Attention Council 15 Retirees:

AFSCME RETIREE CHAPTER 15

MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS, DATES AND LOCATIONS

Details:
Contact: John Burke johnnyvikingburke@sbcglobal.net

Please click on the link below to Contact Us:

http://www.ctcop.org/index.cfm?zone=/unionactive/form_page.cfm&formID=3748

Connecticut Retired Police Officers Association

Monthly Meeting

June 22, 2011

Location:  Waterbury ELKS Lodge

Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm by President John Burke.

Executive Board Present: 

            President John Burke (Local 530), Secretary Tom Carozza (Local 1237), Tom DePaoli (Local 442), Marianne Petrillo (Local 530), Bill Tinker (Local 530), George Kurtyka (Local 1376)

Excused:  Charlie Lemons

Trustees Present: 

            Hilda Kilpatrick (Local 530)

Minutes of May Meeting:

            Minutes distributed to Board members.

                        Motion made by George Kurtyka to accept minutes as presented.

                        Motion seconded by Domingo Irizarry.

                        Vote all in favor.

Treasurers report:

            Treasures Report was distributed for review.

Motion made by Domingo Irizarry to accept report. 

Motion seconded by Bill Tinker.

Vote all in favor.

President Report:

Torrington Major Medical Issue:

Attorney Artz (AFSCME Washington) is working to engage a Connecticut or New York attorney to prosecute the case.  Attorney James Ferguson was interviewed by John Burke with Tom Carozza and Tom DePaoli present.  A recommendation was made to Attorney Artz that we employ Attorney Ferguson.  Attorneys will be in contact to discuss details of the case and compensation.  The Attorney Artz letter to the City of Torrington was distributed to those present.

International Retiree Meeting:

            President Burke attended the AFSCME retiree meeting in DC and reported on the meeting.

Council 15 Convention:

            President Burke attended the Council 15 convention in Atlantic City on June 12^th – 15^th.  An overview of the Convention was presented to those present.

Retirees lists from locals:

            President Burke is still corresponding with Council 15 locals in an attempt to secure lists of current retirees for organizing purposes.

            The Chapter 15 Trustees met during May to examine the treasury.

Automatic Dues Deductions:

            The Bridgeport local was unable to convince the City to allow for automatic payroll/pension dues deductions.

Old Business

MERF/MERS:

was discussed related to the Social Security offset provisions.  Issue was brought up by George Kurtyka.  This entire Social Security offset issue is going to require research and legal counsel going forward.  Prospects of resolving issue not promising given the makeup of Congress and the conservative controlled House of Representatives, which is moving away from providing benefits.

AFSCME Retirement cards:

Some cards are not getting to the retirees due to a backlog in reconciling member lists.  John Burke and Tom Carozza will set aside time to review the three lists (AFSCME, Council 15, and Chapter 15) in an effort to correct any errors in the rosters.

Social Security:

A flyer from AFSCME was distributed which encouraged AFSCME retirees to contact their Congressmen to support Social Security and prevent any negative changes.

New Business:

The recent session of the General Assembly and the passage of ‘lateral transfer’ legislation as proposed by Council 15 was discussed.

The failure to pass legislation that would give additional protection to uniformed security guards in medical facilities was discussed.

The pending SEBAC coalition concession vote was and the possible affect on cities, towns and retirees was discussed.

A discussion was held on the ‘busway’ project from New Britain to Hartford.

Good and Welfare: 

There will be a retirement party at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven on Tuesday June 28^th for long serving New Haven Local 530 President Lou Cavalier.  Tickets are available.

Election of a Three Year Trustee:

Nominations were opened for the position of trustee (3 year term).  Tony Griego was nominated from the floor.  Requests for further candidates resulted in no further nominations and Tony Griego was elected by affirmation.

NOTICE OF NEXT MEETING:

Notice was given that the July and August Chapter 15 meetings would be suspended due to summer schedules.

The next meeting of the Chapter 15 Retirees will be held on September 21^st at 7:00 PM at the Torrington ELKS Lodge.

Meeting adjourned:    7:45 PM

Submitted by:  Thomas R Carozza Sr., Secretary

Connecticut Retired Police Officers Association, AFSCME Chapter 15 Monthly Membership Meeting January 18, 2012

Meeting called to order at 7:05 pm by President Burke.

A moment of silence was observed on the passing of New Haven Detective, Andrew Faggio and on the speedy recovery for Secretary Tom Carozza.

