Holyoke Veterans Home Reconstruction Access, Inclusion and Diversity Committee Meeting, 2/21/25

Meeting Minutes

A. Call to Order

• The meeting was called to order at 10:03 a.m.
• Members were reminded that the meeting will be recorded. Members were also reminded that the use of AI for note taking or recording at DCAMM meetings is prohibited except in limited cases as approved by the General Counsel.

Confirming Member Access:

Confirm that all members and people anticipated on the agenda are present and can fully participate.

• Members present
  • Karen Courtney
  • John Cruz
  • Bonnie Borch-Rote
  • Aisha Miller
  • Nicole Obi
  • Debora Olson
  • Michael Rybicki
  • Mary-dith Tuitt
  • Liseth Velez (Mikila)
• Members absent:
  • Marcony Almeida-Barros
  • Colton Andrews
  • Jose Bou
  • Rubens Boursiquot
  • Maxime Charles
  • Micheal Euvrard
  • Colleen Fonseca
  • Andrea Gayle Bennett
  • Jorge Santiago

B. Administrative Matters

• None

C. Vote to approve January 17th, 2025, Meeting Minutes.

• Postponed due to lack of quorum.

D. DCAMM project overview and schedule update

• Nathalie Assens provided updates on:
• Phase I milestone schedule.
• Work in Progress for overall site. Shared ariel images of sitework. Curtainwall installation. Window installation. Wall layout and framing and MEP’s. Close up images of boilers on concrete pads.
• Mr. Kelsey asked for questions. Mic Britto: wondering if ice is presenting scheduling delays for masonry. Response: Actually ahead of schedule. Masonry has weather protection plan that has been inspected.
• Meridith Tuitt: Appreciate images and questions. When will next walkthrough be? Response: Charles affirmed that an actual visit is possible. Will get timeframes and send out email to poll the group. Charles will send out email with possible dates.

E. Update from Commodore/Walsh

• Karellis Rivera provided updates on project MWVBE participation plan. Feel free to stop me if you have any questions. No changes to report. Continue to meet and exceed. Breakdown of MBE and WBE and VBE participation subcontracts through December audit.
• Workforce participation through week end 2/2. 23.3, 10.2 9.0. cumulative and for month of January.
• Apprentice hours showing 19% of the workforce.
• Deb has question. Has DEI politics affected this? Susan response: so far no.
• Charles discussed DCAMM certification outreach. Zoom meetings set up for March, April and May. Reach out to Suzette for questions on these. Also MA Construction Opportunities Events upcoming every other month. Please share these links with your constituents.

F. Outreach Update

• Turn it over to Suzzette or Meghan (or a designee) who will provide update on recent and upcoming outreach initiatives

G. Public Question/Comment Period

• Now open the floor to public comments or questions
• Attendance was retaken at this time. Additional attendees notes.

H. Conclusion, Adjournment and Set Next Meeting Date/ Time

• Meeting ended at 10:35 a.m.