June10th, 2022, Minutes of General Meeting of MCRTA Unit 3
The meeting was called to order by President Fred Bloss at 9:02 AM with the reciting of the pledge of allegiance at the Senior Center in Collinsville, IL. There were 12 members present all of whom were from Collinsville. No other school districts were represented. No newly retired teachers were present either.
President Bloss introduced John Harland, the Area 6 representative, Megan Kronk, the Area 6 scholarship recipient and her mother. Mr. Harland presented Megan with a $3000 scholarship from Area 6 of the IRTA. Megan is a junior who graduated from Kaskaskia Junior College and will attend Eastern Illinois University for her junior year.
Vice President Izetta Davis introduced our musical guest performers the 60s Chicks. They asked for a few more minutes to get prepared.
Recording Secretary Margie Wright stated that the March 11, 2022, minutes were available on our website and that the highlight of the last meeting was a speaker from TRS whom we hoped would be able to give us relevant information on the problem with our insurance fund. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
The 60s Chicks performed various love songs, Broadway ditties and patriotic tunes for those present at the meeting. One of our members, Earlene Shaw, is a member of the group. All of us appreciated the wonderful performance.
Treasurer Judy Williams gave the treasurer’s report. Our organization has $561.36 in the checking account and with the CDs and savings account we have total assets of $7307.29.
John Harland, Area 6 representative, gave us an update on the state of the lawsuit IRTA has started against CMS (Central Management System) and TRS. At the suggestion of CMS, TRS tried to reduce the amount of money that CMS would have to put into our insurance fund which helps pay for retirees’ insurance premiums. IRTA has stated that this is unconstitutional. At this point in time CMS agrees that they should be paying into the insurance fund, however, the problem is agreeing on how much CMS will contribute. Based on past IRTA lawsuits, IRTA believes they will win the lawsuit for full funding.
Barb Alcorn reported for the membership committee. They plan to send out a letter for the October general meeting inviting newly retired teachers to the breakfast we plan to have in conjunction with the meeting. They will receive a free breakfast for attending the meeting. Bruce Dye will check with Denny’s in Collinsville and possibly in Shiloh to check availability of a private space for our breakfast meeting.
There was no report from the Corresponding Secretary Gail Fritzsche due to her absence.
Information Services chairman Bruce Dye reported he is still trying to contact the 6 members whose emails are returned undeliverable.
Robert Sudhoff and Judy Kirkpatrick were absent so there was no report from the Legislative committee or the Member Benefits Committee.
Jan Shapiro volunteered to help with the IRTA Foundation committee. She also called for members to send her anything they wished her to put on our website. She will post pictures of today’s 60s Chicks guests and try to post a short video of their performance.
Under Old Business President Bloss stated that we will continue with in person meetings in the future, of course, subject to any changes in the COVID pandemic.
Under New Business President Bloss reminded us of the Primary Election coming up on June 28, 2022.
This year’s Area 6 Conference will be held virtually on June 30,2022, at 9:00 AM. Registration takes place on online.
IRTA President Bill Funkhouser will be our guest speaker at the October 14, 2022, general meeting. AMBA representative Lori Fairfield will present the latest in AMBA’s offerings at the meeting as well.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 AM.
Submitted by Recording Secretary Margie Wright
President Bloss introduced John Harland, the Area 6 representative, Megan Kronk, the Area 6 scholarship recipient and her mother. Mr. Harland presented Megan with a $3000 scholarship from Area 6 of the IRTA. Megan is a junior who graduated from Kaskaskia Junior College and will attend Eastern Illinois University for her junior year.
Vice President Izetta Davis introduced our musical guest performers the 60s Chicks. They asked for a few more minutes to get prepared.
Recording Secretary Margie Wright stated that the March 11, 2022, minutes were available on our website and that the highlight of the last meeting was a speaker from TRS whom we hoped would be able to give us relevant information on the problem with our insurance fund. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
The 60s Chicks performed various love songs, Broadway ditties and patriotic tunes for those present at the meeting. One of our members, Earlene Shaw, is a member of the group. All of us appreciated the wonderful performance.
Treasurer Judy Williams gave the treasurer’s report. Our organization has $561.36 in the checking account and with the CDs and savings account we have total assets of $7307.29.
John Harland, Area 6 representative, gave us an update on the state of the lawsuit IRTA has started against CMS (Central Management System) and TRS. At the suggestion of CMS, TRS tried to reduce the amount of money that CMS would have to put into our insurance fund which helps pay for retirees’ insurance premiums. IRTA has stated that this is unconstitutional. At this point in time CMS agrees that they should be paying into the insurance fund, however, the problem is agreeing on how much CMS will contribute. Based on past IRTA lawsuits, IRTA believes they will win the lawsuit for full funding.
