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MIDDLE RIO GRANDE WORKFORCE BOARD

OF DIRECTORS MEETING

MINUTES

Sage Room, Holiday Inn                                                                                   Uvalde, Texas

December 08, 2005                                                     Thursday, 1:00 p.m.

OFFICERS PRESENT:

Mr. Juan Martinez, Chair, Private Sector, Uvalde

Mr. James “Skip” Baker, Vice-Chair, Private Sector, Del Rio

Mr. Pete Castillo, Treasurer, Literacy, Eagle Pass

Ms. Maria Martinez, Parliamentarian, Private Sector, Del Rio

Ms. Teresa Kypuros, Secretary, Private Sector, Eagle Pass

OFFICERS ABSENT:

Ms. Patricia Taylor, Past Chair, Private Sector, Brackettville

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mr. Frank Abbott, Ph.D., Education, Uvalde

Mr. Pablo Aguillon, CBO, Crystal City

Ms. Imelda Allen, Education Agency, Crystal City

Mr. Billy Joe Brice, Private Sector, Leakey

Ms. Carmen Castillo, Public Employment Agency, Uvalde

Mr. Manuel Estrada, CBO, Carrizo Springs

Mr. George Garza, Private Sector, Uvalde

Mr. Larry Garza, Private Sector, Del Rio

Mr. Pablo Gonzales, Private Sector, Cotulla

Mr. Michael Grooms, Private Sector, Rocksprings

Ms. Shirley Hadsell, Private Sector, Brackettville

Mr. Arturo Mancha, Private Sector, Eagle Pass

Mr. Higinio Martinez, CBO, Cotulla

Mr. Ramiro Munoz, Private Sector, Carrizo Springs

Mr. David Ojeda, CBO, Carrizo Springs

Mr. Benito Perez, Ed. D.,Education Agency, Crystal City

Ms. Alicia Rendon, Education Agency, Uvalde

Mr. Evaristo Rendon, Private Sector, Rocksprings

Ms. Nora Tellez, CBO, Cotulla

Mr. Rodolfo Tristan, Vocational Rehab. Agency, Uvalde

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Ms. Marga Baker, Economic Development, Eagle Pass

Mr. Blaine Bennett, Adult Basic/Cont/Ed.,Uvalde

Ms. Rosa De La Garza, Private Sector, Eagle Pass

Mr. Jesus Dovalina, Private Sector, Del Rio

Ms. Linda G. Elledge, Private Sector, Uvalde

Mr. Jose Garcia, Organized Labor, Carrizo Springs

Mr. Oscar Gutierrez, Texas Works Prog. Mgr., Del Rio

Ms. Laura Lopez Macias, Private Sector, Crystal City

Mr. Francisco Mondragon, Private Sector, Eagle Pass

Ms. Lynn McCarson, Private Sector, Brackettville

Ms. Anne Ozuna, Education Agency, Del Rio

Ms. Anna Ramos, Private Sector, Eagle Pass

Ms. Mary Jane Salgado, CBO, Eagle Pass

Mr. Matthew Stavley, Private Sector, Del Rio

Mr. James Wilson, Private Sector, Carrizo Springs

 OTHERS PRESENT:

M.R.G.D.C.  Staff

M.R.G.W.B.  Staff

Mr. Clayton Crider, Private Sector, Leakey

 I.          Call to Order:

            The Middle Rio Grande Workforce Board met for their regular scheduled Board meeting

            on Thursday, December 08, 2005, in the Sage Room of the Holiday Inn in Uvalde, Texas. 

            Mr. Juan Martinez, Chair of the Middle Rio Grande Workforce Board called the meeting to

            order at approximately 1:00 p.m.

 II.        Invocation:

            Mr. Ricky McNiel gave the Invocation.

 III.       Roll Call:

            Ms. Tolie Maldonado called roll and twenty five (25) members listed above were determined to be present.  Having established a quorum, the following business was transacted.

 IV.       Introduction of Guest(s)

            Mr. Jason Chiasson, Wal-Mart Store Manager and Mr. George Herrera, Co-Manager, were introduced by Mr. Juan Martinez. 

V.        Public Comments (3 minutes per comment):

            There were no public comments.

 VI.       Ratification of the approval of August 11, 2005 Minutes, Approval of October 13, 2005 Minutes:               Mr. McNiel explained that due to the new requirements set by the state for  the processing of Board reappointments and new appointments, MRGWB was not in compliance at the August  2005 meeting. Mr. McNiel requested ratification of all action taken at that meeting because of the non compliance.  Since then all but one of the    reappointments have been approved and the Board is now in full compliance.

