Philadelphia Fire Fighter & Paramedic Union, Local 22 IAFF
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Tuesday February 2, 2016 (ABEG) 1904 Hrs. 20 Members
President Thomas called the meeting to order.
Everyone stood and pledged allegiance to the flag
Roll call of officers: Present: President Thomas, VP Marks, Secretary Eltman, Treasures Oakes, Trustee
Kane, Trustee Kots, Trustee Vozzelli, Sgt. at Arms Faber and McQuilkin present.
Minutes & Treasures reports are on the table. Treasurer Oakes read the Treasurer’s report to the
membership. Motion to accept: by Brother Corcoran and seconded, the motion was adopted.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Pension Report: (Brian Coughlin) The Pension Fund as of December 31, 2015 was 4 Billion,
182 Million dollars.
Calendar year to date, the pension fund is down 3.06%. Fiscal year to date the pension fund is
down 4.75%. As of December 31, 2015 there are six members paying half dues. Fifteen
members retired since December 1, 2015.
The retirement seminar that was held on January 30, 2016 was a tremendous success with well
over 100 attendees. I welcome any constructive feedback from those in attendance so that we
may improve upon future events. I am already in the process of arranging an additional
retirement seminar that will take place in late April with different sponsors and content. Final
details will be announced in the next month.
The goal of the Pension Representative is to be more proactive with pension and retirement
savings education. Any group of members interested in organizing a seminar at your
Station/Battalion please contact Brian Coughlin at the Union office.
Retirement information is available at the union office.
Any member interested in joining the Pension Committee please call the union office at 215-4404423.
Remember to keep your Beneficiary Information up to date. If you are unsure of your beneficiary
information, please contact your Pension Representative.
Health Plan Report: (Kathleen Corcoran)
1. Wellness Fitness Committee
a) After review by the Committee, the City released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a
vendor to handle the Medical Examination Program detailed the Act111 Interest
Arbitration Award. We attended a mandatory pre-proposal meeting at the City on
January 21st and 2 firms attended this meeting at which the City, the Department, and
the Union answered questions about some elements of the RFP. The timeline for this
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
RFP is very aggressive, with responses from the vendors due back on February 10th
and presentations from chosen finalists set for February 17th.
In a meeting we had this week with the City, we suggested that an alternative to onsite medical exams might be more feasible. We are preparing a proposal to present to
the Wellness Fitness Committee to discuss some alternatives.
b) Checks for the one-time incentive of $800 are being finalized now. We have just
over 1100 members who completed required activities and will receive a check.
We’re in discussion with the City, asking that they run the checks and handle all tax
reporting. But we want the checks disbursed directly by the Union. We understand
members who qualify for this incentive are anxious to receive it and we are pushing
this process along as quickly as we can.
c) We are sending a letter out this week to advise all the members, whether they
completed the one-time incentive requirements or not, that there is an additional
$200/member (and $100/spouse) available for activities completed between now and
June 30.
We’ve approved the brochure for the Heart Scan; Temple Hospital is printing now, and
we hope to have member communications out soon.
We are working with our PBM, Benecard, to coordinate with Independence Blue Cross
on the exchange of Rx claims data to IBC. In addition to functioning as our health
insurance carrier, IBC is our disease management firm. The IBC health coaches and
case managers are the ones who reach out to our members who have chronic conditions
or where they see Gaps in Care (GIC). The more clinical data IBC has when they
provide that service, the better able they are to accurately counsel our members.
As a follow up to our discussion at the December meeting, we continue to work with our
software consultant to get the ACA-required Form 1095-B out to all members.
The deadline for furnishing this Form to individuals has been extended by the IRS from
February 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016.
If you are filing your tax return before you receive this Form from us, please contact the
Health Plan and we can provide the information you need to complete your tax return.
Basically, the questions are whether you and your dependents were eligible for health
coverage in 2015 and, if yes, for which months.
In late December the Consolidated Appropriations Act was signed into law which, among
other provisions of the legislation, delayed the 40% excise tax (also referred to as the
“Cadillac Tax”) on high-cost health plans. The Act delayed implementation of the Excise
Tax from 2018 to 2020. The tax is payable on the amount by which the total cost of
coverage exceeds certain legislative thresholds. In addition to delaying the effective date
of the tax, the law calls for a study to determine how best to determine the age and gender
adjustment that can result in an increase to the base threshold. The law does NOT change
the threshold levels for 2020. Absent any further legislative changes, the threshold would
be the 2018 amount ($10, 00 for single coverage and $27,500 for non-single coverage)
indexed upward by the increase in the CPI.
Hepatitis C drug
On January 28th the FDA approved a new drug for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C
virus (HCV). The new drug, Zepatier, is an oral medication for patients with genotypes 1
and 4. An important variable for all patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the
"genotype" of HCV with which they are infected. This is the strain of the virus to which
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they were exposed when they were infected, often many years prior to their evaluation,
and it is determined by a simple blood test. Genotypes of HCV are genetically distinct
groups of the virus that have arisen during its evolution. Approximately 75% of
Americans with HCV have genotype 1 of the virus. Zepatier was developed by Merck,
who decided to enter this market at a significantly price point than its competitors. There
are currently 2 other widely used drugs that would be expected to have the same efficacy
as the new dug. Harvoni (Gilead Sciences) sells at $94,500 for a 12-week treatment
protocol; Viekira Pak (Abb Vie) sells at $83,319 for the same treatment timeframe.
