Workforce Development Board
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Workforce Development
Board
May 21, 2021
7:30-9:00 a.m.
Video Conference
MINUTES https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87535943615?pwd=ZXNDRjY1YUJQM25s
cFhnZmEwVVJQdz09
Board Members: Pam Oeffler, Chair; Vance Boelter, Vice Chair; Cathy Weik; Jenni Faulkner; Mike Yanda; Rich Wagner; Jack
Phillips; Barb Dahl; Eric Lind; Timothy Grimm; Jennifer Harmening; Barry Davies; Sarah Menke; Darren Kermes; Rachel Resnick;
Sally Haack; Michael Berndt; Mike Forbord; Anita Drentlaw; Kristin Oftedahl; Jeffrey Rainey; Cody Wiltgen, Melissa Lutz;
Commissioner Hamann-Roland; Commissioner Weckman Brekke
The Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board (WDB) met virtually.
Present: Pam Oeffler, Chair; Vance Boelter, Vice Chair; Jenni Faulkner; Mike Yanda; Rich Wagner; Jack Phillips;
Barb Dahl; Eric Lind; Barry Davies; Sarah Menke; Darren Kermes; Sally Haack; Michael Berndt; Mike Forbord;
Anita Drentlaw; Kristin Oftedahl; Jeffrey Rainey; Jennifer Harmening; Commissioner Hamann-Roland;
Commissioner Weckman Brekke
Call to Order – Pam Oeffler called the meeting to order at 7:32 a.m.
Consent Agenda
MOTION to approve the consent agenda made by Pam Oeffler; SECOND Barb Dahl; (M/S/P).
• To approve the April Workforce Development Board Minutes.
• To recommend Mike Farren’s appointment to the WDB.
• To request an extension for expenditure of MYP funds through 09/30/2021.
Votes to approve the consent agenda were as follows:
Anita Drentlaw – Yea; Barb Dahl – Yea; Barry Davies – Yea; Darren Kermes – Yea; Eric Lind – Yea; Jack Phillips –
Yea; Jeffrey Rainey – Yea; Jenni Faulkner – Yea; Jennifer Harmening – Yea; Kristin Oftedahl – Yea; Michael
Berndt – Yea; Michael Forbord – Yea; Mike Yanda – Yea; Pam Oeffler – Yea; Sarah Menke – Yea; Vance Boelter –
Yea.
Committee Reports:
Executive Committee – Pam Oeffler
Membership
• The committee approved recommending Mike Farren to the WDB.
• There are good leads to fill other WDB openings. More to come in June.
Hot Topics
• The worker shortage – what are people doing?
Evaluation Committee – Sarah Menke
Tracking programs – all align and are continuing to perform well.
The One Stop Operator RFP recommendation will be brought to the WDB in August.
WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker Funds
• MOTION to accept the WIOA Adult and WIOA Dislocated Worker funding for 2021-22 and approve
the following WIOA program splits of 24.2% Scott County and 75.8% Dakota County. Dakota County
will contract with HIRED and DEED to provide these services at a cost per participant of $1,000.
Motion made by Sarah Menke; SECOND Vance Boelter; (M/S/P). Background: Allocations for next
year’s funding have been received. Allocations are $518,187 for WIOA Adult ($125,401
-1-Scott/$392,786 Dakota) and $696,744 for WIOA Dislocated Worker ($168,612 Scott/$528,132
Dakota). This is a 97.06% increase in WIOA Adult funding and an increase of 26.86% funding for
WIOA Dislocated Worker funding.
Contracts for WIOA Adult and WIOA Dislocated Worker will be executed with HIRED and DEED with a
cost per participant amount of $1,000 per person; there will be approximately 50 slots for each
provider for WIOA Adult and approximately 70 slots for each provider for WIOA Dislocated Worker.
The cost per participant amount has increased from $900 to $1,000. This is an increase of 11%.
Last change to this participant costs was in 2013.
Votes to approve the motion were as follows:
Anita Drentlaw – Yea; Barb Dahl – Yea; Barry Davies – Yea; Darren Kermes – Yea; Eric Lind – Yea; Jack Phillips –
Yea; Jeffrey Rainey – Yea; Jenni Faulkner – Yea; Jennifer Harmening – Yea; Kristin Oftedahl – Yea; Michael
Berndt – Yea; Michael Forbord – Yea; Mike Yanda – Abstain; Pam Oeffler – Yea; Sally Haack – Yea; Sarah Menke
– Yea; Vance Boelter – Yea.
