June 2024 Minutes
President’s Council of Retired Employees
Friday 7 June 2024 at 8:15 am
Foster Board Room, 2nd Floor, Buchanan Alumni House
and zoom
Present: David Bagley, Louis Bassano, Richard Borgman (Vice Chair), Cindy Eves-Thomas, Thomas Sandford (Chair), Claire Strickland, Althea Tibbetts, Gail Werrbach, Sarah McPartland-Good (Ex Officio, phone).
Absent: Richard Judd (Secretary), Richard Kent, Taylor Defa.
Approval of May 3, 2024 Minutes: Approved unanimously.
Retiree IT access: Based on an inquiry from retiree Rod Bushway, Tom had looked into IT access for retirees. Apparently it is restricted—either non-existent or one can get help only with a lot of effort.
There was much discussion. The general feeling is that this is an important issue and the committee should pursue potential solutions. Many retirees are actively involved with the university (e.g., members of this committee) and/or are financial supporters. We considered ways to define retirees who might qualify for IT support, from a broad group (maine.edu emails) to a narrower group (Gold Card holder). In May PCRE discussed emeriti access to IT. We pointed out that there are different types of support—help with a computer of software problem versus qualifying for software.
We thought getting the President’s office support and involvement might be a way to make progress, as well as having a discussion with IT leadership to understand the costs of serving retirees.
The committee decided to return to this issue in the fall.
PCRE Membership Change: Rick had been charged with investigating whether the committee has bylaws. Apparently not, although the Mission and Membership Criteria have in the past been approved by the committee.
Our current interest is to change the “Gold Card Eligible” member, one who is currently employed at the university with 25 years employment, to a broader definition that would allow another member at-large or a gold-card eligible member.
It was decided that Tom will write up a recommendation to the President to make this change. The committee will vote to approve this recommendation—possibly by email or at the September meeting—before it is sent to the President.
Website: Cindy has updated the homecoming agenda on the site and uploaded the newsletter. She has completed uploading all meeting minutes.
2024 Retiree Homecoming – Status, Discussion, Action: The Homecoming is June 14, one week from now.
There are 124 retirees registered. The Event Planning person this year, who will be at Wells, is Theresa McMannus. Rick will help her with putting things on the tables, if she needs it.
Tom reviewed what needs to be done.
He will make a sign for check-in. Last year, because of people milling about and arriving about the same time, some people did not check-in. It is important because of parking passes and tour tickets. Tom will print the tour tickets, and attach to a map so people can find the location of their tour.
We should have enough parking passers for all (including people from the organization tables). While we do have a dedicated lot (the Wells lot) some people may park elsewhere and many will drive to their tour location. Parking should have at least 2 signs direction guests to the Wells lot (was confusion last year).
Attending committee members will arrive about 8 AM and fill swag bags. The swag should be at Wells. Tom is working to secure bags. He has not heard recently from UCU; Rick will gently inquire.
Committee members who have indicated they will be at Wells to help are: Louis Bassano, Rick Borgman, Cindy Eves-Thomas, Thomas Sandford , Claire Strickland, Althea Tibbetts, Gail Werrbach, Richard Judd.
After lunch and the prize drawing (by Jeff Mills), Tom will direct those going on tours to gather in one of four corners (as directed by Tom).
A committee member will greet them and direct them on their way. Those assigned to each tour are (number signed up for each tour in parentheses):
- Littlefield Garden (17): Claire.
- Rogers Farm Master Garden (9): Cindy
- Versant Power Astronomy Center (35): Rick
- Hotel Ursa (20): Gail.
Members need not attend their assigned tour if they signed up for another.
If there are no-shows, there will be extra tickets (only really an issue with the Hotel Ursa tour, which is full).
There will be a van for anyone unable to walk or drive to a tour site (except for Rogers Farm). The van will need to pick up visitors at the end of the tour.
Outing – Puffin Watch: The tour will be on July 12, and those interested can sign up at the homecoming. As of now there are 11 people signed up.
Chair: Tom will be leaving the committee after many years of great leadership. The vice chair (Rick) indicated he is also leaving. The committee will need new leadership. To be discussed at the September meeting.
Motion to adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 9:40 AM.