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1. Resolution 5385 - Authorizing CDBG Grant Submission - FVCC201 1st Avenue East Kalispell, MT 59901 406.758.7740 Fax: 406.758.7758 City of Kalispell • www.kalispell.com Office of Community & Economic Development To: Honorable Mayor Pamela B. Kennedy and City Council Members From: Katharine Thompson, Community Development Manager Jane Howington, City Manager Subject: Resolution authorizing submission of CDBG-ED grant Meeting Date: September 8, 2009 Background: Flathead Valley Community College approached the City of Kalispell, Community and Economic Development Department requesting submission of a grant application to the Montana Department of Commerce, Community Development Block Grant —Economic Development Program for workforce development and training targeted to developing specific employee skills needed by an aggregated of companies in northwest Montana. The College is requesting up to $274,000. FVCC will use the funds to develop a curriculum for welding and inspection technology to benefit business and industry in skill development for existing employees, increased employee productivity and development of a qualified workforce pool to accommodate more technical employer needs. The College has a proven track record of providing needed training and services which are of high quality, cost effective, customized to local needs and convenient to the Flathead general population. If funded this CDBG-ED application will provide FVCC the opportunity to custom design a training program curriculum for Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Technology. The Welding and Inspection Technology curriculum is designed to provide students experience in welding and inspection technology as it pertains to assembly, manufacturing, energy, structural construction and non-destructive testing. Non- destructive testing involves the inspection of a welded object in a manner that will not impair its future usefulness using one of the NDT test methods, visual inspection, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current, ultrasonic and radiographic testing. This program provides education and training in common cutting and welding processes, CNC plasma cutting, ASW welding standards, OXY FUEL, SMAW, GTAW, GMAW and FCAW processes, structural, pipe and plate welding, nondestructive testing and inspection, blue print reading, communications, and math competencies as they apply to the trade. Career opportunities offer a wide range of possibilities as a welding technician in the fabrication and manufacturing industries, steel construction, nondestructive testing and weld inspection, mining, energy, petroleum, bridge construction and other production areas. Flathead Valley Community College will match the funds provided by the grant. Recommendation: Staff recommends City Council approve the Resolution authorizing Community and Economic Development Department staff to submit an Economic Development Community Development Block Grant workforce development and training grant application. Fiscal Impact: The City will receive an administrative fee of 8% of the grant request to cover the administrative expenditures. Alternatives: As suggested by Council. Respectfully submitted, ane Howington City Manager Katharine Thompson Community Development Manager i! .. r r i, r• i t r i ,f � � � i ., ,1, , i r 1 r. 1, WHEREAS, the City of Kalispell is applying to the Montana Department of Commerce for a Community Development Block Grant for up to $274,000 to provide funds to Flathead Valley Community College for the purchase of equipment in the metalworking and machining trades; and WHEREAS, on September 8, 2009, the City of Kalispell conducted a public hearing in conformance with CDBG requirements to obtain the views of citizens regarding the submittal of this grant application; and WHEREAS, the City of Kalispell has the legal jurisdiction and authority to provide assistance to Flathead Valley Community College. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KALISPELL AS FOLLOWS: SECTION I: That the City of Kalispell agrees to conform to the regulations, statutes, terms and conditions described in the CDBG Certifications for Application. SECTION II That the City Manager is authorized to submit on behalf of the City of Kalispell, the CDBG Grant to the Montana Department of Commerce and to provide such other additional information as may be required. PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND SIGNED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF KALISPELL THIS 8TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2009. Pamela B. Kennedy Mayor .