2022 MGEC Annual Meeting Minutes
September 29, 2022
- Call to order – The virtual meeting was called to order at 6:20 pm by President Corey Mathisen.
- President’s Comments – President Mathisen stated it’s been a busy year with a lot of time being focused on the bargaining process. Bargaining went to mediation, twice, before settling our contract. During the year, MGEC also added staff introducing MGEC Administrative Assistant Donna Blackwell and MGEC Labor Relations Representative Tony Kelly. Welcome to our first highbred Annual Meeting. It’s great to see everyone in person again. Welcome. Dana recommends participation on the MGEC Board. Introduction of Executive Board. Introduction of past presidents, past board members, candidates for the board. Special thanks to Past President Forrest Hasty. Highlight for many of the ways Forrest has contributed and work he’s done through COVID times and bargaining the contract. Thank you to the rest of the board members. Introduction of staff.
- MGEC Promotional Committee chair Kevin Joyce and Education Committee chair Mary Kloos were not present, Executive Director Wheeler introduced the MGEC Family Membership scholarship winners. Faith Pemble, daughter of Michael Pemble at the University of Idaho and a junior student of Mechanical Engineering. Eric DeSmith, sone of Steven DeSmith, and a junior at University of Minnesota – Duluth in of Civil Engineering. Aaron Heinz was awarded the Connie Minetor membership scholarship. Fernando Nacionales was awarded the MGEC Distinguished Citizenship Award.
- MGEC Secretary Benton Campbell was not present. Executive Director Dana Wheeler presented the 2021 Annual Meeting minutes. Motion made, seconded, and passed approving the minutes.
- MGEC Treasurer Laura Lyons was not present. Executive Director Dana Wheeler presented the2023 Budget. Questions were asked about the budget having a deficit. The explanation identified MGEC transitioning from two people but based on approximately two full time equivalent staff level as part of MGEC addressing a new staffing model allowing for teamwork, backup, cross training, and working together on multiple issues. MGEC budget reserve is adequate to cover the budget as planned. While keeping MGEC dues among the lowest of the bargaining units, MGEC’s reserve is there to meet the needs of members should a layoff occur and to cover greater costs when enforcing the terms and conditions of employment when representing members. The budget was moved, seconded, and passed.
- MGEC Executive Director commented about the past year for MGEC and challenges going into the future. Bargaining a mature contract has become increasingly difficult with the state’s insistence on pattern bargaining, resistance to engage in discussing new proposals, and willingness to drag out the bargaining and arbitration process. MGEC may be at a time when focusing on goals for the next three, five or ten years and how to meet and staff for those goals, is called for.
- Questions & Answers – Time was provided for discussion of any topics.
Respectfully submitted,
Dana Wheeler
MGEC Executive Director