Town and Gown Committee

TOWN AND GOWN COMMITTEE MEETING 12:00pm TUESDAY – FEBRUARY 8, 2022 HAMPTON COUNCIL CHAMBERS MINUTES Call to Order Chairman McKenna welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 12:12 p.m. Roll Call Chairman McKenna asked the Clerk to call the roll: Members Present: Steven Bond, Dominque DeBose, Novelle Dickenson, Mary Fugere, Kellie Goral, Anzell Harrell, Steve Mallon, Robin McCormick, Bob McKenna, Kimberly Mykel-Thompson, Pamela Richardson, Darren Robinson, Dinelle Stalnaker, Raymond Tripp, Donnie Tuck Staff Present: Annette Oakley, Trace Hall Guest: Angela Haywood & Carolene Goodwyn-Harris (Bryant & Stratton) Approve January 11, 2021 Meeting Minutes Chairman McKenna stated the draft minutes from the January 11, 2022 meeting were distributed for review, and if there are no changes called for a motion to approve. ACTION: Novelle Dickenson made the motion to accept the minutes, and Raymond Tripp seconded. All in favor; minutes were approved. Retreat Review/Discussion: Chairman McKenna stated in regards to the Retreat Discussion/SWOT Analysis last month, there are three key points to moving forward: o ‘Function before Form’ – making sure the bylaws are correct o Goals & Objectives – establish clear goals and objectives of what we want to accomplish o Proactive members – have the right membership, who are involved and attend meetings He suggested we establish the following subcommittees: o Review membership o Strategic Plan (goals & objectives) Chairman McKenna then opened the floor for discussion/comments: Mary Fugere mentioned the Bylaws Subcommittee recently reviewed/updated the bylaws. The draft was sent to the committee and it was suggested that we resend the red-lined bylaws to the committee. Chairman McKenna stated it is specifically stated in the bylaws regarding the members, the organizations and the number of representatives. He stated we typically have around fifteen people who regularly attend, but there are thirty-two listed as members; he wants to be sure we have 1 the right people representing the various organizations. Mary stated it’s not so much individuals notated in the bylaws, as it is the number of representatives from each organization. She agrees that a membership subcommittee is needed, but that membership is addressed in the bylaws. Chairman McKenna asked Mary Fugere to present the red-lined bylaws at the next meeting, members can review and vote on them. There was also discussion regarding the size of the committee and that it may need to be addressed as well. Steve Mallon stated the goal and mission of the Town & Gown was discussed at the last meeting, but it is not clear of the outcomes we are trying to achieve. -- What are we trying to really accomplish? What is the outcome of the SWOT? Chairman McKenna stated this is why we need a subcommittee, to take a look at the results from the SWOT and discuss/put together a Strategic Plan. Steve Mallon stated we need to know where we are headed first; a road plan. Novelle Dickenson stated we need to revisit the initial objective for founding this organization. Chairman McKenna read the Town & Gown purpose from the bylaws, which he stated is very broad. Raymond Tripp stated the bylaws are general in nature and he agrees with Steve of what the real goal is and have we been successful in accomplishing the goal. Novelle Dickenson feels we need to look at the original intent; see what is mutually beneficial for the constituent groups and where we can mesh/fuse. Chairman McKenna stated we need to define the mission/purpose. Steven Bond stated the mission is intentionally broad, as we can see where our interests overlap and how we work together to make a better community for everyone; businesses, students, City, etc. Kimberly Mykel-Thompson inquired what the vision is for 2022? Chairman McKenna agreed that this was a good suggestion and stated we can focus on goals for this year; simple goals and objectives for this year. At the same time, have a subcommittee to determine a long-term strategy and ensure whatever is decided is mutually beneficial to all; working towards clear objectives for the year and then a strategic plan for the future. Carolene Goodwyn-Harris inquired if there was anything left behind, under items of unfinished business, prior to the pandemic. Raymond Tripp stated he felt the committee did the things we tried; met with Hampton University students, which was well-received, but we can probably expand on it. He feels the whole purpose of the committee starting, was to work with the students, particularly Hampton University, and talk with them about staying local after graduation. Mary Fugere stated they also discussed internships and doing similar efforts at other colleges as well, and she was interested in hearing other suggestions. Kimberly Mykel- Thompson mentioned the following: o Transportation partnerships for campus and around the City o Internships o Dialogue with the students o Local business partnership with students; more collaboration Mary Fugere mentioned, as far as transportation, the Skuttle Bus is still operational. Chairman McKenna asked for comments from other colleges as well. Carolene (Bryant and Stratton) gave the following suggestions/comments: 2 o Students across the board would like the same opportunities; they would like the experience and additional opportunities for the experience. o They have around 200 students and transportation is a concern; it can limit class time opportunities. o Students at Bryant & Stratton have to complete an internship as part of their graduation requirements, and bringing employers to the campus would be very beneficial. Chairman McKenna summarized the discussion, stating a committee goal should be to enhance the student experience. This will attract more students and retain more talent when they graduate. He suggested maybe bringing in other stakeholders, such as Hampton Roads Transit, to talk to the committee. It was also suggested that there be more student representation on the committee. Novelle Dickenson stated ‘retaining’ has been the objective of the City and region. Mayor Tuck stated one challenge is that we are a community with small businesses and we can use interns, but how many interns could a business bring into their organization and give them meaningful work. It’s a matter of, can we create opportunities and for how many. Mayor Tuck stated if we want to retain local talent, we need to create the meaningful opportunities to allow them to have the experience. Kimberly gave an example of her internship experience in a small town in North Carolina and felt there was a benefit to interning at a small business. Steven Bond mentioned today a person who guides/mentors a student, finds it challenging – due to scheduling, for example, to make it an experience worthwhile. It is a sacrifice and something that has to be managed. Anzell Harrell mentioned HU is having a Career Day on February 10, 2022 and is curious how many businesses have applied to attend. They hold career fairs in the fall and spring, which Betsy Willis coordinates. It was suggested having Ms. Willis attend a committee meeting and talk about it. Anzell Harrell stated he will contact her and have her connect with Town & Gown. Robin McCormick can also get career fair information out to the community, through the City’s Marketing efforts. It was suggested to revisit the college directory to make businesses aware of opportunities. Steven Bond mentioned that Steven Lynch, of Economic Development, has been working on a list of internships and he may be able to speak on that at the next meeting. Chairman McKenna mentioned through the Hampton Workforce Council, there is an initiative called Campus 757, with a spin- off called Summer 757 regarding internships. He will invite Coordinator, Meagan Barns, to the March meeting to talk about the program. Mary Fugere suggested we may need a fieldtrip to the various organizations; Bryant & Stratton, Hampton University, Thomas Nelson, etc. Chairman McKenna liked the idea and stated maybe we do so when the weather is better. Anzell Harrell inquired how to get the Scooters on campus? Mayor Tuck stated Hampton University preferred not to have them on campus. Kimberly stated the students would love to have them. Key Updates/Other Business: o Hampton City Schools – Kellie Goral stated they are in the second semester and are moving ahead. She also reported on the following: 3   “We Care Days” - March 4th and May 30th there will full days off for students and staff to rest and recharge.  Care Solace - A company that supports staff and students on mental health care; available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.  ‘Flex’ Program – Some prefer virtual and some do not, so for the 2022- 2023 school year, they are offering an optional K-5 virtual curriculum to students/teachers of anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The application process is available online. o Marketing – Robin McCormick stated the City calendars are available. Next Meeting: March 8, 2022 – City Council Chambers Adjourn: Chairman McKenna thanked everyone for attending. There being no further business, he adjourned the meeting at 1:15 p.m. 4