July 20, 2009

Called to Order: 1704

In Attendance:

HUTCHINSON COVERT PROEBSTLE FRAZEE
MARTIN ROMAN, M NORDLUND TEIGELER
CASSIE PATTERSON BARNES ROBERTS
LANE FELDPAUSCH LEIBY VAN HALL
HUTTER

Treasurer’s Report:

Secretary/Treasurer Barnes reported funds of $11,463.15. Stated that the Union received a bill from the IRS for $466.51. Barnes stated that there have been many contacts with the IRS and it is found that the IRS feels that any income made for the purposes of our Union is not for Union purposes. Barnes told that we can submit a reasonable cause letter to state our side and to let the IRS know that the money generated is related to our Union. Barnes will let Union know at next meeting of new findings.

Safety Committee:

Nothing to report at this time.

Old Business:

President Roman stated that the Union contract has been approved by the Township board. President Roman to sign the contract soon.

President Roman stated that the Health Insurance Committee is looking at different options and currently studying a HSA account and a retiree health portion. Teigeler had questions regarding this and Roman discussed the main points of the HSA account. Proebstle wanted to know if we can have the consultant for the Township at our next meeting to discuss it even more.

New Business:

Officer nominations completed and Secretary/Treasurer Barnes to send out notices to those who were nominated but not present at the meeting.

Teigeler made a motion to skip the meeting that was planned in August for elections and move it back to the regular Union meeting in September. Hutchinson seconded the motion. 15Y and 2N. Motion passed.

Secretary/Barnes stated that the last day to receive absentee ballots would be Wednesday August 22, 2009.

Martin stated that House Bill 4473 regarding cancer benefits for firefighters is soon going to be up for vote before the House.
Martin stated that our contribution into MERS will be going up to 13.84%. Annual meeting will be in September in Grand Rapids, MI.

Secretary/Barnes stated that the Union calendars have been made and ready to send Skinner Printing to be made. The cost of getting them done last time was about $200. Frazee made a motion to have the Union again purchase calendars. Patterson seconded the motion. 16Y 1N. Motion passed.

Open Discussion:

Roberts discussed the Wayne State Labor Studies program and what they had to offer. Roberts states that the Union should send people there so that we can be a more informed Union. Roberts made a motion to send Union officials to classes. Proebstle seconded the motion. 17Y 0N. Motion passed.

Martin mentioned that an ICSD officer has leukemia and is having a fundraising event to help cover the cost of medical expenses. Martin made a motion to give $500 to the fundraiser. Proebstle seconded the motion. 10Y 4N. Motion passed.

Martin wanted to know if we need to make a bylaw change to Article 15 to reflect our pop machine sales. There was much discussion on the matter ranging from if we need it in the bylaws to getting some professional tax help.

Teigeler discussed emergency fund for certain things that the Union may need. $3000 total and $1000 immediate access. Roberts stated that there needs to be a bylaw change as opposed to creating a separate account. Roberts made a motion to have some language written for emergency expenditures and the bylaw subcommittee to draw up language. Teigeler seconded the motion. 17Y 0N. Motion passed.

Patterson appreciated the money that people donated to help cover the cost of food for the Roman family.

President Roman thanked everyone for their generosity and everything that was done for his family and words cannot explain how grateful they are.

Lane wanted to know progress on Class A uniforms and honor guard. Teigeler stated that he is still gathering information and will present it to Chief Hilbert when all facts are gathered. Teigeler stated that he would have a yes/no answer by next Union meeting.

Barnes made motion to adjourn meeting. Nordlund seconded the motion. 17Y 0N. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 2040.

Next Meeting at 1900 at Station 1 on Wednesday September 2, 2009.