CHSSA Executive Committee
Minutes
November 4, 2009
Greene Turtle
Minutes
November 4, 2009
Greene Turtle
Membership Update
Jean Read reported that she has finished training/learning how to get all of the membership records on the computer and will have membership rosters available soon for all board members. Ed recommended that we need to do a "cleanup" of member records to insure accuracy. Jim Coverdale advised that within his building several custodians who are active members do not show up on the list. Charlie Shaffer offered to get an updated list of members and non-members and will submit copies to the board. Ed asked Charlie for clarification on when coverage starts for members. Charlie explained the date they sign their membership form is the day they begin coverage.
Jean Read reported that she has finished training/learning how to get all of the membership records on the computer and will have membership rosters available soon for all board members. Ed recommended that we need to do a "cleanup" of member records to insure accuracy. Jim Coverdale advised that within his building several custodians who are active members do not show up on the list. Charlie Shaffer offered to get an updated list of members and non-members and will submit copies to the board. Ed asked Charlie for clarification on when coverage starts for members. Charlie explained the date they sign their membership form is the day they begin coverage.
New Business
Community Relations
Ed reported that Dr. Stone has made a request to meet with the Executive Committee to ask for our assistance with improving Community Relations. All agreed Ed should invite Dr. Stone to open next month's meeting, December 2nd at 4pm at the Greene Turtle. Dr. Stone has asked for approximately 20 minutes of our time.
ESP Updates
This year's dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18th from 5:30 - 8:30 pm at the Irish Eyes in Lewes. Ed reminded everyone that they need to submit a total number of expected members and guests to Joan via email or snail mail by Monday, November 16th. Please contact Joan at (jwilliamson@cape.k12.de.us or Joan at HOB Elementary). Jim Coverdale explained that due to the fact that the dinner is mid-week, on a Wednesday, a lot of his staff cannot attend, and wanted to know why it is not held on a weekend. Ed explained that traditionally it has been held on the National holiday honoring Educational Support Professionals and that has always been on the third Wednesday of November. It was decided that a survey will be made available to members the night of the dinner asking for feedback on location and time. Lisa volunteered to take care of this. All voted a sheet cake for dessert would be a great way to finish our dinner. Lisa will order the cake. Joan will advise Lisa on Monday how many are expected to attend. Ed will look into getting "take out" for those members who would like to participate but are unable to stay. It was also discovered that some buildings did not have flyers sent to them publicizing the dinner, so Joan will send out another informational email to all building representatives asking them to make sure all members know of the dinner.
Computer Access
Ed advised that a member had made us aware that their building did not have computer access for all employees to get onto the internet. Ed followed up with Oliver Gumbs and since the time of the complaint computer access has been made available within this building. Joan recommended that this be an item for negotiations so that it is a fixed item within our contract, especially since the Governor/State has gone to paperless transmission of paystubs and online benefit enrollment. Peggy advised that the item was added.
Salary Verifications
Mary Beth hopes to make a step sheet explaining how to verify employee salaries. She is waiting to hear from the District Office confirming the formula that she has drawn up. When completed all support staff will be able to figure their salaries. Mary Beth will also have this table posted to our web page.
Mary Beth further confirmed that within our contract there is a memo of understanding regarding the creation of an information pay sheet to which the Cape School Board agreed to in the last round of bargaining. Charlie was asked to follow up with the District Office as to why this has not been carried out.
Old Business
Negotiations
Peggy advised that as of tonight there are eleven members on the negotiations team. Charlie advised that the first part of the negotiations training has been scheduled for Saturday, December 5th, in Dover at the DSEA Office, from 9am to 3pm. The second and third sessions will be held in Sussex County; Jan 8th and 9th, and then Jan 22nd and 23rd. Peggy will make sure all members of the negotiations team are aware of availability of this training. Joan will also make sure that all building reps are informed.
Peggy explained that in the past Building Representatives have been reluctant to attend meetings when members in their buildings were involved. They have explained they do not feel they are informed enough or trained appropriately to best serve their members. Charlie will explore if his Associate can facilitate a Building Representative Training for Cape Building reps during the afternoon inservice that is scheduled for January 22nd. Ed will explore which school can accommodate us and also into receiving the necessary clearance for members to attend. We will need to be at tables that will seat 4, and have access to AV equipment. Discussion of providing lunch or not was tabled for December's meeting.
Charlie also explained that it is important to solicit all members for any items of concern at this time just prior to negotiations. Charlie will make available at the ESP Dinner a survey asking for feedback/support of particular items already presented.
For the Good of the Cause
Ed made a motion that the President of the CHSSA be provided with a wireless computer for Union business use. It was discussed that previous presidents have had this made available to them. Ed explained that he has forfeited each year the gift of his dues payment from the union monies, and believes these same monies would be better spent on making sure each president has up to date technology allowing them to better facilitate management of their office. The motion was seconded and Mary Beth volunteered to follow-up and research how this can best be done.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 pm. All enjoyed the refreshments that were made available compliments of the management of Greene Turtle and being in a separate dining room allowing for a more efficient meeting.
The next Executive Committee Meeting will be held December 2nd, 4pm at the Greene Turtle in the Five Points Shopping Center in Lewes.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Joan Williamson.
Posted on Nov 18 2009
