Minutes of the April 19, 2006
Meeting of RECOM (Retired Employees City of Mesa)
Board Members Present: Fred Conway, Les Olsen, Barbara Seperich, Chuck Wennerlund
Board Members Absent: Lin Adams, John Smoyer, Walter Switzer
Members Present: Tom Albright, Laura Alexander, John Ashley, Dorothy Ashley, Betty Austin, Pauline Backer, Kathy Barrett, Ivard I. Brimley, Bob Butcher, Jerry Buza, Rich Castellano, Grace Cokeley, Cecil Crusinberry, JoAnn Ramirez-Davis, Kermit Davis, Pat Drake, Bill Everson, Jo Ferguson, John Ferguson, John Gendron, Joan Gregory, Peggy Haney, Bruce Hennessy, Roger Hester, Wayne Korinek, Nancy Mumpton, Pat Nanas, Genie Pritchard, Jean Russell, John Shelf, Earl Schmidt, Jr., Pat Schultz, Denny Spiel, Fran Spidel, Marilyn Warden, Bev Watt, Ralph Werner, Donna Young, Elmer Young
Introductions: The meeting was called to order by Fred Conway.
Ivard Brimley reported that retired Fire Dept. Battalion Chief Ray Skipper has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He had been in the hospital in Mesa, but has now returned to his home in Snowflake. Ivard asked members to keep him in their prayers. Ivard will provide Lin Adams with Ray's contact information, so members can send a card, etc.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the March 15, 2006 meeting were reviewed and approved.
Secretary Report: Lin was not able to attend the meeting, so Barbara read her report, stating that retired PD Sergeant Bill Bloehs passed away, and Lin sent a sympathy card to the family on behalf of RECOM.
Treasurer's Report: Chuck reported the current checking account balance is $2,370.19.
Benefits Task Force: Fred reported that John Oliver would like to resign as one of the representatives to the Benefits Task Force, if anyone else is interested. Barb Seperich reported information from the March 20 meeting. Barb reported the outcome of the two May 17 tax proposals will not have any effect on benefits for the 2007 calendar year. No information was provided regarding future years. Barb also reported that there is a shortfall in the Employee Benefit Trust Fund, due to declining enrollment (active employees leave the City, retirees passing away, vacant positions, etc.). The City is already planning to increase it's contribution to premiums for fiscal 06-07, but it is not known at this time what the increase to employees and retirees will be.
Board Member Election: Pauline Backer advised that she, Grace Cokeley, and Barb Hewitt were on the Nominating Committee and presented the slate of candidates for the Board. Those present who were nominated introduced themselves and spoke about their background with the City. The proposed slate of Board members was unanimously approved by a vote of the membership:
Chairman - Barbara Seperich Secretary - Lin Adams
Chair Elect - John Gendron Members-at-Large - Tom Albright and Kathy Barrett
Treasurer - Chuck Wennerlund Past Chair - Fred Conway
Property Tax Issue: Fred and other Board members reported that the Board, on behalf of RECOM, decided to support the Property Tax proposition in the May 16 election. Board members discussed their reasons for supporting the proposals. Members were encouraged to talk to their families and friends about supporting these propositions.
The meeting was adjourned.
Next Meeting: May 17, 2006 - Speaker to be Announced