UACC meeting On March 24th, 2003

 

University Apartments Residence Meeting held on March 24^th, 2003.

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The attendees were:

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Meeting minute
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The following issues have been discussed during the meeting:

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1. Hensel Apartments - Mr. Sodolak

Mr. Sodolak could not be present due to other engagements.
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2. UPD Update

Officer Donovan could not be present, but sent information through Michelle
Soucie. The information was regarding posting of speed limit signs, etc.
[Details are available in an email, which will be forwarded later - Vinod]
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3. Spring Picnic Update

Prakash and Sandeep are trying to get sponsors for the Spring Picnic to the
order of around $1500. They are also looking into getting sponsors for the
Ice-cream social (~$400). Loupots and HEB were suggested as possible
establishments to approach for sponsorships.
The Spring Picnic is no April 26. Volunteers are needed! Please contact
Maria if you are interested.
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4. Elections for the UACC Exec. Committee

Elections will be held for the UACC Exec. Committee during our next meeting
on April 15, 2003. The posts for which we will have elections are
President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. In addition any vacant
Area Representative positions also need to be filled.
If you are interested in serving on the UACC EC please contact Maria or one
of the existing office bearers
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5. Front Street Parking

During evenings parking doesn't seem to be a problem. But during mornings,
there seem to be more cars than spots. It appears that residents from other
areas are parking in Front St. since it is closer to campus. This is
causing Front Residents some problems, since they are not able to park
close to their homes and are having to walk as much as two blocks.
It was suggested that an appeal letter be sent to all residents asking them
to be considerate to other residents and not cause such inconveniences.
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6. Ball Street Parking

During Thursdays and Fridays there is a lot of unauthorized parking by
patrons to Hurricane Harrys the bar right across the road from the Ball
St. apartments. The University Apt. lots are 24 Hr reserved lots, except
possibly on weekends. So a valid permit is required at all times.
Parking violations can be reported to Parking dispatch upto 10pm at
845-9700.
It was suggested that some kind of guest tags be given to residents to
allow visitors/guests of apartment residents to park in the areas, since
there is no visitor parking available and it is unreasonable to expect
residents to obtain temporary parking permits (which require the car
licence plate number) in advance at all times.
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7. Child Safety

Since the weather is becoming more conducive to outdoor activities,
residents should be more careful about allowing children to play outside
and also to watch for children playing outside when driving. The problem is
especially acute in parking lots where children run out from behind parked
vehicles and are not always aware of cars pulling out. Those driving cars
are also not able to see kids behind their cars.
A Child Safety meeting will be held in this regard. It was suggested that a
video about child safety be made available for residents to check
out. Violators (parents) could also be required to attend these meetings
and/or watch these videos. The videos could also have information about
child safety inside houses and safety tips such as putting stickers on
things to be avoided.
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8. Cleanliness in the area

This isssue was discussed in previous meetings. The UA is working on a
report on this subject. Cleanliness campaigns will start soon.
Some action items include locating spaces for additional bike racks.
Flower pots are not allowed outside the apartments. Although this does not
contribute to untidiness, it was felt that allowing residents to keep
flower pots outside can lead to problems, since some might end up having a
lot of pots outside. It was suggested that a portion of the corridor,
etc. be designated for keeping pots. It was also suggested that in some
areas having small pots either hanging from hooks or placed in a corner do
not really pose a fire hazard. Those inspecting the areas for fire hazards
can be expected to make a judgement as to whether something constitutes a
fire hazard or not.
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9. Garden plots

Garden plots are ready. One resident complained that the wodden logs
surrounding the plots have been moved during tilling. Since these are heavy
it is difficult for residents to putthem back in place. It was also noticed
that there are fire ands in the logs and some of the logs are decaying.
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10. Cable TV problems

There appear to be problems with Cable channel 12, with some residents
complaining of not receiving it at all. Channel 8 also seems to have some
problems. Cox has been contacted about this and is expected to look into
this matter.
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11. Hate-Free Zone

Sandeep circulated a letter being circulated by an organization of
people. The letter is given to establishments encouraging them to put up a
sign which says that any form of expression of hatred will not be allowed
on it's premises. The request was for the UACC to consider putting up this
sign in the community center.
It was suggested that a more positive name be used.
No decision was taken in this aspect.
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12. Safety programs because of war

Since the UA community is predominantly international, the idea of having
safety programs for the residents was proposed. It was mentioned that the
ISS is very active in this aspect.
Residents having safety concerns or wanting to report any incidents can
contact Maria or the UACC representatives through Maria.
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13. Parents weekend

Ron Sasse from the Dept. of Resident Life attended the meeting and
encouraged the UA community to participate in Parents Weekend. More
information about this will be sent in the newsletter.
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14. Pizza during the next meeting

It was suggested that food be used as bait to lure residents to attend the
UACC meetings, especially the upcoming one where elections are going to be
held. We are looking into getting sponsors for this.
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15. International newspapers

Maria inquired about interest of residents in getting international
newspapers in the community center. It was mentioned that this might not be
that useful since the newspapers will arrive only several days late. And a
newspaper rack will also be needed. It was also felt that most people use
the internet to read international newspapers.
In this regard, one resident inquired about what happens to old
magazines. They can be recycled or be made available to residents to take.
The usage of the book lending library was also discussed. Not many people
seem to be using this facility.
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16. Recycling in the UA Community

Has been tried earlier but let to an unmitigated disaster since residents
were putting things like diapers, food stuff, etc. along with other
material. Sorting through them was turning out to be very time consuming
and troublesome.
It was suggested that the UACC can collect materials for recycling during
events.
Regular collections by UACC members could also be organized.
It was suggested that information about what to recycle, and keeping items
separate be circulated amongst residents to increase awareness.
There will be cleanliness drive during Earth Day during which time a
recycling drive could also be arranged.
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The office of resident life has the liberty to “encourage” the residents to have more active and constructive roles in the UA community.

There are many ways in which you can make a difference in your community.  If you are interested in becoming involved with the UACC, please visit with Mrs. Maria Clark, the advisor of UACC, in the Programming Office or call 862-2350.

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UACC would like to thank the attendees of this meeting