NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POSTMASTERS OF THE UNITED STATES
MID WINTER CONFERENCE
The meeting was called
to order by President Kate Wingood at
Alan Berg, Retired
Postmaster from
The invocation was given
by Past President, Donna Dort.
RECOGNITION OF PAST PRESIDENTS
President Kate
recognized the Past Presidents in attendance as follows: Betty Eickler,
Donna Dort, Eileen Bernitt and David Laughlin.
Carol Commisso and Mary
Dominick arrived after introductions were held.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VOTING MEMBERS
Secretary/Treasurer
Danielle Berg announced the voting members as follows:
State President,
Secretary/Treasurer, 5 District Vice Presidents, 10 District Directors,
Immediate Past
President, President of Retirees
ROLL CALL
President-Kate Wingood
Present
Secretary/Treasurer-Danielle Berg
Present
1st District
Vice President-Heather Reylek
Present
2nd District
Vice President-Tammy Hurd
Present
3rd District
Vice President-Jimmy
4th District
Vice President-Louis deArgulo
Present
5th District
Vice President-Sue Wilk
Present
1st District
Directors-
Mike Rupolo
Present
Gary Bonora
Absent
2nd District
Directors-
Amy Dalrymple
Present
Randy Sliker
Present
3rd District
Directors-
Kathy Mingolelli
Absent
Lynn Zombek
Absent
4th District
Directors-
Kandace Sprung
Absent
Jude Dinan
Absent
5th District
Directors-
Bob Marushak
Absent
Nora Collins
Absent
Editor-Robin Richards
Present
Membership-Deana Wood
Present
Associate
Membership-Betty Eickler
Present
National VP Area 3-Dave
Laughlin
Present
PAC Chair-Betty Berndt
Absent
Web Master-Mike Rupolo
Present
Legislative
Co-chairs-Heather Reylek
Present
Randy Sliker
Present
PM Development-Marty
Miller
Present
Scholarship-Cheryl Matt
Absent
Service Group Rep-Sue
Rubin
Present
Historian-Cindy Kain
Absent
Convention Chair-Sue
Wilk
Present
PM Reps-Lorelei
Maureen Wratten
Absent
Ed Pasek
Absent
Bob Nightingale
Absent
Bob Armstrong
Absent
Gerry Kinney
Absent
National PM Rep-Harald
Aukland
Absent
Postmasters Retired
President-Tony Montero
Present
Postmasters Retired Vice
President-Bill Mason
Absent
Postmasters Retired
Secretary/Treasurer-
Rod Geoghegan
Present
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A Motion was made by Randy Sliker and
seconded by Sue Wilk to approve the Pre-Convention and the Post-Convention
Board minutes.
All those in favor-Aye
National VP David
Laughlin informed the Board that Harald Auckland is not present at this
meeting because he has not yet been re-appointed as National PM Rep.
David will look into the appointment and keep the Board informed.
BOARD REPORTS
Secretary/Treasurer-Danielle
Berg
Danielle provided copies
of the Profit and Loss Detail Report from June 1st through
November 31st. This
report shows all transactions, broken down by line item.
In addition a short report comparing the budget figure vs. the total
amount spent for State Convention, Mid-Atlantic Conference, National
Conference, Fall Swing, and the Editor expenses was given.
The importance of submitting vouchers within 60 days of the event was
stressed. Our mileage rate is
now 50.1 cents per mile.
PAC Chair-Betty
Berndt
Sue Rubin delivered a
report for Betty who was unable to attend.
Betty reminded the Board
how important it is for the members to support PAC and set an example for
the membership. New York PAC
contributions for 2007 were $18,902.
Area 3 National VP-Dave
Laughlin
Dave thanked President
Kate for his appointment. He updated
the Board on what has been discussed on the National level.
A realistic training for
PMR’s is currently being looked at. FSLA
and Customer Service Variance Reports are going to affect everyone.
A meeting was held on 12/7 at Postal
Service Headquarters regarding the ELM and a violation of FSLA. The ELM is
in the process of being rewritten.
In regards to the pay package, there is an employee verification
hotline where you can log on and go and see the pay status.
Dave provided the website, or toll free number as well as the steps
to access this information.
The NAPUS free
membership was approved again.
In
Tony Montero expressed
concern regarding the re-appointment of our National PM Rep. Dave will be
looking into this matter to see if it was just an oversight since Presidents
Dale’s term just began 4 days ago.
He will keep us informed.
