Coalition of Oak Ridge Retired Employees
Minutes of Board Meeting on April 16, 2008, 2:00 p.m.
Oak Ridge Senior Center
Present: Mike Bradshaw, Sandy Dean, Lou Dunlap,
Marty Goolsby, Bob Keil, Judy Kibbe, Keith Kibbe, Charlie Kuykendall,
Tom Lemons, Ken Moore, Pete Peterson, Dave Reichle, Mary Helen Rose,
Joe Setaro, Dub Shults, Don Wood, Bob Worrell, Paula Wright.
1. Opening Remarks.
President Dave Reichle noted that he had a chance to speak to Darrel
Kohlhorst, new President and General Manager of B&W Y-12, at a
recent United Way meeting. Kohlhorst assured Reichle that
he would be happy to schedule a meeting with CORRE representatives as
soon as possible. Reichle mentioned that a letter was sent to
B&W Y-12 last week setting forth our slightly revised requests.
Reichle mentioned a recent Supreme Court ruling on an EEOC issue.
Companies cannot be charged with discrimination if retiree health plans
are less than workers’ health plans. Reichle also
mentioned the need to increase the medical cap of $75,000 for retirees.
Pete Peterson mentioned that he recently met with Paul H. Divjak,
President and General Manager of Bechtel Jacobs, and explained to him
the differences between CORRE and their organization of grandfathered
retirees. Peterson is continuing to work with B-J to obtain cost
information for CORRE’s requests.
2. Treasurer’s Report.
Paula Wright highlighted her report, copies of which had been
distributed. There were 2 new Active Members in March, and
balance on hand at end of March was $40,813.35, with approximately
3,101 Active Members.
3. Meeting at B&W Y-12.
Bob Worrell reported that he, Dave Reichle, and Joe Setaro met on March
31 with Mark Keck (Benefit Plans Manager), Maureen Williams, and Doris
Hummer at the Y-12 New Hope Center. The main purpose of the
meeting was to present Keck with a revised general adjustment proposal,
which will allow costing of the proposal without the need for
historical benefit data. Keck stated that he now fully
understands the proposal. They now have to go to Towers Perrin to
get cost information. It was agreed that $51 million is the cost
of our 2% spousal option request. We advised Keck that we will
send the Company a follow-up letter to the meeting, and he asked that
we address it to his supervisor, Debbie Shecterle, with distribution to
other contractor names that he will provide. Worrell said he will
talk to Keck again next week.
Mark Keck was unaware that publication of Retirement News had been
discontinued, and suggested that we contact Mike Minnett, head of
Public Relations for B&W Y-12. Joe Setaro emphasized the
usefulness of the newsletter in communicating information to retirees
related to prescription drug charges and other issues.
4. Communications.
Marty Goolsby referred to news that Retirement News will no longer be
published, stating that she has been attempting to talk to Mike Minnett
as suggested by Mark Keck. There was discussion of other
alternatives for communicating with retirees. Joe Setaro will
pursue the matter with Mark Wagner at ORNL to see whether we might be
able to get space in ORNL Reporter. Goolsby stated that she has
drafted an electronic newsletter and sent it to Joe Setaro for review.
Goolsby said that she, Judy Kibbe, and Paula Wright met regarding
getting e-mail address lists in order. She said we will have
three separate lists: one for CORRE members, one for non-members,
and one for legislative contacts.
Don Wood was asked to draft a letter for Reichle’s signature
requesting that B&W Y-12 provide CORRE with an address list of
retirees.
5. 2008 Position Paper Approval.
Joe Setaro referred to copies of a draft which was earlier sent to
Board members for corrections or comments. The draft was
reviewed, and a few minor changes were agreed upon. Motion passed
to approve the 2008 Position Paper with the changes.
6. Governmental Relations Committee.
Pete Lotts was absent due to health problems (back). Reichle
mentioned Bob Henderson’s report of his attendance at a meeting
held by Congressman Lincoln Davis in Harriman a few days ago.
Keith Kibbe is continuing to communicate with Senator Alexander’s
staff regarding efforts to help CORRE.
7. Nominating Committee.
Members of the Committee are Lou Dunlap, Chair; Mike Bradshaw, Bob
Keil, Keith Kibbe, Charlie Kuykendall, and Paula Wright. The
Committee met at 1:00 prior to today’s Board meeting, and a list
of possible nominees was developed and some assignments made. The
Committee will meet at 12:00 prior to next month’s Board
meeting. Board members were urged to submit suggestions to
members of the Committee.
8. Annual Meeting Planning.
Members of the Committee are Sandy Dean, Chair; Marty Goolsby, Charlie
Kuykendall, Dave Reichle, Mary Helen Rose, Dub Shults, and Paula
Wright. Dean reported that the meeting is tentatively scheduled
for 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, at the Heritage Fellowship
Church. Final confirmation from the church is expected next week.
9. ORNL Benefits Advisory Committee.
Joe Setaro reported that a meeting is scheduled for next Monday, at
which time he will bring up the issue of the $75 thousand medical cap
for retirees, and also the communications issue.
10. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 4:17 p.m.
Mary Helen Rose, CORRE Secretary
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