MINUTES
Meeting of the
EXECUTIVE BOARD OF SEIU LOCAL 721
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016
Call to Order: President Bob Schoonover called the meeting to order at 9:45 am.
Roll Call conducted by Christina Rodriguez. Officers present: President Bob
Schoonover, Vice President Linda Dent, Secretary Lillian Cabral and Treasurer David
Green. The following Board of Directors were also present: Shannon Abramovitch,
Joaquin Avalos, Tim Burke, Lydia Cabral, Roberto Camacho, Rosa Castro, Edwina
Chism, Carolyn Dasher, Patrick Del Conte, Oracio Diaz, Cammie Dudek, Valencia
Garner, Steve Gimian, Adolfo Granados, Charles Harrington, Stacee Karnya, Nady
Maechling, Ron McMullen, Pamela Meadows, Alina Mendizabal, Andy Morales, Roger
Nunez, Omar Perez, Liza Rocha, Grace Santillano, Grace Sepulveda, Veryeti Vassel,
David Warpness and Simboa Wright.
Excused Absences: Fidel Avila, Rebecca Bain, Doris Fletcher, Stacee Karnya, Arcelia
Lopez, Tony Mendoza, Corrine Parker, Alan Peshek, Jose Sanchez, Ed Toole,
Sharonda Wade and Sal Zambrano.
Guest Members/Staff Present: Erma Hall-Wood, Pamm Fair, Kei Nagao, Patricia
Castillo, Gilda Valdez, Cindy Kuo and Christina Rodriguez.
Flag salute and pledge of allegiance was led by Simboa Wright.
M/S/C to adopt the October 6, 2016 board meeting minutes.
M/S/C to adopt the meeting agenda as amended.
Nady Maechling reviewed the Board’s Guiding Principles.
Keenan Sheedy gave a presentation to seek support for STAND L.A. an environmental
justice coalition of community groups against neighborhood oil drilling. M/S/C to
endorse STAND L.A.
New Hires Presentation: Joanna Felix (Representational Asst./Membership Dept.),
Samuel Langrave (Representational Asst./Membership Dept.), Edgar Fuentes (Health
Services Division Worksite Organizer), and Diana Hong (Worksite Organizer – Inland
Region).
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT
The President’s report included bargaining updates on Ventura, Riverside County and
LGBT Clinic -- kudos to our Communications Dept for launching a successful campaign;
President Schoonover pointed out areas of national concern; i.e., ACA, Immigration and
Friedrich’s. Possible membership and COPE drive next year. Board members
interested in participating in a worksite membership/COPE drive campaign please
contact Gilda Valdez.
CHIEF OF STAFF REPORT
Gilda Valdez’ report included contract and campaign updates with video presentations
for Ventura County and LGBT. Grace Sepulveda, Rosa Castro and Liza Rocha piggy
backed on each other’s report and expressed their excitement and contentment with the
positive campaign efforts of the Ventura County bargaining team. Valdez also gave a
bargaining update on Riverside County; and a campaign update on the Fight for $15
action which received national media coverage.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Edwin Grigorian, Controller, reviewed the monthly financial report; Board discussion
ensued concerning budget, property management and improvements. A tour of the
building will be scheduled for board members once improvements are completed.
M/S/C to receive and file the October 2016 Income Statements.
EXECUTIVE SESSION began at 11:54 pm and ended at 12:40 pm
TRAINING COMPONENT: Member Connection history and overview presented by
Bob Schoonover, Monique Hernandez and Melisa Licon.
UNION REPORTS
Monique Hernandez reviewed the monthly Member Connection report to the board.
President Schoonover gave the Government Relations report.
Bob Schoonover reviewed the monthly government relations report to the board. M/S/C
to endorse the L.A. City Council incumbents as cited in the report.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
David Green gave a brief Finance Committee report. This Committee meets every
couple of weeks and next meeting is set for December 5, 2016.
Bob Schoonover reported on behalf of the Executive Committee and gave a brief report
on Sal Zambrano’s work on the HR Committee.
Grace Santillano reported on behalf of the Board Development Committee and gave an
update on iPads and Executive Board retreat.
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ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
Everyone is invited to the Sheriffs’ Department annual unity party this Saturday,
December 3 at El Compadre’s; proceeds raised will be donated to LASD Fallen
Officers.
Board member Edwina Chism is retiring from the City of Los Angeles effective
December 24, 2016.
The L.A. County Public Health Agency logo and motto contest entries must be received
by 5 p.m. December 30, 2016.
Armenian Christmas Party on Sunday, January 8, 2017.
ADJOURNMENT
Next EBoard conference call is set for January 5 at 6:30 p.m. followed by an in-person
board meeting on February 2, 2017.
All business being concluded M/S/C to adjourn meeting on or about 2:30p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christina Rodriguez, Executive Assistant
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