OCTOBER 16, 2008

The Regular Branch Meeting of NALC Branch 2589, Lubbock, Texas, was called to order by President Mitch Terral at 7:03 P.M.  The invocation was given by E. Leaney.  The membership then said the Pledge of Allegiance.  The roll call of officers was taken.  All officers were present, except P. Majors.  Members added to the attendance list for tonight were P. Majors due to injury and B. Froemel due to illness.  M. Terral read the attendance lists for the October 9, 2008, Executive Board and Steward Meetings.  No additional names were added to either list.  E. Odle moved to approve the minutes of the last meeting as published in the October, 2008, Newsletter.  The motion seconded by N. Cruz.  Motion carried.

COMMUNICATIONS:  (1) The Branch received a Thank you card for expression of sympathy from the family of Joe Pearson, Sister Debbie Redman’s father.  (2)  Activist Newsletter for July, 2008.  (3)  Texas AFL-CIO Newsletter for September, 2008.  (3)  Goldstein Associates sent the Branch an order form for 2009 Union made wall calendars and pocket planners. 

APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP:  There are no applications for membership.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  (1) HBR – E. Odle thanked everyone for allowing him to attend the HBR Seminar.  He said it was very enlightening.  He was also able to go over to the Committee of Presidents and hear President Bill Young for a while.  Open Season runs from November 10^th through December 8^th.  Active Carriers biweekly self-only premium went up $0.10 to $32.71.  Self & Family went up $8.30 to $62.84.  Annuitant’s monthly self-only premium went down $4.98 to $122.42.  Self & Family went up $5.14 to $252.14.  Our goal is to be better than Blue Cross/Blue Shield.  We have 20 new programs.  Here are a few: (1) You can purchase up to a 90-day supply (84-day minimum) of covered drugs and supplies from a local CVS Pharmacy and pay the applicable mail order copayment which is $12.00 for generic. (2) Co-pay is now $15.00 for outpatient and office visits. (3) Copayment per admission at a PPO hospital for medical/surgery is $100.00. (4) Annual physical is $15.00. (5) If you use a Quest Lab facility, lab work costs nothing.  More information is published in the October Newsletter or you can go online to www.nalcbranch2589.org and click on “Links” in the left column and then click on the HBP Logo at the far right on the Branch Links page.  (2)  Political – Go vote.  (3)  MDA – J. Ladd has no report.  D. Sieler reported that Branch 2589 made the revised 2007 MDA Honor Roll in The Postal Record.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  Installation Banquet – The Installation Banquet is Saturday, November 22, 2008, here at the Union Hall at 7:00 P.M.  It will be catered by Cathy’s.  D. Sieler and J. Ladd volunteered to be here at 6:00 to let the caterer in.  Next month, after the meeting, we need to stay and set up the tables and chairs for the banquet.  The Auxiliary will decorate.  We will reimburse them for the cost of the decorations.  Brother Gary Mullins will be here to install the officers.  The Executive Board recommended that we purchase a gift card for Brother Mullins to show our appreciation.  T. Chrestman motioned to purchase a gift card for Brother Mullins.  Motion was seconded by E. Odle.  Motion carried.  We discussed the menu for the banquet.  From the menu selections, the membership decided on steak, Cornish game hen, baked potatoes, and green beans.  We will ask if we can have an assortment of desserts.   

NEW BUSINESS:  (1) E-mail addresses – D. McCarty asked for all stewards to give her their e-mail addresses and/or phone numbers so we can notify the stewards when routes are posted.  (2)  Routes Pending Reversion – Management is holding two routes at Midwest Station pending reversion.  Management has 30 days to revert or post them.  (3)  Ladder – F. Small fell through the ceiling last month because the ladder he was on gave way.  The Executive Board recommended that we purchase an eight foot, double sided ladder.  E. Odle motioned to purchase said ladder not to exceed $250.00, plus tax.  Motion seconded by N. Cruz.  Motion carried.  After some kidding about the fall, K. Goad said she was here when F. Small fell and it was a serious fall.  His injuries could have been far more serious than they were.  (4)  A/C – The air conditioner in the front offices stopped cooling.  We had to call someone to come out.  The cost was $238 and a few cents.  T. Chrestman motioned to pay for the A/C repair.  Motion seconded by E. Odle.  Motion carried.  (5) Cups – We need to purchase some larger coffee cups the next time we get supplies.  (6) Bulk Mailing Permit – Our bulk mailing permit is about to expire.  It will cost $180.00.  J. Ladd motioned to renew our bulk mailing permit.  Motion seconded by C. Cooley.  Motion carried.  (7) Computer Equipment – The Executive Board discussed the need for a new CPU and Monitor for the front offices.  It is a recommendation of the Executive Board to purchase a new CPU and flat screen monitor, not to exceed $600.00 plus tax.  E. Odle so moved.  Motion seconded by A. Rodriguez.  Motion carried.  (8) NRP – National Reassessment Program.  This program will affect carriers, and other craft employees, who are on Limited Duty or OWPC.  If management calls you in to talk to you, make sure you have Mitch Terral with you.  If they make you a job offer, you have two weeks to get back with them.  You do not have to accept the offer at the time.  (9)  Mileage for Building Manager – The building manager is required to come to the union hall on Sunday after the building has been rented, to inspect the building and to clean, if necessary.  E. Odle motioned to pay the building manager mileage when she comes to inspect the building on Sunday.  Motioned seconded by N. Cruz.  Motion was amended to pay the building manager mileage for one round trip to the union hall on Sunday when she comes to inspect the building. N. Cruz accepted the amendment.  Motion carried as amended.   

