RECOM (Retired Employees City of Mesa) - Minutes of February 21, 2007, Meeting

Board Members Present: Kathy Barrett, John Gendron, Frank Mizner, John Smoyer.

Board Members Absent: Lin Adams, Fred Conway, Barb Seperich, Chuck Wennerlund.

Members Present: Pauline Backer, Fred Bollinger, Larry Bratcher, Donna Brinton, Carl & Marge Buckels, Harry Buckmister, Kevin Buckmister, Bob Butcher, Jo & John Ferguson, Patsy Fimbres, Joan Gregory, Peggy Haney, Sheridan Hatch, Agnese & Richard Moore, Les Olsen, Win Orr, Bill Petrie, George Russell, John Schleff, Nancy Skalitsky, Denny & Fran Spidel, Rudy Torres, Diane Tuccillo, Marilyn Warden.

Guests: Candace Bow.

Introductions: The meeting was called to order by John Gendron at 9 AM. First-time attendees George Russell (1984 retiree from Mesa PD) and Kevin Buckmister (2005 retiree from Utility Service) introduced themselves.

Speaker: Candace Bow, of Arizona Guardians, discussed information regarding guardians and conservators in Arizona. Information about her company and services may be obtained at www.arizonaguardians.com.

Secretary's Report: Kathy reported for Lin and shared information that member Barbara Despain passed away on Feb.2. She also gave information on an upcoming part-time City Code Compliance position.

Treasurer's Report: None available.

Employee Benefits Task Force: John Gendron said a cost comparison of the various plans was conducted, and there will probably be an increase in premiums. The long-term goal is to strive for a true cafeteria plan, but for right now the current plans will continue.

Legislative Update: John Smoyer gave a legislative update and shared information on Federal level activities. He also informed the membership that the ASRS website has a link to state legislation activities relating to ASRS.

Bylaws Committee: Kathy provided a brief summary of the Elections Policy approved by the Board and discussed the Nominating Committee duties. A RECOM member can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else, and must email the form to one of the Committee members by 5:00 PM February 28th. Nominations will also be received from the floor at the March meeting, and the Election will be held at the April meeting.

Nominating Committee: John Gendron introduced Pauline Backer and Bill Petrie (Chair), who along with John, comprise the Nominating Committee. Bill reiterated the due date for the nomination forms and that forms are on the RECOM website. Bill also reminded members to be certain the person being nominated is willing to accept the position (if elected).

Announcements:

  • John Gendron announced that City of Mesa Retiree Bruce Crandall will be awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in the Vietnam War. The award will be presented by President Bush in the near future.
  • John Gendron provided a brief summary of a meeting he, Frank Mizner, and Kathy Barrett had with City Manager Chris Brady on Feb. 1, saying the meeting went well. Mr. Brady offered to come and speak at a RECOM meeting in the future.
  • Frank reported he attended the Fire Department's annual Retiree breakfast on February 19, where there were about 75 retirees. He said he had a good pancake breakfast and distributed RECOM information, but didn't get any immediate new members.
  • Kathy provided information regarding an opening for a part-time position in Code Compliance.
  • Kathy provided announced that many prescriptions at Wal-Mart cost only $4 each. A list of those prescriptions is on the Wal-Mart website and also at the Wal-Mart pharmacies.

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned.

Next Meeting: Marcy 21, 2007 - 9:00 AM, Community Room, Mesa Fire Station 201, NW corner of 1st St. and Mesa Drive. The speaker will be Jim Pavletich, Social Security Administration.

Future Meetings: April 18 - Board of Directors Election.