Spring 2025 Executive Board Meeting

Submitted By Jimmy Warden
NAPS Secretary/Treasurer

NAPS Executive Board Chair Chuck Lum called the April 9 Executive Board meeting to order at 8:31 a.m. New England Area Vice President Bill Austin gave the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Northwest Area Vice President John Valuet.

Eastern Region Vice President Richard Green and North Central Area Vice President Dan Mooney were named sergeants-at-arms. Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Warden conducted the roll call; all members, except Southeastern Area Vice President Bobby Bock (who was excused), were present.

President Ivan D. Butts welcomed the board and expressed hope that members had successful meetings on Capitol Hill. He thanked Executive Vice President Chuck Mulidore for an excellent LTS, noting that Chuck and Director of Legislative & Political Affairs Bob Levi put forth great effort in making the seminar a success.

Butts noted the great turnout at the NAPS Rally on Tuesday. He said he was glad to see the board members and looked forward to a productive meeting.

Mulidore thanked everyone for their participation at LTS and the rally. He offered special thanks to Levi, NAPS Editor Karen Young and Meeting Planner Sheri Davies for all their work behind the scenes to help make LTS a success.

Mulidore said he looked forward to getting feedback reports from delegates; early reports indicate all the meetings went well. One change for next year is looking at taking the SPAC photos in a different room to alleviate pressure on getting the room set up for the next event.

Attendance at the rally was about 300 people. He thanked Ivan for bringing energy to the rally.

Warden welcomed board members, affirming he, too, was looking forward to a productive meeting. The agenda included addressing next fiscal year’s budget. He stressed there is important NAPS business to address to move the association forward.

Lum gave his report. He said he has attended many Career Conferences and branch meetings. He also participates in the monthly consultative meetings with Postal Service Headquarters.

Lum commented that seeing members, as well as non-members, not knowing many of the current issues is a concern. A positive aspect of signing new members is getting NAPS’ message out. Many people are using the NAPS website for contacts when they have an issue. Also, training is helpful.

Lum said he looks forward to continue serving as board chair.

Recommendation #1—Made by Richard Green, seconded by Western Region Vice President Marilyn Walton, that:

“Minutes of the fall 2024 Executive Board meeting be accepted as written, previously sent to the board, printed in The Postal Supervisor and posted on the NAPS website.”

A voice vote was taken; the recommendation passed unanimously.

Recommendation #2—Made by Capitol-Atlantic Area Vice President Troy Griffin, seconded by Mideast Area Vice President Tony Dallojacono, that:

“The minutes of the March 30, 2025, Zoom Executive Board meeting be accepted as they previously were sent to the Board.”

A voice vote was taken; the recommendation passed unanimously.

Sheri Davies, ConferenceDirect, reported on the just-completed 2025 LTS. Sponsorship (vendor) fees continued to increase: 2023, $24,000; 2024, $27,000; 2025, $55,000.

There was discussion of some concerns with the Crystal Gateway Marriott. There were no bellmen available; some escalators and elevators were not in service. Davies indicated she will add an addendum to the contract to keep the restaurant open longer, more days; provide the correct ratio of staffing; and ensure escalators and elevators are in working order.

NAPS is contracted with the Marriott through 2028 for LTS, but Davies will investigate other venues for 2029. She addressed the need to move SPAC photos out of the ballroom.

Jim Stokes, Stephanie Glacier and Shelley Baxter from the STOLADI Group updated the board on the 2nd floor “white boxing” project. Stokes said he received the permit for demolition on March 24 and contacted five contractors for bids.

E.E. Reed Construction was selected on March 27. Bids were discussed with architect David Carter Scott. Demolition began April 7; completion is expected by April 25. The project was budgeted for $200,000; $55,000 to $60,000 in savings was achieved by not installing windows. E.E. Reed was the lowest bid at $90,000.

Stokes discussed leasing competition with other buildings in Alexandria. There are 30 buildings similar to NAPS’ 3rd-floor layout and six buildings similar to the 2nd-floor layout. About 40% of leases are non-profit associations. Stokes is on site every Thursday for broker visits.

The next agenda item was filling the Northeast Region vice president vacancy.

Recommendation #3—Made by Butts that:

“NAPS appoints Sabir Salih Northeast Region vice president.”

