Holyoke Veterans Home Reconstruction Access, Inclusion and Diversity Committee Meeting, 10/20/2023

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:

• Roll call
  • Members present:
    • Marcony Almeida-Barros
    • Colton Andrews
    • Karen Courtney
    • John Cruz
    • Colleen Fonseca
    • Bill McAvoy
    • Nicole Obi
    • Michael Rybicki
    • Aisha Miller
    • Luz Ortiz-Rivera
    • Jesus Pereira ( last meeting as Mayor of Holyoke rep)
    • Mary-dith Tuitt
  • Members absent:
    • Jose Bou
    • Rubens Boursiquot
    • Jesse Flynn
    • Andrea Gayle-Bennett
    • Coleman Nee

B. Administrative Matters and Introduction of New Committee Members

• Ms. Poppe (Chair) announced that Jesus Pereira was resigning his poisiton with the
  Committee effective October 31st as he is moving out of state to accept a position with
  Illinois Veterans’ Services. We wished Jesus well and thanked him for his commitment to
  this Committee and the Veterans in Holyoke.
• Ms. Poppe welcomed Luz Ortiz-Rivera to the Committee as she has been appointed to
  serve in the soon to be vacated seat by Mr Pereira.Ms. Luz Ortiz-Rivera currently serves
  as an Investigator in the City of Holyoke Executive Office of Veterans’ Services, where
  she provides support to veterans and their families and helps them navigate resources and
  benefits.
• Ms. Poppe paused to reflect that October 26th will be the National Day of the Deployed to
  honor all those who deployed overseas.

C. Vote to approve July 21st meeting minutes 

• Vote to approve July 21st meeting minutes. Motion by Colton Andrews, Seconded by Dr. Miller. Approved.
• Vote to approve September 15th meeting minutes. Motion by Colton Andrews, second
  by Dr. Miller. Approved. 

At this point recording of the meeting commenced. Ms. Poppe recapped what happened
before the recording of the meeting was announced.

D. DCAMM project overview and update

• Joe Fazio (DCAMM) presented project schedule. Focused on demolition and utilities. Continue with earthwork until New Year. Shared pictures of the site and the work in progress.

E. Update from Commodore Walsh on workforce and procurement

• Nathalie Assens (C|W) reported on workforce. Meghan Costa (SDO) summarized the upcoming ourteach event in Springfield on November 2 in partnership with DCAMM, Supplier Diversity Office and the UMASS Building Authority.
• Charles Kelsey (DCAMM) Strongly encouraged members to help with outreach efforts by distributing announcements. Summarized recent events that have taken place and those to be held through the end of the year.

Colton Andrews indicated that apprenticeship hours would be captured for MBE apprentices on
site.

Nicole Obi asked about progress on disaggregation of data. Mr Kelsey indicated that DCAMM is still working on this with the vendor.
Mary -dith Tuitt asked how much longer would it take to develop the disagregated workforce report. Charles Kelsey indicated he would be following up with the vendor on an anticipated
timeline.

Ms. Poppe encouraged members to send her events that will be happening so that she can share with the committee.

Karen Courtney spoke about an upcomming event on November 1st with regards to women and minorities in construction.

AIDC Committee Questions:

 Seeing none.

Public Questions: 

Seeing none.

• Conclusion
  • Reminder: next meeting November 17th, 2023 at 10AM (virtual)
  • Motion to adjourn moved and seconded. 10:36 AM