Debbie Langman, Chapter 14 Chair, opened the February 24^th meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ken Abbas, Vice Chapter 14 Chair, read the Chapter Minutes from the March 2009 meeting.  A motion was made by Lisa Simrell and seconded by Trish Gorlesky to approve.

Walter Youshock, Chapter 14 Treasurer, gave a Treasurer’s Report

Beginning balance - $16,596.00

$362.00 last month expenses

Monies spent as of date - $1,134.67

Balance - $15,461.33

Reported the Fiscal Year Ends September 30, 2010

A motion was made by Mary Ann McAndrew and seconded by Sharon Mielo to approve.

There were no Committee Reports given

Steward Reports:

Nancy Honish, Luzerne CAO Steward, reported that her shop conducted a food collection to give back to the food pantries and also did breakouts in the summer.

Trish Gorlesky, UCSC Steward reported that her shop is forming a Training Committee which will consist of 3 employees and 3 members of management; they also conducted a food drive and a drive to benefit the Humane Society.

Trish also noted that Kevin Murphy, State Rep, was scheduled to visit their shop to speak with the members and to see how the unemployment process operates.

Debbie discussed the Candidate Education Forum, which will be conducted on Wednesday, March 31 at the Clarion Hotel in Scranton.  The event is the same type of event that was held last year; which was a round table discussion with local Representatives regarding budget concerns and cuts and the effects on our members and their clients in their work place.

Debbie went on to discuss the importance of the attendance to this event as well as the RSVP issue to all the Union events.  It’s vital that members respond within the time indicated on the flyers sent to stewards for meetings for budget purposes.  Flyers were available at the meeting for the stewards to post in their shops for the CEF event; with a response date no later  than Noon on Monday, March 22^nd.  A follow up flyer and phone call will be made to the stewards regarding this event.  On
 future notices; the administrative staff’s e-mail address will be added for people to e-mail group reservations into the Union Office.

Debbie went on the state that we need to keep costs in line; she wants everyone involved and wants shops to conduct shop meetings; last year we went over budget due to Legislative Night, Steward Training and Shop Meetings.

Michelle Williard then addressed the membership asking for Interview & Endorsement Committee Volunteers.  Anyone interested was to speak with Michelle.

Open Discussion followed on several issues; Jack Judge, SCI Dallas expressed his concerns for Correction facilities and asked about money given to the Governor from the Union. 

He also expressed concern regarding the overcrowding in prisons and that Lackawanna County is housing inmates and being paid $2,600.00 a day from the State.  He also noted concerns of being under staffed and not having up to date computers and equipment available to them to do their jobs.  Jack questioned the PETBF surplus.

Debbie interjected and noted that the Governor lied to the Union and that the State is losing jobs.  She noted that these were all great questions/issues to be discussed at the Candidate Education Forum.

Another great issue for CEF Night is the concerns the CAO’s have regarding extra work and no overtime available to them.

Debbie noted that if these representatives see us in force it makes a great impression – “We Vote – We put them in – We’ll take them out”.

Table Leaders will be needed for the CEF event, so when you are calling in to make your reservation; if you are interested in being a table leader; please let us know.  Table Leaders will lead the discussions with the Representatives at their tables regarding their concerns at their workplaces.

Concerns from Lackawanna County Aging regarding Meals on Wheels Program were also brought up and discussed. 

Ken Abbas noted Property Tax Relief for homeowners; that you need to apply for it and paperwork needs to be filed through the Assessors Office.  Also noted was the Rent Rebate available.

Ann Buckley from the UCSC asked if there was any window for early retirement – Ken Abbas noted; not to date.

Debbie discussed Lobby Day, which is scheduled for June 15^th and flyers will be sent out for that event.  She stressed the importance of attending this event; it’s a great opportunity to meet with the reps – face to face – and also to see our Capitol.  The Union sets up the appointments with the Legislatures; vans are provided along with lunch.  Besides County and Call Center members; the attendance to this event, which is held every year, is minimal.  The Union would love to see a bigger attendance.

Luzerne CAO members expressed their concerns in their workplace.  Michelle Williard was to address their issues.

The membership was urged to stick together as a Union; there is power in numbers; try to get people in your shops involved in these events.

There being no further business; a motion was made by Lisa Simrell and seconded by Sharon Mielo to adjourn.