Minutes, Staff Employees Council
Wednesday, December 16, 1998
Melton Media Center - Journalism Building
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Representatives present: Nicole Aguilera, Robert Boyd, Shirley Boyd, Robin
Collins, Neileen Dashiell, Dave Delporto, Chris Archer (proxy for Joyce Duncan),
Stephanie Flatt, Kristi Forbes, Billye French, Elizabeth Gadsden, Lorrie Gaffney,
Leon Garrett, Terri Garside, Gary Grant, Jim Henley (also proxy for Ann Ettinger)
Larry Hillerman, Samantha Hoole, Gary Kramer, Evelyn Martin, Betty Osborne,
Jewell Radcliffe, Sharon Smith, Teena Tuttle, Diane Wagar
Visitors: None
Representatives absent: Debi Dearman, Joyce Duncan (excused with a proxy),
Ann Ettinger (excused with a proxy), Bob Martin, Barbara Trainor (resigned on
December 15, 1998)
I.
Call to Order:
Chair Neileen Dashiell called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM
II.
Approval of November 18, 1998 Council Minutes:
The minutes were approved with two changes. Under Representatives
absent, Shirley Boyd was absent and excused. Under Guest Speakers, Ann
Graham, the following needs to be added, “People need to have the address for
the agency if it is not listed. Checks will be distributed in March.
III.
Holiday Thank You’s:
Chair Dashiell thanked everyone and wished everyone a great holiday.
IV.
Guest Speakers:
Russell F. Meyer, University of Nevada, Reno, Director of Dining and
Residential Conference Services, spoke on the Food Services Contract which
expires on June 30, 1999. Food Services is accepting Retail Food Proposals
from four companies. Russell was requesting from the council feedback
regarding evaluation criteria for those Retail Food Proposals. The Council added
that “cost and pricing” is a major criterion. Russell added that 90% of the
employees (people preparing the food) will remain the same and Management
will remain the same. The contract will last for 5 years and they will contribute
financially to facilities, etc. Russell also informed the council that staff will be
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trained and every employee will be able to communicate effectively. The council
had concerns regarding the vending which is not Russell’s area. Please forward
any comments to Russell Meyer at 784-4671 or e-mail him at
rfmeyer@admin.unr.edu. The deadline for comments is January 7, 1999.
Gary Bishop, University of Nevada, Reno, Facilities Management and
John Hancock, Design Concepts, spoke on the UNR Master Plan. This master
plan is updated regularly and review processes occur every year. The following
is a list of things that are included and/or discussed in the master plan:
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Routing Virginia Street traffic over to Sierra
Closing 9th Street frontage of I-80
Talking to the Highway Dept. to take over landscaping on I-80
Sculpturing corners to reflect “UNR”
Concept: parking on edges – designating pedestrian walkways and
having a trolley system
Parking garage: Dormitory on top of it
Jot Travis will remain but there will be a new Student Services
Women’s gym – Possible new one built south of Lawlor Events
Center
Commercial area by I-80. Medical Center in that area.
Looking at variety of ways to serve food preferences i.e. professors
like gourmet and students like fast food.
Old library will be converted to computer labs.
Consultant looking at food services on campus
Cultural Center next to Channel 5
Business community and UNR to tie together
Bridge – Covered walkway
New home for library. 5 years out. Part of the funding has been
raised
Taking a serious look at students crossing Virginia Street. Wanting
to make Virginia Street as a destination street not a thoroughfare.
Working with NDOT. NDOT needs to approve overall concept.
Plan includes speed bumps, planters, etc., take 4-lane road to 2
lanes, more stop lights. Any concerns are to be directed to Brian
Whalen, Bob Stewart (Chair of the Safety Committee), and Lyle
Woodward (Project Supervisor).
Sierra Street. They are encouraging private commercial use.
Would like to see happen within 5-10 year timeframe.