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ASSOCIATION: (1) Nomination of 2009-2010 Officers and Delegates to the 2009 Texas State Convention – Nominations for office of President:  Mitch Terral.  Mitch Terral was elected by acclimation.  Nominations for office of Vice-President:  Diane McCarty and Juan Baca.  Diane McCarty declined the nomination.  Juan Baca was elected by acclimation.  Nomination for office of Recording Secretary:  Penny Polk.  Penny Polk was elected by acclimation.  Nomination for office of Financial Secretary:  Fernando Small.  Fernando Small was elected by acclimation.  Nomination for office of Treasurer:  Karen Goad and Diane McCarty.  Diane McCarty declined the nomination.  Karen Goad was elected by acclimation.  Nominations for office of Editor:  Juan J. Ramirez, Jr.  Juan J. Ramirez, Jr., was elected by acclimation.  Nomination for office of Sgt. At Arms:  Troy Robles.  Troy Robles was elected by acclimation.  Nominations for office of Health Benefits Representative:  Eddie Odle.  Eddie Odle was elected by acclimation.  Nominations for three Trustee positions:  Jeremy Ladd, Norma Cruz, Tommy Chrestman, Paul Majors, and Charles Peterman.  Norma Cruz declined the nomination.  The nominations ceased.  The following members were nominated as Delegates to the 2009 Texas State Convention:  Mitch Terral, Tommy Chrestman, F. Small, Jeremy Ladd, Diane McCarty, Bill Froemel, Eddie Odle, Juan Baca, Karen Goad, Penny Polk, Andy Rodriguez, Ed Leaney, Norma Cruz, Charles Peterman, S. C. Cooley, Troy J. Robles, Howard J. Steffens, Juan J. Ramirez, Jr., and Mark Allen.  These 19 delegates were elected by acclimation.  Pending Paul Majors’ acceptance of his nomination to the office of Trustee, there will be an election for three Trustees.  The election will be November 20, 2008, at the Union Hall from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.  Results will be announced at the November 20^th meeting.  (2) COLCPE – F. Small stressed how important it is to donate to COLCPE.  (3)  T E Break – The TE’s are showing up on the “Separation List” after their break.  We may have to sign them up for membership again.  (4) Financial Secretary’s Report – The Financial Secretary’s Report is published in the Newsletter.  C. Cooley moved to pay the bills as presented in the Newsletter.  The motion was seconded by N. Cruz.  Motion carried.  (5)  Treasurer’s Report – The Treasurer’s is published in the Newsletter.  (6)  Receipts for Fall School – Your motel and gas receipts must be turned in to Karen within 30 days or you will be required to return the funds that were paid to you by the Branch. (7)  Delegates to the 2009 Convention – F. Small needs to know your choice of room accommodations as soon as possible.  We need to start making reservations.   (8) $140.00 Membership Drawing – Jeffery Lee Price’s name was drawn for October, but he was not present to win.  This drawing will be for $150.00 next month.  (9) $15.00 Attendance Drawing – T. Robles won for October.  

Meeting was adjourned at 8:10 P.M.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2008

The Regular Branch Meeting of NALC Branch 2589, Lubbock, Texas, was called to order by President Mitch Terral at 7:06 P.M.  The invocation was given by N. Cruz.  The membership then said the Pledge of Allegiance.  The roll call of officers was taken.  All officers were present except P. Majors.  M. Terral read the attendance list for the September Executive Board and Steward meetings.  M. Allen was added to the Steward list due to working late.  E. Odle moved to approve the minutes of the last meeting as published in the September, 2008, Newsletter.  The motion seconded by N. Cruz.  Motion carried.

COMMUNICATIONS:  The Branch received the following:  (1) Order forms from Mail Call for Christmas “thank you” post cards from “your letter carrier”;  (2) Notice of Arthritis Expo 2008, on Saturday, October 4, 2008, at the Science Spectrum, 10:00 A.M to 1:00 P.M., free admission;  (3) Texas AFL-CIO August, 2008, Newsletter; (4) News on Wheels July Newsletter from Meals on Wheels; (5)Union People Products Catalogue; and  (6) Cedarstream Union Products Catalogue.  

APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP:  We have one application for membership:  Richard Allen Napier from Monterey Station.  T. Chrestman moved to accept this application for membership.  The motion was seconded by J. Ladd.  Motion carried unanimously.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  (1) Political – E. Odle reported tentative plans to go to Washington D. C. in March, 2009.  Eddie has contacted Rick Noriega headquarters to see if he would come speak to the unions in Lubbock.  We are working with Texas AFL-CIO to get Joe Heflin reelected.  (2) HBR – E. Odle reported a retiree had some problems with his insurance card.  You must use the card with the “U” on the front.  The Health Benefits Seminar is September 28 – 30^th. If you want Eddie to check on anything for you, you must fill out a HIPAA form.  Eddie has the forms.  He also has more “Personal Health Records” forms, if you don’t have a computer.  (3)  TSALC – The COP will meet January 10, 2009, at the Sheraton Grand in Dallas, Texas.  The Texas State Convention is tentatively set for June 22-26, 2009, in Dallas. (4)  MDA – No report.     

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: (1) Shredding Service – Several months ago the branch approved using a shredding service to dispose of old files and records.  The branch approved two bins at $50.00 each. The second bin is full and we need to call the company to come pick it up.  We are going need a third bin to finish disposing of all old files and records.  T. Chrestman motioned to pay $50.00 for another bin.  Motion seconded by E. Odle.  Motion Carried.  We will tell them to bring another bin when they pick up the full one.  (2)  Calendars – Turn in orders and money for calendars tonight.  (3)  Route Counts – Discussed the Muleshoe count.  We will request information from the units that have just counted.  We have set up a count team.  The members are Mitch Terral, Diane McCarty, Norma Cruz, Juan Baca, Ed Leaney, Mark Allen and stewards at the AO’s being counted.  E. Odle motioned to pay the count team members $20.00 per hour, up to $200.00 per unit.  Motion seconded by E. Leaney.  Motion carried.  (5) T E Uniforms – Everything has been approved, but nothing has been paid.  Mary Tenorio is still selling uniforms.  (6) Painting outside of Building – T. Robles asked if we have another bid on painting the building.  Frank Caro told Diane McCarty he would paint the building for free, if we furnished the paint and did the preparation.  C. Cooley motioned to let Frank Caro paint the building.  Motion seconded by M. Allen.  There was discussion about who would do the preparation.  What the cost of that would be.  We don’t have a bid on pointing up the building.  K. Goad made a motion to table until we get more information.  Motion seconded by N. Cruz.  Motion tabled.     

