CITY OF SAN DIEGO RETIRED EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION
BOARD MEETING MINUTESMeeting of August 11, 2009
San Diego Police Pistol Range

The meeting of August 11, 2009 was called to order at 9:40 a.m. by President Nancy Acevedo. Board Members Present: President Nancy Acevedo, Patti Karnes, Sylvia Tatum, Burnie Gipson, Joe Flynn, Alyse Ford, Dave Hall, Ruth Ann Hageman (arrived later), Jean Hughes, Lynn Swanson, Helen Phillips, Terry Flynn, Bob Korch, John Tsiknas, Maggie SmithThis meeting was on-site at the City’s Police Pistol Range where the picnic was going to take place. The reality of the pistol range punctuated proceedings at the board meeting.Nancy introduced our guest, Helen Phillips, who gave a review of her career with the City. New Member contacts were divided among Nancy Acevedo, Maggie Smith, John Tsiknas and Bob Korch.

Minutes: June 10 minutes M/S to approve (Ty/Maggie)

Treasurer’s Report: Sylvia’s report was approved to file for audit.

ACTION ITEMS:

Ratify two actions taken at July 14 meeting which lacked a quorum: 1)Motion to approve extra MBYC expenses since we did not meet the minimum number of attendees: M/S Ty/Bob Korch; 2) Social Security Fairness Act of 2009: referred to Advocacy Committee

New Member contacts: Bob Korch to contact Yolanda Limon, John to contact Joan Hernandez, Maggie to contact Henry Cunningham, John Austin, Robert Steadman and W. Kent McConnell, Nancy to contact Ronald Trafton, Burton Thompson, Richard Vergara, Ray Fischer, Thomas Smith and Nina Fishman.

Establish Nominating committee: Board voted to appoint Ruth Ann and Ty as the Board representatives, and Joe Flynn agreed to represent the General Members. Maggie noted that the revitalization committee felt the whole board should be involved. It was agreed that the committee is free to involve any or all board members in the process. Positions to be filled are President, Vice President Programs, Vice President Advocacy, and two members of the Board of Directors (John Tsiknas and Burnie Gipson). Further it was agreed that any board member running for office could participate in the process for the other positions. This committee, according to the Bylaws, appoints its own chair.

Establish Award Recognition Committee - Members appointed were Bob Korch, Patti Karnes and Joe Flynn.

Audit Committee Report - Maggie distributed copies of the 10 page audit report, pointed out key items and it was agreed to discuss this at our next meeting after members have had a chance to digest the information.

Appointment of Active Employee Association Representative: Nancy stated that she was appointing Helen Phillips to the position of Active Employee Association Representative. Helen has had years of experience on the MEA board and so is particularly qualified for this assignment.

Pay Alternatives to checks - Lynn explained the issue and reported that she has been researching alternatives and will be prepared to present a recommendation at the next meeting.

Jean Hughes presented details on the Holiday Party, including choices of entrees. A motion (Bob Korch/Ty Rogers) was approved regarding the cost to attendees of $24.00.

INFORMATION - DISCUSSION ITEMS

The Revitalization Committee will meet on the 18^th at the Mission Valley Library. Among items to be discussed are suggestions members have made in the questionnaire regarding the newsletter. Jean Struiksma will be there, and others are invited.Regarding Proposed Legislation called the Social Security Fairness Act, it would affect people who have retired from government jobs by eliminating the offset. Nancy and a representative of Retired Fire and Police met with Dianne Feinstein’s office. She is sponsoring this bill. Advocacy Committee will look at this. Jean Hughes volunteered to look at this legislation at the downtown library.Volunteer Opportunities publication was referred to the Revitalization Committee. (M/S Nancy/Alyse)Dave Hall referred to the article on government sector pensions in the July 11, 2009 issue of the Economist magazine. He suggested that everyone review the upcoming Scoop magazine put out by SDCERS for issues that will be addressed by SDCERS.Helping Hands reached out to member Pat Nila, and she was very grateful for the information that Janet Burgess gave to her.

Lynn mentioned the importance of recycling water bottles and cans at this event.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Patti announced the next meeting: former City Employee Retirement System board member Bill Sheffler will be speaking on the concept of bankruptcy and the impact it would or would not have on the retirement fund benefits. Dave Hall said that it would not be good to worry retirees.

The Ad Hoc Committee on Treasurer/Membership Functions will be meeting: members are Sylvia, John, Joe, Maggie and Nancy.

Respectfully submitted,

Ruth Ann Hageman, Secretary