• Past President Reports

Special Orders of Business

• 2008 UFA Workchart Calendar Distributed Today
  The UFA would like to thank Mike Block and his firm for covering the entire cost of the Calendar. Calendars for each company are at your Borough Trustee Table today, packaged 25 per box. Please take ONLY enough calendars for each member and a few extra for firehouse posting.
• City Health Plan Booklets Distributed Today
  Comprehensive information regarding your NYC Health Plan choices and guidelines for enrollment, eligibility, dependent coverage, tax related benefits, and much more, are available at the SBF Table today, and in your Delegate Manual Update package at your Trustee Table today.
• Healthplex Dental Benefits Provider Table Today
  Healthplex administrator professionals are present today to provide info and answer questions about the UFA Family Dental Plan improvements and more. Make sure you pick up the updated SBF Booklets for your housewatch at the SBF Table today. Also pick up your Delegate Manual Update package at your Trustee Table. It contains a detailed schedule of dental services and options that are now available to your family at lower cost or for free.
• Free Flu Inoculations Today
  UFA Health & Safety Officer/Sergeant-at-Arms Bill Romaka worked with BHS Dr. Prezant & Dr. Kelly to schedule free flu shots for all members attending today's meeting. They are set up at a table in the lobby.
• Delegate Manual Updated Chapters Distributed Today
  In addition to the UFA Constitution Chapter, the following chapters from the Health Book of the Manual have been updated and are available at your Trustee table today: Security Benefits Fund (Ch. 1), NYC Health Plans (Ch. 2), and Insurances & Free Benefits (Ch. 3). One small box that contains two copies of each chapter is provided for each Delegate. Inside the box, one set is for replacing the corresponding chapters in your Delegate Manual. The duplicate set of chapters is for pass-around in your firehouses. Both contain Change-of-Beneficiary, Change-of-Address check lists, and plenty of information about City and Union Health Coverage, as well as numerous other programs that are available to our members. The City did not print/mail plan description booklets to its employees this year. Please make sure your members have access to the pass-around copies during this rollover period, and for reviewing the new UFA dental enhancements. More loose booklets are available at the SBF and Trustee tables.

1. Proposed Constitution Amendments Today
Special Order of Business: All proposed UFA Constitution amendments will be discussed and voted upon today. The Constitution Committee will present its recommendations. Also the Executive Board's vote and recommendations will be presented. The complete text of the proposed amendments is contained in 65-2 #78 of 2007, which were mailed to all FHs and Delegate residences, and are also attached to this report. Updated copies of the UFA Constitution are at your Trustee table today. Please insure you insert the updated chapter in place of the Constitution currently in your Delegate Manual.

2. New LODI Drug Card Issued
In accordance with the recently negotiated UFA Contract, effective November 1, 2007, all UFA members are covered for Line of Duty drugs with the new LODI Prescription Drug Card. You no longer have to lay out money for LODI prescriptions and wait several months for reimbursement. This new LODI Drug Card will save our SBF hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. This plan will be managed by Express Scripts. Express Scripts started sending 'welcome letters' to each UFA member with their new FDNY LODI Prescription Card beginning October 24, 2007. The LODI Network of pharmacies include: CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, Eckerd, Walgreen's, Medicine Shoppe, Walmart, Target, King Kullen, Pathmark, ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Waldbaum's, and more. A copy of the letter that was sent to all members from the BHS, which explains the program, is attached.

3. UFA Active Dental Plan - Improvements - Additional Coverage
UFA Treasurer Bob Straub reports significant improvements to the active member UFA Family Dental Plan with Healthplex. Effective November 1, a newly enhanced plan has been established which adds 4000 dentists who will accept the fees listed on the new UFA allowance schedule as payment in full for most of the common services used by our members and families. These improved benefits for members currently enrolled in the UFA Family Dental Plan automatically took effect November 1st. A letter from Healthplex was recently mailed to all members in the UFA Family Dental Plan which explains the increased benefits. In addition to the letter the members will be receiving a Directory containing the names and locations of 4000 Participating Providers. Members currently enrolled in the UFA's Dentcare Plan will also have the option to rollover to the enhanced UFA Family Dental Plan (or vice-versa) effective January 1st. More information will be announced soon for Dentcare members who are considering changing to the new plan. Healthplex administrator professionals are present today at a lobby table to provide info and answer questions. Make sure you pick up the updated SBF Booklets for your housewatch, and the Delegate Manual Update package located at the SBF and your Trustee Tables, respectively. It contains a detailed schedule of dental services and options that are now available to your family at lower cost or for free.

