NHRSTA Minutes
June 1, 2005
The annual meeting of the New Hampshire Retired State Troopers Association was held at the Red Blazer on Wednesday, June 1, 2005.
Our guest speaker for the evening was Mike O’Neil, House Majority Leader. He spoke regarding retirement and insurance issues. He explained that earnings over 9.5% go into the “Special Accounts” and even though there was a 14% earning this year, the amount is averaged over 5 years so there was no money going to the Special Account. He also stated that regarding the study of the Special Accounts they will be looking at major changes in the benefits and one of those changes could be upping the age of retirement for new people coming into the system. In regard to our health insurance, even though the State went to a self-insured system, they are still losing money. In the past ten years there have been 3 studies at the expense of the legislature in regard to health insurance. The legislature is trying to hold “status quo” and not expand group II. The report regarding the Special Accounts will be presented by December 1, 2005 to the full house. Rep. O’Neil stated that we should know who our legislators. Chairman Lamy thanked Rep. O’Neil for attending our meeting.
Kevin O’Brien and Kit Marshall spoke regarding NHRSTA PAC. Kevin stated that our organization is years ahead of some other groups. Kit also reiterated that everyone should learn who their legislator is and contact him or her in regard to our issues. In regard to our web site, Kevin is hoping to have our financial status and possibly photos posted to the site. He would also like to use the site for polling purposes. Anyone who would like to access the web site needs a user name and password. Please contact Pat MacLean at nhrsta@earthlink.net. Visit our web site at www.NHRSTA.org.
The secretary reported that the minutes of the Executive Board meeting held on April 27, 2005 needed to be amended to show that Neal Scott attending the meeting. Motion was made by Ernie Loomis and seconded by Bart Korbet to accept this change and the minutes of the September meeting. Motion passed.
The Association has $8,938.47 in the checking account and a CD with a value of $6,193.31. The CD will mature in August of 2005 and will be reinvested at the best interest rate at time of renewal. NHRSTA PAC has a balance of $2,805.49 in the checking account. Motion was made by Nick Halias and seconded by Ernie Loomis to accept the treasurer’s report. Motion passed.
The secretary reported that as in years past Don Palmer made a generous donation of five hundred ($500) dollars to the Association for our scholarship in the name of James Noyes. The Association is very grateful to Don for sending us this wonderful donation.
We also have three new members: Linda Eldridge, Dale St. Laurent and Craig Wiggin.
Ernie Loomis spoke regarding the Noyes Scholarship. Since 1995 the scholarship has been awarded to a student from Kennett High. This year the scholarship will be awarded on June 16, 2005 to a student who has overcome learning disabilities and other diversities. As we ran out of plaques since the initial making, the Association has ordered several to be made.
Chairman Lamy spoke regarding the Membership Committee consisting of Tom Winn, John Barthelmes, Bobby LaCroix, and Paul MacLean. This Committee will be looking at recruiting those retirees who are not members and any possible by-law changes.
Chairman Lamy stated that the Executive Board has renominated Mark Furlone, Jim Norris and Mike Hureau for another term on the Board of Directors. Motion was made and seconded that Mark Furlone, Jim Norris and Mike Hureau serve another term on the Board of Directors. Motion passed. Paul MacLean stated that this was not the way it should have been done and that a nominating committee was suppose to nominate members and then be voted on by the members. Paul made a motion that the nominations be declared invalid and a committee be set up to nominate members for the Board of Directors. Nick Halias seconded the motion. Motion did not pass.
There being no further issues the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted, Patricia A. MacLean, Secretary/Treasurer
PS: In checking with the by-laws it was determined that members of the Board of Directors are to be nominated by the membership and not by the Executive Board or by a nominating committee. This issue will be discussed at the future meeting to be held September 14, 2005.