-NNIM11 Theresa White City Clerk Re: Resolution5384 City of Kalispell Application to CDBG-ED on behalf of FVCC Flathead Valley Community College is requesting that the City of Kalispell submit an application to the Montana Department of Commerce to apply for a workforce training grant through the Community Development Block Grant — Economic Development Program. Program funds would enable FVCC to expand our existing welding program to include nondestructive testing. Expanded curriculum would qualify welders to work on pipe, structures, bridges, and also rolling stock. FVCC has identified an aggregate of employers for whom more qualified welders would create additional employment opportunities. Grant funds would be used to acquire equipment and supplies to implement the curriculum as well as provide for instructor qualification and certification. FVCC will provide a 1:1 match for all CDBG-ED funds received. FVCC and the city of Kalispell partnered on a similar CDBG-Economic Development Program application last year to expand the metal manufacturing curriculum to include CNC. Last year's successful application was the first time that CDBG-ED funds have gone to an educational institution to be used to benefit an aggregate of businesses. The CNC program at FVCC has been enrolled at maximum capacity since its inception. AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE P.O. Box 312 • Columbia Falls, MT 59912 • (406) 892-2072 • www.columbiafallschamber,com 8-24-09 The Honorable Mayor Pam Kennedy and City Council Members City of Kalispell P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59901 We support the application for Community Development Block Grant funds to assist Flathead Valley Community College in the development of advanced curriculum in welding and including nondestructive testing. Adding the advanced welding and nondestructive testing program to the existing program will enhance the student's competitive position for good paying jobs. This program will improve availability of a qualified workforce pool to accommodate local growth. Flathead Valley Community College has earned the reputation for providing training and services which are high quality, cost effective and customized to local needs. Sincerely, Lyle Mitchell, President Columbia Falls Area Chamber STINGERe ft WELDING INC. TM August 20, 2009 The Honorable Mayor Pam Kennedy and City Council Members City of Kalispell P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59901 Dear Mayor Kennedy and Council Members, I am pleased to offer my support for the city of Kalispell's application on behalf of Flathead Valley Community College for funding through the Community Development Block Grant — Economic Development Program. It is my understanding that, if successful, FVCC would match the grant amount and purchase equipment and materials that would expand the welding program to train and certify students in advanced welding techniques. Students would be qualified to work on pipe, structure, bridges, and also rolling stock. The expanded program would also include curriculum for Level I ASNT Nondestructive Testing Technician certification. The proposed program would be unique in Montana. Stinger Welding is in the process of expanding its operation to Libby, MT and will be hiring approximately 120 welders over the next 4 years. This grant will not only improve the overall welding curriculum and nondestructive testing service at FVCC but will also help provide a workforce training program in Libby. We have been working with the Lincoln County Campus of FVCC in Libby to put together a local training program that would provide a qualified applicant pool from which we could hire and this grant would be a great step forward towards that goal. An expanded welding program at FVCC would provide graduates with advanced welding skills and certifications which will improve their employability anywhere in the United States. Thank you for your support of FVCC's efforts on behalf of local students and businesses. Sincerely, 6DoaZsE."Watson General Manager 60 Port Blvd., Suite T-2 * PO Box 1466 * Libby, MT 59923-1466 406-293-6330 www.deckjoint.com ontana e St ECON&VdC August 19, 2009 The Honorable Mayor Pam Kennedy Kalispell City Council Members City of Kalispell 201 Is'Avenue East Kalispell, MT 59901 Dear Mayor Kennedy and Council Members: On behalf of Montana West Economic Development Corporation we express our support towards the partnership between Flathead Valley Community College and the City of Kalispell to apply for CDBG funds to support the on -going advanced curriculum in welding. The CDBG grant accepted by the College and the City last year to provide CNC equipment and training is highly successful. There are numerous benefits to why the City should support his project, but this the number one reason from our point of view: Workforce development and quality jobs go hand -in -hand. Without the skills needed to obtain and then keep a job the workforce and the businesses are constrained. I am continually impressed by Flathead Valley Community College's attitude. When a cluster of manufacturer's involved in metals manufacturing conveyed to the College personnel they needed computer numerical control (CNC) training the College jumped to action. The College contacted the City of Kalispell which had access to Federal/State funding through the Community Development Block Grant Program at the Montana Department of Commerce. Through these two entities the funds were committed to the