Present:     Lynette Chandler, Virginia Cassidy, Abby Chemers, Dennis Davito, Ray Foster, Deborah Haliczer, Jim Lockard, Judith Malen, Scott Mooberry,
                 Mary Munroe, Jerry Zar

I. CALL TO ORDER

        The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m.

II. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

        The proposed agenda was approved.

III. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER MINUTES

        The minutes were approved as amended.

        NEW BUSINESS

        SURS Benefits
        An individual contacted the committee chair to find out if SURS benefits are different for union and non-union employees.  Dennis explained that special
        legislation was passed for the City Colleges of Chicago union employees regarding the sick time calculation for SURS benefits.  This was legislation specific
        to City Colleges of Chicago union employees and does not apply to NIU or the other universities.

        Request for Bi-weekly Payroll
        Scott explained that Operating Staff Council wanted to know if NIU could go back to a bi-weekly payroll for hourly paid employees.  The request was
        discussed.   It was unanimous that the request would be forwarded to Human Resource Services to answer.

        Dental Survey
        The Operating Staff Council requested that the UBC reconsider its October 12, 2002 decision to table the dental survey for now.  The request was
        discussed.  The committee members again agreed that this is not a good time to ask employees if they want to voluntarily increase their dental premiums.

        OLD BUSINESS

        Letter to President on Prescription Coverage for Contraceptives
        The letter supporting prescription coverage for contraceptives was sent to the President.  Copies of the letter were sent to each council.

IV. INSURANCE AND BENEFITS OFFICE UPDATE

        Dennis reported the following.
            · HRS is holding their all-day Pre-Retirement Planning Seminar on March 19, 2003.  There will be a tax expert and representatives from SURS, Social
              Security and HRS.  An informational flyer will be distributed to employees.  This seminar is for employees in the Traditional Plan.
            · The calendar 2003 maximum contribution limits for 403B and 457B retirement plans will be distributed to employees.
            · HRS is working on improving their web site.  They want to provide information that explains insurance benefit options to potential employees.  This
              could include both the university and employee costs for each benefit:  life, dental and health.  Also, they would like to have information about the
              retirement investment options.
            · Per National Public Radio, Central Management Services is two to three months behind in paying health care service providers.

V. ADJOURN

The meeting adjourned at 11 a.m.
 

NEXT MEETING:  February 13, 2003 at 10:00 a.m., Founders Library, Room 55