Community Relations Committee – Darren Kermes
Eye on the Future (EOF)
• Received positive feedback from April, 360 Communities.
• The CAP Agency will present during a future meeting.
• Tim O’Neill (DEED) will present labor market information in June.
• The committee doesn’t meet in July.
• August, looking at the legislative special session.
Legislative Session/Positions
• Sen. Pratt is chair of Senate Committee.
Social Media
• Seeing increased traffic due to boosts.
Networking
• As of early May, 11 WDB member profiles have been received. Members are encouraged to send
them in. Profiles will be posted on the county website.
Webinar Series
• Discussed tracking links to measure success.
Business Services – Michael Berndt
Employers of Excellence
• The event took place on May 13th.
• Feedback was positive – very well done.
• The keynote speaker was great.
• Rep. Angie Craig took part.
• 10 Dakota and Scott County businesses were recognized.
• Attendees participated in small group, breakout sessions.
• There has been good coverage on social media.
I-WE (Inclusive Workforce Employer)
• May be an effective tool for hiring and retaining a diverse/inclusive workforce.
• Looking at key strategies and assessing value.
Joint Meeting – Business Services and Youth Committee
• Reviewed the 4 thematic areas:
o Build connections between school districts and employers
o Connect youth to jobs and careers
o Develop work-based learning opportunities
o Develop and promote career pathways
• A small workgroup is expanding on ideas and focusing on specifics.
Eric Lind (ABE) shared information about a CNA pathway program.
-2- Plan of Work
• Focusing on resource alignment.
• The Chamber webinar was well received.
Talent shortage – a priority is to get people into training and the workforce.
Letter of Support – Oeffler and Berndt
• The Executive Committee approved a letter of support for Dakota County Technical College to receive
funding for resurfacing their training lot and driving track (to provide truck driver training).
• DCTC’s request has made it to the top 10 projects.
CareerForce Committee – Eric Lind
Most programs are primarily online. Some are waiting on guidance to re-open more this summer.
The Burnsville CareerForce location remains closed.
DEED is reaching out to Unemployment Insurance (UI) applicants in the hospitality industry. Over 20,000
phone calls have been made so far.
No changes to the Plan of Work.
Youth Committee – Barb Dahl
Programs are gearing up for summer.
WIOA Youth Funding
• MOTION to accept PY 2021 WIOA Youth funding of $588,222 and a 80%/20% distribution in which
Dakota County will receive $470,558 and Scott County $117,664. Motion made by Anita Drentlaw;
SECOND Darren Kermes; (M/S/P). Background: Overall, this allocation essentially doubles the
amount of federal youth funding each county will have for the next program year. That’s due to a)
the state receiving increased funding from the Department of Labor and b) the two counties having
increases in variables which affect the state formula – e.g. areas of substantial unemployment.
Increased funding will be used to serve additional youth as funding is somewhat prescribed by
program rules.
Traitify
• There were social media boosts in April which appear to have increased attention.
• 950 assessments were completed in the month of April.
• 2,300 assessments have been completed in total (since renewal in August of 2020).
Dakota County conducted internal monitoring. There were no major findings.
Joint Meeting – Business Services and Youth Committee
• Key points of discussion:
o What problem are we trying to solve?
Exposure to career paths
Opportunities to help local businesses
o What existing tools do we have?
Traitify
o How can we support school counselors?
• A small workgroup is meeting to follow-up to figure out next steps.
Other
WDB Memberships – Oeffler
• WDB members serve 2-year terms. Staff will be reaching out to those with expiring terms to
determine whether they wish to continue.
Governor’s Workforce Development Board (GWDB) – Boelter
• The quarterly meeting was held on April 18th.
• Laura Beeth is the chair.
• Heard about research findings from Bloomington Public Schools on evaluating and improving
workforce/career programs.
• Marc Majors (DEED) also presented about employment and training programs – and the response to
Covid-19. He provided information about the federal and state workforce programs. There was a
huge pivot to virtual services.
• Presentations and meeting materials are available on the GWDB website.
• Employer roundtables will be announced soon.
-3-• The next meeting is September 15th.
Dakota County Commissioner Report – Commissioner Hamann-Roland
The next County Board meeting will be on June 8th.
Public Health Director, Bonnie Brueshoff, has retired. Gina Adasiewicz has filled her position.
