Board Meeting Minutes
July 8, 2009
PDF Printable version of MinutesAttendees
Barton Boyle, Marlene Dunffield, Tom Freeman, Kee Groshong, Al Hahn, Veralee Hardin-Phillips, Ed Hunvald, Mary Ellen Kanak, Libby Miederhoff, Jack Miles, John Parker, Gary Smith, G.B. Thompson and Gary Zwonitzer
President Boyle called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. and distributed the meeting agenda.
Tom Freeman handed out draft copies of the newsletter, which will be finalized and sent out in one to two weeks. Freeman stated that not all of the Board positions are filled yet. The Audit Committee Chair position is vacant and those present asked Libby Miederhoff if she would be willing to serve. She agreed and was unanimously accepted by the Board. Since financial books are on the fiscal year, Miederhoff’s first audit will be the September 2010 audit. The 2009 Audit Report, submitted by Gary Zwonitzer is printed on page 5 of the newsletter.
Treasurer's Report
Gary Zwonitzer distributed copies of the MURA Income and Expenses report for July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009. The checkbook balance as of March 31, 2009, was $5,299.42. Routine operating expenses are paid out of the checkbook account. Other assets total $52,784.42 consisting of a Lifetime Members Reserve Account and one CD from the operating fund.
Zwonitzer indicated that some lifetime money has not yet been invested. In response to questions regarding the assets, Kee Groshong stated that most of the accumulation comes from lifetime membership. A reserve is maintained to protect the balance for the purpose of providing service to lifetime members. For the purpose of clarifying this in the newsletter, Libby Miederhoff suggested that a footnote be placed on the financial report stating that MURA has 694 lifetime members, and that it is necessary to provide funding to cover obligations of lifetime memberships. Kee Groshong made a motion to add the footnote to the financial report and John Parker seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Committee Reports
Membership
Membership report as of July 8, 2009, was distributed for Ernest Hilderbrand by Gary Zwonitzer. Roger Mitchell has completed his service as co-chair of the Membership Committee.
Kee Groshong asked if lifetime members’ names are ever removed from the list as they become deceased. G.B. Thompson asked if newsletters are sent to the surviving spouse. In response, President Boyle stated that he would ask the new chairman of the Membership Committee to get answers to these questions and report their findings to the Board at the next meeting.
Program
Barton Boyle reported that all social functions and meetings would be held in the Reynolds Alumni Center except for the fall information meeting for which the site has yet to be determined. For the fall information meeting, the Program Committee proposed limiting the speakers to three and that it will not be obligatory to invite the University President and/or the Chancellor of the Columbia campus.
The committee agreed to modify the Christmas Luncheon to a lunch menu rather than a dinner menu. This topic will be discussed at the September Board Meeting.
Jack Miles stated that the Twin Lakes location for the annual picnic is confirmed.
As reported by Gary Zwoniter, the MURA Invitational Golf Tournament is scheduled for July 24-25, 2009, with the funds going to charity. Rex Dillow is in charge of the tournament this year.
Communications
Tom Freeman called attention to Mike Paden’s column in the newsletter and the listing for the web site to check on benefits status.
Retirement, Health and Other Benefits
Al Hahn reported that MURA made a proposal to the University this past February supporting a revision of the employee contribution toward increasing the percentage of contribution coming from those on the upper end of the salary scale and less percentage (or none) for those making $50,000 or less. The University did not consider this option.
There are no major changes to the MU Retirement Program for active employees other than the employee contributions based on salary.
Warren Erdman, MU Curator from Kansas City, has asked for a complete report in July on benefits at the University of Missouri.
Hahn reported that MURA was influential in the decision to retain the Health Connection at this time. Dean Richard Oliver will keep the Health Connection open for another year. Oliver has suggested increasing fees and doing more advertising to bring in participants.
Faculty Council
Ed Hunvald stated that during this past year the Faculty Council and MURA have had excellent cooperation. A task force for Undergraduate Education has been established. Leona Rubin is the new chair of Faculty Council.
University Liaison
Gary Smith reported that he is working on dates for the MURA meetings with the President and Chancellor.
Staff Council
Libby Miederhoff reported that the new chair of the Staff Advisory Council is Marijo Dixon and that she is keeping MURA well informed.
Breakfast Programs
John Parker reported that the Breakfast Programs continue to be well attended. The fall schedule listing dates, speakers and their topics are listed in the newsletter on page 4.
Announcements
- TBD
Freshmen move in to Residence Halls - 9/15/09
MURA Board Meeting
2:00 p.m.
S110 Memorial Union - 7/24/09
Board of Curators Teleconference
University Hall - 10/22 - 23/09
Board of Curators Meeting
Columbia Campus - 12/10 - 11/09
Board of Curators Meeting
UM-St. Louis
Members of the MURA Board concurred that MURA should have a representative at the Board of Curators' meetings.
President Boyle adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Mary Ellen Kanak, MURA Secretary, 2009-2012
