First Period

First Period…1982-1989

According to the first Constitution and By-Laws, the association was to direct its efforts towards retirees achieving independence and fostering friendly relationships. Although this was a consistent effort by the Board, a more dominant purpose began to surface. This alternate effort was directed towards achieving additional benefits which was to be CMERA’s primary goal in years to come.

The Board noted that the Membership Section of the By-Laws did not identify what the membership dues should be. Since the association had no treasury it was decided that in addition to membership dues of $2.00, there would also be an initiation fee of $3.00. This would allow the association to develop some funds for future activities.

1982 & 1983

It was only logical that Bill Chenal should become the first elected president since he provided such great leadership during the association’s fledgling years and assured continuity. During his presidency the association became more organized and continued its main effort of seeking additional benefits. At the November 13, 1982 membership meeting at the Butterfield Senior Center, Bill
Chenal had the sad duty of notifying everyone that Hazel Grimmer had passed away on September 14, 1982. At that time Hazel was serving her seventh year as an elected Trustee on the CRS Board and third year as Secretary of CMERA. Concurrent with those responsibilities she also served as president of AFSCME. Her involvement in these organizations brought great experience to the CRS Board in her continuing efforts to upgrade the pension system.

The membership was further advised that at of October 2, 1982 CRS Board meeting, Bill Chenal recommended that CMERA be granted permission to seat one of its own members to replace Hazel. Norb Miller was recommended as the replacement since he had previously served as a Board Trustee from August 1, 1978 to August 1, 1982. This request was granted and Norb was immediately installed. Betty Colvard also agreed to serve out Hazel’s remaining term as secretary of the association.

At the April 23, 1983 general meeting, the membership was advised that Norb Miller was working closely with Joe Bischof, chairman of CRS’s Benefits Committee, and focusing on 3% compounding and increasing the death benefit from $1,000 to $2,000. Norb was also obtaining names and addresses of new retirees from the retirement office, and letters were then sent to these retirees encouraging them to join CMERA.

On December 27, 1983 a newsletter was sent out stating that the Nominating Committee could only obtain one slate of officers and directors for the next two years, and therefore there was no need to send out the normal election ballots. The officers and directors serving for the years 1984 and 1985 are identified on Page 1b.

1984 & 1985

The new officers saw a need to modernize the association’s record system. The new president Norb Miller checked what it would cost to commercially computerize a membership list, including mailing labels for the 873 paid members. The labels would also allow sending a postcard to members that were delinquent in their dues. It was quickly determined that this would be too expensive for the association’s limited treasury.

Having worked in the Engineering Division Norb knew of Ralph Goldsmith’s extensive computer skills. After the two of them met it was agreed that CMERA would enter into a contract with Ralph to use his own computer on his own time to accomplish the needed work. The contract was felt necessary to avoid any conflict of interest since Ralph was still a city employee.

There was also a need to more aggressively approach the retirement system in trying to obtain additional benefits. To address this issue Omer Trippel agreed to work on developing statistical information that would more clearly support CMERA’s position. Omer developed these skills through his own personal interests outside of his responsibilities in the Engineering Division.

After several weeks Omer presented to CMERA’s Board a five page report supporting additional post-retirement benefits. This report was accepted and it was decided that it should be presented to the CRS Benefits Committee and Board of Trustees. Omer was then asked if he would make any necessary presentations that would be needed and he readily agreed. It was also decided that the information that was contained in the report should be kept confidential until formal presentations had been made.

A meeting was subsequently scheduled with Joe Bischof, chairman of the CRS Benefits Committee, to present Omer’s report and solicit the committee’s support. The meeting went well, and they were grateful for the additional information contained in the report that would help their current ongoing efforts.

On June 23, 1984 Norb sent a letter prepared by Omer to Martha Jones, chair of the CRS Board of Trustees, stressing the need to increase pensions for those retirees that were suffering from the high inflation years of the 70s. CMERA was proposing that members and survivors of those who retired before January 1, 1981, be given a 5% increase for each year retired, until a cap of 50% is reached for 1971 and earlier retirees.

In support of this request it was suggested that the system’s current earnings rate of 6.5% could be increased to 7.5% when you consider how well the market had been performing. It was anticipated that this adjustment would easily finance the $3,500,000 cost of the requested benefit. It was further suggested that the Board obtain an actuarial study and refer all the information to the Benefits Committee for evaluation.

The new address labels were used for the first time in sending out the newsletter notifying members of the November 17, 1984 fall meeting. At the meeting they were informed of what action the association was taking in trying to achieve additional benefits, and requested everyone to check the accuracy of the address on the labels.