Covid Update
• The current positivity rate is 6.1%.
• 66% of Dakota County residents age 16+ have received one dose compared to 61% in Minnesota.
• 55% of Dakota County residents age 16+ have received two doses compared to 53% in Minnesota.
• The 14-day case rate is 49 (per 10,000 people).
• In May, Pfizer approved vaccinations for kids ages 12-15 years old. Admin at Metcalf Middle School
are working to vaccinate as many kids as possible.
• The mobile vaccination unit has visited 4 locations (including Open Door). 50% of people have been
walk-ins. The unit is looking to expand to additional locations. Potential sites need adequate space,
bathrooms, electricity, etc. Ideas should be sent to the Commissioner.
Scott County Commissioner Report – Commissioner Weckman Brekke
Covid Update
• Scott County stats are similar to Dakota County.
• Finishing up with the large vaccination clinic at Canterbury Park (Shakopee). The focus has shifted to
smaller, mobile clinics.
• +90% of those 65 and older have been vaccinated.
Scott County Board meetings are starting to be held partially in-person.
Some services are open to the public. Many are by appointment. That’s slowly shifting. The County wants
people to utilize the new building.
Starting June 1st, the library will have expanded hours.
Many of the virtual components learned during Covid will be preserved/maintained.
Scott County employers are really trying to hire – looking for ways to encourage people to rejoin the
workforce.
“Eye on the Future”
Rep. Rena M oran, Report-out from the MN House Select Comm ittee on Racial Justice
Jenni Faulkner introduced Rep. Moran.
Background/History – MN House Select Committee on Racial Justice (Select Committee)
During the last 14 months, there have been huge conversations about the impacts of systemic racism.
In 2020, the Select Committee was established (with bipartisan support) by Minnesota Legislature to declare
racism as a public health crisis. This allows the House of Representatives to:
• Collaborate with agencies and the community to ensure equitable administration
• Review/reform existing policies
• Assess processes
• Enhance data-based education
• Support initiatives
Select Committee Report
The Select Committee wanted to tell the “story” and history of America. They focused on providing definitions
and historical framework which could be used to create laws and policies. Information from experts and public
testimonies were used in the report.
The committee focused on disparities in the BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) community in the
areas of:
• Health
• Education
• Housing
• Public safety
• Economics
-4- Zoom allowed for greater outreach.
The draft report was released on December 22, 2020. The final report was released January 25, 2021.
Lessons, Quotes and Definitions
Quote: “If I had an hour to solve a problem, I'd spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes
thinking about solutions.” – Albert Einstein
• Analogy – take time to think about the problem in depth (55 minutes), then 5 minutes thinking about
the solution.
Report definitions were reviewed: racism, institutional racism, systemic racism, equity, equality, justice and
inclusion.
Racism is defined as a system, not an individual character flaw or a personal moral failing.
Quote: “We are all adversely impacted by the system of racism, and we all play a role in addressing the
adverse impacts.” – Select Committee on Racial Justice Final Report
• A visual image was used to illustrate equality vs equity.
The goal – fix the system to offer equal access. What does that look like?
Racial Disparities – “The Minnesota Paradox”
The tale of two states - specific groups of Minnesotans experience a high quality of life while
others experience poor outcomes and racial disparities.
The Select Committee final report highlights:
• Persistent and unacceptable racial disparities in Minnesota.
• Research findings on the rates of racial disparities and the underlying causes.
• Historical context of government-sanctioned policies and practices that facilitate an unequal playing
field.
• Solutions to reduce and eliminate racial disparities.
Racial disparities are not statistics. They are:
• The lived stories of Minnesotans in BIPOC communities.
• The harms and trauma inflicted by historical law and policies.
• A multigenerational legacy (passed down from generation to generation).
Solutions
“It’s not the frosting on top of the cupcake. It’s the butter in the batter.”
Sustainable solutions need ground-floor investments.
Economic Challenges
Systemic racism is expensive, costing states millions of dollars.
National economic impact – 6.1 million jobs were not created because they lacked investment.
Currently working on a bill in which employers cannot ask what wages a person madeat their last job. Doing
so starts people at a disadvantage.
Minneapolis Redlining – illustrates housing inequities.
Conclusion
Systemic racism exists, it is harmful and must be addressed.
Improving racial equity is not a one-and-done solution.
The report includes/provides 80+ solutions in different areas.
Questions
What can we do as a WDB?
