C. Brown apologized, saying that the minutes from the November meeting had been posted, but he had neglected to mail a copy to the members. It was generally agreed that the goal was to present all the material on-line, but this would take time.

The consensus of the members was to postpone approval of these minutes until the next regularly scheduled meeting.

A motion by T. Cochran, seconded by B. Hamby, for PIC approval of the agenda, passed the PIC unanimously.

A motion by B Dennison, seconded by G. Russell, for Governing Board approval of the agenda, passed the Governing Board unanimously.

No new members were appointed at this meeting.

M. Piller, Program Committee Chair, presented the Program Committee report, noting that the agenda items had been reviewed by the Program and Executive Committees of the PIC at their December 16, 1997, meetings.

1. PROGRAM MONITORING (ACTION)


1. Site Visits

B. Austin reported that site visits were conducted in all seven counties in the consortium during the summer youth program. There were no findings; the programs appear to be in compliance with program operating rules.

She noted that spring on-site visits are currently being scheduled for March-April 1998.

2. Desk Review - First Quarter of PY 1997/98

M. Piller reported on the first quarter (07/01/97-09/30/97) compliance information, as presented on the agenda. No significant problems were noted.

2. QUALITY ASSURANCE REPORT


1. State/Federal Monitoring of NoRTEC

There were no findings from the State data validation review for PY 1996/97 (which included a review of administrative systems and procedures) conducted during the first two weeks of December. The monitor visited the programs in Del Norte (RHS) and Siskiyou (STEP) Counties, and the administrative offices of NoRTEC.

2. Capacity Building/Staff Development Update


1. NCEN Conference - C. Brown reported that the thirteen conference held in Konocti the second week of November was a success! Over three hundred "partners" attended, praising the effort with high marks on their evaluation forms. The next conference has already been scheduled for the end of October, 1998.


2. Computer Training Labs - The three SDAs in NCEN (Butte, NoRTEC, and North Central Counties) are working cooperatively to develop a computer training lab that will be centrally located in Butte County. NoRTEC Service Providers are also continuing their efforts to establish Technology Centers in each of their counties which will also be utilized as training labs.


3. Consolidation of Community Services into One-Stop Career Centers


J. Chamberlin managed to visit most of the One Stop Community Employment Centers in the thirteen county area this post October and November, and reported his findings to the three PICs (Butte, NoRTEC, and North Central Counties) at their combined meeting in Konocti on November 13, 1997.

The Lassen One Stop is getting requests for presentations from other SDAs, based on the praise they received in J. Chamberlin's report.

1. PY 97/98 FIRST QUARTER FINANCE REPORTS (ACTION)

NoRTEC currently has $10,990,809 in available funds. Another $3,917,647 has been requested or is anticipated, making a total potential available funding amount of $14,908,456. This amount, if achieved, will represent a new high point in funding for NoRTEC.

1. PY 97/98 Contracts Summary


At September 30, 1997, NoRTEC had a total of $10,990,809 available in contracts for the 97/98 program year.

2. PY 97/98 Service Provider Contract Modifications


This report shows the changes between June 30, 1997, and September 30, 1997, in the service provider contract amounts available for expenditure in the current program year.

3. Program Expenditure Reports


Overall, first quarter expenditure levels are quite satisfactory and the service providers are to be commended for their efforts. There are no items of concern at this time.

4. PY 97/98 NoRTEC Administrative Entity Expenditure Report


For the first quarter, the NoRTEC Administrative Entity expended 24% of its annual budget.

5. PY 97/98 NoRTEC PIC and Governing Board Expenditure Report


For the first quarter, the PIC/GB expended only $182. (There were no PIC/GB meetings during the quarter which are the main PIC/GB budgetary expense.)

A motion by B. Hamby, seconded by T. Cochran, for PIC approval of the first quarter Finance Report, passed the PIC unanimously.
A motion by B Reiss, seconded by J. Smith, for Governing Board approval of the first quarter Finance Report, passed the Governing Board unanimously.
2. STATE MONITORING


In February and March 1997, the State JTPA Monitoring Section conducted a financial management and procurement review of NoRTEC and its service providers. There were no findings.

3. STATE COST COMPLIANCE NOTIFICATION


NoRTEC is in compliance with the required cost category limitations for Title II-A Older Worker-PY 94/95, Title II-A 77% Adult-PY 94/95, and Title II-C 82% Youth - PY 94/95.

4. STATE FUNDS UTILIZATION COMPLIANCE NOTIFICATION


NoRTEC has met the required obligation rate of 85% for Title II-A Adult and IIC Youth at June 30, 1997.

The second meeting of the NCEN Oversight Board was held in Chico on January 21, 1998.

Highlights:

1. Jack Reese was elected Chair, and Judi Madden the Vice Chair;
2. They modified the "guiding principles" to spell out the need for accessibility to various levels of education through the One Stops by specifying K-12 Education, Community Colleges and State University Systems;
3. They endorsed a regional application for State One Stop Implementation and Technology Grant funds for the thirteen participating NCEN Counties, primarily for:
   1. Staff and Board level training;
   2. Increased technology (computer labs);
   3. Regional Marketing;
4. They designated NoRTEC the fiscal agent for these One Stop grant funds; and
5. They endorsed and encouraged
   1. Continuing enhancement of the internet and other technology capacity of the participating NCEN partners; and
   2. Full PIC and Governing Board utilization of the internet based communication being developed by the three participating SDAs.
   
   

1. UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE


1. PIC and Governing Board - March 19, 1998


2. PIC Committees - February 26, 1998


2. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS ITEMS items may be brought up for discussion, at the pleasure of the PIC and Governing Board members.