NHRSTA Minutes

May 22, 2008

Meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 6:30 p.m.

Ernest Loomis led the Pledge of Allegiance.

A moment of silence was observed for our departed members.

Four positions are vacant and need to be filled for the Executive Committee. Those who terms expired this year are: Don Gates; Mike Hureau; Pat MacLean and Roland Lamy.

Nominations from the floor were as follows: Roland Lamy nominated Tom Winn; Richard Campbell nominated Walter Morse; Tom Winn nominated Peter Hilchey and Mike Hureau nominated Roland Lamy. It was moved and approved that the Secretary cast a vote in favor of the 2 years terms of Roland Lamy, Walter Morse, Tom Winn and Peter Hilchey.

In December Kevin O'Brien resigned as Chairman because of a position he accepted with the Department of Safety. He remains a member but doesn't desire to hold office. During Kevin's 8 year term he set up and developed the website, developed the Newsletter, administered the Pac System, and spent countless hours planning and conducting meetings relative to the pending retirement legislation. He facilitated the production of "A User's Guide for the N.H. Retirement System" manual and continues to assist the association. Kevin was thanked for his dedication and was presented with a NHRSTA Appreciation clock.

Prudence Gagne who stepped in two years ago when Patricia MacLean, resigned as Secretary/Treasurer because she cannot commit to the time needed to accomplish what is needed for the position because of her work schedule. She was also presented with a NHRSTA Appreciation clock.

Roland Lamy asked that members

send cards or call Dan Golden and Paul Boucher who are recovering from illness and would appreciate hearing from members.

Raffles were held for 2 - $25 Home Depot cards won by Walt Morse and Herb Frink. 2- $25 Dunkin Donuts cards one was won by Al Irving and Barry Hunter.

Roland Lamy reported that Kate McGovern of Kate McGovern Associates will help with the updating of the retirement book.

    Three items were mentioned:
  1. Suit against Lang - a settlement with Lang resulted in an apology and a letter of clarification to all recipients of Lang's publication stating that the manual was in fact produced by the NHRSTA. The Directors accepted the settlement and decided not to pursue the issue further.
  2. Retirement Coalition - we needed to understand what was going on. Executive Committee decided to join coalition, as long as it is in our best interest.
  3. Question with regards to couples who are both retired from the Division paying $50 dues each was discussed resulting in no change the policy. One member, one vote.

Financial Report was distributed to attendees. Bart Korbet voted to accept the finance report and Nino Leccacorvi seconded it. Financial report was accepted.

Invited guest were Deb Clayton, Local Government Center; Judy Shevlin, Dept of Personnel; John O'Leary, Anthem and Laura Hainey, Retirement Coalition.

Laura Hainey explained the Coalition; how it came about and how important is was to have information to back up how Colas affect us. Information can be emailed to lhainey@aft-nh.org. The website is www.AFT.nh.org. It was recommended by Nino Leccacorvi and Seconded by Mark Furlone that we give up to $1,500 as needed to the Coalition. A vote was taken and passed. (Laura Haney advised that she would notify the NHRSTA when the funds were due.)

The Secretary/Treasurer position has been one position and since the resignation of Prudy Gagne who has held this position for the last two years. Richard Campbell has agreed to be the Secretary/Treasurer, and Kathy Kimball has agreed to help with the Secretarial duties.

The medical benefits were discussed, in particular the Prescription Benefits. Depending on if you are <65 or >65. Information was handed out. It was also explained that the cost for mail away is $4 for a 90 day prescription. Contact Personnel if you need to change your POS to Preferred Blue. There was a discussion of insurance coverage outside of New Hampshire and outside the country.

There is a 24 hour nurse line available. We have a POS plan and no referrals are needed.

Any question you might have please feel free to contact Judy Shevlin with your questions.

Meeting adjourned 8:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted
Prudence Gagne
Treasurer/Secretary