Opening Remarks. Charlie Kuykendall stated we must push the petition process, that not even attaining minimum pensions is a done deal. He introduced newly elected board members (Cowser, Dean, and Douglass were present), and asked each to tell a little about their experience and reasons for their willingness to serve on the CORRE board. He urged that they attend board meetings when they can, although their term doesn’t actually begin until January 1.

Discussion of Annual Meeting. There was much concern about the inadequacy of the gym as a meeting place. With the poor acoustics and the limited PA system, retirees were unable to hear the speakers. Also, some people came and left after finding no parking place. Other possible sites mentioned were First Baptist Church and the high school, if there is a day in October when school is not in session. Other comments were that the speakers took too long, and that the program should be strictly limited to one hour, including questions. Kuykendall stated that for next year the program should be carefully planned and rehearsed to accomplish the one-hour time frame. The meeting should be scheduled as soon as possible, and a notice should be run in Retiree News more than once. Cost of the meeting was approximately $450 (for gym rental, refreshments, copies, and ads). A suggestion was made that a planning committee should be appointed for next year. Eighty-two retirees contributed to be Active Members at the meeting.

Secretary & Treasurer’s Report. Mary Helen Rose highlighted her Treasurer’s report, copies of which had been distributed to board members. Balance on hand September 30, 2003, was $39,240.34, with a total of about 1,868 Active Members.

Communications. Sandy Dean reported that she has sent an article to Retiree News for CORRE Corner. The article includes a report of our annual meeting, as well as basic information on our website address and how to become an Active Member. She has asked for deadlines for the rest of this year. She wants suggestions from board members as to possible articles. Bob Wesley wrote and thanked the three TV stations, which covered the annual meeting.

Website. John Roy Gray requested a copy of the petition for the website, as well as a copy of the updated "Accomplishments." (Mary Helen will send both.)

Legislative Committee. Lotts stated that we have to find some way to make the legislative people accountable. He will set up some meetings with Rep. Wamp’s office and with the senators. Setaro reported on a call from Bill Quinn of Savannah River, where they are working on political aspects of getting a pension increase. Setaro said they are the only retiree organization he can find that is working for pension benefits; others are just social in nature. Quinn would like to coordinate their efforts with ours.

Strategy Discussion – Goals.

Troy Trotter stated that he would still very much like for us to pursue getting the company to extend dental coverage to retirees. There was discussion of available dental plans, their cost, and coverage (said to be not good). Trotter indicated that the only dental plan that he has found to be available to individuals in Tennessee is a Tennessee Farm Bureau plan administered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Tom Lemons said that he had enrolled him and his wife in this dental plan, and that the current cost of the plan is $35.15 per month for a couple. If you are not already a Farm Bureau member, you have to pay the $25 annual dues to join. There are waiting periods of 90 days up to two years before benefits are payable. Since there are no subsidies, enrollees are not likely to get more benefits than they pay in over the long run, but the benefits can reduce the cost impact for major dental work.

Reichle stated that we need to get DOE to put language in contracts that retiree benefits will be reviewed every two years. Bob Worrell will try to set up a meeting at ORO with Dan Wilkins and Chris Hill before our next board meeting to get the information promised from our last meeting.

Lotts stated that we need to concentrate on getting 10,000 signatures on the petition, which was started at the annual meeting. He said we need to get information on the amount DOE is contributing every year to each of their contractor pension plans. Worrell agreed to ask Wilkins for that information when they meet.

Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m.