4. Deutsche Bank Update
An update will be presented today.

5. Increased AFID Update
A meeting between the Fire Dept, Office of Labor Relations (OLR), UFOA and the UFA took place on 10/18. At that meeting the UFA and UFOA both voiced strong objections to the Dept's plan and offered alternative program options that will allow the FDNY to meet its obligations to protect both the public and Firefighters by having a building inspections program that improves safety - not makes it worse. The meeting confirmed that the Dept intended to add a third 3-hour AFID each week, on weekday day tours, beginning October 25. An emergency Battalion Advisory Committee (Battalion Delegate) meeting was held on October 26 to discuss the policy. Additionally, the short notice about implementation of this new Building Inspection program did not follow the 14 day notification requirement spelled out in the UFA contract. The UFA directly contacted the NYC Commissioner of Labor, and was able to see that this provision was enforced. The new start date announced by the Dept is Nov 5. The Dept has published a new Building Inspection Schedule. The UFA filed an Improper Practice this week regarding the 3rd day of BI.

6. LODI FICA Refund Filing Date Extended to 11/30/07
Per the NYC Office of Payroll Administration (OPA), the extended deadline date is November 30, 2007. A list was attached to the October Union Meeting President Report which contains names of active & retired members for whom the NYC Office of Payroll Administration (OPA) has no record of receiving the 1989-2005 LODI FICA Refund forms from. The OPA provided names only- not company numbers. The UFA also mailed copies of this list to each FH and Delegate with 65-2 #79. Members whose names are on the list should file immediately-via U.S. Mail certified return receipt-or contact the OPA at (212) 669-2333, (212) 669-2875, (212) 669-4133 or (212) 669-3669 if you believe you have previously filed. Visit the UFA home page at www.UFANYC.org for comprehensive info re the LODI FICA Refund process.

7. Minimum Manning for CFR-D: MUST Have 2 Certified FFs to Start Tour
As per CFR-D Manual Chapter 2, CFR-D Units must begin each tour with 2 certified Firefighters. While CFR-D Units "must begin each tour with 2 certified Firefighters," if during a tour the minimum CFR-D staffing reduces to 1 certified Firefighter and 1 certified Officer, the Company shall remain available for CFR-D response. During roll call, if the number of CFR-D certified Firefighters falls below the minimum of 2, the company shall not respond to any CFR-D calls (but may still be dispatched for calls received directly from the public to assist civilians). Your Officer must notify the dispatcher to remove your company's CFR-D status from the STARFIRE system, and make note in the Company Journal that the company will not be available for any CFR-D response. NOTE: Unit status defaults to their normal CFR-D status at change of tours. The Dept has the right to detail a member to put a unit on-line for CFR-D. Any member who's CFR-D certification is expired or about to expire should request your officer to schedule you for CFR-D recertification training.

8. 12% Specialty Pay TPR Mark Per Tour for Detailed FFs
FDNY Payroll notified the UFA that the Office of Payroll Administration is still working on programming for the new TPR Code. The OPA advises that a TPR code will be released later this month. Non SOC members detailed to any specialty pay units will receive a 12% differential TPR mark for each tour worked, in addition to portal pay.

9. OT $$ for Conversion to Eastern Standard Time
Per DO #92, in accordance with Labor Relations regulations, members working the 6x9 tour on Saturday, November 3, 2007, are entitled to one (1) hour of overtime/compensatory time due to the conversion back to Eastern Standard Time (EST). FS-260s are not required. Enter the following TPR codes on the November 4th column to receive compensation for this time: Event Code: 1465 Agency Data Code: 9563.

10. Self Mutual & RSOT Payback
UFA Recording Secretary Joe Miccio reports that due to an increasing number of tours that the Dept is operating at full manpower capacity, it has become more difficult for members to have approved payback of Self-Mutuals or a rescheduling of RSOT tours. Members are advised to submit IN WRITING all requests for repayment of Self-Mutuals and to document IN WRITING any time you are refused to reschedule a RSOT tour owed due to a group change. Keep a copy of all documented refusals. It is also recommended that a company journal entry is made documenting refusals. Member rights regarding Self-Mutuals and RSOT are spelled out on PA/IDs 3-94, 1/90 and 1-90 Addendum 4, respectively. PA/ID 1-90, section 11.2 specifically notes: "Firefighters with a group/vacation change which results in the opportunity for fewer hours of RSOT are authorized to work additional tours as needed by the Department for 96 hours of RSOT in the calendar year." Without proper documentation of refusal you can lose your rights to carry over RSOT tours to the following year, and you may be penalized for not repaying Self-Mutuals within 90 days.