Butts indicated he had spoken to the nine state presidents in the Northeast Region; votes were 5-4 for Salih. Board discussion ensued. A voice vote was taken; the recommendation failed.

Recommendation #4—Made by Butts that:

“NAPS appoints New York Area Vice President Dee Perez Northeast Region vice president.”

A voice vote was taken; the recommendation passed.

Mulidore swore in Perez as Northeast Region vice president.

Mulidore, with DDF Provider Al Lum, updated the board on the DDF. Lum discussed a recent ruling that federal employees no longer can resign with a “clean record.” When a federal employee leaves their job, their previous employment history, including reasons for termination, may be accessible to future employers. The exception to this ruling are Postal Service employees.

  • 8 cases representing postmasters
  • 81 total cases: 42 closed, 39 pending
  • Total cost: $93,146.07; average cost per case: $2,910.81
  • 56 MSPB cases, 69%; 20 debt collection, 25%; 5 ELM 650, 6% MSPB:
  • 29 pending, 52%; 18 settled, 32%; 5 withdrawn, 9%; 3 wins, 5%; 1 loss, 2%

Debt Collection:

  • 8 pending, 40%; 9 wins, 45%; 3 settled, 15%; 0 losses; 0 withdrawn

ELM 650:

  • 3 settled, 60%; 1 pending, 20%; 1 loss, 20%; 0 wins; 0 withdrawn

The cases by type were performance—27; finance—23; falsification—12; violence—8; sexual misconduct—6; attendance—3; and theft—2.

Cases by area: Capitol-Atlantic—12; Illini, MINK and Rocky Mountain—7; New York and Texas—6; New England, Southeast, Cotton Belt, Northwest and Pacific—5; Michiana and Central Gulf—3; Mideast and North Central—2; Pioneer—1.

The monthly USPS consultative meeting was held with Bruce Nicholson, James Timmons and Paulita Wimbush, USPS Labor Relations Policies & Programs. Responses will be published when available.

Warden gave his report:

  • As of Feb. 28, 2025, NAPS investments totaled $7,009,557.78.
  • As of Feb. 29, 2024, NAPS investments totaled $7,224,882.95.
  • This is a decrease of $215,325.17 or 3%.
  • As of March 24, 2025, the NAPS General Fund Signature FCU Checking account balance was $105,223.19; the Signature FCU Money Market account was $153,801.22, for a total of $259,024.41.

As of Feb. 28, 2025, NAPS Property Inc. (NPI) had $111,742 in cash on the balance sheet. There is $35,460 in outstanding liabilities (security deposits, prepaid rents and accrued expenses), with $76,282 unencumbered.

LocalWorks, currently occupying Suite 305 (7,250 square feet), expanded into Suite 105—an additional 6,090 square feet—as of March 1, 2024. Like the agreement for Suite 305, the expansion is a license agreement with profit sharing. It is assumed to be low risk, but also has no defined income model.

Through Feb. 28, 2025, profit sharing with NAPS Property Inc. totaled $77,550, which averages $8,615/month. The year-to-date total is
$8,250 under budget. The budget assumes continued growth over the fiscal year as LocalWorks expands its client base.

The current cash projections assume continued vacancies on the 2nd floor, as well as suites 300 and 350. Jim Stokes of STOLADI Property Group, Inc. has been contracted to lease out the space. The overall pace of leasing activity remains slow.

The cash forecast for the fiscal year assumes contributions of $32,500/month from the landlord to cover building operating expenses. However, to the extent vacancies are leased out and/or LocalWorks becomes more profitable, these contributions may decrease.

Fiscal year-to-date contributions total $407,500. Contributions for January and February increased over budget to fund the remodel expense for the 4th floor copy room. Contributions totaling $275,000 are projected for the last quarter of the year in anticipation of the 2nd floor “white boxing” project.

As of Feb. 28, NAPS Headquarters’ social media results were as follows:

Facebook had 4,441 followers (up from 4,175 in February 2024, or 6.37%). Posts continue to garner an average of about 300-1,000 views; the most engaging posts get about 1,000-3,000 views organically.

