Annual Meetings

Fall: October 7, 2006
Reynolds Alumni Center

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The meeting was called to order by President Rod Gelatt, who introduced Jo Behymer, Pres-Elect and Program Chairman.

Mrs. Behymer introduced President Elton Floyd, Chancellor Brady Deaton and Vice-President Ken Hutchinson who each gave a short presentation on various University information and thanked retirees for their support. Mr. Hutchinson announced there will be a 2-4% decrease in medical insurance the next year because the University is receiving funds from Medicare. He also announced there will be a vision insurance plan available starting January 1.

Discussion followed with a Q&A session focusing on retirees' concerns that pension benefits continue to lag behind cost of living increases. Mr. Hutchinson said that accumulation of 2/3 of active employees salaries, or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lesser, is the formula used for retiree's pension increases. In response to a question about when such decisions are made, and how might retirees have a voice in those deliberations, Hutchinson said spring is when decisions are made in regards to increases. President Floyd asked for suggestions on benefits for retirees and invited retiree representatives to meet with Chancellor Deaton to set the priorities of same.

Business Meeting

President Gelatt encouraged everyone to seek new retirees for MURA membership and, in line with President Floyd's suggestion that MURA form a committee to present ideas to the administration, Gelatt pointed out such a committee already exists (MURA's exec. Comm.), that it meets regularly with the president and chancellor, and he invited members to forward their suggestions, comments, or complaints to that committee.

Minutes from the March 29, 2006 meeting were approved.

Bob Marshall distributed copies of the Treasurer's report of September 2006 which were unanimously approved.

A motion was made and approved for the following amendment to the MURA By-Laws: "The Standing Committees shall be Awards Nominating, Communications, Finance, Governmental Affairs, Membership, Nominating Committee, Ombudsman, Program Retiree Benefits and University Liaison."

"The Nominating committee shall consist of five members, three of whom shall be the three most recent former presidents of MURA, plus two others appointed by the President from MURA membership at large and/or the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee shall have no more than three faculty or three staff persons, and a minimum of two members of either gender. It is the Committee's responsibility to nominate the next president-elect/program chair, members of the Board of Directors, and the MURA representatives to the several Chancellor's Standing Committees. The Nominating Committee is to begin this process shortly after resumption of classes in January."

Jo Behymer reminded everyone of the upcoming Holiday Luncheon to be held December 6 - there will be a choice from three entrees. The next program committee meeting will be November 14th.

Tom Freeman said the next Newsletter will be mailed in November.

Gary Smith, Liaison, asked for suggestions for meetings with the Chancellor and the President.

Meeting adjourned at 11:25.

Sylvia Bradfield, Secretary