STUDENT SENATE MINUTES
February 7, 1995
The meeting was called to order by Senate President Kevin Mayeux at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Roll call was taken by A&E Chairman Shelton Bridges. Quorum was established with 67 senators present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Charles Hart led the Senate in the pledge of allegiance.
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA:
None
AMENDMENTS TO THE MINUTES:
None
PUBLIC DEBATE:
Angesh Shah, from Circle K, announced a sale of valentine balloons and flowers with the proceeds going to benefit the Children's Miracle Network at Shands. Orders can be placed on Wednesday and Thursday outside Turlington.
Senator Bondi said that ODK is accepting applications for membership. Forms are available in room 314.
Dina Kondor, from the Student Council of the DisAbled, thanked Senate for passing their request on first reading, and hoped that it would also pass on second reading tonight. The organization is very excited about being able to bring the National Theatre of the Deaf to the UF campus.
Senator Villalba said she had attended the HSA Spring Gala, and felt it was well worth the funds Senate had approved. She announced that Boyz II Men tickets are now on sale.
Senator Niederhausen announced the "Save Our Schools" speakout to be held on Wednesday at the Plaza of the Americas. They hope for a good turnout to show their support.
Senator Moran announced that Celebration is looking for performers. Anyone interested, or knowing of anyone interested, please see her.
Senator Gropper spoke on the Alligator article on last week's Senate meeting. He was frustrated that the article was written on Senator Kostick's juggling act, and Senator Grapski's altercation with the Traffic Court Chief Justice. He felt it did not cover the important business which had been done during the meeting, and should reflect the good work Senate does.
Senator East also felt that good journalism would report the important business issues heard in Senate. He urged support for the Student Council of the DisAbled special request.
Senator Morgan introduced his wife and puppy. He address the Alligator quote attributed to him, saying that he had not heard the statement, supposedly made by President Mayeux, first hand. He declined his appointment to assist with SG entry on the World Wide Web saying this endeavor needed someone who could provide more longevity or permanence.
Senator Kostick addressed the speeches of the past two weeks by Charles Hart. He felt that America is not the country deserving the respect Mr. Hart had called for. Rather than being a melting pot of ideas, he called the country a "melting blot of free ideas", with an elite few running things, and those not falling in line being shoved away. He said that the Senate is no exception with Student Government becoming a breeding place for mediocrity. He felt the majority of senators are doing nothing to oppose ideologies such as Senator Kirkpatrick's, and are more concerned with building a resume than being leaders. Though you may not agree with what he, an others, may have to say, don't say they waste your time.
Angela Izzo-Peppe introduced Tracy Michelle Dreispul, former staff member for Bret Berlin's administration, campaign manager for Kevin Mayeux in a previous election, and founder of the Armageddon Party, saying she would lead the party into the next year. Ms. Izzo-Peppe also made the following announcement, "Win a Dream Date with Armageddon by submitting a two hundred and fifty word essay to POB 12205, Gainesville, FL 32604 or call 378-2517. Grand prizes include a day at the Armageddon family house, date with your favorite member of the family, and a trip to the shooting range with Anarchy Dave. Choose from Andy, Angela, Russell, Sherry, Sundial Queen Lisa, and the Mary Matalin of UF, Tracy, or take the whole clan."
Charles Hart called upon the 12 out of 80 who had offered to help in his fight to raise patriotic conscienceness and uphold the flag to stand and be recognized.
Senator Drapeau responded to Senator Kostick's speech by saying all the Independents do not feel the same, and in fact, do not all hate fraternities and sororities. His constituency is in the School of Building Construction, and he has their needs in mind when doing Senate work.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT:
President Mayeux thank Mayia Chaumont for her help with the tape of last weeks's Senate meeting. He said he had not made the statement in the Alligator, previously referred to by Senator Morgan, that computers were not effective in communicating with students that, and that Treasurer Siemienas was working on an approved Home Page for Student Government for the World Wide Web. The home page currently being used by Independent Student Coalition will not be used for UF Student Government. On behalf of Treasurer Siemienas, President Mayeux presented Paul Koukos for approval for Assistant Treasurer. Senator Koukos resigned his Senate seat and Chair position of the Budget Committee. The appointment was approved. The memo board in the Reitz Union snack bar is available for Senate announcements. If you have announcements you would like displayed, see Elizabeth Boe in the SG Administrative office. President Mayeux apologized to Bruce Gerstenfeld and Senator Van Vliet for remarks made last week during the R&A report concerning the applicants for the Journalism seat. He felt the discussion had gotten too personal, and said this would not be allowed in the future. He looks forward to working with Mr. Gerstenfeld on future endeavors. The Senior Class Gift Program is trying to raise $10,000 for a class project in the south end of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. For further information on this contact Jennifer Owczarski at the UF Foundation.
President Tompkins said that bike racks are being installed as other work is being done in each area. Copies of the FSA Legislative Agenda are available in his office. In his discussion of the Statutory Guidelines, he said that fee increases would require a general election vote in the future, student governments cannot be abolished, and more power would be given to executive branches. He explained that there are actually two privatization plans being considered for state universities. He was questioned as to his opinion on the state limiting time allowed for graduation. He and Student Regent Jason Rosenberg are drafting a proposal which would allow students 20% more hours than required for their major program. He also plans to talk with the newly appointed regents. The Plaza Committee may be expanded by one student, and will address the architectural options and what needs to be done for the Plaza. FSA will be meeting here in two weeks.
