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9. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA <br /> a. Skills Development Center Operations Plan and Budget <br /> The Board reviewed the operations plan, considered approving a new position and budget, and <br /> considered accepting a state grant in the amount of$68,559 for the operation of the Skills Development <br /> Center. <br /> John Link said that in 1995, the Board appointed a committee to study issues specifically related <br /> to skills development for County citizens. As a result of that action the Skills Development Center is <br /> complete and scheduled to open January 1, 1999. Albert Kittrell summarized the services in the center and <br /> identified those who have worked on the center's operation plan. He introduced Shirley Marshall and Mildred <br /> Council who were members of the advisory council and DSS staff member Gwen Price who will serve as <br /> lead manager at this center. Other agency personnel were also introduced. He briefly highlighted the <br /> plan. They request one position as described on page ten of the agenda abstract. <br /> Commissioner Carey commended everyone who worked on putting this Skills Development <br /> Center together. He questioned the amount for the administrative assistance and Albert Kittrell clarified that <br /> the amount is for a six month period. This position will serve all the agencies. <br /> In answer to a question from Commissioner Crowther about Employment Security Commission, <br /> Albert Kittrell said that the state will not allow two lease payments within the same County. Their lease <br /> expires in 1999 and they are looking at new space but have not located any thus far. The grant is a one time <br /> payment. <br /> Chair Brown said that she thought that one of the anchors in this building was going to be the <br /> Employment Security Commission and asked if they had planned to move into this facility. John Link said <br /> that there may be a possibility that they would move into the other part of the building which is rental space. <br /> She asked about the colocation of all these agencies and wondered about parking, signage, and other <br /> outside issues. Albert Kittrell said that these are issues that are still to be resolved. She also said that there <br /> is still the issue of the pocket park. Chair Brown made reference to page 12 and asked about an automated <br /> system which will allow access to customer files like a local network system. Gwen Price explained how <br /> the agencies plan to work together to share information saying that this will be necessary for reporting <br /> purposes. <br /> In answer to a question from Chair Brown asked about the job description, Gwen said that this is <br /> a super job and they need a very skilled person. Chair Brown asked about the proposed budget and the <br /> furniture for the waiting rooms and conference areas. Gwen Price said that they were trying to make the <br /> budget balance so there may not be any furniture in the conference room. They are working with Purchasing <br /> and Central Services Director Pam Jones to see what furniture they can get. <br /> John Link commended the County Commissioners for their leadership and support in this project. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Carey to accept the <br /> state grant in the amount of$68,559 for the operation of the Skills Development Center and authorize the <br /> Chair to sign the state workforce development grant agreement. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve <br /> the budget/new Administrative Assistant position at salary grade 62, step 2D for the Skills Development <br /> Center. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> b. Environment and Resource Conservation Department IERCDI Proposal <br /> The Board reviewed a proposal for the formation of a new Environment and Resource <br /> Conservation Department. <br /> John Link said that at the last meeting the County Commissioners received his proposal as a <br /> report. It is being presented at this time for the Board to accept the proposal and set a public hearing for <br /> November 4. <br /> Commissioner Crowther said that it was the comments made by the Soil and Water Conservation <br /> Department and the Health Department that prompted him to submit an alternative process. This is not an <br /> attempt to stop this department from being formed but a delay to allow time for agreements to be drawn up <br />