Editor-Robin
Richards
Robin updated the Board
on expenses to date with the printing and the mailing of the ESP’s. She
expressed concern over the amount of data on the laptop, and it was
suggested that she look into purchasing an external hard drive.
Membership-Deana
Wood.
Sue Rubin gave the
report submitted by Deana. From
June 07 through December 07 our membership percentage is 71.02, with 1054
Postmaster members, and 430 non members.
Since June 36 Postmasters and 12 Associate members have signed up.
She urged all Postmasters to try to sign up new members as they come
into their offices. Deana also
asked that all 1187’s be sent to her first, and she will forward them on to
National. Heather added that at
our Post Convention Board it was decided that our Directors would be
designated as either membership or legislative from each District, and this
is where their help is needed.
Associate Membership-Betty
Eickler.
Betty was very pleased
to announce that
.Legislative Co
Chairs-Heather Reylek and Randy Sliker
Heather spoke about the
process to attend fund raisers. Heather must have a copy of the invitation
with date, price and who is sponsoring it. She in turn will get the
approval.
She briefly discussed
Legislative conference. Monday evening we will have a meeting where all
those attending will learn about the issues to be discussed on the Hill, and
the scheduling of the visits for the Hill, which will be on Tuesday and
Wednesday.
Randy reviewed some
issues that will be focused on this year at Legislative, for example the
GPO, Windfall elimination, federal employees health benefits-pre taxed vs.
post taxed.
Also an issue receiving
a lot of attention is the use of accrued sick leave for those working under
FERS. Democrat Representative
Jim Moran from
Rod suggested that we
contact our Congressmen, and be sure that we are placed on a list for when
fund raisers are being planned.
As a point of information, we should also contact them to let them be aware
that we will be in
Scholarship Chair-Cheryl
Matt
In Cheryl’s absence,
President Kate delivered her report.
Cheryl has recommended that the Board approve the presentation of 4
scholarships at our State convention in the amount of $500.each.
The February ESP will contain the necessary information and
applications.
PM Development-Martha
Miller
Martha was not present
at this meeting.
Convention Co Chair-Sue
Wilk
Sue has informed the
Board that Mary Lou Starace can not continue on as her co-chair for the
convention. Sue spoke about the
2008 State Convention which will be held at the Hudson Valley Resort and Spa
in Kerhonkson the week of
June 2nd-June 6th.
Theme night will be an
Service Rep-Sue
Rubin
Sue reported that since
June she sends a personal letter to each new member with brochures and
information regarding the credit union along with contact numbers, and to
date she has sent out 48. The
ESP receives an article each month.
She attended National Convention and received training and is looking
forward to Leadership in March for additional training.
Retiree President-Tony
Montero
Tony spoke about
attending National Convention in
The Board took a break
from
OLD BUSINESS
Michael has been working
on developing our new website since the State Convention.
The new site is
NewYorkNAPUS.org. He explained
that this site is capable of offering so much information, for example each
officer can submit reports etc, Convention info, District meetings and Swing
information. Once the site is
up and running, National will be notified to change their info and the old
site will be removed from their links page.
The cost to date has been $325.for software, domain name cost $200
for a ten year contract to own that name, and a bi-annual fee of $29.95 to
host. Mike will continue to update the site for the organization with no
additional fee.
FISCAL POLICY REVIEW
President Kate explained
that this topic was discussed at the Post convention Board meeting, and it
was suggested to set up a committee to review and address any changes as
they may occur as the organization develops.
We must be sure not to violate our tax exempt status.
A Motion was made by Jimmy Jackson and
seconded by Heather Reylek to establish a Committee to review the current
Fiscal Policy.
All in favor-Aye-carried.
Members of the Committee
are Danielle Berg, Randy Sliker, Eileen Bernitt, Tammy Hurd, and Amy
Dalyrimple.
2008 STATE PINS
President Kate informed
the Board that the pins for National Convention are being designed by the 2nd
District this year. The 2nd District brought a copy of the design
and a brief discussion followed as to how many should be purchased.
A motion was made by Heather Reylek and
seconded by Amy Dalyrimple to have 2nd District design and to
purchase 1500 pins not to exceed $1800.
All in favor-aye-carried.
ROOM REIMBURSEMENT
There was a lengthy
discussion at the Post Convention Board meeting regarding this issue, and
how it is interpreted. Now with
the establishment of the committee to review the fiscal policy some clarity
and boundaries can be issued.