• Focus on today, not yesterday. Be intentional about how to move forward. Most times, disparities are
not intentional – they are handed down along with privilege. Legislature needs to invest more in
minority businesses to build a base of community. People need to get uncomfortable, to get
comfortable with where we need to go.
Is there any specific guidance for school settings?
• There are inequities in graduation rates and outcomes (i.e. higher rates of suspension). Promote social
and emotional development. Start young – teach the youngest learners (3-5 years of age). Begin
-5-utilizing the best trauma informed practices. Keep kids in school more than outside the classroom. We
currently have an “18th century model for 21st century kids”.
The slide presentation and final Select Committee Report will be distributed following the meeting.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 a.m.
-6-Executive Committee Minutes
June 8, 2021
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Items of Note:
• Approved Traitify funding.
• Discussed membership vacancies and potential candidates for the openings.
• What to do about Burnsville CareerForce site not being open to public?
• Will there be a state shutdown?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Present: Vance Boelter, Darren Kermes, Eric Lind, Barb Dahl, Commissioner Mary Hamann-Roland
Others: Mark Jacobs, Kari Ouimette
Boelter called meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Minutes of previous meeting were approved.
Membership
• Mike Farren appointed to the WDB by county board.
• Two people not renewing – Weik and Wagner
• Check w/ Patterson and Hydra-Flex
• Rehab position – Heather Felderman is interested.
• Labor position applicant need
• Commissioner will check w/ MVTA.
Committee Reports
Community Relations – Kermes
• Change post-event questionnaire?
• June – O’Neill and Harmening
• August – Schultz and Hansen
• Election of officers procedure
• State and federal legislation
• New world communications
• Need some additional networking profiles – Kermes will write any missing ones.
Youth – Dahl
• Performance metrics – doing well
• Minnesota youth program allocations aren’t out yet
• Motion made, seconded, and approved to continue/renew the contract for Traitify in the amount of
$9,000 for the period of August 1, 2021 through July 31st, 2022.
o Background 3,500 assessment in first 15 months; next 12 months = 1,800 assessments;
about 2,400 assessments over the past 10 months. Social media posts have helped and
hopefully will continue. Survey responses were positive. Funding would come from the
WDB budget.
• Joint business services and youth committee meeting held. Work continues with upcoming
meeting.
• Joyce Eissinger retiring.• Something for committee to think about – 7/11 – it’s been a long time since 16 and 17 yr. old’s
could be hired. Now they can. What guidance can CF provide to these employers?
CareerForce – Lind
• Back to offering services in-person status updates.
Burnsville CareerForce Opening
• Overview provided of the situation with the site not being open for in-person visits.
• What’s the data supporting a recommendation?
• Burnsville Chamber supports the building being open and preparing a letter to this effect?
• Can WDB request decision-makers to appear at next meeting as it makes more sense to have DEED
reopen w/ their staff than figuring out alternative staffing models.
• Consensus: Invite Commissioner Grove to meet with a small group of the WDB on this topic.
• Is DEED signaling something else by not reopening? What does their planning look like going
forward.? How does this meet employer needs?
• MDE supporting schools being open.
State Shutdown – staff
• Provided overview of the behind the scenes situation, preparations being made, and
Commissioner Hamann-Roland
• Provided latest vaccine-related statistics.
• First all in-person board meeting held today.
• Having high level discussion of ARP fund usage. Will be interested in input from the WDB.
Organizational Updates:
• National Association of Workforce Boards – Conference coming up in late June
• National Association of Counties – conference coming up in early July. Considering resolutions
including items on WIOA Reauthorization and Workforce Funding.
• Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards summer conference will be virtual
• Governor’s Workforce Development Board – updates coming soon.
Meeting adjourned at 4:23 p.m.Evaluation Committee Update – June 1, 2021
Sent to committee electronically.
Dislocated Worker – 18 new enrollments in May 2021. Trainings this month included: IT Boot Camp,
SHRM certification, Certified Professional Project Management (CPPM), Commercial Driver’s License
(CDL), Accounting, Data Modeling/Analytics.