On January 29, 1985 CMERA sent a letter to City Manager Sylvester Murray seeking his support, as a member of the CRS Board, for the additional benefits being requested. This letter concurred in the position taken by the system’s actuary in its December 31, 1984 report, and the supporting position taken by the Benefits Committee. Basically the report said the following additional benefits could be achieved. These were, reducing CMERA’s 5% increases to 2.5%, increase death benefit from $1,000 to $2,000, and increase survivors benefits by 50%. Rather than following CMERA’s suggested financing plan the actuary recommended the unfunded liability be spread over 30 years rather than the current remaining 15 years.

On March 12, 1985 representatives from CMERA met with Mr. Murray to review the benefits that were presented in their previous letter. They believed the City Manager had a very good understanding of the retirees needs, unfortunately the association was not able to obtain his support.

One of the great things that CMERA had done was to have the general membership meetings twice a year. This allowed the association to keep its membership appraised as to what is going on and to have one or two guest speakers at each meeting. These speakers usually brought to the meeting important information in which all retirees had an interest. An example of this would be the two that came to the spring 1985 meeting. One was Mr. Dawson, Finance Director and Secretary of CRS Board of Trustees and Mr. Gergen, Manager of Special Accounts for Blue Cross/Blue Shield. They were able to update the members on the status of things going on in their area of expertise, and also answer many questions. Oh yes, that social hour with coffee and donuts before the meeting was also a big drawing card and very enjoyable.

On July 22, 1985 a newsletter was sent out scheduling a special membership meeting for Tuesday, July 30, 1985. It was stated that this was to be a strictly business meeting and its attendance was important in order that the Board could obtain feedback on the following issues.

1. Comments on possible changes to the Constitution and By-Laws.
2. Future election of officers and Board directors.
3. Dues paying procedures that were previously identified in a recent letter to everyone.

The meeting went well and the Board obtained important suggestions from the membership that was present.

At the fall general meeting it was announced that the Nominating Committee was unable to encourage anyone to run for the Board and fortunately the current officers and directors agreed to serve another two year term.

1986 & 1987

With the same officers in place the aggressive approach for additional benefits continued. The spring membership meeting was held on April 18, 1986 and Mr. Dawson brought those in attendance up to date on the status of possible additional benefits. He said that at the February 4, 1986 Board of Trustees meeting Mr. Bischof, chairman of the Benefits Committee, made a motion reaffirming the committee’s recommendation of February 4, 1984 for additional benefits. This consisted of an increase for older retirees, the doubling of the death benefit, and a 50% increase in survivors benefits. He further stated that the motion received a second and was carried only because Ken Blackwell, a CRS Board member and chairman of Council’s Finance Committee, voted in favor of the motion with the four employee members. An ordinance still has to be prepared and hopefully approved by City Council.

On August 1, 1986 a newsletter was sent to all members that there was an important meeting being held on August 16, 1986. As previously mentioned, in an effort to attract more members to these meetings, this meeting was being held at the Pinecrest Multipurpose Senior Center located at 3951 W. Eighth Street in Price Hill. Unfortunately attendance was disappointing, considering the membership knew in advance that the status of additional benefits were to be discussed.

At this meeting Joe Bischof outlined what steps had taken place over the last few years and that an ordinance had finally been prepared, and that the Board of Trustees had presented it to City Council with their recommendation for passage. After receiving this ordinance, City Council expressed concern about its cost and asked for the ordinance to be revised limiting it to the two benefits of retirees increase and death benefit increase. That revised ordinance was then sent to the Finance Committee for consideration.

Those in attendance were advised that the revised ordinance would be before the Finance Committee on September 2, and it was extremely important for the members to pack council chambers at this and any subsequent council meetings. Norb Miller then asked for volunteers that would speak before the Finance Committee and City Council to outline their financial problems and the need for passage of the ordinance. Their were a number of people that agreed to do this.

At the Finance and Labor Committee meeting, Omer Trippel and Joe Bischof testified as to what problems retirees were having, and why these additional benefits were desperately needed. After considerable testimony by the membership and lengthy discussion about how the added benefits were to be financed, the ordinance amending Section 203-47 of the Cincinnati Municipal Code and enacting Supplementary Section 203-50 was recommended to Council for passage. On September 4, 1986 Council passed Ordinance No. 310-1986. The willingness of CMERA’s membership to help and overflow council chambers at both of these meetings, was without a doubt a key factor in influencing council members to pass this ordinance.

The fall membership meeting was held on November 11, 1986 at the Clifton Community Center on McAlpin Ave. at 12:00 noon. Attendance again was not as good as expected but the association was trying to increase attendance by meeting in different communities.

