NORTHEAST KANSAS RETIREES CHAPTER MINUTES FOR 2006
December 11, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dean Kelley at 10:98AM. Present were Dean Kelley, Jan Sides (AARP), David Lowery, Ron Gardner, Ernie Claudel, Tom Burgess, Denny Burgess, Linda Hubbard, Bill Layes, James Hopkins, Gary Oyler, Dennis Phillips, Ed Redmon, Nancy Dunn, Carl Hill, Ed Hayes, Don Rice, Sharon McDorman, Richard Long, Richard Drury, Jacqueline Preyer and Donna Freel.
MINUTES: The minutes were not read. Gary moved, Ed seconded to approve. Motion carried.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Jacqueline read the treasurer's report. Beginning balance: $910.63; No deposits; Expenditures: $278.20; Ending Balance: $632.43. Ernie made a motion, Jim Hopkins seconded to pay $220.00 to fix the web site and $64.07 to Dean for postage and copying. Motion carried. Sharon moved, Jim seconded to approve the treasurer's report. Motion carried. Dean reported he received a check for $100.00 from the judges.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
LEGISLATIVE: Ron reported on the meeting with the Governor's office. About 15 of us attended. Ernie reported on the joint Committee meeting regarding contacting all the districts with the report. Arrangements to deliver have been made with 131 of the 165 people. He will work with Carl Hill on contacts for the rest of the 165.
OLD BUSINESS: Dean & Sharon have agreed to stay in their positions until the legislative session is over, but we need to get the nominating committee busy. He did ask Jacqueline to think about remaining as treasurer thru the session. No one volunteered to chair the nominating committee.
NEW BUSINESS: We reviewed the Legislative & Planning Committee Agenda. Dean reported 98% of the legislators are in KPERS. Ernie suggested when talking to a legislator who is in KPERS, ask them what their buying power will be in 30 years. We decided to have our own rally. Dean will contact Keith Haxton & try to coordinate a BIG rally with all the groups. We should attend committee meetings when it concerns retirees/KPERS. Carl said we should rally by pushing a specific bill or bills.
Gary moved, Linda seconded to adjourn. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 10:43AM
Sharon R. McDorman
Secretary
November 13,2006
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dean Kelley at 10:06 AM.
MINUTES: Sharon being absent from meeting, Dean read the October 9, 2006 minutes. Mary B moved and Betty M seconded to approve. Motion carried.
TREASURER REPORT: Jacqueline reported a balance of $570.22; Dean gave checks to Jacqueline in the amount of $270.00 from the Fire fighters, School personnel and individual as donations to the Coalition. Ed R moved and Mary B seconded to approve the treasurer report. Total $840.22.
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS: Ernie Claudel reported on a distribution plan for the Coalition report. A list of the members of the Legislature was handed out and discussion ensued. The group reviewed the Carl Hill "Executive Summary" for the Coalition Report. A round of Applause was given to Carl for his good work. Motion to approve passed.
The group reviewed a power point presentation being developed by Bill Layes, and approved communication committee member Dean Kelley to work with Bill on the project.
The group reviewed the press release prepared by Carl Hill and approved its release with minor modification.
A bill for $270.20 was presented by the KAPE association for printing the Coalition Report, Moved by Ed R and seconded by Mary B to pay the bill. Motion carried. It was determined that the News Release should be send on the press wire service and the Broadcasting service at cost of $75 each or a total of $150.00. Betty M moved and Linda H seconded to approve the $150.00. Motion carried.
The chairperson Dean Kelley brought up the need for a nomination committee for next years officers of the KAPE Chapter. Hearing nothing, he made the group an offer. He said, "With their permission, he would continue as chairperson through the Legislative session". Provided a nomination committee was set up and was working on finding a replacement for the chairperson. No motion was taken.
Preparation was made for the Joint Committee hearing and the Governor Office meeting. It was determined the coalition would remain quiet during the Joint Committee and be there in support of retired Judge Sam Bruner. It was determined that Chairperson Dean Kelley would be the speaker at the Governor meeting and he would provide notes to all participants on their role and what speaking they would do.
Motion to adjourn was moved and seconded. Meeting adjourned at 11:15 AM.