MFIP Outcomes –
MFIP Participation Rates (March 2020 - February 2021)
50.0%
45.0%
40.0%
35.0%
30.0%
25.0%
20.0%
15.0%
10.0%
5.0%
Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Averag
2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2021 2021 e
Dakota 21.1% 14.2% 11.8% 11.3% 10.5% 12.4% 12.8% 15.4% 14.9% 17.8% 14.2% 16.0% 14.4%
Scott 25.6% 25.5% 22.2% 11.4% 34.4% 21.9% 20.7% 24.3% 23.2% 26.9% 16.5% 19.4% 22.7%
Anoka 18.8% 14.9% 14.7% 13.9% 14.2% 16.9% 15.6% 11.2% 17.0% 16.6% 13.5% 16.0% 15.3%
Hennepin 17.0% 13.5% 13.9% 11.3% 11.4% 11.0% 14.5% 12.9% 17.0% 16.4% 12.9% 14.5% 13.9%
Ramsey 15.1% 11.2% 11.6% 9.9% 11.9% 14.5% 14.5% 14.8% 17.4% 15.9% 11.9% 12.4% 13.4%
Washington 26.5% 16.5% 13.0% 10.5% 11.5% 7.6% 14.0% 12.1% 12.4% 14.8% 15.5% 13.0% 14.0%
Dakota Scott Anoka Hennepin Ramsey Washington
OSOS –
Request for Proposals (RFP) to be released on June 15th. RFP will be posted for 30 days. Review of
responses to occur in last two weeks of July.
Infrastructure Funding Agreement (IFA) –
Burnsville and West St. Paul IFA’s were submitted to the State for review. No feedback has been
received to date. Next steps will include sending to all providers for signature.Community Relations Committee Minutes
June 1, 2021
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Items of Note:
• WIOA reauthorization now being discussed at national levels.
• Extreme interest in what changes, if any, are made to the Workforce Development Fund
legislation – especially regarding distribution.
• Continuing multi-faceted approach to reach job seekers and employers including social media,
short videos, and other tools.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Present: Darren Kermes, Mike Forbord, Kristin Oftedahl
Others: Mark Jacobs, Kari Ouimette
Kermes called meeting to order at 3:32 p.m. Minutes of previous meeting were approved.
Eye on the Future
May
• Feedback – limited feedback, but very positive. Why was feedback limited? Need to request
responses more than once is the suggestion.
• Do questions need to be revamped to be more relevant to what’s covered? E.g. is it helpful? Put on
next agenda.*
June
• Tim O’Neill confirmed.
• Jennifer Harmening also confirmed
August
• David Schultz as to “why” the special sessions and potential solutions.
• Also, Invite Jeff Hansen, CAP Agency.
Officers
• Discussed process for the election of WDB officers.
State and Federal Legislation
• State Workforce Development Fund is in conference committee. Everyone’s waiting for info.
• WIOA Reauthorization - Discussions are underway and national groups are gathering information
regarding suggested changes to the federal workforce legislation.
The New World Communications
• Social Media - will send out data on recent Facebook posts. Boosting “hiring event” this week.
o Discussion of hiring platforms – virtual, Indeed, Zip Recruiter and LinkedIn.
Networking Info – some, but not all, profiles are in. Staff will post info.
• Webinars –o Discussed a slightly different approach – 3-5-minute videos of workforce-focused content.
Committee liked the idea and staff will proceed down this avenue.
o Develop content and put out on FB and LinkedIn to drive traffic to videos which would be on
YouTube channel.
Plan of Work
• On track.
Other
• Have county boards started in person?
•
Meeting adjourned at 4:15 P.M.Business Services Committee Minutes
June 2, 2021
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Items of Note:
• How about apprenticeships for the area? Committee’s homework reviewed Iowa’s model of
doing so with high schools.
• Joint initiative with youth committee continues.
• Employers of Excellence awards event went extremely well. How best leverage lessons learned
from employers to other organizations?
• Continuing on determining what’s the best approach in providing IDE resources and tools for
employers.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Present: Maggie Dykes, Skip Nienhaus, Michael Berndt, Sally Haack, Claire Giancola-Belmares, Steve
Rausch, Krista Jech, Eric Linda, Eric Van Oss, Andrea Grossman, Derek Pederson, Mike Yanda, Bob
Trewartha
Others: Mark Jacobs
Berndt called meeting to order at 8:01 a.m. Minutes of previous meeting were approved.
Homework - A Look at Iowa’s Innovative High School Apprenticeship Program
• Interesting that it was in many industries including childcare.
• Envious that Iowa got a program going. What would it take to replicate here? Who would lead?
• Business community can be nimbler than schools
• What type of manpower is needed to coordinate from the schools?
• How involved was the Urban Institute with this?