The competition for organic views on Facebook’s timeline remains intense. Every year, NAPS’ page competes with many organizations, individuals and pages to appear on users’ timelines while scrolling through the platform. Most of NAPS’ web traffic from social media continues to come from Facebook (90%+); it’s still very important to be on the other platforms for visibility (Instagram and LinkedIn).

Instagram had 487 followers (up from 442 in February 2024, or 10.18%).

LinkedIn had 1,069 followers (up from 726 in February 2024, or 47.24%).

The X (formerly Twitter) account no longer is in use per President Ivan D. Butts’ Nov. 2, 2022, memo.

Web traffic in 2024 was slightly less compared to 2023. The number of overall page views decreased by 5.96%; number of users decreased 4.01%. It still is significantly higher than it was in 2022.

Email remains a significant factor in boosting website traffic and readership. The news pages and magazine articles regularly published online and distributed through email also are among the most popular pages. Reposting printed magazine articles on the website is crucial because it offers current and potential association members an additional means of accessing information.

Moreover, it provides the website consistent and fresh content, which is essential for Google and search purposes. From Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2024, five of the top 25 pages (20%) were from The Postal Supervisor.

It is recommended to create an ongoing content plan for publishing more original news and other types of original content/messaging on the website that will speak directly to current and prospective members. It is recommended to develop a yearly plan that is broken down quarterly.

While the magazine articles are popular, it is worth asking if there is other information NAPS wants to get out to its audience in other/newer formats. This approach could help expand messaging, increase website traffic and further attract potential members. Additionally, digital communication easily can be tracked.

Regarding membership, as of the February 2025 DCO (reflecting DCO membership through PPs 4 and 5), NAPS had 29,060 members (27,608 active and 1,452 associates; 95% and 5%, respectively). Total membership from a year ago, (2024 PPs 3 and 4) was 27,659 (26,234 active and 1,425 associate); an overall total increase over SPLY of 1,401 members or (5%).

As of the February 2025 DCO, the total number of active non-members was 20,465. This number is based on USPS payroll files of non-member EAS employees, which includes postmasters. Based on current membership totals, there are approximately 43% non-members.

NAPS continues to encourage membership growth by providing sponsors of new members a $25 NAPS check. The “High-Five Club” offers an opportunity for sponsors to receive an additional $25 check.

Local and state branches continue to receive their NAPS Non-Member and Change Summary reports, along with their DCO and Mail Address reports, monthly. NAPS also encourages review of the biweekly EAS promotion and monthly postmaster promotion reports. NAPS asks that any individual listed as a non-member be contacted and informed about the benefits of joining NAPS.

No pending contracts are scheduled to expire before the 2025 fall board meeting.

The fiscal year 2025/2026 budget was read; discussion followed. Warden sent board members the budget to review three weeks prior to attending the board meeting.

Motion #1—Submitted by Jaime Elizondo, seconded by Luz Moreno, that:

“The Executive Board accepts the FY25/26 budget as read.”

Voting “yes” were Butts, Warden, R. Green, Johnson, Elizondo, Walton, Austin, Perez, Dallojacono, Trayer, Moreno, Mooney, Washington, Studdard, S. Green, Davis, Valuet and Pashinski. Voting “no” were Griffin and Laster. Absent were Mulidore and Bock.

The motion passed 18-2-2.

Following are the Executive Board Committee reports: Legislative—Marilyn Walton, chair, reported on her activities:

  • Worked on the Get Out to Vote Campaign for 2024
  • Sent local representatives to congressional representatives’ fundraisers
  • Organized and coordinated the 26th annual California Postal Legislative Coalition meeting
  • Scheduled guest speakers from the craft unions, management associations, NARFE and the AFL-CIO
  • Worked with local and state legislation representatives to update the 119th Congress list
  • Continued to submit a monthly NAPS blog, focusing on Civics 101 and the current DOGE process
  • Attended virtual and in-person town hall meetings
  • Sent out local teams to fundraisers
  • Attended the “Fight Like Hell” NALC rally in Honolulu
  • Sent NAPS reps to participate in the NALC “Fight Like Hell” rally in Santa Rosa, CA

Kevin Trayer reported he recently was keynote speaker at the NALC rally in Grand Rapids, MI. He also attended the rally in Kalamazoo. Rep. Jack Bergman (R), representing Michigan’s 1st Congressional District, introduced a bipartisan bill to prioritize rural post offices. Bergman also signed on to a letter to President Trump opposing privatization of the Postal Service.

