Dear Brothers and Sisters;
On February 09, 2006 we held our monthly meeting at the lodge. I know it is often difficult in our hectic life to rearrange our entire schedules to accommodate it for a membership meeting. Remember the summation might not always be possible, nor all inclusive of the entire meeting, but it can provide information to the membership. Brother Mike Williams who is deployed overseas has received the care package for the FOP and also sent a flag back that was flown over his Base Camp for our Lodge. He should be back from his tour of duty by March to be united with his lovely wife Marina and their new baby, congratulation Mike. This month we say good bye to Brother Mark Whitham who retired and was paid out of his benefits account. He will be joining our brothers and sisters at the Sheriffs Office. Remember if there are any issues of concern please take the time to contact me or any board member for assistance.
This month Lenny’s Sub Shop located at 25076 US Highway 19 catered the entire meal for the FOP Meeting at no charge. Also Jim Giles from NY Life came out to sign up new members to the 1% life insurance program offered by the City. If you have not done so please contact human resources for a list of companies that sponsor this opportunity. The City will no longer offer this after April 1, 2007 and it is a huge benefit to our membership. Also #1 Martial Arts located at 35595 US Highway 19 is offering a huge savings to our membership for those who would like to sign up or have their children enrolled into classes. The discount certificates are located at the Lodge and it is an ATA Black Belt Academy. Brother Boodle’s is responsible for bringing this savings to our membership. If enough Officers sign up, special classes will be offered exclusive to law enforcement training. The final numbers came back from the Yacht club which was $9959.39 this was the entire dinner cost, putting the over all banquet under budget. We would like to thank all of the board, Brothers Houck and Agovino along with all of the membership who made the 2007 FOP Banquet a huge success. Thank you.
The membership voted unanimously to give notice on the lease of the lodge. Currently Brothers Kachurick and Dewitt have located a building in Weaver Park with the same square feet for $1600.00 a month, which is an $800.00 savings per month. If other brothers or sisters have a location or an idea for a new lodge locations please bring it to the board for discussion. No action will be taken at this time, but we have a fiscal responsibility to our membership to provide for the needs of our membership with fiscal discipline. The Children’s Easter Party will be at John Chestnut Park on Saturday March 31, 2007. This is the same location as last year and the Park Officials were very accommodating with allowing us to reserve a location near the playground. We will also be working in the upcoming future for the annual FOP golf Tournament to be held at Dunedin Country Club this year. Any Brothers and Sisters who would like to assist or can assist their assistance would be greatly accepted and appreciated.
The Promotional Process will be coming out for the Officer Labor Unit to review, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The email is self explanatory along with the policies per Article 7 of our contract. The Officers Labor Unit is working in unison with the Supervisors Union in reference to several issues that have arisen in reference to off duty monies. We will keep you posted and discuss this in the proper forum. Many of you have received the letter from Labor Council stating that they may possibly raise dues or cut services in reference to higher costs. (4) Delegates from the Officers Labor Unit and (2) from the Supervisors Unit will be attending the meeting in Pensacola to ensure that our voice be heard. Remember the FOP Officers Labor Unit combined with the Supervisors Unit is still one of the largest Labor Units that the State Labor Council has at this time and we carry one of the largest votes. We will zealously continue to ensure that the needs of our membership be protected above all else.
This was the first meeting officially held with the new board members and we would like to welcome aboard Brothers Houck and Rozzi wishing them well in their upcoming term. If there are any questions please feel free to contact me or another board member for an answer. Take care of yourselves and watch out for each other, for that is all we have. Semper Fi
Fraternally,
Jonathan Walser