Holyoke Veterans Home Reconstruction Access, Inclusion and Diversity Committee Meeting, 09/15/2023

Meeting Minutes

A. Call to Order

• The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m.
• Members were reminded that the meeting was being recorded.

Confirming Member Access:

• Confirm that all members and persons anticipated on the agenda are present and can hear
• Members present:
  • Marcony Almeida-Barros
  • Karen Courtney
  • John Cruz
  • Bill McAvoy
  • Nicole Obi
  • Michael Rybicki
  • Aisha Miller
• Members absent:
  • Jose Bou
  • Colleen Fonseca
  • Jesse Flynn
  • Coleman Nee
  • Mary-dith Tuitt
  • Colton Andrews
  • Rubens Boursiquot
  • Andrea Gayle-Bennett
  • Jesus Pereira

B. Administrative Matters

• Prisoner of War MIA Day recognition. Paused to remember and mentioned some ceremonies that will be happening.
• Commissioner Gladstone retirement announced. To be replaced by Adam Baacke. Ms. Poppe expressed gratitude for the outgoing commissioner’s service and well wish in her retirement.

C. Vote to approve July 21st, 2023 meeting minutes 

• Motion suspended due to lack of quorum. To be voted on at the October 2023 meeting.

D. Project overview and schedule update

• Recap of ground breaking ceremony. Well attended. Several Dignitaries were in attendance.
• Joe Fazio provided an update on project status
• Project schedule – new schedule presented. Just completed subcontractor procurement. Brief overview of key activities in the near future. Walked members through the new schedule.
• Work In Progress – showed images of earthwork underway. Temp water services. Storm water control. Temporary access road.
• Subcontractor contracts awarded – Ms. Assens presented subcontractor procurement results. Current status of MWBE and VBE participation.
• Workforce report – Ms. Rivera presented current workforce goal report. Workforce diversity strategy questionairre. PLA Pre-Con Meeting with building trades held two weeks ago. Purpose of the meeting and results and impressions.
• Ongoing outreach – announed upcoming outreach events 11/8 and 11/16. DCAMM/SDO/UMBA events 9/26 and 11/2
• Questions – Nicloe Obi expressed appreciation for transparent data. BECMA will share upcomming meetings with committee members centered around procurement and workforce.

G. Public Question/Comment Period

• AIDC Committee Questions: Seeing none.
• Public Questions: Seeing none.

H. Conclusion, Adjournment and set next Meeting Date/ Time

• Reminder: next meeting October 20th, 2023 at 10AM (virtual)
• Motion to adjourn moved and seconded. 10:28 a.m.