            Mr. Juan Martinez entertained the motion for ratification on the approval of the August   2005 minutes.  

            Ms. Teresa Kypuros made the motion to approve………………. Mr. James “Skip” Baker seconded the motion……………………….motion passed.

            Mr. Juan Martinez also entertained a motion to approve the October 13, 2005 minutes.   Mr. Pete Castillo made a motion to approve the minutes as presented……………          motion was seconded by Ms Nora Tellez ….……………..motion carried.

 VII.     Other Business:

              A.      Introduction of 2005 Employer Award of Excellence designee for the Middle                              Rio Grande Workforce Board – Wal-Mart of Uvalde

                        Mr. Ricky McNiel elaborated on Uvalde Wal-Mart’s nomination for the employer of the year award at the Texas Workforce Conference.  Mr. McNiel stated that Wal-Mart has made a big impact in Uvalde’s economic development.

VIII.    New Business:

           COMMITTEE REPORTS:

            A.      ExecutiveCommittee………………………………………...Mr. Juan Martinez

                        Information Item(s):

                        1.         Recognition of Workforce Board Appointments(s)/Reappointment(s)

                                    New Appointment(s):

                                    Mr. McNiel introduced Mr. Richard Diaz, CBO from Crystal City. He is one of the newly appointed board members.  Two other newly appointment Board Members, Ms. Rachel Gonzales-Hanson, Private Sector, Uvalde and Mr. Jesse Martinez, Private Sector, Crystal City were not able to attend.

                                    Mr. McNiel also recognized the reappointed Board Members and stated that Mr. Clayton Crider’s reappointment is still being processed.

                                     Reappointment(s):

                                    Mr. Manuel Estrada. CBO, Carrizo Springs

                                    Mr. Michael Grooms, Private Sector, Rocksprings

                                    Mr. Pete Castillo, Literacy, Eagle Pass

                                    Ms. Rosa De La Garza, Private Sector, Eagle Pass

                                    Mr. Billy Brice, Private Sector, Leakey

                                    Mr. Blaine Bennett, Adult Basic/Cont. Ed., Uvalde

                                    Mr. Juan Martinez, Private Sector, Uvalde

                                    Mr. James “Skip Baker, Private Sector, Del Rio

                                    Mr. Larry Garza, Private Sector, Del Rio

                                    Mr. Jesus Dovalina, Private, Sector, Del Rio

                                    Mr. Rodolfo Tristan, Voc. Rehab. Agency, Del Rio

                      2.         Report on the development of a new RFP for the procurement of a                                              “One Stop/Career Center Operator”

                                    Mr. McNiel elaborated on the development of the new RFP and the need to go out to procure for the operations of the center for the next five year span.  This is the last year of the five year contract that terminates in June 2006.  Mr. McNiel informed the Board that the MRGWB is beginning the development of the RFP document; this document will then be presented to the Board at the February 2006 meeting for their approval.  Release of the document will be on March 1, 2006 and will be due by the end of March or the first of April.  Any bidder information received beginning March 1, 2006 should be given to Mr. McNiel so that everyone will be informed. At the next Board meeting a committee will be appointed. The committee will bring their recommendations at the April Board meeting as to who the MRGWB will contract with beginning July 1, 2006.

                         Action Item(s):

                        1.         Acceptance of LWFB Resignation(s) Vacancies:

                                    Mr. Juan Martinez entertained a motion to accept Ms. Anne Ozuna’s                                        resignation. Ms. Imelda Allen made a motion to accept Ms. Ozuna’s resignation………………….Ms. Alicia Rendon seconded the motion……motion passed.

                                    Mr. Ricky McNiel reported that Ms. Anne Ozuna accepted another position and was no longer able to be a Board Member.  The school district was in the process of finding a replacement for Ms. Ozuna.           

            B.        Finance Committee…………………………………………Mr. Billy Joe Brice

                        Information Item(s):

                        a.         Summary Fund Balances on All Workforce Programs:

                                    Mr. McNiel had nothing to report.

                        b.         MRGWB Budget Report

                                    Mr. McNiel had nothing to report.

