Minutes of the March 15, 2006
Meeting of RECOM (Retired Employees City of Mesa)
Board Members Present: Lin Adams, Fred Conway, Barbara Seperich, John Smoyer, Walter Switzer
Board Members Absent: Les Olsen, Chuck Wennerlund
Members Present: Laura Alexander, Don Ayers, Pauline Backer, Paul Bailey, Kathy Barrett, John Branch, Larry Bratcher, Ivard I. Brimley, Bob Butcher, Jerry Buza, Grace Cokeley, Kermit Davis, Pat Dillard, Bill Everson, John Gendron, Joan Gregory, Peggy Haney, Sheridan Hatch, Barb Hewitt, Pat Hinshaw, Mike Hutchinson, Agnese Moore, JoAnn Ramirez, Jean Russell, Earl Schmidt, Jr., Denny Spidel, Ann Testa, Roger Tonkinson, Rudy Torres, Marilyn Warden, Donna Young
Others Present: Jody Topping, City of Mesa Employee Benefits
Introductions: The meeting was called to order by Fred Conway. The Board of Directors and new members were introduced.
Business:
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the January 18 meeting were approved. There was no meeting in February, due to hosting the Candidate and Proposition Forum.
Secretary's Report: Lin Adams reported that three RECOM members recently passed away. Don Knudsen (1/30 - PD), Arnold Harring (2/28 - Transportation), and Dean Bentz (3/4 - Electricity) passed away. Lin noted that RECOM sent cards to the family of each member. Marilyn Warden noted that Arnold had been one of the people who originally started RECOM. Larry Bratcher informed the group that member Bill Bloehs (PD) is living in Payson and has a rare muscular degeneration disease. Bill fell in January and is currently in a Payson Care Center. Larry and Dick Moore drove up to visit him yesterday and noted that he seemed to be doing reasonably well and is walking a little bit with the help of a walker.
Treasurer's Report: No report.
Benefits Task Force: Barbara Seperich noted that Jody Topping would be covering her report information.
Nominating Committee: Pauline Backer reported that she, Grace Cokeley, and Barb Hewitt are working on the nominations and will present the slate at the April 19 meeting. If anyone would like to run for a Board position or nominate someone else, please contact Pauline.
Candidate Forum: Fred noted that the RECOM-sponsored Candidate and Proposition Forum was held on Feb. 15 and was well-attended by RECOM members. Only one candidate did not attend, and the group against the property tax did not attend.
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 tax and noted that RECOM will notify the membership of this support. Mike Hutchinson stated the campaign needs volunteers and invited RECOM members to volunteer. Mike also provided literature and yard signs for anyone that would like to take some. Members were encouraged to talk to their families and friends about supporting this proposition.
Employee Benefits Update: Jody Topping provided an update on the changes in Employee Benefits and asked if everyone had gotten their Benefits Identification card. Jody also noted that her department has openings for two part-time temporary workers, if anyone is interested. Jody thanked Donna Young for her work as a volunteer in Employee Benefits. Jody provided a summary of the medical drug plan and discussed how to read the Explanation of Benefits form.
Next Meeting: April 19, 2006 - Board Elections