E.U.P. Workforce Development Board Meeting Minuites, August, 2004

E.U.P. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

Preliminary Minutes

August 19, 2004

The E.U.P. Workforce Development Board meeting was held at the State Street Village Inn in St. Ignace. Workforce Development Board Vice President, Tony Bosbous, called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m. As a quorum was not present at that time, Workforce Development Board Members proceeded to review allocations for Program Year 2004. It was noted that funds have received an approximate overall cut of 18%. A quorum was present at 4:20 p.m. upon the arrival of Workforce Development Board Member, Jim Feil.

Workforce Development Board Members Present:

Tony Bosbous
Jim Feil
Jill Hazel
Jeff Holt
Kevin Kalchik
Kathy Langhals
Louis MacDonald
Tom Mize
Jen Prpich
Sandee Raappana
Dave Ramsay
John Ufer
Barbara Weber

Workforce Development Board Members Absent:

David Goldthorpe
D J Hoffman
Ernie Maas
Carmen McLaren
Randy Peterson
Pat Shimmens
Ken Smith
Jim Wagner

Bold names denote private sector.

Guests Present:

Tony Andary
Jay Caldwell
Ed DeTour
Jill Eyre
Judy Ezop
Jim Farero
Dulcey Kantola
Nance Karst

Staff Present:

Gwen Worley
Kim Wilcox
Larry Marion

There was no public comment addressed at this meeting.

The minutes of the June 17, 2004, Workforce Development Board meeting were approved as submitted following a motion by Jill Hazel and support by John Ufer.

The Work First modification for GF/GP Funds totaling $13,333 was described. These funds are to be used mainly for supportive services. This modification is a result of receiving the remaining balance of the State Match funds and need to be spent by the end of this fiscal year. Dave Ramsay moved to approve the Work First modification of GF/GP funds. John Ufer supported. Motion passed.

The proposal from Northern Transitions for the Work First Program was reviewed. This was the only proposal received. Northern Transitions is the current provider of this program. The total funds requested total $322,000 which is a reduction from the previous contract due to budget cuts. Ed DeTour, Director of Northern Transitions, answered questions regarding supportive services and the general operation of the Work First Program. John Ufer moved to award the Work First contact to Northern Transitions. Jeff Holt supported. Motion passed.

Guest speaker, Tony Andary, provided a presentation of a new business venture. The International Composite Institute of Michigan focuses on training interested parties in obtaining licenses in creating thermoplastic composites. He described the many uses of FiberForm (a mixture of plastic and fiberglass). It is being researched to open this training facility to provide instruction at the high school level. This will bring manufacturing experience to this area with a long range goal of manufacturers opening businesses in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

Under new business, Director Worley described the WIA Incumbent Worker Plan which has a total allocation of $16,030. It is mainly used to provide retraining or upgrading skills of the current workforce. This program has a start date of October 1, 2004 and will be included in the WIA contract with CCSS. Jim Feil moved to approve the Incumbent Worker Plan. Jeff Holt supported. Motion passed.

A survey from the Michigan Works! Association was distributed to WDB members to complete regarding their contacts with elected State officials.

Jim Feil of the E.U.P. Intermediate School District described the Regional Enhancement Millage request which will be brought to ballot on September 27. Brochures describing this millage were distributed to members.

As there was no old business, the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. following a motion by Jill Hazel and support from Jim Feil.