• How handle the liability component?
• Reach out to DLI for presentation in August and talk it through to ensure the right people are
attending.
• Doesn’t address the underlying issue of youth not knowing what careers are available.
• Jech and Grossman working on a multi-week career exploration program. Bringing in Lakeville Area
Center for a 10-12 weeks. Will include a mentor for youth. Working with Lakeville Community
Education on a middle school program. It’s six weeks including business tours.
• How are middle school students informed and how is transportation handled? Regarding funds –
via Perkins and Lakeville Works revenue. Communications is via parents. Looks like they’ll have 30-
35 kids.
• Does CareerForce connect youth to company tours? Not currently, but could be a useful tool.
• Might be opportunity to better connect the college career counselors also.
Follow-up to Joint Meeting with Youth Committee
• Apprenticeship Joint Meeting with Youth Committee – hold at August meeting.
• How better use Traitify to improve career awareness?o Giancola-Belmares talking with Higgins about digging into results more. Is there a gap
between what people’s interests are versus employer needs?
CNA Pathway – Lind
• Looking at needs of Fairview for CNAs. Large need for resident care assistants. (group forming to
look at how do this)
Employers of Excellence Wrap-Up – Nienhaus and Dykes
• Celebration event went well – about 100 attendees.
o People were engaged.
o Feedback on Therwanger was positive.
o Breakout group discussion was good. What are we going to do with info?
• Reports were mailed out to companies who completed the surveys.
• Good social media around award winners.
• Build library of video clips.
Inclusive Workplace Employer Feedback Event – Jech and Giancola-Belmares
• HR professionals focus group was held. Had great discussion and insights from employers.
• Larger the business – the more resources they already have.
• General consensus people interested – especially smaller employers.
o Often don’t know where to start.
• Having the “stamp” could help with recruiting, but also helps with donors, vendors. Also, impact on
customers, suppliers, and earning trust of constituent groups.
• Hastings work with the YMCA. Organizations overwhelmed by all of the info.
• Have a toolkit.
o Bring HR professionals together to support one another?
o Menu of resources could include awareness, unconscious bias info, IDE, IDI, cultural
information.
• Have I-WE been certified by colleges?
• Next step: follow-up meeting. June 8th.
Incumbent Worker Program - Jacobs
• Funds available for training of workers at companies.
• Committee role is to review applications.
Employer Services – What Else is Needed?
• Biggest dilemma is finding people.
• With all of the construction planned in Rosemount, will that help with housing supplies?
• Are some companies looking at doing more teleworking – essentially remote workers? Some
companies aren’t set up for remote workers.
• Message from Employers of Excellence a few years ago – you need employees more than they need
you.
• Childcare tax credits are forthcoming.
• It’s a candidates’ market. Thus, increasing wages, hiring bonuses, etc.
• The CEO salary to worker ratio.
• If don’t budge on wages, need to budge on flexibility – (schedules, childcare)• Do employers know how to market in this new era? ** topic for video.
• Almost every Employer of Excellence recipient was doing some sort of recognition.
• San-mar example – has stayed staffed – due to attention to employees, potlucks, etc.
• Is there an opportunity with Employers of Excellence video series – look at themes and brand in
such a way as “path to recovery?” Tie to the videos.
• The video tidbits - consider videotaping any presentation that’s being done to make available. (Erik
Therwanger for example). Cross-linking existing videos.
Plan of Work
• On track.
Updates:
Jech, Business – how to get people back to work is hot topic.
Trewartha, Education – proposal to redo driving track. Sen. Klobuchar, Sen. Smith, and Rep. Craig
working on college’s behalf. Minnesota State Commercial Driving Academy (Class A) – June 14th goes
before MJSP committee. Looking for company support for this relayed to policy makers.
Lind, Education – In-person graduation ceremony was last week. Had about 100 people in the gym.
Summer sessions start July 12 and will be in-person – but will have an on-line option.
Yanda - CareerForce
• Staff calling people on unemployment insurance. Goal is to call 14 people a day. Primary focus for
them.
Goal is to encourage, remind and inform recipients about CareerForce and other resources.
Original focus was on hospitality industry. Now calling on those in administrative support.
• Reactions from recipients? Mixed. Some said they were awaiting recall from their employer.
Others noted they felt it was time to switch.
Good opportunity to inform people about CF resources.
• Burnsville and Bloomington sites are still closed to public. Unsure when might open to public.
