October 1, 2013, Minutes

Moraine Valley Community College Annuitants Association

General Membership Meeting

Tuesday, October 1, 2013, Fogelson Theater

Members Present:  J. Anderson, R. Balke, B. Ballock, D. Bardach, P. Bauhs, N. Bentley, P. Bobich, D. Brann, W. Christensen, M. Corn, J. Corradetti, M. D’Aversa, D. DeGrado, E. Devine, J. Fett, T. Fuellin, S. Garstka, O. Good, R. Green, D. Grund, J. Guagliardo, T. Gundrum, B. Henry, N. Hessler, H. Hoper, D. Johnson, P. Koch, J. Koscielniak, M. Krajacic, S. Lebre, J. Lehmann, M. Lehner, A. Lindquist, J. Malitzke, J. Mawhinney, R. May, K. McGinnis, J. Monroe, D. Morwitz, J. Porter, C. Razor, B. Rys, L. Saret, M. Schnur, K. Schneegas, S. Schranz, R. Seaney, M. Sinclair, S. Sobol, K. Stewart, J. Sullivan, B. Troyer, D. Tweeten, J. Tyler, A. Voelker, P. Walstrom, B. Witherspoon

Guests:  Marsha Borders, UIC Chapter, 1stVice President; SUAA Executive Committee Member; Bonnie Henry, President, SUAA, Executive Committee.

Welcome and Introductions:
President Patricia Bauhs called the meeting to order at 1:05 PM.  She welcomed all guests and announced that members from other chapters would be joining the meeting later in preparation for Linda Brookhart’s presentation at 2:00 PM.

Approval of Minutes:
Charlotte Razor, Secretary, briefly reviewed minutes from the General Membership Meeting held on August 15, 2013.  The minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report:
Steve Lebre reported a balance of over $7,000.  He stated that costs of approximately $1400 for the April Regional Meeting have not yet been billed.  The Treasurer’s Report was accepted.

President’s Report:
President Pat Bauhs and West Christensen met with various legislators.  Pat attended a SUAA meeting in Springfield to lobby for pension reform and insurance issues.  She reported that SUAA has established a legal fund in anticipation that legislation with adverse effects for retirees might be passed.  In which case, SUAA may take legal action against the state.  Members were invited to attend the SUAA Annual Fall Meeting to be held October 29, 2013, in Bloomington, IL.  MVCC will pay registration and travel expenses.

The previously discussed Holiday Social Event was changed to Spring, 2014.  This change prevents conflict with MVCC holiday activities and would be held during more favorable weather conditions.

The MVAA Newsletter has been sent out.  Another issue is due in Winter/Spring, 2014.  People are needed to submit and help write articles on members’ current activities.  Please contact any officer to volunteer.

Legislative Report:
West Christensen commented on the current legislative issues:

Legislators are hesitant to take a stand that might cause loss of votes in the 2014 election.

  • Court case can be expected on the constitutional basis of current proposals.
  • Members are encouraged to contact their legislators to express their views.  Handouts listing contact information for local representatives and senators were distributed.
  • Members were referred to the SUAA Legislative Platform and recent Tribune article handouts as guides to help understand the pension system issues.
  • Sample letters will be placed on the MVAA website to provide a format for contacting legislators.

Library/MV ID Update:
Maria D’Aversa reported that Dr. Jenkins supports the request that retirees be able to access the MVCC Library resources.  Currently the new system cannot provide a photo ID to identify a retiree.  IT is working on a solution to the problem.  There is no time frame for implementation.  The consensus is to try to develop a permanent ID for retirees, rather than requiring renewal every semester.

Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 1:50 PM.  Linda Brookhart, SUAA Executive Director, will begin her presentation on legislative matters and health care reform at 2:00 PM.

Charlotte Razor, Secretary