                        c.         Update on NEG & FSE&T funds     

                                    Mr. McNiel informed the Board that $330 thousand had been received from NEG specifically to serve Katrina and Rita evacuees. He informed the Board that additional funding amounting to $213,600 was received from FSE&T.  He mentioned that the grants will be loaded in the next Board meeting information Ms. Betty Sifuentes and the Board Members held a discussion in reference to evacuees.        

             C.        Planning Committee……………………………………..…….Mr. Pete Castillo  

                        Action Item(s):

                        1.         Ratification to allow the One Stop Operator to solicit proposals for transportation for eligible participants throughout the Middle Rio Grande region.

                                    The committee recommended approving the ratification to allow the One Stop Operator to solicit proposals for transportation.  

                        2.         Authorization to initiate procurement for consultant services under a Request for Quotes.

                                    The committee recommended approving the initiation for procurement for consultant services under a Request for Quotes.

                                     Ms. Imelda Allen made the motion to allow the One Stop Operator to solicit proposals for transportation …….…………….Ms. Nora Tellez seconded the motion…………………………….……. motion passed.  

                                     Mr. Juan Martinez entertained the motion to approve authorization to initiate procurement for consultant services…………………….Ms Alicia Rendon made the motion to approve……………………Mr. James “Skip” Baker seconded the motion…………………………………motion passed.

 

            D.        Monitoring Committee:………………………………….…Ms. Patricia Taylor

                        Information Item(s): 

                         1.         Report on A-Mac Monitoring Review

                                    Mr. Ricky McNiel explained that Alma McNeil had indicated two findings in her letter.                       

                        2.         Report on Operator’s response to A-Mac monitoring review                                                        

                                    Alma McNeil closed this monitoring review satisfactorily before the TWC monitoring review.

                        3.         Report on TWC monitoring review for week of Nov. 28th.                                                  Mr. McNiel elaborated on TWC’s clean monitoring review.  TWC made                                         an oral recommendation when they exited on Friday, for a Management                                      Letter which is the best monitoring you can get.  There were no findings,                                                 no issues identified. TWC will send notification in writing to the Board in                                               the future.

                                   

                                    Ms. Betty Sifuentes elaborated on the new instruments used by TWC in                                                their monitoring review. According to Ms. Sifuentes this was the most                                        intensive and detailed review ever. Ms. Sifuentes and Mr. Leodoro                                                    Martinez credited the solid management system that has been set up and a                                      job well done by all of the staff.

 

                                    Mr. Juan Martinez and the Board complimented the Operator for a job                                                 well done throughout the Region.                      

                        4.         Update on the New Stop Certification for Zavala & Uvalde Centers.

                                    Mr. McNiel elaborated on the state review of the Crystal City, and Uvalde                                            Centers for One Stop Certification.  The state recommended that both                                       centers be certified as One Stop Centers.  Mr. McNiel complimented                                             Ms. Santos Camarillo of the Crystal City Center and Ms Joy Ralston of the                                 Uvalde Center for a job well done.

 

            E.         Education Committee ………………….…………...………….Dr. Benito Perez

                        Action Item(s):

                        1.         Ratification to extend the SWTJC Year Round Contract for 1 year                                              for a total not to exceed $99,912.57.

                                    The committee recommends ratification to extend the SWTJC Contract for                                one year for a total not to exceed $99,912.57.

                                   

 

MRGWB Minutes

December 08, 2005

Page 7

 

 

 

                                    Mr. Juan Martinez entertained the motion for ratification, Ms. Imelda                                         made a motion to approve……………………..………Mr. Arturo Mancha                            seconded the motion………………………………….…….motion passed.

                                                                       

            F.         Child Care Committee………………………………...………Mr. David Ojeda

                        Information Item(s):

                        1.         Update on the Priorities for Child Care Services

 

                                    The Committee recommends that items 1 thru 4 be ratified since all items                                               had been covered at the previous meeting.

 

                        Action Item(s):

                        1.         Ratification to amend the Child Care eligibility intake procedures                                                that outline timeframes for parents to submit documentation to

                                    the Child Care Contractor to re-establish eligibility.

                        2.         Ratification to amend the Child Care procedures that outlines the                                                timeframes for parents to submit eligibility forms to the Child Care                                              Contractor.

                        3.         Ratification to amend the Child Care Policy ID PD-CC99-002:                                                     Priorities for Child Care Services.

                        4.         Ratification to amend the MRGWFB Child Care Policy #CC-03-006                                           to comply with TWC WD letter 69-05 on Eligibility & Time Limits for                              Parents Participating in Education.

