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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReports - 2024.01.18 - 40940 AGENDA ITEM: MI Healthy Climate Corps Host Agreement with the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan DEPARTMENT: Office of Sustainability MEETING: Board of Commissioners DATE: Thursday, January 18, 2024 6:00 PM - Click to View Agenda ITEM SUMMARY SHEET COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD Resolution #2024-3718 Motion to approve the MI Healthy Climate Corps Host Agreement with the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan for a term of March 2024 to November 2024. ITEM CATEGORY SPONSORED BY Contract Yolanda Smith Charles INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND Establishing Michigan as a leader in tackling the climate crisis, the MI Healthy Climate Plan lays out a broad vision for fulfilling Governor Whitmer’s commitment to achieving 100% economy-wide carbon neutrality in Michigan by mid-century. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, & Energy Office of Climate and Energy is partnering with the Michigan Community Service Commission to leverage state and federal investments to launch the MI Healthy Climate Corps an innovative approach to advancing the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan. Starting in early 2024, the MI Healthy Climate Corps will field a cohort of 30 AmeriCorps members who will provide critical support to communities tackling climate change. MI Healthy Climate Corps members will receive significant training and career development support to step into Michigan’s climate leadership pool. Oakland County has been selected to host a climate corps member in the first MI Healthy Climate Corps cohort. As part of the acceptance, we are required to sign a Host Site Agreement. The climate corps member's title is Climate and Energy Technician and will serve the Office of Sustainability in advancing the Oakland SAVES program to promote energy efficiency, weatherization, and renewable energy solutions for our residents. Oakland County’s host share for this member is $10,500 which will come from Human Resources department and does not require a budget amendment. The Chief Sustainability Officer, Erin Quetell, will be the host supervisor for this member. This is the first AmeriCorps member that has served the County Executive's office. BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: No Committee members can contact Michael Andrews, Policy and Fiscal Analysis Supervisor at 248.425.5572 or andrewsmb@oakgov.com, or the department contact persons listed for additional information. CONTACT Erin Quetell, Environmental Sustainability Officer ITEM REVIEW TRACKING Aaron Snover, Board of Commissioners Created/Initiated - 1/18/2024 AGENDA DEADLINE: 01/18/2024 6:00 PM ATTACHMENTS 1. MHC Corps Host Site Agreement 2. Position Title- Climate & Energy Technician Host Site COMMITTEE TRACKING 2024-01-10 Economic Development & Infrastructure - Recommend to Board 2024-01-18 Full Board - Adopt Motioned by: Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles Seconded by: Commissioner Angela Powell Yes: David Woodward, Penny Luebs, Robert Hoffman, Gwen Markham, Angela Powell, Marcia Gershenson, William Miller III, Yolanda Smith Charles, Charles Cavell, Brendan Johnson, Ajay Raman, Ann Erickson Gault, Linnie Taylor (13) No: Michael Gingell, Karen Joliat, Christine Long, Philip Weipert (4) Abstain: None (0) Absent: Kristen Nelson, Michael Spisz (2) Passed MI HEALTHY CLIMATE CORPS PROGRAM HOST PARTNER AGREEMENT This agreement is entered into between the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM),on behalf of the Department of the Environment,Great Lakes,and Energy EGLE)’s MI Healthy Climate Corps (MHC Corps)Program,and the host partner requesting AmeriCorps resources.The following roles and responsibilities are required by each organization in order to participate in the MHC Corps Program,per the policies and procedures set forth by AmeriCorps. CEDAM Roles and Responsibilities CEDAM will: a.Provide timely direct deposits of MHC Corps members’living allowance upon submission of a time and activity report using the OnCorps online time-reporting system. b.Provide health care benefits for qualified,full-time MHC Corps members. c.Serve as the primary provider of training and technical assistance for MHC Corps members and host partners,in collaboration with the Department of the Environment,Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). d.Assist with MHC Corps member recruitment by publishing available MHC Corps positions in the nationally accessible AmeriCorps recruitment system.MHC Corps program staff will review and forward all relevant applications to host partners. e.Develop a program year calendar prior to the beginning of the program year that includes all mandatory meetings. f.Facilitate member orientation within the first month of the MHC Corps service term. Information covered includes AmeriCorps-specific topics.Some general position-specific information will be available but no in-depth discussion on day-to-day activities will be provided. g.Provide an orientation for host partner site supervisors.At minimum,this training will cover inclusive hiring,AmeriCorps-specific information,MHC Corps policies and procedures,and how to utilize the OnCorps timekeeping system. h.Arrange compliance site visits with site supervisors and members.At minimum,MHC Corps program staff will visit at least once per program year.This may be done virtually or in-person. i.Develop and distribute forms for the effective evaluation and continuous improvement of MHC Corps members and the program as a whole including,but not limited to,mid-year and end-of-year evaluations. j.Provide other support as needed,if justifiable as a reasonable cost pursuant to the AmeriCorps grant. Host Partner Roles and Responsibilities Host partners will: a.Identify one host partner supervisor for the MHC Corps member.This supervisor must be a full-time