• Received letter from Governor over the weekend that DEED staff may be laid off July 1st. (due to
state shut-down)
Pederson – workforce - Several new employers added to the mix. US Bank Stadium, Dept. of Corrections,
and Legendary Baking,
Eric Van Oss – economic development - Busy summer season for construction projects. - Unveiled
commercial visioning projects – Hwy. 42 corridor. https://connect-to-your-future-in-rosemount-
cirosemountmn.hub.arcgis.com/
Dykes – economic development - Affordable housing – working on land bank sites. CDA offices will be
opening to the public in June.
Meeting adjourned at 9:31 a.m.CareerForce Committee Minutes
June 4, 2021
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Items of Note:
• Discussed COVID-19 impacts and approaches across agencies/departments/non-profits.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Present: Eric Lind, Rich Wagner, Mark Jacobs, Leah McNamee, Jennifer Reichert Simpson, Erin Kampa,
Brandon Kmety, Rachel Resnick, Linda Olson, and Jill Pittelkow.
Lind convened meeting at 8:32 a.m. Minutes of previous meeting were approved.
COVID 19 and Program Updates –
DEED Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) – Kampa and Wagner
• VRS was working on a phased in approach, starting June 1st, to bring a few of their placement staff in
to work with consumers in-person. Start was delayed. VRS will remain virtual for foreseeable
future.
• Recent review of appointments showed that there were a higher percentage of people attending
appointments when they were offered virtually.
Dakota County Library – Reichert Simpson
• Effective June 1st all library locations were open without time or capacity limits.
• Starting June 14th, the conference and meeting rooms will be available; June 28th the iLAB
makerspace equipment will be available. Starting July 5th, the library hours will be expanded;
essentially, they will be back to regular business except for events.
• With youth (under age 12) are still unvaccinated. MN Department of Health still requires masks and
distancing for youth (indoor rules).
• Jobs and small business classes are still being offered virtually. Events in the future will likely be a
mix of both virtual and onsite.
HIRED – McNamee
• Will be returning to work using a hybrid model on July 12th. Staff will gradually return. Onsite client
services and appointments will begin August 1st. Will be onsite at least 50% of the time.
Scott County Employment and Training (E&T) – Kmety
• Hoping to reopen buildings to the public on June 14th. Nothing official yet; and no specifics.
• Staff will be in at least three days per week. Career lab will be open five days a week with new hours
of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Still waiting for confirmation of safety plans.
• Customers will have both in-person and onsite options available to them.
PaR Systems – Resnick
• The Evolution of Work philosophy, coming in based on work, was sent to all employees. 50%-75% of
employees have been in during the last 15 months. More will be in by Labor Day. A hybrid
approach will be the future “normal.”
Prince of Peace (POP) – Olson
• The food shelf and clothing closet are open however visits are low; about 40%-50% of pre-pandemic
numbers. Those who visit are asked questions on the front end including are they vaccinated and
how are they feeling. Visitors are asked to wear a mask if they have not been vaccinated.
Dakota County Workforce Services – Jacobs• The West St. Paul Career Lab is open five days per week by appointment starting this week. Walk-ins are
not currently allowed (waiting on lobby reopening, etc.) Not seeing many people coming in. A boosted
Facebook posting will occur next week.
• The Burnsville location remained closed. Many employers and job seekers have expressed frustration in
their remaining closed. The Workforce Development Board sent a letter to Governor Walz and
Commissioner Grove asking that the Burnsville location be reopened but have not yet received a
response. Local areas can open DEED sites but must use their own staffing to do so. Staffing and
perception continue to be topics of discussion. Olson from POP offered potential volunteers to assist
with staffing.
• Upcoming state shutdown is possible. Working on planning in case this happens.
• We don’t know the people that we are not connecting with; there is a segment of the community who do
not have access to technology.
Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program – ISD 196 – Lind
• Classes will be offered in person beginning July 12th.
• Surveys were completed and people stated they liked online services. Will be offering both virtual
and in-person through at least November/December. Goal is to be back primarily in-person; but are
working on finding the right balance.
Plan of Work (POW) –
• No changes but will review in next months as return to work begins.
Other –
• CareerForce Committee meeting will not be held in July; next meeting is August 6th.
Meeting adjourned at 9:05 a.m.Youth Committee Minutes
June 3, 2021
Items of Note:
• Summer programming is kicking off.
• The committee reviewed preliminary PY20 WIOA Youth Performance Measures for Dakota-Scott.