11. UFA Scholarship Fund Awards
The UFA Scholarship Fund mailed $600 scholarships in October to all 947 eligible members and dependents who filed by the deadline. The UFA Scholarship Fund Committee, which consists of one member from each borough, held a meeting this morning. Treasurer Bob Straub will give an update today regarding growth in fund revenues from member contributions, fund raising, and investment returns.

12. City Island Involuntary Details for 1 Year
The Chief of Operations issued a memo on August 14 ordering Divisions 1, 3, 6, 7, 14 and 15 to supply firefighters with a minimum of 5 years of experience to staff the units in City Island. Members who are involuntarily detailed to this location for a period greater than 90 days are asked to contact UFA Recording Secretary/Grievance Chairman Joe Miccio at 212-545-6973.

13. Update Your Address, Email, Phone #s with the UFA
Any Members and Delegates wishing to receive important information or notifications from the UFA should insure that their residence addresses, email addresses, home and cell phone numbers on file with the UFA are updated and accurate. In order to do this, you must prepare and sign a 'SBF Change of Address, Phone, Email Form' and mail it to the UFA, Attn: SBF. Forms can be obtained from your Delegate, who can assist you, or you can call the UFA SBF at 212-683-4723, or visit the Forms Section of the UFA web site at www. UFANYC.org. Forms are also available at the SBF Table today. A copy of the form is attached.

14. City Health/Medical Plan Transfer Period
The Health Benefits Transfer Period (for active members only this year) begins November 1, 2007 and ends November 30, 2007. Late changes will not be accepted by the City!!! Health plan changes requested during the Transfer Period will be effective the first day of the first full payroll period in January 2008. During the annual Transfer Period members may transfer into any health plan offered for which they may be eligible, add or drop optional rider coverage or add or drop dependent(s). To make changes, (including enrolling in the Buy-Out-Waiver Program), the member must complete a Health Benefits Application. (To elect the Buy-Out Waiver Program or change health premium contribution tax status, members must fill out both a Medical Spending Conversion Enrollment/Change Form and a Health Benefits Application. Conversion Forms must be completed and returned to your agency personnel office or health benefits rep by Friday Nov 16, 2007.) Forms are available at www.nyc.gov/olr or through the health desk at Fire Headquarters. Members who waive their City health benefits, will lose their PICA drug coverage. City Health/Medical Plan vendors are present today to answer your questions and distribute literature. Make sure you get the info you need to best protect your family!

15. Health Plan Buy-Out Waiver or Contribution Tax Status Change
To elect the Buy-Out Waiver Program or change health premium contribution tax status, members must fill out both a Medical Spending Conversion Enrollment/Change Form and a Health Benefits Application. Conversion Forms must be completed and returned to the FDNY Health Benefits Unit (see above paragraph) by Friday Nov 16, 2007, which is 2 weeks earlier than the 11/30 deadline for Plan Transfers. Forms are available at www.nyc.gov/olr or through the Health Benefits Unit. Members who waive their City health benefits, will lose their PICA drug coverage and will not benefit from Coordination-of-Benefits savings with your spouse's plan.

16. Mid-Year Health Plan Cost Increases
The Health Plan carriers operate on a calendar year January 1st to December 31st. The City operates on a fiscal year June 30th to July 1. As a result, Health Plan increases can occur in July, while plan transfers take effect in January. If a mid-year health plan cost increase causes a significant financial hardship on your family, contact the FDNY Health Benefits Unit, Camille Isaacs at 718-999-2196, to check for plan change exceptions and options.

17. Change of Beneficiary/Address Checklists
Change of Beneficiary and Change of Address Checklists are available at your Trustee table today. They are inside the following three updated Delegate Manual Booklets: 'Security Benefits Fund', 'NYC Health Plans', and also 'Insurances & Free Benefits.' These booklets include contact information for making changes.

