LOCAL 56

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

OCTOBER 27, 2008

5:00 P.M.

Meeting was called to order at 5:02 p.m. by President Monica Shockency.  Roll call of officers:  Char Beyel, Ivy Dumas, Pam Durand, Vicki Hamilton, Monica Shockency, and Business Agent, Tom Burke.  Absent:  Ginny Hansen (no call), Sylvia Lattin (no call), Pat Taylor (no call). 

President’s Report: 

1.        Tom and Monica met with Dr. Green.  Discussion included the referendum, negotiations and that most MPS school offices are short handed.

2.        Sick Leave Pool sign up expires on Friday; Flex Spending signup expires on Nov. 7^th, and Open Enrollment for medical and dental expires on Dec. 7^th.

3.        Long term care insurance info coming in U.S. Mail.

4.        There are still a few positions out there.

5.        Monica is not running for another term.

6.        Emergency Card input for schools was discussed.  Should ask for help.

Vice President’s Report:   

None.  Position has not been filled.

Secretary’s Report: 

Motion to approve the minutes as presented was made by Vicki Hamilton and seconded by Char Beyel.  Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report:

                Motion to approve the report as presented was made by Wendy Peterson and seconded by Ivy Dumas.  Motion passed.  The room rate for the International Convention included tax so attendees will be asked to return extra monies.  Pam Durand asked if that had been done.  Attendees waiting for amount from Char Beyel. 

Business Agent’s Report: 

1.        The Council is pushing for everyone to vote on Tuesday.  Looking for volunteer help for phone banks at the Council office. 

2.        We passed the dues amendment in May.  Supposed to go into effect on September 1.  Tom and Monica have had a meeting with Peggy Ingvison and Payroll to try to get it in place and implemented on January 1, 2009.  52 week employees will pay all year.  45 week employees will pay only the weeks they work. 

3.        Tom introduced Paul Rohlfing, Campaign Manager for “Vote Yes”, who came to speak with us regarding the referendum.  He stated that: tax increase for residents should be about $17/month.  People want to invest in their neighborhoods.  65-70% supportive.  4,000 lawn signs have been given out.  Response around the community is great.  Info a www.strongschoolstrongcity.org.

4.        Tom introduced Elliot Seide, Director of Council 5, came to speak with us regarding the election.   This election is important -- need to vote.  Obama has a 100% union voting record.  He discussed health care and the Iraq war.  Information on the US Senate race candidates was given.  He said he is not telling us who to vote for -- they are recommendations.  Need volunteers to help with phone banks, drop leaflets and talk to neighbors.  You can go to the Council’s website for a complete list of endorsements.

5.        Tom said negotiations are boiling down to money.  The negotiation team will be meeting tomorrow afternoon and then not until Nov. 21^st.  Committee will be meeting before the Nov. 21^st meeting.   There are some language issues.  District is clearly trying to tie pay raises to our single paid health care coverage.  A one year contract has been discussed in the committee.  There is an offer of 1% COLA but it is tied to the single paid health care coverage. 

Motion to adjourn was made by Ivy at 6:01p.m. and seconded by Vicki Hamilton.  Motion passed and meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Pam Durand