GCEA Board of Directors Meeting, September, 2026
GCEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors was held on September 23, 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.
GCEA guest in attendance: Nayiri Partamian, Public Works
MEETING AGENDA APPROVAL:
Motion was made by Elisabeth Bergman to accept the printed agenda for the August meeting; Cindy Ritter seconded the motion. All in favor; motion carried.
FINANCE REPORT:
The August Profit and Loss report was reviewed by the Finance committee and approved via email. The report will be distributed with approved September Minutes.
MINUTES APPROVAL:
August Minutes were approved via email.
PRESIDENTS REPORT AND DISCUSSION:
Sean Toro, President, thanked the Directors for their hard work and dedication in addressing several important issues that arose during the month of September.
The city will be making decisions regarding the new healthcare plan with open enrollment scheduled to begin in October. All five associations will be working together throughout this process; the five associations are scheduled to meet next week to review and discuss the proposed healthcare package information and ensure that everyone is informed before open enrollment begins.
VICE PRESIDENTS REPORT AND DISCUSSION:
Matt Mancini, Vice President, addressed plans for the upcoming holiday party. Directors are encouraged to submit suggestions for a location to Stephanie at the GCEA office email.
Matt also recognized Elisabeth Bergman for bringing an issue to his attention and emphasized the importance of communication. Open communication helps ensure that concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.
Sean discussed a recent management issue in Engineering involving an employee; communication was key in this situation. The manager who was creating an issue did not pass probation and was terminated; however, had the members remained quiet, the issue would continue to escalate. Sean emphasized the importance of communication as well. Directors are encouraged to share information with their members, communicate regularly, build relationships, and strengthen trust within the membership of the GCEA.
Kerri Zelenak asked how we deal with hourly workers who are affected by manager situations since the GCEA is not allowed to represent hourly employees. Sean stated the GCEA cannot tell an hourly employee what to do or provide any representation. Kerri informed the board that the library is comprised of 60% hourly workers.
Ani Azoyan thanked Sean and Matt who supported her through a work issue she had which has now been resolved. Due to her recent situation, she suggested we have guidelines or a contact number on the website should someone need immediate assistance in the workplace.
Apoorv Verma asked if the GCEA could provide a training on how to deal with an hourly worker who is encountering a work situation.
Matt thanked Kerri and Leslie for their work in handling several situations in the library; he also expressed his appreciation to Gigi and Apoorv for their support and leadership in addressing the situation within their department.
Committee Reports:
Reports were to be submitted online. Four reports were received and distributed.
Committee Report Updates –
Community Alliance – no report submitted. Bertha will be in contact with Ascencia regarding assistance if needed.
Benefits – No report submitted. No updates.
Digital Communications – No updates. Report submitted.
Employee Relations – No report submitted. Nothing to report.
New Employee Orientation - Report submitted. Committee update on video to present at orientation. Voice over is needed for the current video/slide presentation. Greg Asaturian will begin working with Elisabeth on an AI generated voice over.
Vendor – No report submitted. Greg is still waiting for delivery of samples for possible use for Welcome Bags.
Accident Review - No report submitted.
Employee Assistance – No report submitted. Update: two loans have been completed, and one loan is still in default. The question was asked why the loan has not been sent to collections; we are waiting to see if the employee returns to work. If the employee does not return to work, the loan will be sent to collections.
NEW BUSINESS:
According to our GCEA Bylaws nominating the Negotiation Committee is as follows:
Section V: Negotiating Committee
A) The Negotiating Committee shall be made up of a committee formed from the current Board of Directors. The following will each choose one person currently on the Board of Directors: President, Vice President, and the Board of Directors. Two alternates will be chosen for a total of seven (7) members including the President and Vice President. It shall be the duty of the Negotiating Committee to draw up a report to negotiate with the City of Glendale for salary increases, MOU changes and other benefits as deemed necessary, and to negotiate with City management for the desired increase and benefits. The President shall be the Chairperson of this committee.
Sean Toro, President, nominated Cindy Ritter; Cindy accepted the nomination.
Matt Mancini, Vice President, nominated Gerald Mendoza; Gerald accepted nomination.
Leslie Fox presented the secret ballot vote for the board member and alternates to serve on the Negotiations Committee.
The board voted for Ronnie Lira to represent the board; Ronnie accepted the nomination.
The board voted to appoint Kerri Zelenak and Elisabeth Bergman as alternates; both Kerri and Elisabeth accepted the nominations.
Gigi Gurjot made the motion accept the nominations of Ronnie Lira, Kerri Zelenak, and Elisabeth Bergman, Greg Asaturian seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved and carried.
2027 Negotiation Team:
Sean Toro, President
Matt Mancini, Vice President
Cindy Ritter
Gerald Mendoza
Ronnie Lira
Kerri Zelenak – Alternate
Elisabeth Bergman – Alternate
Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Bertha Albright
Seconded by Ronnie Lira
Minutes respectfully submitted by Stephanie Kinnison
