Staff General Assembly
Seminar Room, SMB
March 21, 2001Present: Mason Door, Orpha Gonzalez, Peggy Lankford, Julie Morales, Diane Portillo, Maria Rolfe, Greg Rolfe, Kathy Ryan, Henry Sanchez, Adele Springer, Raul Yanez, and Patsy Madrid.
Absent: Troy Hudson, April Matthews Proxy: Michelle Murati
I. President Lankford called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. The pledge of allegiance was done and followed by roll call.
II. Senator Gonzales made the motion to remove Item
III. Senator Gonzalez moved to approve the minutes of February 21 and March 5, 2001, VP Rolfe seconded the motion and passed unanimously.
IV. President Lankford reported that the Legislature had recommended a 7% compensation increase for faculty and 6.5% increase for staff, but the Governor vetoed it. He also vetoed $850,000 other items affecting WNMU. The Legislature has resubmitted its proposals without any changes. The Governor has 20 days to act. President Lankford stated that Dr. Counts will not have inequity between faculty and staff, therefore, the allocated percentage will be the same. President Lankford noted that our 5 regional legislators should be commended for the hard work they have done on WNMU's behalf.
V. Committee Reports
A. Rewards & Recognition - In regard to Elaine Martinez years of service, Senator Gonzalez asked VP Rolfe to report on the guidelines for receiving and iceberg. VP Rolfe reported that when the Staff Recognition awards were introduced in the Fall of 1998, 4 ranges were developed with a $50 cap giving each range $12.50 increments. The $50 cap was determined by the cost of an iceberg. In the past, VP Rolfe and Senator Rolfe assumed the expense of engraving the icebergs. This cost is not factored into the $50 cap and may need to be adjusted. The expense of the icebergs and awards were paid by the Staff Recognition Fund at the Foundation. Currently, only VP Rolfe contributes to that fund. VP Rolfe asked that this item be tabled to the next meeting to discuss this issue.
B. Handbook - Senator Rolfe reported that the handbook was delivered the President's Office on February 26, 2001. The board should review it on May 11, 2001. C. Salary & Classification - Report addressed in New Business.
D. New Employee Orientation - No Report
E. Election - No Report
F. Career Development - President Lankford appointed Senator Madrid to fill the vacancy of Chair left by Elaine Martinez.
G. Treasurer's Report - Senator Ryan reported that the Staff Senate account currently has a balance of $177.10. There was one expense if $9.99 for a nameplate for Senator Matthews. The Staff Recognition Fund at the Foundation has a balance of $168.54.VI. Old Business
A. Rewards & Recognition - Senator Gonzalez stated that a sub-committee has come up with 2 proposals (exhibit 1), one for employee of the month and the other for employee of the year. Senator Gonzalez went through the proposal for employee of the month. VP Rolfe questioned Item 2.2 and asked for a description of the additional criteria mentioned. Senator Gonzalez replied that in case of a tie, attendance would be looked at in order to break the tie. President Lankford agreed that attendance is important, but noted that felt it would be too loose an item to base this type of decision on. Many factors could affect attendance. VP Rolfe would like to see additional criteria listed. VP Rolfe also referenced Item 3.3. He would like to see the decision not be left to a governing body, instead be made by the staff. Senator Gonzalez is concerned that a greater population could cause the outcome to reflect a popularity vote. The proposal would call for the nominator to give supporting statements on the nomination ballot. Senator Morales referred to Item 2.4 and asked if "once" meant once a year or once during the span of employment. Senator Gonzalez replied that only once during the span of employment so that it would give everyone a chance. VP Rolfe motioned to table this item and set a time to discuss during a working session. Senator Rolfe seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.B. Sick Leave, from the agenda. VP Rolfe seconded the motion and passed unanimously. VP Rolfe moved to approve the agenda as amended, Senator Gonzalez seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
VII. New Business
A. Classification & Compensation - VP Rolfe asked Sherri Bays to come forward and present information. Sherri presented 3 different scenarios with actual salaries randomly chosen as models. Hardcopies of the presentation will be made available to Senator Ryan for distribution upon request of any staff member. Discussion followed on the factors involved. Sherri noted that only those staff members employed at least 2 years have longevity factored into their compensation calculation. Also, compensation increases are not given to anyone employed less than six months before the start of a new fiscal year. Discussion followed. VP Rolfe recommended that longevity be considered as another option. President Lankford requested that the Classification and Compensation Committee meet to discuss this draft ballots for the staff. Chris Casey asked that Charlene Ashburn attend meeting. President Lankford stressed that a decision needs to be made quickly in order to accommodate enough time to process contracts. Senator Morales suggested that it be put on the web page.VIII. Open Forum
A. Tina Rippa had a concern with use of the marquis by the Purchasing Office. She stated that it is in poor shape and is very difficult to use.
Sara Scales did not agree with having a one time limit for employee of the month.
Jo Ann Fischer suggested that criteria reflecting the Mission Statement or PMT's guidelines be used to determine the employee of the month.
Frank Carbajal voiced concern over Sodexho employees' pay scale as it compares to WNMU's scale. He is concerned that if Sodexho leaves and WNMU assumes their employees, there will be a difference in pay. Charlene Ashburn encouraged him to speak to Chris Casey.
IX. The next meeting will be April 18, 2001 in the Seminar Room, Student Memorial Center, at 10:00 a.m.
X. President Lankford adjourned the meeting at 11:32 a.m.