LOCAL 56

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

March 23, 2009

NORTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL

5:00 P.M.

Meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by President Monica Shockency.  Roll call of officers:  Char Beyel, Ivy Dumas, Pam Durand, Ginny Hansen, Monica Shockency, Pat Taylor, and Business Agent, Tom Burke.   Absent:  Vicki Hamilton (no call), Sylvia Lattin (no call). 

President’s Report:

1.       Monica and Tom have met with the superintendent and Dan Loewensen.  Not productive.

2.       March 11^th was Day on the Hill.  Lois Parker and Monica attended.  Both had conversations   with their prospective legislators.  The Council’s goal was to have 1,000 people in the rotunda and Monica estimated there was at least 12-1400. 

3.       Monica attended the Council 5 Board meeting last week.  Lobbyists and Al Franken spoke with those present.  Monica went over various pass-outs that covered Fair Taxes, talking points regarding raising revenue fairly, property tax increases, etc.  Members are encouraged to call their Legislators and let them know how the deficit is affecting them.  AFSCME will be having a media blitz with quick spots regarding budget.  Locals are donating to help defray the costs.

MOTION:  Wendy Peterson made a motion to donate $500 to Council 5 to help with the media blitz; Ivy Dumas seconded.  Discussion held.  Motion passed with 3 abstentions. 

Secretary’s Report:

                Motion to approve the minutes as presented was made by Wendy Peterson and seconded by Lois Parker.  Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report:

Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report as presented was made by Ivy Dumas and seconded by Fay Gallus.  Motion passed. 

New Business:

                Nominations:

Chair, Judy Vickberg , opened nominations for Executive Board Officers.  All positions were uncontested. 

                                New Executive Board Officers are:

                                                President                            Mary Prill

                                                Vice President                  Ivy Dumas

                                                Secretary                             Pam Durand

                                                Treasurer                            Char Beyel

Members @ Large(5)     Ginny Hansen, Monica Shockency, Pat Taylor,

Fay Gallus, and Wendy Peterson.

Trustee:                               Lois Parker

Contract:

Monica explained the tentative agreement for the new contract.  Discussion was held.  The Negotiating Committee accomplished what our survey suggested our members wanted:  to keep single paid health coverage.  We will still have our single paid health coverage even though our contract expires in  June .  75% of our members are red-lined.  Step increases for rest were received in July.  A one year contract puts us back in the group with everyone else. 

Voting will take place on Wednesday, March 25^th at two locations.  7-9 a.m. at 807 in room 105 and 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Anishinabe in the cafeteria. 

End-of-the-Year Party:

Monica Shockency, Char Beyel and Mary Prill will volunteer to chair the end-of-the-year party.  A “Bowling Buffet” will be held @ Park Tavern in St. Louis Park.  Date and time TBD.  Should be 2-2 ½ hours duration.  About  $26/person. 

MOTION:  Wendy Peterson made a motion for the union to pick up the tab for the night.   Sheree Zaccardi made a friendly amendment that the union  pay for members and guests pay for themselves.   Motion  with the friendly amendment seconded by Ivy Dumas.  Motion passed. 

Motion to adjourn made by Carol Tromiczak @ 6:05 p.m. and seconded by Wendy Peterson.  Motion passed, meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Pam Durand, Secretary