Town and Gown Committee

TOWN AND GOWN COMMITTEE MEETING 12:15pm TUESDAY – MARCH 8, 2022 HAMPTON COUNCIL CHAMBERS MINUTES Call to Order Chairman McKenna welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 12:22 p.m. Roll Call Chairman McKenna asked the Clerk to call the roll: Members Present: Steven Bond, Shay Claxton, Mark Crump, Dominque DeBose, Novelle Dickenson, Mary Fugere, Kellie Goral, Anzell Harrell, Steven Lynch, Robin McCormick, Bob McKenna, Kimberly Mykel-Thompson, Pamela Richardson, Darren Robinson, Eric Harrell, Dinelle Stalnaker, Donnie Tuck Staff Present: Annette Oakley, Trace Hall Guest: Carolene Goodwyn-Harris (Bryant & Stratton), Maegan Barnes (Hampton Roads Workforce Council) Approve February 8, 2022 Meeting Minutes Chairman McKenna stated the draft minutes from the February 8, 2022 meeting were distributed for review, and if there are no changes called for a motion to approve. ACTION: Mary Fugere made the motion to accept the minutes, and Novelle Dickenson seconded. All in favor; minutes were approved. Bylaws Review/Discussion: Mary Fugere referenced the red-line bylaws that were provided to the committee (copy of file) and she reviewed the proposed changes. She mentioned the sub- committee, which consisted of her, Darren Robinson, Raymond Tripp and Novelle Dickenson, met prior to the holidays. She noted that Bryant and Stratton College was added to Page 1, under Section (a). Chairman McKenna asked for comments: o Eric Harrell thanked the committee for adding Bryant and Stratton. He will be on travel and asked to include Carolene Goodwyn-Harris to the membership list as well. He asked about having two members to represent Bryant and Stratton. There was a consensus to do so. Mr. Bond mentioned we will need to be sure the organization’s President have appointed them to be sure we stay within the bylaws. Chairman McKenna said we will address it under membership sub-committee. 1 757 Program Presentation: Chairman McKenna introduced Maegan Barnes, Campus 757/Summer 757 Coordinator of Hampton Roads Workforce Council, who gave a brief presentation. Ms. Barnes stated the Summer 757 is a program that bridges the gap between graduating from college and entering the workforce. Ms. Barnes stated the greatest gap is losing local talent to larger areas, such as Atlanta, Boston, etc. We have a surplus of colleges in this area and we need to utilize this talent. The 757 Program has dozens of initiatives available, one of which is Summer 757. She mentioned many people are educated, but not yet work- ready, therefore, the program engages students in soft-skill development, with opportunities to practice them. It’s a 10-week program that is virtual, hybrid and in-person. The startup date for this year is June 6, 2022. They are revamping the program website. Ms. Barnes stated the ‘call to action’ is needing leaders in the community, non- profit, municipalities, etc. to provide a well-rounded experience. Ms. Barnes asked the committee to feel free to reach out to her for more information. She feels the Town & Gown members are mentors and encouraged all to think about why they live in Hampton Roads, how to thrive and what to tell the next generation. She provided a time for questions/answers:  What are the ages? All ages are invited, but the majority are between 18-24 years old.  College students? Mainly focus on college students, but will have initiatives in the future to try and recruit high school students.  Outside placements so far? They have partnerships with companies throughout the region of many sizes and hope to open up opportunities to all companies. They also hope to help retain interns; she mentioned a program called InternshipU, which aims to streamline and create a more equitable process.  In regards to the majors of students, one contention is Liberal Arts students seem to be left out? They are doing focus groups and research and yes, that is an issue. Campus 757 worked hard to diversify across the board and with Summer 757, they created a ‘passport’ for students where they can see various activities/events for their specific interests (majors). Ms. Barnes mentioned the ‘Myth Busters Program’, where businesses are more than what they seem, one business as an example of this, is The Dollar Store. She also mentioned an online market place that combines data, a match-making site for students with internship jobs.  Do you have any municipal programs? Currently they have buy-in from cities through the Workforce Council, and 757 Summer is looking at what their piece looks like and finding out what the municipalities need.  Who would be the City contact? Boots on the ground employees would be the desired contacts.  Does Ms. Barnes see municipalities as major employees? Yes; they advocate for paid internships, but not all (non-profit/municipalities) can pay. They are looking at grants to possibly fund payment to interns and are always looking for feedback. 2 Chairman McKenna read the Town & Gown purpose to Ms. Barnes. He stated last month, the Mayor talked about this committee focusing on internships, and inquired is there a way to engage with companies that have internships? Ms. Barnes stated as she transitions out (moving out of state), she hopes to set up advisory committees to continue the relationships and initiatives. They will probably meet quarterly. She asked if anyone was interested to let her know. Chairman McKenna inquired if there is anything the Town & Gown Committee can do? She feels she is not as connected to the Peninsula as they would like to be and hopes to be more connected. She stated we need to see ourselves as a region; all of the Town & Gown Committee can participate somehow in the 757 Program. She mentioned they have Instagram Live Connector Chats, and they are also always looking for new interns. She encouraged all to sign up for their newsletter. Chairman McKenna thanked Ms. Barnes for attending and providing the briefing. In regards to the bylaws, Robin McCormick inquired if it was common for a quorum to be a quarter of the membership; the bylaws state a quorum is eight members. Trace stated he will check into it. Key Updates/Other Business: o Marketing, INC – Robin McCormick gave the following updates:  Budget Session – They will do online polls regarding the budget, as well as a meeting for citizen input at Hampton High School tonight. She encouraged committee members to participate.  