Food Service Advisory Council
October 3rd, 2011
2:00PM
Auxiliary Services Conference Room (Bld. 8, Room 1106)
MEETING MINUTES
Members Present: Kris Dalton (Chair), Jacqueline Shank, Catherine Christie, Pingying Zhang,
Young Tae Choi, Belinda Rudolph, Dee Robertson-Lee, Tony Hendricks, Mike Naughton, Britt
Stromquist
Members Absent: Paul Schreier, Hyung-Seok Lee, Kyler Dykes
Others Present: Vincent Smyth (Auxiliary), Dave Jordan (Chartwells), Korey Konopasek
(Chartwells), Alicia Larriu (Chartwells), Matthew Brockelman (SG President), Agata
Dawidowicz (Auxiliary)
The meeting was called to order at 2:00 PM by Kris Dalton (Chair).
1. Introduction
Since this was the first meeting of the 2011-2012 Food Service Advisory Council, Kris Dalton
introduced herself and asked everyone in the room to do the same.
2. Approval to Audio Record Meeting
Kris Dalton notified members that the meeting was being recorded to assist in taking the
minutes.
3. Online Presentation
The architect for the new dining facility (Design Plus) presented the exterior and interior look for
the new facility. In response to a question, David Jordan stated that although items are not
finalized for some stations the Vegetarian station will be strictly for vegetarian choices. Kris D.
asked if the 2nd floor balcony would have a seating area. Vince said yes that it would be similar
to the Boathouse outdoor eating area. Design for the new dining hall is almost 100% completed
and the schedule is on track for opening before fall term 2012.
4. Objective of the Food Service Council
Kris Dalton stated that the objective of the Council is to advise and provide suggestions to the
President.
5. Approval of Minutes of January 24th, 2011.
Moved by Jacqueline Shank and seconded by Catherine Christie to approve the minutes of
January 24, 2011. The motion passed unanimously.
6. Review Bylaws
Kris Dalton briefly reviewed the by-laws. The motion to approve the bylaws by Catherine
Christie and seconded by Jacqueline Shank.
7. Vice Chair for 2011-2012
Kris Dalton asked if anyone would like to take the position of the Vice Chair. Vince Smyth
reminded that the Bylaws state that Vice Chair typically succeeds the Chair next year. The only
nomination was Britt Stromquist. The Council was in agreement that Britt be the Vice Chair.
The nomination will be submitted to the President for ratification.
8. Mandatory Meal Plans
Kris introduced the next item on the agenda as the Mandatory Meal Plans in conjunction with the
Freshman Experience and Mandatory Housing. Vince stated Mandatory Meal Plans are common
at other Universities in Florida. He stated with the mandatory housing and meal plan for
freshman it provides a better transition from high school to college. This also allows a capital
contribution to the food services fund which has allowed for construction of the new facility. The
mandatory meal plans is for FTIC (First time in College) students only so transfers are excluded.
Chartwells is making a $6,000,000 commitment towards the new building. Vince mentioned
there will still be the traditional 10, 14, 19 meal plan per week and 2 new 5 or 7 all-day access
plans which will allow multiple entries within a meal time bracket. No take-outs will be allowed
for all-day access plans. The meal credit for 12-13 will be $4.15.
Dave Jordan mentioned that the website is almost done which has all information for next year.
Due to the large number of students expected on the meal plan, Chartwells will be eliminating
the Styrofoam to-go containers with eco-friendly reusable containers.
Kris asked if it’s possible to combine the two applications of a housing contract and meal plan
for the student’s convenience. Vince answered that since these are two separate entities (UNF
Housing and Chartwells) this would be very difficult.
Matthew Brockelman asked about hours of operation for the new dining hall. Dave Jordan
responded that they will open earlier and stay open 2 hours later. The new dining hall will not
close during the day.
Mike Naughton asked about the meal plan cost compared to this year. He mentioned that since
there will be more students on the meal plan the prices should go down. Vince explained that the
price is lower this year compared to last because of the decreased value for students not having
Osprey Café. With the new dining hall prices will go up significantly due to the added value and
services; however the price will still be comparable to other Universities across Florida with
similar venues and food options.