At this meeting as well, there was a discussion as to how reimbursements
should be defined, and how it is interpreted.
There is quite a grey area as to this subject.
SPRING SWING
President Kate
reinstated the dates for the Swing.
April 16th-2nd
District; April 17th-3rd District;
April 22nd-1st
District; April 23rd-5th District; April 24th-4th
District
Tim Deragon expressed
concern that it was a disappointment for the Fall Swing that so few officers
were present at the different District meetings this Fall.
He feels it is important to see those faces out on the Swing.
DISTRICT ACCOUNTING
Rod Geoghegan spoke on
behalf of the Audit committee.
Each District needs to send either to him or to the Sec/Treas their bank
statements, and deposit slips from June through December.
At State Convention they will need to bring all their financial data
for a review by the audit committee.
TIME AND PLACE
At the Post Convention
Board the Time and Place Committee had been expanded to include a member
from each District. Betty
Berndt is the chairman of the Committee and serving along with her Heather
Reylek-1st, Tony Montoro-2nd, 3rd has no
representation yet, Dan O’Neil-4th,Bob Marusek-5th.
At State Convention a recommendation will be made for the State
convention for 2010.
TRAINING
At the Post Convention
Board meeting it was discussed that with the application of Quick Books for
the Secretary/Treasurer, it still was a little hard to go through the
programs necessary. At this
meeting a course was discussed to make this transition easier.
A motion was made by Randy Sliker and
seconded by Heather Reylek to allocate no more than $75.00 to purchase the
self-study training course for the new Sec/Treas. for Quick Books.
All in favor-Aye-carried
SEMINAR PARTICIPATION OF PROFITABLE
BUSINESSES
President Kate reminded
the Board of the lengthy discussion at the post Convention Board meeting.
How do we address this issue? As a first timer, some were confused
with the profitable seminars-thinking all seminars were “NAPUS” endorsed.
The topic of using convention leave
was discussed, with the aspect of those attending the profitable seminars
which do not fall into the category of postal training.
A motion was made by Randy Sliker and
seconded by Eileen Bernitt to have our PM Development Chair Marty Miller
designate which seminars are Postal seminars, by time and place, and which
seminars are non-Postal and informational, with time and place, when she
prepares the listing for training seminars.
All in favor-Aye-carried.
VOUCHERS
President Kate spoke
about the timely submission of vouchers.
A voucher is to be submitted within 60 days of the event, otherwise
it needs to be approved by the Board at their next board meeting.
We have not followed this policy which is outlined in our Fiscal
Policy, however if the voucher will impact a certain event, or if the
reimbursement is substantial we will return it and have that person bring it
to the next Board meeting..
This can be 4 to 6 months later if the Board is not meeting. On then flip
side of this concern is also to cash the check in a timely fashion.
The Board adjourned for
lunch at
Meeting resumed at
NEW BUSINESS
The reimbursement for
our Legislative Conference was discussed by President Kate. Legislative Co
chair Heather Reylek added that New York will meet as a group on Monday
evening to discuss the issues that will be brought to the Congressman, as
well as when the appointments are scheduled for
A motion was made by Jimmy Jackson and
seconded by Sue Wilk to authorize the reimbursement to each member attending
the Legislative Conference, at their own expense, one night’s room stay, no
matter how many are sharing the room, providing they are available to attend
the Congressional appointments.
All in favor-Aye-carried.
A motion was made by Heather Reylek and
seconded by Jimmy Jackson to authorize the reimbursement to each member
attending the Legislative Conference, at their own expense, their equal
share of the $5000. Transportation incentive, providing they are available
to attend the Congressional appointments.
All in favor-Aye-carried.
The 2nd
District will be adding an extra incentive of $50. to those from 2nd
District attending the Legislative Conference.
STATE CONVENTION
The Retirees had
expressed concern over the cost of attending the State Convention for the
day of the Luncheon and the Memorial Service.
The Board discussed this concern.
A motion was made by Tammy Hurd and seconded
by Heather Reylek to offer the Retirees a one day only fee, and that day
being the day which is scheduled to have the Retiree Luncheon.
This registration fee will be $25.00, and will include their lunch
for that day only.
All in favor-Aye-carried.
A motion was made by Sue Wilk and seconded by
Tammy Hurd to have the registration fees for the State Convention remain the
same as last year.
All in favor-Aye-carried.
The registration fees
will remain the same as last year.
$60 for Postmasters
until May 1st and then it goes to $80.
$45 for Retirees until
May 1st and then it goes to $65.
