RETIRED EMPLOYEES OF KERN COUNTY
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
March 8, 2005
The meeting was called to order at 12:00 noon. Walter Stewart led the Pledge of
Allegiance and a moment of silence was held. President, Norman Briggs, announced that all
the handicapped and the head table could get their lunch while the table numbers are being
drawn. After the table numbers were drawn, President, Norman Briggs announced the order of
the tables. There were two new members, Carol Lewis and Mary Thorp, in attendance.
President, Norman Briggs, introduced Mike Saleen, Chairman, Board of Directors, Kern
Federal Credit Union, as his guest. There were no other guests or first-time attendees.
Mike Saleen spoke for a few minutes and thanked our membership for their generous
support and association with the Credit Union. Mike announced the date of the Annual
Meeting for the Credit Union, which will be May 12, 2005. Cathy Olague, Kern Federal
Credit Union, announced the Relay for Life. The Credit Union raised $10,000 last year and
their goal is $15,000 this year and they have already raised $12,000. Cathy also announced
the new branch in the Auto Mall which hopefully will open in mid-May.
After lunch, President, Norman Briggs, turned the meeting over to 1st Vice
President, Jeanne Berkshire, to introduce our guest speaker. 1st Vice
President, Jeanne Berkshire, introduced Reed Tollefson from Kern River Preserve Audubon
California. Reed works at the Preserve at Lake Isabella. Reed stated that the mission of
the Kern River Preserve is to protect one of California’s largest contiguous
Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forests and the wildlife it supports. Reed explained how the
Kern River Preserve is handling the mission.
BUSINESS MEETING:
TREASURER, John DeMario gave the Treasurer’s Report for February 2005. There
were 87 new retirees and beneficiaries in the month of February and 73 joined REOKC. The
report stated that the REOKC membership as of February 28, 2005 was 3,260.
CRCEA - Everett Julkowski reminded everybody that he spoke on ACA5 at the
February meeting. This bill will effect your retirement in the future. If ACA5 is passed
it will affect Retirees, Active members, Retirement systems, The County and Taxpayers. It
basically does away with the current Defined Benefit (Insurance type) Plan and establishes
the Defined Contribution (Savings account-401 K type) Plan for all employees hired on or
after July 1, 2007. This could affect our Health benefits in the future. The other thing
that Everett announced was that members please DO NOT sign "The Fair and
Fiscally Responsible Public Employees Retirement Act" petition to have it put on the
ballot in November.
EYE GLASS – Helen Heath reported that she has collected 20 pair of glasses
and 17 cases since her report last month.
SUNSHINE – Belva Jared reported that she sent 8 Get Well Cards and 9
Sympathy Cards to our members or their families during the month of February.
HOST/HOSTESS PROGRAM – Mary Lou Bennett reported that for the month of
February there were 29 volunteers who worked 89 hours and assisted 1,131 visitors to the
County Administration Building. Mary Lou announced that she can always use more volunteers
to help at the information desk.
NEWSLETTER – President, Norman Briggs, announced there were several
misprints this time and he apologizes because he is to be proof reading. Secretary, Ginger
Mello has volunteered to be a proof reader also.
OLD BUSINESS: There are two computers to be given away today. The winners are
Pauline Garcia and Everett Julkowski.
NEW BUSINESS: President, Norman Briggs, announced that he had received a letter
from Kern Law Enforcement Association asking for a donation to send members to a memorial
in Washington, DC to honor a Deputy who was killed in a car accident while on duty. This
morning the Board decided not to donate but that each individual who would like to donate
can do so.
The attendance prize was won by Margaret Grayer. There were 30 - $5.00 amounts for the
cash giveaway and 4 sets of throws and mugs donated by the Kern Federal Credit Union.
After the distribution of prizes, the meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted this 16th day of March, 2005.
Ginger Mello, Secretary |
