June 25, 2002

 

SUBJECT:

Consideration of Career Action Center Donation

REPORT IN BRIEF

The Career Action Center, founded in 1973, is closing its doors effective June 28, 2002.  In response to this closing, it is generously donating to NOVA/the City of Sunnyvale library and program assets and furnishings and equipment. It is estimated that the value of these assets is in excess of $75,000.  As per City of Sunnyvale Policy donations valued at over $35,000 require approval by the City Council.  The NOVA Workforce Board and staff are recommending approval of this generous donation. 

BACKGROUND 

The Career Action Center (CAC), founded in 1973, has been at the forefront of career development providing career counseling and coaching, workshops, job listings and employer assistance with revitalization efforts.  CAC was the first to coin the term “Career Self-Reliance” and has been pivotal in positively shaping the career development movement in Silicon Valley.   

The Department of Employment Development has enjoyed a very positive relationship with the Career Action Center over the years.  In fact, CAC has been an active partner in CONNECT!, the one-stop workforce investment system serving the NOVA Workforce Investment Area.     

For several years now, CAC has seen a decline in enrollment for services.  This decline has continued even during these recessionary times.  In response to this decline, this past year CAC embarked on a comprehensive self-assessment process and concluded at the end of this process to close its doors effective June 28, 2002.  Today, unlike twenty-nine years ago, services offered through CAC are now offered through a variety of other organizations such as NOVA, ProMatch and online through Monster.com and hotjobs.com.   In addition, many companies now utilize outplacement firms to access the kinds of service offered previously through CAC.  As a result of these changing times, CAC made the decision to close its doors and launch a new endowment fund to continue to support its mission. 

As part of CAC’s transition efforts, it has extended an offer to NOVA/the City of Sunnyvale a donation of their very comprehensive and valuable career library along with furnishings and equipment.

EXISTING POLICY

• Administrative Manual, Chapter I, Article XIII: Donations Policy and Procedures.

 DISCUSSION 

The Career Action Center is donating the library and program assets and furnishings and equipment to NOVA/the City of Sunnyvale for several reasons:

1)    To keep the collection intact as much as possible

2)    That the collection be accessible to the public at no cost

3)    That the collection be available in Santa Clara County, especially for Palo Alto and Cupertino residents (inclusive to NOVA service area)

4)    That there are resources and staff expertise in the organization that receives the collection to maintain the collection

5)    Recipient organization serves a population similar to the Career Action Center’s typical membership (college-educated, mid level professional)

6)    Recipient is able to make a decision regarding acceptance in a timely manner (by June 28)

7)    Recipient has the capacity to move the materials 

The Career Action Center is donating a variety of library and program assets that will include career explorations publications, management development materials, magazines and newspapers, computer database of materials and proprietary curriculum materials. It is likely to contain over 2,000 books, 100 magazines, 600 files, 100 binders, 200 videotapes & audiotapes, and various online materials. The Career Action Center is also donating furnishings and equipment that is expected to include desks, tables, files, bookshelves, cabinets, among other office materials.  The estimated value of this total donation is expected to be in excess of $75,000. 

This very generous donation will provide an excellent complement to the Department of Employment Development career resources.  In addition, with the planned opening of the new and expanded Job Seeker Services Center both these new career resources and furnishings and equipment will be welcome and much needed contributions. 

The NOVA Workforce Board Executive Committee, acting on behalf of the NOVA Workforce Board, met on June 19, 2002 and recommended acceptance of this donation by the Sunnyvale City Council. 

FISCAL IMPACT 

There will be a cost associated with housing and staff access to this collection.  NOVA estimates it will be able to maintain this service through the grants and contracts it receives.  Thus, there will be additional fiscal impact to the City of Sunnyvale. 

PUBLIC CONTACT 

Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City's official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City's web page, and the availability of the report in the Library and City Clerk's Office.   

ALTERNATIVES 

1.    Council accepts the Career Action Center donation of library and program assets and furnishings and equipment valued in excess of $75,000. 

2.    Council rejects the Career Action Center donation library and program assets and furnishings and equipment valued in excess of $75,000.

 3.   Other action as determined by Council.

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

The NOVA Workforce Board and staff recommend Alternative 1 above.  

Prepared by:

Michael J. Curran, Director
Department of Employment Development

 

Approved by:

Robert S. LaSala
City Manager