                       

                                    Mr. Martinez entertained the motion for ratification of Child Care action                                                 items 1 thru four.  Mr. James “Skip” Baker made a motion for ratification                                              …….Ms. Carmen Castillo seconded the motion……….….motion passed.

 

            G.        Policy and Procedures Committee………………...…….Mr. Higinio Martinez

                        Action Item(s):

                        1.         Authorization to approve MRGWFB Open Records Request Process                                         Policy

                                    Mr. McNiel explained that the committee of The Open Records Request                                               Process has made the recommendation to change the wording of the                                          following line; “all requests must be sent by U.S. Mail and that a copy of  

                                    “. The recommendation is to delete the following “and that a copy of “to                                                read as “all requests must be sent by U.S. Mail. “ 

                       

 

 

MRGWB Minutes

December 08, 2005

Page 8

 

                        2.         Authorization to approve MBGWFB Policy Development Procedures.

                                    Mr. McNiel explained that the committee made a recommendation on                                       page 33 item #5 of the Policy Development Procedures, that reads “The                                                Board Staff “  The recommendation is to delete the word  “The”.

 

                                     A discussion of the Open Records Process Policy was held along with                                      recommended changes made by Dr. Frank Abbott on page 32, item #3.

 

                                    Mr. Juan Martinez entertained the motion to approve authorization of                                         items 1 & 2; Dr. Frank Abbott made a motion to approve with                                                  recommended change…………Ms. Teresa Kypuros seconded the                                                     motion……….……..motion passed.

           

            H.        Veterans Advisory Committee:………………………….....Mr. Pablo Aguillon

                        Information Item(s):

                        1.         Report on Veterans meetings:

                                    Mr. Pablo Aguillon elaborated on the importance of all counties in the                                        region   having a V.S.O. to participate on the Advisory Committee. There                                              is a need for a V.S.O. especially at the present time because of the many                                           veterans returning from the War in Irag.

                       

The Texas Workforce Commission is still attempting to transition the program over to the Texas Veteran’s Commission. There are issues that are being addressed before the transition is completed. The transition completion is anticipated  around  April 1, 2006.

                       

                                    T.W.C. is posting the LVER position in Del Rio, which becomes vacant at                                 the end of December.  A discussion was held as to where the LVER

                                    position should be housed for veterans to better served. The LVER                                                       position will be based out of Del Rio for the present time according to Mr.                                             Leodoro Martinez.

                                   

                                    Ms. Carmen Castillo informed the Board that the LVER position is posted                                             in the system and qualified applicants are now able to apply for the                                            position.

 

IX.                   Administrative Reports:

            A.        Executive Director…………………...……………………….Mr. Ricky McNiel

                        Mr. Ricky McNiel stated that all staff reports are in the packet and if there were                                    any questions he would be glad to answer them.  There were no questions by the                             Board.

 

MRGWB Minutes

December 08, 2005

Page 9

 

 

                        Workforce Board Administrator’s report……...……………..Mr. John Flores

                        Child Care Administrator’s report…………..………………..Ms. Sharon Diaz

 

            B.        One Stop Operator Executive Director…………..…….Mr. Leodoro Martinez

                        Mr. Leodoro Martinez reported on the Emerging Technology fund. Mr. Martinez                                   is encouraging the Board to inform their communities of the availability of                           monies for economic development components. Mr. Martinez will provide a                                   schedule of application deadlines by request.

 

                        Mr. Leodoro Martinez requested that Mr. Phil Rigney elaborate on a project                             called the “Future Gin Project” which is an energy producing project.  Maverick                           County is being considered in this region.

 

                        Coordinator of Field Services…………………………..Mr. Armando Herrera

                        Coordinator of WIA Program……………………….Ms. Evangelina De Leon

                        Coordinator of Child Care………………………………Ms. Marisa Cervantes

                        Coordinator of Program Analysis………...……………...…...Ms. Carla Niaves

                        Coordinator of Quality Control…………………………..Ms. Almita Miranda

                        Coordinator of Business Services………………………………Mr. Phil Rigney

 

IX.                   AJOURNMENT:

                        Mr. Juan Martinez entertained a motion to adjourn ………………….…….motion                   passed by consensus.

                       

                        MEETING ADJOURNED.

 

 

                        ______________________________________­­­_______

                        Mr. Juan Martinez, Chairman                            Date

 

 

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