Agenda 10/26/1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council considered authorizing the City's participation in the formation of a Workforce Investment Area consisting of the Cities of Martinsville and Danville and the Counties of Henry, Patrick, and Pittsylvania. City Manager Reynolds stated, "For approximately ten years, job training falls under federal funding to establish skill-based training; it ends June 30, 2000, at which time the Workforce Investment Act will be enacted. The City must decide where we wish to participate specifically. Under the current plan, the service area includes the Cities of Martinsville, Danville, Lynchburg, Bedford, Appomattox, and Amhurst, and the Counties of Henry., Patrick, Franklin, Bedford, and Campbell. We've been advised that Lynchburg is forming a stand-alone area and Franklin County is joining with Roanoke. The City of Danville and the Counties of Henry and Pittsylvania have already approved this proposed formation. Patrick County will take action on Thursday." Coundl Member Dallas asked, 'q'om Harned and I serve on the West Piedmont Planning Board. Will this. new program be better?" Thomas Harned, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, responded, "Yes." Council Member Haskell asked, '~/hat are the implications, costs, and infrastructure?" City Manager Reynolds replied, "There's a lot of work to be done. Between now and April 2000, the Commonwealth is required to submit to the federal government a plan including how the new act will be carried out. This plan will include where the service area is, the board/directors appointed by local government, and a formalized service delivery plan. A preliminary report is due January 2000? Council Member Haskell asked, 'V~/ould the West Piedmont Planning District staff serve as the new staff?" City Manager Reynolds replied, "No, not necessarily. The current program calls for 20% administrative fees; the new act calls for 10%." Council Member Roop