Meeting Minutes from May 20, 2010
Lancaster County Workforce Investment Board
Minutes
Thursday, May 20, 2010
7:30 A.M.
PA CareerLink of Lancaster County
Annex Conference Room
Present:
James Black, Dr. Brian Barnhart, John Biemiller, Jacqueline Burch, Barry David, Steve Fries, Carlos Graupera, Stephen Grosh, Linda Kreider, Sharon Leese, Craig Lehman, Jean Martin, William Moulfair, David Nice, Pedro Rivera, Joe Shiffer, Todd Shultz, Jill Welch,
Not Present:
Gilbert Abney, Tom Baldrige, Barry Brandt, Michelle Chronister, Jerry Eshleman, Mark Esterbrook, Jim Germak, Christine Hertneky, Eric Horn, Donald F. Johnson Jr., John Levitski, Maureen Lewandowski, Mary Miskey, Matt Ohlinger, Robert Rhoads, Fran Rodriguez, Mike Sturla, Aimee Urban, Jim Zimmerman
Guests:
Karen Sheehe, Trish Link
Staff:
Andrew Garner, Joyce Lenox, Kim Sullenberger, Rod Kopp, Lori Rank, Scott Sheely
Call to Order
Jim Black, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:42 am, welcomed everyone and asked attendees to introduce themselves. Jim Black introduced David Nice and Pedro Rivera as new Board members.
Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes - March 18, 2010
Minutes were approved unanimously on motion from Jill Welch and second from Stephen Grosh proxy vote by Mark Esterbrook by email on May 20, 2010.
Order of the Day
A Strategic View of our Operational Future
Scott Sheely gave an overview of next year's budget. At the Strategic Planning meeting earlier in the year, there was discussion on prioritizing programs. Kim Sullenberger reviewed funding streams in jeopardy and the PY10 Funding Analysis of the know numbers. Scott also mentioned that the lease is up for renewal this year. A detailed space analysis was done with trying to maximize usage of the space with possibilities of future downsizing by 8000 square feet if needed. Progress on the lease has been slow.
Restructuring in the PA CareerLInk has been considered especially around a new definition of training which includes workforce readiness and pre-employment training. Kim Sullenberger is working with Ed McCann from Berks County to assure this new interpretation is totally compatible with WIA regulations.
Social entrepreneurship where organizations like the WIB start for-profit business activities to fund their non-profit activities is another alternative source of funding. Many issues need to be examined. Pedro Rivera mentioned that a member of the school board is also working on this idea and offered to set up a meeting with Scott. Scott asked for a vote to allow him to research this option and reporti back at the September Board Meeting for discussion.
Approval for Scott Sheely to look into the possibly of social entrepreneurships as a means of funding for training on motion by Carlos Graupera and second by Pedro Rivera and proxy vote by Mark Esterbrook by email on May 20, 2010.
Items for Discussion
Review of Job Summit on March 26, 2010
Scott Sheely reported the Job Summit was held at the Eden on March 26, 2010. This was to open the door for private sector employers to get help from the public sector to increase workforce through some new TANF funding from the PA Department of Public Welfare and to learn about available tax credits. At the end of the Summit by a show of hands, most of the employers were interested in this program.
Completion of Statement of Financial Interest Forms
Joyce Lenox reminded everyone their Statement of Financial Interest forms are due in the files for auditing and asked anyone who has not returned them yet to do so. If a new form is needed, please let Joyce know.
Update on Youth Activities
Andrew Garner told everyone the Job Shadowing program was very successful this year with 1,532 students from 11 school districts participating at over 500 employers. Thanks to the Chamber for the Career Connect website. There were two workshops with teachers to place students. In addition, this year there were five panels held for hard to place careers.
The Summer Work Program will be for 18-24 year olds this year starting in June. After completing Ready 2 Work, participants will be placed. At the Lancaster County Career and Technology Centers, Career Camps will be held again in June on renewable energy, stream samples, solar power, and electro magnets. The School District of Lancaster-led camps for 5th grade will be countrywide again this year and explore STEM careers. Over 200 students will be enrolled with scholarships available to low income with a fund set up by the Youth Council to cover tuition.
Industry Tours for teachers and counselors to tour 10 STEM businesses in the County for three days will be held in June Penn State will be providing ACT 48 credit to graduates and undergraduates who do post work and an action plan.
Update from the Local Management Committee
Kim Sullenberger reported Maureen Lewandowski was to have an update but was not able to attend the meeting.
Items for Approval
ARRA Reporting for April 2010
Rod Kopp reviewed the ARRA Report for April 30, 2010. The report has expanded to include all Rapid Response funds that increased to $1,525,000 as well as a small Regional Career Education Program grant for $60,000.
Approval of the April, 2010 ARRA Report on motion by Brian Barnhart and second by William Moulfair and proxy vote by Mark Esterbrook by email on May 20, 2010.
Final Vote on By-Law Changes
Scott Sheely reviewed the recent Bylaw changes based on revised guidance from the PA Department of Labor and Industry and input from the Executive Committee on March 2, 2010. John Biemiller asked about mandatory CareerLink Partners and what organizations must be represented. Education is a non-mandatory partner.
Approval of the By-Law changes on motion by Steve Fries and second by Stephen Grosh proxy vote by Mark Esterbrook by email on May 20, 2010.
Staff Reports
Fiscal Officer
Rod Kopp reviewed the Financial Report through April 2010. He reported the adult formula funding is 85% obligated and all but $40-50,000 is expended. The Youth, Dislocated Worker, CAA and ARRA funds are 100% obligated. EARN is 77% expended and must be 83% for the year. Rod expects 94-05% expenditure for EARN for the year. Rod reported there has been $1.5 million in ITAs so far this year...by far the highest amount in any fiscal year. With EARN funding next year and no carry over, trying to sustain programs and costs will be a challenge. PA CareerLink is over budget to do staff payroll being moved to the WIB from CAP. Our major concern right now is for next year and how to sustain the level of programming or adjust it to a level which is justified by the funding.
Executive Director
Scott Sheely reported:
- Support from Board members and employers for getting the Industry Partnership program into State Law and the budget is needed. The House has passed it unanimously but the Senate is holding it up as a bargaining chip in the budget. He will email bullet points to everyone about the IPTs.
- The WIA act reauthorization has been put on hold due to other issues being more important. He does not expect any action soon on this.
- The Center of Excellence in Renewable Energy along with EDC did a tour of renewable energy sites on Earth Day with over 90 people in attendance. There is going to be quarterly breakfasts at the Farm and Home Center for all interested people. A "green energy" grant in partnership with Berks County has been submitted to the PA Department of Labor and Industry. This will tie it into the construction and manufacturing industries.
- The COEs in Agriculture and Renewable Energy are involved with the Lancaster County Clean Water Initiative. They are sponsoring Water Fest on October 2, 2010 at the County Park for educate young people and families.
- Scott has been doing consulting in Wisconsin, Oregon and North Carolina. He appreciates the Board giving him the opportunity to do this.
- There are changes being made to the Business Services Team. The Lancaster County Career and Technology Center will no longer have the contract. The function will be handled in house with a coordinator from BWDP. The goal is to have business services work more closely with case managers in placing PACareerLink clients. Employer needs will be the goal with Job Club contacting employers and finding out openings.
- Job Club is being updated to be able to serve more clients in the system.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 a.m. with Jim Black thanking everyone for coming.
