Annual Meetings

Spring: March 24, 2004
Reynolds Alumni Center

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The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. in the Reynolds Center by President Gary Smith. He introduced Charles Cramer, Program Chairman for introductions of programs to be presented.

Mike Paden, Assoc. VP for Benefits, gave a presentation of MU Retirement statistics and figures. There was $113.4 million paid in pensions in 2003 and there was a 21.6% return on investments as of December 31, 2003. He stated there would be no increase (COLA) in pension checks for 2004-2005 and there will be an estimated increase of 15% in Managed Health and Choice Plus Point of Service Plans and an estimated 5% increase in premiums for the Retiree Indemnity Medical Plan next calendar year. There will be no increase in Dental premiums. After a recent reorganization of their office, there is a new retirement point person in the Benefits office, Renetta Gallop. They are currently looking into replacing CNA as a carrier for Long Term Care insurance.

Bob Stewart, UM Retirees Committee Representative, gave a brief overview of the UM Retirement Benefits Committee for UM.

Marilyn Rantz, School of Nursing, and Charles Servey, Executive Director of Tiger Place gave a presentation on Tiger Place (2910 Bluff Creek Drive, Columbia). Tiger Place is an independent living facility owned by Americare with services provided by the Sinclair School of Nursing. They invited anyone to come for a tour. Their planned opening will be in 7 -8 weeks.

David Clithero from the Office of Gift Planning and Endowment invited interested parties in an Estate and Charitable Planning Seminar planned for April 9th and the Inaugural Legacy Society Brunch to be held May 2nd. He also noted that the University of Missouri now is in the charitable gift annuity business.

Business Meeting

Minutes from the September 6, 2003 general meeting were approved as written. President Smith acknowledged the help of the MURA secretary and thanked her.

Treasurer – Bob Marshall had a handout showing a MURA checkbook balance as of March 15th at $5865.69 and a summary of total assets at $44,789.88. It was pointed out that the money from lifetime memberships has been invested for future use.

Nomination – John Bauman, on behalf of the Nominating Committee, presented the following slate that was unanimously approved:

• President-Elect – Tom Freeman
• Treasurer – Bob Marshall, 2 year term
• Faculty Board Member – Jo Behymer, 3 year term
• Faculty Board Member – Bill Stringer, 3 year term
• Faculty Board Member – Bob Stewart, 3 year term
• Staff Board Member – Suzanne Currence, 3 year term

Program – Charles Cramer reminded everyone of upcoming dates to remember:

• August 20-21, 2004
  Golf Tournament
• September 11, 2004
  Fall Meeting
• October 4, 2004
  Fall Mixer, Reynolds
• December 8, 2004
  Holiday Luncheon, Reynolds
• February 1, 2005
  Spring Mixer, Reynolds
• March 23, 2005
  nnual Spring Business Meeting

Membership – Ernest Hilderbrand encouraged everyone to send him their email address for future notices. Currently there are 650 of 1400 members signed up for e -mail. Of the 1,400 members, only 900 are current on their dues and 570 have lifetime membership.

Benefits – Charles Koelling, on behalf of the Benefits Committee, recently submitted their report to the MURA BOD of state agencies, MODOT (23.9%), Highway Patrol (34.9%), Mosers’ (9.3%) retirement programs. They all have automatic COLAs. The percentages are the amounts contributed to the respective retiree fund compared to MU’s at 7%.

Investment Club – They currently have a couple of opening for new members. They meet the last Tuesday of each month.

Personal Finance Committee – Everyone is welcome to join this group which meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 10:00 am in S207 Union. They have speakers each meeting and no dues.

Staff Advisory Council (SAC) – Liz Bailey had a handout on the Council and encouraged everyone to go to their website for information on the good work they do. Liz was thanked for her participation on this council by President Smith.

New Business

ID Cards – Retirees can go to the ID Office in Brady Commons for their ID cards. There is no charge.

Chancellor’s Retirement Reception – Will be held May 13th, 3:30-6:00 p.m. in the Reynolds Center. Everyone is invited. There will be a short program around 4:30.

Payroll Deduction – As of January 1, 2004, payroll deductions are available at the Health Connection and University Club Membership payments. The Rec Center will have this available when it reopens.

Membership Directory – There will be one printed, probably in the fall. President Smith had a show of hands on who would like hard copies and how many would rather receive it and newsletters via e -mail.

Lifetime Membership for Chancellor and Mrs. Wallace has been approved by the BOD and will be presented to them at the Chancellor’s luncheon on April 21st.

Welcome Desk – A thank you was extended to all who participate and all individuals interested in being included in the future, were encouraged to contact Gary Smith.

Meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m.

Sylvia Bradfield Secretary