For Secretary - Dean Kelley Chairperson of the Chapter and Coalition.
OCTOBER 9, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dean Kelley at 10:15AM. Present were Dean Kelley, David Lowery, Sam Bruner, Ernie Claudel, Ron Gardner, Linda Hubbard, Nancy Dunn, Ed Redmon, Don Rice, Bill Layes, Sam Little, Ed Hayes, James Hopkins, Gary Oyler, Sharon McDorman, Jacqueline Preyer, Nancy Parrish & Brian Thimpson. Guest Carl Hill.
MINUTES: Sharon read the May 8th minutes. Ernie moved, Jacqueline seconded to approved. Motion carried. Sharon read the September 9th minutes. Sharon moved, Gary seconded to approve. Motion carried.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Jacqueline reported a beginning balance of $289.98; $10.24 deposit; Ending balance of $300.22. Sharon asked if the group wanted her to return the $50 check written for the KSPEAC golf tournament which was not held. Ernie moved, Jim seconded to return the check to the treasurer. Motion carried. Sharon moved, Jim seconded to approve the treasurer's report. Motion carried. Dean then reported on monies received from various groups: $50 from Olathe school district retirees, $50 from KS School Personnel retirees, $50 from the City of Topeka, $20 from Sharon McDorman, and $50 to be sent from the Police & Fire and $100 to be sent from the Firefighters Local #83.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: None
OLD BUSINESS: We discussed the fact if a lump sum distribution is rolled over into a qualified account and then monthly payments are made, Kansas will tax that amount even though Kansas taxes have already been paid. Ron moved, Ed seconded to table this discussion for later. Motion carried.
Ron moved, Ed seconded to adjourn. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:25AM.
Sharon R. McDorman
Secretary
September 9, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dean Kelley at 10:36 AM. Present were Dean Kelley, Ted Roberts, Mary Beems, Harry Brockish, James Hopkins, Gary Oyler, Ed Redmon, Sharon McDorman, Don Rice, Betty Morgan, San Little, Ernie Claudel, Brian Thompson, Ed Hayes, Linda Hubbard, Nancy Dunn, Keith Springer, Donna Freel, Virgil Funk, and Jacqueline Preyer. Guest was Carl Hill.
MINUTES: None
TREASURER'S REPORT: None
We discussed the results of the Coalition Report done by the legislative committee. Volunteers for the Governor's sub-committee are: Ed Hayes, Donna Freel, Betty Morgan, Ed Redmon, Jim Hopkins, Ernie Claudel, Gary Oyler, Ken Gorman, Mary Beems, and Dean Kelley. (However, subsequent correspondence from Dean indicates those persons are: Ron Gardner, Sharon McDorman, Ed Redmon, Betty Morgan, Ken Groman, Mary Beems, Dean Kelley, Donna Freel, Ernie Claudel, Ed Hayes, Duane Anstine, & Bill Layes) Our website address is www.ksretirees.org. We discussed our different lobbying groups so they will all be on the same page when presenting our request to the legislature. The report should be delivered to all current sitting legislators and the Governor before the election. Brian Thompson suggested we give copies to the leadership of the House and Senate for distribution. Also, to spread out for more contacts all over the state to talk to their local legislators. Also, discussed was the cost of printing and distribution to the press. We reviewed the press release letter. Dean again requested the nominating committee to come u with a person to become chairperson of this group. The publicity group should also include Linda Hubbard and Nancy Dunn. Sharon moved (and I think Ed Redmon) seconded to hold the reading of the May minutes and treasurer's report for the next meeting. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:45 AM.
Sharon R. McDorman
Secretary
May 8, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dean Kelley at 10:16 AM. Present were Dean Kelley, Richard Long, Gary Oyler, Ed Redmon, Don rice, Brian Thompson, Jacqueline Preyer, Ed Hayes, Ron Gardner, Dennis Phillips, Richard Drury, & Sharon McDorman.
