University of Georgia Staff Council

Minutes of the December 4, 2002 Staff Council Meeting

Staff Council President Tony Hughey called the meeting to order at 2:10 p.m..

Melanie Andrews called the roll and it was determined that a quorum was in attendance.

The following representatives were present:

• Academic Affairs: Annette Hatton, Brenda Keen for Kim Wheeler
• Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: Laura Alfonso, Lucy Brooks, Patricia Smith, Sandra McPeake, Paul Rose, David Jennings
• Arts and Sciences: Robyn Ansley, Larry Peter
• Environment & Design: Linda Lee Enos
• External Affairs: Bonnie Norwood
• Finance and Administration: Tyler Chapman, Jeff Wilkerson, Tommy McCommons, Julio Canseco, Michael Moravek, Bryan Davis
• Forest Resources: Bob Ratajczak
• Journalism and Mass Communication: Danna Williams
• Law School: Nelda Parker
• Social Work: Barbara Galvond
• Student Affairs: Leslie Mason, Maureen Hetrick
• Terry College of Business: Sally Vandiver
• Veterinary Medicine: Rusty Drew
• Coordinator: Melanie Andrews
• President: Tony Hughey
• Parliamentarian and Representative to USG-SC: Margot Peter

The following representatives were not present:

• Education: Sandy Smith
• Family and Consumer Sciences: Vici Decker
• Finance and Administration: Kathy Hines, Georgia Moore
• Graduate School: Vacant
• Legal Affairs, President’s Office, EEO: Toni Stone
• Pharmacy: Vacant
• Public Service and Outreach: Wayne Middleton
• Research Services: Paul Totis, Donna Huber
• Veterinary Medicine: Ben Bonner

* After roll call, Tony Hughey introduced Senator-elect, Brian Kemp, who expressed that he was glad to be included in our meeting.

* Next, Tony asked if everyone had received the agenda for the University Council meeting that he had sent and if there were any questions concerning the agenda items.

* Tony announced that a new representative was needed for the Sports Recreation department for next week’s meeting on December 10 since Stephanie Borrett resigned. Linda Lee Enos agreed to serve in this capacity. He also announced that we had been given a role in the search for the director of the Institute of Diversity, which involves restructuring the duties of that position. A meeting will take place regarding this on December 11.

* The following Committee reports were made:

Needs and Concerns: Bob Ratacjak reported that the Needs and Concerns committee has not met in the past month because he has been out ill, so he didn’t get to work on any more of the leave-sharing issue with Human Resources. He is still on the Parking Task Force committee which is now the Transportation Task Force committee. Bob announced that just like last year when Parking Services sent out a memo in November asking for input on parking, they are getting ready to send out a memo that should be coming out in a day or two asking for input on all transportation issues concerning the University. His committee will work on compiling staff comments. Any individual or department can input their comments independently of the list the Needs and Concerns is compiling. There is a deadline of January 4 for getting this information to Bob for compilation. Thanksgiving week, Parking Services implemented a new system where they had four lots on campus where people that had permits for other lots were able to park due to the reduction in bus service. Please send any concerns you have about transportation, bus routes, and other concerns about the UGA community to Bob.

Health and Safety: Sandra McPeake gave the Health & Safety report since Stephanie Borrett resigned as Chair and as a Staff Council Member. Sandra reported on a couple of safety issues: Students jaywalking in front of the traffic lights and obstructing exits by holding band practice in the Hoke Smith parking lot. Stephanie had contacted Dwight Satterfield in the Music department regarding this problem, but there has been no feedback. Sandra volunteered to compile health and safety complaints until a new Chairman could be installed.

Pay and Classification: Barbara Galvond announced that Pay and Classification will be meeting on January 8, 2003 at 12:30 pm in the Marine Sciences Building, Room 261. Duane Ritter will be there to discuss the Classification and Pay survey. Everyone is invited to attend.

Communications: Maureen Hetrick reported that she is taking a leave of absence next semester to finish her degree, and, therefore, would have to resign as the Chairman of the Communications Committee. She requested that anyone interested in being on the Communications Committee, and being Chair, contact her. She will be here through December and will help with the transition period.

* A Staff Council member presented a complaint from someone in her representative area about smoking outside the entrances of buildings, especially the Health Center. It was suggested that there be designated smoking areas on campus. She will bring a list of suggestions for rectifying the situation to the next meeting, as well as emailing them to Sandra McPeake of the Health & Safety committee.

* Revisions to the Staff Council By-laws were discussed and voted on as a whole, with the exception of two contested changes. The majority of the by-laws were approved by a 25 to 2 vote. In accordance with the bylaws, a second vote will be taken at the next Staff Council meeting in February.

One of the contested changes to the by-laws was to amend them to say "voice vote or" on Page 10, Section II. Amendments to the Bylaws which would have read, "Vote will be taken by voice vote or paper ballot. The vote was 20 to 7 in favor leaving "voice vote or" out of the bylaws and keep it as a paper ballot only.

The second contested change is on Page 2 under Section 4. I. A. pertaining to the office of Staff Council President. After a heated discussion about the intent and the wording of the proposed amendment, it was decided to table a vote on this amendment until the February meeting so that Bob Ratacjak could revise the wording and Tony could email the new proposed amendment to Staff Council members to insure an informed vote.

* The minutes for the November 2002 meeting were not available and will have to be approved at February 2003 meeting, along with the minutes from the December 2002 meeting.

* The meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m.

Respectively submitted by Bonnie Norwood, Recording Secretary, January 15, 2003