UACC meeting On October 14th, 2002

 

University Apartments Residence Meeting held on October 14^th, 2002.

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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. Recreation room usage/computer usage
 

The problem of providing a quiet and convenient environment for adult
residents to use the computers was discussed. It was found that several
children are using the computers, downloading games, etc. In addition since
the computers are in the same room as the TV, etc. residents wanting to do
serious work on the computers are hampered by surrounding noise and other
disturbances. It was also found that some non-residents who come to use the
laundry room (which is not a problem) also come and use the computers.
Beginning Monday, October 21, residents must be 14 or older to use the
computers. Computer access codes will be distributed to all residents to
prevent non-residents from (mis)using the computers.
Resident Life IT dept. is also looking at getting
content-filtering/content-blocking software at the server level to prevent
users from accessing website that are inappropriate for a common community
environment where children are present. This has been reported as a problem
before.
Various points were raised/discussed
* Residents not logging off the computers
* Separate room for the computers or for the play area
-> No physical space available in the community center
-> Can have a time window when kids are allowed in the rec. room
-> Poses problems for parents/grandparents bringing kids along.
* Kids found playing with magazines and books
-> Need more supervision
* Give logins only to those who want it. Residents can also be made to sign
an agreement about usage of the computers similar to what is in force in
most labs on campus.
* Too much noise during movies
-> Put up signs
-> Hiring additional student worker for movies
-> Residents not communicating problems with the CC assistant.
-> Popcorn during movies seems to be a problem
-> Separate movie nights for adults and kids
-> Parents with kids might not be able to come
-> Baby-sitting for kids to allow parents to watch movies
-> Free baby sitting is not allowed because of risk issues
-> Kids are not always the problem. Adults indulge in chatter/talk too
as was witnessed during the Recognition Party.
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2. Family Week Events

Volunteers are needed to setup booths/tables displaying items of interest
from their countries for the "Cultural Day" to kick of Family Week. A
limited amount of money is available for providing food items as
snacks. For more information please contact Katia or Maria
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3. Dumpsters

Dumpsters are posing problems for residents whose apartments are close to
them because of the smell. The problem seems to be especially acute in the
Ball St. area.
-> Pick-up schedule might be a problem. Some dumpsters are picked up as and
when they get filled up. Others have a regular schedule (weekly/bi-weekly)
-> People leave trash outside the dumpsters
-> There is a $25 fine for this. If residents see others leaving their
trash outside they can report it to the UA Office.
-> Dumpsters can't be easily moved away from the apartments, because the
dump-trucks require access to the dumpsters and the dumpsters have to be
kept on concrete.

3a. The issue of having fines for various violations was discussed
-> UA office is responsible for enforcing the fines
-> Proper enforcement is required. Informing residents through newsletters
doesn't seem to be having desired effect.
-> The larger issue is one of respect for neighbors and the community.
-> How do we create awareness about this?
-> Talk about it during events - get residents to talk
-> Storing items outside the apartments is a fire hazard and carries a
fine.
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4. Parking lines in the parking lots

Most of the lines are hardly visible and it's difficult for residents to
park properly. The Physical plant is responsible for this and the work is
done through a contractor.
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5. Electricity bill

Many residents (almost all present) felt that the electricity bills have
been very high the past couple of months. Even with thermostat's set at or
above 80 degrees the bill ends up being very high.
-> August and September are generally hottest and thus most expensive
-> One resident raised the issue of the meters being calibrated regularly
-> Meters haven't been recalibrated since they were
installed. Re-calibration is not a periodic affair
-> Residents can check the meter readings for the electricity bill and also
the location of their meters (UA office will provide this information)
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6. The problem of residents leaving their clothes in the washers/dryers was
briefly discussed.
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7. Sandeep Bhatnagar was nominated as our new Vice-President. A very warm
welcome to him from other members of the UACC!
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8. Other items on the agenda could not be discussed for lack of time
-> Pest control
-> Parking tags/PTTS

Contact Information:

Advisor: Maria - mariac@housing.tamu.edu
President: Katia - kamstalden@hotmail.com
Vice-President: Sandeep - sbhatnagars@yahoo.com
Treasurer: Marcel - m-amstalden@neo.tamu.edu
Secretary: Vinod - vinod@tamu.edu

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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