VERDUGO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
FULL BOARD MEETING MINUTES
6/26/2024
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
VWDB Full Board Minutes 6/26/2024 Page 1 of 2
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ara Aslanian, Luiza Balyan, Jose Barba, Sonya Kay Blake, Vicki Brannock, Nick Hacopian, Steve Kaplan,
Debbie Kukta, Pamela Marcello, Stephanie O’Keefe,
Veronica Romero, Teresa Sánchez
MEMBERS ABSENT: Greg Astorian, Onnig Bulanikian, Alexis Carter, Marisol Espinoza, Mary Hamzoian, Iskra Martinez, Michael
Ritterbrown, Soua Vang, Terry Walker
COMMUNITY &
OTHER AGENCY
REPRESENTATIVES:
Eliza Dzhaneryan, Camille McCuistion
STAFF PRESENT: Diana Montecino, MaryAnn Pranke, Judith Velasco, Melissa Younesian
CALL TO ORDER: 9:03 am by Chair Ara Aslanian
I. Introductions
A. Chair Ara Aslanian welcomed the board.
B. A moment of silence was held in honor of Lee Casady.
1. Executive Director Judith Velasco shared that Lee was passionate in the field of stage production, which involves knowing the safety protocols. He wanted to develop programs to introduce young adults to this line of work and instruction to conduct the jobs in the safest way possible.
II. Minutes of April 10, 2024
A. Minutes presented and reviewed. MOTION: Steve Kaplan 2 nd: Debbie Kuta Action: APPROVED
III. Action Items
A.Approval of the amended Verdugo Workforce Development Board Certification Policy & Process for Comprehensive and Affiliate America’s Job Center of California as required by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 B.Approval to accept funding from State of California Employment Development Department in the amount of $350,000 to provide workforce services to workers laid off from primarily Jet Propulsion Lab and enter into contract with Biocom California Institute and an Executive Transition Coach from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025 C.Approval of the Verdugo Workforce Development Board’s Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
D.Approval to designate Glendale Youth Alliance as the board’s Youth Provider and to enter into contract with Glendale Youth Alliance for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 in an amount not to exceed $623,353 in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding for Youth Services
E.Approval to enter into contract with Glendale Youth Alliance for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 in an amount not to exceed $50,000 in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding for One-Stop Operator services
VERDUGO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
FULL BOARD MEETING MINUTES
6/26/2024
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
VWDB Full Board Minutes 6/26/2024 Page 2 of 2
F.Approval to enter into contract with Bloom Strategic Solutions LLC from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025 in an amount not to exceed $130,000 to provide Business Engagement, Work Experience and Special Projects Coordination for Workforce Grants G.Approval to enter into contract with College & Career Engagement LLC from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025 in an amount not to exceed $75,000 to provide Business Engagement, Rapid Response Services, and Career Pathways for Workforce Grants MOTION FOR CONSENT ITEM A – G Motion: Nick Hacopian 2nd: Steve Kaplan Abstained: Vicki Brannock
IV. Director’s Report
A. Ms. Velasco shared success stories and events that occurred at the Verdugo Jobs Center (VJC) during the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025.
1. One of the critical components which allows for positive results is helping clients with supportive services and referral to organizations while they are in their paid work experience activity.
2. Business engagement continues to be a priority; over 288 businesses were assisted this fiscal year. There have been several layoffs in the Verdugo region, such as the layoffs occurring at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
V. Other Business and Announcements
A. The next VWDB meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
B. A board retreat is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2024. The location will be off-site and is yet to be determined.
VI. Public Comments: None
VII. Adjournment: 9:30 am