MINUTES: Sharon read the April minutes. Gary moved, Don seconded to approve. Motion Carried.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Jacqueline reported a beginning balance of $228.80; Deposits of $80.00; Expenditures of $50.00 to KSPEAC; Interest payment of $.20; Ending Balance: $259.00. Sharon moved, Gary seconded to approve the treasurer's report. Motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
LEGISLATIVE: Dean reported on the committee meeting just held. There will be a meeting on June 12th for the legislative committee, but mot the full chapter. At that meeting we will invite KNEA, Firefighters, etc. to work on the agenda for meetings for the summer and to expand on the communications plan. Also, meetings will be held for the legislative committee at 9:30 AM on July 10th & August 12th.
Brian reported on the activities of the legislature.
OLD BUSINESS: We decided to have someone review the by-laws and tabled discussions until a later time. Dean needs a copy of the ones the secretary has made notes on. Jacqueline has the membership cards ready to distribute after Dean signs them.
NEW BUSINESS: The legislature okayed a raise in retirement benefits for about 30 teachers who retired before 1971. Dean & Ron reported on the April rally at the Capitol. About 80 people showed up. Dean has not met with Melvin Neufeld yet, but plans to do so soon. He did meet with a retired teachers group and explained what our group is doing. He also went to the Department of Transportation and the St. Highway groups to get acquainted. We decided to have the next meeting on September 18th. We approved our letter to the Governor with Dean's signature.
Ron moved, Don seconded the adjourn.
Meeting adjourned at 11:10 AM.
Sharon R. McDorman
Secretary
April 10, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dean Kelley at 10:12 AM. Present were Dean Kelley, Brian Thompson, Sharon McDorman, Don Rice, Mary Beems, Ron Gardner, Richard Drury, Ed Redmon and Jacqueline Preyer. Guest was Carl Hill.
MINUTES: Mary read the minutes for Sharon. Need to correct Ernie's last name from Caldwell to Claudel. Sharon moved, Ron seconded to approve the minutes as amended. Motion carried.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Jacqueline reported a beginning balance of $293.22; Deposit of $10.00 & $.58 interest; Expenditures of $25 to Dean and $50 to Jacqueline for reimbursement of expenses; Ending Balance: $228.80. Sharon moved, Don seconded to approve the treasurer's report. Motion carried. Dean reminded us our dues need to be paid and to see Jacqueline after the meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
LEGISLATIVE: Carl reported on the coalition rally to held at the state capitol, 2nd floor rotunda, on April 26th from 9:15-9:45AM. It is important we go to our legislator's office and ask them for support on HB3020. Brian reported there is trouble with the Jessica's Law Bill because the building of private prisons was added on to it. KAPE is working on getting a cola for retirees, similar to the way active employees got theirs this year.
OLD BUSINESS: Dean reviewed some of the current bills. He reported on the gathering at the capitol on March 21st: there was quite a turn out. We reviewed the communications plan. Mary moved, Jacqueline seconded to approve the plan. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS: Dean again asked for someone to chair this chapter. Again, no name wa brought forth. Dean will stay till the end of the year. Dean asked for anybody who could, to volunteer at the KAPE office. They need persons to answer the phone, help make phone calls and do mailings. We again reviewed HB3020, a gambling bill that would generate monies for schools and retirees. In May, there will be a rally in Denver put on by AFT. Colorado is looking at changing the retirement system from defined benefit to defined contributions. Anyone interested should sign up now. AFT is paying the bill. Ron reported hearing the president of the senate mention (at the rally) Kansas would be looking at a combination of defined benefit/defined contribution retirement system as a solution to KPERS problems. Dean also reported he plans to meet with Melvin Neufel, chairman of House Appropriations and talk to him about potential legislation for next year. He will report on this meeting next month. And, he has a speaking engagement tomorrow with Kay Ellis' group from the Dept of Education. He will present what we have been doing in the chapter over the last few months. Ron moved to donate $50 to KSPEAC to help with paying for advertisement for the April 26 rally. Don seconded. Motion carried. We discussed future meetings. Right now we have May 8th, no June meeting, July 10, no August meeting scheduled. We decided to have a meeting in May for the legislative committee (upstairs) and the by-laws (downstairs) unless something comes up, then Dean will contact us for full meeting. Sharon reminded everyone to review the by-laws. We will not meet in June or July (keeping in contact by e-mail if necessary) and because it is an election year, plan onan August meeting.
