Workforce Solutions of Central Texas
Workforce Board Business Meeting Minutes
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Location: Central Texas Workforce Center, 300 Cheyenne, Killeen
Directors Present
Larry Anglin
Mike Atkinson
Cameron Bell
Judy Bowen Clark
Barbara Bozon
Terrena Busby
Cheryl Eliano
Chris Flor
Horace Grace
Jim Granfor
Sonja Havens
Cynthia Hernandez
Dr. Susan Kincannon
Mary Kliewer
Bill Luther
Matt Maxfield
Dr. Marc Nigliazzo
Jose Segarra
Bill Stanford
Trae Sutton
Carlyle Walton
Directors Absent
Dr. Glenda Barron
Eyal Kaczur
Dr. Thomas Klincar
Tama Shaw
Martha Tyroch
Elected Officials and Ex-Officios
Jon Burrows, Judge, Bell
John Firth, Judge, Coryell
Keith Gogas, Acting Deputy Garrison Cmd, Ft Hood
Byron Theodosis, Judge, San Saba
Workforce Board and Center Staff Present
Bud Alexander
Horace Dicks
Linda Angel
David Gibson
Lewis Boren
Debbie Gommert
Sheila Brooks
Jerry Haisler
Stan Churchill
Roy Highsmith
Wendy Ann Damon
Susan Kamas
Frank Minosky
Laura Nixon
Kimberly Patterson
Sandra Russell
Guests Present
Jade Blas, KISD
Samuel Broadous, KISD
Orlando Calderon, KISD
David Crigler, KISD
Esteban Espada, KISD
Ralph Gauer, Office of Senator Troy Fraser
Erika Griffin, KISD
Scott Herald, KISD
Randy Hudson, KISD
Albert Huffman, Vista College
Michael Irvine, Central Texas Council of Governments
Pedro Lopez, KISD
Madison Lozano, KISD
Jonathon Mize, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
Jennifer Peterson, Guest of Past Workforce Board Member Lee Peterson
Andrea Rivera, KISD
Michael Williams, KISD
Brent Young, Assurance Services, Weaver, LLP
Larry Anglin, Chair
Call to Order, Pledge, and Chairs Report
The Board of Directors for Workforce Solutions of Central Texas held its regularly scheduled
meeting at the Central Texas Workforce Center, 300 Cheyenne, Killeen, TX. Larry Anglin,
Chair, called the meeting to order at approximately 9:30 a.m. noting that a quorum was present.
Directors and others present pledged allegiance to the flags of the United States and Texas.
Directors were asked to review the attendance record and inform staff of any corrections. No
corrections were noted.
Judge Jon Burrows introduced new Board member Terrena Busby drawing attention to the Bio
provided in Board materials. He indicated that she is a private sector business representative
living in Mills County. Busby’s business is RRR Feed Company. She is also a licensed CPA
serving as Mills County Treasurer. Anglin administered the Oath of Office.
Anglin then presented Lee Peterson’s Distinguished Service Award to Peterson’s wife Jennifer.
He also presented her with a Congressional Recognition from Congressman John Carter. Anglin
explained that the recognitions were for Peterson’s past service on the Workforce Board.
Special Presentations
Killeen ISD Career Center, AV Program ............................................................. Randy Hudson,
KISD Station Manager/AV Production Instructor
Lewis Boren, the Workforce Center Administrator for Killeen, introduced KISD Career Center
representatives Randy Hudson and Scott Herald. Hudson provided a short summary of his work
experiences noting that he has 30 years in the AV industry with 14 years as an AV instructor.
Hudson then described the new KISD Career Center and invited Board members to come for a
tour of the facility. He stressed that the building is a 20th Century version of shop class; the entire
facility was designed and built to train students for jobs. Discussing specific training
opportunities Hudson noted that the courses align with 15 of the 16 national job clusters. He
explained that the Career Center is a phenomenal opportunity for students to graduate with
marketable skills in fields including, as examples, welding, networking, game and web design,
and cosmetology.
Describing the overall educational model, Hudson explained that House Bill 5, sponsored by
Representative Jimmie Don Aycock influenced the emphasis on teaching jobs skills that will
help students get jobs when they graduate. He added that the programs of study are the cutting
edge of education because each one works closely with an advisory committee that gathers
business input about what students should learn.
