Rio Linda News June24, 2004

Health benefits not capped

by Jay O'Brien

The Rio Linda/Elverta Community Water District (RLECWD) Board of Directors adopted a budget for the 2004-2005 year at its meeting on June 21, 2004. RLECWD provides water to 4333 service connections; nine members of the public were present in the audience June 21st.

The budget details revenues totaling $2,698,700 and expenses of $2,579,469. The budget was adopted by a 4-1 vote, with Director Mary Harris voting no.

The Board deadlocked 2-2 on a resolution that would have capped the District expenses for employee health benefits. The resolution would create two employee groups, one for the present and retired General Managers, and the other group for all other employees.
The resolution as presented potentially could have saved the District up to $597 per month for each employee and family.

Directors Mary Harris and Robert Blanchard nixed the potential savings, holding out for the addition of a third group, for Directors only. Director Jerry Wickham receives health benefits, as he was on the Board when the benefits were available to Directors; the third group espoused by Blanchard and Harris would be only for Wickham. Establishing a third group, with Wickham only, would give the Board the ability to change Wickham's benefits. Directors first elected after 1994 are not presently eligible to receive health benefits, thus they cannot join Wickham in a third employee group.

Wickham recused himself and did not vote. Board President Mel Griffin and Director Doug Cater voted to adopt the resolution; with Blanchard and Harris voting no, the resolution failed.

The Board voted 4-1 to grant a 3.9% cost of living increase to General Manager Dave Andres, recognizing the 2% Consumer Price Index increase in 2002-2003 and 1.9% in 2003-2004. Only Harris voted no, stating it was "more than the District really can afford".

Blanchard introduced a motion to reinstate the payment of a $100 stipend per meeting to Directors, retroactive to January 1, 2004. His motion died for lack of a second, with Harris commenting that she agreed with Blanchard, but the other three Directors "do not deserve one penny and I would never want to see them get another penny off this board" for their service as Directors. "Bob deserves it, every penny, but these other three people do not deserve anything", said Harris.

Published in Rio Linda Elverta News June 24, 2004 - Scroll for other articles

Antonelli Anniversary bash

A 50th wedding anniversary was celebrated by Ray & Neata Antonelli hosted by their children Saturday June 19th at the Antonelli residence on "E" Street in Rio Linda.

Ray and Neata were married by Rev. Dale Bethell at 6532 Rio Linda Blvd on June 19th, 1954.

They were honored by over 330 of their close friends that represented various groups they had met throughout their lives together.

Their immediate family consists of 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

In attendance on Ray's side was his sister Beverly, his uncle Bob Antonelli and many cousins. Unable to attend were his aunts Lorraine Boyd and Marion Stephens.

Neata had 2 of her 5 sisters present, Helen Meyer from Elverta and Robin Ragan from Marysville plus cousins joining the group wishing them continued happiness.

Groups included: Rio Linda grammar school 1941-1950, Grant High School 1950-1954, Rays work, Libby McNeill & Libby, and McClellan AFB. Neata had fellow workers from Hewlett Packard and Agilent Technology.

Their involvement with car racing, boat racing, and street rodders brought over 25 couples and 15 beautiful completed hot rods for people to see.

The list was long for the very close and personal friends they share together headed up with longtime Rio Linda residents Joe Gluvers, Joe Enloe, Tom & Peggy Ray. Bob and Sue Bastian were there with the Lions District 4C-5 Governor and many Rio Linda Lions, Bob started the festivities with a prayer and blessing for the anniversary couple.

Great food was prepared and served by Rio Linda Lions Jeff and Cory Bair with plenty for all. A good time was had by all in attendance.