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Widows and Orphans

February 5, 2011
Joe Reilly

The regular meeting of the Widow’s and Orphan’s Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department was called to order by President John Centurioni at 1344 hours in the Traffic Company Assembly Room, Room 150, Hall of Justice.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Centurioni.

Roll Call of Officers: President John Centurioni, Vice President Matt Gardner and Secretary Mark Hurley were present. Treasurer John Fewer was excused. Trustees Harold Vance, Mark McDonough and members Joe Reilly and Dean Taylor were present. Trustee Al Luenow arrived at 1425. Trustees Bill Gay and Bob Mattox were excused.

Minutes of the December Meeting: Motion by Mark Hurley seconded by Mark McDonough to approve the minutes passed without objection.

Receiving applications for new members, suspensions and reinstatement of members was deferred to the next meeting, upon a motion by Matt Gardner, seconded by Mark McDonough, which passed without objection.

Communications: Donations to the Widows and Orphans Aid Association were received in memory of Chief Alex Fagan: Robert and Jane Farrow - $35.00, Malcolm Mason - $35.00, Wendy Tonkin - $100.00, L.F. George Jewelry Corporation, $200.00, Jim and Trish Lassart - $100.00. A $200.00 donation was received from the family of Victor Cipparone in his memory.

Trustee Mark McDonough made a generous donation to the Association of $350.00. A letter was received from Captain Lou Cassanego, Commanding Officer of Ingleside Station, thanking the Association for the new flag now displayed in the community room. Benefits paid: There were no members reported deceased during the month of December, 2010.

The new officers for 2011 were sworn in: Outgoing President Centurioni swore in new President Matt Gardner, Vice President Mark McDonough and Treasurer Dean Taylor. Outgoing Secretary Mark Hurley swore in new Secretary Joe Reilly.

Outgoing President Centurioni thanked retiring Secretary Mark Hurley for his many years of loyalty and service to the Widows and Orphans Aid Association. Bills payable: Treasurer Dean Taylor requested approval to pay the monthly telephone bill. The motion by John Centurioni was seconded by Mark Hurley and passed without objection. (Note: There were less than three Trustees present at this point in the meeting so this vote will need to be reconfirmed at the February meeting with three Trustees present (By-Laws, Article I, Section 3))

Report of Trustees: Our Association’s investment manager, Wells Fargo Bank, will be meeting with the Association on a quarterly basis in the future to discuss portfolio performance.

Old Business: The status of new members from the last two Academy classes was discussed. There was some difficulty with the paperwork that delayed processing. The secretary will consult with former treasurer Fewer regarding this issue. President Gardner discussed relocating the Association’s records to a location at the Hall of Justice.

A discussion ensued regarding payment to the beneficiary of a deceased member who had been suspended with unpaid back dues. It was noted that the member had not been properly notified of his suspension at the time and that he owed back dues, as required by Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution. A motion was made by President Gardner and seconded by Trustee Centurioni to pay the benefit. The motion passed 5 to 2, (Reilly, Vance opposed) (Note: There were less than three Trustees present at this point in the meeting so this vote will need to be reconfirmed at the February meeting with three Trustees present (By-Laws, Article I, Section 3))

New Business: Treasurer Dean Taylor requested approval to purchase a laptop computer for his use as Treasurer. Further discussion followed concerning the need to establish an improved computerized data base. The Secretary and Treasurer will be working on this project. A motion was made by Trustee Harold Vance and seconded by Vice President Mark McDonough to approve said purchase, which passed without objection.

Secretary Joe Reilly discussed the need for a representative of the Association to attend the retirement seminars to inform retiring members how to maintain their membership in the Association.

President Gardner informed those present of the Association’s e-mail address which is woaasfpolice@gmail.com and expressed the Association’s hope that we will begin to use this and other more efficient methods of communication in the future.

Adjournment: President Gardner set the next meeting for Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 1400 and requested a moment of silence in memory of our departed members. The meeting was adjourned at 1456 hours.