1001 Minutes

MAPE Regular Meeting Minutes – MDE Local 1001

April 15, 2008
Region 10

MDE, Roseville – Conference Center Room 13

Stan Karcz, President of Local 1001, called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m.

Roll call of officers by Stan Karcz:

Judi Holloway – Treasurer
Stan Karcz - President
Mike Landers – Region 10 Director, Local 1001 Chief Steward
Lochlan Stuart – Recording Secretary

Also in attendance – Tom Dougherty, MAPE business agent

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

George Holt made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 2007, January 2008, February 2008, and March 2008 MDE Local 1001 meetings as previously published and mailed to members. The motion was seconded. Lochlan Stuart made a motion that the March 2008 minutes be corrected to reflect that Colleen Leemon won $25.00 in the drawing, not $20.00 as stated in the March 2008 minutes. The motion was seconded. No discussion followed. A vote was taken. The minutes from the December 2007, January 2008, February 2008, and March 2008 (minutes as corrected) MDE Local 1001 meetings were approved.

MEET AND CONFER MEETING
Mike Landers provided an overview of the Meet and Confer meeting that took place at MDE on April 8, 2008. In attendance for the State were: Chas Anderson-Deputy Commissioner, Al Louismet-Administrative Services, Tammy McGlone-Administrative Services. Attending for MAPE: Dawn Cameron-Research and Assessment, Tom Dougherty-MAPE Business Agent, Stan Karcz-Compliance and Assistance, Mike Landers-Program Finance, Penny Murphy-Food and Nutrition, Deanne Tolzmann-Food and Nutrition. The Meet and Confer minutes were e-mailed to all members and are posted on the MAPE website. Many of the topics discussed at the Meet and Confer were recently reported in MDE Today. Topics discussed at the Meet and Confer and reported at the meeting by Mike Landers were: budget reduction/layoffs; in-state travel rules (including reimbursement for breakfasts and telephone expenses, and use of state travel cards); 24-hour building access; and exercise room equipment. The next Meet and Confer meeting at MDE will be held in June 2008.

CHIEF STEWARD’S REPORT
Mike Landers reported there are no grievances; however, there are two ongoing investigations. The Advanced Steward Training class that was to be held in April was canceled. The first annual Leadership and Steward Workshop and Seminar will be held April 18 and 19, 2008 at the Sheraton in Bloomington. Basic Steward Training will be held June 10, 2008 at the MAPE office in Shoreview. Intermediate Steward Training will be held June 25, 2008 at MAPE’s Shoreview office. This training will include the study of investigatory information. The next Advanced Steward Training class (Labor Foundations) is scheduled for October 16-18, 2008 at MAPE’s office.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT
In Ken Kalamaha’s absence, Mike Landers reported that as of March 18, 2008, our Local 1001 had 68.37% membership.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Judi Holloway reported there was $15,490 in our local treasury as of March 31, 2008.

PROPOSED LOCAL 1001 BUDGET
Judi Holloway provided handouts of a proposed budget to attendees. She provided detailed information about each proposed item, and she provided an opportunity for attendees to ask questions. A vote on the proposed budget will be taken at the May 2008 meeting.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS' REPORT
Mike Landers reported:

Starting today nominations are open until May 15, 2008 for the following: Regional Director; Negotiations Team Representatives; Delegates for the Delegate Assembly, to be held Friday and Saturday, September 19 and 20, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza, St. Paul-Riverfront (we are allowed 4 Delegates: Stan Karcz as President, and three more); and Alternates for the Delegate Assembly. Steve Etheridge and Mary Weigel comprise our Local Elections Committee. Please call either Steve or Mary to nominate members for the above positions: Steve Etheridge (582-8771, cube J-25) or Mary Weigel (582-8770, cube I-14).
A proposed bill, HF 2893, would have allowed school districts to voluntarily participate in the SEGIP insurance program. Most likely the sick people would opt in which would increase the premiums. This bill did not pass.
HF 3095 and SF 2736 are related to work force planning. Seventy percent of us are paid below our HAY points. This legislation would bring our positions up to the correct level on the compensation grid. This change would result in continued compensation growth in the future. It would also make it easier to recruit replacements for the retiring work force.
Our contract is on the way to the governor for his signature.

OLD BUSINESS
Stan Karcz asked if there is any old business. None reported.

NEW BUSINESS
Stan Karcz asked if there is any new business. Tom Dougherty reported that we will have a new Business Agent, Kelly Ahern, who plans to be at our May meeting. Stan gave each attendee a handout: “Untold Stories Labor History Series - 10th Anniversary,” an award-winning series celebrating labor history, presented by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, and co-sponsored by the Minnesota Historical Society and MAPE. The handout provides details about exhibits and other events that will be held from April 15 through May 18, 2008. All events are free to participants.

Stan Karcz thanked the food crew.

DOOR PRIZE

Judi Holloway conducted the drawing for the door prize and Bondo Ayembwe won $25.00.

ADJOURNMENT

Stan Karcz adjourned the meeting at 12:32 PM.

Lochlan Stuart
Recording Secretary