Summaryof the 29th Annual PFFUI Convention

May 11 - 13, 2005, Jeffersonville, Indiana

Summary compiled by Secretary-Treasurer Michael Pinkham

Click here for a downloadable (pdf) file of the Summary (14 pages)

Thursday, May 12, 2005

President Hanify called the Convention back to order.

The Credentials Committee final report was presented by Co-Chairmen Richard Duggins and Donnie Growe. Delegate attendance details are attached.

Guest speaker Dave Brunner, Police & Firemen’s Insurance Association, addressed the delegation.

The Legislative Committee report was presented by Co-Chairmen Ed Lomeli and Mark Mastison.

              Resolution 4 regarding fireworks sales came out of committee with Do Pass recommendation;        Resolution 4 was adopted by the delegation.

President Tom Hanify presented his Executive Board Officer’s report detailing his activities, organizing priorities, legislative goals, political involvement, and presented a vision for the future of the organization.

The Elections Committee report was presented by Co-Chairmen Larry Zuber and Steve Wieger;

              The 4th District convened in caucus for nominations to fulfill the remaining 1 year term of 4th           District Trustee Joe Finneran. Bonnie Webb was the only individual nominated and was declared           elected by acclamation by President Hanify.

Secretary-Treasurer Pinkham presented a power point educational program detailing Basic Local Union Leadership & Administrative Skills.

The Constitution and By-Laws Committee report was presented by Co-Chairmen James Ridley and Tim McDonnell.

              Resolution 7 was withdrawn in committee by Dave Allmon.

              Resolution 1 regarding reorganization came out committee with a Do Pass As Amended     recommendation.

              After much discussion and several amendments being offered and deliberated, delegate-at-large      Tom Miller moved the resolution be referred back to the Executive Board for reconsideration and        that it be addressed as the first order of resolution business at the 2006 convention. Motion             carried and Resolution 1 is referred back to the Executive Board.

 State Senator Jim Lewis addressed the delegation.

State Fire Marshal Roger Johnson addressed the delegation regarding the reorganization of the Fire Marshal’s office, training priorities, and other issues and goals regarding his office.

Ron Kautsky presented a power point educational program detailed Health Savings Accounts.

Nominations for convention host for the 2007 convention were requested by President Hanify. Ken Marks of South Bend Local 362 placed the city of South Bend in nomination. As no other cities were nominated President Hanify declared the city of South Bend as the convention site for 2007.

The Pension Committee report was presented by Co-Chairmen Tom Marshall and Mike Whited.

              Resolution 2 regarding surviving spouse benefits came out committee with a Do Not Pass               recommendation. The committee’s recommendation was adopted and Resolution 2 is rejected.

              Resolution 3 regarding increasing the 1977 Fund Pension benefit to a maximum of 80% came out    of committee with a Do Pass As Amended recommendation. Resolution 3 was adopted by the              delegation.

              Resolution 5 regarding the sunset provisions of the DROP program came out of committee with a               Do Pass recommendation. Resolution 5 was adopted by the delegation.

              Resolution 6 regarding disability or death during a member’s DROP period came out of       committee with a Do Pass As Amended recommendation. Resolution 6 was adopted by the    delegation.

President Hanify presented a power point program regarding Political Action.

Christine LaMar of the Muscular Dystrophy Association addressed the delegation regarding fire fighters’ efforts in the ‘Fill The Boot’ campaigns and presented awards to various departments for their outstanding contributions collected on behalf of MDA. Lafayette Local 472 was presented a plaque for colleting $23,451; Kokomo Local 396 was presented a plaque for collecting $23,540; Evansville Local 357 was presented a plaque for collecting $27,216; Fort Wayne Local 124 was presented a plaque for topping the state collecting $69,088.

Randy Zion, Fort Wayne Local 124, and Larry Zuber, Evansville Local 357 addressed the delegation regarding the positive benefits of being involved with the MDA and strategies to motivate members and tactics for successful collection activities.

President Hanify recessed the convention delegates for the day.

Friday, May 13, 2005

President Hanify called the Convention back to order.

Fire Marshall Roger addressed the delegates regarding smoke detector campaigns and their role in preventing and reducing fire fatalities in the state.

Tim McDonnell and James Ridley addressed the delegates regarding IAFF legislative issues and their participation at the IAFF Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. and they distributed briefing booklets on the IAFF positions on various national issues of concern to fire fighters.

Bonnie Webb was sworn in as 4th District Trustee by President Hanify and welcomed to the Executive Board.

President Hanify reminded delegates of upcoming events, particularly the Brian Reed Memorial PAC Golf Tournament July 27, 2005 at Coffin Golf Course in Indianapolis and the Indiana Fire Fighters Remembrance Ceremony at the following day July 28, 2005 at the Indiana Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters Memorial in Indianapolis. A fire fighters memorial motorcycle ride is also scheduled in conjunction with the events. Information is on the web site at pffui.com.