A motion was made by
Registration Chair Amy Dalrymple and seconded by Tammy Hurd asking that the
Registration table be closed Wednesday and Thursday.
Discussion followed.
Motion failed.
A motion was made by
Tammy Hurd and seconded by Amy Dalrymple to have the Registration table open
from 7-8 on Wednesday.
Discussion followed
Randy Sliker amended the
motion to read from 7-9 on Wednesday.
Motion failed.
A motion was made by Amy Dalrymple and
seconded by Randy Sliker to have the Registration table open from
All in favor-Aye-carried.
AWARDING OF SCHOLARSHIPS
A motion was made by Heather Reylek and
seconded by Jimmy Jackson to award 4 scholarships at our State Convention,
each in the amount of $500.00
All in favor-Aye-carried.
PM DEVELOPMENT
President Kate suggested
we take advantage of the technology.
Possibly in the future we should look for a “TECH” person to answer
our needs. This can be
discussed further at our post convention Board meeting.
Any input towards areas
where training is needed, or specific topics for a seminar should be
directed to President Kate and/or Martha Miller.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Past President, Donna
Dort will be conducting the service.
She asked for a piano for the service.
She receives assistance from Audrey Weyman, and members will contact
Donna with suggestions for the service.
BOARD MEETINGS
President Kate reminded
the Board that we do not need to have a Post Convention Board meeting since
there will be no change of officers.
JOURNAL
Rod Geoghegan will be in
charge of the Convention journal this year.
He will have the forms for the ads printed in the ESP.
A motion was made by Jimmy Jackson and
seconded by Randy Sliker to have the prices for the ads to remain the same
as last year.
All in favor-Aye-carried.
The prices will remain
$60 for a full page, $30 for a half page, $25 for ¼ page and $5 for
Postmaster listing. As with the
registration the deadline is May 1st.
A discussion followed on
how many copies to print-the Board has decided on 300 copies.
Mike Rupolo suggested
also that it be as close to printer ready, such as the page layouts, as
possible to save some money.
NATIONAL CONVENTION-ST. LOUIS
President Kate reminded
the Board that the National will be August 23-29th.
At State Convention,
2009 NATIONAL CONVENTION-ALASKA
The convention in
The Board took a 10
minute break at
CANDIDATES FOR NATIONAL OFFICE
Presdient Kate read the
resolution for Wayne Orshak, candidate for NAPUS National Secretary
Treasurer 2009-2010. At this
time
A motion was made by Eileen Bernitt and
seconded by Heather Reylek to have the
All in favor-Aye-carried.
The election for
National President, which will take place in 2009 already, has two
candidates known. Hugh Hager
from
AUDIT
Rod Geoghegan announced
the findings of his audit. The
organization has all money accounted for.
Rod noted a few vouchers which payees did not sign; he asked that
mileage be noted properly-use the correct mileage rate.
The books are in good order.
For the Districts, there were a few items noted, but for June at the
convention the statements and bank deposits are needed for each District.
POST OFFICE CLOSINGS
Betty Eickler spoke
about recent closings scheduled in the
Post Office Closings.
Is this a conflict of interest?
The Board went on the discuss closings and options that are available
to research, as well as the proper procedures to follow when a possible
closing is made known. A list
is being complied of offices that have had long term OIC’s, so please make
sure if you know of any to contact Betty.
BLANKET MAILING OF ESP
A motion was made by Heather Reylek and
seconded by Randy Sliker to do a blanket mailing of the March ESP issue,
with a deadline of February 10th to all
members and non-members.
This issue will focus on State Convention.
All in favor-Aye-carried.
A motion was made by Eileen Bernitt and
seconded by Randy Sliker to have the Convention
Co-Chairs send a blanket mailing to all
Postmasters, Associate members, OIC’s, and Retirees with all the necessary
information that pertains to the State Convention before mid-April.
All in favor-Aye-carried.
Some information the
letters will contain are letter from Co-Chairs, president letter, hotel
information, convention registration form, convention journal ad form.
OFFICER DUTIES
President Kate spoke
about officers not performing their jobs.
For example, some people did not respond about this meeting, some
responded and did not attend.
These officers have until December of this year to finish their terms, and
although there are volunteers that will help, this is the job of the
officer.
BENEDICTION
Dona Dort delivered the
Benediction.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by
Randy Sliker and seconded by Sue Wilk to adjourn.
All in
favor-Aye-carried.
Meeting adjourned at