Barb Alcorn reported for the membership committee. They plan to send out a letter for the October general meeting inviting newly retired teachers to the breakfast we plan to have in conjunction with the meeting. They will receive a free breakfast for attending the meeting. Bruce Dye will check with Denny’s in Collinsville and possibly in Shiloh to check availability of a private space for our breakfast meeting.
There was no report from the Corresponding Secretary Gail Fritzsche due to her absence.
Information Services chairman Bruce Dye reported he is still trying to contact the 6 members whose emails are returned undeliverable.
Robert Sudhoff and Judy Kirkpatrick were absent so there was no report from the Legislative committee or the Member Benefits Committee.
Jan Shapiro volunteered to help with the IRTA Foundation committee. She also called for members to send her anything they wished her to put on our website. She will post pictures of today’s 60s Chicks guests and try to post a short video of their performance.
Under Old Business President Bloss stated that we will continue with in person meetings in the future, of course, subject to any changes in the COVID pandemic.
Under New Business President Bloss reminded us of the Primary Election coming up on June 28, 2022.
This year’s Area 6 Conference will be held virtually on June 30,2022, at 9:00 AM. Registration takes place on online.
IRTA President Bill Funkhouser will be our guest speaker at the October 14, 2022, general meeting. AMBA representative Lori Fairfield will present the latest in AMBA’s offerings at the meeting as well.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 AM.
Submitted by Recording Secretary Margie Wright
March 18, 2022, Minutes of General Meeting of MCRTA Unit 3
Due to the absence of President Bloss, Vice President Izetta Davis called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM with the Pledge of Allegiance. This meeting took place on the 18th because the meeting planned for March 11 was cancelled due to the possibility of snow on that morning. This was followed by roll call of districts attending the meeting: Collinsville, 10; Granite City, 0; Highland, 0; Madison, 2; Triad, 3; Venice, 0; and Fairview Heights, 1 with a total of 16 members present.
Izetta called for the recognition of any newly retired teachers who may have been represent, however, there were no new teachers in attendance.
Nick Stabler from TRS was introduced as the speaker. His presentation described the workings of TRS including the number of teachers in the system, whether Tier 1 or 2, the financial status of TRS, some of the programs available through TRS and some of the outlooks for the future. In the not-too-distant future there will be more Tier 2 retired teachers than Tier 1. Our membership consists of Tier 1 teachers only. Currently TRS finances are adhering to their benchmark 7% return on investments. The proposed state budget plans for full funding of TRS in fiscal2023. As of 2018 a supplemental savings plan is offended and is administered by VOYA. There are three constitutional changes proposed by HJRCA 17, HJCRA 20 and HJCRA 10 all of which propose to do away with some aspect of the guaranteed protection of our pensions. HJCRA 20 is the most troublesome. IRTA continues to work to maintain our protection under the constitution. TRIP (Teachers Retirement Insurance Program) is proposing changes to funding the Insurance Fund which would result in higher costs for insurance for our current retirees. Mr. Stabler could not comment on these changes because IRTA is suing TRS over this matter. IRTA has more information on this on their website. Under our Constitutional Protection both parties must agree to any changes which include the Contract Clause and the Pension Protection Clause: Article XIII, Section 5. So far IRTA has won each of the lawsuits to protect our rights. Mr. Stabler handed out copies of the slides from his usual slide presentation.
Izetta announced that the 60s Chicks would present a program at our June 10 general meeting. Earlene Shaw, a member of the group, told us a little about the singing group. Izetta then called for suggestions for future meetings. Unfortunately, there were no suggestions given.
Recording Secretary Margie Wright passed out copies of the minutes from the last general meeting on October 8, 2021. All chose to read them on their own. Minutes approved by Gail Fritzsche’s motion.
Margie Wright gave the treasurer’s report due to Treasurer Judy Williams’ absence. The checkbook balance is $660.58 and $6006.33 in CDs leaving our current total assets at $7406.81.
Report filed for audit on Bruce Dye’s motion.
Carla Petrillo gave the membership report stating that the committee sent out 27 letters two times to inform the newly retired teachers of the meeting that should have been held on March 11 but was cancelled because of possible snow that morning and then of the new meeting date of March 18.
Corresponding Secretary Gail Fritzsche reported that she sent cards to Judy Kirkpatrick on the death of her mother and to Fred Bloss on his recent hospitalization. She will send a card to Frank Slinkard who has not been feeling well.