Traffic Issues – Closing the bridge to I-64 in Phoebus, starting April 1 st from 3:00-6:00pm for a two-month pilot project. They would like to get the word out. o Phoebus Partnership – Dominque Debose provided the following updates:  April 23rd - Spring Fling & Beer Fest will be held and include vendors, a car show, crafts, etc.  March 26th - Dock Party & Sock Burning event to welcome spring.  Board Meetings are held the first Monday of the month at 6:00pm – if interested in attending, please let her know. o Braynt & Stratton – Eric Harrell reported on the following updates:  March 16th – Hampton Campus hosting a Woman’s History Month event, from 5:30-7:00pm, where three women in business and technology will be recognized and will be guest speakers.  March 29th – Special event for healthcare professionals, ‘Honoring and Hiring the Future of Healthcare’ from 2:00-7:00pm. Massage stations, flower stations and self-care promotion information will be available as a way to thank them.  Bryant & Stratton (Hampton Campus) received full approval, from the Board of Nursing, for the nursing program…major announcement! o Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau – Mary Fugere reported on the following updates:  March 6-March 20 - Restaurant Week in Hampton – Encouraged all to enjoy! More information can be found on Hamptonrestaurantweek.com  March 19th - Langley Speedway begins summer season. She encouraged all to enjoy the family fun. 3   Hampton Roads Harbour Tours (Hampton Queen) – will be arriving soon and can operate year around. The boat can accommodate 130-140 people.  Virginia Air Space and Science Center (VASSC) – Lots of updates have been made and new exhibits have been set up.  Fort Monroe Visitor Education Center – The main origination center to begin the Fort Monroe experience.  Many conventions are coming up, including:  Alpha Kappa Alpha on 3/22-3/27, which will include a marker unveiling for Mary Jackson, Dorothy Vaughn and Katherine Johnson.  Several sports tournaments.  Two positions open at CVB and will soon be posted: Group Services Coordinator and Media Relations Manager. Chairman McKenna requested the information be sent to him and he will include in the VPCC newsletter. o Economic Development – Steven Lynch reported on the following updates:  Training opportunities (Neighborhood and Economic Development) through CARES funding (specifically for Hampton citizens adversely impacted by Covid) through the Virginia Technical Academy. Also, training programs with Tech Talent, Grade-A, and Virginia Peninsula Community College.  Virginia Technical and Agricultural Research Extension Center on Rudd Lane is nearing completion in March.  In partnership with Fort Monroe, Economic Development established ‘Makers Space” – an opportunity for any type of entrepreneur to occupy space and grow their business. Target date is March 15th with ribbon cutting in April.  Two warehouse spaces being developed by W.M. Jordan on west Pembroke Avenue.  HRC North Park – Huntington Ingalls Unmanned Systems Center of Excellence; design and test unmanned underwater systems.  Rosie’s is being sold to Colonial Downs – great opportunity for growth.  Mayor Tuck is hosting the 2022 UNC Mayor’s Masked Ball on March 12th at the Hampton Roads Convention Center from 6:00-11:00. Mark Crump and Dr. William Harvey are both honorees this year! o Hampton University – Novelle Dickenson reported the Hampton University Choir will celebrate 150 years the weekend of 3/25-3/27 and on 3/27 the concert is open to the public at 4:00pm at the Convention Center; the cost is $25.00. He mentioned the former choirs will return and participate. o Hampton City Schools – Kellie Goral reported on the following:  Budget Session – several meetings and first public hearing on the School Board budget will be Wednesday and the following Wednesday. The School Board priority is attracting and retaining employees/teachers. Proposing a 5% pay raise for all full-time and part-time staff. In addition to a raise, there is additional compensation on the teacher scale, as well salary adjustments for select support staff; starting salary for teachers next year will be $51,000-$53,600.  Proposing a pre-Labor Day start for the school calendar for next year (the Monday before Labor Day). Other localities are also proposing same. The School Bboard discussion coming up to decide and from a survey done, over 50% opted to start pre-Labor Day. 4   ‘Flex’ Program – For the 2022-2023 school year, they are offering an optional K-5 virtual curriculum opportunity to students/teachers anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia. o Hampton University – Anzell Harrell reported on the following:  Activities to celebrate the longest, active President in the country, Dr. William Harvey, who will be retiring this year.  The first full event, High School Day, will be held on April 1st  Preparing for Spring Fest Week and Senior Ball Week. o City Manager’s Office – Steven Bond reported on the following:  Budget season continues.  Summer Youth Employment Program is coming up and if anyone is interested in hosting a young person, please contact him or the Office of Youth and Young Adult Opportunities.  Hampton is working with Bloomberg Harvard Foundation on a collaborative partnership and he was asked to take the lead on the gun violence focus. He will update the committee as they get further in the process. Anzell Harrell recognized Kimberly Mykel-Thompson, Hampton University SGA President and pointed out that for the first time, the SGA Cabinet is all women. Eric Harrell suggested the committee consider doing a City-wide college fair event to help retain students. Ms. Barnes mentioned the Hampton Roads Workforce Council is discussing doing a College Fest and would appreciate the committee’s input. Robin requested the committee email events that are open to the public to either her or Annette, and she will include in Hampton eNews and calendar. Next Meeting: April 12, 2022 – City Council Chambers Adjourn: Chairman McKenna thanked everyone for attending. There being no further business, he adjourned the meeting at 1:47 p.m. 5