November 12th Brown Bag and Annual Meeting
Thanks to all retirees who attended our November 12, 2021, virtual meeting. During the City’s Brown Bag portion of the meeting, we heard from City Manager Erik Walsh who updated us on the effect of COVID on the City as well as on City employees. He mentioned the City will be receiving America Rescue Plan funds and that contract negotiations continue with the San Antonio Police Association. Attendees had the opportunity to ask Erik questions which included the City’s interest in rehiring retirees for open positions and what he sees for the City in 2022.
RECOSA Annual Report
Rebecca Waldman, Chair, presented RECOSA’s 2021 Annual Report – (click here to view an outline of the report).
RECOSA Elections
Rolando Bono, Board Election Nominating Committee Chair, was introduced. The committee, including Julia Castellano-Hoyt and Edward Garcia, recommended a slate of nine candidates for the 2022 RECOSA Board: five returning board members to serve one-year terms (Liz Garcia, Rose Rangel, Martha Sepeda, Michael Trainer, and Frank Villani) and two new board members (Dennis Campa and Beth Costello) to join two returning board members (Stephen Haney and Rebecca Waldman) to serve two-year terms. Meeting attendees voted online and overwhelmingly elected the recommended slate of candidates.
Door Prizes
The meeting culminated in a drawing for 27 door prizes donated by various individuals and businesses. RECOSA greatly appreciates all the help from the Human Resources staff for facilitating the meeting, the hard work of the Nominating Committee and outgoing RECOSA board members John German and David Lopez, and all those who generously contributed funds and gifts for the door prizes.
Sad News
It is with great sorrow that we inform you that Rose Rangel, RECOSA board member and former chair passed away this weekend. More information will be forthcoming.
News from Aetna
Watch the mail for your new Aetna Medicare Advantage ID card which will arrive in a purple envelope that states “Your new member ID is enclosed.” Aetna is upgrading their system and some basic information on the card will change, including your member ID number. Aetna asks that you replace your current card with the new one on January 1, 2022. Aetna has told Human Resources that the cards should be received by the end of the year. On January 1, 2022, you can also visit the new Aetna secure member website, AetnaRetireePlans.com, to register or log in. If you are already registered, your current username and password will not change. In addition, please remember to take advantage of the Aetna Healthy Rewards program by the end of the year. You can earn $180 in gift cards to Target, CVS, and/or Amazon for qualifying activities.
Sign up for VSP has been extended
The City has a new vision provider, VSP. Please note that the deadline to sign up has been extended until November 30th. Call (800) 400-4569 or online at cosaretirees.vspforme.com.
The next RECOSA Board’s meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on January 4th, 2022. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!