Specific to the Annual Workforce Awards Luncheon, Hudson stressed the mutual benefits of the
two-year partnership. He noted that placing students in a real work environment is exactly what
the Career Center is designed. For the first year that KISD student supported the Annual
Workforce Luncheon, Hudson explained that the students handled sound and lights, and by the
second year the students worked on the Luncheon for months in advance producing many
aspects of the event including planning, production of the commercials and sponsor interviews,
graphic design, and ultimately supporting the actual event. He noted that the project had
deadlines and deliverables that let students experience a customer-focused job. Hudson stressed
that the primary value from a learning perspective was that the students gained an understanding
of how their learning relates to real-world work requirements.
Hudson ended the overview acknowledging that he is proud of his students. He added that they
are the tip of an iceberg when considering the number of talented KISD students gaining new
skills at the Career Center. For next year, Hudson reported that the goal is to raise the bar at the
Workforce Luncheon and find new opportunities to teach his students new skills.
Student Team Leaders then introduced themselves and the members of their teams. They gave
brief descriptions of their specific contributions to the Workforce Luncheon and discussed the
skills they gained from the experience.
Lewis Boren introduced Bud Alexander and Sheila Brooks explaining that they were two of the
five staff members who work together to pull the event together. Horace Grace encouraged the
students to apply for District vocational scholarships available through local Rotary Clubs.
Certificates of Appreciation ................................................................................................ Anglin
Anglin presented Certificates of Appreciation to each of the KISD students and instructors who
were present. He thanked them for their individual and overall contributions.
Action Items
Consent Agenda ................................................................................................................... Anglin
Anglin called for any discussion or objection to the consent agenda which included the
Workforce Board’s business meeting minutes for September 25, 2014. There being no
discussion, the item was approved as presented.
Annual Audit Report ........................................................................................ Brent Young, CPA
Senior Manager, Assurance Services, Weaver, LLP
Brent Young, Senior Manager with Assurance Services, Weaver, LLP, presented the Annual
Audit Report. He began by providing a brief description of his personal background, the audit
team’s roles and strategies, and the overall review process. An overview of locations for
Assurance Services, Weaver, LLP, was also discussed.
Young explained that the audit was conducted using Government Audit Standards that is based
on a risk-based approach; to begin the process, potential risk areas were identified and targeted
for audit. He also described timelines, specific activities, and testing points.
Young reported that three results came from the Audit. First, the independent audit resulted in
an unmodified or clean opinion. Second, internal controls had no findings. Finally, compliance
for major controls had no findings. He then presented specific communication requirements and
disclaimers explaining Board responsibilities as compared to the responsibilities of the audit
firm.
Regarding unusual transitions, Young indicated that GASBY changes were related to debt and
thus had no impact or applicability to workforce programs and financial systems. He
summarized stating no fraud or illegal acts were identified, and there were no material findings.
Young they reviewed key aspects of the entire audit report noting that identified items were
reasonable for statements as a whole. He concluded noting there was no significant information
to report adding that there was no other written communication between the Board and the audit
Judy Bo
firm.
In closing, Young indicated that coming audit changes would impact school districts but would
not impact the Workforce Board. He thanked those involved in the audit process and specifically
recognized Horace Dicks and Michael Irvine and his staff. Young ended his report stating it was
a clean audit that the Board should be proud to receive, the kind of audit that audit firms like to
report.
Judge Jon Burrows asked about the net negative position. Young explained that workforce
programs should generally be at or near zero since they operate on a reimbursement/drawdown
system. Following Board discussion, Jim Granfor made a motion to accept the audit report.
Second by Mary Kliewer. All in favor.
Susan Kamas, Executive Director
Workforce Activities Briefing
Susan Kamas, Executive Director, began by commending Horace Dicks and acknowledging the
time he spends supporting monitors’ and auditors’ requests. She noted that he recently visited
with Killeen Independent School District’s Career Center students about his job.
Discussing updates from the Conference of Mayors, Kamas reported that the Jobs and Education
Committed and the Mayor’s Excellence Task Fort Committee released a Mayors’ Report on
Education. She indicated that the report presented gains in education, graduation rates, and
funding. Kamas added that Atlanta and Austin Public Schools report 70% of their funds come
from local sources.