18. Uniform Maintenance Non-Taxability Affidavit
It is extremely important that each member file the form with their Officer. Per Dept orders, "failure to properly complete and file an affidavit may result in the issuance of a corrected W-2 form that includes the Uniform Cleaning Allowance as taxable earnings." Affidavits and instructions may also be obtained by accessing the Department's Intranet. Audits will be conducted to ensure that affidavits are being completed and filed. See your Officer if you have any questions regarding this issue.

19. Health & Safety Office Newsletter
UFA Health & Safety Officer/Sergeant-at-Arms Bill Romaka reminds members that the latest UFA Health & Safety Office Newsletter is posted and can be downloaded from the home page of the UFA web site at www. UFANYC.org. It is also available at the Health & Safety Office Table today. It contains info about the $80,000 grant the Health & Safety Office received for providing safety training to our members. Additional articles include info about new firefighting gloves, PSA testing, CD-73s for the Steampipe Explosion and the Deutsche Bank Fire, WTC, PICA & WTC Prescription Drug Cards, MRSA Staph Infection and more.

20. Safe Apparatus Response & Placement Training Session 11/28
The UFA Health & Safety Office has arranged for a Safe Apparatus Response & Placement Training Session on Wednesday, November 28 starting at 1pm at the Turner Club in Throgs Neck, Bronx. Food and refreshments will be provided. A gift certificate for a FREE Body Scan at Inner Imaging will be given away to one participant. Training is provided through a grant from the NYS/DOL Hazard Abatement Board (Contract #012817). To RSVP for this event, please call 212-545-6965 or email cearly@ufanyc.org. RSVP by Wednesday, November 21.

21. Random Drug Testing Quarterly Report
The FDNY reports that the following units were tested randomly between 7/01/07 and 9/30/07. A total of 92 Units were tested within this period: 40 Engines, 29 Ladders, 12 Battalions, 3 Divisions, 1 Borough Command, 2 Squads, 2 Rescue Units, 3 Probie School Groups, and 11 Fire Marshals. Reports listing each company tested and individual dates are attached. They are sorted by both company and chronologically.

22. UFA Web Site: New Events Calendar
UFA Recording Secretary Joe Miccio reports that the new Events Calendar is now live on the UFA website. You can easily see what events take place on each day, and submit events to be posted. Some computers may need to download a program from the calendar page, which only takes a moment, in order to view the calendar. Other improvements at the end of the summer: a list of UFA Standing Committee members in the 'About Us' section, 65-2s dating back through 1999 in the "65-2" section, media clips can be searched back through 2003. Also, please remind your members that many TV clips of the UFA addressing important firefighter issues can also be viewed on the UFA site www. UFANYC.org.

23. 2008 UFA Workchart Calendar-Packed with Good Info!
The UFA would like to thank Mike Block and his firm for covering the entire cost of printing the 2008 UFA Workchart Calendar. Calendars for each company are at your Borough Trustee Table today, packaged 25 per box. Please take ONLY enough calendars for each member and a few extra for the firehouse. It is designed to give members better access to UFA info and other services. UFA Recording Secretary Joe Miccio encourages members to take advantage of all the information it contains to get the help you need. Familiarization with the flow chart on the rear cover, 'Getting Your Problems Solved with UFA Help' makes it easy to get help. The UFA Security Benefits Fund (SBF) & Life Insurance section lists email addresses for getting your questions answered re Prescription Drug, Optical, Dental, Anesthesia, Hearing Aid, UFA Life Insurance and other SBF issues. The FDNY Telephone Numbers Section includes City Medical Plan numbers such as HIP, GHI, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, FDNY's City Medical/Health Plans info, and much more. The UFA Contact Info section includes the UFA web address, general, legal and PR office numbers. It also includes various UFA fax and email addresses, including the Recording Secretary, Trustees and the Health & Safety/Sgt.-at-Arms. The Medical Office section includes phone numbers and the proper address to give to medical care providers if injured on duty to insure YOU do not receive the bills. The inside front cover includes phone numbers of all companies, battalions & divisions-noting which share quarters. Each month posts your workchart and info for getting your events published in 65-2s, and also for documenting unresolved work problems. Keep a copy handy!

24. 2008 UFA Parking Placards
Your 2007 Parking Placards expire on February 1, 2008. The new 2008 Parking Placards will be distributed at the January Union Meeting by each borough Trustee, to Company Delegates only.

Stephen J. Cassidy,
President