Heartland Workforce Solutions, Inc.
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
October 18, 2012 7:30am
Heartland Workforce Solutions (HWS)
5752 Ames Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104
Meeting Called to Order
Tom Whalen, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:31 a.m.
Roll Call
Roll was called and a quorum was established.
Members Present:
Jim Hanson, Jr.
Tom Whalen
Rod Anderson
Amy Christensen
Wendy Boyer
Janice Garnett
Members Absent:
Chris Rodgers
Suzanne Nocita
Staff & Guests Present:
Tim Suelter, Christine Aguilar, Justin Dougherty, and Linda Kizzier– Goodwill Industries
Jan Kauk, Shirley Carlson, and Michael Phillips—HWS, Inc.
Notice of Publication
Adequate legal notice of this meeting was posted in the Omaha World Herald, the Bellevue Leader
and the Enterprise Publishing Company. 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 one indicated a conflict of interest pertaining to the items on the agenda.
Approval of the Agenda
a. Consent Agenda*
a. Minutes of the September 26, 2012 Full Board Meeting
b. Financial Report for September 2012
c. IWCC Contract for Board Approval
d. Goodwill Contract
e. Procurement policy
f. Policy for public notice in World Herald only
g. Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance Renewal
h. PY11 WIA Final Performance Greater Omaha; PY11 WIA Final Performance Statewide
i. Certification of the One-Stop as a Comprehensive center
j. Empowerment Network Contract
Tom Whalen
Motion was made by Jim Hanson and seconded by Janice Garnett to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented. The motion carried unanimously by roll call vote of those present and eligible to vote.
Approved:
Jim Hanson, Jr.
Rod Anderson
Wendy Boyer
Tom Whalen
Amy Christensen
Janice Garnett
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Finances
Michael Phillips reviewed the Cash Flow Analysis report. Jan Kauk summarized the situation by
stating that the cash flow is tight for the next 3 weeks. Some payments maybe deferred. All
discretionary funds will have been expended leaving the WIA grant funds until other funding is paid out.
There have been some unanticipated costs and overages with the career center and we are under
discussion about paying rent for the Blue Lion facility until everything is moved out. In addition, the
sublease for NDOL is in process but not yet signed so their payment has not been received. HWS will be
receiving $50,000 of the Step-Up Omaha CDBG funds which will offset some of the technology
purchases. The contract for this was part of the consent agenda. Michael said that he will control
expenditures by managing the release of checks through November. However, if additional funds do not
come in, it will become more and more difficult to cover other costs. Jan shared, for example, that
Mutual of Omaha is making workforce a high priority but won’t be moving forward until January 2013.
There was a brief discussion on staffing. HWS will revisit their activities and put together a plan on what
can be done for the next 6 months. This is viewed as a short-term issue and all are optimistic that
funding will come round. Jan assured the members that there have not been any improprieties and audits
have gone well. A special meeting of the HWS Executive Committee may be called as soon as the
analysis is completed.
New Business
Jan commented on the Iowa Western Community College contract. This has the opportunity to be a
revenue producer. This system created the curriculum for the supervisory training for healthcare.
Classes started this week.
Chairman’s Report
Tom Whalen
Tom Whalen asked for input on going through the strategic planning process again in January. If
so, 2 volunteers are requested to help with the pre-process survey questions. Jim Hansen and Amy
Christensen offered to help. Wendy Boyer shared that the Greater Omaha Chamber is currently going
through a 5 year strategic planning process. Talent has been identified as a key component for fundraising
initiatives for economic development. They are looking to HWS to be the primary service provider. There
was discussion on how the groups could be linked. When scheduling for the meeting in January, the
legislative schedule will be taken into consideration. Suggested locations for the meeting were Blue
Cross/Blue Shield, the Chamber or HWS Center.
Tom also brought up charging for services at the Center to help become more self-reliant. This will
be an agenda item for the planning session in January as part of deciding on what can be done to become
more self-supporting.
NEW BUSINESS
Shirley Carlson provided an overview of the One Stop Comprehensive Certification.
Jan Kauk reported that the auditors were in the administrative offices for 2 weeks and will present their
report to the Finance Committee in November. In addition, Joan Modrell, NDOL and Sue DeMoss, State
Monitor, have provided two technical assistance sessions regarding procurement and budget controls.
Jan also shared that the Inter-local Agreement was completed by the City and HWS and is now under
review by NDOL.
Jan then told about some of the tours of the center that have been given. She met with the Lt. Governor
yesterday and has also provided tours to Lee Terry, representatives from Sen. Johanns’ office and several
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funding organizations. The comments have been very favorable. The HWS web site is now set as the
default on the Resource Area computers and this is also resulting in positive feedback.
Shirley informed the group that the State is requesting proposals from each local area to negotiate
performance standards for PY12 (July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013). The tentative date for submitting
the proposals is November 9th. The Commissioner will review the proposals and schedule to meet with
the Chief Elected Official and Board Chair prior to December 15th. The notice regarding the negotiation
process has not yet been received.
Meeting adjourned at 8:12am.
Public Comments: None
Announcements
Tom stated that this was a day of celebration as the new facility is officially being launched today!
Next meetings were listed on the agenda and are posted below.
Next Board & Executive Committee Meetings
HWS Board Meeting
Thursday, December 20, 2012, 7:30 a.m.
Heartland Workforce Solutions Center
5752 Ames Ave. Omaha, NE 68104
HWS Executive Committee Meeting
Thursday, November 15, 2012, 7:30 a.m.
Heartland Workforce Solutions Center
5752 Ames Ave. Omaha, NE 68104
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