College to purchase the needed CNC machinery. Today the welding/fabrication CNC training program is completely full with a waiting list for new enrollees. The manufacturers benefit from having their workforce trained in new skills that result in higher productivity and innovation. The employee benefits from improved skills that demand a higher wage. The community benefits socially and economically. Article titled "What do quality Jobs Mean?" Daily Interlake, Monday, August 1,A, 2009, Business loumal, Authored by Kellie Danielson What this training will produce: "good jobs are those that pay sustainable wages and offer career advancements, allowing workers to accumulate financial assets." We appreciate your consideration to support this fabulous opportunity. We are pleased that the Community College is continuing to take initiatives to respond to the local business needs. Sincerely, Kellie Danielson, CEcD President/CEO Chamber of Commerce Providing Economic, Community, and Workforce Development Services www,kalispellch amber.com August 27, 2009 The Honorable Mayor Pam Kennedy and City Council Members City of Kalispell P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59901 Dear Mayor Kennedy and Council Members, I am pleased to offer my support for the city of Kalispell's application on behalf of Flathead Valley Community College for funding through the Community Development Block Grant — Eeonomic Development Program. It is my understanding that, if successful, FVCC would match the grant amount and purchase equipment and materials that would expand the welding program to train and certify students in advanced welding techniques. Students would be qualified to work on pipe, structure, bridges, and also rolling stock. The expanded program would also include curriculum for Level I Nondestructive Testing Technician certification. The proposed program would be unique in Montana. Developing welding trades men and women will be good for Kalispell and Northwest Montana's job recovery. I urge you to support this important workforce initiative for our region. Thank you for your support of FVCC's efforts on behalf of local students and businesses. Sin rely, Jo Unterr er, President and CEO lispell Chamber of Commerce OFFICE 406.75U800.406.758,2805 FAX • 15 Depot Park, Kalispell, MT 59901 Chamber of Commerce August 25, 2009 The Honorable Mayor Pam Kennedy and City Council Members City of Kalispell P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59901 RE: Community Development Block Grant Dear Council: This letter is offering the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce's full support of Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) application for a Community Development Block Grant —Economic Development funds to develop an advanced curriculum in metal fabrication. Flathead Valley Community College has earned their reputation for providing training and services which are high quality, cost effective, customized to local needs, and convenient to the Flathead general population. This grant would allow expansion upon the already successful Welding/Metals Fabrication program by incorporating specific training on the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) aspects of the manufacturing field. Existing classes make use of conventional manual mills, lathes, and grinders and provide a solid basis in theory, set-up and operation upon which to build skills in more advanced technology techniques. • The addition of a CNC component will give students experience in setup and operation of CNC lathes and milling machines, as well as manual programming. • The addition of a Computer -Aided Design/Computer-Aided Machining (CAD/CAM) component to the program will give students experience in programming CNC machines employing computer generated programs. We appreciate the leadership you have shown in forging strong partnerships to make economic development happen. An advanced curriculum will give the following benefits: • To the student: Adding the CNC program to the existing program will enhance the student's competitive position for good paying jobs in all aspects of the machining career field. • To local business and industry: Adding the CNC program to the existing program will improve availability of a qualified workforce pool to accommodate local growth for expanding employers. Metals manufacturing is a growing industry in our local economy - an industry that traditionally provides for better than average wages for employees. • To the community: Adding the CNC program to the existing program will add to the community's overall quality as more qualified workers are able to command higher wages and businesses are able to increase their productivity and grow their businesses. Further, having a workforce available with these skills will make our area more competitive in attracting the kind of good businesses that require this type of skilled employee. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the FVCC and strongly support its application. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or would like more details included with my support. Sincerely, Sheila Bowen President/CEO (406) 862-3501. . FAX (406) 862-9494 520 East Second Street. Whitefish, Montana 59937. visit@whitefishchamber.org. www,whitefishchamber.org a�.4`�a.,e Y ....- _.� fw _`: _ �� ,^. TM �. F-:-, r'` \ MT t r The Honorable Mayor Pam Kennedy and City Council Members City of Kalispell P O Box 1997 Kalispell, Mt 59901 Dear Mayor and City Council Members, The Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce fully supports the application made by Flathead Valley Community College for CDBG-ED funds for their advanced welding curriculum. The benefit of this program being successfully implemented is three -fold. The students completing this course will be able to be gainfully employed in a profession that requires competent and well trained welding personnel. Our local area businesses will benefit by a qualified work force pool to accommodate local area welding jobs. Our community will benefit by developing more qualified workers which in turn allows them to increase their productivity and growth of local area businesses. Flathead Valley Community College has a proven reputation for providing training and service of high quality and cost effective. With the downturn of the national economic picture, the enhanced metal manufacturing program distinguishes of local community with qualified workers. Thank you very much for your positive consideration of this application. Sincerely, Bruce Solberg Executive Director Bigfork Area Chamber Board Members 00()? 8:37-r)<`_ 88 - i'ax (100) :8,37 i� t`j W(AU: lA.1w 7.IJ14f))1"k_oio a E-mail: (-It,1G1)i),, Yt(("I)SFli()1"t IWO Lakeside MSomers Chamber of Commerce August 26, 2009 The Honorable Mayor Pam Kennedy and City Council Members City of Kalispell P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT. 59903 The Lakeside -Somers Chamber of Commerce supports the City of Kalispell's application for Community Development Block Grant— Economic Development funds to assist FVCC in the devel- opment of advanced curriculum in welding and including nondestructive testing. We believe that a partnership that strengthens the linkage between our community col- lege, employers, community, and local workforce that is focused on increasing job opportunities in the Welding/Metals Fabrication program holds great promise for the state of Montana. We would like to see employment opportunities, wages and advancement potential grow in these areas. The added benefits of having a qualified local workforce to not only meet the demand of local employ- ers, but to also attract those businesses that may decide to locate their business to our state or local area are very important. The current curriculum of the welding program is already recognized as a vital and success- ful workforce program to our local and state employers. The expansion of this curriculum will qual- ify our graduates to expand their trade and remain in the local area for this training. The Lakeside-Somers's Chamber's mission is to promote business and tourism within the west shore area as well as the Flathead Valley. The assistance of the CDBG-Economic Development funds to expand the advanced curriculum in welding will enhance our community by giving us com- petent and well trained employees who can become an integral part of the job force. We endorse The City of Kalispell's application for the CDBG and will support this endeavor by endeavor by being open to serving you as you deem necessary for this program to be successful. Sincerely, Dave Christensen, President Lakeside -Somers Chamber Dee L. Kirk -Boon, Past President P.O. Box 177 Lakeside, WE 59922 406-844-3715 P ' F ( } _ To Whom It May Concern: AMMMOL LMJ i N D U 5 T R! A l NOW Your Source for Quality Components 8-19-09 This letter is in support to FVCC pursuing CDBG-Ed funding for an expanded welding certification program including nondestructive testing Level I. As an aerospace and defense supplier I believe that Sonju Industrial would be able to hire I or 2 graduates of that program. Currently Sonju Industrial has a need for this prograrn and we look forward to the partnership with Sonju and FVCC. If you shall have any questions please feel free to contact me at the numbers below. Best re ar , Jon Sonju Sales Manager Sonju Industrial Inc. 245 S. Complex Drive Kalispell, MT 59901 USA Phone: 406 -752-7979 x230 Cell: 406-270-7113 Fax: 406-752-4082 www.sonjuind.coni Five Gateway Center Pittsburgh, PA 15222 August 28, 2009 The Honorable Pamela Kennedy Mayor of Kalispell P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59901 Dear Mayor Kennedy, I am writing in support of Flathead Valley Community College's desire to expand the welding program in order to make it AWS accredited and to expand their training into the area of non- destructive testing. Their timing is good; experts expect there to be a shortage of nearly 400,000 welders over the next several years and efforts to rebuild our infrastructure will call for the skills Flathead Valley is training for. As I am sure you are aware, expectations are