Don moved, Ron seconded to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 11:09AM
Sharon R. McDorman
Secretary
March 13, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dean Kelley at 10:10 AM. Presnet were Dean Kelley, Brian Thompson, Sharon McDorman, Don Rice, Mary Beems., Ed Redmon, Keith Springer, Bryce Miller, Ernie Caldwell(Claudel), Richard Drury, James Hopkins, Gary Oyler, and Bernie Devoy.
MINUTES: Keith moved, Don seconded to approve the February minutes. Sharon asked who volunteered to write a letter to the legislators introducing our group. It was Bryce Miller. Sharon moved, Keith seconded to approve the minutes as amended. Motion carried.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Jacqueline is not here, no report. Sharon asked about the separation of the secretary/treasurer. Dean said it would remain separate until we can redo the by-laws this summer. Dues are due, but we will wait until the treasurer is present.
COMMITTEE REPORT:
LEGISLATIVE: Brian reported the active employees received a cola and KAPE is now working on getting something for retirees. We discussed some of the bills for retirees including HB2996. To get a copy of bills go to KPERS.ORG
OLD BUSINESS: Dean reminded us to the gathering at the state house, March 21st @11:30 AM, Tuesday, 2nd floor rotunda. The communications plan draft was passed out and we reviewed it. It was suggested we get younger workers involved in retiree' issues. A lot of them have retired relatives. dean again requested a person to be chairperson of this chapter. None were received. Dean said he will serve thru the rest of the year.
NEW BUSINESS: The legislative committee will meet April 6th at 9:30 at the KAPE office. The regular meeting will be April 10th at 10:00. Bryce reported on the May 12th SN County Mental Health meeting. Information can be found on the Sn Co website. KAPE is sponsoring this meeting. Sharon reminded everyone of the KSPEAC golf tournament, requesting sponsorship of holes, participation and donations for door prizes. Also, Mary has tickets available for the rifle/quilt raffle.
Meeting adjourned at 10:55 AM
Sharon R. McDorman
Secretary
February 13, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dean Kelley at 10:05 AM. Present were Dean Kelley, Brian Thompson, Sharon McDorman, Don Rice, Ron Gardner, Bryce Miller, Keith Springer, Richard Drury, & Ed Redmon.
MINUTES: Sharon moved, Keith seconded to approve the December and January minutes. Motion Carried.
TREASURER'S REPORT: No report, treasurer not present. Dean passed out her report. Ending balance: $228.22.
COMMITTEE REPORT: None
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: Dean requested the by-laws discussions be moved to old business. Keith moved to table & move the by-laws discussion to old business. Don seconded. Motion carried. Brian reported KAPE has testified before the House Appropriations, the Senate Ways & Means, & met privately with the Speaker of the House, House Appropriations chair & Senate Ways & Means chair. The House has created a subcommittee to deal with pay & benefits. KAPE will be testifying Wednesday at 7:30 AM in the Capitol. (Later found out it is in room 514S) Dean reminded us dues are due, but the treasurer is not here. He asked for any nominations for the chapter chairperson. None were received. Dean had handed out KPERS bills activity and we discussed them. (See summary) "by request" meant Rep. Sharp was asked to present the bill by a constituent. Brian asked for the April 17h meeting to be changed to April 10th. Dean agreed. The legislative committee for this chapter should meet a few days before (perhaps on the 6th at 9:30 AM at the KAPE office). Dean appeared before the Johnson County retired teachers group to present historical information that we have been discussing here over time. He realized as he talked to them we have a good start on communications. He proposed using e-mail, then for persons to volunteer to telephone at least 2 persons who don't have e-mail. We agreed it would be a good system. Bryce suggested we get persons in districts of representatives/senator on key committees to contact these representatives or senators when we are addressing legislation. Sharon suggested a back-up caller in case the original can't call. Dean said for us to think on this and we will start putting a plan together. Sharon asked about the by-laws. Dean suggested we work on those after the current session. She also reported the Capital Area Chapter will have their legislative breakfast at Coyote Canyon on Saturday the 18th at 8:00 AM. All local area legislators have been invited. Dean suggested a letter to legislators to introduce our chapter. __________volunteered to draw up a letter. Bryce moved, Keith seconded to adjourn.
Meeting adjourned at 11: something AM (Sorry, forgot to not the time)
Sharon R. McDorman
Secretary