The meeting was called to order by President Michael Daly with the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes from the April meeting were read accepted and seconded. Marie requested that any member giving her receipts for payment should make sure they include their first and last names so that the right person receives the reimbursement. She then gave us an update on the monies that we now have in savings, checking and CD's. Rose made a motion to have the financial treasurer and the financial secretary meet three or six months a year to check all the balances so that there will not be any problems at the end of the year.
Will was asked to speak about how he felt when employees in the district were so very kind to him during a very difficult time. He said he was a new case worker in the district when he came down with hepatitis and also was involved in a car accident. Unfortunately it happened before he had enough time accrued to receive paid sick leave. To his astonishment someone from the union stopped by and gave him a check for $500.00. He stated that this act of kindness changed his life and he has been trying to give back by giving to anyone in Middle Country who needs financial help since that incident. Kathy Granada made a motion to make an addendum stating that $250.00 or less be the amount available for donations and it was approved and seconded. Scholarships would remain the same.
Michael announced that we need a microphone system so that we can hear every point that is being made. He advised that we should bring this up at a later date for discussion. .
The luncheon has been set for June 14th at Figaros in the Walmart Shopping Center. Josephine stated that the responses are coming in very slowly as we have only 30+ at this time. However, this is par for the course as many seem to send in their responses at the last minute.
stated that he feels it is time for someone to replace him in the role of President. Josephine agreed to take over as President temporarily but she would like some time to think it over. She would also like to see if anyone else would like to take the job. If Josephine does accept the position it would leave the Vice-President's job open. Also, Michael announced that Gladys is retiring from the job as Secretary so we need someone to replace her. Joan mentioned that we will also need someone to manage the luncheons. If Josephine takes the Presidency, the Vice President’s job will be open which means that we will need a Vice-President and a Secretary. Joan announced that she will continue to do the newsletter, membership and data base. Michael commented that he will make these announcements at the June luncheon,A discussion as to whether we should donate to the Middle Country Educational Foundation as we have done in the past took place. Joan commented that we had stopped donating because there were some questions regarding the makeup of their Board that might present problems, and so it was decided not to donate at that time. However, Kathy made a motion to once again make donations to the Middle Country Educational Foundation and it was made, accepted and approved.
Kathy also mentioned that a NYSUT representative could come to one of our meetings and inform us what could happen should pension benefits that we are now receiving begin to be threatened. Barbara also conmmented that we could be in a great deal of trouble if we don't prepare for it now as this is not the only area that could be affected because presently some of Middle Country District employees are already paying 13% of their medical coverage.
A discussion regarding raising the dues from $15.00 to $18.00 took place. Joan felt that there wasn’t any reason to raise dues because we have enough to cover our yearly expenses, donations and scholarships. She also felt that raising the dues might result in not getting the same number of people to join our organization. However, it was suggested that some members may not even come to the meetings if we didn't serve lunch. Joan commented that the meetings are primarily informative and we can serve cake and cofee at the meetings instead of lunch in order to keep the dues at the $15.00 rate. It was suggested that we need a parliamentarian. Judy Larson volunteered to take the job. A vote was called for and the ayes approved Judy for the job.
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting and was seconded.
Respectfully yours,
Gladys Gregnoli-Meier