that unemployment is likely to continue to increase into next year and economists expect that unemployment levels will not fall to pre -crisis levels for likely ten years. The residents of your area (and our members) have been hard hit by changes in the economy and timber industry. Flathead Valley's efforts to expand training will not only help individual citizens but strengthen your community and tax base. Thank you for your attention to this issue. We have a great opportunity to help the men and women that are struggling in today's economic crisis. Sincerely, Lisa Jordan, PhD Director, Education & Membership Development United Steelworker United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union Five Gateway Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 • 412-562-2400 • www.usw.org T August 31, 2009 The Honorable Mayor Pam Kennedy and City Council Members City of Kalispell P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59901 Dear Mayor Kennedy and Council Members, I am pleased to offer my support for the city of Kalispell's application on behalf of Flathead Valley Community College for funding through the Community Development Block Grant — Economic Development Program. It is my understanding that, if successful, FVCC would match the grant amount and purchase equipment and materials that would expand the welding program to train and certify students in advanced welding techniques. Students would be qualified to work on pipe, structure, bridges, and also rolling stock. The expanded program would also include curriculum for Level I Nondestructive Testing Technician certification. The proposed program would be unique in Montana. The Pacific NW Ironworkers Apprenticeship and Training committee #14 supports pre - qualified welders applying to our program. Upon completion of a qualified welding course, the applicant receives additional points in the selection process to gain entrance into our apprenticeship program. Additionally, we advance apprentices after their first year of school, to third year classes, if they have unlimited FLAW, and SMAW welder qualifications. Thank you for your support of FVCC's efforts on behalf of local students and businesses. Sincerely, Andrew Phillipson Ironworkers Apprenticeship Coordinator i A A August 21, 2009 To Whom It May Concern: It is my understanding that Flathead Valley Community College wants to expand their welding program to certify students in advanced welding techniques. As a Montana employer, I am pleased to provide you with the following pertinent workforce information. Our mechanical department hires Carman Apprentices who are responsible for repairing bad order train cars. They weld using wire feed, stick rod electric welding, plasma cutters and cutting torches. Track maintenance workers repair our track components using stick and wire feed. The bridge and building personnel need structural welding certificates to qualify to work on bridge projects. When hiring entry level workers, we train them on the job and also enhance their welding skills by sending them to classes at the College of Technology. Although it is not a requirement to hold a welding certificate, it is highly preferable. When screening applicants for interviews, it can tip the scales in their favor. Many of our current employees will be retiring within the next five to seven years. Some of their positions will be replaced by promoting current employees, which will create entry level position openings. We hope to attract people who have trade school degrees and/or certifications for some of the positions and a welding certification would make them a more desirable candidate. Thank you for the opportunity to support FVCC's educational endeavors. Sincerely, Pam Schneiter Director Human Resources B E AU1)E'FT l:: C0NSUI...TING S `I' R U (' 'I U' R A I.. I ENGINEERS, INC:. August 26, 2009 31 WEST MAIN ST The Honorable Mayor Pam Kennedy and City Council Members MfS=i01-R.& M ( ° -1' City of Kalispell j . f , r, 7 ;1 -, P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59901 r` W- Dear Mayor Kennedy and Council Members, 150 CON � DR 4 I am pleased to offer my support for the city of Kalispell's application on behalf of Flathead Valley Community College for funding through the i 1. 1-: 4 6.7 5 7' Community Development Block Grant — Economic Development Program. A X. It is my understanding that, if successful, FVCC would match the grant amount and purchase equipment and materials that would expand the welding �dC>I;f' l f''''1 program to train and certify students in advanced welding techniques. t_;r'j Students would be qualified to work on pipe, structure, bridges, and also IF . rolling stock. The expanded program would also include curriculum for Level t I Nondestructive Testing Technician certification. The proposed program would be unique in Montana. I am part owner in a local structural engineering firm, and we appreciate qualified subcontractors on our structural steel projects throughout the area. I do not employ welders, but I work with general contractors and structural steel F ! : 