NEW BUSINESS:  (1) Grievance – A grievance was filed for the weeks of the National Convention for open slots that were not released at four stations.  Two slots will be opened for bid at those stations.  (2)  Installation Committee – Bill Froemel is the Chairman of the Installation Committee.  Committee members are E. Odle, A. Sears, S. Deleon and P. Stephens.  Volunteers added to the committee were J. Baca and J. Ladd. The Banquet will be Saturday, November 22, 2008, at 7:00 P.M. at the Union Hall.  Brother Gary Mullins will be here to install the officers.  E. Odle will take care of the gift for Brother Mullins.  We will pay for his hotel or get a gift card.  (3)  Elections – Nominations for officers and delegates to the Texas State Convention are next month, October 16^th and elections are November 20^th.  (4)  Gas Allowance – Last month a motion was made and the members voted to increase the President’s gas allowance and to pay the Chief Shop Steward a gas allowance.  President Terral declared that motion out of order because the gas allowance for the President is a By-law and will require a By-law change to increase the amount.  E. Odle motioned to start paying the Chief Shop Steward a gas allowance of $20.00 per month beginning with August, 2008.  Motion seconded by M. Allen.  Motion carried.  (5)  Band – E. Odle suggested we ask the “My Dog Don’t Bite” Band to play before and after the Installation Banquet.  (6) Christmas Party – The Union Christmas party will be December 13, 2008, at 7:00 P.M. at the Union Hall.  It will be Pot Luck.  Don Sieler will make piñatas.  (7)  Copier – Holland’s Office Supply presented a proposal for a new copier to the Executive Board.  The purchase price of a new copier without a duplexer is $6,495.00.  The purchase price with the duplexer is $7,335.00.  The maintenance agreement is $25.00 per month.  If we lease the same copier over five years, the total cost would be about $10,000.00.  We asked for bids from two other companies, but they sent information on different, but similar, copiers.  The price was a little lower but the maintenance contract was much higher.  E. Odle motioned to purchase the copier with the duplexer from Holland’s Office Supply as soon as possible.  Motion seconded by N. Cruz.  Motion carried.   (8) Commendation – B. Froemel wanted to officially thank F. Small for the great job he did planning and coordinating the arrangements and travel plans for the delegates to Boston for the National Convention.  (9)  Mileage – E. Odle motioned to pay M. Allen mileage for attending the Route Count School on August 24, 2008.  Motion seconded by B. Froemel.  Motion carried.  (10) Membership Pins – D. Sieler asked about NALC Membership Pins to be presented to carriers.  We have requested 50 year pins and Gold Cards to be presented at the Installation Banquet.  We will look into getting pins for other years. 

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ASSOCIATION: (1) Attendance list – C. Cooley motioned to add D. Redman to the attendance list for tonight due hospitalization of her father.  Motion seconded by N. Cruz.  Motion carried.  (2)  Work Night – There will be a work night next Thursday, September 25^th.  We have a lot of work to do.  (3) COLCPE – F. Small urged everyone to contribute to COLCPE.  We are getting raises and we need to be contributing to COLCPE.  (4)  Fall School – F. Small has made reservations for all stewards and officers for the fall school, except those who told him they are not going. If you are not going, let Fernando know as soon as possible.  (5) Financial Secretary’s Report – C. Cooley motioned to pay the bills as published in the September Newsletter.  Motion was seconded by T. Chrestman.  Motion carried.  (6) Treasurer’s Report – The Treasurer’s Report is published in the Newsletter.  (7) 130.00 Membership Drawing – Lloyd W. Lancaster’s name was drawn for September, but he was not present to win.  This drawing will be for $140.00 next month.  (8) $15.00 Attendance Drawing – Larry De La Garza won for September.  

Meeting was adjourned at 8:22 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Penny Polk, Recording Secretary

AUGUST 21, 2008

The Regular Branch Meeting of NALC Branch 2589, Lubbock, Texas, was called to order by President Mitch Terral at 7:00 P.M.  The invocation was given by D. Redman.  The membership then said the Pledge of Allegiance.  The roll call of officers was taken.  All officers were present except F. Small and P. Majors.  M. Terral read the attendance list for the August Executive Board and Steward meetings.  E. Odle moved to approve the minutes of the last meeting as published in the August, 2008, Newsletter.  The motion was seconded by J. Ladd.  Motion carried. 

COMMUNICATIONS:  (1) The Branch received an acknowledgement of sympathy from the family of Joe R. Cox, Brother Howard Steffens’ father-in-law.   (2)  The Branch received June and July Newsletters from Texas AFL-CIO.  (3)  We received notice of a Health Benefit Seminar planned for September 28-30, 2008, at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.   

APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP:  There were no applications for membership.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  (1) HBR – E. Odle gave a report on “Personal Health Records” and explained how to get yours on line.  You can make one for everyone in the family and take it with you when you go to the doctor.  Go to our website, nalcbranch2589.org and click on Links and then click on Health Benefit Plan on the far right.  Then click “Not Registered?” or “Login” at top right of page.  There have been a lot of changes to the HBP.  Our goal is to be at least as good as Blue Cross/Blue Shield.  We had not planned to have a Health Benefits Seminar this year, so we did not budget for anyone to go.  Because of the changes, there will be a Seminar in September.  We have approved $1,000.00 in the past.  N. Cruz motioned to pay E. Odle $1000.00 to attend the Health Benefits Seminar.  Motion seconded by J. Ladd.  K. Goad pointed out that we are paying mileage and per diem now.  N. Cruz amended her motion to pay E. Odle mileage and per diem to go the Health Benefits Seminar.  Amendment accepted by J. Ladd.  Motion carried.  (2)  MDA – Due to a lack of participation, the Bowl-a-thon was cancelled.  J. Ladd motioned to donate $500.00 from branch funds to MDA.  Motion seconded by E. Odle.  Motion carried.  With so many people planning to be out of town for Labor Day, we will not participate in the MDA Labor Day Telethon. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  (1) Route Counts – We discussed the route count schedule for Lubbock and surrounding offices.  We will have a route count school here at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 24th, 2008.  This needs to be announced at the stations.  (2)  Estimates – We only have one estimate for painting the outside of the building.  At this time, we do not have an estimate on pointing it up.  (3)  Overtime Tracking – They are working on the new overtime tracking program.  We will have training as soon as the program is finished.     

NEW BUSINESS:  (1) Route Posting – The latest posting of the Sunset T-6 position was posted with the wrong routes.  A “suspense item” was sent out today requesting management to change route 1658 to 1657 and give standup talks about this on Friday and Monday.  We don’t want to repost it.  (2)  Highlighters – We need pink, blue and yellow highlighters and we need a lot of them.  (3)  T E Uniforms – All TE’s should have received their letter and ordered their uniforms.  (4)  Contract – The new bound copies of the contract came in.  We ordered one for each officer and steward and a few extra.  They are $3.00 each for members.  (5)  Gas Allowance – E. Odle motioned to increase the President’s gas allowance from $20.00 to $30.00 a month and pay the Chief Shop Steward a gas allowance of $30.00 a month.  Motion seconded by N. Cruz.  Motion carried.  (6)  Color Coded Calendars – It is time to order calendars.  Stewards or an appointee will be in charge of taking orders and collecting money at each station.  Calendars are $3.50 each and must be paid for in advance.  The orders and money need to be turned in by the September union meeting.  The Branch provides one calendar for each officer and steward and one for the break room at each station.  (7)  Work night – There will be a work night on Thursday, August 29^th.  If you need to make up a meeting, two work nights make up one meeting.  

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ASSOCIATION: (1) COLCPE – Fernando is not here to talk to you about COLCPE, but, if you have not signed up for the automatic deduction, you need to.  Also, you need to sign up for E-Activist.  It is easy and informative.  (2)  National Convention – We heard reports and comments on the National Convention in Boston.  K. Goad needs your receipts.  She needs in a hotel receipt and gas receipts or airline receipt for each delegate.  (3) Financial Secretary’s Report – T. Chrestman moved to pay the bills as published in the August Newsletter.  The motion was seconded by N. Cruz.  Motion carried.  (4)  Treasurer’s Report – The Treasurer’s Report is published in the August newsletter.   (5) $120.00 Membership Drawing – H. L. Futch, Jr.,’s name was drawn for August, but he was not present to win.  This drawing will be for $130.00 next month.  (6) $15.00 Attendance Drawing – A. Rodriguez won for August. 

Meeting was adjourned at 7:43 P.M.

JULY 17, 2008

JUNE 19, 2008

The Regular Branch Meeting of NALC Branch 2589, Lubbock, Texas, was called to order by President Mitch Terral at 7:05 P.M.  The invocation was given by P. Polk. The membership then said the Pledge of Allegiance.  The roll call of officers was taken.  All officers were present.  N. Cruz moved to add Andy Rodriguez to the attendance list for tonight due to a family emergency.  Motion seconded by J. Rivere.  Motion carried.  M. Terral read the attendance list for the June 12, 2008, Executive Board and Steward Meetings.  T. Chrestman moved to add Tommy Magallanes to the Steward Meeting attendance list due to a family situation.  Motion seconded by D. Quattlebaum.  Motion carried.  D. Quattlebaum moved to approve the minutes of the last meeting as published in the June, 2008, Newsletter.  The motion seconded by E. Odle.  Motion carried. 

COMMUNICATIONS:  (1) Meals on Wheels – We received a donation card from Meals on Wheels.  If anyone would like to make a personal donation, you may have the card. (2) Texas AFL-CIO – We received the April, 2008, Newsletter.  (3) MUG Resolution –We received information from Branch 351, Olympia, WA, about the Male Unbifurcated Garment (MUG) Resolution which will be introduced at National.  It is a resolution to add a new item of clothing for men to the approved uniform items.  It is, essentially, a kilt. 

APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP:  There were no applications for membership.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  (1) HBR – E. Odle reported that he is getting the runaround on getting an Urgent Care Center at Covenant.  He is still working on it.  (2)  Political – E. Odle reported we will not be going to Washington, D.C., this year.  We probably will not be able to get pay for our delegates who attended the Texas State Democratic Convention.  (3) MDA – The Bowl-a-thon is still set for Sunday, August 10, 2008.  The cost of having posters made was prohibitive.  Jeremy and Fernando will get together and make flyers on the computer.  Be sure and spread the word.  There are 42 lanes and we can have 42 teams.  Jeremy reported that he contacted United to ask about donating four $50.00 gift cards to give to the winning team.  They have not returned his calls.  He will try again this week.  (4)  Secretary’s Report – As of pay period ten, we have 14 associate members.  We have 171 active regular carriers, 1 PTR, 18 PTF’s, 5 TE’s, 6 other craft active members, for a total of 201 active carriers.  We have 110 regular retired members, 5 Life Members, 1 retired PTF, and 14 other craft retirees, for a total of 130 retired members.  The total membership of Branch 2589 is 346.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  (1) New Contracts – We have ordered 30 new contracts.  (2) Membership Drawing – The Membership Drawing has reached $300.00.  The Executive Board discussed this and made the following recommendation:  If no one wins the June drawing tonight, the drawing for the July 17^th Meeting will be $310.00.  If no wins the $310.00, there will be two $100.00 drawings from the membership in attendance at the July Meeting.  Then, the drawing for the August Meeting will be $120.00.  E. Odle motioned to accept the Board’s recommendation.  Motion was seconded by D. Villalobos.  There was some discussion.  Motion carried.  (3)  By-Laws – The proposed By-Law changes were approved by National and have been incorporated into our By-Laws.  We do have copies and the new By-Laws will be on our website soon.  (4)  Branch Polo or T-shirts – T. Magallanes said we need to make a decision on the shirts if we want to have them for the National Convention.  No motion was made regarding the purchase of shirts by the branch.  (5)  Posting of Routes – D. Villalobos asked why it took so long for routes to be posted and awarded.  There was a discussion on this. 

