November 5, 2008

Called to Order: 1903

In Attendance:
Barnes Roman Oates Teigeler Hutchinson
Ruster Skutt Leiby Frazee Boomer
Proebstle Morrissey Hatfield Maier Hester, K.
Nordlund Hutter Patterson Sarata Roberts

Treasurer’s Report:
Secretary/Treasurer Barnes reported funds of $7,928.20. Spent items on donations and pop. Informed Union body of upcoming audit that includes 3 newest members per Union Bylaws. Ruster made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report. Teigeler second the motion. Motion passed

Safety Committee:
Secretary/Treasurer Barnes reported that the speak easy mics are looking to be installed in the engines. Shift 2 working on a system to mount them. Chief Hilbert purchased 19 of them.

Boomer talked to Chief Hilbert regarding the lack of visibility of T415 as a blocking vehicle. Boomer noted that there is not enough on the back side of T415. Chief Hilbert having vehicles marked with new DOT/NFPA standard markings on many vehicles. T415 will be done.

Old Business:
President Roman advised Union members that there is a Union meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, 2008 in regards to the collective bargaining agreement.

Secretary/Treasurer Barnes discussed bylaw changes. All are completed and for the Union body to have the changed effective prior to the election of officers and new contract that we should schedule a special meeting for next month to vote on the proposed changes. Changes will be posted on the Union website and a copy will be posted on the Union board at each station.

Teigeler wants a bylaw for the purchase of flowers for funerals. Wants something in there to spell out who receives flowers and who doesn’t but would allow the President and another executive board member to purchase flowers for special situations. Much discussion ensued. Teigeler to draft a bylaw change to be voted on at the meeting in December.

New Business:
Andrew Roman has been hired and will start an abbreviated new hire academy on Monday, November 10, 2008. Let’s all welcome Andrew.

President Roman presented health insurance changes to be effective January 1, 2009. Delta Township has switched insurance carriers to Blue Cross Community 1. MERS rates were going to go up 15-25%. There was much discussion over changes. If Union members have a question they can contact Linda Wells.

Vice President Covert attended MERS conference. Was not at meeting and will present items learned at conference.

Open Discussion:
Lt. Hester, K. asked about O’Brien’s status if it is in the Union or not. President Roman spoke on behalf on O’Brien and her position.

President Roman stated that the Union has filed with MERC a unit clarification of the position of Fire Inspector within Delta Township. There was discussion of what MERC is and the process that will take place. Capt. Oates made a motion to petition MERC for the job’s below the rank of Chief. Motions seconded by Hatfield. Discussion ensued. 18yes, 1 no, 1 abs. Motion passed. President Roman to act upon this vote. Secretary/Treasurer Barnes stated that the bylaws should reflect the members that could be included in the Union. Secretary/Treasurer Barnes to make changes to bylaws to be voted upon.

Capt. Hutchinson stated that the Employee Appreciation Party is in December and thought it would be a good gesture to by 2 kegs of beer for the party since the party will be a cash bar. There was much discussion on the matter. Capt. Oates stated that it is a bad idea. Eng. Maier stated horrible. Proebstle wants to know who is responsible if something were to happen to someone if we were to purchase the beer. Teigeler stated that it was a bad idea. Eng. Skutt stated good idea. Capt. Hutchinson made a motion on the floor for the Union to purchase 2 kegs of beer (at $200/each) for the Employee Appreciation Party. Motion seconded. 1 yes, 19 no. Motion failed.

Lt. Hester, K. wants to know why the manpower study for the Fire Department has not been discussed with the Union members. President Roman responded by stating that he will not discuss the manpower study at this time. There is some sensitive information and some information that needs to be looked into. Vice President Covert looking over study to understand the whole thing. Capt. Oates stated that the elected officials are there for a reason and some things need to be kept secret while in contract negotiations. Reminded Union body that the elected officials are the ones that we elected and trust with what is going on and what is in the best interest of the Union body. We need to rely on those who have been elected.

Capt. Oates stated that Eng. Martin at a MERS discussion group. Eng. Martin invited to this.

Proebstle wants to know if Union will write a letter to Chief Hilbert regarding the acting engineer position. Proebstle would like it if those that tested for Engineer, but did not get the position, be the acting engineer instead of the senior firefighter. There was discussion on this matter. Capt. Oates talked to Chief Hilbert regarding this matter.

Meeting adjourned at: 2037

Next Meeting at: December 3, 2008 1900 hours at Station 1.