Trayer continues to be in contact with House and Senate staffers. He also updates local news outlets, as well as county and other local government agencies on postal issues.

Bill Austin reported he recently attended a congressional fundraiser in New Hampshire. All representatives and senators were covered for LTS.

Bobby Bock has been ill and is excused until he recovers.

Walton thanked her committee: Bill Austin, Bobby Bock, Chuck Mulidore and Kevin Trayer

Constitution and Bylaws—Bill Austin, chair. The committee—Jaime Elizondo, Dan Mooney, Myrna Pashinski, Bob Washington and Bill Austin—communicated via emails and phone calls the last week of March 2025.

After communication among committee members, no new resolutions were submitted by members; nor were there any new requests for Bylaws changes.

Mooney asked what the status was of the Executive Board-approved resolutions that were not submitted at the 2024 National Convention.

Due to a communications misunderstanding, these resolutions never made it to the floor. Presumably, the resolutions would have to be resubmitted and voted on again.

Austin thanked his committee.

Training—Myrna Pashinski, chair. The committee meet via Zoom on Saturday, March 29, at 3 p.m. Topics included:

Active shooter training—Myrna discussed the importance of having training on active shooters for EAS employees, potentially recommending the Postal Service has annual active shooter drills. She is doing training in Phoenix and Denver for Threat Assessment Teams and an Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD) video on active shooter situations.

The USPS conducts fire drills annually, but does nothing for violence in the workplace. There has been a rise in shootings and threats in the workplace. Memphis, Tucson, Seattle, Colorado Springs and other situa

tions have not made national news. It’s time that EAS employees are prepared to protect themselves and the employees who report to them.

650 audio clips on the website—While doing a quick, one-hour training at a branch meeting and on Zoom, Pashinski decided to do an audio book on writing 650 appeals. It would be helpful to get the quick tips page in the Officer Training Manual.

The next step is to have the committee get together to record writing the steps of each appeal process.

Postal impact by state information on the NAPS website’s Legislative tab— Mooney provided feedback on a previous step the committee suggested on legislation. He wanted all the economic impact statements for each state in the Legislative Center. Since the website was updated, Mooney verified the impacts have been posted and easy to find.

The committee’s next step on Legislation is to put together “Grassroots at Home” training for branches to do while their House and Senate members are at home. Legislative efforts don’t stop after LTS is over.

Pashinski thanked her committee: Dan Mooney, Pam Davis, Dwight Studdard and Ed Laster

Postmasters—Dee Perez, chair. The committee welcomed new members at the 2024 National Convention, while also thanking previous members for their contributions.

New Postmasters Committee members attended Zoom meetings in FY25. They also have submitted columns for The Postal Supervisor, as has been the practice for many years.

The committee held the following Zoom meetings:

Feb. 6, 2024—NAPS LTS prep with Bob Levi, accompanied by an invitation to Western Region Vice President Marilyn Walton.

July 7, 2024—Discussed input concerning rural postmaster issues from various individuals. These rural challenges were shared among the committee to continue discussing how they will lead to an approach on this rural topic without adversely affecting city SWCs.

Sept. 24, 2024—Welcomed new committee members. Everyone had an opportunity to discuss their challenges, which included S&DC concerns.

Oct. 2, 2024—Discussed reasonable talking points/ideas concerning the rural Form 150. We need to develop justification and talking points on lowering the levels to add more supervision, while increasing office levels to an outdated Form 150. Also discussed having USPS Headquarters provide a subject matter expert to conduct Zoom training to educate each committee member about this complex matrix/form.

Jan. 22, 2025—Discussed the challenges faced by rural offices and the lack of route adjustments, despite some rural routes having excessive deliveries that would be difficult to accommodate if broken up, as their buildings cannot accommodate additional routes. Local district management is aware of this hardship. Regarding inquiring about rural Form 150 Zoom training, USPS Headquarters said the person responsible had retired. Once the new person is up to speed, NAPS can request again.

March 4, 2025—NAPS LTS prep Zoom meeting with Bob Levi and Al Lum.

