2009-02-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 Dr. Brown asked if there is a provision for soft skilled people, and Mr. Watts said yes, in other programs. He said if Council does not like the idea of using a temp agency, the requirement for apprentices could be put in the contract with the company doing the work. Mr. Huja said he would prefer that it be part of the contract. Mr. Chris Engel, Assistant Director of Economic Development, noted that the current contractor for work on the downtown mall worked with temp agencies and did not hire the apprentices as their own employees, and said this worked well. Ms. Edwards said she does not want people to be just temporarily out of poverty. She said she would like to see more supportive services to move people to the next level. She asked if felons were employed as apprentices for the downtown mall project, and Mr. Watts said yes. Mr. O’Connell noted that having the contractor directly hire the apprentices would have prevented the hiring of felons. Mr. Norris suggested giving half of the funds to Social Services for a job developer to assure that people are steered through training and make sure the programs are woven together. Dr. Brown said he would like someone going to bat for these people rather than just a temp agency. Mr. Robert Cox, Director of Social Services, said that this could be done from the workforce center. Mr. O’Connell said that other ways can be researched. Mr. Norris said he likes the idea of tying it into the workforce center, but he does not like the location of the center. He said the primary target would be Housing Authority residents, but as resources allow it could be opened up to other residents. Dr. Friedman said it would be good to have a requirement for training while having a job. He said staff from the workforce center could come into the City and do a satellite location. Ms. Waters encouraged the formation of an outreach plan to make the community aware of the program. Mr. O’Connell asked if Council is in favor of a pilot and funding for next year. Dr. Brown said he is hearing that we think we would like to do it next year, but will make a final decision in the context of the big budget picture. Mr. O’Connell said that existing strategic investment funds could be used for the school proposals. The proposals from the Schools was discussed. Councilors expressed support for the CATEC Transportation and CHS Medical Sciences Club. Mr. Huja expressed concern with the Health Sciences Academy, and said he wanted a commitment from U. Va. and the Schools.