staff person (1 year+),located at the same office as the member and have 6 or more months of management experience. Revised 12 -2023 MI HEALTHY CLIMATE CORPS PROGRAM HOST PARTNER AGREEMENT b.Ensure its host partner supervisor attends CEDAM’s site supervisor orientation sessions. c.Sign and submit the Host Partner Agreement by Friday,January 5th. d.Work with program staff to finalize position description by Thursday,December 21st. e.Submit a member recruitment plan for CEDAM approval by January 9th,2024. f.Provide the required nonrefundable host partner fee to CEDAM by Wednesday,January 31st. g.Recruit,interview,and recommend candidates for final interviews to CEDAM program staff. h.Provide regular,appropriate on-site supervision of the MHC Corps member as well as a comprehensive orientation to the host agency,community,and the member’s service responsibilities. i.Meet with the MHC Corps member weekly to discuss performance and progress on position description for the entire service term. j.Ensure the MHC Corps member submits sufficient timesheets in OnCorps and approve timesheets by the deadline pursuant to the program handbook. k.Maintain documentation of information reported on program monthly reports including volunteer registration forms,client evaluations/surveys,and other supporting documentation of any results reported in reports for at least three years following the member ’s term of service. l.Allow time for member to complete required MHC Corps trainings,attend MHC Corps cohort webinars and attend other MHC Corps-mandated events as listed on the program year calendar. m.Complete MHC Corps program required mid-year and end-of-year evaluations on each MHC Corps member as instructed by the program manager. n.Sign off on member travel reimbursements when needed. o.Ensure that MHC Corps service activities are limited to those included in the approved position description. p.Ensure that at no time during their service term are MHC Corps members performing staff functions.Per federal regulations,MHC Corps members cannot replace paid staff or dedicated volunteer resources. q.Act as the liaison between the MHC Corps member and the program director.This includes informing CEDAM of any violations of the member ’s service agreement. r.Notify CEDAM of any issues and conduct disciplinary actions pursuant to the program’s disciplinary process outlined in the MHC Corps site supervisor handbook. s.Notify CEDAM of any no-call,no-shows within 24 hours. a.Repay CEDAM for any unallowable member living allowance disbursements that happen as a result of a host partner ’s lack of communication. t.Provide a designated work area for the member that includes a computer and telephone. Members must also have access to a fax machine,copier,office supplies,postage,and other items as necessary to complete their assignments. a.As it relates to remote or hybrid work,the host partner is responsible for providing the MHC Corps member with the same remote work equipment provided to other staff. Revised 12 -2023 MI HEALTHY CLIMATE CORPS PROGRAM HOST PARTNER AGREEMENT u.Reimburse MHC Corps members for travel required for host organization-related activities, MHC Corps orientation,the MI Healthy Climate Conference,and an end-of-service term gathering in Lansing,per the host partner organization’s policies and procedures. v.Ensure that during service hours MHC Corps members do not: Attempt to influence legislation; Organize or engage in protests,petitions,boycotts,or strikes; Assist,promote or deter union organizing; Impair existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements; Engage in partisan political activities designed to influence the outcome of an election to any public office; Participate in,or endorse events or activities that are likely to include advocacy for or against political parties,political platforms,political candidates,proposed legislation,or elected officials; Engage in religious instruction;conduct worship services;provide instruction as part of a program that includes mandatory religious instruction or worship;maintain facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious instruction,worship,or engaging in any form of religious proselytization; Provide a direct benefit to a(n): o For-profit entity o Labor union o Partisan political organization o Organization engaged in the religious activities described in the preceding subclause,unless grant funds are not used to support the religious activities; or o Nonprofit entity that fails to comply with the restrictions contained in section 501(c)(3)of U.S.Code Title 26 Engage in voter registration drives.In addition,MHC Corps funds may not be used to conduct a voter registration drive. w.Forego any rights to royalties in connection with photographs,video,or film taken by the Michigan Community Service Commission,EGLE,or CEDAM.The host partner understands that any photograph,video,or film taken of the host partner in conjunction with MHC Corps can be used by MCSC,EGLE or CEDAM without the host partner ’s express permission. x.Model a positive attitude about MHC Corps and the requirements of the program. y.Provide reasonable accommodations to members with disabilities per the host partner organizational policy. z.Adhere to all policies and procedures listed in the 2023-24 MHC Corps Host Partner Supervisor Handbook including CEDAM’s diversity,equity,and inclusion policy. Compliance The Michigan Community Service Commission,EGLE,and Community Economic Development Association of Michigan reserve the right to inspect all host partners for compliance to grant terms Revised 12 -2023 MI HEALTHY CLIMATE CORPS PROGRAM HOST PARTNER AGREEMENT and conditions.All host partners are expected to participate and cooperate with designated officials during an investigation.If the MHC Corps program is found to be negligent in any way,the host organization will share the financial impact assessed against the MHC Corps program. Authorization I have read the 2023-24 MHC Corps host partner agreement.I understand the