Waterbury VSEA Chapter Meeting Minutes – October 21, 2009
DRAFT
President Tracey Tapley was out sick. Vice President Holly Peake presided over the
meeting. Guests at the meeting were Conor Casey, VSEA Legislative Coordinator and
Kathi Partlow, VSEA Field Rep.
President’s Report:
Holly read notes left by Tracey. Tracey had attended a Chapter President’s meeting
where they discussed having chapters combine to do activities such as apple picking or
holding a BBQ as family activities. It is too late this year for these activities. NonManagement Unit ballots for election of the Unit officers and bargaining unit members
were mailed from VSEA headquarters. The return date on these was for Oct 26, 2009.
Annual Meeting Update – new VSEA President is Bob Hooper, 1st Vice President –
Shelley Martin, 2nd Vice President – Jeff Briggs, Treasurer – Lucas Herring, Clerk, Ruth
Leithead. The hot item at the annual meeting was the dues.
Secretary’s Report:
Minutes for the June chapter meeting and August Annual Chapter meeting needed to be
approved. Scott Melen made a motion to approve both sets of minutes. Vaughn Works
seconded. The motion was approved.
Treasurer’s Report:
Tim reported that we had received a Chapter rebate of $1,982.10. With that money, our
balance before today’s expenses is $2,280.22, minus today’s expenses of approximately
$204.52, $50 gift cards and Annual meeting expenses. If you attended VSEA Annual
Meeting on Sept. 12, 2009 please let Tim know soon. If you stayed overnight, give Tim a
copy of your hotel bill. If you only went for 1 day and drove, give him your mileage. Scott
Melen motioned to accept the treasurer’s report. Dave Clark seconded. The motion
passed.
Guest Speakers:
Conor Casey presented some Myth Busting facts:
RIFS – Rif notices for the next round had not arrived at VSEA headquarters at the time
of this meeting. They expected to receive 30, down from the expected 47. Total RIFS
expected are 60.
VSEA offered $7.4 million in give-back money which was rejected by the Administration.
The Administration’s RIF of 30 employees amounts to $1.5 million. The budget is still
short $400,000 for FY 2010. Expect another rescission plan in the next couple of
months. VSEA has been told the shortfall would not be made up from State Employee
cuts.
Two weeks ago, Departments were asked to give their budgets to Finance. Needed to
show at least an 8% cut in General Fund expenses. Will be more like 25%.
Private Consultants from Minnesota have been hired to look at how to cut $30-$100
million in state spending. They are unfamiliar with the State of Vermont. Diane Snelling,
Jim Reardon and Neil Lunderville are on this committee. A few years ago the school
system in MN appointed these consultants to run the schools for 2 years. The school
system reports that they are scam artists. If you see them in your office, let VSEA know.
The Administration talks about “Tiger Teams” who are supposed to talk about state
programs to be eliminated. Neil Lunderville said state employees would be on these
teams. The teams are ready to make their recommendations for program elimination but
no one has been contacted by them, yet. The only “teams” VSEA is aware of are ones
made up of Commissioners and Supervisors.
Every computer in state government has a separate license with Microsoft. Could cut $56 million/year if the state went to an open contract.
A Myth Busting Fact Sheet was handed out. Conor went over the points. He
recommends that everyone stay active getting info out about employee cuts before the
Legislative sessions start up again.
Even if Rainy Day funds are used now, the State would still be in economic trouble.
Sheila Coniff stated that we need to make the public aware that, when State Employees
are cut, the work goes to private contractors, which costs the State more than if the
Employees were doing the work. Also, there is not the quality of service that State
Employees provide. As an example, the recent death at the St Albans prison.
Retirement Study:
Conor reported that VSEA and NEA members are not represented on this commission.
At the last commission meeting, they took current retirees off the table because 60
retirees showed up at the meeting and caused a commotion. This shows that we need to
be present at these meetings and vocal. The commission is looking at a hybrid between
the Defined Benefit and the Defined Contribution pension systems. They also are
looking at raising the retirement age from 62 to 65. This would mostly affect new hires.
Bargaining Update:
Scott Melen, Vaughn Works, Tom Joslin and Kathi Partlow gave an update of where we
are with bargaining. Waiting for the Fact Finder’s report.
New and Old Business:
None presented.
Door Prizes:
Tom Joslin won for Attendance, Judith Parsons won the “bring your own dish”.
Next meeting:
The next meeting will be December 9, 2009 in the Skylight Conference Room.
Submitted by:
Vicki Conti
Chapter Secretary.