City of San Diego Retired Employees Association
March 9, 2021
Board Meeting Minutes
NOTES: All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted
The meeting was held via Zoom
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Dick Wilken at 9:15am.
Board Members Present: Jim Baross, Mike Bresnahan, Chris Brewster, Karen Butler, Shirley Hall, Joan Hernandez, Brad Jacobsen, Joan McNamara, Ty Rogers, Mary Ann Stepnowsky, John Tsiknas, Dave Twomey, Dick Wilken, and Janet Wood
Guests Present: Joe Flynn, Stacey LoMedico
AGENDA: There were no additions or changes to the agenda.
MINUTES: The minutes of the February 2021 Board meeting were approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Karen reported a $750 expense under Newsletter Editing Service for Connor Sorenson’s work.
M/S/C to accept the February Treasurer’s Report.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT: John reported that the Russell appreciation at 54.51% is now at its all-time high surpassing December 2020 which was at 50.51%. The Money Market appreciation is at 3.63% slightly down from January’s 3.73%.
M/S/C to accept the Investment Committee Report.
RETIREMENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT: No report
INFORMATION ITEMS: Dick will be out of town for most of April; Mike will cover for him. He and Gregg Rademacher have instituted a bi-monthly phone conference. Dick raised the issue of simplifying the Medicare reimbursement process, and Gregg’s response is that while SDCERS is prioritizing their IT update projects, that one is particularly complicated.
COMMUNICATIONS: Dick reported that Dave Wood suggested that we advocate for a hearing aid benefit. Chris volunteered to look into various plan offerings.
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
Mike presented the prioritized list of 2021 goals developed at the Board retreat. It was decided to focus on the top five goals: Brief local officials about REA; participate in SDCERS outreach; create a 5-year plan with a possible dues increase; continue REA’s Image Enhancement Initiative; and increase membership.
ADVOCACY COMMITTEE REPORT
1) Mike presented the outline for the councilmember briefings, with a new reference to our continuing service to the community. Stacey noted that scheduling briefings in May could be difficult, as the Council will be deeply involved in budget discussions that month.
2) Our recruitment flyer is due at SDCERS by April 23 for inclusion in their open enrollment mailer. It was noted that most new members join after receiving the mailer. Newly-retiring employees will get our information through SDPEBA.
3) Dave is still working with Voice of San Diego on a podcast with Mike Zucchet about Prop B. We are still sponsoring their Morning Report every Wednesday except for summer.
4) Dave is looking into hosting another virtual food drive in June.
The next meeting is Thursday, March 25 at 9:30am via Zoom.
OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS
Membership: No report
Newsletter: Joan McNamara said she is considering an article about REA members who are volunteering at Covid vaccination centers.
Deadline for the next issue is March 20.
Website: No report
OTHER RETIREE/ACTIVE EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION REPORTS
Retiree Issues Task Force (RITF): No report
Retirement Security Roundtable: The next meeting is March 30. Because this is a virtual meeting, REA Board members can attend.
MEA: No report.
Other Retired Public Employee Associations: No report
PROGRAMS: We should start thinking about how to transition back into in-person meetings when that is possible, and how accommodate Zoom for those members who can’t attend in person.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:12am.
Respectfully submitted,
Brad Jacobsen
Secretary