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:

• Confirm that all members and persons anticipated on the agenda are present and can hear
• 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

• 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, 2023 meeting minutes 

• Motion by Colton Andrews, Seconded by Dr. Miller. Approved.

D. DCAMM project overview and schedule update

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

E. Update from Commodore/Walsh

• 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 wth 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.

F. Outreach Update

• Meghan Costa reviewed the list of outreach events with members, and Charles Kelsey shared DCAMM’s outreach and upcoming events scheduled for 2024.

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