University Apartments Community Council General Body Meeting Minutes for 10/12/06
The meeting began at 6:30 pm with a welcome by President Venkat Goruganti. Denise Lancaster presented the Regional Community Award for “Community Service Program of the Month, August 2006” to UACC for the National Night Out program conducted by UACC for the past few years.
Walt Magnussen, Telecommunications Director for TAMU, spoke about the history and current changes in cable TV and internet on campus. He said that for a long time (12-13 years) the cable contract was direct between the students and the cable company. But later TAMU took it upon itself to provide CATV. The latest renewal was driven by student input and is a satellite based service. The present contract with the Delaware-based company is valid for three years. Dr. Magnussen said that the current contract offered TAMU flexibility in its choice of channels and in adding some channels if necessary. He said that three channels – AZN, FOOD and HGTV – would be added in the next 2-3 weeks. He said that since the previous contract ended, all the maintenance has been in-house and not from a cable company. Hence, there have been a few hiccups while they set everything in place. Also, there was no CATV technician on the staff, which has been remedied now by the hiring of one. He also answered questions from the UA residents about the quality of video, channels missing, and internet loss of service. He said that his department is looking into alternate avenues such as Internet2 to bring international channels to campus. Other measures include upgrades to the internet system, stocking of spares for all critical equipment to reduce service down-time.
Officer Dee Donovan of the University Police Department spoke about safety issues. She distributed new brochures on campus safety titled “Keeping our community safe and secure”. Officer Donovan reminded the residents that no solicitors are allowed in the UA area without express permission, and to report any such cases immediately. She also spoke about the North Gate shuttle being operated on Friday and Saturday evenings for safe passage through the North Gate area. She also spoke about the sidewalk/crosswalk closure on University drive and about upcoming safety programs.
Wandalyn Shanklin advised of upcoming programs. Events include a Fire Extinguisher training on Oct 13th, Family Olympics on Oct 14th at the Lamiya Memorial Park & Playground, a job search workshop – Seeking Work Authorization Sponsorship – on Oct 26th, and Harvest Festival on Oct 27th. November events are the OPAS Family Night on Nov 10th, UPD Personal Safety program tentatively on Nov 15th, Career Center mock interviews on Nov 16th (tentative) and the International Potluck Dinner on Nov 22nd. She passed out sign-up sheets for the potluck.
Kate Kiernat said that the issue of getting a new mail box for outgoing main near the Hensel mailboxes was being looked into, and she would have a definite answer by the next meeting.
Ron Sasse, Director for Residence Life, spoke about the construction of new apartment blocks. He showed plans drawn up by the architects and the proposed area for construction of these apartments. He said that the plans would be available for viewing by residents at the UA Community Center office. He asked the council’s opinion on the need to hold a separate meeting to discuss the department’s budget for the next year. It was felt that it would be better to have a separate meeting to discuss the issue as some residents may be interested in attending the meeting.
Environmental Safety Technician for Fire and Life Safety, Billie Rose Kastelitz from EHSD, gave a presentation on Fire Safety procedures. She offered tips on preventing fires at home, especially in the kitchen. Safety measures included watching what you are cooking, keeping kids and pets away, and using microwave safe containers. She also spoke about how to put out grease fires and oven fires.
UACC President Venkat Goruganti gave an update about the Football Symposium, the second part of which would be held on Oct 14th