The goal of the Postmasters Committee is to unite postmasters in the NAPS family and address any concerns they may have. Perez said he believes NAPS is on the right track to accomplishing this mission; all Executive Board members on the committee are providing support. Along with Perez’ many daily emails, this ensures everyone understands that NAPS is there to help them and they are part of the NAPS team.

Perez said he is focused on holding a Zoom meeting in FY25 to provide training and better understanding for rural postmasters. He will submit another request shortly to USPS Headquarters for Zoom training on this topic.

Perez thanked his committee— Tony Dallojacono, Chuck Mulidore, Pam Davis, Troy Griffin and Craig Johnson

Ethics—Craig Johnson, chair. No concerns were reported. Johnson thanked his committee—Jaime Elizondo, Richard Green and Marilyn Walton

Executive Board Duties and Responsibilities—Shri Green, chair. No recommendations were offered.

Green thanked her committee—Ivan Butts, Richard Green, Craig Johnson and Luz Moreno.

Plant Staffing—Chuck Lum, chair. The committee is going to break the plant into processing, maintenance and logistics to determine what actions are needed going forward. This will give a better understanding of the structure. They then will know what relationships need to be built. They will review in 30 days where each member will provide bullet points. Breaking down the function will assist in addressing issues and concerns.

Lum thanked his committee—Shri Green, Bob Washington, Luz Moreno, Dwight Studdard and Kevin Trayer.

PFP—Tony Dallojacono, chair. On Jan. 30, 2025, the PFP advisory committee met to discuss NPA slides presented on Jan. 28. The committee spoke about the numerous slides to review in a short period of time and determined more time was needed to review the various goals presented.

The committee’s job is to find what is best for NAPS members; many have complained it already is a quarter of the way into the fiscal year. The committee concluded it was best to publish the goals with the stipulation it has more time to review. If there are goals it believes are questionable, they can be discussed with Postal Headquarters to correct.

The committee also would like to discuss if FY26 goals are in the works in order that NAPS members and all EAS employees can receive goals at the beginning of FY26 instead of four or five months into the year. On Feb. 12, NAPS received a response from Postal Headquarters stating it will continue to provide updates on FY25 NPA performance and would accept feedback from NAPS on development of FY26 NPA.

On Feb. 27, the committee had another meeting to discuss the 167 pages of documentation. The committee concluded the timeline was unobtainable and it would review and dissect them a little at a time.

The committee discussed reviewing whether offices could not make certain goals based on the office level and what indicators should be changed or deleted from those office levels because they are not for the offices and based on district or Headquarters numbers. It is not fair that offices have goals for offices that do not pertain to them.

The committee will continue to

meet to discuss these issues and see if anything it brings to the table can be changed or deleted. If it is not possible for this fiscal year, then, hopefully, for the next fiscal year.

Dallojacono thanked his committee—Bobby Bock, Troy Griffin, Chuck Lum, Dee Perez and John Valuet

Recommendation #5—Made by Butts (after speaking to the two state presidents comprising the New York Area and having a split recommendation), that:

“Thomas Hughes be appointed New York Area vice president.”

There was no discussion. A voice vote was taken, the recommendation passed unanimously.

Warden notified the area vice presidents of the branches that need to raise their dues that are not covering the per-capita because their associate members pay their dues directly to the branch: 7, 12, 40, 53, 70, 119 and 207.

Newly appointed New York Area Vice President Thomas Hughes Zoomed into the meeting and introduced himself. Warden swore in the new board member.

Bob Levi provided the Executive Board the preliminary results of the Legislative Training Seminar surveys from conference delegates.

  • Overall: 62% excellent; 33% satisfactory
  • First-timers: 57% excellent; 40% satisfactory
  • Town hall meeting: 43% excellent; 42% satisfactory
  • Legislative training: 55% excellent; 39% satisfactory
  • Tom Day: 77% excellent; 23% satisfactory
  • VoterVoice: 31% excellent; 50% satisfactory
  • Rally: 61% excellent; 21% satisfactory

The rally was a great success. Levi acknowledged great appreciation for the work of the AV crew—Greg Bates, ON Services—setting up for the rally.

SPAC contributions at LTS totaled approximately $18,000; 2024 SPAC contributions at LTS totaled just over $16,000. Overall member contributions to SPAC in 2024 were approximately $235,000. SPAC contributions in 2023 were approximately $275,000.

