Minutes of the April 3, 2002 Staff Council Meeting
Room J Law School
Staff Council President Brenda Keen called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
Melanie Andrews called the roll and it was determined that a quorum was in attendance.
The following representatives were present:
The minutes for March 6, 2002 were approved.
Brenda announced that Danna Williams is replacing Terri Bear as the representative from the division of Journalism and Mass Communication.
*Health and Safety Committee:
It was noted that Annette Hatton was attending the Pedestrian Safety Meeting and would report back about it at the May 1st Staff Council meeting.*Needs and Concerns Committee: Bob Ratajczak gave us a Parking Taskforce update. Bob said that many things, including seniority, would determine parking priorities. For instance, students would get first choice on dorm lots and people living in family housing would get first choice on those lots. Currently it is believed that the lowest paid staff will have first choice on the cheapest lots. Faculty will probably get first pick of the $30 lots with priority based on things like tenure. Brenda noted that she has information that will soon be released by the administration that should make people happier about the parking situation.
*Alternative Transportation subcommittee: During the week of April 22 there will be three days of events. Monday will be "Bike to Work Day", Wednesday will be "Try Transit Day", and Thursday will be "Carpool Day".
*Legislative Committee: Joe Johnson reported that not much has been signed into law so far during this session that directly effects staff and faculty. The Legislature is in the final stages of finalizing the state budget and is expected to approve a 3.25 percent raise pool for university employees.
*UGARA: Kathy Hines reported that the retirees would meet on April 8th. There also will be a reception on April 23rd at the Georgia Center for recent UGA retirees with Dr Adams giving out awards for both faculty and staff retirees this year.
*Executive Committee: Brenda said that they discussed the parking situation at the meeting. Brenda noted that staff should be encouraged to choose the "pre-tax" option for paying parking fees since, in the long run, it saves money. There also needs to be a committee set up to work on the arrangements for the 2005 Statewide Conference.
*University Council: Brenda reported the Council voted to build a memorial garden near the new Student Center. Brenda read a letter sent from the faculty of the Franklin College Arts and Sciences requesting that the parking plan be withdrawn. Brenda also read another letter from President Adams praising the fact that this was a record year for charity donations from UGA employees.
Old Business: None
New Business: There was discussion about an email written by library employee, Laura Shedenhelm, concerning Public Safety's policies about ticketing cars illegally parked on sidewalks. It was decided to hold off addressing the situation until more information can be obtained.
There also was discussion about Georgia's Defined Contribution Plan and how it is not fair to many employees. It was decided to have Brenda draft a letter about staff concerns over GDCP.
A nominating committee consisting of Elizabeth Pape and Kathy Hines was formed to draw up a slate of candidates for next year's Staff Council officers.
Brenda noted that we may have guest speakers for the next meeting and that representatives should give census data to Melanie Andrews.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.
Respectively submitted by Carol Bishop, Recording Secretary, May 1, 2002.