City of San Diego Retired Employees Association
October 10, 2023
Board Meeting Minutes
NOTES: All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted.
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Dick Wilken at 9:35 a.m.
Board Members Present: Jim Baross, Chris Brewster, Liza Crisafi, Shirley Hall, Joan Hernandez, Stacey LoMedico, Joan McNamara, John Tsiknas, Dick Wilken, and Greg Woods (arriving at 9:40 a.m.)
Guests Present: Joe Flynn
AGENDA: The following items were added to the agenda:
Communication/Information Items – Changes to SCAN Health Plan, effective 2024.
Retirees not receiving reimbursement for Part A Medicare Premium.
MINUTES: The minutes of the September 2023 Board meeting were approved. Shirley Hall made the motion and Liza Crisafi seconded.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Liza provided a new monthly investment report. She is currently working on the draft 2024 Budget.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT: Dick reported that there is a vacancy on the Investment Committee and he would like to see Liza appointed to the Committee. Chris Brewster motioned to appoint Liza to the Committee, with Joan Hernandez seconding the motion. (Greg Woods was not present for the vote).
RETIREMENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT: None
COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION ITEMS:
1) Dick reported that Michael Bresnahan was absent from the meeting because he was attending a proposal meeting on the City’s RFP for retiree healthcare processing. More information should be available at the November Board meeting. 2) Dick and Chris provided an overview of the changes to the SCAN Healthcare effective in 2024. After discussion, it was decided that REA may want to provide specific information to all members to ensure they were aware of the pending change. SDCERS will post something on their web page, as well as formally notifying those impacted by the change. Dick will follow-up with SDCERS and City Retirement to see if there will be more information available that REA could use to notify the members.
ACTION ITEMS / ADVOCACY COMMITTEE REPORT:
1) Jim Baross provided an update on the Nominating Committee’s (Jim, Stacey LoMedico, and REA member Clay Bingham) progress on having a final a slate of officers and Board members for the upcoming election. The election is to be held in November. Dick reminded the Board if there is not a clear slate available by November, the election could occur at a later date. No action was taken.
2) Joan H. confirmed she is leading the San Diego Food Bank fundraiser, which will begin in November. 3) Joan H. is in process of procuring the name badges, per the discussion and action from a previous Board meeting. 4) Dick asked who will be available to staff the REA table at the November 1st “Retiree Help Day.” Several members indicated they will be attending. Set-up will begin at 9am.
Greg mentioned that the City also has an employee health fair as well. He and Dick said they would staff a REA table at the event. Greg will contact the City to find out the date and location.
OTHER RETIREE / ACTIVE EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION REPORTS
Joan McNamara reported that she is continuing to work on the issue that the City doesn’t reimburse retirees for Part A Medicare premiums. She has continued to request updates from the City, but has received no further details or a City Attorney opinion. She discussed the issue with MEA Attorney Ann Smith who is interested in pursuing the issue formally with MEA. Joan wanted to ensure the Board was aware of the latest development. To formally approve, Stacey motioned that Joan M. should act as the REA representative to work collaboratively with MEA on the issue. Jim Baross seconded. The Board express gratitude for her continuing efforts.
Retiree Issues Task Force (RITF): No report.
Retirement Security Roundtable: No report. The next meeting is October 17.
MEA: Jim mentioned that he attended the Member Appreciation Event. Greg Woods also attended, and was given an award for his advocacy efforts.
Other Retired Public Employee Associations: No report.
OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS
Membership: No report.
Newsletter: No report
PROGRAMS: Dick is trying to reach Carl Luna, who is presenting at the November General Meeting. He recently retired and the contact information may have changed.
Stacey mentioned the City has completed the locks for two of the three lockers we occupy in the War Memorial Building. A set of keys will be given to Brad Jacobson (Secretary) and Michael (Vice President). Parks and Recreation Department staff will no longer unlock the cabinets prior to the meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:45am.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey LoMedico, Boardmember