Heartland Workforce Solutions, Inc.
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
October 21, 2014 8:00am
Heartland Workforce Solutions Center
5752 Ames Ave, Omaha NE 68104
Meeting Called to Order
Wendy Boyer, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
Roll Call
Roll was called by Jessica McCormick and a quorum was established.
Members Present:
Rod Anderson
Wendy Boyer
Liz Cook
Deb Dinsmoor
Angela Jones
Jessica McCormick
Members Absent:
Connie Eichhorn
Othello Meadows
Jim Hanson, Jr.
Terry McMullen
Anita Peterson
Staff & Guests Present:
Justin Dougherty, Linda Kizzier, Regina Bell and Christine Aguilar– Goodwill Industries
Erin Porterfield, Shirley Carlson, and Michael Phillips - HWS, Inc.
Notice of Publication
Adequate legal notice of this meeting was posted in the Omaha World Herald. Let the record reflect that
the notice was published in accordance with the open meeting law requirements and published in the Greater
Omaha Area. A copy of the Nebraska Open Meeting Act is available at this meeting and can also be obtained
from the Board staff.
No public comment cards were submitted.
Approval of the Consent Agenda*
A. Approval of the September 23, 2014 Minutes from the Executive Committee Meeting
B. Approval of the September 2014 Financials
C. Approval to apply for the Delivering the TDL Workforce Grant
D. Approval for Board Accreditation for National American University
E. Approval to purchase Wall Partition Dividers
F. Closed Session for RFP Discussion (added to agenda)
Motion was made by Rod Anderson and seconded by Terry McMullin, to add a closed session for RFP
discussion to the agenda. The motion carried by roll call vote of those present and eligible to vote.
Approved:
Rod Anderson
Wendy Boyer
Liz Cook
Deb Dinsmoor
Angela Jones
Jessica McCormick
Terry McMullen
Anita Petersen
Motion was made by Anita Peterson and seconded by Rod Anderson, to approve the Consent Agenda as
modified. The motion carried by roll call vote of those present and eligible to vote.
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Approved:
Rod Anderson
Wendy Boyer
Liz Cook
Deb Dinsmoor
Angela Jones
Jessica McCormick
Terry McMullen
Anita Petersen
HWS Operations
Finance – Michael Phillips reported that the Finance Committee met by conference call on 10-20-14.
The Finance Committee discussed the financials, the fund transfer, and the dashboard. Michael reviewed the
emphasis on direct costs to Youth participants and that the goal has not yet been met. This is being discussed
with Goodwill. Michael also reported that the Board member donations are low. A letter needs to be sent to the
members regarding their obligation. The on-site portion of the audit by Hamilton & Associates is complete.
Additional information has been requested and will be submitted. The State denied the fund transfer request of
$300,000 due to a waiver agreement they made at the federal level. This requires that no more than 25% of the
funds can be transferred per quarter. The request was resubmitted for $268,342 to meet this requirement. After
the first of the year, another fund transfer can be requested for $130,000. Michael also reported that the Notice
of Obligational Authority (NOA) has not been received for the FY15 funds and so, although they would
normally be available on October 1st, they are not yet available. There will be a slight decrease (.0554) for the
October to December funds. Current funds should carry the program through November/December. The
possibility of a line of credit was discussed. This option has been researched and there is no collateral to
support this. It was announced that Kim Schreiner is the new Controller for Nebraska Dept. of Labor (NDOL).
Super Circular Training: Michael Phillips reported that he went to training on the new federal
combined, financial policy. Three different circulars have been combined into one. He reviewed some of the
changes made and said that he will review our current policies and procedures and adjust as needed.
Special Procurement – Erin Porterfield reported that she received a letter from Region V, US DOL,
stating that this issue has been resolved and is now considered closed. Erin thanked all for their advice and
support during the process.
Strategic Planning- Erin Porterfield referenced the email sent out on strategic planning. She said the
goal is to have the basics done by December. A Process Map is also being worked on. There is a lot to learn on
WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) that could lead to some adjustments. Donna Knerr will
help to convene the work groups. A list of the members of each group is being sent out. Wendy Boyer
discussed Sector-based Partnerships. The Chamber has formed a Manufacturing Council and they will have a
workforce development group led by Jesse DePriest. Discussion has been held with Metropolitan Community
College about possibly hiring a contractor together who would help to get the group going. This could be
leveraged with Dream It Do It program.
Leading, Convening, and Aligning to Build an Effective Workforce System
WIOA Readiness -Erin Porterfield reported that she attended the U.S. Conference on Mayors. There
were speakers who helped with understanding WIOA. There is a focus on Governor’s making decisions and
with more regional emphasis (in terms of economic development). Erin asked about data systems. There is
nothing currently set up on a national basis. The emphasis is on collective impact and the system as a whole.
Wendy Boyer reminded the group that the regulations have not yet been written. They are expected in midJanuary. HWS will continue to work with the National Fund for Workforce Solutions which has helped to
shape the new law.
Performance Committee-Angela Jones provided an update from the Data System’s team. The group
continues to do discovery and work with the partners. A Process Mapping session will be held November 10th.
This is one step in the process. There was discussion on the potential need for a full-time person to help
complete this project. Ideas were discussed. The group is also collaborating with Joan Modrell and the State.
Greater Omaha could be a pilot for the State as a whole. Discussion has been held with Geographic Solutions
(current provider for the State) on options locally. A major issue is access to the data. Geographic Solutions
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provided a demo for the partners. Feedback through the RFI is due this Friday. Erin Porterfield discussed
assistance through the Sherwood Foundation and the efforts by the Omaha Data Collaborative.
PY2013 Final Performance- Shirley Carlson reported that the final performance data for PY13 was
received from the State. The group celebrated the success of passing all three performance aggregates with over
100%! The State also passed at over 100% so there may be a possibility of incentive funds if the Adult
Education and Carl Perkins programs also exceeded their goals. Wendy thanked Goodwill for their efforts in
meeting the goals.
WIA State Monitor Reviews- Shirley Carlson referenced this section on the agenda that will provide an update on the
State Monitor reviews. Copies of the results of the One Stop review and the notice for the Equal Opportunity review
were provided. The Data Validation review is ready to start and the Board’s Quarterly File Review was completed and
the results shared.
The Closed Session for discussion of the RFP process for selection of a service provider(s) for the WIA
Programs and One Stop Operator began at 8:46am and ended at 8:56am.
The meeting adjourned at 8:56am.
Next Board & Executive Committee Meetings
HWS Board Meeting
HWS Executive Committee Meeting
Thursday, October 23, 2014, 8:00am
Heartland Workforce Solutions - AJC
Community Room
5752 Ames Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104
Tuesday, November 25, 2014, 8:00 a.m.
Heartland Workforce Solutions - AJC
Sarpy Room
5752 Ames Ave. Omaha, NE 68104
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