Information Services chair Bruce Dye said he has four people to locate to find out their new information of emailing. Always send any changes in email, address, etc. to Bruce.
Robert Sudhoff of the Legislative Committee said he has nothing newer than the emails sent out by Fred and Bruce about the insurance problem.
Judy Kirkpatrick with Member Benefits had nothing new about benefits.
Foundation chairperson is still vacant and needs someone to volunteer to head this program.
OLD BUSINESS
Jan Shapiro was absent so there was no report on newsletters or the website. There were no comments or suggestions about either of these things.
The group decided that in-person meetings will be held in the future. Bruce will contact Denny’s about breakfast before a meeting and someone will check on a lunch meeting at Bella Milano or Horseshoe in O’Fallon. They will report to the Executive Board at their next meeting.
Then it will be brought to everyone’s attention at the next general meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
By acclimation Fred Bloss was elected President and Margie Wright was elected Recording Secretary. Bruce Dye made the motion for this.
The 50/50 raffle was won by Izetta Davis and she donated back her $12.50 so the total for the raffle was $25.
The next Executive Board meeting will be on May 13 at the Senior Center at 10:00 AM.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 AM.
Submitted by Margie Wright, Recording Secretary
October 8, 2021, Minutes of MCRTA Unit 3 General Meeting
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by Fred Bloss with 17 members in attendance. School district representation was as follows: Collinsville, 12; Madison, 2; Triad,1 and Fairview Heights, 1. One missing. Sorry for the miscount.
VP Izetta Davis introduced the speaker, Kim Johnson of Hospice of Southern Illinois. Her 45-minute presentation cautioned us to stay hydrated either by drinking enough liquids or by eating the 13 most water-dense raw vegetables and fruits which she brought along to show us. After she urged us to use hospice at appropriate times, she raffled off the fresh vegetables and fruits and all went home with at least one sample.
President Bloss mentioned that there were no newly retired teachers present today who had become members, however, there is one newly retired teacher who has joined. It is Kathleen Neal of Granite City.
Recording Secretary Margie Wright had a copy of the Oct. 11, 2019, minutes but she suggested along with Jan Shapiro that all go to the MCRTA website to read the 2- year-old minutes. All agreed.
Treasurer Judy Williams reported that our group has $616.98 in the checking account and $7362.91 in total assests.
Carla Petrillo, Barb Alcorn and Jim Morrison will jointly fill the chairmanship of the Membership committee.
Corresponding Secretary Gail Fritsche is still seeking addresses of the families of recently deceased members in order to send our condolences.
There were no reports from the Information Services and Legislative chairs due to the absence of Bruce Dye and Robert Sudhoff.
Member Benefits chair Judy Kirkpatrick stated that new benefits can be viewed on our website. Fred Bloss reported that AMBA, the benefits company, donated a new computer system to IRTA.
The Foundation committee still needs a chairperson.
Old Business
There will be no newsletter sent out to members. Everything can be viewed on our website. The website can be accessed by anyone. IRTA’s website can be accessed by anyone, however, there is a section on the website that can only be accessed by members.
The next general meeting in March 2022, will be an in-person meeting.
New Business
Nominations were taken from the floor for the offices of president and recording secretary. There being no other nominations than Fred Bloss, president, and Margie Wright, recording secretary, they were elected for another term of office.
The IRTA convention for 2021 is virtual again. Fred Bloss, Jan Shapiro and Margie Wright will serve as delegates for our group on the Zoom conference.
Fred Bloss reported that there is a movement that has been suggested to TRS that the practicing teachers’ contributions to TRS be reduced which would in turn reduce the amount contributed by the school districts and the Illinois legislature since both groups contribute an amount equal to the practicing teachers’ contribution. TRS is not in favor of this proposal, but CMS is in favor of it. Should this happen retired teachers would have to pay more for their insurance. IRTA asked their lawyers if our insurance benefits are protected by the Illinois Constitution, and they replied that they are protected. That does not mean though that there may not be a legal battle if the changes are made. The case would likely end up in the IL Supreme Court. IRTA has won 3 out of 3 cases brought before the IL Supreme Court.
A 50/50 raffle was held to benefit the IRTA Foundation. Fred Bloss was the winner of $16 and he donated it back the Foundation.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 AM.
Submitted by Margie Wright, Recording Secretary
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by Fred Bloss with 17 members in attendance. School district representation was as follows: Collinsville, 12; Madison, 2; Triad,1 and Fairview Heights, 1. One missing. Sorry for the miscount.
