The UIC Chapter of SUAA Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting December 9, 2009

Members Present: Marsha Borders, Charles Brown, Judy Curry, Merrill Gassman, Michael Harms, Richard Johnson, James Jones, Donna Knutson, Irv Miller, Sue Sindelar, Chuck Stanislao, William Troyer

Members Absent: Carol Humble, Rose Kirk, Lawrence Poston, Leonard Ramirez

The meeting was called to order by President Merrill Gassman at 10:15am in Room 430 Rice Building, 815 W. Van Buren.

1. Approval of Minutes: The Minutes of the November 11, 2009 Board meeting were approved as corrected.

2. President's Report: Merrill reported that he and Judy Curry attended the UIC retirement luncheon. He made a presentation to about 100 retirees, and UIC UNITED application materials were distributed.

3. Treasurer's Report: Chuck Stanislao reported a 12/09/2009 total balance of $27,653, including checking of $2,116, savings of $317, and a CD of $25,221. He said that the SUAA fiscal year is changing to the calendar year and that a financial statement for the period July 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009 will be prepared. The Board approved the audit committee of Wayne Wolf and Ralph Westfall to review the final statement.

4. Membership Report: Sue Sindelar reported that total membership has increased but non-renewals continue to increase. Sue asked if general University employees based at UIC regularly received information about UIC UNITED and related application materials. We do not want them to inadvertently join the UIUC SUAA chapter. Jim Jones again raised the issue of multiple year memberships as a way of possibly mitigating the non-renewal problem. Dick Johnson suggested that members be encouraged to use the dues deduction option through SURS. The Board agreed to go forward with a one-half page ad in UIC News that Sue has prepared.

5. Legislation/SUAAction: Bill Troyer discussed the upcoming primary and the rationale for candidate support. He reviewed the candidates in several districts with no incumbent running. He indicated that two candidates in the Democratic primary in district 18 will receive support.

6. Program Report: Donna Knutson, new Program chair, was introduced to the Board. We all look forward to working with her in the future. The Youngstown State basketball game on February 6, 2010 is the choice of most Board members for the next Chapter event. Donna will nail down what the Athletic Association will provide for $10 per ticket with a 50-person guarantee. Joe Persky has agreed to speak at the February Brown Bag event on a date to be determined. He will discuss the Illinois Economic Recovery Commission and the possible impact of its report on SUAA members. Carol Humble requested that the Board make a financial contribution to the organizations of the speakers at the November forum. The Board agreed to provide $100 plus a thank-you to the speaker. Dick Johnson suggested that UIC UNITED provide a small gift to speakers, eg. a UIC paperweight, in the future. Interim President Ikenberry has agreed to speak at the Spring membership meeting on April 13, 2010.

7. Old Business: The dues structure for 2010 was discussed. The Board approved a family rate of $66 for 2010. Irv Miller asked that members receive written notice of the increase. Irv reported that the changes to the UIC UNITED constitution are being reviewed and should be ready for presentation to the Board in January.

8. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:25am.

Respectfully submitted by Michael Harms, Secretary

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