ISPA has received several calls on who to contact to receive information on our Deferred Comp Plan.  Go to www.hoosierstart.com. and for all questions please call 1-877-728-6738 and take option #2 and this will place you in touch with an Indiana representative that will answer your questions.  Great West Retirement Services is the 3^rd party administrator of our Deferred Plan.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Tuesday March 16, 2010

Before the meeting was called to order, Lt/Col Parker and Melissa Patrick addressed the members present and then answered any questions that were asked.

• 6:30 PM – Lt/Col Parker addressed the members about Performance Objectives. The top priority is crash reduction. The goal to achieve this is to change driver behavior. And to do this, he feels that the more drivers that are stopped the more driver behaviors will possibly be changed. So that is where the 120 vehicle stops came from. He feels that by stopping 120 vehicles and writing perhaps just one contact instead of 60 vehicles and writing multiple contacts you will be changing the behavior of more drivers. He said that 120 stops is an objective to strive for and failure to reach that objective will not automatically put you in rescue. He advised that he is reviewing every enforcement division personnel’s PAR and that 95% are fine even though they did not have the number of contacts required last year. Their Squad Sergeants were able to articulate the reason and show that the unit was doing a good job. He said that he had very few concerns with our traffic numbers but is concerned about our criminal efforts. He wants troops to slow down and take the time to look for criminal violations during their traffic stops.
• He went on to explain the problems with multiple tickets on one stop. He advised of one troop that stopped a drunk driver. The troop wrote 8 citations to the driver. 3 for DWI offences, unsafe lane movement, failure to signal lane change, failure to sign registration, DWS and failure to have DL in possession. He said that some will say the prosecutor wants this however when the prosecutor was contacted he said it was not his policy and he thought it was our policy. Lt/Col Parker does not feel this is serving the public well.
• Reference to activity and the audit of project activity: He advised that some troops are not working project when they are suppose to be. They are putting activity they wrote during their normal shift down on their project daily and not doing any during the time they are on project time. He referred to this as theft and they “may not survive” the outcome.  And there are troops that are writing a certain number of contacts as shown on the eTicket system but on their eTar daily they are inflating the numbers. There are other units who are apparently swapping/interchanging activity and at least one unit that was using old crash reports to generate activity. These units are apparently going to be disciplined. He asks that if you know of anyone at your District that is engaged in this type of behavior to talk to them and try to straighten them out. Lt/Col Parker said he will not back away from correcting this type of behavior.
• Post Closings: He said that this is always being discussed as a means to meet budgetary issues. He said that we have cut just about all that we can and if the budget agency tells us to cut more we have to have a plan. A question was asked about the money for a new Connersville Post. He advised that he believes the money is still in a capital improvement fund but has been earmarked for something else. “So no there will not be a new Connersville Post or no new post built anywhere”. As far as which ones might be closed he advised that anyone of us can probably look at a map and figure that out.
• Recruit School: As we deflate numbers we can only go so far. When planning for a recruit school the executive staff has to look about 1.5 years in advance (the time it takes from the beginning of the hiring process until a new troop is out on the road). When deciding on the upcoming school they had projected that we would be down well over 100. So we had to start the process as it can always be stopped if necessary. But if we were to wait we could very easily be down over 120. He did not like having to RIF 42 motor carrier units but some responsibilities had to shift and they could shift a motor carrier’s responsibilities to a trooper but not a trooper’s responsibility to a motor carrier unit. How can we hire 65 new troopers and not give the present troopers their matrix raise? He said that money saved from the units retiring and from not giving the matrix will help finance the new recruits. He asked that we look at the good of the agency and not at our individual needs.
• Regional Dispatch: Lt/Col Parker advised that he appreciates all the work that units are doing to cover Post Commands and radio shifts until the new dispatch centers are up and running. He said once this happens the Executive Staff foresees the other posts operating Monday – Friday 8 AM to 4 PM only with no Post Command for the other shifts. As for the progress of the regional dispatch centers he said that Area III and IV are progressing well and will be in operation in the near future. (No specific time line was given).
• Fleet: He advised that it is in serious condition however there are approximately 100 new Crown Vics coming. This will barley be enough to replace the ones that are broke down or crashed. He said to take care of your commissions or you could end up driving an old Capitol Police commission. There is apparently some new lighting equipment also coming.
• Firearms program: He confirmed that it was a difficult decision on revamping the firearms program however, it came down to time, loss of productivity and money. “Tough times call for tough measures”. That is why we are going to have all phases on just one day a year for firearms training.
• South Sergeant Major: A question was asked if the rumor was true that there was going to be a South Sergeant Major appointed?  His answer was NO!
• Other States: He advised that Col Weigand just returned from a national meeting of heads of State Police/Highway Patrol Departments. Even with all that we are going through presently we are still in better shape than most other State Police/ Highway Patrol Departments. Some of them are laying off troopers. (Our neighboring State of Illinois is one of them).
• “We have a lot of people doing wonderful work. We are doing a lot more with a lot less. People on our Department are getting the job done”.

Melissa Patrick

• Melissa is the widow of Trooper Scott Patrick and she and her family wanted to do something to honor Scott. And since the flag meant so much to Scott she wanted to start a fund with the goal to be to provide a US Flag to all police officers killed in the line of duty in the United States. Chad Dick put her in contact with the Alliance and with guidance from the Alliance they developed the Trooper Scott Patrick Flag Fund.  This program has provided a US Flag for fallen officers in Indiana, active and retired.  They are also currently providing flags for other State Police and Highway Patrols across the nation. The average cost of flag for shipping and purchase is $95.00.  Anyone who would like to donate any money should be directed to the Alliance website at indianasfinest.com and click on the link.
• Note:  Later during the meeting the Alliance voted to give $1000 to the Trooper Scott Patrick Flag Fund.

Secretary Richard Dick called the Indiana State Police Alliance Board of Directors Meeting to order at 7:46 PM

PRESENT: Executive Board – Secretary  – Richard Dick Area III; Treasurer – Jeffrey Coffey Area V; Area I – Dave Kirkham; Area II – Larry Schenk; Area IV – Vance Patton; Area VI – Shannon Spreckelmeyer: District Representatives – Brian Schnick, #13; Randy Gritten, #14; Kent Roe, #22; Chad Dick, #34; Brian Bailey, #35; Shane Stephens, #41; Keith O’Donnell, #51; Staff – Wayne Flick, Executive Director / ASI Coordinator; Kelley Ford, Operations Manager; Members – Chad Woody, #13; Ron Fisher, #16; Mark Green, #34; Phil Hensley, #34; Wes Alexander, #35; Scott Qualls, #35; Paul Stolz, #35; Bill Spalding, #51; Mike Meinczinger, #52; Rick Hammer, Lab.

ROLL CALL: Secretary Dick took roll of Directors and District Representatives and declared a quorum for conducting Indiana State Police Alliance business.

PROXIES: No proxies.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:  Copies of the November 18, 2009 minutes were provided to attendees. Motion to accept, seconded and voted to accept.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Jeff Coffey gave the treasurer’s report. Motion to accept, seconded and voted to accept.

PERSONNEL CHANGES: Secretary Dick introduced the newest Executive Board member, Jeff Coffey is the new Area V representative and also treasurer. Clint Bundy has resigned from that position. Also Wayne Flick was introduced as the new Executive Director of the Alliance.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT: COLA: Retirees in the 25 year plan will receive a 13^th check this year that is basically a 1% COLA. The checks should be around $250. We made a huge step to getting a permanent COLA this year as we are now tied in with TERF and PERF when they look at those retirement funds each year. This is the only link between TERF, PERF and us as our pension is totally independent and solvent.

Meth: we are trying to get what Oregon has, which is to make it a Schedule 5. It did not pass this year but is in a summer study legislative group to look at. A bill did pass to do some tracking.

PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT: Greg Oeth is now the president since Wayne Flick has retired and became the Executive Director. So for now we are in need of a Vice President. If all goes well for Greg Oeth he will be retiring towards the end of the year. So whoever becomes Vice President would them become President. If anyone is interested contact Wayne Flick or Greg Oeth for some insight as to what the jobs entail.

DISTRICT #52 REPRESENTATIVE: With Jeff Coffey taking the Area V position we are in need of District #52 representative. Jeff has talked to Harris Smith about this position and we are waiting for his answer. In June there will be an election for District Reps.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT: We have been matching funds when a member has a financial burden for catastrophe or medical situations. If their District raises $250 or more we match $250. It was discussed in the executive board meeting to raise the matching fund to $500. A motion was made, seconded and voted on to raise the amount to $500.

TROOPER SCOTT PATRICK FLAG FUND: It was discussed to make a donation of $1000 to the Trooper Scott Patrick Flag Fund. A motion was made, seconded and voted on to make a donation of $1000.

WINZENREAD GOLF OUTING: It is May 1^st at North Branch in Greenburg.

ISPA GOLF OUTING AND ANNUAL MEETING: No date or location is set as of this meeting.

ALLIANCE SECRUITY UPDATE: There are jobs available. Contact the office if interested in working them. We are starting a job at an Old Church in Indianapolis which is being restored. The unit will make $20.00 per hour. Contact Kelley if you would like to work this job. We will need several units to fill the slots. Pinkerton has also contacted us to work for jobs they will have in the State. It has been approved. Pay will be $28.00 per hour.

DISTRICT REPORTS: Lowell: Dave Kirkham advised that Lowell has 8 units retiring. Ft. Wayne: Kent Roe advised that Ft. Wayne has raised $12,000 for Reagan. He said that if you are in need of some fund raising tips to contact Kent or Larry Schenk.

ADJOUNMENT: A motion was made, seconded and voted on for adjournment. Meeting was adjourned at 8:23 PM.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Before the meeting was called to order, Indiana State Treasurer Richard Murdock and Lt/Col Parker addressed the members present and then answered any questions that were asked.

6:42 PM - Indiana State Treasurer Richard Murdock addressed the members first. He explained the lawsuit he has filed due to the money lost in the bankruptcy of Chrysler. This affected the ISP Pension Trust Fund, the Indiana Teachers Retirement Fund and the Major Move Fund. He is very passionate about this and advised that he took an oath of office to uphold the Constitution of the United States and that is what he is doing – the right thing. This will be a brief summary of his statements. Indiana bought secured stocks of Chrysler and a few months later the US Government announced the filing of bankruptcy for Chrysler. Secured stockholders are to be paid first and then non-secured stockholders. This was the first time in US History that this was not done. The President said that the full weight of the White House would be used against anyone that stands in the way of this bankruptcy. All other parties that had filed lawsuits withdrew theirs. We as secured stockholders have been offered 29 cents on the dollar. The United Auto Workers which had non-secured stock were given 59 cents on the dollar. The ISP portion is small $147,000 compared to the other two funds. The US Supreme Court will decide on December 4^th whether they will hear the case. If they decide not to hear this case, that will be the end of it.

As stated before this is just a brief summary of his talk. Anyone that missed his presentation missed a good explanation of this lawsuit. As stated before he was very passionate about this as his father is a retired Ohio State Trooper and his mother is a retired teacher. He understands how important these retirement funds are.

7:25 PM - Lt/Col Parker addressed the members about the fiscal crisis we are in. He explained that this is the most unique one he can remember since he has been on the Department. However, ISP Retiree, now State Representative, Vern Tincher (who was present) advised that Indiana has had fiscal problems like this before. Lt/Col Parker advised that we are going through some very hard times and that we are trying to get through it the best we can. He advised that there are a lot of rumors and a lot of them are due to actions that other state agencies are taking. We have to cut our budget and the Superintendent has a lot on his desk. They are trying to come up with the best ideas and find ways to do things effectively. One of the most effective they believe is to cut Point One Funds. Point One Funds are funds set aside for personnel functions, mostly payroll. They have come up with a plan (which is not unique to us) which is called Partial Lump Sum Payment Option. The following will be a summary of the program as there are a lot of details involved with it and Lt/Col Parker will be going around the state in December to explain it in full. We do not want to give any incorrect information on this important program.

·        This is a cost neutral program.

·        The program will be voluntary.                                                                                                           

·        Must be eligible for retirement in either the 20 or 25 year plan as of March 31, 2010.                

·        Meetings will be mandatory and there will be personnel from HR at the meetings to figure your individual benefits so you can see what works best for you.                                                                                                                                                               

·        If already in DROP you can transfer to this program.                                                                            

·        Time frame to enter this program is between January 1 and February 1, 2010.                                      

·        You would be off the books March 31, 2010 if you elect to participate in the program.                                                                         

·        You can be paid up to 30 days vacation.                                                                                              

·        You will have to take the rest of you vacation by the end of March or lose it.                            

·        Those who participate in the program will have of three options for advance payment of retirement funds:                                                                                                                      

o       18 months of advance payments

o       24 months of advance payments

o       36 months of advance payments                                                                       

o       Whichever you choose, your future pension checks will be reduced by a certain percentage which will be different for each person. It will take into account your age and your spouse’s age.

o       This will be figured for you at the meetings.       

You can buy prior military time to reach your 25 year status but that would have to be done before March 31, 2010.

The object of the plan is to reduce the workforce voluntarily with an incentive to help you leave.

Remember this was just a summary of the overview that Lt/Col Parker gave. The explanation will be much more specific at the meetings.       

Question: about cell phones for the remaining personnel that have them. Answer: Lt/Col Parker again advised that there are a lot of things on the Superintendent’s desk. And if taking the cell phones can save one job, civilian or enforcement it would be hard to justify keeping them.

Question: about raising the percentages of our retirement plan which would possibly encourage more personnel to leave. Answer: In better economic times this might be an option but not at the present time.

Lt/Col Parker then talked about the meetings he had around the State concerning the Departments objectives for 2010. He said that he is getting a little upset with the issue. When closing the meeting he asked if there were any issues and received few questions. All he is asking is that Troopers spend one third of their time going out on roadways and enforcing laws which would help reduce fatal crash causation factors. There are 90 fewer people dead on Indiana roadways this year than last year at this time.

State Representative Vern Tincher advised that Lt/Col Parker was very instrumental in the benefits we received reference to the matrix and the pension adjustments.

PRESIDENT WAYNE FLICK CALLED THE INDIANA STATE POLICE ALLIANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING TO ORDER AT 8:29 PM

PRESENT: President – Wayne Flick; Vice President – Greg Oeth;  Area I – Dave Kirkham; Area II – Larry Schenk; Secretary & Area III – Richard Dick; Area IV – Vance Patton; Area VI – Shannon Spreckelmeyer; District Representative – Randy Gritten, #14; Chad Dick, #34; Brian Bailey, #35; Keith O’Donnell, #51; Jeff Coffey, #52; Richard Myers, #53;Connie Ehmen, CVED; Staff – Kenny Davis, Executive Director / ASI Coordinator;  Members – Mike Black, #42 CID; Wayne Billings, #52 CID; William Dalton, #52 CID; Stoney Vann, #52 CID; Pat Warczynski, #53; Dave Bursten, PIO GHQ; Rick Hammer, Lab; Mel Dexter, DES; Mark Tow, ERS; Jack Bedan, GHQ; Retirees – Dennis Hoppes; Robert Burkhead; John Mull; Dave Phelps; Larry Harshman; Bob Burcham; David Benjamin; Chuck Waggoner; Darwin Scott; Vern Tincher; Tom Bates; Ted Settle; Guest: Linda Tincher.

ROLL CALL: President Flick took roll of Directors and District Representatives and declared a quorum for conducting Indiana State Police Alliance business.

PROXIES: No proxies.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: Copies of the September 22, 2009 minutes were provided to attendees. Motion to accept, seconded and voted to accept.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Vice President Oeth gave the treasurer’s report. Motion to accept seconded and voted to accept.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT: Short session coming up for 2010. President Flick and Vice President Oeth have been meeting with some legislators and the Department on issues. We will be supporting a Meth bill, and a COLA adjustment. Possibly a 13^th check to retirees.

ALLIANCE SECURITY UPDATE: A lot of jobs are being worked. The pilot program for funeral details has worked out great in the Seymour District. We will be trying it in the Noblesville area next. If all goes well we hope to start it statewide.

DAY BOOKS FOR 2010: The final approval was given today (Nov 18, 2009). We hope to have them here at the office by December 9^th. They were totally paid for this year by the Tabor Law Firm and by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

NTC  FALL CONFERENCE: President Flick and Shannon Spreckelmeyer attended the meeting in Charlotte N.C. in September. Shannon advised that she learned a lot. Michigan has laid off 100 Troopers and that state is in a lot of trouble fiscally. She and President Flick advised that Indiana is in pretty good shape when you start comparing other states.

FLOWERS FOR OTHER INDIANA POLICE DEPARTMENT  MEMBER LINE OF DUTY DEATHS: Larry Schenk made a motion to send flowers to other Indiana Police Department members line of death funerals. Chad Dick seconded and the motion was carried.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Kenny Davis has turned in his resignation and his last working day will be at noon on November 24, 2009. Thanks Kenny for your service to us.

OTHER INDIANA STATE EMPLOYEES INSURANCE: Other Indiana State employee health insurance has gone up $230 dollars every two weeks and their deductible has went up to $1000. We are fortunate with our plan.

ALLIANCE AT WORK: Go to our web page and click on Alliance at Work to see some of the things we are involved in.

DISTRICT REPORTS: Randy Gritten advised that the benefit for Reagan Swaim went well.

Connie Ehmen advised that females on the Department are invited to a Christmas party on December 4^th in Indianapolis. Contact Connie for more information.

ADJOUNMENT: A motion was made and seconded and voted on for adjournment. Meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM.