Submitted by Chuck Mulidore
NAPS Secretary/Treasurer
The spring 2021 Executive Board meeting via Zoom was called to order at 1:05 p.m. on March 21 by Executive Board Chair Tim Ford. Executive Vice President Ivan D. Butts gave the invocation; Central Gulf Area Vice President Roy Beaudoin led the Pledge of Allegiance. Secretary/Treasurer Chuck Mulidore conducted the roll call of officers; all board members were present.
President Brian Wagner welcomed board members and thanked them for their continued commitment and dedication to represent NAPS not only throughout their NAPS term, but especially this past year as all were challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Wagner said he was optimistic this would be NAPS’ last Executive Board meeting via Zoom. He looks forward to meeting in person this August at the national convention and beyond with future board meetings.
Although this was a Zoom meeting, Wagner asked the board to stay focused on the agenda and continue to improve the organization with positive actions that will make members’ futures even better. As always, he stated the goal of the Executive Board is to promote the welfare of NAPS and its members.
President Wagner said board members would hear from NAPS Editor Karen Young, DDF Provider Al Lum, Bruce Moyer, NAPS’ trusted legal counsel, and USPS leadership, including Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. Wagner recognized Rebekah Rose-Leo, his executive assistant and NAPS Headquarters’ Zoom guru.
Wagner told the board the PMG is scheduled to announce the USPS 10-year plan on Tuesday, March 23. In addition, NAPS was asked to join a USPS Service Improvement Task Force that includes UPMA and the four postal unions.
Wagner pointed out that NAPS’ participation in this task force is in NAPS’ best interests to ensure the organization knows what is occurring regarding service and how to improve it. “We need to be part of the solution,” he stressed. Wagner reiterated his thanks to board members for all they do on behalf of NAPS and its members.
Executive Vice President Ivan D. Butts welcomed the board. He said there is much business to take care of at the meeting, including budget discussions and more. Also on the agenda are SPAC, the DDF and the upcoming virtual Legislative Training Seminar in April. “I am looking forward to this important board meeting,” he affirmed.
Secretary/Treasurer Chuck Mulidore welcomed board members and said he was glad everyone is well, staying safe and hoping for continued progress against the devastating pandemic. “Many NAPS members have been lost over the past year to COVID,” he said. “So many families have been impacted. We pray for them and look forward to brighter days ahead. Our work at NAPS remains pressing; we have much work to do.”
Executive Board Chair Tim Ford welcomed board members and NAPS guests. “I am glad to see all the smiling faces and hope all of you are healthy,” he said. He acknowledged the past six months have been difficult for many personally; some have seen friends and family embark on a different path. “I would like to take a moment of silence to wish all of them peace and tranquility on their journey,” he offered.
He said the challenges for the Postal Service and NAPS members have been historic: natural disasters, power outages, a global pandemic, political upheaval and internal changes to the structure of the Postal Service, to name a few. Despite all these challenges, somehow, NAPS members have continued to process and deliver mail to their customers. With members’ input, NAPS has been able to address many of the challenges and present solutions in an effort to improve things for its members and USPS customers.
Ford said that, since the fall Executive Board meeting, he has assisted in the presentation and review of agenda items in all the monthly NAPS Headquarters consultative meetings via Zoom and consulted with the three resident officers regarding multiple issues, ranging from COVID-related problems to administrative actions.
He also has attended regular Zoom meetings with area and district staffs and was happy to take part in training via Zoom conducted by Southeast Area Vice President Bob Quinlan. During this time, he responded to questions and concerns from board and NAPS members on a variety of issues.
“We now are headed into uncharted territory,” he declared. “A legislative effort via Zoom, state conventions being cancelled, a national convention with social distancing fast approaching and more structural changes to the Postal Service. For the record I am not saying disaster—exactly the opposite. I am saying strength through opportunity.”
Ford said this is NAPS’ opportunity to work together, recognize the challenges and help provide solutions, while protecting its members’ rights. “And, during the next four days, all of us will demonstrate our commitment to facing these challenges and providing solutions. Thank you all for the support you have given to NAPS and your members as part of this Executive Board,” he asserted.
A motion was made by Northeast Region Vice President Tommy Roma, seconded by Central Gulf Area Vice President Roy Beaudoin, to accept the minutes of the fall 2020 Executive Board meeting as previously submitted to the board. The motion was adopted.
Mulidore presented the financial report. As of Feb. 26, 2021, NAPS investments totaled $12,885,912. On June 1, 2020, NAPS investments totaled $11,733,178. This is a 2021 fiscal year-to-date increase of $1,152,734 or 9.82%.
As of March 1, 2021, the NAPS General Fund Signature FCU Checking account balance was $530,699.40; the Signature FCU Money Market account was $8,092.07, for a total of $538,791.47.
As of March 1, 2021, the NAPS building was 82% leased by number of units (nine of 11) and 71% leased by square footage. On March 31, 2018, AACP vacated the second floor, which remains vacant. Tower Strategy notified NAPS it will not be renewing its lease, which expired at the end of February 2021.
Strategic Partnerships extended its lease for an additional eight-month term (Feb. 1 - Sept. 30) with no provisions for additional rent (CAM/real estate taxes). It is unclear at this time if it will elect to renew for a longer period when the short-term renewal expires.
Jim Stokes, STOLADI Property Group, said he has had some new interest in the second floor, but issues surrounding the pandemic and availability of leasing space complicate the market. NAPS did not receive regular owner distributions through FY18, FY19 or FY20. NAPS is continuing that process through FY21 due to projected maintenance, tenant improvements, commissions and potential lost revenue through unrenewed leases.
As of Feb. 28, 2021, NAPS Property Inc. had $109,305 in cash on the balance sheet. Of that, $84,510 supports outstanding liabilities (security deposits, prepaid rents and accrued expenses), meaning available cash of
$24,795 (free cash flow).
The current cash projections assume continued vacancy on the second floor, as well as the Tower Strategy space through the end of FY21. STOLADI is working on realistic leasing assumptions to include for FY22, based on a market rate of $29 per square foot.
The overall pace of leasing activity stalled at the height of the COVID pandemic, but seems to be picking up very slowly as vaccination rates improve and warm spring weather approaches. Cash flow from the existing tenancy is sufficient through the end of the fiscal year to cover monthly building operating expenses. However, to the extent leasing activity occurs, contributions will be requested for tenant improvements and leasing commissions.
As of Feb. 28, 2021, NAPS Headquarters social media results were as follows:
Most of NAPS’ web traffic from social media continues to come from Facebook (90% plus). It’s still very important to be on other platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram, for visibility.
Twitter followers as of Feb. 28 were 623. Typical monthly impressions range from 5,000 to 35,000, depending on the type of news shared.
Instagram followers as of Feb. 28 were 283.
Website traffic for 2020 showed more users than the previous year, with slightly fewer page views (page views were basically flat). This indicates more members were coming to the site, but each member, on average, was coming and clicking around to slightly fewer pages. More probably came to read a specific article or specific piece of information.
When COVID hit, there was some drop in traffic, but it was during the timeframe when online consumption was probably geared more toward mass media/news/social in general.
Email continues to be a large driver for readership and traffic to the NAPS website. It is worth considering developing an ongoing content plan to have more original news articles or other types of articles/content written shared on the website. Articles from The Postal Supervisor get a lot of traction and are great. It is worth considering creating more original content and articles exclusively for the website. This could help continue to grow web traffic.
As of the February 2021 DCO (reflecting DCO membership through PPs 1 and 2), NAPS had 27,190 members (25,852 active and 1,338 associates; 95% and 5%, respectively). Total membership from a year ago (PPs 1 and 2, 2020) was 27,601 (26,248 active and 1,353 associate); an overall total SPLY decrease of 411 members or (1.48%).
As of the February 2021 DCO, the total number of active EAS nonmembers was 10,130. This number is based on USPS payroll files of nonmember EAS employees who are coded non-postmasters. Based on current membership totals, there are approximately 29% nonmembers.
NAPS continues to encourage membership growth by providing sponsors of new members a $25 NAPS check. Local and state branches continue to receive their NAPS Non-Member and Change Summary reports, along with their DCO and Mail reports on a monthly basis.
Per a board motion, the only contract expiring before the October 2021 Executive Board meeting is with NAPS attorney Bruce Moyer.
Mulidore presented the 2021 NAPS budget.
Al Lum, Labor Relations Admin Group (LRAG), and Butts presented their report. Updates were provided on wins, losses, settlements and a review of current cases. LRAG currently has nine contractors working DDF cases. For NAPS FY20, DDF cases totaled 80, of which 83% were MSPB cases; 13% were Debt Collection Act cases; and 4% were ELM 650 hearings. Four cases remain pending.
The most prevalent case types for FY20 were performance, attendance and sexual misconduct. For NAPS FY21, which began June 1, 2020, there have been 70 DDF cases, with 59% of those being MSPB cases; 12% Debt Collection Act cases; and 4% ELM 650 cases. Twenty-five DDF cases still are pending.
Butts and Director of Legislative & Political Affairs Bob Levi provided a review of legislative, regulatory and political activities over the past six months that impact NAPS members, as well as an update to the virtual 2021 Legislative Training Seminar (LTS).
Levi discussed a Feb. 24 House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing on the Postal Service’s finances and its 10-year strategic business plan. He also discussed two bills introduced by Rep. Gerry Connolly (H.R. 1623 and H.R. 1624) that address two, long-standing NAPS legislative priorities.
H.R. 1623, the “Postal Supervisors and Managers Fairness Act,” would recalibrate the start of EAS pay talks to the expiration of the existing pay package and bind the USPS and NAPS to the findings and recommendations of a Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service fact-finding panel, should one be established. H.R. 1624, the “Postal Employee Appeal Rights Amendment Act,” would extend Merit Systems Protection Board appeal rights to the approximately 7,500 EAS-level postal employees currently denied such rights.
Levi next discussed legislation being drafted by House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney to restore financial and operational stability to the Postal Service. The key elements of the measure were anticipated to be repeal of the USPS’ requirement to prefund future retiree health benefits, integration of Medicare and the FEHBP for future postal retirees and attention to postal performance standards. Levi introduced the board to NAPS’ new advocacy portal to enhance the ability of NAPS members to directly communicate with their members of Congress.
Levi also discussed White House postal actions, including the nomination of three new members to the Postal Board of Governors: Ron Stroman, Amber McReynolds and Anton Hajjar. He referenced the postal community’s desire that the White House support a recalculation of the Postal Service retirement liability for health and pension benefits and grant the agency the authority to invest its Retiree Health Benefits Trust Fund in an index fund such as a long-term Thrift Savings Plan L Fund.
Lastly, Levi shared the basic elements of the April 18 LTS, including specific programs and speakers.
NAPS attorney Bruce Moyer provided a confidential update on legal issues facing the organization.
There was no old or new business. The March consultative meeting with the Postal Service was held; minutes were printed in the June 2021 Postal Supervisor.
The Executive Board committees provided updates:
Ethics—Committee Chair Craig Johnson, Central Region vice president, reported the committee, whose members are Marilyn Walton, Tommy Roma, Shri Green and Richard Green, sent a final report of an ethics complaint to Wagner since the fall board meeting. The committee has not received any further ethics complaints. The committee had no recommendations or changes to the “Code of Conduct & Ethical Guidelines.”
SWCs—Committee Chair and New York Area Vice President Jimmy Warden reported that the SWCs process still is under guidelines agreed on through the consultative process in 2012. The agreement (instructions) can be found on the NAPS website and USPS Blue page.
In the January issue of The Postal Supervisor, an article was published at the request of Wagner outlining the SWCs process, along with instructions on how an office/station can pull and verify its SWCs.
Over the past several months, many offices/stations have had concerns regarding their supervisory complement. It is strongly recommended every office/station review their SWCs calculations on a monthly basis.
The Postal Service runs the automated SWCs for every office/station on a monthly basis. The results usually are posted on the Blue page between the first to third day of each month. Every office/station should review the data; if it does not coincide with the actual staffing, the office/station is in or close to being in jeopardy of losing a supervisor. Staff should perform a manual SWCs.
To locate the automated SWCs data on the USPS Blue page, perform the following steps:
When the report opens, drill down to your district; the Offices/Stations can be viewed. Inquiries have been received regarding the SWCs work study that had been conducted. The new program has been submitted to Postal Headquarters.
NAPS was informed it would be taken under consideration once the new PMG had taken office. There has not been any recent update. With the new restructuring and current changes taking place, we are anticipating the new SWCs calculation method will be considered.
SWCs Committee: Chairman James G. Warden, Tommy Roma, Troy Griffin, Anthony Dallojacono and John Aceves.
Duties and Responsibilities—No committee report was presented.
Legislative—Committee Chair Marilyn Walton, Western Region vice president, reported that, since the fall board meeting, her team’s focus has been promoting vote by mail in California and encouraging members and colleagues in other states to vote by mail. She participated in the USPS’ Pacific Area Voter Mailing Tracking team.
She represented NAPS in a Zoom meeting with Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA). She also participated in five California Postal Legislative Coalition roundtable meetings with the NALC, APWU and NAPS with California Reps. Sarah Jacobs (D), Mike Levin (D) and Mark DeSaulnier (D) on Feb. 16; Jimmy Gomez (D) on Feb. 19; and Jerry McNerney (D).
Participants discussed the impact of COVID-19 on USPS employees and on-time mail delivery, as well as the need to step up vaccinations and ensure postal employees are categorized as essential workers. Coalition members shared their concerns about filling vacancies.
Also discussed were USPS Headquarters’ June 2020 processing and logistic changes that resulted in impacts to on-time delivery up to and during election and peak mailing seasons. The roundtable thanked the representatives for their ongoing support of postal legislation and asked for support of the unions’ and NAPS’ pending legislation.
As a follow-up to each meeting, Walton forwarded data to the congressional representatives’ aides, including national, area and local COVID-19 stats for their districts. She also forwarded economic impact statements for their districts and attached the 2021 NAPS legislative agenda and any other stats that added to the information in the roundtable discussions.
In 2020, the coalition vigorously promoted vote by mail. The unions’ focus was on promoting vote by mail in Arizona and Nevada. This year, the push is for nationwide vote by mail and national, automatic motor voter registration.
The coalition sent a congratulatory letter to Alex Padilla, California’s newly appointed senator. He was California secretary of state and in charge of “No-Excuse Vote by Mail.” The coalition asked him to push for the same program nationwide. A congratulatory letter also was sent to newly elected Vice President Kamala Harris.
Concern was raised about California State SB 324 that seeks to reduce bulk business mail; the bill is sponsored by an environmental proponent. The coalition is lobbying against the measure with state and congressional representatives, educating them that the USPS has an award-winning nationwide recycle program. There is no need to reduce advertisement mail.
Northeast Area—Jimmy Warden, Tommy Roma, Tony Dallojacono and Lisa Douglas attended many Zoom meetings with congressional leaders throughout the Northeast Area, advocating for bills in Congress that directly affect postal supervisors. Unfortunately, in New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo did not designate postal employees to be in COVID vaccination phase 1-B. The CDC recommended placing postal employees in the 1-B phase.
Communication was sent to NAPS members in New York with QRL codes so they could directly contact via email the governor, both U.S. senators and their local representatives to urge placing postal employees in phase 1-B. All the neighboring states placed postal employees in phase 1-B.
Warden sent a letter to Cuomo, asking that he change his decision. Letters also were sent to the senators and representatives, urging them to request Cuomo to change his decision and do the right thing; postal employees are essential workers.
On March 9, it was announced that, effective March 17, postal employees in New York may start receiving the vaccine; they will be included in the group designated “public-facing.” This was a great achievement for all postal employees in New York.
Michiana Area—Kevin Trayer reported the Michiana Area has been very involved in legislative activism before and after the presidential election. He personally was asked to do a congressional visit in October 2020 with Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI).
As a result of that in-person visit, Upton crossed party lines and voted for funding the Postal Service. He even mentioned to USPS leadership that he and Trayer have known each other for about 25 years.
Michigan plays a large role in the political world involving the USPS. Sen. Gary Peters (D) and Reps. Upton and Debbie Dingell (D) are part of the problem-solvers caucus. Also included is Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D), the former Postmaster of Southfield.
The Indiana group is very active, as well, with congressional contacts to keep attention on Postal Service needs and concerns. Grassroots legislative efforts have been key in the presidential and congressional election results.
Trayer said he has attended several branch Zoom meetings and stressed the importance of members having contact with their members of Congress. He is going to write a letter congratulating Peter Meijer on his win in Michigan’s 3rd District for the House of Representatives. He also will send a letter to Upton, thanking him for his support of the USPS and his votes to uphold the Constitution of the United States.
Texas Area—Texas Area Vice President Jaime Elizondo Jr. said that, since the fall board meeting, he has continued promoting SPAC. Activities with Texas branches were limited to Zoom meetings, but he continued to encourage members to be politically involved. He also worked with the following candidates to gain House seats:
Since the election, Elizondo has continued to inform NAPS’ congressional partners about EAS employees’ needs and the continuing support of bills that would help NAPS members and the USPS. He checks voting records before each meeting to thank the legislators for their support if they are listed as co-sponsors or firmly ask for their support if they are not co-sponsors.
He is working with Levi to set up a meeting with Rep. Pete Sessions (R) who long has been indifferent toward NAPS, but recently contacted Levi to request a meeting. NAPS will seize the opportunity.
Elizondo said he continues to donate his fair share to SPAC and encourages Texas members to do the same. He reached the VP Elite level for 2020.
Southeast Area—Southeast Area Vice President Bob Quinlan said Florida is working hard to promote SPAC by continually fundraising. He recently hosted a Zoom training meeting and thanked Warden who presented important information about SWCs.
Since COVID, there has been little opportunity to meet with congressional representatives. Florida is looking forward to scheduling Zoom meetings with its representatives during LTS week. He said he appreciates all the legislative information from committee members and NAPS resident officers.
PFP Advisory—Chair Dan Mooney, North Central Area vice president, reported that NAPS received the FY21 NPA proposal from USPS Headquarters in February. No explanations were provided. The resident officers, Mooney and Warden reviewed the proposal and had many questions.
These were assembled and submitted to USPS Headquarters in February. As of the spring board meeting, NAPS had not received a response. At this time, NAPS is waiting for the USPS’ response before the PFP Committee meets with the resident officers and determines NAPS’ response/position on the FY21 NPA.
Postmaster—Chair Kevin Trayer reported on efforts to increase postmaster membership in NAPS. There was not much on which to report because the USPS continues to oppose NAPS’ efforts to represent postmasters. NAPS continues to seek remedy through the courts. Regardless, this should not stop NAPS from discussing concerns of Postmasters at the area, state and local levels and when speaking to members of Congress.
Training and Advocacy—Chair Myrna Pashinski, Rocky Mountain Area vice president, reported the committee continues to work on updating current information for ELM mediation, as well as updating the debt collection section of the “Officer Training Manual” before the fall 2021 Executive Board meeting.
Membership—All Executive Board members are responsible for increasing membership. The board received an update from NAPS Membership Coordinator Emily Christophersen regarding getting updated branch officer profiles, as well as a discussion of how new finance numbers from the USPS are causing issues with NAPS’ membership program.
Plant—Chairman Chuck Lum, Pacific Area vice president; Shri Green, Cotton Belt Area vice president; and Luz Moreno, Illini Area vice president, reported on its March 22, 2021, meeting. A new structure for Logistics and Processing was announced the first week in March, creating two Processing, four Logistics regions and 13 divisions. Logistics has transitioned to a unique Finance number separate from Processing operations. It includes ramp clerks and general expeditors.
New EAS complement for Logistics was announced:
Due to the transition period of Logistics and Processing, the committee has agreed to table all actionable items until the USPS has fully established the planned structure changes.
The committee’s unfinished business:
–What are the changes of annex and hubs in a plant?
–Ensure hubs and annexes are included with plant initiatives (Needham).
–Survey members in their area about all plant concerns.
–Attain list of daily supervisor tasks.
–Attain current plant structuring within their area.
The committee will continue to monitor transition on Logistics and Processing operations to establish plans to improve EAS staffing and work conditions.
Wagner welcomed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to NAPS. The PMG spoke to the board the day the agency’s 10-year plan was introduced. DeJoy said the political landscape has made it difficult to effect changes. However, the focus is to maintain six- to seven-day delivery and become self-sustaining. The goal is to preserve the focus and mission of the organization in order to ensure sustainable footing for the long term. The plan is about growth.
DeJoy said the pandemic has shown Americans use the Postal Service for packages. The package business grew during the pandemic, so the USPS must use its delivery system to get mail and packages to delivery units in a timely manner. He thinks the American people want the Postal Service to be the provider of choice for parcels.
The 10-year plan will move some mail to a four- to five-day window and take some volume out of air transport and move it on trucks, which is less expensive. The plan includes $25 billion in growth; DeJoy said it’s the right pro-file for volume. Next-generation delivery trucks are larger than the current vehicles to accommodate the future growth in parcels.
DeJoy affirmed the need to improve turnover of noncareer employees, as well as training supervisors.
He pointed out that organizational changes have created more clear lines of authority throughout the Postal Service. Currently, there is poor transportation management software and poor visibility. The agency needs better package sorting machines and more space, as necessary.
DeJoy said that, by doing nothing, the USPS would lose $160 billion over the next 10 years. The USPS needs legislation to address congressional requirements. He remains optimistic.
The Postal Service also needs pricing flexibility and the availability to improve revenue. Cost reductions are necessary; much can be accomplished by doing things better and more efficiently.
DeJoy reported that service declined largely due to massive parcel volume increases, outdated processing capability and poor air network service. The 10-year plan is designed to provide 95% service to the public in total.
“We must improve the Postal Service for service to the American people and for long-term stability and viability for our employees,” he stressed.
Doug Tulino was welcomed to the board meeting. NAPS recognized his new role as chief Human Resources officer.
Tulino indicated the USPS now has a vision for revenue growth, not just focusing on cost-cutting and initiating reductions. USPS leadership wants to invest in its front-line supervisors, improve the infrastructure and keep employees at the top of their mind in all upcoming changes. He said the USPS has a real chance to get its financial situation resolved through congressional momentum, some USPS self-help initiatives and growing the business long term.
Board members expressed ongoing concerns about supervisors being transferred involuntarily, in spite of guidance having been issued on this by the USPS. Tulino pledged to correct these issues as NAPS sends this information forward.
Concerns also were expressed about training supervisors. Tulino pledged to invest in training and retraining supervisors to advance the success of the organization.
The SWCs model that NAPS and the USPS developed has provided a good framework for resolving issues with the current model and moving forward with a new or revised model, he said. Work on this should continue as the organization moves through numerous upcoming changes.
Tulino said he believes employees want to do the right thing and be successful; the organization shouldn’t use strong tactics to move forward. The company will be changing this approach moving forward as the organizational leadership changes take hold in the USPS at the highest levels.
Tulino offered that the second VER offer will be helpful for those who wish to see how the new structure looks before making early retirement decisions. The goal is for 10% administrative reductions though the VER or RIF process. Exceptions to the hiring freeze have been approved by Tulino on an as-needed basis.
Vice President of Labor Relations Kate Attridge was welcomed and congratulated on her new position. She was introduced to each board member.
Attridge discussed the new, 44-month NALC agreement and how it would impact the beginning of pay consultations with NAPS, as well as highlights of the agreement. She said bargaining with the Rural Letter Carriers Association has begun; soon, bargaining will begin with the APWU.
She said the USPS is waiting for OPM guidance on implementation of the emergency federal employee leave program as outlined in the “American Rescue Plan Act.” Attridge believes all EAS employees should want to come to work and not feel disrespected or uncomfortable in terms of their treatment by senior-level managers.
