The UIC Chapter of SUAA Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting January 6, 2011

Members Present: Marsha Borders, Merrill Gassman, Michael Harms, Gloria Henderson, Richard Johnson, James Jones, Donna Knutson, Irv Miller, Lawrence Poston, Leonard Ramirez, Sue Sindelar, Chuck Stanislao, William Troyer

Members Absent: Judy Curry, Rose Kirk,

The meeting was called to order by President Merrill Gassman at 10:00am in Room B16, Physical Plant Building, 1140 S. Morgan.

1. Approval of Minutes: The Minutes of the November 16, 2010 Board meeting were approved.

2. President's Report: Merrill reported on the meeting in Urbana with Lisa Troyer, President Hogan's Executive Assistant, to discuss the issue of dues deduction for current employees. Also attending were Dick Johnson, Sue Sindelar, and Paul Dollins and Mary Beastall from the UIUC chapter. Prof. Troyer said that the problem with implementing dues deduction was a lack of resources. She also said that it raised the issue of equity with other campus groups seeking the same treatment. Although Merrill is not optimistic, she said she would get back to the group. Judy Curry attended the UIC retiree luncheon, and her report on that event was distributed.

3. Treasurer's Report (Chuck Stanislao): The 01/05/2011 cash balance stands at $24,534. This includes $8,894 in the savings account, $2,600 in the checking account, $10,143 in the CD, and $2,897 in the UIC fund. At the next Board meeting, Chuck will present the budget for 2011.

4. Membership Report (Sue Sindelar): Current membership stands at 1615. About ½ of the membership is on dues deduct, and our non-renewals are averaging about 15% of the membership. Larry Poston said that, if employees who joined under the incentive program are not renewing, it supports our position to discontinue that program. Marsha Borders believes the Chapter needs to communicate better with current employees to keep them engaged. Suggestions included greater use of UIC NEWS and collaboration with the Staff Advisory Committee. Merrill asked that Sue Sindelar, Larry Poston, and Jim Jones serve as an ad hoc committee to advise the Board on how to recruit and retain new members. Sue proposed that new retirees who select dues deduction be given six months free membership. Irv Miller moved that, for new retiree members, dues deduction would not begin until 1/1/12, regardless of when they sign up; therefore, the sooner they join, the greater the benefit. The motion passed unanimously.

5. Program Report (Donna Knutson): Donna spoke with John DeNardo about a Winter Brown Bag presentation. He said that his schedule was not favorable, and he suggested that someone from the School of Public Health might be a good alternative. Rose has approached Prof. Benn Greenspann and is awaiting a response. Plan B would be a discussion of State finances in light of the likely tax increase being proposed by the General Assembly. We are awaiting word from Lt. Gov. Simon's office about her availability and suitable dates for the April membership meeting. That should be resolved soon. Back-up speakers discussed included the UIC Chancellor and Cook County Board President Preckwinkle.

6. Newsletter (Larry Poston): The Winter edition is being planned. The new tax legislation could be discussed.

7. Legislation/SUAAction Report (Bill Troyer and Dick Johnson): Bill reported that authority to borrow funds for the State's pension payment this year is likely to pass in the lame-duck session. He also predicted that taxing some portion of retirement income would be included in any tax increase legislation. Dick said that pensions would again be subject to legislation in the new session. He predicts that a proposal to reduce current employee benefits along the lines of the Civic Federation plan will be introduced.

8. Old Business: none

9. New Business: Merrill proposed that the 2011 Nominating Committee be: Marsha Borders, Chair; Leonard Ramirez, and Donna Knutson. The open offices are President, Second Vice President, Treasurer, and Director-at-Large (Gloria's position). The Nominating Committee was approved.

10. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:45am.

Respectfully submitted by Michael Harms, Secretary

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