AFGE, Local 3937

Local Business Meeting

November 9, 2016  

Labor Temple, Seattle WA

Present were: Steve Kofahl, Carrie Kitchin-Kofahl, Laura Novakoski, Ivan Weich, Tim Roark, John Pfannenstein, Cassandra Butler, James Paxton, Cinthia Diaz, Ana Rivers, Melanie Broady, Ardeth Bolin, Jeff Saul and Lily Eng.

The meeting was called to order at 7:15pm.

Agenda:

• New Business
• Treasurer’s Report
• Old Business
• Reports
• Minutes review

New Business:

Ivan made a motion that we move the 2017 budget in the amount of $102,500 as follows; Carrie seconded:

Budget Category                    2017 Allocation          spent thru 10/31/16

General Overhead                   $28,500                       (spent $26,098.22)

Union Administration             $8,500                         (spent $3049.46)

Representation                        $17,000                       (spent $15,845.09)

Legislative/Political                 $15,000                       (spent $13,217.70)

Officer                                     $30,000                       (spent $17,546.32)

Employee                                $2,500                         (spent $0)

Contributions/Gifts                 $1,000                         (spent $0)

Total                                        $102,500                     (spent $75,753.79 = 74% of current year budget)

Motion passed.  If our ballot measure to increase per capita dues does not pass, the budget will need to be revisited for significant changes because we don’t have the reserves to continue functioning at deficit spending levels.

Treasurer’s Report:

See the 2016 expenditures shown above.

Old Business: 

None.

Reports:

Ana and James, as the incoming new Local President and Treasurer, attended training in Washington, D.C. last week.  They learned a lot about the financial and documentary side of their new roles in the Local, and are looking forward to the transition in January.

The AFGE legislative conference is coming up in February, and our new 2^nd VP, John Pfannenstein, will be attending as the Washington State constituent for the Local.  We were the first union to endorse Pramila Jayapal, who is taking over Jim McDermott’s spot as our Washington District 7 Congressional representative, so we hope that she will be interested in our issues and in meeting John.

The Local sent Steve, Carrie, John and Ivan to a fund raising dinner by the Washington Alliance for Retired Americans (WASARA) last month.  Jim McDermott received a lifetime achievement award from WASARA at the small gathering, and they were able to thank him for his service.

Laura was joined by the entire meeting in recognizing and thanking the outgoing members of the Local’s Executive Board at this, their last Local Business Meeting as sitting officers: Steve Kofahl (Local President), Carrie Kitchin-Kofahl (Executive Vice President), Tim Roark (1^st Vice President), and Ardeth Bolin (Treasurer).  Taken together, they have put in over 100 amazing years serving Local 3937 and we deeply appreciate their sincere service and passion for our members.  They have provided a strong shoulder of support for members going through a rough time, articulate representation for those who needed help with Contract violations, grievances and arbitrations, a consistent source of inspiration and solidarity for our members and employees, while also providing caring support for the clients and beneficiaries of Social Security.  We are fortunate to have met and learned alongside Steve, Carrie, Tim and Ardeth.  We took a few moments to reminisce with and appreciate them, and we are sorry to see them go.  The new officers will undertake to follow in their footsteps as best they can, and will continue to rely on them as mentors and experienced leaders.

Carrie made a motion that this evening’s LBM minutes be approved as amended; James seconded.  Motion passed. 

Carrie moved to adjourn at 8:10pm; Melanie seconded.  Motion passed.

Minutes written and submitted by Laura Novakoski, Secretary.