GCEA Director’s Meeting August 2024
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors was held on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, in person and Teams. Meeting was called to order by Jaime Avalos, President at 12:10 pm and roll was called.
Guest in attendance: James Fagen, CEA
New Director in attendance: Isabella Alverez
Finance Report:
Profit and Loss approved via email. Profit and Loss will be sent with approved minutes for distribution.
Minutes Approval:
July minutes were approved via Outlook voting. Minutes were sent for distribution.
President’s Report:
Continuing to work on the Salary Survey of 12 positions for 10 cities. Currently received appx 30 positions within the City of Glendale to review.
Continuing to work with other associations regarding Civil Service Commission changes that city wants to make, letter was drafted by associations and Jaime forwarded to James for approval.
Workplace Violence Prevention Policy Meetings: Jaime met with city and other bargaining units regarding new policy that is statewide.
Letter was forwarded to James Fagen, CEA for review.
James spoke to the issue and some of his concerns and red flags he sees in using this type of Threat Assessment team. There could be an overreach by the city if they would like to terminate an employee without due process or cause.
If associations decide to agree with city, then the language must be tightened, and each association will need a voice on the Assessment Team.
Remember that as a director you are the voice of the employees. If you hear something that does not seem right or is unjust, bring it to the attention of Jaime or Ronnie.
Vice President’s Report:
Ronnie Lira, VP stated that since the MOU has gone into effect there have been employees who have had issues regarding pay. Encourage your members to review their pay stubs to make sure they are getting paid as negotiated.
Will be attending the Wage Spring Conference as a guest speaker again this year at the invitation of Wage.
At the conference he plans to seek more information regarding membership morale and engagement.
Committee Reports:
Community Alliance – This committee is seeking a chair. If you are interested in becoming chair or serving CAC, please reach out to Jaime. If you have an organization you are interested in the CAC contributing to, contact Jaime or the GCEA office.
Political Action – Ronnie is stepping down from the role of Chair. If anyone is interested in filling this position, please visit with Ronnie.
Benefits – Nothing to report.
Social Media – According to Elisabeth Bergman the website has been updated. The new site has not been launched to date. Social Media committee will be meeting next week to determine further action steps and review site.
EAC – Committee has established a loan cap of a maximum 12k per year to be available for loan.
Scholarship – Nothing to report.
Vendor - Nothing to report.
Disciplinary – Continue to work with employees over disciplinary investigations and interviews.
New Employee Orientation – There will be a meeting in September. Elisabeth Bergman and Seta Elias will be attending the meeting allowing Kerri to show how to run the presentation. Thank you to Elisabeth and Seta for their willingness to serve on this committee.
Bylaws – We are continuing to work on revisions. We have received answers to our questions from Jeff Natke, CEA. Revisions will be added, and committee will meet for final draft approval before sharing with the board.
NEW BUSINESS - No new business.
OLD BUSINESS - No old business outstanding.
DISCUSSION AND COMMENTS:
Leslie Fox posed a question regarding leave banks and what leave must be used first.
Ronnie asked if a trainee or employee on probation can join the GCEA. According to James Fagen, there is nothing that prohibits the employee from enrolling in the GCEA immediately.
Steve Morris raised a concern regarding reimbursements. It is taking the city two to six months to reimburse employees for reimbursements submitted. Jaime will address this issue with Human Resources at the next scheduled meeting.
Kerri Zelenak asked that we remind all employees including new hires to review their paystubs.
Motion to adjourn meeting made by: Bertha Albright
Motion seconded by: Joe Palos
Meeting adjourned at 12:53 pm
Minutes respectfully submitted by: Stephanie Kinnison
