Local 2001 Meeting Minutes January 2012

MAPE Local 2001 January Meeting
Tuesday, January 3, 2012 12:00 pm-1:00 pm

The Local 2001 MAPE meeting was held simultaneously in Rochester, Winona, Red Wing and Albert Lea via an ITV connection. There were 10 members in Winona, 12 members in Rochester, 0 members in Red Wing, 1 member in Albert Lea.

Kathy Richardson, President, called the meeting to order at 12:09 pm.December Minutes were not brought forward for approval.  Addition to the December minutes:  Motion was brought forward from Jay Smith to donate up to but not exceed $125.00 for flowers or memorial for MAPE member, Steve Ronkowski, whose dad who passed away.  It was seconded and then discussion was held.  The motion was amended and seconded to proceed with $125.00 to go to a memorial first if one was set up, if not, flowers would be sent for the funeral.  Motion was passed.

Doug Johnson – Treasurer’s report, the current ending balance as of November 30, 2011 was $18,520.58.

Eric Porcher, Region 20 Director,
    -    The BOD meeting was not held in December
    -    A lot will happen in the next 10 months with elections, negotiations, and legislature session
    -    How much are MAPE members willing to do?
    -    How are you willing to get involved; electronic messages, rallies, meet and confer at state and local levels?

Kay Pedretti -Chief Steward Report – Rich Ransom, Business Agent, was present and reported on the following:
    -    Wages, retirement, and other benefits in jeopardy for contract renewal  
    -    “Right to Work” change that is proposed is the same at “At Will” employment  
    -    The Republicans are attacking the benefits for making cuts
    -    Governor has the fiduciary responsibility to balance the budget  
    -    Members were urged to carry the message to other members not attending the meeting  
    -    Members were encouraged to sign up for Team MAPE so they will get notice for rallies, Town Hall meetings, and knocking on doors

Jay Smith-Membership Report& Negotiations update
    -    Veterans preference was shut down
    -    Take back our floating holiday – negotiable item for maintaining

Time ran out for the full report from Jay so he will be put on top on the agenda for the next meeting

I was motioned and seconded to adjourn at 12:58 pm.  Meeting adjourned by motion and passed.
Respectfully submitted, Kathy Richardson