TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008

Meeting called to order at 11:00 a.m. Present: President Landolfi, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Burridge, Fein, Johansen and Roach. 

Recording Vice President Dennison distributed the minutes of September 2, 2008. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.

President Landolfi requested the purchase of two tickets at a total cost of $200 to a fund raising event sponsored by the Working Families Party. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Landolfi requested that Local 802 endorse a petition in support of the Workers Free Choice Act, a measure in Congress that would enhance the protections afforded workers who seek to organize. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Landolfi requested that Local 802 continue its membership in the Workers Independent News service at a cost of $500, which membership provides both access to labor news and an outlet for news about musicians and Local 802 activities. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Landolfi requested payment of $4,336.34 representing one half the cost for printing the New York Philharmonic collective bargaining agreement. The other half of the cost was to be paid by Philharmonic management. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Board members Rizzo and Schwartz present at 11:10. Financial Vice President Blumenthal reported on the current and projected needs of the Local 802 Computer Department, including purchase of computers, a backup server and peripheral equipment. Board member Giannini present at 11:15. Discussion held. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the expenditure of $20,190 plus tax and shipping for the purchase of specified computer department needs through the end of 2008.

Blumenthal reported on discussions regarding Local 802’s banking relationships. Discussion held.

Discussion held on a potential proposal from the League of American Theatres and Producers regarding promotional use of recorded material. Board member Schaffner and Jazz Advisory Committee Liaison Owens present at 11:30 a.m. during previous discussion.

Public Relations and Political Action Director Molloy appeared before the Board and presented a proposed budget for a “Record in New York” public relations campaign. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve a three-month budget for the expenditure of up to $8,878.25 for a “Record in New York” campaign from the public relations budget. Molloy excused.

Discussion resumed on a potential proposal regarding promotional use of recorded material on Broadway.

Landolfi and Recording Department Supervisor Schaffner reported on a recording project for a film called “W” that had been planned and then cancelled in New York City after the union sought an AFM agreement covering the musicians engaged on the project. Motion made and carried unanimously that the union be directed to obtain the names of the musicians who were engaged for the film date in order to determine who would be eligible for loss of work benefits from the Local 802 Strike Fund. 

Meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2008

Meeting called to order at 11:10 a.m. Present: Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Burridge, Fein, Johansen, Rizzo, Roach, Schaffner, Schwartz and Jazz Advisory Committee Liaison Owens. Landolfi excused on union business. Blumenthal chaired the meeting.

Recording Vice President Dennison distributed the minutes of September 9, 2008. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.

Financial Vice President Blumenthal requested approval for the purchase of Local 802 jackets to re-stock the union’s supply at a cost of $2,400 plus tax and shipping, with the proceeds from the sale of the jackets over and above their cost going to TEMPO 802. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Motion made and carried unanimously to affirm a phone poll approving the content and cost of printing a “Record in New York” advertisement. (See minutes of September 9, 2008.) Discussion held.

At the request of President Landolfi, Blumenthal reported that the Theatre Committee had voted in favor of the union requesting a media proposal from the League of American Theatres and Producers.

Schaffner reported on some recent developments regarding Manhattan recording studios. Discussion held.

President Landolfi present at 12:20 p.m. Discussion held on the agreement reached with Little Airplane Productions covering the children’s cable television show “WonderPets!” Motion made and carried to request that the officers meet with a member of the “WonderPets!” orchestra who recently expressed concerns in a public meeting about the initial contract covering that program and report back to the board. Opposed: Rizzo.

Meeting recessed at 1:30 p.m. Meeting resumed at 2:35 p.m. Present: Landolfi, Blumenthal, Burridge, Dennison, Fein, Johansen, Roach, Rizzo, Schwartz and Owens.

Landolfi presented an agreement with the Metropolitan Opera settling a dispute regarding members of the Met music staff. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the settlement agreement.

Landolfi reported on the status of New York City Ballet negotiations.

Board member Schaffner present at 2:45 p.m. Controller Goldman present. Goldman and Financial Vice President Blumenthal reported that the Board’s Financial Subcommittee had reviewed the union’s investment policies and recommended that the union’s investments be handled by an investment advisor from Morgan-Stanley. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the recommendation.

Goldman distributed a proposal from Commerce Bank regarding the union’s banking needs.

Blumenthal requested payment of expenses in the amount of $1,304.75 to Marvin Topolsky for his participation in the 2008 ICSOM Conference and that Topolosky’s expenses be submitted to the Coordinating Advisory Committee. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Blumenthal requested approval of the addition of $2,325 to the prior approved 2008 Computer Department budget (see minutes of September 9, 2008), which additional expenditure would cover computer training classes. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Blumenthal reported on a grievance settlement with the Brooklyn Philharmonic.

Principal Theatre Representative Donovan appeared before the Board and presented an agreement with 101 Productions covering a development project titled “The Big Time.” Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the agreement. Donovan excused.

Concert Representative Fisher appeared before the board and presented an agreement with the Gotham Chamber Opera. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the agreement subject to ratification by the bargaining unit.

