STUDENT SENATE MINUTES
April 18, 1995
The meeting was called to order by Senate President Joseph Stadlen at 7:35 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Roll call was taken by A&E member Chris Fuller. Quorum was established with 62 senators present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Student Body President Kevin Mayeux led the Senate in the pledge of allegiance.
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA:
It was moved to add Chris Fuller to the R&A recommendations for Budget. This was approved, and the agenda was approved as amended.
AMENDMENTS TO THE MINUTES:
None
PUBLIC DEBATE:
Sherry Hall said that she had produced this week's Senagator and would appreciate help with this endeavor.
Jim East told everyone that goals can be achieved. He will be graduating this semester, and has accomplished everything he set out to do as an undergraduate. He hopes to return for Law School in the spring.
Laura Farris announced the "Campus Collage '95" Diversity Fair sponsored by University Outreach, a division of Florida Blue Key, on Friday in the Reitz Union from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
ACCENT Chairman Mike Cotzen said that Accent is co-sponsoring the STAAR speech tonight by Arun Gandhi in the Ballroom. Approximately 1700 people had attended the Dave Thomas speech. William Shatner will be speaking in the O'Connell Center on Monday, April 24 at 8:00 p.m.
Ryan Delafield congratulated those who had been tapped into Florida Blue Key.
Linda Fallon announced that BOCC elections will be held on Wednesday in room 349 beginning at 5:15 p.m.
Brad Bondi, who will be graduating on May 6, spoke on his time involved in Senate, listing positions he has held. Having recently been selected "Outstanding Male Leader", he expressed his ideas on the meaning of leadership, saying, leadership is not blindly following orders, not threatening other students to conform to your request, not turning your back on your friends, nor turning against your principles or selling out. Leadership is also not doing things to get into an organization or get an award. Leadership is doing things to help others, not yourself. Always follow your principles and do what you feel is right. There are many leaders on this campus who go unnoticed. Don't be afraid to "rock the boat", or to question authority. Don't be afraid of the repercussions of following your conscience. Friends are far more important than political allies. Choose wisely your battles, and more wisely your friends. Believe in yourself, the university, and the students of the university. Most importantly, follow your moral beliefs.
Matt Johnson asked to speak with any representative present from SETA.
Jeff Kostick spoke directly to another member of the chamber, telling him that if he was ok with the decision he had made, it was pretty pathetic.
Tom Cosenza endorsed Solomon Malka for the Family Housing/New Residence seat. He then spoke on Sunsplash which was held on Flavett Field. Although he had approved the funding and lobbied for the event, he was displeased with the results. He stated that residents of the Tolbert area were fearful of people wandering around the area, and that drugs were prevalent. The event had resulted in many problems and some arrests. He requested the event have more security next year or be moved to another location.
Solomon Malka spoke on his application for the Family Housing/New Residence seat. He had talked with the area council and Cathy Powell, President of Mayors Council, to discuss the issues of both areas, and felt he had been endorsed by both. He listed his qualifications, and said he had run for Senate with the Independent Majority in the Spring election. The seat had been vacated by an Independent, and he could provide continuity.
Charlie Grapski began by reading from the statement of principles for the Independent Student Coalition. He specifically addressed Senator Fuller's decision to reaffiliate with the FOCUS Party, accusing him of making a deal to get a position. He said that for the past year Senator Fuller had called for the reform of the current system, but now feels he can be more effective by working with the system. He said that Senator Fuller had chosen self-interest over principle, and called it hypocracy.
Chris Fuller responded by saying he felt he was doing what was best for his constituents in the Tolbert Area by working within the system to attain goals rather than "butt his head against a wall" fighting the system. He read from a response he had received from a former member of the area council who stated that the Tolbert Area had elected Chris Fuller the person, not the ISC Party, and he would be supported as long as his goal was to work for the Tolbert Area and the student body. Senator Fuller felt it in the best interest of the Tolbert Area residents and the students of the University of Florida to change his party affiliation to FOCUS. He said that although some would be disappointed, many more would respect his decision.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT:
President Mayeux said that Cabinet interviews are currently being held, and he hopes to have Cabinet nominations ready to present to Senate next week. Applications for Assistant Directors and staff are still being accepted. Applications are also being accepted for University Committees. He is working on changes to the Recreational Sports charter to allow for a student-run board of directors. These changes will be presented during the Summer. He said the new administration had been very busy over the past ten days. President Mayeux introduced Mayor Delaney to discuss annexation.