Property on Evans Avenue. The University has acquired 13 – 14
properties. East side will not be affected. Private development for
coffee shops, shops, etc. is being encouraged.
Day care facilities will stay. The new daycare will open as soon as
possible. If the Children’s Services Center up by the Chancellor’s
office is moving they will try to acquire that facility.
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Robin Freestone, University of Nevada, Reno, BCN Personnel, Personnel
Analyst, spoke on the Clerical Occupational Study conducted primarily by the
State. This is a collaborative effort by UNR and State Personnel. They will be
reviewing 800 positions at UNR with a total of 1100 positions at Business Center
North Personnel. Desk audits will happen with 10% in the clerical occupational
category. Class specifications and position definition will be looked at. The
council was asked to think about what changes to be made to those
specifications. Some positions included are Administrative Aids, Management
Assistants, Legal Secretaries, and Program Assistants. The Study will begin
next month and be implemented in July of 2001. A comprehensive survey will go
out to everyone in the clerical occupational category to fill out regarding his or her
position. They will also be looking at the tests and class specifications that are
given for employment and upgrades. Any questions, comments or concerns are
to be directed to Robin Freestone at 784-1494 or e-mail her at
robin_freestone@vpaf.unr.edu.
Stephanie Flatt, University of Nevada, Reno, BCN Personnel, spoke on
her involvement with the State of Nevada, Personnel Commission. A meeting
took place on December 17, 1998. The agenda included Regulation Changes,
Report on Whistleblower Complaint Procedure, Occupational Group Studies
(Appeals), Classification (Employee) Appeal, DMV Services
Technician/Supervisor Classification Study (Appeals), Uncontested Classification
Action Report, and Comments by the General Public. These are open meetings
to the public. If any agency has questions or wishes to discuss, in further detail,
any of the items scheduled please contact Carol Thomas, Chief of Technical
Services, State Personnel, at 687-3708.
V.
Chair's Report:
Chair Dashiell informed the council that there is a basement in the
Artemesia Building where all past SEC records, information, etc. is kept. Chair
Dashiell researched past files and found resourceful information for the council to
use this year.
Chair Dashiell distributed a packet to the council which included the SEC
Committee Information/Roster and the Warm Hands Warm Heart Flyer.
VI.
Committee reports:
Arboretum Board: This committee is working on the overall plan including the
Japanese Charity Garden behind the Planetarium. Bulb sale was very
successful.
Affirmative Action Advisory Board: This committee did not meet. No update.
Child Care Committee: No update.
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Classified Employee Recognition Program: This committee did meet and did
not select any recipients for January.
Classified Employee of the Year: This committee did not meet. No update.
Compensation Committee: This committee met on December 7, 1998 at the
Jot Travis Student Union, Room 242 at 1:30 p.m. Members present were Joyce
Duncan, Shirley Boyd and Sharon Smith. Agenda items included Merit Steps,
Longevity and Health Insurance Benefits.
Classified Staff Development Fund: This committee did not meet. There have
been no new applications.
Education Leave Stipend Committee: This committee did not meet. No
update.
Classified Employee Recognition Committee: This committee did not meet.
No update.
Facilities Planning and Management Board: Master Plan update: No official
update.
PARKING GARAGE: No update.
STUDENT SERVICES: No update.
FRANDSEN HUMANITIES: No update.
JTSU LOADING DOCK/KITCHEN RENOVATION: No update.
REDFIELD CAMPUS PHASE I: No update.
LEGACY HALL: No update.
JUDICIAL COLLEGE: No update.
Faculty Staff Club: This committee did not meet. No update.
Food Services: The Campus Retail Sub Committee met on Friday, December
11, 1998, at Jot Travis Student Union. Gary Grant provided the council with a
report. See below.
It was discussed extending hours for the Wolf’s Den. It was tried but most
of the feeding takes place between 11 and 2 p.m., but may try again. An
improvement of the feedback system is definitely needed. At times complaints
are heard a week after an incident occurred. There is a need for more manager
interaction with the customers. The auto-dial phone system for feedback was
again discussed. I’m not sure customers would take the time to use the phone.
