GCEA Board of Director’s Meeting, January 2026
GCEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors was held on January 21, 2026, in person in the GCEA office and on TEAMS. Meeting was called to order by Sean Toro, GCEA President at 12:15 p.m. and roll was called.
Guest in attendance: Damary Machuca
MEETING AGENDA APPROVAL:
Motion was made by Bertha Albright to accept the printed agenda for the January meeting. The motion was seconded by Matt Mancini. All in favor, motion carried.
FINANCE REPORT:
The December Profit and Loss report was reviewed by the Finance committee and approved via email. The report will be distributed with approved January Minutes.
MINUTES APPROVAL:
December meeting minutes were approved via email.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT AND DISCUSSION:
· President Sean Toro presented his report and introduced Matt Mancini, Vice President.
· Sean was confirmed as our official President for a two-year term.
· Matt Mancini was confirmed as our official Vice President for a two-year term.
· An 85” TV will be installed in the GCEA office.
· Directors who require access to the GCEA office, either the upper or lower door, should notify Sean.
· Matt and Sean will be meeting with CEA on Thursday, January 22, 2026, for lunch regarding future negotiations.
· Vickie Barker has been secured as the GCEA negotiator for 2027.
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT:
· Vice President Matt Mancini welcomed Damary as a guest. Damary is interested in serving on the Board of Directors.
· Matt asked if there were any topics or concerns the Board would like to raise with Vicki and Jeff during their initial meeting tomorrow.
· Bertha expressed concern that GMA employees have their sick leave converted at their hourly rate, while the GCEA employees do not. She suggested this could be used as a negotiation tool if COLA is not offered during the 2027 negotiations. Bertha also noted that GCEA employees receive eight hours of sick leave per month while the employees work 9-hour days and suggested this as a potential bargaining consideration.
· Matt stated that all bargaining units, including IBEW, are working together for negotiations.
· Damary raised the issue of hazard pay related to working with mental health clients. Kyle raised concerns regarding hazard pay due to ambulance-related duties.
· Additionally, the Board discussed the need to address departments and employees working out of class.
Committee Reports:
Community Alliance – Joe Palos, Chair reported that the committee needs to meet to plan for the 2026 year and the events they would like to sponsor or participate in.
Political Action – Matt Mancini, Chair deferred to Gerald Mendoza to give the report. Gerald was absent.
Benefits – Joe Palos, Chair, nothing to report currently.
Digital Communications – Stephanie Kinnison gave the report in absence of Elisabeth Bergman, Chair. Website is up to date with postings.
Scholarship – Leslie Fox, Chair stated that no one applied for the Employee Scholarship. Leslie wants to meet with the committee regarding disbursement of funds for 2026.
Disciplinary – Matt Mancini, Chair reported a recap of the past year and noted significant progress in matters involving member discipline. Jobs were saved.
New Employee Orientation – Kerri Zelenak reported that she is stepping down as Chair. Elisabeth Bergman will be filling this role.
Bylaws – Sean Toro, Chair stated that the bylaws were approved!
Employee Assistance – Stephanie Kinnison reported for Matt Mancini. Loans are paid to date except for one in which the employee is on leave and refuses to pay while out of work. At this time, we do not know if the employee will be returning.
Discussion:
Matt stated that directors should reach out to Sean or himself before contacting CEA due to CEA’s new billing policy. Kerri asked whether there is a monthly carryover for hours not used and how will these hours relate to negotiations and would the hours require additional payment. Sean addressed the concerns that there is no carryover for hours not used. We will have to pay for each hour of negotiations which will come from the 7264-checking account.
Regarding Wage, Sean informed the board that we will be stepping back from WAGE for 2026. The Board will reassess whether the organization provides sufficient value to justify the $800in dues should future participation be considered. Currently the organization does not appear to offer clear benefit to the GCEA.
Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Bertha Albright.
Second by Cindy Ritter
Meeting adjourned at 1:07 pm
Minutes submitted by Stephanie Kinnison
