Treasurer’s Report: Rick Werner gave the report. He stated there are approximately 1,439 union members. He discussed the financial report and noted that the Frost Bank accounts will be consolidated to bring fees down. Several lines are over budget including the legal line. Some expenses from on-going litigation should be recouped. A loan was requested from the Texas State Association of Firefighters (TSAFF) and it was approved. Local 624 submitted an application for IAFF Emergency Disputes Fund (EDF) grant. IAFF attorneys and the EDF Committee will review the application. E. Buddy Mass, Vice President for the IAFF 11th District was contacted and will assist in this effort. The finance committee will continue to meet in order to develop a new budget for June 1, 2004 thru May 31, 2005.
 
Trustee’s Report: Robert Vargas reported on the Trustee Quarterly Report covering the period from December 1, 2003 thru February 29, 2004. The audit will be held until a second trustee signature is attained. An audit of the Political Action Committee (PAC) was also conducted. He noted Trustees would no longer do the PAC audit. PAC will draw up their own by-laws and will be responsible for their own audit. There is currently a vacant position for Trustee '05. The Executive Board will appoint a member to fill this position. Interested union members should submit their names for consideration. The vacancy will be announced in the Grapevine.

MOTION. To accept the Quarterly Audit pending the second signature. PASSED.

Benefit Planners: The Dental/Optical Trust Board selected BPI to administer the plan. All participants will be notified of changes and ID cards will be distributed.

IAFF Convention: The convention will be held in Boston, Massachusetts in August 2004. Seven delegates are allotted to attend.
 
TSAFF Leadership Seminar: Approximately 300 people throughout the State of Texas attended the TSAFF Leadership Seminar held in Waco, Texas on April 6, 7 and 8, 2004. Members of the Executive Board and the Grievance Committee represented Local 624.

Pension Committee Report: Pension Board Trustee Don Wagoner reported. He stated that the pension fund was up by 10% for the year and was at 83% funding. The Board’s Legislative Committee received input from participants regarding proposed legislative changes. Some of the suggestions were such as back-drop computations for people with more than 34 years of service, probation time purchase and coverage, change in cost of living adjustment period from 12 years to 10 years, increase from 27 year to 28 year for widows, inclusion of certain SAPD incentives in total salary such as FTO pay, K-9 pay, bomb squad pay, SWAT team pay, hostage team pay, increase retirement annuity to estate to 5 years, change post retirement spousal annuity, lower maximum service pension to 32 years from 34 years, raise 20 year pension to 50% from 45%, and address language issues. He indicated most of the suggestions had a cost factor that would be calculated by the actuary. He noted that the economic downturn of recent years may make it fiscally imprudent to support or implement suggestions that are costly. If any member has any questions please contact Brother Wagoner at 210.534.3262.
 
Public Relations Committee Report: Louis Jimenez reported. Upcoming events include:

By-Laws Committee Report: No report.
 
Negotiations Committee Report:  President Christopher Steele reported the city wants to re-open the contract to deal with the equalization of contributions to the pre-funded retiree health care fund. The Negotiations Committee met on April 9, 2004. Committee members are Roger Lopez, Rick Werner, Frank Rodriguez, Dennis Parks, Michael Collins, Doug Hatton, Andrew Estrada, Michael Glynn, Joel Garza, Earl Crayton, Jim Campbell, Jim Reidy, James Wagner, Walter Yates, Bruce Moore and Jerry Cortez. Jim Reidy was chosen as chairman and Joel Garza as secretary. Jim Reidy reported that a sub-committee was formed to deal with pre-fund issues. The general consensus of the committee is to protect what is currently in the contract and to vigorously fight for what our union members deserve. The lead negotiator and the negotiating team have not been chosen.
 
Legislative Committee Report: President Christopher Steele reported there is not a current legislative committee and he would continue to work toward presenting a committee for confirmation.
 
MOTION. To recommend that President Steele reinstate old committee until new committee is confirmed. PASSED.
 
President Steele stated he would consider the recommendation.
 
Grievance Committee Report: Carlos Cordell Grievance Committee Chair and member John Lowery reported.

Human Relations Committee Report: New members have been added to this Committee. They are Bertha Soto-Lopez, Brooke Hildreth, and Greg Garza. Byron Williams, Nate Bateson and Chairman James “Mouse” Hill remain on the Committee. Brother Hill addressed the members present and welcomed the new committee members. He stated that training has been started. He also stated two members will assist Brother Byron Williams in an effort to resolve a current issue.
 
Fund Raising Committee Report: Upcoming events:

Brother Rick Garcia addressed the members present and recommended that Local 624 support the 18-month calendar featuring female firefighters union members. Proceeds will go toward the Texas Burn Survivors (TBSS) and the IAFF Burn Camp.

Safety & Health Committee Report: Jim Reidy gave a report. The Committee has gotten larger. New members have joined and they are addressing many issues such as: additions to the commissary; new radios; new helmet tag policy; station maintenance; vehicle safety; SCBA; NFPA 1851; reissue of bunker boots; and staffing problems. Other issues are washers/dryers that should have been phased in at stations, and bunker gear bag. It is important that firefighters document exposures throughout their careers. Brother Reidy also stated he would step down as chairman of the committee to devote his time toward negotiation chairman.
 
Athletic Committee Report: President Christopher Steele stated the basketball tournament went well. The 40-hour personnel took 1st place, 7-0 took 2nd place, and 4-0 took 3rd place.
 
Entertainment: Anthony De La O reported. The Firefighter Appreciation Party was a big success with approximately 750 plates served. He thanked everyone who volunteered his or her time and effort. He also thanked all sponsors for making this event one of the most successful. He also reminded everyone of the softball game between firefighters and the Dallas Cowboys on May 29, 2004. This is a Xentel fundraising event.

Web Site Committee Report: Roger Lopez gave a report. He encouraged everyone to get a new e-mail address through the new “Hive” e-mail system on our Web site. Currently only 150 members have signed up. Rick Ozuna was introduced as the new chairman of the Web Site Committee.
 
Firefighters Auxiliary Report: No report.
 
EMS Committee Report: Bruce Moore reported. Some issues that discussed were such as: fit testing for HEPA mask and goggles; over stocking of supplies on units; air splints on short supply; LIFE Pak 12 for all units currently only 10; and older AED units not being replaced.

Funeral for Houston Firefighter: Roger Lopez reported. Nine members from Local 624 attended the funeral in Houston including the Honor guard. Members present wanted to know why President Steele didn’t attend the funeral. He explained he had prior commitments but made sure others attended in his place.

Contribution for Michael Hinojosa: President Steele reported that Councilman Ron Segovia contacted Local 624 and asked for a contribution that would go toward funeral expenses for Michael Hinojosa. Michael was a victim of a tragedy and his family has no money for burial expenses. A vehicle in front of Brackenridge High School struck Michael.
 
MOTION: to contribute $500 from Xentel for Michael Hinojosa. PASSED.