VP Izetta Davis introduced the speaker, Kim Johnson of Hospice of Southern Illinois. Her 45-minute presentation cautioned us to stay hydrated either by drinking enough liquids or by eating the 13 most water-dense raw vegetables and fruits which she brought along to show us. After she urged us to use hospice at appropriate times, she raffled off the fresh vegetables and fruits and all went home with at least one sample.
President Bloss mentioned that there were no newly retired teachers present today who had become members, however, there is one newly retired teacher who has joined. It is Kathleen Neal of Granite City.
Recording Secretary Margie Wright had a copy of the Oct. 11, 2019, minutes but she suggested along with Jan Shapiro that all go to the MCRTA website to read the 2- year-old minutes. All agreed.
Treasurer Judy Williams reported that our group has $616.98 in the checking account and $7362.91 in total assests.
Carla Petrillo, Barb Alcorn and Jim Morrison will jointly fill the chairmanship of the Membership committee.
Corresponding Secretary Gail Fritsche is still seeking addresses of the families of recently deceased members in order to send our condolences.
There were no reports from the Information Services and Legislative chairs due to the absence of Bruce Dye and Robert Sudhoff.
Member Benefits chair Judy Kirkpatrick stated that new benefits can be viewed on our website. Fred Bloss reported that AMBA, the benefits company, donated a new computer system to IRTA.
The Foundation committee still needs a chairperson.
Old Business
There will be no newsletter sent out to members. Everything can be viewed on our website. The website can be accessed by anyone. IRTA’s website can be accessed by anyone, however, there is a section on the website that can only be accessed by members.
The next general meeting in March 2022, will be an in-person meeting.
New Business
Nominations were taken from the floor for the offices of president and recording secretary. There being no other nominations than Fred Bloss, president, and Margie Wright, recording secretary, they were elected for another term of office.
The IRTA convention for 2021 is virtual again. Fred Bloss, Jan Shapiro and Margie Wright will serve as delegates for our group on the Zoom conference.
Fred Bloss reported that there is a movement that has been suggested to TRS that the practicing teachers’ contributions to TRS be reduced which would in turn reduce the amount contributed by the school districts and the Illinois legislature since both groups contribute an amount equal to the practicing teachers’ contribution. TRS is not in favor of this proposal, but CMS is in favor of it. Should this happen retired teachers would have to pay more for their insurance. IRTA asked their lawyers if our insurance benefits are protected by the Illinois Constitution, and they replied that they are protected. That does not mean though that there may not be a legal battle if the changes are made. The case would likely end up in the IL Supreme Court. IRTA has won 3 out of 3 cases brought before the IL Supreme Court.
A 50/50 raffle was held to benefit the IRTA Foundation. Fred Bloss was the winner of $16 and he donated it back the Foundation.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 AM.
Submitted by Margie Wright, Recording Secretary
October 11, 2019, Minutes of MCRTA Unit 3 Meeting
The meeting was called to order by President Fred Bloss at 9:17 AM followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The following school districts were represented: Collinsville - 16, Granite City - 0, Highland - 0, Madison – 2, Triad -1, Venice – 0, and Fairview Heights -1.
No newly retired teachers were in attendance.
Jodi Gardner of PSOP was introduced as our speaker for the day by VP Izetta Davis. Ms Gardner who works at the Senior Center at SWIC in Older Adult and Counseling which partners with the St Louis Alzheimer Assn provides services and information on aging. She emphasized brain health awareness and hopes to change things like “warning signs” to “symptoms” of aging problems for a better understanding of the issues.
Jan Shapiro, former recording secretary, read the minutes of the June 14, 2019, general meeting since the office is currently vacant.
Judy Williams gave the treasurer’s report stating the organization has $7414.70 in assets. Bruce Dye moved to accept the report. Motion passed and the report was filed for audit.
As the membership chair is vacant we need volunteer to fill the position.
VP Izetta Davis reported that there are several suggestions for programs at future meetings. Among the suggestions were Heidi Dodd of Belleville on elder law, the Comfort Dog from Holy Cross Church in Collinsville, a program called Eat Your Water and Debbie Ming-Mendez on upcoming elections. Ms Ming-Mendez also is looking for judges for the next election.
Information Services chairman Bruce Dye always needs updates on any changes to your email and/or phone numbers. He also cautioned that there are several scams coming through email that look authentic such as the ones that include Amazon. Delete before opening anything in your email that looks suspicious.
Robert Sudhoff reported that there is increased time to apply to have money returned for any overpayment you may have made to TRIP or TRAIL. The governor has stated there will be no reduction in state funding to TRS.
There was no report on member benefits since the chairman was absent.
