Board Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2006
PDF Printable version of MinutesMeeting was called to order by President Tom Freeman at 2:00 p.m. Those in attendance were: Ernest Hildrebrand, John Bauman, Rod Gelatt, Charles Cramer, Bob Marshall, Herb Brown, BobStewart, Jo Behymer, Ken Schneeberger, Ruth Miluski, Loretta Ross, Dean Yarwood, Bill Stringer, Kee Groshong, Tom Freeman and Sylvia Bradfield.
Minutes of the October 12, 2005 meeting were approved - Groshong/Stewart.
Program report from Rod Gelatt said the next meeting of the committee will be February 14th at HyVee to schedule the Spring Business meeting. The Holiday lunch expenses were $3444.54 with $3055 income. Two tickets were refunded because of illness. The fall meeting expense was $309. The Spring Social held February 7 had a good turn-out with 50 pre-registered.
Awards - Jo Behymer, along with her committee, had eight faculty and seven staff nominated for the retiree awards. These nominee's names have been given to the chancellor's retiree committee to make the selection.
Nominating/Election committee, chaired by Charles Cramer have selected Jo Behymer as President-Elect for 1 year; Bob Marshall as Treasurer for 2 years; Board Member at-large (Staff) Kee Groshong; and Ray Rothenberger as Member at-large (Faculty). These nominees will be voted on at the March 29 Business meeting.
Treasurer's report was distributed and showed a checkbook balance of $3596.06 as of January 31st and total assets at $52,765.66. Income from the holiday luncheon were omitted but will be added. Expense of Newsletter from Printing Services, including postage, has not been received but will be included in June.
Membership report by Ernest Hilderbrand showed total membership at 1,364 with 556 of these life members. There are 316 potential new members who have retired since 2003. MURA needs to push on getting new members, especially active employees over 55. Loretta Ross will bring up this topic at the next Staff Council Meeting on February 9. A committee was formed of Ernest Hilderbrand, Gary Smith, Ken Schneeberger, Loretta Ross, Dean Yarwood, and Herb Brown to organize a membership drive.
MU Retiree Benefits - John Bauman said Steven Lambson of the Law School, has been appointed Chairperson of the UM Retiree Benefits Committee. The possibility of inviting Lambson to a MURA meeting to make a presentation on committee action was suggested. Dr. Bauman suggested MURA ask the Chancellor to add another retiree to the Chancellor's Standing committee on Retiree Benefits.
UM Retiree Benefits - Bob Stewart said the next meeting will be March 8 to discuss update on curator's impact on retiree and active employee's benefits. Recent Tribune articles were briefly discussed. The Tribune articles (Jan. 26 and 31) had comments by two new members of the Board of Curators questioning whether the University should continue funding at present levels for health benefits for retirees and active employees.
Governmental Affairs - Ken Schneeberger stated Bill Stauffer might be invited to a MURA BOD meeting as he speaks for seniors.
Liaison to MU and UM Administrations - There will be a one hour meeting each with Chancellor Brady Deaton on March 1 and President Floyd and Ken Hutchinson on March 15. Gary Smith has requested agenda items for consideration for these two meetings.
Newsletter - The next Newsletter will be mailed March 6th. Tom Freeman gave the prospective contents of this newsletter.
Faculty Council - Dean Yarwood said this Council really does not get into retiree issues. Mike Paden is scheduled to meet with this group in March.
Staff Council - Loretta Ross and Ruth Miluski reported this council had given several awards to staff for various meetings. At their next meeting they will set up their priorities for the coming year.
Reynold's Information Booth - Still need volunteers - contact Gary Smith.
Lifespan Learning - The latest catalog was distributed at MURA's Spring Social and they should be mailed this week with classes will beginning March 6.
Investment Group - There are 8 or 9 openings for new members. Contact Ernest Hildrebrand, if interested.
April 26 and July 6 are the dates of MURA BOD's meetings.
Meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m.
Sylvia Bradfield, Secretary