60� subcontractors who would be pleased about the upgrade of a trained and : ; X: 6,0.5 certified welding work force. The program that has been described to me would create highly employable qualified welders. Personally, I started my engineering studies at FVCC and found the educational experience to be exceptional. I was able to attain a base knowledge of engineering principles before finishing my education at MSU. Thank you for your support of FVCC's efforts on behalf of local students and businesses. Sincerely, Chris Schlegel, P.E., Partner Senior Project Engineer Beaudette Consulting Engineers, Inc. SAFETY r MEDICAL )lies aad Gases August 25"', 2009 The Honorable Mayor Pam Kennedy and City Council Members City of Kalispell P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59901 Dear Mayor Kennedy and Council Members, I am pleased to offer my support for the city of Kalispell's application on behalf of Flathead Valley Community College for funding through the Community Development Block Grant — Economic Development Program. It is my understanding that, if successful, FVCC would match the grant amount and purchase equipment and materials that would expand the welding program to train and certify students in advanced welding techniques. Students would be qualified to work on pipe, structure, bridges, and also rolling stock. The expanded program would also include curriculum for Level I Nondestructive Testing Technician certification. The proposed program would be unique in Montana. Increasing the availability of qualified welders would open new opportunities for our business by having a trained and qualified group in which to hire from. This would enable Norco to have a better knowledge base to draw from. Thank you for your support of FVCC's efforts on behalf of local students and businesses. Sincerely, James Mower Outside Salesman La.wher Manufacturers Box 1429 Columbia Falls, MT 59912 Phone (406) 892-7000 Fax (406) 892-1612 www stoltzelumber.corn August 28, 2009 The Honorable Mayor Pam Kennedy and City Council Members City of Kalispell P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59901 Dear Mayor Kennedy and Council Members, I am pleased to offer my support for the city of Kalispell's application on behalf of Flathead Valley Community College for funding through the Community Development Block Grant — Economie Development Program. It is my understanding that, if successful, FVCC would match the grant amount and purchase equipment and materials that would expand the welding program to train and certify students in advanced welding techniques. Students would be qualified to work on pipe, structure, bridges, and also rolling stock. The expanded program would also include curriculum for Level I Nondestructive Testing Technician certification. The proposed program would be unique in Montana. This program would help to develop a local workforce that would have a very desirable and employable skill set. Our lumber production line is dependent on having highly qualified mechanics and millwrights, who can make repairs and fabricate parts to maintain and improve the production process. Experience in cutting and welding is part of the essential skill set that these employees must possess. Even though our company is experiencing serious curtailments due to the current economic crises, we are still seeking to hire individuals who can demonstrate proficiency in cutting, welding, repair, and fabrication. Thank you for your support of FVCC's efforts on behalf of local students and businesses. Sincerely, Joe O'Rourke Plant Manager 406-892-7007 Using Tomorrows Technology to Provide Today's Transportation Needs! 9N P.O. Box 218 251 Truck Route Columbia Falls, MT 59912 TRA7� �'f Bus: (406) 892-3900 -� Toll Free: (888) 892-3900 �- Fax: (406) 892-3910 4 J�Website: www.hansontrucking.conZ/contact_us.html August 28, 2009 The Honorable Mayor Pam Kennedy and City Council Members City of Kalispell P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59901 Dear Mayor Kennedy and Council Members, I am pleased to offer my support for the city of Kalispell's application on behalf of Flathead Valley Community College for funding through the Community Development Block Grant — Economic Development Program. It is my understanding that, if successful, FVCC would match the grant amount and purchase equipment and materials that would expand the welding program to train and certify students in advanced welding techniques. Students would be qualified to work on pipe, structure, bridges, and also rolling stock. The expanded program would also include curriculum for Level I Nondestructive Testing Technician certification. The proposed program would be unique in Montana. While I am not actively hiring highly qualified welders at this time, I expect that when the current economic down cycle turns upward, we may need a more qualified welder/mechanic for our shop. I believe the program would create highly employable welders. Thank you for your support of FVCC's efforts on behalf of local students and businesses. Sincerely, Steve Hanson Manager