• Approved renewing the annual subscription of Traitify.
• The Youth and Business Services Committees will hold another joint meeting to review apprenticeship info.
Present: Barb Dahl, Anita Drentlaw, Joyce Eissinger, Melissa Lutz, Tim Grimm, Barry Davies
Others: Amber Higgins, Andrea Grossman, Meg Grove, David Tranvik, Ben Kusch, Rachel Grossman, Mark Jacobs, Eric
Van Brocklin, Dr. Michael Favor
Dahl called the meeting to order at 8:02 a.m.
Introductions
Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Program Updates – written reports which include enrollment and demographic information were distributed
Tree Trust – Tranvik (MYP for Dakota)
• Summer programming is starting up.
• Crew leaders are in training. An Assistant Crew Leader will be added to staffing this year.
• The program will run June 14th-August 13th.
• Approximately 50 youth will be enrolled.
• There are 3 confirmed sites in Lakeville and Inver Grove Heights. Sites could change throughout the duration
of the program.
HIRED – Grosskurth (WIOA Youth for Dakota)
• There were 4 new enrollments in the month of May.
• Referrals are continuing to come in from probation, social services, and CORE.
• 11 families continue to access weekly food delivery.
• As places open back up, internships are picking up.
• Credentials are coming in.
• Two youth were approved for MicroGrants. One was able to get a laptop and one was approved for car
repairs.
• Other grants have allowed youth to obtain lash and nail certifications. Working to place them in internships to
gain experience.
• Due to the increased funding allocation, HIRED is hiring another full-time staff/counselor. Hope to have them
on board by July 1st.
Scott County – Dahl reporting for Kmety (MYP and WIOA Youth)
• Outreach is ongoing.
• The deadline for the summer youth application was 5/21. The youth counselor is reviewing those received for
eligibility.
• 1 MYP client is currently participating in a work experience program.
• The youth counselor participated in Shakopee HS Senior Options Expo day on 5/27.Staff Updates
• WIOA Youth
o DEED approved the Dakota-Scott WIOA Youth budgets on May 24th.
o The PY21 contract is in route for execution with HIRED (Dakota County only).
• Dakota-Scott WIOA Youth Preliminary Performance
o PY20 Preliminary reports were reviewed (Minnesota vs Dakota-Scott).
o Dakota-Scott are meeting and/or exceeding all measures except Measurable Skills Gain. It’s predicted
that will improve/increase across-the state as the school year ends.
• MYP Allocations
o Allocations for SFY22 have not yet been received.
o Legislature is holding a Special Session on June 14 where they are expected to pass the Omnibus Bills
which includes funding for youth programs.
• YC Budgets
o The YC budget for 2021 is $6,000. Funds must be expended by December 31st, 2021. The full amount
remains.
Traitify
• User data and survey feedback was reviewed. Feedback was mostly positive.
• The current contract/subscription period ends on July 31st, 2021.
• The cost to renew is $9,000/12 month period.
• Youth Committee funding could be utilized to promote Traitify and boost social media posts.
• Staff will request a refresher demo on linking local businesses, colleges, and organizations to assessment results.
• Motion made, seconded, and approved to continue/renew the contract for Traitify in the amount of $9,000
for the period of August 1, 2021 through July 31st, 2022. Funding would come from the WDB budget.
Joint Meeting with Business Services Committee
• A subgroup consisting of Business Service and Youth Committee members met to discuss next steps.
• The problem trying to be solved – increase exposure for our youth regarding career pathways and opportunities
to meet local employer needs.
• Discussion included:
o Traitify as a potential avenue.
o School counselors are strapped for time. Could 360 Communities, employer partnerships, and others
help?
o Need to invite chambers, students, and others to the table.
o Youth voices/input is important.
• Work is just beginning; ideas need to be narrowed down. The subgroup will be meeting again in June.
• The full Business Services Committee would like to hold another joint meeting for a presentation from DOL on
apprenticeships. This meeting may take place in August.
Other
• The Youth Committee will not meet in July. The date of the August meeting is TBD – dependent on a joint
meeting with the Business Services Committee.
• The committee is searching for ideas for future meetings (speakers, presentations, etc.) that support the Plan
of Work moving forward.
• Joyce Eissinger will be retiring from Southwest Metro Intermediate 288 at the end of June. Thank you for
supporting the committee and congratulations on your retirement!
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 a.m.You can also read
