Date: September 1, 2004
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: B-120

Members Present: William Ketchum (Chair), Amanda Canup, Bennie Sue Houck, Ann Lay, Brandon McLain (Secretary), David Stone, Edward Bulick

Members Absent: Randall Scarboro, Jeff Carter, Mary Ann Hill, Sharon Hodge (Vice Chair), Peggy Romanowski, Teresa Street, Fola Teru, Linda Powell

Advisors Present: None

Advisors Absent: Mary Phillips, Dawn Ramsey

The meeting began at 10:05 and opened with a welcome and an introduction of Edward “Ted” Bulick as a guest. At this time, William Ketchum asked us to read over the July 22 minutes for approval. He then opened the floor for discussion and any corrections to be made. Bennie Houck seconded the motion that the minutes be approved.

The budget update read by William Ketchum for Sharon Hodge stated that there is $3734.74 in the agency account. This is the only account the Staff Council has at this time.

The Council then moved to old business, in which William Ketchum read an email sent by Sharon Hodge regarding the Secretary Job Description. The email read: With regard to the secretarial job description and title, I spoke to Charles A. yesterday as he is supposed to compose a letter with the committee’s recommendations to Dr. Rossbacher. He said he has not had time to write the letter, but he knows he has to do so.

William Ketchum next stated that a sub committee needed to be formed to redraft the election procedure. The sub committee would consist of three Staff Council members. The two modifications that needed to be added to the election procedure is an appeal process and staff voting by-way-of a secret ballot. The secret ballot box would be placed in Barry Birckhead’s office area for safekeeping. William Ketchum then asked for volunteers in which Bennie Houck, Ann Lay and Ted Bulick agreed.

The last old business issue was the USG Statewide Conference at Columbus State University. This conference will be held October 7 – 8. William Ketchum then asked for volunteers to attend the conference and represent SPSU. Bennie Houck and Ann Lay volunteered. William Ketchum stated that the university would reimburse attendees for automobile mileage, hotel costs, meals and registration fees.

The first item of discussion under new business pertained to birthday leave. Birthday Leave is defined as having a day off without being charged against your accumulated vacation leave. David Stone then suggested a Personal Day instead of birthday leave especially if the employee’s birthday falls on a weekend or holiday. Bennie Houck stated that a personal day could be used as a moral booster for the employees. Ann Lay and Ted Bulick both agreed. William Ketchum then stated that an appointment would be set up for him, Sharon Hodge and Brandon to meet with Dr. Rossbacher to discuss adding employee personal day.

The second item of discussion was notification of constituents. William Ketchum asked the council for an update on the status of the constituent notification. All members reported their constituents have been notified.

William Ketchum then opened the floor to appoint a representative from Group VII to Staff Council. A motion was made by Bennie Houck to appoint Ted Bulick to the council. David Stone seconded the motion. The council then voted unanimously to accept Ted Bulick to the council.

The last item of discussion was the Lee Denim Day for Breast Cancer to be held on October 8. William Ketchum will organize this event. With a donation of $5, one will receive a pink ribbon.

The next Staff Council meeting will be Wednesday, October 20 at 10:00am in room B-120.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:33am.