Mayor-Commissioner Paula Delaney, with Heidi Lannon, Strategic Planner, presented the proposal for annexation of three areas into the city of Gainesville. The area of interest to students is SW 34th Street, SW 20th Avenue, Old Archer Road and Archer Road/Butler Plaza west to the interstate. The city limit currently ends in the Shands area. Several apartment complexes housing students will be included. Only residents, including students registered in Alachua County, will be allowed to vote on this annexation. Ballots will be mailed to those registered and must be returned by May 9. Mayor Delaney explained the advantages of increased urban services such as police/fire protection, and reduced utility expenses which should result from the annexation. She said that if the annexation does not pass, then property owners may be annexed on a voluntary basis.
Graham Glover, Chief of Staff, thanked Mayor Delaney for attending and announced that interviews for Executive Committees will be held at the beginning of Summer A. He and Jay Rhoden, Lobby Director, spoke on their lobbying efforts in Tallahassee with FSA. FSA is proposing changes to due process for Judicial Affairs to require "beyond reasonable doubt" rather than "preponderance of evidence" in judicial matters, and a plan to keep library fines for the use of libraries. Three new regents, including Student Regent Jason Rosenberg, have been approved. Regent Uhlfelder has requested that teacher evaluations be made public. Mr. Glover read a quote from Newtisms: The Wit and Wisdom of Newt Gingrich.
Marc Meisel, publisher of "College Magazine", invited everyone to a party to be held at The Swamp on Wednesday, April 19.
Senate President Stadlen reminded everyone that Senate is here to do business, not "sling mud", and announced open positions for Big Eight Liaison, Organizational Liaison, and parliamentarian. Senator Matt Johnson has been selected Minority Leader.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
R&A:
Chairman Obesso said the committee met on Sunday, and makes the following recommendations: Linda Fallon for District B; John McGovern for Family Housing/New Residence Facility; Jackie Kitts, Corey Parks, and Tammy Yang for Budget; Marla Rosenblatt, Jeff Wilensky, Val Zudans, and Lauren Ploch for Finance; Lex Taylor for Judiciary Chair; Chris Dorworth, Jonathan Kilman, Ryan Jones, Andrew Shamp, Cori Cuttler, and Cristina Cotilla for Judiciary; Melinda Aquino, Sherry Hall, and Kate Listwan for A&E; Mark von Oven for I&I Chair; Steven Morgan, Jeff Kostick, Stacie marks, Tammy Yang, and Lauren Ploch for I&I; Casey Hurley for IRO Chair; and Amy Edelstein, John Fernandez, and Amy Chapman for IRO. Senator Bondi questioned that a meeting had been held Tuesday prior to Senate to approve Chris Fuller for Budget. Chairman Obesso stated the Sunday meeting had not been adjourned, and this was a continuation of business. Senator Johnson said it was his understanding that the meeting on Sunday had adjourned. Senator Bondi asked if the meeting had been previously announced or posted. Chairman Obesso responded that it had not. Senator Bondi then moved to approve the recommendations made on Sunday, but remove Senator Fuller's recommendation at this time. This was approved, and the District B and committee recommendations listed above were approved. Senator Johnson nominated Solomon Malka for the Family Housing/New Residence seat. Format was set for two minute speeches and two questions for each candidate.
Solomon Malka restated that he had met with both organizations, and obtained the recommendation of both housing areas to be represented.
John McGovern said that he applied for this seat because he truly desires to represent his constituents. He had spoken with Senator Consenza, SNAC President, and Ms. Powell of Mayors Council. He had serve in high school student government for four years and four years as a national. He has avidly attended Senate meetings, felt he knew Senate procedure, and could be a proactive senator.
Question by Senator Gordon: "Please discuss your knowledge of Senate."
Answer by Mr. Malka: He stated he had never been a student senator, but had run in the last election.
Answer by Mr. McGovern: He had attended Senate meetings throughout the past year and worked on the transition team for Student Body President Mayeux. He also had experience with parliamentary procedure which he felt would serve him well
.
Question by Senator Johnson: "Would you please outline three issues your constituency has which are relevant?"
Answer by Mr. Malka: He said his discussion with Ms. Powell had concerned the condition of playground equipment, which SG has been replacing at the rate of one per year. Corry and Diamond Villages are remaining. Parking enforcement and the lack of computer equipment were other issues concerning married housing.
Answer by Mr. McGovern: He listed facility upgrades, playground equipment, and safety and lighting as concerns of married housing. For the New Residence Facility, he listed increased parking, and the need for computer outlets.
