Minutes of the May 17, 2006
Meeting of RECOM (Retired Employees City of Mesa)

Board Members Present: Lin Adams, Fred Conway, John Smoyer, Chuck Wennerlund

Board Members Absent: Barb Seperich, Les Olsen, Walter Switzer

Members Present: John Ashley, Betty Austin, Pauline Backer, Kathy Barrett, Sharon Bollman, Ivard Brimley, Dean Childs, Eleanor Childs, Grace Cokeley, Tanya Collins, Kermit Davis, Bill Everson, John Gendron, Joan Gregory, Peggy Haney, Sheridan Hatch, Tim Mahon, Sarah Moorhead, Nancy Mumpton, Genie Pritchard, Jo Ann Ramirez, Molly Rice, Jean Russell, Phyllis Sanderson, Denny Spidel, Fran Spidel, Rebecca Standage, Bob Taylor, Jane Taylor, Diane Tuccillo

Others Present: Steve Goldberg, Dan Shearer

Introductions: The meeting was called to order by Fred Conway. Guest Steve Goldberg, who retired in Nov., 2005 from the Tax Audit and Collections department, introduced himself.

Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the April 19, 2006, meeting were reviewed and approved.

Secretary Report: Lin reported that two RECOM members (Ray Skipper of Mesa Fire Dept., and David Tharp of Utilities) and Philip Testa, husband of member Ann Testa have passed away since the last meeting. Condolence cards were sent to the families.

Treasurer's Report: Not available at the meeting (the checking account balance is $3,374.99).

Benefits Task Force: Barb was attending a Benefits Task Force meeting, so no report was available.

Guest Speaker: Dan Shearer, Senior Editor of The Arizona Republic and Editor of The Mesa Republic, explained his responsibilities and how his newspaper addresses various local issues. Dan explained that The Mesa Republic is a section of The Arizona Republic that runs four days a week (Wednesday through Saturday). Basically, the Valley has been divided into 15 areas, to address area-specific issues, making little newspapers within the larger newspaper. Dan specifically addressed the Property Tax issue (which was defeated by voters yesterday) and noted that his newspaper ran more than 250 stories about it.

Bylaws Amendment: John Smoyer presented the following Bylaws change recommended by the Board:

ARTICLE III - The Board of Directors shall establish a membership policy. The policy shall set forth eligibility requirements for membership, dues amount and duration, and other matters relating to membership. This policy shall be reviewed by the Board of Directors annually to determine whether modifications are necessary and report its findings to the membership no later than the membership meeting held in May of each year. The Board shall obtain comments from the membership prior to their annual review. This change would allow the Board of Directors the authority to establish a membership and dues policy as part of RECOM policies, rather than the Bylaws, which would require a membership vote to change. Some of the membership felt that the way the Agenda listed "Bylaws Amendment" did not clearly indicate there would be a vote to change the Bylaws. The motion passed (15 in favor; 11 opposed). Tanya said she would personally volunteer to chair a committee to develop policies and procedures to accompany the Bylaws. The Board thanked Tanya and stated they would take this under advisement.

Since the Board would not be able to abide by the change immediately (since it would require the Board to submit any modifications by the May membership meeting), Kathy Barrett motioned and Tanya Collins seconded the following: The membership authorizes the Board to increase the dues to a mandatory $10 per year, effective July 1, 2006. The motion passed unanimously.

This will provide adequate time to fully review and create the appropriate policies and procedures, yet increase the dues at this time. Discussion ensued regarding required dues and how it might affect some current members who might not be able to pay dues. It was noted that non-members will still receive information and the same any benefits from the City, regardless of RECOM membership, and that they will still be able to access RECOM minutes, etc., from the website.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 AM.

Next Meeting: June 21, 2006 - Speaker to be Announced.