MINUTES OF THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION SECTION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING: July 9, 2004.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Hepburn called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. at the OSB offices. The following members were present: Chair Rodger Hepburn, Chair-Elect-Abbie Herman, Secretary-Martin Alvey, Past-Chair-Phil Garrow (telephone), Shelley Edling, Matthew Roy, Holly Somers (telephone), Sandy Haynes, Meg Carman, Chuck Mundorff, and Mark Thesing. Not present: Debra Ehrman, Keith Kekauoha, Art Stevens, Dean Lederer, and Linh Vu. Also present was Suzanne Cushing, representative of the Oregon State Bar.
II. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
The minutes of the May, 2004 meeting were approved.
III. CHAIR REPORT
A. Sally Curey will be willing to help out the Salishan Committee but is not interested in helping the committee. There was discussion as to whether there was a need for a co-chair, as Betsy Wosko (claimant’s lawyer) would be willing to be the Chair of the Salishan Committee. There was also discussion about having a newer section member from the defense bar assist Betsy or act as co-chair.
B. The committee discussed the Bench Bar Forum to be held in November. There are some locations available, but these do not allow food, so the committee is still looking for a location. The possibility of using Willamette Valley Vineyard was discussed. The sub-committee thought it would be beneficial to know how much money they would have to spend, so they could better plan the program.
C. The Bar approved the Section’s legislative proposal. The proposal is now on it’s way to Legislative Counsel for drafting.
D. The Oregon Minority Lawyer’s Association requested a money donation to assist minority law students. The committee discussed the fact that it was determined when the Campaign for Equal Justice made a similar request that the expenditure needed to be in the budget. The committee decided to postpone further discussion until next month.
IV. TREASURER’S REPORT
No report. As of May, 2004 the balance was $33,000, before the Salishan bills had been paid.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Salishan. The sub-committee has not met. There will probably be a meeting in the next month..
B. Communications. A discussion was held regarding the newsletter issued by the Civil Rights Section, and whether the WC Section should issue a similar newsletter.
D. Daughtry Award. No report.
E. Legislative. No report. The sub-committee is aware of the May 1, 2004 deadline.
F. Bench/Bar. See Chair Report. Also discussed whether the ethics portion of Salishan should be moved to the Bench/Bar Forum. Holly Somers is to discuss this the Salishan committee and report back.
G. Race/Ethnic. No meeting. No report.
H. Rules. No report.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
No Old Business.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
Doug Swanson’s letter about increasing attendance from the ALJ’s/Staff attorneys was discussed.
The concept of offering a “Season Ticket” to the Bench/Bar Forum and Salishan, at a reduced rate, was discussed.
Meeting adjourned at 12:40 p.m. Next meeting scheduled for August 13, 2004.