NEW BUSINESS:  (1) Bulk Mailing Permit – K. Goad reported we are almost out of money.  N. Cruz motioned to add $200.00 to the Bulk Mailing Permit.  Motion seconded by D. Quattlebaum.  Motion carried.  (2)  Personal Items at Case – An arbitration was made available on this subject.  You are permitted to have personal items at your case.  However, it cannot be political in nature or anything that could be deemed inappropriate in anyway.  (3)  Route Counts – Notices are coming that the AO’s will be counted.  (4)  Harold Snider – M. Terral announced that Harold Snider has had quintuple bypass surgery.  The doctors say he is extremely healthy and should be fine.  N. Cruz motioned to send flowers.  Motion seconded by E. Odle.  Motion carried.  (5)  Office Allowance – F. Small has a $200.00 monthly allowance to purchase office equipment and supplies.  Fernando made an out of pocket purchase for the branch in the amount of $179.69.  There is a recommendation from the Executive Board to reimburse him. N. Cruz moved to reimburse F. Small, if he provides a receipt.  Motion seconded by D. Quattlebaum.  Motion carried.  (6) Fans – Another recommendation of the Executive Board is to purchase four additional wall mounted fans:  two for the center room and one for each of the other two offices.  E. Odle moved to purchase four wall mounted fans.  Motion seconded by J. Rivere. Motion carried.  (7)  PEG Audit – We discussed the PEG Audit at Singer Station.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ASSOCIATION:  (1) David Huerta – J. Baca announced that Brother David Huerta had a stroke.  Please keep Brother Huerta and his family in your thoughts and prayers.  (2)  Move – C. Peterman asked when the routes will be moved to Murray Hill.  The move is scheduled for the beginning of the fiscal year, which is October 1, 2008.   (3)  Serving Our Country – D. McCarty introduced Eppie Garza, Sister Tara Garza’s husband, as a guest tonight, along with their children.  He is home after his second tour of duty in Iraq.  He received a round of applause.   (4) Rick Noriega – F. Small announced that Rick Noriega will run against Senator John Cornyn.  Senator Cornyn voted against more benefits for our veterans.  Major Noriega just came from Iraq.  He is a Major in the National Guard.  He will be in Lubbock on June 24.  Come out and support him. (5)  COLCPE – Give to COLCPE.  We need your money.  (6)  Financial Secretary’s Report – A copy of the Financial Secretary’s Report was distributed to the membership.  E. Odle moved to pay the bills as shown on the report.  The motion was seconded by D. Quattlebaum.  Motion carried.  (7)  Treasurer’s Report – K. Goad read the May Treasurer’s Report.   (8) $300.00 Membership Drawing – Brandy Lowrance’s name was drawn for June, but she was not present to win.  This drawing will be for $310.00 next month.   (9) $15.00 Attendance Drawing – Mitch Terral won for June.  

Meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M. 

MAY 15, 2008

 APRIL 17, 2008

The Regular Branch Meeting of NALC Branch 2589, Lubbock, Texas, was called to order by President Mitch Terral at 7:05 P.M.  The invocation was given by N. Cruz.  The membership then said the Pledge of Allegiance.  The roll call of officers was taken.  All officers were present.  M. Terral read the attendance list for the April Executive Board and Steward meetings.  E. Odle motioned to add Paul Majors to the Executive Board Attendance List.  Motion seconded by D. Quattlebaum.  Motion carried.  E. Odle moved to approve the minutes of the last meeting as published in the April, 2008, Newsletter.  The motion seconded by J. Ladd.  Motion carried.

COMMUNICATIONS:  (1) Thank you card for expression of sympathy from Brother Cliff “Fergie” Ferguson.  Brother Ferguson’s father passed away March 23, 2008, and his mother passed away April 10, 2008.  (2)  Thank you card for expression of sympathy from Marcos Ybarra and family.  Mrs. Maria Ybarra, Brother Juan “JJ” Ramirez, Jr.’s mother-in-law, passed away April 1, 2008.  (3)  We received a letter from Hospice of Lubbock acknowledging a gift in memory of W.H. Ferguson, Brother Cliff Ferguson’s father.  (4)  We received a letter from VistaCare Hospice acknowledging a gift in memory of Ernest G. Blackburn, Brother J. Carroll Blackburn’s brother.  (5)  March, 2008, NALC Activist Newsletter.  (6)  “News on Wheels” April, 2008, Meals on Wheels newsletter. 

APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP:  We have one application for membership:  Michal “Micki” Carreon.  T. Chrestman moved to accept this application for membership.  The motion was seconded by A. Sears.  Motion carried unanimously.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  (1) HBR – E. Odle said there was nothing to report.  Call E. Odle if you have any problems.  (2)  Political – The District Three Meeting is this Sunday (April 20, 2008) in Childress, Texas.  Diane McCarty, President of the meeting, will be going to Childress.  Let her know if you want to go and would like to ride with her.  E. Odle motioned to pay D. McCarty mileage.  N. Cruz seconded the motion.  Motion carried.  Ken Claxton will be there.  Politically, we will discuss going to Washington, D.C. and trying to find a way to pay for our people to go to the Texas State Democratic Convention in Austin, Texas.   (3)  Flower Committee – K. Goad asked that you contact her if you know of a Branch Member or a family member of a Branch Member who has passed away.  It is hard for her to recognize some family members, especially if they have a different last name.  (4)  MDA – J. Ladd reported he received a letter from Southwest Airlines.  They are not going to donate airline tickets this year.  Jeremy has talked with the manager at Brunswick Bowl. He would like to help MDA by having a “Bowl-a-thon” fundraiser.  They are to meet Monday.  A tentative date of August 10, 2008, has been set.  MDA will get some packets together to help get businesses to sponsor the Bowl-a-thon.  (5)  By-Law Committee – T. Chrestman presented seven proposed By-Law Changes to the membership to be voted on.  All proposed changes have been signed by three members from three different stations, were read into the minutes of the last meeting and are recommended for approval by the By-Law Committee.  T. Chrestman read the proposed change for Article VII, Section 7 (A).   E. Odle motioned for approval.  Motion was seconded by T. Magallanes.  Motion carried.  The proposed change for Article IV, Section 1 was read.  E. Odle motioned for approval.  Motion was seconded by N. Cruz.  Motion carried.  The proposed change for Article IV, Section 3 was read.  D. Quattlebaum motion for approval.  Motion seconded by N. Cruz.  Motion carried.  Proposed change for Article VIII, Section 2 was read.  E. Odle motioned for approval.  Motion seconded by D. Quattlebaum.  Motion carried.  Proposed change for Article VIII, Section 3 was read.  N. Cruz motioned for approval.  Motion seconded by A. Sears.  Motion carried.  Proposed change for Article IX, Section 2 was read.  H. Steffens motioned for approval.  Motion seconded by C. Peterman.  Motion carried.  Proposed change for Article X, Section 1 was read.  E. Odle motioned for approval.  Motion seconded by A. Sears.  Motion carried. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  No unfinished business was brought to the floor. 

NEW BUSINESS:   (1) Return to office scan – M. Terral reported some supervisors have told carriers to scan back to the office as soon as you get back from your route.  That is wrong.  Carriers scan the return barcode at the same time they swipe their badge “move to office”, after putting away equipment and taking a break.  (2) Downtown Route Postings – Routes should go up next week.  We are working on getting manual posting and bidding back.  (3)  Ceiling Tile – We are going to replace all of the ceiling tiles.  When we do, we will have to dispose of the old tiles.  K. Goad called some container companies to get the cost of bringing out a container to put the old tiles in and haul them away.  The price ranges from $225.00 to $240.00.  N. Cruz motioned to pay no more than $250.00 to a container company for the disposal of old tile.  Motion seconded by R. Nettles.  (4)  Work Night – T. Chrestman announced a work night next Thursday, April 24, 2008.  There is a lot of work to do.  (5)  Customer Connect – D. McCarty introduced our special guest, Cindy Parker.  Ms. Parker is a small business specialist with Customer Connect.  She explained Customer Connect, our roll as carriers and goals the USPS has for Customer Connect.  She then took questions from the membership.  (6)  Food Drive/Food Bank – C. Peterman introduced special guests, David Weaver and Lynn Garcia from the South Plains Food Bank.  They presented Branch 2589 with a beautiful plaque for sixteen years of dedication to the food drive and the Food Bank from 1992-2008.  A hand out was distributed to the membership to let us know what the Food Bank does with the food we collect.  They also want us to know that we do make a difference in the lives of people who need help.  A copy of the Food Bank’s newsletter “Manna” was also distributed.  C. Peterman reported that the post cards and thank you cards for the Food Drive have been taken care of.  (7)  E-mail Account for Cell Phone – Most of the Branch President’s correspondence is done by e-mail now.  The Executive Board discussed paying for a cell phone e-mail account for the President of Branch 2589.  The service is about $40.00 a month.  The recommendation of the Executive Board is to pay for cell phone e-mail service for the Branch President’s phone.  M. Terral would purchase the phone himself.  There was discussion.  E. Odle motioned to spend $40.00 a month for an e-mail account on the Branch President’s cell phone.  Motion seconded by J. Revere.  There was more discussion.  F. Small proposed an amendment of $50.00, because the $40.00 does not include taxes and fees.  E. Odle amended his motion to spend $50.00 a month for an e-mail account on the Branch President’s cell phone.  J. Revere accepted the amendment.  Motion carried.  (8)  National Convention – (a) Sight Seeing – F. Small referenced the article in the April Postal Record about attractions in and around Boston.  Delegates need to let Fernando know if you want to make plans to go sight seeing as a group.  If so, the Delegates need to get together and go over this information.  (b) Housing – We did not get any of the hotels we requested.  Our delegates will be staying at The Colonnade.  Shuttle service will be available.  (c) Proposed Resolution – B. Anderson would like to see a way for letter carriers to let our brothers and sisters know when we have had bad experiences with a business or company.  He suggested having something in our local newsletter and would like to see it go to the National level with a section in the Postal Record devoted to this.  M. Terral will check out liability issues, if we publish something like this in The Lubbock Letter Carrier. 

