OAALJ ANNUAL MEETING

October 30, 2004

Minutes

Board Members Present:  Alison Webster, David Marcus, Steve Rissberger, Monica Smith, Larry Smith, Andrea Sloan, Peter Rader, Greg Naugle

 Meeting called to order at 12:30 p.m.

 Review of past year: 

            Alison presented a review of 2004. 

            Highlight was Fall Conference, and she offered kudos to David Marcos and his committee.

            Board met regularly throughout the year.  The primary topics of discussion were increasing membership, CLEs, the webpage and presenting networking opportunities for members.

            In July, the Board met with Tom Ewing, Skip Russell and Steve Tegger to present our position on the proposed performance evaluation criteria.  As a result of our meeting, Tom amended the criteria and most of our objectives were met.

            Thank you to Peter and Greg for enthusiasm and for taking on big tasks right away -- Peter for assuming treasurer responsibility and Greg for being vice-president and for overhauling our website.  Thanks to Andrea for newsletter.  Thanks to all board members for service.

 Treasurer's Report:

            Peter explained that biggest news was change in our accounting practice, moving toward a fiscal year end of June 30 each year.  Impact on members, dues are due on June 30, not end of calendar year.  Starting balance was $7,629.57.  Ending balance, not including substantial revenue from Fall Conference, was $7,606.  The money will enable us to offer scholarships to law students and members and to offer CLEs.

 Annual Meeting Minutes 2003:

            Charlotte moved that we accept the minutes.  Monica seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

 NAALJ:

            David is headed to Baltimore for the NAALJ Annual Meeting.  This is his final meeting as a board member.  This was the first year that NAALJ had a part-time executive director.  NAALJ is looking at distance learning options (regional and computer-based), law student outreach and an ALJ certification program.  Beginning in 2005, there will be no west-coast representation on the board.

 Election:

            The board consists of nine members.  Four members are returning: David Marcus, Peter Radar, Greg Naugle and Steve Rissberger.  Larry, Alison and Andrea were seeking reelection.  Steve Demerest and Linda Lohr were seeking election to the board.  No additional nominations were offered.  Skip Russell moved to close nominations and called for a vote.  Charlotte seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously and the five vacancies were filled.

Tom Ewing:

            Tom urged OAALJ members to follow David and Charlotte's lead and become active in NAALJ.  He will try to support NAALJ members so they can attend meetings.  Active involvement in NAALJ enhances the OAH.

 New Business:

            Greg discussed a proposed career satisfaction survey.  He is currently looking for types of data to capture.  He wants to evaluate training availability and quality, compensation and career advancement opportunities.  Greg is considering an online survey.  The new website had 270 hits in September.  Greg would like input regarding the survey.

            David and Tom suggested that the survey be sent to all ALJs, not just OAH or OAALJ members.  David stressed that breadth of input is important and said that NAALJ might be able to support us.  Steve Rissberger commented that salaries are an ongoing concern and asked Tom if this was an appropriate time to make a push for increased salaries.  Tom responded that the Governor has frozen salaries, but he wants input from OAALJ and the unions.  It is not possible for across the board increases, but Tom may be able to work with a tiered system.  Janice Krem reminded everyone about the last reclassification process, where DAS wanted to compress and redline.  She said that ALJs did poorly in the re-class, and that the problem was DAS's perception of our value.  PUC ALJs are 35, Workers' Comp are 34, and we are 29.  Tom also discussed the differences between WC and PUC (they require attorneys) and OAH (attorney not required).  He needs to discuss issue with unions.  Charlotte wanted to use survey to see if non-OAH ALJs want to be within the OAH.  Tom said that he did not think PUC and WC wanted in, but he did not know about BOLI ALJs.

 Bruce Black Award:

            The Bruce Black award was established last year to recognize the significant lifetime contribution of Bruce Black, who died suddenly last April.  Bruce was a founding member of OAALJ and is missed by all.  The first annual award was presented posthumously to Bruce's widow, Ruth Black at last year's annual meeting.

            The recipient for 2004 is Janice Krem.  Janice has been active in administrative law for over 20 years.  She worked with the Department of Revenue and OLCC as an ALJ.  She was responsible for instituting peer review, ex parte communication provisions, a user-friendly hearing process, anonymous evaluation process and championed bills to create a central panel.  She founded the OSB admin law section and is chair of the legislative/rule committee for the OSB. 

            Janice accepted the award and said that she was proud of the contributions of all ALJs.

 Other business:

            Monica reminded people to attend the First Friday lunches.  David encouraged people to join.

 Adjourned at 1:05.