Board Meeting Minutes

February 10, 2009

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Attendees

Jo Behymer, Barton Boyle, Charlie Cramer, Tom Freeman, Kee Groshong, Al Hahn, Ernest Hilderbrand, Ed Hunvald, Mary Ellen Kanak, Libby Miederhoff, Roger Mitchell,Veralee Hardin Phillips, Ken Schneeberger, Gary Smith, Bob Stewart, G. B. Thompson and Gary Zwonitzer

President Groshong called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. and distributed the agenda. President Groshong announced the nominees for two offices: Jack Miles for President elect and introduced Mary Ellen Kanak who is the nominee for secretary. Miles and Kanak will be nominated for election at the Annual Business Meeting on March 7, 2009, for terms beginning July 1, 2009.

Minutes

Minutes of the October 1, 2008, meeting were approved as distributed via email.

Treasurer’s Report

Gary Zwonitzer distributed copies of the MURA Income and Expenses report for July 1, 2008 to January 31, 2009. The checkbook balance on hand as of January 31, 2009, was $4,284.91 and other assets totaled $46,907.55 consisting of a Lifetime Members Reserve Account and one CD from the operating fund.

Committee Reports

Membership

Hilderbrand distributed copies of a MURA Membership Report dated February 9, 2009. This table comprised data covering 1998 through 2011, listing a total of 1,448 members for that period. Lifetime members are 682. Hilderbrand stated that the amount of work involved in keeping the membership e-mail address database current has become quite significant and he suggested asking Chancellor Deaton to have campus, possibly the Benefits Office, provide someone to assist and/or maintain the database for MURA.

Roger Mitchell thanked Ernest Hilderbrand for the extraordinary amount of time he was spending in trying to keep the membership data current.

The group discussed ways to increase membership. The most successful method in recruiting new members has resulted from a personal solicitation. Gary Smith suggested that MURA provide a membership card to members and those new members should be acknowledged in the newsletter. Behymer concurred indicating that often, as a result of timing; new members do not get anything from MURA for several months after they join. Libby Miederhoff suggested that new members be sent the most recent newsletter upon joining.

Roger Mitchell stated that he will send a letter of welcome and the most recent newsletter to new members.

Programs

Barton Boyle reported that Mike Paden has agreed to speak at the Annual Business Meeting on March 7, 2009. In addition to an overview, Paden will focus on an explanation of Pharmacy benefits. Suggestions for other speakers were Curators Judy Haggard and/or Warren Erdman.

Chanceor Brady Deaton and Mrs. Deaton have been invited to attend the MURA Picnic May 13, 2009, 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to be held at Twin Lakes Recreation Area.

Communications

Tom Freeman thanked people who assist with the newsletter. He pointed out information published on lower right hand corner of newsletter that relates to tax information regarding retiree benefits.

Retirement, Health and Other Benefits

Al Hahn reported that this year, the usual mandatory distribution at 70-1/2 years and after from tax sheltered funds is not required; however, one must always consult their tax advisor.

Betsy Rodriguez will be present at the committee meeting to be held on February 24, 2009 at the Benefits Office in the Woodrail Center.

Hahn stressed that the MU Retirement Portfolio is well managed and has taken less of a hit than other plans. However, a year ago our fund was fully funded, but that is not the case at the present time. Various ideas are being considered, the strongest being an employee contribution plan. The faculty has not thrown full support behind this, and the question was asked as to whether MURA would want to become involved.

The trend is toward less medical benefits with the cost shift going to current employees. Other changes could be an increase in the number of years of employment to qualify for medical coverage, and increases in premiums, deductibles and co-pays.

Chancellor Brady Deaton continues to stress his strong desire to protect health benefits.

University Liaison

Gary Smith reported that the MURA University Liaison Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. with President Forsee and Vice President Betsy Rodriguez.

Government Affairs

Ken Schneeberger suggested that MURA members contact their state senator and representative with requests to support the university. There was discussion regarding the need to rally MU alums and other university supporters to contact their senators and representatives regarding support for MU. We should be specific in conversations, telling them what they need to say to the lawmakers.

Staff Council

Libby Miederhoff reported that the Staff Council met last week with Chancellor Brady Deaton and Jackie Jones, Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services. Deaton and Jones indicated that so much is changing day-by-day and nothing is definitive at present. They reiterated that President Forsee and the Chancellors are keeping the University’s interest, both current and future, as a top priority.

Emeriti Presidents

Charlie Cramer reported that there are nine Emeriti Presidents who gather for about an hour once every two months. The current MURA president is invited to attend.

Breakfast Programs

Breakfast Program is a full page feature in the newsletter. These programs are highly successful. The next breakfast lectures are listed in the newsletter.

Old Business

Directory

Roger Mitchell stated that the new directory is in process. Tom Freeman contacted the MU Printing Services and asked Rick Wise to give him an estimate for printing.

There was discussion by the Board concerning the need for a new directory and if the cost was justified considering the amount of usage by the body of members. The directory is used by a relatively small group consisting of the Board members, committee members and some University administrators.

New Business

AROHE

(Association of Retirees Organizations of Higher Education) Kee Groshong informed the Board that the membership renewal of $100 is due. Jo Behymer moved that we renew the membership; Gary Smith seconded the motion and motion passed.

Announcements

• 4/7/09
  MURA Program Meeting
  1:00 p.m.
  S110 Memorial Union
• 4/7/09
  MURA Board Meeting
  2:00 p.m.
  S110 Memorial Union
• 3/7/09
  Annual Business Meeting
  10:00 a.m.
  S107 JW Auditorium
• 3/11/09
  Meet with President Forsee
  10:00 a.m.
  President’s Office
• 3/18/09
  Meet with Chancellor Deaton
  3:00 p.m.
  Chancellor’s Office
• 4/2 & 3/09
  Board of Curator’s Meeting
  Missouri S&T Campus
• 6/4 & 5/09
  Board of Curator’s Meeting
  UMKC

President Groshong adjourned the meeting at 3:45 p.m.

Minutes submitted by
Mary Ellen Kanak