Ken Nanni, Supervisor of Elections, and Angela Ulrich of the Elections Commission presented Stephanie Choder and Larry Pfeffer for approval as Assistant Supervisors. They were both approved. Mr. Nanni discussed the planned polling locations and important dates for the Spring election. There will only be five polling locations open for the second day. These will be in the Reitz Union, two at Turlington, the Health Center, and the Law School. Senator Fallon questioned students from buildings on the outskirts of the campus being required to vote in the Reitz Union. She recommended a polling location at the Southwest Fitness Center. Mr. Nanni felt that fiscal restraints would not allow for additional locations or staff. The Senate, without objection, approved Mr. Nanni's election plans.
Holly Benson, new Attorney General for the Honor Court, introduced herself. She is very interested in increasing the visibility of the honor code and Honor Court this year. She welcomes input, and looks forward to working with Senate.
President Tompkins said that at this time there will be no tuition increase other than differential increases of individual schools.
President Mayeux complemented the senators on their hard work and positive attitude.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
R&A:
Chairman Stadlen said the committee met and have the following recommendations: Michael Grant for Hume, Lauren Ploch for 2/3LS, Allicia Salomon for HHP, Val Zudans for MD, and Senator Obesso for Judiciary. All were approved. The committee will meet on Sunday in room 316 at 8:00 p.m.
Open Seats: Family Housing (1); District E (1); PH (1); DN (1); LS (1)
Committee Seats: Judiciary (1); Budget (1); Budget Chair
BUDGET:
Vice Chairman Gordon waived.
FINANCE:
Chairman Delafield said there are three second requests to be heard tonight.
A&E:
Chairman Bridges said the committee met on Monday and have the following absence recommendations: Senator Fuller one-half on 1/17 stricken because the electronic system failed to work; Senator Portaro on 1/31 excused for sickness. These were approved as a block.
Judiciary:
Chairman Carroll said the committee will meet on Thursday in room 122 at 6:00 p.m.
I&I:
Chairman Niederhausen reminded everyone of the FSA meeting on February 25. He said that not many constituency requirements have been received to date. Televising of Senate continues on Thursday. He asked everyone to request that Housing schedule a solid time block rather than showing aerobics between portions of the meeting. They are still working on technical difficulties, and he asked that senators in the back be quiet so as not to be picked up on the tape. He will not ask for time on Cox Cable until the taping looks more professional. The SOS Speakout is tomorrow. The committee will meet on Thursday at the Orange & Brew.
IRO:
Chairman Wotocek announced that orientation for new replacements will be held next Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. There will be a social at Bennigan's on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. Birthdays for February are Senator Hurley on the 3rd, Senator Bridges on the 19th, and Senator Kirby on the 15th. Turn in Senator of the Month nominations to her box.
SECOND READING:
95-1005 Amend SBS 324.1 to require housing senators representing two areas to fulfill half their constituency requirements in each of the two areas passed 66/1 with no debate.
95-1011 Special Request-Student Council of the DisAbled for $3808.00 to fund the National Theatre of the Deaf at the Performing Arts Center passed 68/0 with no debate.
95-1012 Special Request-Persian Student Association for $500.00 to bring the band Kambiz and Ramtin for the Norouz Celebration. The representative explained that the new year celebration will be held on the first day of Spring and is not a religious celebration. A rider was added to the bill stating that any additional funds received from VISA will be refunded to SG. The bill passed 56/8 as amended.
95-1013 Special Request-Environmental Law Society for $3498.00 for the First Annual Public Interest Environmental Law Conference. Chairman Delafield made a friendly amendment to reduce the bill to $1500.00 to fund speaker honoraria only as requested by Treasurer Siemienas. The bill passed 63/5 as amended.
FIRST READING:
95-1006 Amend SBS 700.317 to remove section 7 which says that Chancellor candidates may not be eligible to graduate prior to the Spring term of the following year. The bill, authored by Senator Medford, would remove this requirement because it excludes an entire Law School class from being eligible to run for Chancellor. A motion to extend the questioning time for this bill failed. Con speakers included Senators Drapeau, McNeill, Niederhausen, Fallon, and Kostick. Senator Morgan's motion to table the bill failed. Senator McNeill and Niederhausen expressed their concern that the bill was being presented now so that a particular individual would be eligible to run for Chancellor in the Spring election. Senator Niederhausen said that the requirements are in the statutes to provide for a qualified candidate who would be here to serve out the term to preserve the stability of the court. Pro speakers included Senators Dial, Meyer, Bondi, Lesser, Moran, Carroll, and Gay. Senator Meyer stated that the bill was not written to include a candidate, but to include an entire group of law students who had previously be ineligible because of their scheduled graduation. Replacement procedures are provided for in the statutes. The bill passed 59/13.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. BOCC is hosting a Transfer Student Orientation on Wednesday in the Ballroom.
2. Good luck to those taking the LSAT this weekend.
3. Senator Drapeau's wedding is in 24 days.
4. Don't forget the social tomorrow.
5. ISC has information on the Web.
6. IFC/Panhellenic is sponsoring Dance Marathon for Children's Miracle Network. Applications are available.
7. ODK applications are available outside room 314.
8. Senator Meyer apologized for calling some senators petty during debate.
9. Big Brother/Big Sister applications are due Friday.
10. Gator Christian Life meets on Sundays at 11:30 in Little Hall.
11. Boyz II Men tickets are on sale for $23.50 with UF ID.
12. Senator Niederhausen has SOS information available.
13. SOS Speakout tomorrow.
ROLL CALL:
MEETING ADJOURNED: 9:45 p.m.