February 19-2008 Minutes

CHAPTER 6 MINUTES
Tuesday, February 19, 2008

ATTENDANCE: Tom Roth, Jon Hitchings, Susan Jordan, Pat O’Donnell, Bob Burdett, Jim Bertolini, Sue Pavick, Wendy Hartzell, Dennis Scully, and Kim Kerr.

President’s Report: There is legislation pending for a permanent COLA. There hasn’t been a COLA increase for five to six years. This is causing a lot of problems for retirees especially now that they are planning on changing their medical benefits. If you know any retirees, urge them to contact their state legislator. Retirees only have until March 21, 2008 to pick a new plan, or one will be assigned to them.

For anyone who hasn’t heard, SEIU has endorsed Barack Obama for the primary. Straw poll of SWEB members chose him, as well.

Minutes from last meeting were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Sue Jordan submitted report through end of January. Report approved by members. She also brought up that chapter elections will be held this year. All positions are available. Please keep this in mind if you want to run for a chapter office.

Old Business: It was discussed to move the meeting permanently to Hoss’s in St. Marys. All were in favor of motion. Chapter will provide meal at meetings.

New Business: It was discussed to have a summer chapter picnic this year. A pavilion was rented for this purpose at Treasure Lake, DuBois. It will be held August 9, 2008. All were in favor of trying this event again and for the chapter to pay expenses of pavilion rental and main dishes.

BA Reports:

COPE presentation given.

Jon discussed Clearfield CAO and edict that everything be removed from their cubicle walls. This is only occurring at this time in Clfd. No other office in DPW has been instructed to do so.


Tom Roth discussed an arbitration at Rockview where an individual was fired for having an inappropriate relationship with an inmate over one year after the incident occurred. He feels they will be successful in reinstating her. He has begun preliminary work on some contracts that will be expiring this December. He announced that he will be retiring in May.

Committee Reports: Pat O’Donnell attended the OVR statewide meet and discuss. He stated that they are going to be implementing a new position in the OVR offices. It will be a pay grade 6 and will not require a master’s degree. It will be an employment specialist that will do the preliminary work on cases prior to determining eligibility. They are hoping it will help in staffing these offices.

Motion to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. Next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at Hoss’s Restaurant in St. Marys.