Region 8 Retirees

PEF Region 8 Retirees Committee Meeting

Minutes

Thursday, November 5, 2007

The Nov 5, 2007 meeting of the PEF Region 8 Retirees opened at 12:15. President Marjorie DeVoe introduced Deborah Stayman, PEF Contract Administration, Health Insurance; who offered an explanation and handouts regarding the new Income-Sensitive Premium for Medicare Part B which will become effective in the 2007 Tax Year. She reminded members that Civil Service will reimburse its members the difference between the lowest and highest income premiums, if they apply within a three year window.

Deputy Bill Pentak of the Albany County Sheriff’s Department and his K-9 partner, "Mac", led the membership in the Pledge Of Allegiance.

Marje presented a Certificate Of Appreciation and gift certificate to Carol Sheffer for her tenure as Secretary, and praised her for her service and willingness to coordinate this year’s Holiday Lunch.

The October minutes were approved and seconded.

In her President’s Report, Marje simply stated, "Be sure to Vote in the Primary Elections".

The Treasurer’s Report was approved and seconded.

Carol Sheffer reported that this year’s Holiday Lunch would be held at the Italian-American Community Center, on December 3rd at 12 noon, and that today’s meeting would be the final opportunity to make a reservation and select a meal choice.

Dennis Anderson passed out copies of CSEA’s tentative agreement with New York State. He noted that Article 9.28 increases the Empire plan co-payments for many ER and Diagnostic procedures. The Agreement outcome is now sent to the CSEA members for approval.

Marge reminded our members that:

• The health insurance changes and premium rates will be arriving, shortly. Retirees can change their Health Insurance Provider at any time of the year but then must wait 12 months after that date to change again.
• There have been various hearings around the State concerning possible Health Insurance coverage changes, but no specific information has been published yet.
• The Reg 8 Retiree web pages are up, go to PEF8.org; click on Retirees.
• There is a PEF-sponsored Bus Trip to New York City on November 28th.

Vice President Roy Bailey introduced our guest speaker, Deputy Bill Pentak of the Albany County Sheriff’s Department and his K-9 partner, "Mac", a beautiful and intelligent Yellow Labrador Retriever.

Deputy Pentak and Mac then presented a very enjoyable and informative program to our members, about the K-9 training process, his personal and professional relationship with "Mac", some situations where Mac performed admirably, and a demonstration of Mac’s drug-sniffing/finding prowess.

The membership expressed their enjoyment of and appreciation for Deputy Pentak’s presentation, and Mac’s friendliness.

Over 120 members and guests were in attendence.

Respectfully submitted, Barbara Kearney, Secretary