RECOM (Retired Employees City of Mesa) - Minutes of August 16, 2006, Meeting

Board Members Present: Lin Adams, Kathy Barrett, Barbara Seperich, Chuck Wennerlund.

Board Members Absent: Tom Albright, Fred Conway, John Gendron, Walter Switzer.
Members Present: John Ashley, Don Ayers, Fred Bollinger, Sharon Bollman, Richard Buck, Jerry Buza, Cecil Crusinberry, Doug Elliott, Marvene Elliott, Bill Everson, Howard Godfrey, Joan Gregory, Peggy Haney, Patrick Hinshaw, Pauline Lower, Clyde McLellan, Richard Moore, Nancy Mumpton, Bill Petrie, Genie Pritchard, Molly Rice, Jean Russell, Dick Skalitsky, Nancy Skalitsky, Denny Spidel, Fran Spidel, Bob Taylor, Diane Tuccillo, Marilyn Warden, Bev Watt.Guests: Judy Coleman, Nancy Upham.
Introductions: The meeting was called to order by Barbara Seperich at 9:00 AM. Board members were introduced. Bill Petrie, a 2005 retiree from Neighborhood Services and new RECOM member, was welcomed.

Speaker: Barbara introduced Judy Coleman, manager of the AAA office at Mesa Dr. and University, and Nancy Upham. Ms. Coleman noted some of the most popular destinations/cruises and special opportunities. Ms. Upham provided handout materials to members.
Alaskan, Mediterranean, Baltic, Scandinavian, Antarctica, and South America are popular cruises; river cruises in China are also popular; the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular U.S. destinations.
Larger cruise ships have same amenities as hotels and hold up to 4,000 people.
Smaller cruise ships (such as Cruise West) get into smaller areas, but don't have gambling, etc.
Cruise Bank to Italy in Sept. and Dec.; a $5 deposit will reserve a cabin; cruises are a "cashless society," and everything is charged to the room card; don't forget to budget for spending for on-shore shopping.
Travel Scams - if it sounds too good to be true, it's probably not a good deal; read the fine print and check with the Better Business Bureau.
Survey conducted to determine why people become and stay AAA members: emergency road service; books, tour guides, and maps; merchant discounts.
Secretary's Report: Lin reported that member Jean Runkle, a retiree from Mesa PD, recently was in the hospital for lung cancer surgery. She is now recovering at home.
Treasurer's Report: Chuck reported that currently the checking account is $7,010.59.
Benefits Task Force: Barbara reported the following from the Benefits Task Force:
Mobile mammograms - available in September retirees, and their dependents through BC/BS; info. will be available on RECOM website; appointments are required and COM benefits card must be shown.
Prescription Drug Contract - so far, MEDCO appears to be the front-runner; if they are the recommended provider, Jody will discuss user complaints with them before signing a contract.
Avesis - Jody Topping is currently looking into the numerous complaints related to Avesis.
Case Manager - an RFP has been drafted, but it on hold for now; this program would provide a case manager/coordinator to assist insured members in ensuring network providers are used in surgeries, etc., where multiple providers might be involved.
Open Enrollment - Everyone must re-enroll 10/23 - 11/3; however, there will be a one-click option if the same coverage is to be continued; workbook will be available online 10/1 and mailed 10/13.
Wed., 10/25 - Wellness and Benefits Fair at Employee Benefits; an employee will be available to help people re-enroll online.
Employee Benefits received many calls regarding spousal coverage (that became available in 01/05 and was mentioned at the July meeting). This not a City of Mesa benefit and is available only through ASRS/PSPRS at the time of retirement. Questions about the benefit should be addressed to ASRS or PSPRS. Jody will provide more information at the October RECOM meeting.

The Employee Benefits Office is still looking for volunteers.

Bylaws Committee: Kathy is forming the Bylaws Committee; plans are to meet in September and have a report for the October meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:04 AM.
Next Meeting: Sept. 20, 2006 - 9:00 AM, Community Room, Mesa Fire Station 201, NW corner of 1st St. and Mesa Drive. The speaker will be a representative from Central Arizona College's Life-long Learning program.