She expressed concerns about CCA retention and the impact on USPS service. Board members also expressed concerns about EAS retention, particularly the fact that many newly appointed EAS employees have had a relatively brief career before their promotion and often are facing corrective action in a short time. Attridge indicated this is a focus of the organization moving forward. It’s important to target improvement so that mentorship leads to a successful EAS career.
NAPS editor Karen Young reported the magazine is going well. A formal advertising rate sheet was developed for potential advertisers in response to increased interest in advertising in the magazine. The advertising revenue helps defray costs of the publication. The NAPS resident officers and board thanked Young for the outstanding job she does in publishing The Postal Supervisor.
NAPS accountant Jack Wallace addressed the employee retention credit NAPS received for 2020; seven pieces of legislation have passed since the pandemic began in March 2020. NAPS is nonprofit, so, originally, it did not qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in 2020, but it did qualify for the employee retention credit, as NAPS Headquarters kept staff on the payroll during the pandemic.
In 2021, as a result of the American Rescue Plan, NAPS now qualifies for a PPP. It technically is a loan, but if it is used for payroll and associated expenses, it will not have to be repaid.
Sheri Davies, ConferenceDirect, gave the board an update on continued planning for the 2021 NAPS National Convention in Grapevine, TX.
Stacey Herndon, PNC Investments, gave the board an update on investments. She reported there has been volatility in the market, but NAPS has a good investment strategy that is conservative and balanced in nature. It was recommended NAPS stay the course. She said it is not a good idea to pull out of the market at the bottom and attempt to buy in when the market rises. Of NAPS’ portfolio, 40% has no exposure to risk.
Jim Stokes and the STOLADI team gave an update on leasing the vacant office space in the Vincent A. Palladino NAPS Headquarters building, as well as an overview of various issues that arise in the normal day-to-day operations of the onsite STOLADI building management team.
The following motions and recommendations were acted on:
Motion #1—Kevin Trayer, seconded by Tommy Roma, that:
“The NAPS Executive Board passes the FY22 budget as presented by Secretary/Treasurer Chuck Mulidore.”
Except for Richard Green, the board voted “yes.”
As board chair, Ford does not vote.
The motion passed.
Motion #2—Bob Quinlan, seconded by Troy Griffin, that:
“NAPS extends the contract of Bruce Moyer as NAPS legal counsel for a period not to exceed two years at a rate to be negotiated by the NAPS resident officers.”
The motion passed unanimously.
Recommendation #1—Present the recommendation of the Executive Board Constitution and Bylaws Committee relative to the Organization in Article 4, Section 2, of the NAPS Constitution & Bylaws to the national convention for consideration. Recommendation passed.
Recommendation #2—Present the recommendation of the Executive Board Constitution and Bylaws Committee relative to the Executive Board in Article 8, Section 4, of the NAPS Constitution & Bylaws to the national convention for consideration. Recommendation passed.
Recommendation #3—Present the recommendation of the Executive Board Constitution and Bylaws Committee relative to Membership in Article 3, Section 8, of the NAPS Constitution & Bylaws to the national convention for consideration. Recommendation passed.
The fall 2021 board meeting at the 67th National Convention is scheduled for Aug. 28 and Sept 4.
Executive Board members announced their intentions of whether to run for office at the 67th National Convention: President Brian Wagner indicated he is retiring at the end of his term. Executive Vice President Ivan D. Butts indicated he is seeking the position of president. Secretary/Treasurer Chuck Mulidore indicated he is seeking the position of executive vice president.
New York Area Vice President Jimmy Warden announced he is seeking the position of secretary/treasurer, as is Northwest Area Vice President Cindy McCracken. All other board members indicated they would be seeking reelection to their current board positions.
Wagner thanked the board for the great work during the Zoom board meeting. NAPS has much work to do, he said, as he wished all the candidates the best of luck for office. “Be safe and healthy.”
The closing prayer was led by New England Area Vice President Lisa Douglas. Craig Johnson, seconded by Kevin Trayer, moved to adjourn. The motion was adopted.
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