Levi highlighted the legislation on which to focus:

  • H.Res. 70/S. Res. 147—Resolutions to keep the USPS independent and not privatized
  • H.ConRes. 14—Budget resolution to reduce postal health and retirement benefits
  • H.R. 1559—Postal Employees Appeal Rights Amendment Act
  • H.R 1560—Postal Supervisors and Managers Fairness Act
  • H.R. 491/S. 624—Equal COLA Act Act
  • H.R. 2095—Postal Police Reform Act
  • H.R. 2174—Paycheck Protection

Levi discussed the Budget Reconciliation Act that has assigned the Oversight and Accountability Committee to achieve $50 billion in cuts. The Ways and Means Committee has recommended:

  • All FERS employees contribute 4.4% ($44 billion in savings)
  • Change the FERS annuity formula from high-3 to high-5 ($4 billion in savings
  • Replace FEHB/PSHB premium formula with a voucher ($16 billion in savings)
  • Eliminate the FERS Supplement ($5 billion in savings)

The total savings if all four are implemented would be $69 billion.

USPS OIG Inspector General Tammy Hull, Assistant Inspector General Robert Kwalwasser and Senior Counsel Kelly Delaney addressed the board.

Hull reported that delivery of political mail in 2024 was very successful. The OIG visited more than 1,000 sites with a team of analysts identifying any snags in the process.

In July 2024, the OIG issued a report on supervisor vacancies. It found some progress since the 2020 report—13.7% vacancies in 2021; 7% vacancies in 2023. That still is above the 5% goal. Some areas are more concerning than others, Hull said.

Retail and Delivery HR blamed retirements and a lack of applicants. External factors, such as the job market, affected the vacancy rate The timeliness of filling vacancies improved in 2023 from 2021. The OIG found that some selecting officials were not aware of the 60-day time frame. Regional Processing & Distribution Centers (R&PDCs) were opening in areas experiencing large number of vacancies.

Hull asked the board if they had any concerns pertaining to filling vacancies. Among the concerns shared: selecting officials were not allowed to pick their choice, a work day is not an eight-hour work day, lack of getting positions posted and continuing the process and a lack of training, especially for externals.

It was suggested to look at a correlation with Postal Pulse scores and lack of applicants. There also are concerns about entries in RADAR where supervisors are delivering mail, but are being told not to make entries.

Relief supervisors are not being used as authorized and for what they were hired. It was recommended to have bids before a building opens by having craft employees bid on new jobs, but stay in their present jobs until the building opens. When the building opens, then they move to the new job on day one. This should be considered for craft and EAS when new facilities are being opened.

Hull affirmed that if the Postal Service does not have good supervisors in place, service is negatively affected, which affects the American public. She said the workforce issues need to be fixed before implementing R&PDCs.

In a March 31, 2025, OIG report, concerns were noted: pre-career employees not getting enough training, 5%; scheduling/being overworked, 37%; conversion to career, 20%; better pay/benefits, 14%; unrealistic expectations, 13%; and supervisors’ relations, 11%.

The OIG also is looking into the role of postmasters in the S&DCs. In a May 2024 report, the OIG noted the Postal Service did not have a strategy for spoke postmasters. They are looking into the postmaster positions that remained in offices after the carriers were moved.

The OIG has found a lack of stable and permanent management in the R&PDCs. When the OIG went back to the Richmond facility, things had improved; savings were better than projected, but there was the issue of stable management. There still are issues with the integrated operating plan (IOP) and mail flow.

The OIG is returning to Atlanta for a site visit. A few months back, they saw big improvements. Portland was much better, but still had some issues with the IOP.

Broken arrow keys continue to be a major issue. The keys are being sold on the dark web; employees are selling them. In Phoenix, the OIG did an audit; every office had an issue. Problems with arrow keys remain.

Kwalwasser noted the effort in mitigating internal mail theft. Crime has increased in plants and carrier floors; employees are stealing checks. The OIG received 165,000 hotline calls last year. Injury comp cases also are an issue.

Don Flak, executive director, USPS Performance/Field Operations, addressed the board via Zoom. He noted that last year closed out with 33 employees not receiving raises.