President Hanify adjourned the delegates attending the 29th Annual PFFUI State Convention.

Resolution # 1 – 2005

Re: ORGANIZATION REVIEW COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

 Whereas, The PFFUI adopted a strategic plan at the 2003 convention; and Strategic Direction #4 specifically outlined goals to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our organization including examining the existing organizational structure and defining the roles and responsibilities of the Officers of the Executive Board; and

Whereas, Resolution 4 adopted at the 2004 convention authorized the President to appoint an Organizational Review Committee to examine the organizational structure of the PFFUI, including the efficiency and effectiveness of providing services to Locals within the Districts, the roles and responsibilities of the District Officers and the Principal Officers, the need for standing committees and their missions, and an overall review of the effectiveness of the lobbyist and service efforts of the PFFUI; and

Whereas, This committee, comprised of eight (8) members representing each District of the PFFUI, met twice in 2004, reviewing the structures of other state organizations and deliberating the relevant issues, and made written recommendations to the Executive Board for consideration and resolution for convention action;

Therefore Be It Resolved, That the following revised recommendations of the Organization Review Committee be adopted and that the Executive Board amends the Constitution and By-Laws and the Policy Manual as necessary to reflect these changes;

And Be It Further Resolved, That the changes in the Executive Board take effect upon the elections of Officers at the 2006 convention.

Executive Board:

The Executive Board will be made up of a President, a Secretary-Treasurer and six (6) Vice-Presidents. The Secretary-Treasurer shall assume the duties of the President in case of a vacancy and shall convene the Executive Board within thirty (30) days of such vacancy for the Executive Board to appoint a successor who shall serve until the next convention at which time an election shall be held for the vacated position.

Vice-Presidents:

Each of our present Districts would elect a Vice-President from their respective Districts who would be designated as District Vice-Presidents.

The two (2) remaining Vice-Presidents would be by Region and would be designated as Regional Vice-Presidents.

The state would be further divided into (2) two regions. The First Region would be made up of 1st & 2nd Districts. The Second Region would be made up of 3rd & 4th Districts. Nominees must be from an Affiliate Local in the Region he/she seeks office.

These two positions would be elected by regional delegate vote, One Delegate, One Vote.

District Vice-Presidents would be requested to visit all Affiliated Locals in their Districts during their two (2) year terms.

District Vice-Presidents would be authorized to hold two (2) District Meetings annually. The President, Secretary-Treasurer, and the Regional Vice-Presidents shall be invited to attend all District meetings.

All Vice-Presidents would be required to submit an activity and expense report to the Secretary-Treasurer each month. These reports would be reviewed at Executive Board Meetings and would be available for inspection by members at Conventions.

All Vice-Presidents would be expected to have a cell phone and e-mail access to be better equipped to communicate with all Officers and Affiliates.

All Vice-Presidents would receive an annual salary of 4.65% of the highest affiliated Fire Fighter’s pension base (currently about $2,400.00) to offset communications expenses such as cell phones and personal email accounts and as compensation for expected services to the membership and any additional travel and business related expenses incurred by a Vice-President and authorized by the President would be reimbursed in accordance with Executive Board policy.

Trustees:

The position of Trustee is eliminated from the Executive Board.

The President shall appoint a Financial Review & Audit Committee, comprised of one (1) representative from each District, annually.

The Committee shall audit the financial records of the organization annually and shall present their written report to the Executive Board and the Committee shall present their report to the annual PFFUI Convention delegation.

The Committee members shall also serve as the Credentials Committee at the annual PFFUI Convention.

Committee members shall be compensated for travel and business related expenses in accordance with Executive Board policy.

PFFUI Field Service Representatives:

The President may designate State Service Representatives to assist himself and the Executive Board in meeting the organizing, educational, lobbying, or other service needs of the organization and the membership.

State Service Representatives shall be compensated for travel and business related expenses in accordance with Executive Board policy.

Attendance at Functions and Travel Expenses:

Members of the Executive Board or other representatives authorized by the President to attend conventions, seminars, or other functions as representatives of the PFFUI shall have their registration fees, lodging, and other travel and business related expenses provided by the PFFUI in conformity with IRS guidelines and in accordance with Executive Board policy.

Cost Factor: None (Absorbed through organizational changes as written)

Committee Assignment: Constitution & By-Laws

Committee Recommendation: Adopt as Amended

Convention Action: Referred back to the Executive Board for consideration and to be addressed as first order of business at the next convention in 2006.

Submitted by the PFFUI Executive Board.

