Meeting called to order at 7:02 by Chuck Sharp. Invocation by Doug Sawyer, Carl Booth lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes read by C. Sharp. Jim Lockwood made a correction, Marysville was requesting cement block weights for their LLVs. Communications read by Ron Santavicca. Thank you notes from Ralph W. Hess for Jacket and Chuck and Karen Sharp for condolences extended for her Father. Certificates from Officer Phil Program and MDA for our continued support. Ron read the bills list. We had one application for membership.

COMMITTEES

Education: Rocco stated another Retirement Seminar will be held the Second Thursday in February.

Law: Mr. Rappaport, nothing submitted.

Retirees: C. Sharp, reminded branch to stay in touch with Jack Welch at Arbors East. Reported that the Retirees had a good meeting, chaired by Howard Henry. Also reminded them to bring a toy to December meeting.

MBA: Bob Kirk, Open Season 11/12 thru 12/10, give NALC plan a look.

Public Relations: Bob Solt, Steward Appreciation Dinner changed to 12/6, Thursday not Wednesday.

Safety & Health: Tony Snyder, Cement blocked gradually being put in all LLVs. Delaware looking into mats to help with heat in LLVs. Recycled tire mats are to be placed in step of FFVs. No latex gloves should be disposed in regular trash, there should be a separate container for them which will be collected every five days for proper disposal.

Doug Gulley, reminded everyone to take a look at the NALC Health plan and give it a chance. Negotiations are still going on, in spite of the National Crises. A NALC Representative has been in on the Anthrax discussions in D.C. . Urged us all to be extremely careful in doing our jobs.

Treas Report: Bill Pagano read the Treasurers report.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

C. Sharp discussed the Rap Session in Chicago, Oct. 20, mostly about Anthrax. Very little about negotiations. Little progress will be made until Clerk and Mail Handlers contracts settled. PMG Potter requested a $5 billion bail out due to loss of revenue and need to purchase machinery to irradiate the mail and reestablish confidence in Americans to use the mail. Sombrotto said PO must have Wage and COLA in contract package or it can go straight to arbitration. DRT is getting good reviews in most areas. Bob Solt is heading the B team while Jeff Messenger is recuperating from a serious accident. There will be JCAM updates

Westland and Northland carriers expressed concerns about Anthrax scares and the handling by Union. Wanted C. Sharp to be there. Unfortunately, theirs weren’t the only stations experiencing problems. He will (C. Sharp) will relay their concerns to the Postmaster regarding the lack of information and procedures to follow and the ignorance of Management to deal with these situations properly. Chuck made every effort to assure them that procedures are now in place, in the event of future situations. Y. Miller suggested that anyone with concerns on dealing with the threats contact E.A.P. at 1-800-EAP4YOU.

There are people available to assist and they should take advantage of that resource.

NEW BUSINESS

B. Pagano presented the 2002 branch budget. It was accepted.

R. Evangelista reminded that the Steward Appreciation Dinner will be December 6th which is a Thursday. Invited Officers to attend. Some of the larger stations may have flu shots given on site. Others will have to get theirs and bring original receipt to Managers for reimbursement up to $20.

Y. Miller discussed ONE NEW TOY, would like to get back to having each

Carrier bring at least one new toy.

C. Sharp read that an Officer stationed outside the U.S. wrote Dear Abby Requesting that people refrain from the tradition of sending Christmas cards to Military personnel, in light of the anthrax scares.

Chuck said we should contact our Legislators and get permission to irradiate mail for military as they are doing government mail. This initiative would be called Operation Dear Abby. He expressed how important those cards and letters were when he served overseas.

Motion to adjourn at 8:39. B. Pagano won $32. in the drawing. Meeting adjourned.