November 1, 2005
SUBJECT: Recommendation to Sunnyvale City Council to Approve Confirmation of a New Member to the NOVA Workforce Board
REPORT IN BRIEF
The NOVA Workforce Board Nominating Committee is recommending confirmation of the following individual to the NOVA Workforce Board:
Ms. Deborah Sweeney, District Administrator
California Department of Rehabilitation
The NOVA Workforce Board Nominating Committee is comprised of Sunnyvale City Council member (Hon. Julia Miller), a Co-Chairperson of the NOVA Workforce Board (Ms. Elaine Hamilton-for this round), and a representative from a consortium city chamber of commerce. The Executive Director of the Milpitas Chamber of Commerce (Ms. Gaye Morando) is serving in this role for 2005. The Nominating Committee is charged with the responsibility of recommending candidates to the NOVA Workforce Board, for consideration by the Sunnyvale City Council.
The Nominating Committee is recommending Ms. Deborah Sweeney for a four-year term on the NOVA Workforce Board.
BACKGROUND
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 stipulates the composition, roles and responsibilities of the local workforce board. The local workforce board is appointed by the chief local elected official (Sunnyvale City Council for the NOVA Consortium). The local workforce board determines how many seats are on the board, and it is required to have a majority of representatives from business and representation from at least the following stakeholders:
- Business Executives (majority and chair)
- Education providers
- Labor Organizations
- Community-based Organizations
- Economic development agencies
- One-Stop partners
EXISTING POLICY
The proposed activities are consistent with the City of Sunnyvale's Socio-Economic Goal 5.1F: Provide job training and employment services, within constraints of operative Federal regulations and available Federal funding to address the locally-determined employment and training needs of economically disadvantaged residents and others with special needs.
DISCUSSION
The NOVA Workforce Board Nominating Committee is recommending Ms. Deborah Sweeney to fill an important mandated seat on the Board representing the California Department of Rehabilitation.
ABOUT THE CANDIDATE
Ms. Deborah Sweeney, District Administrator - California Department of Rehabilitation
The San Jose District area (Palo Alto to King City) of the CA Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) employs about 100 individuals (40 in Santa Clara County), providing a portfolio of workforce development programs for clients with disabilities. Ms. Sweeney is responsible for overseeing the administrative functions for the San Jose District area of DOR encompassing contracts, program reviews, community outreach, budgets and fiscal management, personnel administration, and strategic planning. Ms. Sweeney brings to the Board over 25 years of experience in social service organizations, specific experience serving on local workforce investment boards, and a commitment to accessibility and the creation of a level playing field for people with disabilities. Ms. Sweeney is slated to fill a WIA-mandated seat vacated by a former Board member representing the California Department of Rehabilitation who transferred to another position outside of the local area.
This appointment complies with the requirements of the Workforce Investment Act.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact.
CONCLUSION
The NOVA Workforce Board Nominating Committee is recommending appointment of one candidate to the NOVA Workforce Board for a four-year term. Ms. Deborah Sweeney, District Administrator for the California Department of Rehabilitation brings to the Board over 25 years of experience in social service organizations and specific expertise in workforce development for people with disabilities.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Publication and posting of Council Agenda. In addition, Council reports are available at the Sunnyvale City Library and on the City's internet page.
ALTERNATIVES
(1) Confirm the candidate recommended by the NOVA Workforce Board Nominating Committee for the NOVA Workforce Board.
(2) Confirm no candidate recommended by the NOVA Workforce Board Nominating Committee for the NOVA Workforce Board.
RECOMMENDATION
The NOVA Workforce Board Nominating Committee recommends that the Sunnyvale City Council approve Alternative #1 and confirm Ms. Deborah Sweeney for a four-year term on the NOVA Workforce Board.
Reviewed by:
Michael J. Curran, Director
Department of Employment Development
Prepared by: Eileen Stanly, Management Analyst
Approved by:
Amy Chan
City Manager