TOPICS DISCUSSED
* COUNCIL MINUTES
* ELECTONIC TRANSFER OF FUNDS
* EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
* PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK
* SHARED LEAVE
* VEBA
* ADJOURNMENT
* NEXT MEETING

COUNCIL MINUTES
The minutes of the December 21st meeting were read and approved as distributed.

ELECTRONIC TRANSFER OF FUNDS
Marie McGowan addressed how permanent employees will soon receive their check/advice; employees will receive their advice in a sealed envelope, which will be sent to the employee's department.  This is projected to begin in March.  Eventually advice information will be available only on-line.  Council members discussed how receiving paycheck advice via on-line will be handled with areas such as facilities management and dining services where many staff do not have direct access to a computer.

Most regular employees have their paychecks automatically deposited into their bank account.  Those employees who receive paychecks will have the option of either having their check sent in a sealed envelope to their department or home.  Students and temporary employees have the opportunity to also have their paychecks automatically deposited into their bank account.  If they choose not to participate in automatic deposit system, they will pick their checks up in the cashier's office.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
The employee of the month for December was chosen.  The employee of the month for November 2000 was Mike Moeur, a steam engineer from Facilities.  One of Mike's colleagues states, "Mike goes above and beyond the call of duty when assisting new students when they call for help after hours and on weekends.  Mike is a leader in the boiler plant and keeps the other steam engineers on task.  Mike has a way about him that makes you want to perform to his standards.  He is always willing to roll up his sleeves and help, even if it is close to quitting time.  His attitude is contagious to those around him.  Steam engineers as a group work difficult hours to ensure the delivery of steam to the campus.  Mike shines in our group."

The Council discussed whether retired/resigned employees were eligible to receive employee of the month if they were nominated prior to their retirement/resignation.  The qualifications were reviewed and it was decided that they could not be given this honor.   Employee of the Month form may be accessed at: http://www.cwu.edu/~hr/hrforms.html#Other

UNION VISIT
Dale Hubbard, President of Local 330, will attend the Employee Council meeting in February to discuss how he sees the union and the Employee Council working together.

PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK (PSRW)
Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW), an annual recognition of state employees, will be celebrated May 7-13, 2001.  Names of individuals, units, or teams of state employees who have gone the Extra Mile are being solicited.

Many state employees possess qualities such as a consistently productive job performance, a positive attitude, an exemplary work ethic and high personal standards.  Extra Mile recognition is for state employees who contribute something beyond these attributes.  The following may be considered attributes of a deserving Extra Mile nominee:
 

* Identifies or improves efficiency	* Develops an innovative service approach
* Exhibits visionary thinking	* Works beyond the scope of normal duties
* Participates in community service	* Demonstrates personal valor or bravery
* Overcomes great odds or disadvantages	* Challenges “the way it’s always been done”
* Promotes quality service

Approximately 10-15 nominees from across the state will be selected for outstanding achievement and will be honored with a visit by a state elected official.  Regional media will be invited to cover these events.  A list of honorable mentions will be sent to each agency head.   The nomination form is attached or may be downloaded at  http://www.secstate.wa.gov/eirb/Nominations must be received by the Employee Involvement and Recognition Board in Olympia by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, 2001.

SHARED LEAVE
CWU employees may donate leave to a fellow employee who is severely ill or injured or has a family member who is severely ill or injured.  "Severely" is defined as serious or extreme and/or life threatening.  Recipients must be off work and have used all their paid leave to be eligible.  Employees who wish to receive shared leave must notify Human Resources and submit a doctor's certificate.

The following individuals are in need of shared leave:  Larry Charles (Facilities Management), Colleen Hall (Facilities Management) and Shirley Speer (Teacher Education).

Individuals interested in donating leave should request a Shared Leave donation form from Human Resources.  Copies may also be downloaded from the HR Forms section of the Human Resources home page:  www.cwu.edu/~hr/hrforms.html#Other.   Requests must be approved by your supervisor before forwarding the form to Human Resources. Donated leave is also subject to approval by your department head and Human Resources.

Annual leave may be donated in eight-hour blocks.  Employees who wish to donate annual leave must retain at least ten days (80 hours) of vacation leave and cannot donate excess leave (that over 30 days or 240 hours) that he/she would otherwise lose at the beginning of the leave anniversary month.

Sick leave may also be donated in eight-hour blocks.  The donating employee must retain a minimum of 480 hours sick leave balance after the transfer.  No more than six days of sick leave may be transferred during any twelve-month period.  An employee’s personal holiday may also be donated.  Please call Human Resources (963-1202), if you need a shared leave donation form.

VEBA
Both employee groups (represented by union and not represented) voted to approve the proposed Voluntary Employees’ Benefits Association – Medical Expense Plan, (VEBA–MEP).

As a result of the vote, employees retiring on or after March 1, 2001, will have the cash value of their unused sick leave at retirement deposited in a Medical Expense Plan (MEP) in their name.  The initial deposit and interest earned in MEP accounts are not subject to federal income tax or social security tax.  Employees use the funds in their account to pay their medical and dental insurance premiums, deductibles, and co-payments.  There is no action required for current employees.  At retirement, HR will assist employees with the paperwork to set up their MEP account.

Results of the vote:

Employees not represented by a union:
Yes = 146 votes to participate in VEBA
No = 51 votes to not participate in VEBA

Union represented employees:
Yes = 184 votes to participate in VEBA
No = 74 votes to not participate in VEBA

The union president was present for the counting of the ballots and verified the above results.    If you have any questions about the VEBA plan, please contact Wendy Rittereiser at wendyr@cwu.edu or at 963-2279.

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., February 15, 2001, in SUB 209.  If you are a delegate and cannot make the meeting, be sure to notify Colleen Rose and let your alternate know so that he/she will attend.

PRESENT:
Pedro Garcia, Housing and Residential Services
Shelly Voshall, Housing and Residential Services
Gene Wilson, Instructional Support: Unit A
Kari Taylor, Instructional Support: Unit B, Chairperson
Marilyn Thompson, Dining Services
Kerry Slaughter, Library Services
Shirley Hood, Enrollment Management, Secretary
Karol Barker, Dining Services
Paula Moffitt, Business and Administrative Support: Unit B

ABSENT
Kim Thomas, Business and Administrative Support: Unit A
Debbie Nethery, Instructional Support: Unit B
Karen Simmons, Instructional Support: Unit B
Rick Gilson, Plant and Facilities
Al Edler, Plant and Facilities
Celia Johnson, Student Services and SUB: Unit B

ALSO PRESENT
Colleen Rose
Pam Zupan