Britt Stromquist asked if it’s possible to not make the meal plan mandatory because many people
question this during orientation. This also might affect some local students from choosing UNF
since they will have to stay on campus and have a meal plan. Vince answered that it will be
mandatory.
Matthew Brockelman said that since we restrict people to these standards we should be proactive
of student needs rather than be reactive. He asked about extending dining hall hours to 10PM on
weekends since residents will likely be staying on-campus on the weekends and have to find
food on-campus. Many people like to use Ozzies during the late night hours. David said that they
would rather start with earlier hours and extend the hours if they see more people coming during
the last hour. David mentioned he would rather extend the hours than take away if the hours need
modification. A council member mentioned how many Greek and club meetings go late so the
students would have to go to the Town Center due to nothing being open on-campus.
Tony Hendricks asked if it’s possible to make the green eco-friendly containers to be more UNF
customized. Korey Konopasek said he will follow-up with blue and gray options.
9. Facilities Report
Vince Smyth briefly went over his affiliation with the Food Service Council and Chartwells and
his responsibility as the Director of Auxiliary Services. On a day to day basis he acts as the
University’s liaison with Chartwells.
Vince stated that he typically likes to go over changes in the Chartwells contract and any
facilities updates so that the council knows what is going on. There is a new agreement with
Chartwells which will go through June 2017. With the new dining hall there was a challenge of
the location, but it was determined the old Osprey Cafe was in the perfect place so the new
dining hall will be there as well. Due to the demolition of the Osprey Cafe the breakfast area was
moved to Sbarros and lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch was moved to the food court in
Student Union with the new 5th concept of My Meals.
There will be a new concept of a juice bar in the new Wellness Complex. The new building and
concept are in early stages of construction, but plans to open May 2012.
Dee Robertson Lee asked if the new dining hall will follow a US GBS green building standards.
Vince answered that they will be LEED certified and hoping for silver.
10. Operational Report
Dave Jordan explained the My Meals program which is one tray program rather than all you can
eat. It is a “once-through-the-line” with a disposable tray and drink cup provided to select from
two entrees and four side dishes. Chartwells sold almost 1,000 meal plans- only 150 less than the
year before. He noted that they marketed it well and people bought it knowing that there will be
no Osprey Café this year. Chartwells didn’t expect that many people on meal plans and now they
have to work in a small and tight area in the Student Union which makes it really hard to cook.
Korey mentioned that they spend about $0.50 to $0.70 cents more per person
To add variety, Chartwells constantly tries to change items in Outtakes and Freshens. There is a
new item at the Student Union Outtakes, wickedspoon yogurt, gluten, kosher and fat free, all
natural yogurt.
The first Health Department inspection for this year has been completed and it went very well.
No food violations which was usually a problem in the old Osprey Café.
One change that students had requested was to switch from having Quiznos open during
weekends to Coyote Jacks. Chartwells received feedback that there was not enough variety in
Quiznos. The students have responded and sales are up 32% with Coyote Jack’s being open.
Another change is the Student Union Outtakes now opens earlier on Saturdays for students who
have classes.
The Boathouse sales for the first month were 18.6% higher than last year, also beer and wine
sales were 31% higher. Overall for the campus sales are down from last year because of less
meal plans purchased. Chick-N-Grill has the largest increase of sales on campus with 31%, and
Quiznos has the biggest reduction of 15%.
Chartwells teamed up with Health Promotions to create a campaign to educate students about
healthy options on campus.
Dave stated that there will be an Annual Fall surveys performed in October.
Dave mentioned two management changes to Chartwells. John Schneider who was the manager
of the Boathouse is now the catering manager. Trent Hutchinson who came from Florida Coastal
School of Law is the new manager for the Boathouse.
Chartwells will hold catering open house on October 7 in building 2 at 2PM to present new menu
offerings.
11. Emerging / Other Issues.
No other business items were raised by Council members.
12. Future Meeting(s)
Kris Dalton announced that unless an issue arises requiring an additional meeting, the next
meeting for the Food Service Advisory Council will be early in Spring Term.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:08 PM by Kris Dalton (Chair).