Regarding new legislation, Kamas reported that the release of draft regulations Workforce
Innovation and Opportunities Act had been delayed and would not be released in January. She
explained that the lack of guidance would make the July 1 implementation date more difficult.
Kamas then discussed the Sunset report for the Texas Workforce Commission indicating that the
agency has been authorized to continue for another 12 years; the goal will be to continue
ensuring and promoting quality child care and a focus on employment.
Kamas also discussed the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Sunset Report.
She indicated that the recommendation to send the majority of services and funds to the Texas
Workforce Commission was likely to become a reality. Kamas indicated there were 8 impacted
state staff in Central Texas adding that the transition will probably be similar to the TANF
Choices transition that occurred in the mid-90s.
Moving to past and upcoming meetings, Kamas reported that the Texas Association of
Workforce Boards would meet on February 3rd with Horace Grace scheduled to attend with her.
She noted that the meeting would include an opportunity to hear from Representative Jimmie
Don Aycock. Kamas also reported that Central Texas earned two awards at the Texas Workforce
Commission Annual Conference. She noted that $30,000 in incentive funds were received for
the Statewide Service to Workers Award; the award recognized work accomplished through the
Business Resource Center located in the Killeen Workforce Center. Kamas also discussed the
substantial amount of time and effort associated with consistently placing as a top performer for
the Workforce Investment Act programs noting that Central Texas was ranked #1 in the state.
Regarding the 100 Best Companies to Work for in Texas Awards Ceremony, Kamas reported
that Workforce Solutions of Central Texas was on the list for the list for the 10th consecutive
year. She encouraged interested Board members to let her know if they would like to go to the
ceremony, but added that last year’s event was lengthy.
Moving to local activities, Kamas indicated that Texas A&M University Central Texas was
hosting Fort Hood Legislative Day on February 6th. She reported that a bus would take
legislators to Fort Hood for a tour following a meeting with local community members in the
morning. Kamas indicated that Commissioner Andrade would be in attendance.
Kamas then discussed a New Years Celebration hosted by the Fort Hood Commanding General,
LTG MacFarland. She also reported that Col. (Ret) Bill Parry was leaving the Heart of Texas
Defense Alliance to become the Gatesville City Manager. Kamas reported that his replacement
had been selected, but no names were being released since the future Executive Director is still
on active duty.
Drawing attention to changes that would impact the local workforce system, Kamas reported that
the Hawn and Arcadia development in downtown Temple would require the Workforce Center
to be relocated. She indicated that a formal briefing of specific plans would be presented at a
later date. Kamas also reported that Lon Williams, who had 100% attendance, had to resign
from the Workforce Board because the community-based organization he represented was
disbanding.
In closing, Kamas reported that Martha Tyroch was not present because she was recovering from
Knee surgery and has not been released to drive. She also acknowledged Sandra Russell who
was recognized by the Belton Chamber of Commerce with the prestigious honor of Belton
Citizen of the Year. Kamas then ended her report by thanking Board members and others
present who support the Texas Wide Open for Veterans launch that was held at the Workforce
Center in Killeen.
Jerry Haisler, Workforce Centers Director
Workforce Centers Updates
Jerry Haisler, Workforce Center Director, began with results from the Hiring Red, White and
You statewide veterans job fair that was held in November 2014. He recognized staff and
partners who supported the event and encouraged Board members to mark their calendars for the
next scheduled statewide veterans job fair on November 12, 2015. Specific to the local Hiring
Red, White and You job fair, Haisler indicated that about 55 job seekers were on-site hires.
Following are local results for the event:
 330 job seekers
 183 veterans
 42 active duty service members
 42 military family members
 63 non-military job seekers
 39 employers
 3 staffing agencies
 3 service provider organizations
 3 education agencies
Haisler then reported that Central Texas was the site selected to host the Texas Workforce
Commission’s Wide Open for Veterans Website. He described the large audience that attended
the event and provided data describing individuals who have visited the site with 85% from the
United States and 15% coming from Europe and Asia. Haisler explained that the contacts get
referred back to local Workforce Areas for specific program information. He noted that, in
Central Texas, Wendy Ann Damon is the contact person for inquiries.
