Glen Aultman Fundraiser Report: President Steele presented a $700
check from Local 624 to Glen and Dina Aultman to help offset out-of-pocket medical costs as per a motion passed at the December 2003
union
meeting. Tracy Jones reported on the fundraising effort and was
recognized as the impetus for the effort. She noted that the Family
Assistance Committee was instrumental in organizing and coordinating the
effort. She thanked all the people who assisted and contributed toward
the effort. She reported that $6,280 was raised and that donations are
still being accepted. Union members at the meeting passed the hat and
$583 was donated and given to the Aultman family by President Steele.
The Aultman family sincerely thanked everyone for their kindness and
generosity.
Quarterly Trustee Report: This was given by Robert Vargas and covered
the period between September 1, 2003 to November 30, 2003.
MOTION: To accept the executive board recommendation accepting the
Trustee Report. PASSED
Treasurer’s Report: Rick Werner noted the legal line was over
budget but that money should be recouped from ongoing litigation. Two
executive board recommendations were discussed concerning funds and
motions were passed.
MOTION: To move $5,700 from fundraising for seed money for the Firefighter Appreciation Party on April 2, 2004. PASSED
MOTION: To move $3,500 from fundraising to cover expenses for 700
key chains that were purchased. PASSED
These key chains are currently being sold at the union hall for $6
and can be
monogrammed for $2 more. The profit from the sale will be distributed
to the Junior
Firefighter Program and the Firefighter Memorial.
EBA Update: President Steele gave the members an update and noted
that W. Ray Rothwell, Chief Operating Officer (COO) addressed the
Executive Board. It was reported the primary problems with EBA stemmed
from the PPO not processing 16,000 claims. The claims are supposed to go
to the PPO first, then to EBA for processing. The PPO was National Health
Alliance but has been changed to Texas True Choice (TTC). Mr. Rothwell
stated he will:
| 1) |
Contact vendors such as Clinical Pathology Associates and Quest
Diagnostic regarding outstanding claims. |
| 2) |
Send new ID cards to all employees. |
| 3) |
Provide a letter to the credit bureaus in an effort to remove any bad
credit as a result of the turn around time on medical claims. |
Mr. Rothwell handed out his card at the executive board meeting and
invited people to phone him with any problems. His information is as
follows:
Employee Benefit Administrators Inc. (EBA)
355 Spencer Lane, Suite 101
San Antonio, Texas 78201
Office: 210.738.1444
Cell: 210.274.3540
Fax: 210.738.9929
E-Mail: rayr@eba-inc.com
|
Committee Reports: President Steele noted that a synopsis
pertaining to all committees will be advertised and any interested
member can request membership. He also noted committees are to put their
reports in writing for distribution at work locations.
Public Relations Report: Louis Jimenez reported the firefighter
Christmas gift program was a success and he thanked everyone involved.
He discussed upcoming events and requested participation for both
events:
| 1) |
Martin Luther King
March on January 19, 2004 |
| 2)
|
January 30, 2004, Junior Firefighter movie at the banquet hall from
7:00 p.m. midnight |
Legislative Report: T.T. Moreno reported on the upcoming
elections for federal, state and local positions. He requested an
endorsement for certain people running.
MOTION: To accept the recommendation for endorsement given by the
legislative committee. PASSED
Fund Raising Report: Rick Garcia discussed items sold to raise
funds such as T-shirts caps, etc. Ron Rodriguez explained the Xentel
fundraising effort. Xentel provides 2 events per year. It was reported
that Local 624 has been associated with Xentel for approximately 8 years
through the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters (TSAFF). Xentel is a
for-profit fundraising company that keeps a certain percentage of the
proceeds the rest is distributed to the TSAFF and 20 other locals
throughout the state. Local 624 has historically received
approximately $40,000 per year from Xentel events.
Human Relations Report: Byron Williams reported that members of the committee
will be attending a seminar on January 25, 2004 and that James “Mouse” Hill
is running for a position on the IAFF Human Relations committee.
Fire Fighters Auxiliary: Bertha Lopez reported the 50th
anniversary of the auxiliary will be celebrated at the banquet hall on
Sunday, January 18, 2004 at 2:00 p.m.
Web Site Committee: Webmaster Beverly Medlin was allowed to
address the members concerning the Web site. She discussed selling advertising (banner and tiles) on the
Web site and the fee schedule. New
software program for e-mail is being considered in an effort to make it
more user-friendly.
Grievance Committee: Richard Ozuna discussed current grievances
and litigation. It was noted that some litigation costs will be recouped
and this will offset the over budget legal line.
Family Assistance Committee: Rick Burrell reported that he is
working on a booklet regarding line of duty death benefits from the
federal, state and local governments. Targeted completion date is March
1st. He explained there is also a hardship committee to assist union
members.
President Steele noted Local 624’s financial book was available for any
member’s perusal.
There are currently two vacancies in the steward position, 2-O and
support. Any member currently assigned to 2-O or a support position can
volunteer for these positions. A representative for the respective
steward position will be chosen by the executive board tentatively
scheduled at the February meeting. All interested personnel should
contact the Union Hall or any union official. This vacancy will be
announced in the Grapevine.
MOTION: To adjourn. PASSED |
