Local 203
New York State Department of Public Service

PEF General Membership Meeting
March 22, 2005 - Delmar

Meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.m. Doug advised Membership that Sandy sent her deepest regrets for being unable to say good-bye in person as she had to leave work early today due to illness.

Martin Insogna made a motion that we all clap for the good work Sandy did for us.

Doug read the minutes of our last general Meeting which were accepted as submitted.

Doug advised that the new Stewards are: John Cobb, Bob Laurenzo, Patrice O'Connor and Tom Rienzo. All terms end October 2005. Doug will meet with the new Stewards in the very near future to elect Officers and fill Committee vacancies.

Scholarships: Winners are: Tyler Zink (son of Kevin) and Ryan and Thomas Coleman (sons of John).

Treasurer's Report: Current balance = $3,885.83.

Doug proposed that current rebate system of 1 $15 rebate per member per calendar year be changed to 2 $10 rebates per member per calendar year. Delmar vote = 1 opposed, 4 abstentions and 15 in favor. Motion will be carried to Albany on 3/24.

Ron Vero explained that Elections for new stewards were necessary or our Division would have gone into receivership if left with only 1 steward (Doug) since Sandy is retiring this week. Ron advised that Executive Board meets quarterly and all members are welcome to attend. Ron will investigate further to determine if members can receive EOL to attend these meetings if they are not E-Board members. Ron discussed the fact that other agencies have more pressing issues, such as Prisons/Safety/Health Care than PSC. Ron also commended Roger Benson for the fine job he's done as President of PEF and that he has given advance notice that he will not seek reelection for an unprecedented third term. Ron encouraged members to participate in rallies and letter-writing campaigns.

Erin O'Dell Keller inquired about the location of the next General Meeting in Delmar since we are losing access to the Annex. Doug advised that the VideoConference Room will be tested as a meeting site and that food and beverages are allowed and plan to be continued in Delmar.

Bruce Bentley wondered if Ron knew of any Retirement Incentive being offered and Ron advised that there is not any at this time.

Rose Hamm expressed concern about future construction and was advised that it is a matter for the Health and Safety Committee.

Fran Hart expressed dissatisfaction with the process to address Reasonable Accommodations as it was 1 year for her to obtain an ergonomic keyboard and she is still waiting for an ergonomic chair. Dianne Cooper advised that the current policy is to obtain a form from Janice Nissen, have it signed by your immediate supervisor, submit it for approval by the Committee, send the approved request to Bob Calhoun and, if allowed to purchase the article bids must be submitted for costs. It was agreed that it appears to be a burdensome process which needs further exploration for possible streamlining.

Meeting was adjourned at 1:55pm.