Discussing an employer survey, Haisler identified three overarching recommendations. First, job
seekers should dress appropriately. Second, job seekers should research companies better. Third,
job seekers should be more prepared with resumes. Linking the recommendations to Career
Center services, he reported that job seekers often have good technology skills, but the majority
still needs some one-on-one assistance to be successful in their job search efforts.
Haisler also discussed veterans’ needs noting that they are often more prepared for high-skill
jobs but they are being impacted by civil service and contractor reductions on Fort Hood. He
recognized Keith Gogas, Fort Hood’s Acting Deputy Garrison Commander, noting his efforts to
connect impacted workers with Workforce assistance. Gogas announced that the new Deputy
Garrison Commander had been selected adding that she would be coming from Hawaii to begin
training in the near future.
Discussing funds and services available through Department of Labor National Emergency
Grants, Haisler reported that workers being laid off from Fort Hood are eligible for targeted, oneon-one assistance. He stressed that military service members who are leaving the service because
of budget reductions are also eligible for National Emergency Grant assistance. Haisler
encouraged Board members and others present to refer impacted workers. He indicated that over
120 workers were enrolled to date adding that articles in the Fort Hood Sentinel were proving
useful in efforts to spread the word that funding for specialized assistance is available.
Ending the briefing on Fort Hood activities, Haisler provided several specific examples of
positive customer feedback and outcomes. He also reported that Linda Christ from the Soldier
for Life Program was retiring and he described several employer programs that are providing
job-specific training for soldiers before they exit the service.
In reference to the Texas Workforce Commission Annual Conference, Haisler reported that staff
members work diligently to track performance numbers and find past customers to confirm
whether they have found jobs. He stressed the substantial effort required to consistently achieve
top performance in the Workforce Investment Act adding that the financial incentive award from
past years was eliminated when budgets were cut.
Finally, Haisler introduced three staff members who are recently recognized by the Central
Texas Council of Governments for their tenure as Workforce employees. First, Roy Highsmith
was acknowledged for his 30+ years of service. Highsmith was described as a Workforce policy
and assessment person who also works with vendors and training providers. Haisler explained
that Highsmith is a veteran and aviator. Highsmith is currently a part-time Workforce employee.
Second, Stan Churchill was recognized for 25 years of service. Haisler reviewed Churchill’s
work history noting that Churchill retired from Temple College after 21 years, and while
working at Temple College, Churchill was an original member of the Central Texas Council of
Governments Board of Directors. Haisler also described Churchill’s work with Workforce
explaining that he designed the Workforce Center in Killeen and the Workforce Center in
Temple’s redesign. Churchill was also acknowledged for his design to the Central Texas Council
of Governments building in Belton, the Rockdale Business Center renovation, several Workforce
Centers around Texas, and the restoration efforts in Killeen after damages from (1) the police
efforts to capture a criminal in the building’s ceiling and (2) flooding in the building.
Finally, Haisler recognized Debbie Gommert, a 25 year employee. Haisler noted that Gommert is
an expert in youth program services adding that her expertise is known all over the State.
Describing Gommert’s job duties, he reported that she is the Administrator for the Youth
Program staff, coordinator for staff development programs, and the leader of the Performance
Improvement Team - a group that meets regularly to identify opportunities to improve processes
and identify and challenge data errors.
Following the tenure recognitions, Anglin acknowledged the value of staff longevity. He noted
that tenured staff is the result of a good working environment and good management.
Anglin
New/Other Business
Board Member Discussion: Kamas acknowledged Board members who were Workforce
Luncheon sponsors. Bell County Judge Jon Burrows reported that the County had been contacted
by Standards and Poor’s because the County’s rating had changed from moderate to weak. Based
on follow-up conversations, it became clear that the County remained stable throughout and after
the recession. However, since it was not showing job gains similar to areas that had significant
job loss the rating was impacted. Judge Burrows stressed that the issue was being appealed and
the County’s actual position was being reconsidered.
Board Meeting Evaluations: Anglin drew attention to evaluation results for the September
Business Meeting and the October Annual Workforce Luncheon. He asked Board members to
complete evaluations for the January Meeting.
Calendar of Activities: Anglin asked Board members to review the calendar of activities.
Adjourn
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:52 a.m.
______________________________________
Larry Anglin, Chair
______________________________________
Linda Angel, Secretary