Typically, February has the lowest score cards throughout the year. Currently, 14 score cards are not in the money, which is the lowest amount ever. Initial rounds of S&DCs won’t be included as they cycled out because they have SPLY data.

New S&DCs are not seeing large drops in cells as they previously did. There are slight drops, but no longer major drops. Currently, the average score is a box 5. With service standards changing, service scores are expected to increase.

Customized coins were given to EAS employees in California 4, Southern California Processing and WestPac Logistics for best performance. Service targets were lowered for this year. This was recommended last year, but was implemented this year. The USPS has been transparent with the public.

The agency is looking at cell 4 or 5 in service for this year. RTO is implemented as service standards were lowered. There is the 50-mile rule from R&PDCs—more than 50 miles, mail will be picked up the next day.

Adjusted modification factors will have a three-year review. These were established to level the playing field. Smaller post offices got higher payouts than larger post offices, which is the reason for the modification factor. As score cards have gotten better (functional effectiveness), the gap between the highs and lows has closed—.25 to .75 in post offices and Logistics Processing. Levels-23 and -25 MPOOs were .25 to .75 changed to .5; divisions getting average of the plants.

Flak noted that carrier performance impacts DPH, scanning, TOE and safety. Separation rate—getting rid of a bad employee—will hurt this indicator, but will help the others mentioned (DPH, scanning, TOE, safety). It is important to make the right business decision. Under the separation rate, the target has been lowered to be more attainable, which has added focus.

Still in effect, if you do good this year, you would get the better of either improvement or making the goal. Regarding C360s, due to scanning, that is not in one’s control. Customers want their packages. They don’t want to hear it isn’t in one’s facility; this generates C360s.

Amy Bartosh, PNC vice president and Investment Market director, told the board recent data looks okay for the economy. There is uncertainty in the market regarding tariffs; policy continues to shift. Decisions need to be made so the market can stabilize.

Unemployment has been steady at 4.2%; payroll numbers are higher. Inflation in March rose 0.1%, up to 2.8%. It is uncertain when the tariffs will affect consumers.

PNC typically does not advocate putting precious metals into portfolios. First quarter international stocks did better than domestic stocks. There is concern that, with low unemployment, who will fill jobs being created? The younger generation does not appear to want these jobs. Mortgage rates are back up at 7%.

NAPS’ investments as of April 2025, first 10-day value, were $6.67 million, down approximately $160,000 since March 31, 2025.

As of Feb. 28, 2025, NAPS’ asset allocation was equity, $4,227,913 (60.3%); fixed income, $2,381,783 (34%); cash and equivalents,$403,866 (5.7%). The policy target is 60%, 35% and 5%, respectively.

PNC currently is not looking at making any major shifts in the portfolio. If a budget resolution is passed, it is presumed a tax cut bill may be passed, giving support to the consumer. Congress may act quicker on issues like this heading into the midterm elections.

The board went into executive session for an update from Andrew Freeman, lead attorney, and Bruce Moyer, NAPS’ legal counsel, regarding the pending lawsuit against the Postal Service.

Under new business, the board had some complaints about the NAPS website, including it not being upgraded as needed and difficulty in finding forms.

Troy Griffin received a memo regarding the Postal Pulse from the Atlantic Area stating the survey is mandatory.

A suggestion was made to use slides explaining the lawsuit at Career Conferences.

On March 27, President Trump signed an executive order instructing federal agencies to discontinue government processing of union dues through payroll deductions. This executive order does not apply to the Postal Service.

The 2025 fall Executive Board meeting is Oct. 19-23.

Recommendation #6—Made by the regional vice presidents, that:

“Beginning with the 2025 fall Executive Board meeting, the NAPS Executive Board reestablishes a fall board dinner to include the executive spouse or significant other and staff.”

The recommendation passed on a voice vote.

Recommendation #7—Made by Dwight Studdard, seconded by Craig Johnson, that:

“NAPS restores the NAPS Executive Board expense account to the previous level before NAPS experienced financial strains, effective FY26.”

The recommendation passed on a voice vote.

Butts thanked everyone for their work at the board meeting and wished them safe travels home. “We will continue doing the work of the association,” he declared. “Our job is to fight for all.”

The closing prayer was led by Warden. Lum adjourned the meeting at 4:08 p.m.