Resolution # 2 – 2005

 Re: SURVIVING SPOUSE BENEFITS

 Whereas, I.C. 36-8-8-13.8 and I.C. 36-8-8-13.9 define the 1977 Fund Survivor Benefit of a surviving spouse to be 60% of a member’s monthly benefit; and

Whereas, The PFFUI has continually pursued legislation to increase this benefit to a benefit level equal to 75% of a member’s monthly benefit with little potential of passage due to the fiscal impact of an estimated $59.5 million increase in the unfunded accrued actuarial liability and a potential $1.6 million increase in annual benefits; and

Whereas, The Fiscal Impact Analysis of this proposal details a 1.6% increase necessary in the contribution rate for adequate funding and the likelihood of improvements to any provision of the 1977 Fund are virtually non-existent unless funded;

Therefore Be It Resolved, That the PFFUI continue to pursue this benefit through legislation and that our lobbyists be authorized to include a provision that the member’s contribution rate be increased by the necessary 1.6% for actuarial funding of the increased benefit.

Cost Factor: None

Committee Assignment: Pension

Committee Recommendation: Reject

Convention Action: Rejected

Submitted by the PFFUI Executive Board.

Resolution # 3 – 2005 (passed)

Re: INCREASING 1977 PENSION BENEFIT TO 80%

Whereas, I.C. 36-8-8-11 defines the 1977 Fund Pension Benefit of a member to be equal to 50% of the monthly salary of a first class fire fighter in the year the member retires plus 2% for each year or 1% for each 6 months of active service over 20 years to a maximum of 12 years, or a maximum benefit of 74%; and

Whereas, The PFFUI has continually pursued legislation to increase this benefit to a maximum benefit level equal to 80% with 32 years of service, calculated at the rate of 2½% per year or 1¼ % per 6 months, with little potential of passage due to the fiscal impact of an estimated $99.4 million increase in the unfunded accrued actuarial liability; and

Whereas, Representatives from PERF estimate a 2.3% increase is necessary in the contribution rate for adequate funding and the likelihood of improvements to any provision of the 1977 Fund are virtually non-existent unless funded;

Therefore Be It Resolved, That the PFFUI continue to pursue this benefit through legislation and that our lobbyists be authorized to include a provision that the member’s contribution rate be increased by the maximum 2.3% for actuarial funding of the increased benefit.

Cost Factor: None

Committee Assignment: Pension

Committee Recommendation: Adopt as Amended

Convention Action: Adopted

Submitted by the PFFUI Executive Board

Resolution # 4 – 2005 (passed)

 Re: Fireworks Sales

Whereas, The sales of fireworks in the state of Indiana generates an enormous amount of revenue each year without benefit to fire fighters, and

Whereas, Although the fire service is generally opposed to the sale of most fireworks due to the inherent dangers in their unregulated use, it is obvious after many years of failed legislation to eliminate or further control the sales of fireworks that they will continue to be sold in the state of Indiana; and

Whereas, The sale of fireworks could serve as a revenue source from a tax imposed upon their sales potentially benefiting pension relief or the creation of a State Fire Academy;

Therefore Be It Resolved, That the PFFUI pursue legislation taxing the sale of fireworks in Indiana and that the tax revenues generated be dedicated to pension relief and/or the creation of a State Fire Academy.

Cost Factor: None

Committee Assignment: Legislative

Committee Recommendation: Adopt

Convention Action: Adopted

Submitted by the PFFUI Executive Board.

Resolution # 5 – 2005 (passed)

Re: SUNSET OF DROP

Whereas, A Senate Resolution directs the Pension Oversight Committee to study the possibility of repealing the expiration date (December 31, 2007) of the DROP program; and

Whereas, Many PFFUI and FOP members may be able to sign up for the program at reduced time other than the three (3) year maximum time, because of age, etc; and

Whereas, A greater service to our members would be to extend their time available;

Therefore Be It Resolved, If the Study Committee’s recommendation is to repeal the expiration date of DROP, that members having to sign up for periods less than the three (3) years maximum time be allowed an option of amending their contract with PERF to reflect a full three (3) year period of participation in the DROP benefit; and

Be It Further Resolved, This be accomplished during the drafting of language for legislation to be presented to the Indiana Senate and House of Representatives.

Cost Factor: None

Committee Assignment: Pension

Committee Recommendation: Adopt

Convention Action: Adopted

Submitted by South Bend Local 362.

Resolution # 6 – 2005 (passed)

Re: DROP PROGRAM

Whereas, The Existence of the DROP program has been beneficial to many fire fighters and police officers; and

Whereas, This program may be extended past the current expiration date of December 31, 2007; and

Whereas, A number of participants of the DROP did not collect, because of disability or death prior to their contract fulfillment; and

Whereas, Assigned beneficiaries also lose this money;

Therefore Be It Resolved, If a participant is disabled on the job to the extent that he/she can not continue to work as a fire fighter or police officer, or dies prior to the fulfillment of the contract with PERF regarding DROP, the participant or the participant’s beneficiary shall receive the money calculated up to the date of such disability or death of the participant.

Cost Factor: None

Committee Assignment: Pension

Committee Recommendation: Adopt as Amended

Convention Action: Adopted

Submitted by South Bend Local 362.

2005 PFFUI Committee Assignments