The primary purpose of this meeting was to advise everyone about the passage of Ordinance No. 310-1986 and explain in detail the two additional benefits that hopefully would become effective on the first of January. In addition they were told that although the 50% increase in Survivors Benefits was not a part of this ordinance, they should not despair. At the Council meeting John Mirlisena made a motion that a financial review of this issue be prepared in conjunction with the 1987 City Budget. This review was to be reported back in 90 days. Norb assured everyone that the association would diligently follow up on this report. The next membership meeting was held on May 19, 1987 at the Butterfield Senior Center on Garfield Place. Norb had the sad duty of informing everyone that Marie Benton, CMERA’s secretary passed away on March 2, 1987, and that the position was now open. He reviewed again the new benefits, and asked everyone to express their gratitude to all that were involved in working so hard in achieving this success. He also mentioned that the actuary’s report that is needed to further consider the 50% increase in Survivors
Benefits still had not been received, and that the association is following up on this item.

A special membership meeting was held on August 29, 1987 at the Dr. Albert Sabin Convention Center. This meeting was called to allow Frank Dawson to explain in detail the status of the Survivors Benefit increase. In addition a frantic cry was put out to the membership by the Nominating Committee, indicating that all the current officers would not be serving again and that they were looking for volunteers.

The fall membership meeting was held again at Butterfield on November 14, 1987. The big news was that the Nominating Committee was successful in obtaining volunteers for three of the officer’s position, but none for the presidency. After more than thirty phone calls they did convince Bill Rooney to take the position. The new officers for the next two years are listed on Page 1b.

1988 &1989

The March 12, 1988 newsletter announced the spring meeting would be held at the Butterfield Center on March 26, 1988. Before Norb Miller handed the gavel over to the new officers at this meeting he outlined past accomplishments and future goals of the association. He noted that retirees still needed help in many areas and identified them as follows:

1. The 50% increase in Survivors Benefits must be pursued.
2. The 3% annual increase should be compounded.
3. A further increase in the Death Benefit is needed.
4. As health care costs go up Dental and Vision insurance is needed.
5. There is a need to seat a retiree on the CRS Board of Trustees.

The new officers agreed to pursue these goals.

On June 10, 1988 The Fifth Third Bank notified Thelma Keller the Association’s Treasurer, that it had no record of the Association’s Social Security/Tax ID number. It was then determined that the association had never applied for this tax-exempt status. An application was quickly submitted and on June 24, 1988 the Employee Identification Number of 31-1241056 was issued.

For a number of years the association was of the opinion that there should be a retiree on CRS Board of Trustees. This effort, with the help of the Benefits Committee, was rewarded with the passage of Ordinance No. 398-1988 on October 5, 1988, expanding the Board from 9 to 11 members. In order for the administration to maintain control another administrative position was added. Thus a 6 to 5 majority was maintained with 6 from administration, 4 employee members and 1 retiree member.

The ordinance also had a unique provision that allowed CMERA to nominate two of its members for this Board position, and the Board would then appoint one of the two nominees. This process was adopted since CMERA had pushed for the retiree position and had suggested this method of appointment. This was later questioned by AFSCME.

The fall membership meeting was held on November 12, 1988 at the Butterfield Center. The new officers advised everyone of the passage of the recent ordinance and their current efforts to promote membership. There was also discussion about updating the Constitution and By-Laws, since the old ones were badly outdated in relation to CMERA’s current operation and activities.

On April 15, 1989 CMERA held its spring meeting at the Butterfield Center. Members were advised that a committee was hard at work developing a revised Constitution and By-Laws. It was anticipated that these would be available for consideration at the fall meeting.

On September 6, 1989 CMERA sent a letter prepared by Omer Trippel to Ed Volpe, chairman of the CRS Board, asking for considerable information about those retired under the system. It stated that the association has been meeting with an insurance broker in order to begin to understand what type of dental and vision insurance might be reasonably provided. Obviously the information requested would be needed to carry this investigation further.

The newsletter announcing the fall meeting on October 14, 1989, also contained a ballot for the office of the President and Treasurer as outlined in the new By-Laws. It was assumed that the membership would approve the revised Constitution and By-Laws.

Bill Chenal chaired this meeting since the president could not attend. He advised everyone that after many months of work by a special committee the new Constitution and By-Laws were finalized. After a question and answer period a motion was made to accept the new documents. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.

Some of the major changes are outlined below with more details on Page 2a.

1. All retirees and beneficiaries are now automatically members, however they must pay dues to vote.
2. Presidents and Treasurers are now elected on even years and Vice Presidents and Secretaries are elected on odd years.
3. A third purpose was added to work closely with CRS Board to enhance the retirement system.
4. The Board of Directors was expanded to include ten Directors.

On October 30, 1989 Norb Miller had his aorta valve replaced and triple bypass surgery. Subsequently he had a pacemaker installed. CMERA said he was doing fine and hoped to be back soon. Knowing Norb it was felt that he would be back stronger than ever.