President Stadlen stated that he had been informed the New Residence Facility had recommended Solomon Malka, and Cathy Powell had recommended John McGovern. John McGovern was elected to the Married Housing/New Residence Facility seat by a secret ballot vote of 52 to 13 with 1 abstention.
Open Seats: PH (1); FH/A (1); District C (1)
Committee Seats: Budget (1)
At this time, President Stadlen gave floor privilege to Diane Banks, President of CARIBSA, to respond to earlier remarks concerning Sunsplash. Accompanied by several members of the organization, she felt the problems which had occurred with Sunsplash had been caused by the lack of time and commitment SGP had given the event. SGP had been unable to produce Sunsplash as requested by CARIBSA due to other concert commitments. Additional funding approved by Senate had not been adequate for the quality performance they would have liked. She said the problems which had arisen should be solved now so they won't recur next year.
BUDGET:
Chairman Gordon welcomed a visitor from Korea and the new members of the committee. Organizational hearings will be held this weekend for those groups which will not have representatives here Summer A. The Special Events Budget will be heard tonight. He encouraged everyone to go to the William Shatner speech.
FINANCE:
Chairman Delafield had no report, but stated his disbelieve that the independents had questioned the integrity of the elected officials by requesting a representative be allowed to watch the ballot count for the Family Housing/New Residence seat election.
A&E:
Chairman Bridges said the committee had not met, but will be meeting on Sunday. He welcomed the new members to the committee.
Judiciary:
Chairman Taylor said the committee will not be meeting until Summer A when they will address Rules and Procedure changes and apportionment. He asked to meet with the committee after the Senate meeting.
I&I:
Chairman von Oven said the committee will be enforcing constituency requirements, and will continue the investigations currently in process. He would also like to meet with the committee following Senate.
IRO:
Chairman Hurley thanked Senator Hall for tonight's Senagator, and asked those who could offer assistance to please contact Senator Hall. If you have not paid for your shirt, please do so as soon as possible. Turn in Affiliation forms if you have not done so.
SECOND READING:
None
FIRST READING:
95-1034 1995-96 Special Events Budget - Chairman Gordon presented the bill and responded to questions from Senators Shatkin and Morgan concerning the cap set for this budget. He explained that the Special Events Budget and the Organizational Budget are separate lines in the Big Eight Budget which became law in the Fall. The amount could not be changed at this time, nor could funds be moved between the budgets. The bill passed by acclamation.
Chairman Gordon said he would be giving a budget presentation for the Graduate Student Council on Thursday evening. He recommended that anyone with questions about the budget process attend.
95-1036 Special Request for Student for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (SETA) for $491.75 operating budget for the remainder of the fiscal year. The bill was presented by Chairman Delafield who spoke on behalf of the organization. There were no SETA members present. Chairman Delafield requested the bill be tabled until the next meeting when a representative would be present; however, with only one meeting remaining before summer, the bill could not be heard until Summer A. Therefore, the bill was heard. Chairman Delafield said no representative was present because of miscommunication after the bill was not heard at the last meeting. The committee responded to questions on the affiliation between SETA and PETA by saying that any funding for politically questionable use had been cut in committee. Senator Zudans asked if the group was opposed to medical experimentation on animals. Chairman Delafield said the group would be opposed to any mistreatment of animals. Senator Bridges moved to table the bill until a representative could be present to clarify the position of the organization. This motion failed. Speaking con, Senator Bridges asked that the bill be failed because of his personal experience with the need for medical experimentation on animals. Senators Zudans, Lansas, Parks, and Cotilla also spoke con. Senator Gordon moved to refer the request to I&I to investigate any political involvement, but withdrew his motion. Senator Johnson, who is also President of Gainesville Pet Rescue, speaking pro, said the group had worked with them in the area of pet education. He said the group promotes "animal welfare" not "animal rights" as PETA advocates. Other pro speakers included Senators Jones, Fallon, Gay, and Cosenza. The bill passed first reading 38/27.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. R&A will meet on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. in room 336. Summer replacement forms must be turned in by Friday.
2. Budget hearing will be posted on the board in the Senate office.
3. New Residence Facility is sponsoring "Undead Week" beginning with a midnight bar-b-que on Sunday.
4. Thanks to those who attended Legislative Day. Applications for Homecoming and Gator Growl Directorships will be available Summer A.
5. Minority senators are asked to meet after Senate.
6. Congratulations to new member of Florida Blue Key.
7. Finance will meet after Senate.
8. I&I will meet after Senate.
9. All Chairs will meet with President Stadlen after Senate.
10. Gator Christian Life's topic this week will be on money management.
ROLL CALL:
MEETING ADJOURNED: 10:30 p.m.