July 2002

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - ROBERT A. KACZMAREK

The City has agreed to stop deducting the 3.544% you have been paying for the 2%@55 benefit. Your July 25th paycheck should relfect this change. We came to an understanding that this would not be part of the new negotiations but the conclusion of the June 1999-2002 MOU.

The BCEA has continued to meet with the IBEW and the BM on the joint retirement issues. We have had several productive meetings so far. Some of othe discussions include 3%@60, 2.7%@55, retiree medical, and level IV 1959 survivors benefits. The group should be meeting with the City's negotiator Dan Cassidy the last week of August. After that meeting, we will know how much work we have ahead of us. Every viable option will be considered to obtain the best improvements to our pension. Let's see where the City's position is on the issues.

The BCEA Contract Negotitaitons are also continuing. We are discussing many proposals that were developed from our member survery. The City is evaluating the cost of each of our proposals and what they will add to the bottom line. We can then discuss those cost figures at the bargaining table. Salary survey is another issue being discussed. This is a very involved process of checking the accuracy of all the data. We will inform everyone about our progress in the immediate future.

PEBT & PERS INSURANCE

We now have most of the rates for January 2003. The PEBT will be adding PacifiCare and Healthnet to the plans offered. Currently, Healthnet is developing a quote for an 80/60 PPO plan. We should have more details on the PPO plans later. Right now, the PEBT will offer Blue Shield, Healthnet, Kaiser, Pacificare, and Universal Care.

CarlPERS' new development - Universal Care is now withdrawing from PERS for 2003. Thi8s leaves only Blue Shield HMO, Kaiser HMO, PERS Care, PERS Choice, and PORAC PPO plans.

NEW BCEA BENEFIT

The BCEA is proud to annoucne Benfits Consulting Services as our new benefits provider. As a bonus for all BCEA member, BCS is providing $1,000.00 free life insurance. We will be setting up times for you to meet them and sign the beneficiary card. They also handle accident, disability, and life insurance, which are available to you as members.

LAUGHLIN BUS TRIP

The BCEA Recreation Committee is at it again. They have planned a bus trip to Laughlin, Nevada, August 16-18. Please use the flyer that was sent out in your newsletter to make your reservations. Space is limited and is on a first come first served basis. This trip sells out every year.

BCEA PICNIC

The Picnic on May 25th was a great success. I would like to thank the BCEA Recreation Committee for all of their time and effort in organizing and planning the Picnic.

ANNUAL PICNIC DONORS

I would like to express my appreciation to the many companies that donated gifts to our annual Union Picnic. Please remember to patronize these businesses. Here is the complete list: