Meeting Date:  January 12, 2009

Board Members Present: Michael Duran (Vice-President), Matt St. George (outgoing Vice-President), Renee Braeunig (incoming Vice-President), Jule Bishop (Treasurer), Judith Reel (Secretary), Nick Karno (Criminal Director), Felton Newell (incoming Criminal Director), Rebecca Gardner (Criminal Director), Garcelle Embry (Civil Director)

SEIU Local 721 Representative Present:  Bob Hunt (General Counsel)

I. City Budget Update

A. LACAA Endorsement Procedures
Bob Hunt provided an update about actions involving SEIU, and an update on discussions pertaining to the City budget. The City expects a budget shortfall of approximately $400 million over the next two years, due primarily to decreases in revenue. The Mayor and the Coalition of City Unions, including SEIU, that negotiated our MOU, are meeting to discuss ways to avoid lay-offs of city employees. The Coalition believes that the City should offer an incentive to encourage employees to retire, but no agreement has been reached.

II. New Business

A. Board Elections Results        
The following submitted petitions to run for open seats on the Board:  Renee Braeunig for First Vice-President, Jule Bishop for Treasurer, and Nick Karno and Felton Newell for Criminal Director.  There were no contested seats and accordingly the Board voted to approve seating those who submitted petitions without the need or expense of formal voting.

The current LACAA Board members are:
• President Shelley Smith
• 1st Vice-President Renee Braeunig
• 2nd Vice-President Michael Duran
• Treasurer Jule Bishop
• Secretary Judith Reel
• Civil Director Garcelle Embry
• Proprietary Director Christopher Bobo
• Criminal Director Rebecca Gardner
• Criminal Director Nick Karno
• Criminal Director Felton Newell

The Board expressed its appreciation for the service of outgoing Vice-President Matt St. George, Civil Director Phil Sugar and Criminal Director Eugene Hall.  There is a vacancy for the position of Civil Director, and interested candidates should contact a Board member.        

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