MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Thursday, April 26, 2001
5:30pm
BURBANK WATER & POWER AUDITORIUM
164 WEST MAGNOLIA BLVD.
(Enter Off of Lake St. by the Guard
Retiree Medical
PERS Insurance Info
AFLAC Representative will be present
Union Plus Mortgage Representative will be present
Attendance Drawing
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - ROBERT A. KACZMAREK - On January 23, 2001 the BCEA office was flooded at the water heater burst. Five to six inches of water filled the entire office. The clean up and drying process kept us out of the office for more than two weeks. This has caused us to have to copy many documents that were soaked. When the weather starts to dry out, we can repaint and carpet the office. I want to apologize for any inconvenience you experienced during this time.
Meanwhile, the City is still reworking a BCEA Merit Pay proposal and training program for supervisors. This should also update the way our evaluation process works, with more emphasis on goals and objectives set for each employee and the review of their achieving the goals that were set. This coming year's budget will designate money for both purposes. We are hoping to see the City's counter proposal so the Committee can review it and present it to you, the members.
The BCEA PEBT is gearing up for online access to change information, sign up, and look up a doctor. This website should be ready in late April or early May. Available July 1st are two Blue Shield PPO insurance plans with better features and benefits than CalPERS PPO plans. This year the PEBT will be available for everyone during open enrollment in September or October.
CalPERS PPO plans changed their premiums and coverage on February 2, 2001. Perscare increased between $18 to $47 per month. Perschoice changed it's benefit from $10 to $20 for office visits and the $250 & $500 deductible moved up to $500 and $1,000 respectively. These plans are self-funded and the rate changes were needed to keep the plans solvent. The CalPERS Benefits Committee is currently working on which plans to offer and premiums for the 2002 year. The Committee has received bids between 5.5% to 41% higher than the 2001 rates. The initial bids were rejected and are being resubmitted. The new CalPERS procedure proposes to retain the seven most competitive of the twelve HMO plans. The expected result of dropping five plans is to keep competitive pressure on insurance companies so premiums are in check. As soon as we have the final information on new health insurance premiums for 2002 we will pass that along.
AB 616 Calderon would create a 2.5%@55 formula for miscellaneous employees. This would be a great benefit but it first must be passed in the legislature and signed by the Governor. I suggest you urge your representatives in the Assembly, and the Senate to support AB 616.
The State Legislature is trying to regain fiscal control of CalPERS by the Senate Constitutional Amendment No. 2 (Burton). This would overturn Prop. 162 which the voters passed in 1992, giving the CalPERS Board sole responsibility to administer OUR retirement funds for the retirees and other beneficiaries. Prop 162 was a response to Governor Wilson's raid of OUr Pension fund. In the near future we may be asking you to write your State Representatives to oppose S.C.A. 2 and keep the Cal PERS Board in control.
| AMC Theatres | Arizona Charlie's Las Vegas, NV |
Autry Museum L.A. |
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| Animals, Animals Simi Valley |
Ben & Jerry's of CA | Burbank Airport Hilton 2500 Hollywood Way, Burbank |
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| The Castaway 1250 Harvard Road, Burbank, CA |
Chef's Take Out 117 N. Victory, Burbank, CA |
The Comedy & Magic Club Hermosa Beach |
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| Domino's Pizza 600 W. Glenoaks Burbank, CA |
El Cortez Hotel Las Vegas NV |
Enchanted Florist 4150 Riverside Drive, Burbank |
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| Four Queens Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV |
Fun & Fitness Burbank, Canyon Country |
Golf N' Stuff Anahaim, Norwalk, Ventura |
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| Harrah's Laughlin NV |
Handlery Hotel & Country Club, San Diego |
The Ice House Pasadena |
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| The Improv Brea |
Jiffy Lube | Knott's Berry Farm Buena Park | |
| Loews Theatres | Los Angeles Zoo L. A. |
Magic Mountain Valencia |
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| Malibu Speed Zone City of Industry |
Mo's Restaurant 4301 Riverside Drive Burbank |
Monterey Bay Aquarium Monterey |
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| NBC Studios Burbank |
Orchard Supplies | Original Tommy's | Pacific Park Santa Monica |
| Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Palm Springs |
Pickwick Ice Center 1001 Riverside Drive, Burbank |
Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall Las Vegas, NV |
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| Priscilla's Gourmet Coffee 4150 Riverside Drive, Burbank |
Raging Waters San Dimas, CA |
Progressive Communications 512 E. Wilson, #210, Glendale |
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| Ramada Express Laughlin, NV |
Ribs, USA 2711 Olive Ave., Burbank |
Riviera Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, NV |
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| Round Table Pizza 2408 W. Victory Blvd Burbank |
Royal Body Care 10121 Lanark St. Sun Valley |
Santoro's 1423 W. Burbank Burbank |
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| Sea World San Diego, CA |
Shakey's Pizza | Southwest Airlines | |
| Tahoe Biltmore Lake Tahoe |
Universal Hilton City Towers Universal City |
Walden Books #1780, Media City Mall #362 Burbank |
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| Wild Bill's Buena Park |
WELLNESS DEADLINE - June 19, 2001 is the last day to submit your wellness receipts to the BCEA Office for the 2000-2001 FY. The new fiscal year begins on July 2, 2001.
