April 2015 | Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the St. Croix Government Retirees Inc. (SGR) Meeting

Minutes of the St. Croix Government Retirees Inc. (SGR) held on Tuesday April 21^st 2015 at the Charles Harwood Clinic. The meeting began at 1.15 pm and it was chaired by Mary Moorhead.

Attendance…There were twenty-seven members and stakeholders in attendance at the meeting.

Minutes…Abdul R. Ali read the minutes and Betty Wilson made a motion that the minutes be accepted as read. The motion was seconded by Phyllis Nehlsen. The vote, with regards the minutes, was unanimous.

Matters Arising…There were no matters arising from the minutes.

Reports…Mary Moorhead reported on the following…(Crucian Point) Moorhead said that the organization had now been paid in full and that the total payment was $2100.00. (Survey results) Moorhead distributed the survey results that were based on the reapportionment discussion that was organized by the SGR. (Sin Tax bill 31-0023) Moorhead expressed concern that the GERS unfunded liability was unlikely to benefit from the bill in its current form. She indicated that the bill is slated to go through the rules committee following an analysis by the BIR, and that the SGR should keep a watchful eye on the proceedings. (Senior Day) Moorhead said that this is set for August 21^st. 2015 and that the SGR should organize activities for the day. Rhea B. Hodge reported on financial matters...She said that the balance on 3-17 was $ 4284.65 and that expenditures since then amounted to $175.00 for the use of UVI for the reapportionment discussion and $1260.00 for Crucian Point for the SGR website. Income (dues) amounted to $276.00 (donation) $37.00 and (Bake Sale) $404.00 all leaving a balance of $3566.65. Carmen Moorehead Mills reported on the fundraising aspect…She said that the next fundraiser would be held in Sunny Isles on April 25^th 2015.

Forum with Senators…Rhea B. Hodge said that she would like the SGA to meet “face to face” with the Senators. The matter was discussed at some length and a number of ideas came up for discussion, not least of all the Sin Tax, Funding for the GERS and the service the organization provides to Retirees and to active workers. Gladys Rissing made everyone laugh when she said that the theme for the forum should be, “Senators what you going to do when the retirees come for you?” Following the discussions Rhea B. Hodge made a motion that a meeting between the St. Croix Government Retirees Inc. and the Senators of the 31^st. Legislature be organized ASAP to discuss the GERS and its functions. The motion was seconded by Sonia Griles. The vote was unanimous.

Any Other Business…(Spouses of WAPA Employees) Miguel Nico reported that some spouses of WAPA employees were having difficulty with their healthcare needs and he suggested that the spouses (if 65 and older) be placed under the United Healthcare Plan. (Elections in June) Mary Moorhead said that it was time for elections and that she was planning to hold them in June 2015.

Adjournment…Betty Wilson Made a motion that the meeting be adjourned and the motion was seconded by Carmen Moorhead Mills.

Date & Place of Next meeting…May 19^th 2015 at the Charles Harwood Clinic at 1 pm.