duties and responsibilities of the host partner and agree to the terms set forth in this document.I agree to comply with all the MHC Corps policies and procedures,and I understand the financial consequences to our organization if I fail to do so. Host partner organization:____________________________________________ Site supervisor name (printed):_______________________________________ Site supervisor (signature):______________________________________ Site supervisor title:___________________________________________ Date:____________________ Host partner executive director name (printed):____________________________________ Host partner executive director (signature):___________________________________ Date:____________________ CEDAM executive director name:Luke Forrest CEDAM executive director (signature):__________________________________________ Date:____________________ The host site agreement must be signed and returned to CEDAM by Monday,January 8,2024. A copy of the executed agreement will be returned by CEDAM to the host partner within 30 days of receipt. Revised 12 -2023 Scott N. Guzzy Purchasing Administrator January 5,2024 Erin Quetell Oakland County, Michigan Chief Sustainability Officer January 5, 2024 MI Healthy Climate Corps Member Position Description Position Title : Climate & Energy Technician Host Site: Oakland County Position Type: Full-time Site Supervisor: Erin Quetell, Chief Sustainability Officer Dates of Service: 3/4/2024 - 11/1/2024 Stipend: $24,640 MI Healthy Climate Corps: The MI Healthy Climate Corps (MHC Corps) is an innovative approach to advancing the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan. MHC Corps members provide critical support to communities tackling climate change. About the Host Partner: Oakland County is home to nearly 1.3 million people in 62 cities, villages and townships across 907 square miles. The county government provides services ranging from law enforcement and courts to parks, property records, election administration, public health and social services. It is governed by a County Executive, who is elected countywide, and a 21-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected from districts across the county. Other countywide elected officials include Clerk, Prosecutor, Sheriff, Treasurer and Water Resources Commissioner. The Office of Sustainability is within the County Executive’s office. MHC Corps Member Role and Responsibilities: Oakland County Office of Sustainability is seeking a MHC Corps member to advance the Oakland SAVES program, a program designed to provide financial support to residents for weatherization, energy efficiency, and renewable energy and storage installations. The duties will include community engagement and outreach, facilitation and technical assistance, moderate data collection and analysis, and creative collaboration with the Office of Sustainability. This role is ideal for someone with a passion for climate mitigation and energy, not afraid to be creative and think outside the box, and engage with a variety of different stakeholders. Site-specific activities: ● Community outreach, engagement, and storytelling ● Assisting with signing up 1000+ households for the Oakland SAVES program ● Project documentation, data analysis, and reporting ● Utility rebate support All members will: ● Empower the community to access federal and state climate resources by planning meetings, educational programs, and/or other activities to consistently share information. ● Participate in MHC Corps member development shared learning and collaboration activities including three MHC Corps in-person convenings, MHC Corps monthly virtual trainings, and Michigan’s AmeriCorps activities. Preferred Qualifications: MI Healthy Climate Corps Member Position Description The appropriate candidate will have a strong interest and/or background in environmental issues, coalition building and/or community organizing, and communications or a combination of such interests. The appropriate candidate must possess strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent attention to detail, the ability to work within a team or as an individual and be familiar with the Microsoft Office suite and Google Applications. MHC Corps members are required to work the standard office hours of their host organizations. No specific background or education is required to join the MHC Corps! But a minimum of 2 years of experience in these types of situations is essential for success: ● Experience facilitating a meeting with people who have more experience than them ● Complete their work without someone reminding them to do it ● Experience overcoming obstacles in work situations in the past ● Experience managing multiple professional relationships ● Comfortable working outside of the typical 9 am - 5 pm to attend community events ● Ability to use or teach oneself new software in a fast-paced role with little oversight Minimum Qualifications: ● Ability to travel to Lansing for three in-person MHC Corps convenings. ● Be at least 18 years of age. Applicants must have a high school diploma, GED, or be working toward the completion of one. ● U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident of the U.S. ● Pass the following National Service Criminal History Checks: State of Michigan background check, State of residency (if not Michigan), FBI Fingerprinting, and National Sex Offender Registry. Compensation: Members will receive a living allowance of $24,640 distributed in even increments, bi-weekly. Members will receive student loan forbearance for qualified loans, health care benefits, child care assistance upon eligibility, and continual professional development. Upon successful completion of service, an education award in the amount of $5,176.50 will be issued. Members will serve approximately 40 hours per week (a total of 1,200 hours during the service term). The MI Healthy Climate Corps Program is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made for interviews and service as needed.