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ASSOCIATION: (1) Old Chairs – D. Redman said a member asked her if he could get a discount on the old chairs, if he purchased all of the remaining chairs tonight.  There was a lot of discussion about this.  There are members present who are interested in purchasing chairs tonight.  H. Steffens motioned to sell “him” all of the remaining chairs for $2.00 each, after tonight.  Motion was seconded by R. Nettles.  Motion failed.  E. Odle motioned that all chairs are now $2.00 each.  Motion seconded by J. Ladd.  F. Small amended the motion to require “him” (the member D. Redman spoke with) to purchase all of the remaining chairs for $2.00 each.  E. Odle accepted the amendment. J. Ladd accepted the amendment.  Motion failed.  E. Odle motioned that all chairs are now $2.00 each.  Motion seconded by T. Magallanes.  Motion carried.  (2)  Welder – T. Chrestman needs to borrow a welder so he can finish some work on the workday.  If anyone has a welder, contact T. Chrestman.  (3) Financial Secretary’s Report - F. Small read the bills for the month of March.  E. Odle moved to pay the bills.  The motion was seconded by D. Quattlebaum.  Motion carried.  (4)  Treasurer’s Report – K. Goad read the March Treasurer’s Report.  (5) Copy Paper – K. Goad motioned to reimburse Juan J. Ramirez, Jr., $8.90 for copy paper he purchased to print the newsletter.  Motion was seconded by N. Cruz.  Motion carried.  (6) $280.00 Membership Drawing – Robby J. Mitchell’s name was drawn for April, but he was not present to win.  This drawing will be for $290.00 next month.  (7) $15.00 Attendance Drawing – N. Cruz won for April.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:40P.M.

MARCH 20, 2008

COMMUNICATIONS: (1) Acknowledgment of memorial from St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in memory of Edith Golden, Brother Bill Edmonson’s mother-in-law. (2) Thank you card for expression of sympathy from Brother Cal and Monica Urias and family. (3) Texas AFL-CIO February, 2008, Newsletter.

APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP: We have one application for membership: Jeffery Lee Price from Freedom Station. T. Chrestman moved to accept this application for membership. The motion was seconded by T. Magallanes. Motion carried unanimously.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: (1) HBR – E. Odle reported the situation with Lubbock Diagnostic. He has been in touch with Brother Timothy O’Malley and everything has been taken care of. If you have any questions or a problem, call Eddie Odle. (2) Political – E. Odle attended the State Board meeting in Austin. He reported on a motion and discussion about going to Washington, D.C. We will make a decision about Washington, D. C. at the District Three Meeting, Sunday, April 20th, 2008, at 9:00 A. M. The District Three Meeting will be at South Plains Electric, 1900 Avenue C NW, Childress, Texas. Eddie would like for several of our members to attend. D. McCarty is President of the Meeting. F. Small talked about delegates and alternates to the Lubbock County Democratic Convention. The Convention is 1:00 P.M. March 29, 2008, at Lubbock High School. (3) MDA – J. Ladd reported he has written a letter to Southwest Airlines asking them to donate airline tickets to use in our MDA Raffle. He has not heard from them. He is setting up a bowling fundraiser. It will be sometime in May. The information will be on our website when we have decided when and where. (4) By-Law Committee – J. Ladd read the following proposed By-Law changes:

Proposed Change: Shop Stewards shall be elected within their respective Stations. Their duties shall be to guard the interests of the Branch in their particular Station under the direction of the Branch President or the Officers. Chief Steward shall be the President or an appointee.

Article VIII – Committees, Section 2. The Flower Committee shall consist of one (1) Branch member from each Station, with one (1) member designated as Chairperson. In the event of the death of a Branch member or one of his/her immediate family, this Committee shall secure appropriate floral offerings. Immediate family as used

Proposed Change: The Flower Committee shall consist of one (1) Branch member from each Station, with one (1) member designated as Chairperson. In the event of the death of a Branch member or one of his/her immediate family, this Committee shall secure appropriate floral offerings or memorial. Immediate family as used in this section shall mean the spouse, children, brother, sister, mother, father, grandparents or spouse’s mother, father, brother, sister, or grandparents. The cost of the flowers or memorial shall not exceed fifty dollars ($50.00).

Article VIII – Committees, Section 3. The Negotiations Committee shall consist of elected officials of this Branch and one (1) member from each Station appointed by the President. This Committee shall select members to bargain a Local Memorandum of Understanding for the offices in Lubbock, Levelland and Spur.

Proposed Change: The Negotiations Committee shall consist of elected officials of this Branch and one (1) member from each Station appointed by the President. This Committee shall select members to bargain a Local Memorandum of Understanding for the offices in Lubbock, Abernathy, Floydada, Littlefield, Levelland, Morton, Muleshoe, Plainview and Spur.

Article IX--Branch Funds, Section 2. Branch 2589 shall have four (4) types of accounts: (1) a General Account; (2) a Savings Account for general purchase use; (3) a MDA Account; and (4) a Building Maintenance Fund.

Shop Stewards - Lubbock, Abernathy, Floydada, Littlefield, Levelland,

Morton, Muleshoe, Plainview and Spur (each) 1.912%

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: (1) Food Drive – C. Peterman attended the first meeting for the Food Drive last week. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 24, 2008. We need to order posters. C. Peterman motioned to spend $25.00 on 50 Food Drive Posters. Motion was seconded by E. Odle. Motion carried. They are talking to United about having bags printed up. Need a coordinator for each town. Muleshoe will participate. We will check with Abernathy. Post cards have been ordered. We discussed the Thank-you cards. C. Peterman will have the information on T-shirts soon. (2) Customer Connect – We have Freedom, Monterey and Downtown in Customer Connect and the new expansion sites are Levelland, Singer, Midwest and Sunset. We need coordinators in each station. There is a meeting in Amarillo on March 26, 2008. The coordinators are going. (2) Plainview – The Vivian Finch matter is over. The checks will be written tonight and the account will be closed. (4) Chairs – We still have chairs for sale for $3.00. We also have one table left. (5) Installation Banquet – Our Installation Banquet will be Saturday, November 22, 2008, at 7:00 P.M. We have invited President Young to the Banquet and asked that he install our officers.

SPECIAL GUEST: Mayor David Miller was our special guest tonight. He handed out a booklet entitled First Things First. This information focused on Core Services, Effective Governance, Community and Economic Development. He talked about what we are getting for our tax dollars, the water supply, dog problems, the new animal shelter, road maintenance and other matters of interest. Mayor Miller then took questions from the membership.

