experience for employers.

    Youth Council - John McMahon reported that the out-of-school youth presentations will be held at Clayton Hall on March 15th, from 8 - 1:00 p.m. and all members should plan to attend.

    A Results & Learning Meeting was held 1/24/01 in Smyrna and providers expressed a number of concerns, including the need for early approval notifications to better organize their projects. 

    The committee agreed to extend in-school youth provider contracts until June 30, 2002 and the executive committee granted approval.

    A meeting has been scheduled for the school administrators and counselors for purpose of better communications for the summer youth program hopefully eliminating problems from last year.

    Also, this committee is working in support of a grant application for the Girls & Boys Club and a program for youth offenders.

    Alice Coleman, Vice Chair, will be attending a Youth Symposium in Baltimore in April.

    Performance Measure & Customer Service - Judy Cherry reported that this committee had put together performance measures and developed a criteria definition which was approved by the executive committee in January. In addition, two questionnaires (for the employers & one participants) were developed for use with an RFP already released.

    She commented on the VCNet, how data is collected and used. Judy then presented to the Board the actual steps of the one-stop process.

    A decision was made by the committee to start a stealth operation having individuals pose as clients seeking assistance at the different one-stop sites to determine the best location. All members should plan to participate and report back their experiences.

    Proposal Review & Certification Committee - Duane Wayman reported that this committee is responsible for the approval & certification of programs. This fiscal year ends on June 30 and all monies will be spent. He stated that the OOLMI/ DOL staff had set up system s necessary to the programs operation and have done a good job. Under the contract with DOL, their performance will be reviewed in 2 years at which time another provider can be selected.

    The Executive Committee approved the following recommendations of this committee on January 12, 2001:

    1. all post-secondary schools & apprenticeship programs must be certified through DOE before receiving approval to be added to our list of programs and eligible for ITA funds.

      2. The recommendation for DOE certification & re-certification of all providers is effective July 1, 2001. This re-certification process is required each year.

    2. Need for a bond process and a refund policy to be in place.

    3. Under the certification process, all providers must attest to the following:

      1. - is currently listed in trainers catalog

      2. - tuition is at catalog price

      3. - program is in use of the general public on a tuition basis

      4. - program is in use of appropriate quantity

      5. - or provide a (reasonable) explanation why it is a new program

    On February 20, 2001 this committee met and approved the following as recommendations to the board:

    1. to lower the maximum amount of provider prices from $4700 to $3500 per year which will allow more people to be served (between 25% to 60%).

    2. To mandate a 4-week job search at the one-stop centers prior to becoming eligible for ITA training.

    3. An appeals process was developed and approved. This committee will either approve and deny all appeals and is requesting that a second level group be appointed for this process.

    The following motions were made and approved by the Board:

    1. - to lower the ITA maximum amount from $4700 to $3500 per year.

      2. John McMahon seconded and motion passed unanimously.

    2. - to approve the mandated 4-week job search at one-stop centers. John MacMahon seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

    3. - the appeals process for approval of non-certified programs receiving approval or denying. Motion was seconded and passed on policy segment, but not the actual process.

    Chairman Fred Sears suggested that the Executive Committee should approve how the process works before presenting to the Board.

    Duane then commented on a policy statement adopted by this committee using a Pell Grant definition for the eligibility of higher education institutions and degree programs including Del Tech Community College. Dr. Orlando George and his staff were commended for their efforts and achievements in this process.

    Duane then informed members of March l5, 2001 - Proposal Presentations at Clayton Hall - 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

    Executive Committee - Fred Sears reported that this committee met on January l2, 2001 and approved the committee reports already presented. A taskforce for the WIB was established to review the structure of the WIB and for liability protection. Also, the committee approved a set-a-side of $300 per month for the potential need of an outside counsel.

  4. Delaware's Labor Market & Economic Forecast -

    5. Dr. Jim McFadden presented to the board an overview on the economic status for Delaware and nationally over the past few years, including future predictions, the rates of unemployment and specific areas of job growth.

  5. Old Business - None.

  6. New Business -

    7. It was suggested that the Board consider offering training or orientation for members to acquire more knowledge on WIA, etc. 

    Next Board Meeting - March 23, 2001, 8:30 a.m. at the Modern Maturity Center, Dover.