Zepatier is priced at $54,600 for a 12-week treatment program.
Our Departed:: As of February 2nd we have 5 deceased members since last meeting:
Thomas Fowler: 74 years old, appointed in 1962, retired in 1980 and lived in Port St. Lucie Florida.
Joseph Loughran: “Joe The Boss”, 71 years old, appointed in 1965, retired in 1990 as a captain
Harry Woodards: 67 years old, appointed in 1973, retired in 1994 out of 54’s, lived in Willingboro NJ
Edward Colfer: 78 years old, appointed in 1966, retired in 1992 out of 33’s. He was a Vietnam Veteran
and a dedicated caretaker of “Konrad Square” in memory of Joe Konrad
Mike Potter: 42 years old, appointed in 2001, passed suddenly on 1/28/16, still active member of L23.
Sick: Rich Clancy, Mike Groves, Bill Kennedy, George White
Building Committee: At This time we are waiting to see further offers and properties. We are having the
property surveyed to see exactly what our boundaries are. If anyone knows a place of interest please let
us know.
Cat Bank (Ed Marks): Cat Bank: approximately 54,738 hours with 10 members on the bank, all
members are reminded to follow memo precisely. ALL FORMS MUST BE HAND DELIVERED TO
THE HALL. DO NOT FORWARD MEMO’S VIA INTER-DEPARTMENTAL MAIL.
Constitution & By-Laws Committee (Walt Faber): We are working with Recording Secretary to clean
up the By-Laws.
EMS Paramedic Committee: No Report
Grievance Committee: A grievance has been filed about there not being a vacancy list put out on the last
EMS transfers.
Home Association: The Bar is open from 5pm to 10 pm on every dart league game night. Please pick up
a flyer with the Dart League Nights that are scheduled for this month Some changes may occur in these
nights so look for an email from the union the morning of each dart night to confirm. We are booking
events if you know of any group or members looking to have transfer parties, birthday parties or any
function, please have them contact the hall.
Hospital Visitation (Bill Barclay): Rich Clancy is in Methodist ICU, only family members are allowed
to visit. If anyone knows of a member in the Hospital please contact Mike Groves or Bill Barkley
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Human Relations: Local 22 sent Brother Perez to the ALTS conference in Florida and is anticipating a
report.
Membership: No Report
Officers Committee: No Report
PAC (Jack Eltman): PAC committee recommended to the Board:
 Dwight Evans – US Congress 2nd District. Although Local 22 has lesser authority, it is recommended
that the Executive Board contact the IAFF and ask them to endorse Dwight Evans.
 Kevin Boyle – PA Senate 5th district.
 Martina White – State Representative 170th district.
 Mike O’Brien – State Representative 175th district.
 Sean Stevens – State Representative 194th district.
 Tonyelle Cook-Artis – State Representative 200 district.
A Vote to approve these Endorsements passed with Unanimous Consent
Public Relations: No Report
Safety:
No Report
Testing & Promotion: No Report
Executive Body Report:
 Mental Health Consultants contract has been renewed by the Executive Board. Local 22’s
contact is Brendan Young.
 There were 4 WU’s Utilized by the Executive Board in January due to ALTS conference.
 John Stankiewicz is the Wellness Fitness Coordinator; the peer fitness program has
trained and certified 10 members as personal trainers to assist members with wellness
initiatives. Keep an eye on the upcoming month for our new Local 22 Motivated fitness.
 PAC is working with all the Pennsylvania State Firefighter organizations in Harrisburg
and with Philadelphia elected officials on our issues. SB 501 (payroll protection) is
hitting the floor this Tuesday and Local 22 will be sending 5 members up to hit the halls
in Harrisburg to lobby against it.
There was a Motion by Brother Conroy and properly 2nd to accept the Executive body report
Unfinished Business:
1. We are still waiting on the passing of House Bill 194 and Senate Bill 847, Heart and Lung for Paramedics
and EMT’s.
2. You will be receiving another incentive for wellness fitness in the mail in the next couple weeks. Please keep
an eye out for your mail.
New Business:
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1. Filed a grievance regarding the January transfers, the administration is not following the
time line on dates and availability. We had a meeting with Labor Relations on February
1st in regard to the time line. Firefighter Transfers will be out this week.
2. The Alts conference in Lakeland Florida was attended by Jack Eltman, Dan Oakes, Ray
Vozzelli, Greg Marshall and George Perez. Great learning experience in parliamentary
procedure, social media and human relations.
3. Harold Schaitberger has announced his candidacy for President of the International,
Harold is unopposed and has been endorsed by Local 22.
4. A member asked if there was anything the union was doing about a letter sent by the
administration threatening officers about passing the Fire Inspector course. Membership
was assured that a ULP was filed.