Last year the IRTA Foundation gave out 4 grants and this year there were 8 awarded. Four grants went to teachers in our Unit. They were Jennifer Connolly of Granite City High, Stephanie Vandeford, Valerie Vickery and Deborah Kokotovich of Renfro Elementary in Collinsville, Lynn Veremeiren of Collinsville High and Chara Helton-Rodenhaus of Kreitner Elementary in Collinsville. In addition it was reported that 4 or 5 retired teachers regularly receive financial aid from the Foundation. Sophomore, Junior and Senior college students majoring in education may apply for scholarships from the Foundation as well.
Margie Wright reported that cards had been sent to Beverly Imming and Jan Shapiro.
In a discussion on newsletters it was stated that only one new member joined due to the newsletter. Although we want to keep members informed it seems that the newsletter only reiterates what is already on our Unit website. Further discussion will be held at a future meeting. Any suggestions are welcome.
Bruce Dye reported that there were no responses to his call for nominations for president and recording secretary. There were none from the floor either. The nominating committee presented Fred Bloss as candidate for president and Margie Wright for recording secretary. They were elected by acclamation. Since Margie Wright had been corresponding secretary she needed to be replaced. Gail Fritzsche stepped forward to take that position.
The IRTA Convention will be held Oct 14 and 15 in Springfield with Fred Bloss, Izetta Davis, Judy Williams, Earlene Shaw and Margie Wright representing our Unit.
An interest inventory was passed out and collected to offer suggestions for programs.
Jerry Davis won $19 from the 50/50 raffle.
Future meetings will be held on 3/13, 6/12 and 10/9, 2020 at the Collinsville Senior Center.
Bruce Dye needs our current cell phone #s since most landlines are no longer in use.
Taxing pensions and other ways to reduce our pensions are still in the works. IRTA is ever vigilant.
In order to increase membership please talk to your fellow teachers who are not currently members and urge them to become members and/or attend our meetings.
There was a brief discussion on whether we should include a meal with our meetings. We may try that again in the future.
Fred thanked all who attended the meeting and the meeting was adjourned at 10:50.
Submitted by Margie Wright, Recording Secretary
Proposed changes to the MCRTA Unit #3 By-laws which were approved at the October 10th, 2014 meeting are below.
Article V
DUES
The Fiscal year of the Association shall be October 1 through September 30.
CHANGE to January 1 through December 31.
The dues of the Association, payable in October of each year, shall be as follows:
CHANGE to January
Article VI
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
The Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the President and shall present an appropriate slate of officers to the Association at the spring meeting. The President and Recording Secretary are to be elected at the spring unit meeting in odd-numbered years, and the Vice-President, Treasurer, and Corresponding Secretary are to be elected at the spring unit meeting in even-numbered years.
Change to October unit meeting…and…at the October unit meeting…..
Nominations may also be made from the floor. Persons nominated must have given consent or agreed to serve. Election, following the nomination, may be by acclamation or by written ballot. If there are more than two candidates for office, the election shall be determined by plurality vote.
Article VII
TERM OF OFFICE
The officers shall serve for two (2) years, beginning at the October meeting following their election.
Change to The officers shall serve for two (2) years. Newly elected officers will begin their term of office on January 1st following their election..
Article VIII
MEETINGS
There shall be three (3) meetings annually of Unit III. The three (3) unit meetings shall be held on the second Fridays of October, March, and June.
Change to There shall be three (3) meetings annually of Unit III. The three (3) unit meetings shall be held on the second Fridays of March, June and October.
Article V
DUES
The Fiscal year of the Association shall be October 1 through September 30.
CHANGE to January 1 through December 31.
The dues of the Association, payable in October of each year, shall be as follows:
CHANGE to January
Article VI
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
The Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the President and shall present an appropriate slate of officers to the Association at the spring meeting. The President and Recording Secretary are to be elected at the spring unit meeting in odd-numbered years, and the Vice-President, Treasurer, and Corresponding Secretary are to be elected at the spring unit meeting in even-numbered years.
Change to October unit meeting…and…at the October unit meeting…..
Nominations may also be made from the floor. Persons nominated must have given consent or agreed to serve. Election, following the nomination, may be by acclamation or by written ballot. If there are more than two candidates for office, the election shall be determined by plurality vote.
Article VII
TERM OF OFFICE
The officers shall serve for two (2) years, beginning at the October meeting following their election.
Change to The officers shall serve for two (2) years. Newly elected officers will begin their term of office on January 1st following their election..
Article VIII
MEETINGS
There shall be three (3) meetings annually of Unit III. The three (3) unit meetings shall be held on the second Fridays of October, March, and June.
Change to There shall be three (3) meetings annually of Unit III. The three (3) unit meetings shall be held on the second Fridays of March, June and October.