Minutes of the January 18, 2006
Meeting of RECOM (Retired Employees City of Mesa)
Board Members Present: Fred Conway, Les Olsen, Barbara Seperich, John Smoyer, Walter Switzer, Chuck Wennerlund
Board Members Excused: Lin J. Adams
Members Present: Diane Tuccillo, Genie Pritchard, Jerry Buza, JoAnn Ramirez, Kermit Davis, Don Ayers, Marilyn Warden, Nancy Mumpton, John Schleff, Joan Gregory, Bill Everson, Kathy Barrett, Rebecca Standage, Tanya Collins, Rudy Torres, Pat Hinshaw, Peggy Haney, Paul Bailey, Bob Taylor, Dennis Spidel, Fran Spidel, Sheridan Hatch, Lawrence Bratcher, Clyde McLellan, Mike Hutchinson
Others Present: Paula Burns, Administrator - Office of Problem Gambling
Introductions: The Board of Directors was introduced
Business:
Approval of Minutes - The minutes were not approved - no vote was taken.
Secretary's Report - None Made
Treasurers Report - None Made
Benefits Task Force - Barbara Seperich stated the Benefits Task Force would meet tomorrow January 19, 2006. Barbara also indicated that she had spoken to Jody and new Medical Benefit Cards will be available soon.
When Gambling Isn't Just Fun - Paula Burns, Administrator - Office of Problem Gambling
Ms. Burns discussed the fact that about 40,000 people in Arizona had problems with gambling. She also indicated that many problem gamblers become so after the age of 55. Of those gamblers about 1/3rd had evidenced other addictive behavior. She described "escape" gamblers, those who use gambling as a way to cope with the issues of aging. The work of her office is focused on older gamblers; there is no funding for youths and younger gamblers. Some warning signs include lying about gambling losses, using credit to gamble, gambling alone, borrowing to replace lost money, and unsuccessfully trying to stop gambling. She suggested we visit the website www.problemgambling.az.gov for more information or assistance.
Nominating Committee/Election Meeting Date
Fred Conway indicated the Nominating Committee would be chaired by Pauline Backer, and asked that people interested in being on the Board notify him or other Board members.
City of Mesa Property Tax - Mike Hutchinson
Mike explained the need for a property tax. He left voter registration forms and volunteer sign-up sheets for members to take and distribute to friends and neighbors.
Announcements
Barbara Seperich noted that at our next meeting there would presentations regarding the upcoming election and asked for assistance calling members to remind them of this important meeting.
Next Meeting - February 15, 2006 - 10:00 - 11:30 AM, at Mesa Library, Main Branch, Saguaro Room; Topic - City of Mesa Candidate/Proposition Forum.
RECOM meets in the Community Room of Fire Station 201, located on the northwest corner of First Street and Mesa Drive. Parking is available on the west and north sides of the building, and the entrance is the door to the right on the west side of the building. We continue to express our thanks to John Oliver and the Mesa Fire Department for making this facility available to us. All City retirees and their spouses are encouraged to attend RECOM meetings. Check www.recomaz.osrg for current information, minutes of previous meetings, and contact information.