Executive Board present: President John Burke, Vice- President Bill Tinker, Treasure Charles Lemons. E-Board Members; Tom DePaoli, Marianne Petrillo and George Kurtyka. Excused, Secretary Tom Carozza.

Secretary’s report: Minutes of December’s meeting were distributed to the members present and after reviewing, a motion was made by Charles Lemons to accept the minutes, seconded by Tom DePaoli. Vote all in favor

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Report was presented by Charles Lemons, a motion to accept was made by Tom DePaoli, seconded by Marianne Petrillo, vote all in favor.

A discussion took place on Det. Faggio’s name being placed on the National Law Enforcement Wall in Washington D.C.

President’s Report:  President Burke reported 2 new members joined this past month.

In regards to the Torrington case, a letter from Attorney Ferguson was received with a copy of the “Report of Parties” and an Interim Bill with an outline of the services rendered.

Discussion took place on Federal Law for Retirees carrying firearms (HR 218) arising from a question from a future member asking about the recertification process.

 President Burke and Tom Carozza continue to field question from members on an ongoing basis.

Council 15 is reporting that their one day Convention will take place on May 3^rd at the Aqua Turf and The Courage of Connecticut Awards dinner will take place sometime in November.

Old Business: There is nothing posted by AFSCME International on the canadites who will be running for office in their upcoming Election which will be taken place June 18-22 in Los Angeles.

New Business: George Kurtyka stated that there is going to be a fund raiser for a Seymour Police Detective who has brain cancer and that he will get back to us with the details so we can post on our web site.

A motion was made by Marianne Petrillo to look into placing a wreath on the Connecticut Police Memorial at the upcoming ceremony, seconded by Anthony Griego, vote all in favor.

Motion to adjourn at 7:35 was made by Bill Tinker and seconded by Marianne Petrillo vote all in favor.

Submitted by George Kurtyka (acting Secretary)

Connecticut Retired Police Officers Association

Monthly Meeting

November 16, 2011

Location:  Council 15, 700 West Johnson Ave, Suite 305, Cheshire, CT 06410

Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm by President John Burke.

Executive Board Present:  President John Burke (Local 530), Secretary Tom Carozza (Local 1237), Tom DePaoli (Local 442), Marianne Petrillo (Local 530), George Kurtyka (Local 1376), Bill Tinker (Local 530), Charlie Lemons (Local 530)

Guests:  Matthew D. True, Vice President – Investments, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Westport, CT

                Scott E. Kelly, Vice President – Investments, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Westport, CT

Motion to suspend the regular order of business to hear from guests:  Motion made and seconded.  Vote in favor.

                Those present were presented with information from Matthew True and Scott Kelly regarding planning for retirement security through programs available to workers in their pre-retirement years.  A discussion was held and questions were asked and answered by the guests in an informal format.  Contact information is available for any member that is interested in speaking with a Wells Fargo representation.  Note that Wells Fargo and the guests were recommended Chapter 15 Retirees by our Norwalk Local 1727.

Return to regular order of business at 7:15 PM

Minutes of October Meeting:

                Minutes of October meeting were distributed to those present.  Motion was made by Tom DePaoli to accept the minutes as presented and seconded by Marianne Petrillo.  Vote all in favor.

Treasurers report:

                Treasurer’s report was presented.  Motion was made to accept and seconded.  Under discussion is noted that a check in the amount of Two Thousand ($2,000.00) Dollars was received from AFSCME to offset the costs of the Torrington retiree lawsuit.  The check was issued to Retiree Chapter 15, and combined with Chapter 15 funds and a check in the amount of Four Thousand ($4,000.00) Dollars was issued to the law firm of Ferguson, Doyle, and Chester. 

Vote all in favor.

President Report:

Torrington Major Medical Issue:

                The lawsuit has been filed in Litchfield Superior Court.  Tom DePaoli asked if we could get a copy of the court filing.  George Kurtyka spoke on the report that the media has been contacting the Torrington plaintiff retirees.  Tom DePaoli has advised all concerned to refer the media to Ferguson, Doyle and Chester.  Our position and that of our attorneys is that we do not litigate in the media.

Municipal Elections

                President Burke discussed his activities working through AFSCME on the municipal elections.  Council 15 and President Burke were active in the Waterbury, New Britain, New London, Milford, and Middletown elections.  A discussion followed on the importance of being involved in supporting candidates that support our issues.

AFSCME Elections

                The elections for the positions of AFSCME International President and International Secretary-Treasurer will be held at the 2012 AFSCME Convention.  Council 15 is the largest police council in AFSCME and should have a presence at the convention to support candidates endorsed by us.

