Chair: Greg Frigo | Management: Earl Gustafson, James Buchen, | Labor: Robert Lyons, Red Platz, Phil Neuenfeldt, Michael Bolton and Ed Lump

Mr. Frigo welcomed everyone who made time for this special meeting and started the EnABLES discussion. Frigo introduced Mr. Clingan, who expanded on the necessity of the EnABLES project. Clingan addressed the concerns of who is interested in the project, how does it effect and impact the labor force at DWD and current communications with the Labor Representation and the Secretary’s office. Clingan mentioned that the enthusiasm and motivation for the EnABLES project has been ignited by the mid level management. Clingan assured the members that EnABLES would not reduce the numbers of employees. Clingan stated that Marty Beil and Secretary Roberta Gassman have had positive communications regarding ENABLES. Members who had spoken with Marty had the same positive feedback.

*Frigo introduced Al Jaloviar. Jaloviar spoke to the members about the financial funding to aid the EnABLES project. He explained Federal Program Directives that establish policy placing limitations on the use of UI Administrative Grant Funds for the repayment of loans relating to information technology purchases. UI Administrative grants can be used to repay loans only for "hardware and software" that have a useful life of several years. "Software" is further defined as only the software product itself and not any staff time needed to install or modify the product. The anticipated finish date for EnABLES is the end of 2006 or beginning of 2007.

*Repayment of the Special Reed Act fund loan would begin after EnABLES is fully implemented. The money would come from the UI Division Administrative Grant monies. Currently our EnABLES budget for hardware/software is $4.7 million. Although we would potentially be $300,000 off the $5 million of the loan, this difference did not appear to be a problem for the council members present. The UI Administrative Grant monies that will be used to repay the loan are paid to the UI Division each year, on an on-going basis and are a normal part of the Division’s yearly operating budget.

Clingan proposed a financial question about the future economy and benefits for unemployment. Clingan was assured that the council would revisit the issue if the economy worsened.

A motion was made by James Buchen to authorize the funding sources for the ENABLES project to move forward. Phil Neuenfeldt seconded. Frigo had each member vote on the motion. All seven members approved the motion. Platz asked what the next steps were. Clingan responded that the IT Committee will meet and discuss the project. Then, within a week, it will be presented to the Secretary for approval.

Frigo adjourned the meeting.

* paragraph amended per request of Mr. Oyler at the June 18, 2003 UIAC meeting