Ottawa Centreville Branch (OCB) Executive Meeting Minutes- January 2025

Ottawa Centreville Branch (OCB) Executive Meeting Minutes

Event: OCB Planning Session
Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025 (all day)
Location: Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Drive, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4
 

Attendance:
In Person: Michael Kenny, Brian Hassall, Susan Amog-Hassall, Michelle Tran, Michael Patterson, April Chen, Andra Weis, Andrew Wigmore, Art Iwinski, Abraham Garcia.
Microsoft Teams: Rob Hunter.

1. Networking-Coffee (8:30-9:00)

2. Call to Order/Ground Rules

• Meeting called to order by Michael Kenny at 9:15.

3. Approval of Agenda

• Motion to approve by Susan Amog-Hassall; seconded by Michelle Tran. Motion carried.

4. Indigenous Land Acknowledgement

• Michael Kenny acknowledged: “We are gathered on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg people, which is also home to a strong urban Inuit community. Our acknowledgment of these people reminds us of our important connection to this land where we learn and work.”

5. Approval of Previous Minutes (November 4, 2024)

• Changes to point 18: "postponed to the next fiscal year for discussion in the next OCB meeting."
• Motion to approve by Art Iwinski; seconded by Abraham Garcia. Motion carried.

6. Issues Arising from Previous Minutes

• No outstanding issues.

7. Treasurer’s Report

• Andra Weis provided the financial reports electronically prior to the meeting. Key updates:
  • Income exceeded expectations, no overspending.
  • Explanation of expenses, including OCB AGM expenditures.
  • Clarification on Item #6 requested by Michelle Tran to be provided in the next session.
  • Discussion of potential 30% reduction in dues due to Workforce Adjustment (WFA).
  • Membership numbers expected to decline, leading to a deferral of the 2026 budget discussion to the next meeting.

8. New Business

• Planning session for 2025 activities scheduled for later in the day.

9. Committee Reports

Learning and Training Committee (Chair: Susan Amog-Hassall)

• Two wills and estate sessions held; low anticipated attendance resulted in increased participant caps for future sessions.
• Six retirement sessions, including one in French. Challenges with communication noted.

Social Committee (Chair: Andrew Wigmore)

• Preparing for 2025 events, including AGM organization. Discussed alternative AGM venues and cost-saving measures.

Finance Committee (Chair: Michael Patterson)

• Discussion of group versus individual appreciation events for volunteers:
  • Proposed listing volunteers for special recognition.
  • Motion by Michael Patterson to hold an annual appreciation event and recognize up to three volunteers at the AGM with a note of appreciation and a gift. Seconded by Brian Hassall. Motion approved.
• Addressed virtual meetings per diem policies.
• Motion by Andrew Wigmore to align OCB policies with applicable PIPSC national policies. Seconded by Brian Hassall. Motion passed.

Outreach Committee (Chair: Michelle Tran)

• Update on steward appreciation event: 60 expressed interests; some did not attend.
• Organized Absolute Comedy event in collaboration with DND.

Communication Committee (Chair: Rob Hunter)

• Fiscal year priorities under development.
• Successful return-to-office (RTO) sessions noted.

10. Roundtable

• No further comments.

Guest Speaker: PIPSC President Sean O’Reilly

Summary: President Sean O’Reilly discussed key updates and priorities, including:

• Strategic planning and a new three-year plan starting January 2026.
• Emphasis on outreach, engagement, and strengthening partnerships.
• Plans to improve IT systems and member communication.
• Current challenges such as dues increases, Workforce Adjustment, RTO, and pension protection.
• Commitment to service efficiency without reducing HR capacity.
• Efforts to streamline procedures for event organization and professional services.
• Addressed questions on mobilization, IT support, and systemic communication issues.

Adjournment

• Meeting adjourned by Michael Kenny at 1:00 PM.

Planning Meeting (1:00-4:00 PM)

Michael resumed the meeting at 1:00 PM.

Activities:

• Brainstorming Events (All)
• Selection of Events (All)
• Costing of Events (All)
• Ownership of Events (All)

Proposed Events:

Future Considerations:

• Ottawa Blackbears
• Ice Fishing

Next Meeting: February 24, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

• No further business was discussed.
• Michael adjourned the meeting at 4:00 PM.