Executive Board Meeting Minutes March 19, 2008
Present:
Steve Tufts, Ted Nonini, Jobe Leon, Steve Norris, Jon McDuffie, and Dave Pimentle
GUESTS IAFF Political Representative, Kimberly Benenson, gave a power point presentation to the Executive Board regarding the IAFF’s FIREPAC Fund. An explanation of the “check off” program was given. The Executive Board will look into expanding this program to the membership on a volunteer basis. In general, the PAC gives the IAFF a political voice at the Federal level. Defense Attorney Michael Stone of the PPL gave a brief presentation on how his firm can provide Defense Representation training to UFLAC. The course would cover the new Firefighter’s Bill of Rights. The Board will consider his proposal. PHONE POLLS Phone poll taken to contribute $2,500.00 to the 2008 LA St. Patrick’s Day Parade, per the request of Council Member Tom LaBonge. M/S/P. INVITATIONS 1. Invitation for March 22 (Saturday – B shift) to the Press Photographers Association of Greater LA Awards Dinner, being held at the Titan Student Union at Cal State Fullerton. M/S/P to contribute $1,000.00. 2. Announcement that on April 8 (Tuesday – A shift) the CA Labor Federations Pre-Primary COPE Convention is being held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel from 11:00am until 3:00pm. No fees associated. M/S/Opened to the Board. 3. Invitation for March 25 (Tuesday –C shift) to Cesar Chavez Foundation’s 8th Annual Educating the Heart Awards dinner, being held at the Marriott Downtown LA, cost of $250.00 per person. Information only. 4. Invitation of March 26 (Wednesday – A shift) to a cocktail reception to kick-off Council Member Janice Hahn’s re-election, being held at Traxx Restaurant, cost of $500.00 per person. Information only. 5. Announcement that on March 31 (Monday – B shift) the LAFD and the LA Clippers are team up to raise money for the Widows and Orphans. Information only. 6. Invitation for May 7 (Wednesday – C shift) to the Second Annual Lane Kemper Softball Tournament. Request for a $2,000.00 contribution. M/S/P. 7. Announcement that on June 2 through the 5 (Monday through Thursday – B,C,B and C shifts) the NFPA World Safety Conference and Exposition is being held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, registration cost of $650.00. Information only. REQUESTS 1. Request from David Frelinger for UFLAC’s co-sponsorship of this year’s March of Dimes walk and Bar-B-Q, scheduled for April 26th - $500.00 to $750.00. M/S/P to contribute $500.00. MISCELLANEOUS 1. Consideration of retirement gift for retired UFLAC Staff Member Claudia Crandall. Individual gift from Board members. 2. Letter from IAFF PAC notifying UFLAC of a $1,000.00 contribution to Congresswoman Laura Richardson. 3. Letter from IAFF PAC notifying UFLAC of a $1,000.00 contribution to Congresswoman Diane Watson.
Executive Board Meeting Minutes March 19, 2008 Page 2 THANK YOU 1. Thank you card from John Biggs for UFLAC providing seed money for the Pancake Breakfast held to raise funds for the families of the SWAT members. President’s Report President Tufts reviewed three arbitration cases and recommended that two be taken to arbitration. He recommended that the third be tabled until a review with UFLAC’s labor attorney can be completed. A motion was made to take the first two cases to arbitration and table the third. M/S/P President Tufts made a station visit to Fire Station 14. President Tufts attended an Arbitration Hearing. President Tufts met with Councilman Parks to discuss Fire Department Operations and budget needs. President Tufts met with representatives from Verizon wireless to discuss a discount program for our members. President Tufts met with ITA and the COA to discuss a new radio program for the Department. President Tufts met with the PPL to discuss the DROP program. Both sides of the table are getting close to an agreement. President Tufts attended the IAFF Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. While there he met with the IAFF General President. President Tufts met with the members and officers of OCD to discuss issues. President Tufts attended a Public Safety Committee Meeting to discuss charging for false “alarm bells ringing” calls. It looks like the council will approve. President Tufts attended a Labor/Management Meeting to discuss the upcoming budget. President Tufts met with Councilman Wesson to discuss Fire Department Operations and needs. President tufts reported on grievance and disciplines he is handling. 1st VP Report 1st VP McDuffie reported on grievances and discipline he is handling. 1st VP McDuffie met with Congresswoman Richardson. 1st VP McDuffie reported on COPE endorsements. 1st VP McDuffie reported on his ongoing talks with the Union Institute. This school will provide a Bachelors Degree in Public Administration to our membership at a discounted rate. Many of the units for the degree come from job experience. 2nd VP Report 2nd VP Norris reported on grievances and discipline he is handling. 2nd VP Norris attended a Pension Meeting. 2nd VP Norris attended a Memorial Service. 2nd VP Norris reported on member representations he handled. 2nd VP Norris attended the IAFF Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. 2nd VP Norris attended a fund raising pancake breakfast. 2nd VP Norris participated in the City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and was honored as the “Irish Firefighter of the Year”. Secretaries Report Secretary Pimentle reported on grievances and discipline he is handling. Secretary Pimentle reported on a Benefits Trustee Meeting he attended.
Executive Board Meeting Minutes March 19, 2008 Page 3 Secretary Pimentle gave an update on the FLSA Lawsuit. Letters from the attorney giving an update and the expected recovery amount for each plaintiff was sent out this week. The City Council will need to approve the amount and is expected to do so. Secretary Pimentle gave an update on the 1% Paramedic Educational Bonus Retro checks. He expressed his concern and disappointment with how long this is taking. The Department appears to have been dragging its feet for over a year now. UFLAC will contact the Controllers Office and consider taking legal action. Secretary Pimentle reported on Workers Compensation issues he is handling. There was a slight increase in the amount of complaints last month. Secretary Pimentle reported that an EMS Workgroup sub committee has been formed to address the needs of an EMS Battalion Captain job description. Talks with management are ongoing. Secretary Pimentle attended the IAFF Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. Treasurer’s Report A motion was made to pay the normal and customary bills.
M/S/P
Treasurer Nonini reported on grievances and discipline he is handling. Treasurer Nonini attended meet and confer meetings regarding the DROP program. He reported that progress is being made. Treasurer Nonini attended meetings to discuss retro checks. Some progress has been made, but the process is very slow. Treasurer Nonini reported on discipline interview representations he attended. Treasurer Nonini attended a fund raising pancake breakfast. Treasurer Nonini made a motion to purchase a table for a Board members retirement dinner. The request was made by a UFLAC staff member. The motion was moved and seconded. After a lengthy discussion, the vote was taken. It failed due to insufficient votes to carry the motion. Directors Report Director Leon reported on grievances and discipline he is handling. Director Leon reported on a discipline interview representation he attended. Director Lima was unable to attend the Board Meeting due to personal reasons. He submitted his report in writing. Director Lima reported on grievances and discipline he is handling. Director Lima reported on discipline interview representations he attended. Director Lima attended a fund raising pancake breakfast for one of our members and his family. It was well attended, Director Lima attended the Fire Commission Meeting. Director Lima attended the IAFF Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. Director Lima reported on an ongoing issue with an OCD transfer policy. Director Lima raised concerns over a member who has had multiple deployments in Iraq. He has pay and benefit issues that need to be addressed. Director Lima spoke on behalf of a member who is having a problem with his dental benefits. The issue was given to the UFLAC Benefits Trustee’s. Respectfully Submitted, Dave Pimentle, Secretary