Dennison requested that Local 802 provide a band for an upcoming city-wide demonstration sponsored by Tenants and Neighbors at a cost of up to $750 to be paid from the public relations budget. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Dennison requested $2,665.31 for the production of 1,000 copies of a mini-DVD that graphically describes the American Federation of Musicians & Employers Pension Fund as well as the AFM Sound Recording Labor Agreement. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2008

Meeting called to order at 11:30 a.m. Present: President Landolfi, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Burridge, Fein, Giannini, Johansen, Norrell, Rizzo and Schwartz. 

Recording Vice President Dennison distributed the minutes of September 16, 2008. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.

Landolfi requested payment of annual dues in the amount of $200 to the Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Landolfi requested purchase of a one-half page ad at a cost of $2,000 in the event journal for a benefit program supporting Saint Malachy’s — The Actor’s Chapel. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Landolfi reported on efforts to contact various New York state and city officials regarding possible assistance for Legacy Studios that might avert its imminent closing.

Financial Vice President Blumenthal reported on the settlement of a dispute with the Long Island Philharmonic. Local 802 Counsel Mars present.

Dennison distributed charges filed by member David Finck against President Landolfi and Executive Board member and Recording Department Supervisor Schaffner. Jazz Advisory Committee Liaison Owens present at 11:40 a.m. Discussion held. Motion made and carried unanimously that the charges against officers Landolfi and Schaffner were not timely as per Article V, Section 7. (e) of the Local 802 Constitution and Bylaws and therefore could not be processed further. Mars excused.

Board member Schaffner present at 11:50 a.m. Dennison reported on Local 802’s participation in an event honoring Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) sponsored by the Future of Music Coalition, the AFM and Local 802 that was to take place on Saturday, September 27, 2008 in Washington, D.C. and requested a contribution of $750 to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation from TEMPO 802. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Discussion held on the terms of the AFM Sound Recording Labor Agreement and its application to recorded product placed on internet web sites. Schaffner excused at 12:15 p.m.

Landolfi requested the purchase of two admissions to a Future of Music Coalition seminar to be held on Monday, October 6, 2008 at a total cost of $50. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Blumenthal requested that severance arrangements for a long-serving staff member include one-half of the cost for six months of health benefit coverage as had been done previously for other retiring staff members. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Blumenthal requested approval of budgeted salary increases of 3 percent for two staff members. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Blumenthal reported on discussion taking place with providers of the union’s phone and data services.

Controller Goldman appeared before the Board and recommended that Local 802’s checking accounts be moved from Amalgamated Bank to Commerce Bank. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the recommendation.

Principal Theatre Representative Donovan appeared before the Board and presented an agreement with “Tony and Tina’s Wedding.” Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the agreement.

Discussion held on reprinting the union brochure “Are You 802.”

Blumenthal reported on discussions with the American Symphony Orchestra regarding a recent performance at which Gramercy Brass appeared and that Gramercy Brass had signed a recognition agreement covering future work. (See minutes of September 2, 2008.) 

Meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2008

Meeting called to order at 11:00 a.m. Present: President Landolfi, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Burridge, Fein, Giannini, Rizzo, Schaffner, Schwartz and Jazz Advisory Committee Liaison Owens.

Controller Goldman and Morgan Stanley representatives Cynthia Lachnicht and Keith Dressel appeared before the Board to discuss the current status of the investment market and potential investment options for Local 802. Discussion held. Blumenthal, Dressel, Lachnicht and Goldman excused.

Landolfi reported on discussions with New York State and New York City industrial development agencies and with the NYS Controllers Office regarding efforts to keep Legacy Studios open as a functioning recording studio. Discussion held

Recording Vice President Dennison requested approval of $1,600 for repair of the elevator roof at the local headquarters building. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Dennison requested approval of up to $6,295 for the printing of 5,000 copies of the brochure “Are You 802,” contingent upon review of the text and layout of the brochure by board members.

Dennison and Jazz Advisory Committee Liaison Owens reported on their participation in a Jazz Brunch honoring Congressman John Conyers held in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, July 27, 2008. 

Blumenthal present at 12:15 p.m. Chief Information Officer Alayo appeared before the Board and reported on the progress of work on software for the Local 802 Health Plan by the vendor ISSI. Alayo also reported on the status of responses to the Request for Proposals sent out to various firms regarding the upgrade of Local 802’s software. Discussion held. Alayo excused.

Public Relations and Political Action Director Molloy present. Schaffner excused at 12:25 p.m. Molloy distributed a Local 802 candidate questionnaire completed by NY State Senate candidate Brian Foley and requested Local 802’s endorsement of candidate Foley. Motion made and carried unanimously to endorse Foley and to contribute $125 to the Foley for Senate political action fund from TEMPO 802. Discussion held on other political endorsements. Molloy reported on plans for phone banks at Local 802 and other activities by Local 802 staff and members leading up to the November 4th national elections. Discussion held.

Financial Vice President Blumenthal presented a request from the Lincoln Center branch of the NYC Public Library for permission to present several excerpts from NYC Ballet performances and Morphoses/Wheeldon Company performances accompanied by the Orchestra of St. Lukes at an event held at the library. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request subject to agreement by the NYC Ballet Orchestra and the St. Lukes Orchestra committees.

Blumenthal reported on the reassignment of certain clerical staff duties and requested salary increases for two staff members who will be assigned additional responsibilities. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Owens excused at 1:20 p.m. Dennison distributed the minutes of September 23, 2008. Motion made and carried to approve the minutes as amended.

Meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.