NEW BUSINESS: (1) NRP – National Reassessment Program is in progress. This week they are in Phase II. (2) Contacting Management – There should be someone in management at all stations at all times. If this is not possible, a Postal Cell Phone number is to be given to the carriers. (3) 3 M Mail – These are the errors you find in DPS. If they are on your route and are first class, you are to deliver them. Errors for other routes, other stations and standard mail on your route, are to be taken back to your station and placed in the designated areas. Do not, under any circumstances, put 3 M Mail in the raw mail. (4) Route Data – All Route Base Data from DOIS and copies of most recent 1840’s need to be turned in ASAP. (5) Bond – We added more officers on the bond.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ASSOCIATION: (1) Work Night – The next work night will be March 27, 2008, right after work. (2) Video – It will cost $0.12 a foot to copy to VHS and $30.00 to transfer to DVD. D. Sieler will bring this up at the Retiree Breakfast to see if anyone is interested in having this done. (3) Centennial Year – This is Lubbock’s Centennial and D. Sieler asked if anyone was interested in trying to get a couple of LLV’s and participating in the 4th on Broadway parade. No one was interested. (4) Branch Apparel – T. Magallanes reported on some prices he had obtained on Wind Breakers, Polo Shirts and T-Shirts. He believes Polo Shirts will be best deal for the money. He is still waiting on some prices for T-shirts. He will

 FEBRUARY 21, 2008

COMMUNICATIONS: (1) "News on Wheels" – We received the Meals on Wheels January Newsletter. (2) AFLCIO – We received the Texas AFLCIO January Newsletter.

APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP: We have one application for membership: Carlos Rene Moreno from Muleshoe. T. Chrestman moved to accept this application for membership. The motion was seconded by T. Magallanes. Motion carried unanimously.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: (1) HBP – There is no report. (2) MDA – J. Ladd reported that the "Shamrock" fund raiser is going on. Several businesses are participating. You can add a donation to MDA when you make purchases from these businesses. They give you a Shamrock to sign. We are planning a Bowling Fundraiser in the spring. Jeremy has written Southwest Airlines about tickets to raffle. (3) Political – The Texas Primary is March 4, 2008. (4) By-Law Committee – The By-Law Committee has been working on revising our By-Laws. The committee has seven proposed changes. J. Ladd gave a report on changes to Article IV, Sec. 1; Article IV, Sec. 3; Article VII, Sec. 7; Article VIII, Sec. 2; Article VIII, Sec. 3; Article IX, Sec. 2; and, Article X, Sec 1. These proposed changes will be formally presented at the Regular Union Meeting in March, read into the Minutes of the March Meeting and voted on at the Regular Union Meeting in April.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: No unfinished business was brought to the floor.

NEW BUSINESS: (1) MRA – There will be Minor Route Adjustments at Midwest Station within the next two or three months. We are being told the MRA will be done jointly. (2) Auxiliary Dues – Auxiliary 1064 has requested help paying their dues in the amount of $105.00. It was a recommendation of the Executive Board that we do so. T. Chrestman motion to pay dues for Auxiliary 1064. Motion was seconded by N. Cruz. Motion carried unanimously. (3) Chairs – It was a recommendation of the Executive Board that we purchase 100 white chairs so we can get rid of all of the old brown ones. C. Peterman motioned to purchase 100 white chairs. Motion seconded by T. Chrestman. Motion carried. We have 13 old tables for sale for $5.00 each and 186 old brown chairs for sale for $3.00 each. (4) Night Out – Eddie and Paula Odle will be in town on Sunday March 2nd. We will be going to Abuelo’s Sunday evening at 6:30 P.M. (4) Installation Banquet – The Installation Banquet will be 7:00 P.M., Saturday, November 22, 2008, at the Union Hall. (5) New Doors – We need new doors on our storage room where we keep uniforms and the pool table. The doors are hollow and are falling apart. C. Cooley motioned to purchase two solid core doors with floor bolt. Motion seconded by T. Chrestman. It was pointed out that the doors to the room where we store the tables need to be replaced also. C. Cooley amended his motion to purchase four solid core doors. T. Chrestman accepted this amendment. Motion carried. (6) Plainview

Bids – The bids in Plainview were discussed. (7) Branch Apparel – T. Magallanes said he would like to see us purchase shirts or windbreakers or something with our Branch Logo on it. It would be something we could give new members and wear to schools. We discussed polo shirts and a few other ideas. T. Magallanes will gather information and report back to the Branch.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ASSOCIATION: (1) COLCPE – F. Small urged everyone to come forward and contribute. He said he has used about every analogy he can think of, but said to try this one. You are on the Titanic and it is sinking. The only way to get on board the last life boat is to contribute to COLCEPE. What are you going to do? (2) Work Day – The next work day is February 28th, right after work. T. Chrestman and P. Majors are in charge. Participation in work days can be used to make up missed meetings. (3) Retiree Breakfast – B. Bowerman announced the Retire Breakfast is February 23, 2008. (4) March 4th Primary – C. Cooley talked about the Texas Primary System. If you vote in the Democratic Primary, it is important to attend your precinct caucus at 7:15 on March 4th. The nominee for President is decided by votes and a caucus. (5) Party Committee – M. Terral has appointed a Party Committee. They will be presenting some ideas and dates for activities. (6) National Convention – If you are NOT going to the National Convention in Boston, we need to know ASAP. (7) Financial Secretary’s Report – F. Small read the bills for the month of January. T. Chrestman moved to pay the bills. The motion was seconded by N. Cruz. Motion carried. (8) Treasurer’s Report – K. Goad read the January Treasurer’s Report. (9) $260.00 Membership Drawing – Ronnie McClellan’s name was drawn for February, but he was not present to win. This drawing will be for $270.00 next month. (10) $15.00 Attendance Drawing – Tara Garza won for February.

 JANUARY 17, 2008