5. The international convention is scheduled for August of 2016 in Las Vegas Nevada.
A Motion by Brother Conroy and properly 2nd to send the executive board to Convention, passed
20 Yea and 0 Nay.
Good & Welfare:
1. The All Risk Basketball game sponsored by LaSalle University will be on Saturday,
February 6th, at 8:00 against Rhode Island. Local 22 has tickets for anyone that wants to
go. During a timeout, two police officers and Paramedics will be honored for their heroic
actions in the line of duty. John Holstein, Joe McKay.
2. Once again we had good participation with the fund, A few stations still have not brought
in the widow’s fund donations, please bring the donations to the office as soon as
possible.
3. “MICHAEL POTTER MEMORIAL FUND”
ACCOUNT #93789201
C/O P.F.F.C.U.
901 ARCH STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA 10197
OR AT ANY CREDIT UNION BRANCH
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CONTACT CHARLIE SGRILLO
AT ENGINE 33 “C” PLATOON OR 267-549-6332

There was a motion to Adjourn at 2000 hrs. by Brother Evans and properly 2nd to adjourn at 1944
hours
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Meeting will resume on February 4, 2016 at 1900 hrs.
Philadelphia Fire Fighter & Paramedic Union, Local 22 IAFF
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Thursday February 4, 2016 (CAFH) 1900 Hrs. 27 Members
President Thomas called the meeting to order.
Everyone stood and pledged allegiance to the flag
Roll call of officers: Present: President Thomas, VP Marks, Secretary Eltman, Treasures Oakes, Trustee
Kane, Trustee Vozzelli, Sgt. at Arms Faber present.
Everyone stood and pledged allegiance to the flag
Minutes & Treasures reports are on the table. Treasurer Oakes read the Treasurer’s report to the
membership. Motion to accept: by Brother Kirk and seconded, the motion was adopted.


Health Plan Report (Kathleen Corcoran): Report was given same as first meeting in addition to the
following information:
Your wellness incentive letter will be going out on Monday, for an additional $200 for yourself and an
additional $100 for any spouses.
A brochure will be going out about the “Heart Scan”, please note that there is no age requirement and
spouses are allowed to use this as well. Any member covered in the Health Plan is eligible.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Pension Report (Brian Couglin): The Pension Report was given same as the first night with the
additional information:
Sick and Death (Ed Marks): As of December we have 5 deceased members:
Robert Nell: Was 77 years old, retired in 1989 out of L30.
Robert Jones: Was 78 years old, appointed in 1968 and retired in 1987.
Tom Crouse: Was 66 years old, appointed in 1977 and retired out of L31 in 2009.
Mike Prendergast: Was 69 years old, appointed in 1970 and retired in 1996 out of L5
Frank Squadrito: Was 63 years old, appointed in 1973 and injured and retired in 1991 out of E41.
Members stood and observed a moment of silence for our sick and departed.
Building Committee: Report given same as first night.
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Cat Bank: Report given same as first night.
Chaplin Report (Tom Kane): The Department is developing a Chaplain Program. Currently if there is a
need, FCC will dispatch one from the list of Chaplains, however the program hasn’t been officially
launched. Currently the list of members includes: Fr. Ed Brady, Chaplain Ray Vega E.78/Chaplain
Dwayne Frazier E.66/A, Deacon Charles Lindsay. Retired BC. Another aspect of the program will be the
Peer Support Network. This will provide non-spiritual counseling by Firefighters who have been trained
to provide peer counseling to members in need. The program is being spearheaded by Retired BC Mike
Yaeger.
Constitution & By-Laws Committee (Walt Faber): Reported that they have a meeting on the 20th of
this month. They will be discussing making a possible addition to the By Laws about the 2 meeting nights
adding up to the minimum required quorum.
EMS Paramedic Committee: Report given same as first night.
Grievance Committee: Report given same as first night. .
Home Association(Chris Beck): Report given same as first night.
Hospital Visitation (Bill Barclay): Report given same as first night.
Human Relations: No Report
Membership: No Report
Officers Committee: No Report
PAC Fund (Jack Eltman): Report given same as first night. And A Vote to approve these
Endorsements passed with Unanimous Consent
Public Relations: Report given same as first night.
Safety:
No Report
Testing & Promotion: No Report
Executive Body Report: Report given same as first night.
(There were no question regarding the Executive Body Report)
There was a Motion by Brother Kirk and properly 2nd to accept the Executive body report
Unfinished Business: Report given same as first night.
New Business: Report given same as first night.
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Good & Welfare: Report given same as first night with an addition:
 We are looking for someone who would be interested in doing something for the 25 year
anniversary of the Meridian Fire.
 Brother Bowmer gave a report about Peachtree Portraits: Approximately 75 people purchased
a yearbook and 473 members took pictures. Being that this is a very low turnout and a low
purchase, HQ is trying to figure out how to make this book better before it is issued. They are
thinking of just listing every members name and if you took a picture then you will have both.
The book is expected to be released in March sometime. If you have any questions please
contact Lt. Bowmer at L14/C.
There was a motion to Adjourn at 1959 hrs. By Brother Rodriguez and properly 2nd. Pass
Unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by
Jack Eltman
Recording Secretary
Philadelphia Firefighters and Paramedics Union
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