Old Business

New Business

                A discussion was held on the pros and cons of defined benefit pensions and defined contribution (401) pensions.

NOTICE OF NEXT MEETING:

The next meeting of the Chapter 15 Retirees will be held on December 21^st, 7:00 PM at the New Haven ELKS Lodge.              

Meeting adjourned:    7:40 PM                                                       Submitted by:  Thomas R Carozza Sr., Secretary

Connecticut Retired Police Officers Association

Monthly Meeting

December 21, 2011

Location:  New Haven Elks Lodge 25, State Street, New Haven, CT

Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm by President John Burke.

Executive Board Present:  President John Burke (Local 530), Secretary Tom Carozza (Local 1237), Tom DePaoli (Local 442), Marianne Petrillo (Local 530), George Kurtyka (Local 1376), Bill Tinker (Local 530), Charlie Lemons (Local 530)

Executive Board Excused:

Minutes of November Meeting:

                Minutes of November meeting were distributed to those present.  Motion was made by Charlie Lemons to accept the minutes as presented and seconded by Tom DePaoli.  Additions, deletions and/or corrections; none.  Vote all in favor.

Treasurers report:

                Treasurer’s report was presented by Charlie Lemons.  Motion was made by George Kurtyka to accept.  Seconded by Marianne Petrillo.  Vote all in favor.

Presidents Report:  President Burke welcomed new retiree member Paul Dombrowski to the meeting.

Torrington Retirees v. City of Torrington:  The lawsuit filed in Torrington Superior Court was moved to Federal District Court by the respondent, the City of Torrington.  The City has hired an outside law firm to defend the case.  February 29^th is the last day to file a motion to dismiss.  No action expected until that date passes.

Application Cards for Chapter 15:  Efforts to organize additional members for Chapter 15 are ongoing with application cards being distributed to local presidents by Chapter president John Burke.

Bridgeport Local Retirees:  Efforts to have pension/payroll deduction by the City of Bridgeport have failed and Bridgeport members must remit dues payments by personal check until such time as the City is convinced to allow deductions from pension checks.

Social Security:  Legislation to repair the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) has been introduced once again by a Republican Congresswoman from Texas.  AFSCME lobbyists continue to lobby this issue on Capitol Hill and reports and sent out enlisted AFSCME members and retirees in newsletters.

Pensions:  The Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut has been exploring the idea of establishing a Fire Fighter administered retirement fund.  Council 15 has been invited to participate with the professionals that would lead us through the process of establishing and administering the fund.  This is a work in progress with no commitments made by Council 15.

AFSCME International bi-annual elections:  International President Gerald McEntee has announced his retirement which will take place before the June 2012 AFSCME convention.  It is expected that Secretary-Treasurer Lee Saunders and International Vice-president Danny Donahue will be entering their names into nomination for International President.  President Burke recommended that Chapter 15 support and endorse Lee Saunders for President.  Lee Saunders has been a friend of Council 15 and Chapter 15 Retirees. 

Motion to endorse was made by Charlie Lemons and seconded by Tom DePaoli.  Under discussion it was suggested that we get biographies of both candidates before making an endorsement.  The original motion was withdrawn and a was made by Charlie Lemons and seconded by Tom DePaoli that the Chapter 15 Executive Board review the biographies of both candidates prior to making and endorsement. 

A friendly amendment was offered by Tom Carozza and seconded by Charlie Lemons that in the absence of a quorum of the General Membership, the Chapter 15 Executive Board will make a decision on the endorsement.  The vote on the amendment was all in favor.

A motion to table the main motion until the January meeting was made by George Kurtyka and seconded by Bill tinker.  Vote all in favor.

Secretary Carozza will research the AFSCME web site for information on the candidates and forward his findings to the Executive Board prior to the next meeting of Chapter 15.

NOTICE OF NEXT MEETINGS of the Connecticut Retired Police Officers Association

JANUARY:  Wednesday January 18^th at 7:00 PM at Council 15 offices at 700 West Johnson Ave. Cheshire.

FEBRUARY:  Wednesday February 15^th at 7:00 PM at Council 15 offices at 700 West Johnson Ave. Cheshire.

MARCH:  Wednesday March 21^st at 7:00 PM at the Bridgeport Elks Lodge, 735 Old Town Road, Bridgeport.

Meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM:  Motion to adjourn was made by Bill Tinker and seconded by Marianne Petrillo.  Vote all in favor.                                                                                                         Submitted by:  Thomas R Carozza Sr., Secretary