In the COE (College of Education) there is a need for improvement in
better sandwich displaying and signs in the building. At one time a large sign
(banner) was on display but had to be taken down due to complaints.
Other items discussed were a FAX system in the Cellar. A complaint
came up that the Cellar was not completely set up when it opens at 7:00 a.m.
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One student told me that it was annoying to be in a hurry and find the food items
not set up.
Advantage Cash being like a credit card that could be used for payroll
deduction.
Extended service points that would include a Soda Fountain. What do you
think about that?
We also reviewed evaluation criteria specific to retail for the RFP (Retail
Food Proposal).
It is important to have consistent food quality, quantity and the necessary
training in the specifications.
Bidding process: 8 or 9 large companies have been invited to bid. Criteria
would be if they do a 100 millions dollars in business. Part of the contract could
be broken up with local smaller companies or food services.
“Asked when the new Student Services Building would be ready”? It is
still in the planning process but hopes would be to have the building ready by
Spring of 2000.
As an observation I hear few complaints. If you do have a food complaint
please let a Food Committee member know so it can be passed on to Russ
Meyer, Manager of the UNR Food Service.
The Committee will meet again Friday, January 22, 1999 at 10:00 a.m.
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Gary Grant
SEC Campus Retail Sub Committee Member
Gender Relations: This committee does not meet unless there is a problem,
therefore has not met. The contact is Ann Ettinger.
Parking Committee: This committee met on December 2, 1998. Robert Boyd
provided the council with a report. See below.
1. The committee heard an appeal for a parking citation – the appeal was
rejected.
2. There are currently 746 permits sold in the parking garage so there is
still space available.
3. The parking garage is being dedicated as the Brian J. Whalen Parking
Complex.
4. A meeting is scheduled with Ashok Dhingra to address the operating
hours of the parking garage.
5. During winter break, Silver Lot 8 will be divided into two zones – Silver
8 and Silver 12.
Safety Committee: This committee met on December 15, 1998. Gary Grant
missed the meeting but called and asked the Secretary of the Safety Committee,
Katie Stickles what items were discussed during the meeting. Gary was told that
approval is coming where new employees will be required to take safety classes
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during part of their orientation and the Mission Statement of the Safety
Committee has been initialed and approved by President Crowley. – Gary
Grant, SEC Safety Committee Member
SEC Bylaws: This committee did not meet. No update.
SEC Awards Luncheon: This committee did not meet. No update
SEC Open House: This committee did not meet. No update.
SEC Web Page: No update.
Special Interests: This committee did not meet. No update.
VII.
Old Business:
Employee Survey: 1200 surveys were sent out and 72 responses were
received. The following issues were mentioned: 3-credit benefit, parking
issues, merit increases, longevity issues and benefit issues. The council
will publish the results.
Contact with Constituents: Chair Dashiell asked the council how we get
our constituents to pay attention and to get involved? One suggested a
list serve to maintain contact with our constituents. If you have any
additional ideas or comments please contact Chair Neileen Dashiell.
Warm Hands Warm Hearts: A flyer was given to council members to get
the information out to campus.
VII.
New Business:
Recognition’s: Chair Dashiell asked the council if they were in favor of
having the SEC Outstanding Award Recognition Committee to look into
giving volunteer awards, i.e. SEC council member awards and faculty
awards. These awards have been given in the past. The council was in
favor of looking into this.
Newsletter: The SEC has not had a newsletter since 1997. Chair
Dashiell asked the council if they thought a newsletter was necessary with
the SEC Web site going on-line. The council did a motion in favor of both
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a newsletter and the SEC Web site. Please let Shirley Boyd know if you
have any issues for the newsletter.
Meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
Prepared by:
Approved by:
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Lorrie Gaffney, Secretary
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Neileen Dashiell, Chair
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