WELLNESS DEADLINE . . . - is a new "529" college savings plan for qualified state tuition programs. It is based on the Internal Revenue Code, which now allows these plans.
Under the "Golden State ScholarShare Trust", you and/or your spouse, open an account on behalf of a designated beneficiary that you name. The money you contribute to the account is placed in a trust, which will invest in your choice of special investment portfolios designed to meet the needs of differently aged beneficiaries, and different kinds of investors. More than $100 million is already invested in this program.
An account can be opened for as little as $25 or $15 per pay period through payroll deduction. I plan on working with the City to have the ability to use payroll deduction sometime in the future. If you have children or grandchildren, you can save for them with earnings on contributions being tax-deferred both Federal and State. The taxes are paid by the beneficiary at their tax rate on withdrawal. I think is is a worthwhile plan. If you are interested, check it out on the web at http://www.scholarshare.com. You can get information on investments and portfolios, news articles, and enrollment kits.
As with any investment, check with your tax advisor to see what is best for you.
CHIEF STEWARD'S REPORT - Sean Hagen, 2nd Vice President/Chief Steward - Hello everyone. Just a small introduction for those who don't know me. I have been with the City of Burbank since July 16, 1995. I joined the BCEA within the first week of my employment. I have worked for two other municipalities over the past 12 years and have been a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). After serving two years as steward for the Park and Recreation Department I was elected Chief Steward in 2000.
If I've learned anything over the last six years, it is that you can't keep everyone happy. No matter how hard you try there is always someone who will be unhappy. It can't be avoided, and in as much as we handle the concerns of the individual, the concept of a union is what is better for everyone. A "bargaining unit" not a "bargaining individual."
This brings me to my next point. Go the meetings, and I don't mean only if there are prizes or food. i see the same 30 or so people at every meeting, who by the way, I would like to thank for coming, deciding and bringing forth issues that affect everyone. That is 30 out of 500+ members. In the last election, we had approximately 250 votes out of 500+ members, and the BCEA supplied the envelopes and postage.
Get involved. Find out what is going on. You never know, it may be something that will effect you, and with your input, you can have an affect on your union.
BURBANK ELECTIONS - APRIL 10, 2001 GENERAL ELECTION
On January 23rd the BCEA PAC Members met to discuss the Endorsement of City Council Candidates. As a result of this meeting, the Political Action Committee has endorsed Stacy Murphy, Dave Golonski, and Marsha Ramos. Other endorsements include BFFA, BPOA, and the BMA. Stacy Murphy was elected to a second term in the February 27th election.
Marshal Ramos and Dave Golonski are in the run-off for the two remaining Council seats. Marsha Ramos has served on the Park & Recreation Board, and Police Commission. Her issues include support for the Magnolia Power Plant, easing traffic throughout Burbank, and preserving neighborhoods. If you would like to help out, call 818-842-8934 or log on to: http://www.marsharamos.com/volunteer/volunteer.asp
Dave Golonski is seeking his third term on the City Council. His issues include an Airport solution, and neighborhood protection. He has always been willing to listen to our side of an issue. If you would like to help Dave out with a lawn sign or volunteering, call the BCEA Office at 818-843-8650.
LOS ANGELES MAYOR'S ELECTION, APRIL 10, 2001 PRIMARY ELECTION
The BCEA does not make endorsements for this election. I just wanted to pass along who some of our affiliates in Labor have endorsed. The L.A. County Labor Federation, IBEW Local 18, and United Teachers, L.A. have endorsed Antonio Villaragosa. The Labors International Union, SEIU, and AFSCME have endorsed James Hahn. So two labor friendly candidates seem to be at the top of the polls, and it looks like one or both will be in a run-off election.
MEMBER BENEFITS
Progressive Communications (Verizon Wireless) - Cellular phones from Verizon by Progressive Communications are available at the BCEA office two days a week. Rick Sall is in the office Tuesday mornings 10:00am to 1:00pm, and Thursday afternoons from 1:30pm to 5:00pm. Pricing plans are generally $10/month off Verizon's regular rates. Come by and see what new plans and products are available.
Arch Wireless Pagers (formerly Pagenet) - The acquisition of Pagenet by Arch Wireless has been completed. Some changes in products and services will continue in the future. Two-way pagers with nation wide coverage have replaced all other nationwide pagers. This means that %900 pagers are available with lease pricing rates starting at $22.50/month. For a little more, you get the P935 with PDA organizer features that can synchronize with PC applications. These pagers have a profile that can be updated on the web.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 26, 2001, General Membership Meeting, BWP Auditorium, 5:30pm
May 19, 2001, Annual Picnic, Magic Mountain, Grade Picnic Pavilion, 11:00am, (park opens at 10:00am), A whole day of fun at the park.
May 28, 2001, Memorial Day, BCEA and City Offices Closed.
June 1-3, 2001, AFSCME Western Women's Conference, Bally's Hotel Las Vegas
June 19, 2001, BCEA Wellness Deadline 2001-2001 FY, Executive Board Meeting
July 1, 2001, Annual Cost of Living Adjustment, 3.3% Raise
August 10-13, 2001, Recreation Laughlin Bus Trip, Flamingo Laughlin, Departs 5:30pm