Meeting Minutes
November 2, 1999

Present: Jean Andrus, Gay Boydston, Emily Burgwyn, Rebecca Glass, David Grebel, Nancy Grieser, Jack Hesselbrok, Elena Hicks, Darlene Housewright, Sharon Hudson, Glen Hulme, Mary Ruth Jones, Gisele Kates, Mary Kincannon, Kristin Lage, Mary Lane, Joe Laster, Sharon McAteer, Victor Neil, Susan Oakley, Vince Pankey, Becky Roach, Glory Robinson, Barbara Savak , John Sweet, Alison Trinkle, Gale Truitt, Connie Villela, Debbie Zihlman, Esco Weatherspoon, Susan Layne, Beth McLaughlin, Bob Seal, Sandra Tobias, Sandra Tuomey

Absent: Lela Cardona, Roger Ivy, Angie Larkin, Peg Meroney, Jan Fox, Armida Guzman, Linda Hillin, Kristin Lage, Victor Neil, Delia Pitts, Clyde Ridge, Mike Russel, Bill Senter, Veronica Whatley

Minutes were read and approved as written.

Mary Lane reported that the Faculty Senate approved the Chair-elect of the Staff Assembly as co-chair of the RIB Committee.

She also reported that ESL classes have been approved and will begin in January. Beth McLaughlin, Human Resources, will be teaching these classes.

Committee Reports

RIB Committee Report - Jean Andrus presented the recommendations that will be proposed by the RIB Committee. These included:
That employees using tuition benefit pay a reduced fee of $50 per course and asked that this benefit be effective for spring semester
Health care to be provided by Harris, with 15.1% increase
Dental insurance provided by Prudential
Accidental Death and Dismemberment went with Zurich
Long Term Care went with UNUM

Parking Committee ­ Nancy Grieser, Chairperson of the Parking Committee, announced the names of the committee members. Parking Committee members are: Gay Boydston, Sheryl Doll, Rebecca Glass, Donna Jackson, Vince Pankey, Bob Seal and Nancy Grieser. Ad hoc members are Steve McGee and Fred Oberkircher. Nancy reported that they are still gathering information and encouraged anyone with a concern or suggestion to e-mail her.

New Business

Joe Laster expressed concern regarding the low salaries currently being offered by TCU to non-exempt staff. At grade 31, the starting yearly wage for a service assistant is $11,915 is well below the poverty level of $16,700 for a family of four. These low wages have affected the hiring and retention of employees for several years. Employees will be further impacted this year with insurance costs going up over 15%. TCJC pays $2 more an hour than TCU and even inexperienced high school students can make more money at McDonalds. The cost of using outside temporaries ranges between $10-12 hour. According to Joe's figures, it would take at least $4 million dollars to raise salaries to the place where they would be competitive with the current market wage. He asked the Staff Assembly to look at this issue and make a recommendation to the Administration about designating funds in the next budget process to correct this situation. Glen Hulme, Mailing Services, John Sweet, Physical Plant, and Debbie Zihlman, Conference Services also spoke of difficulties in hiring and retention and supported Joe's recommendation. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Don Mills suggested the Assembly speak to the Chancellor directly about the issue. Mary Lane asked Joe Laster for a copy of his report. The Executive Committee was asked to discuss the issue with the Chancellor.

Mary Lane announced that Will Stallworth, Physical Plant Director, would speak to the Assembly at December's meeting regarding the overall campus building and improvement plan.

Don Mills introduced Chris Peck of the Goodman Company and Linda Clark, TCU Alumni and Real Estate developer. Both are working with the Berry Street Initiative. Linda spoke first about her background and initial interest in the Berry Street area. When Stripling & Cox closed, she voiced her concern along with other residents of the area about the decline of Berry Street. After several community meetings, the Berry Street Initiative developed into more than a "clean up the street" project. With a Federal Grant, they were able to hire the Goodman Consultants and City Planning Company to help with a long-range plan. Chris Peck presented architectural renderings and a PowerPoint presentation on the goals and objectives of the redevelopment of Berry Street. This twenty-year plan includes development of public and private space, mobility analysis, environmental analysis, zoning controls, design guidelines, signage, and funding proposals to give incentives to new businesses.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.


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