UACC meeting On September 23th, 2004

 

University Apartments Residence Meeting held on September 23^th, 2004.

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The attendees were:

 

Mr. Christopher Meyer, Director Environmental Health and Safety

Dr. Jan Winniford, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs

Mr. Ron Sasse, Director of Residence Life

Dr. Suzanne Droleskey, Director, International Student Programmes

Mr. William J. Taylor, Program Coordinator, International Student Activities

Mr. Charles Sippial, Vice President of Administration

 

Student leaders, UACC officers, UA residents, representatives of the media, members of UA maintenance and management and others

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Meeting minute

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The following issues have been discussed during the meeting:

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·        Welcome and UACC announcements by Rahul Ribeiro – UACC President

·        Moment of silence in honor of late Mrs. Rabeya Chaudhury and Lamiya Zahin

·        Announcements of events for the semester were made by Alireza Shapoury, VP – UACC

o       Halloween- Oct. 29

o       Family Week- Nov. 6 to 13

o       World Culture Day- Nov. 6

o       International Buffet- Nov. 13

o       Consult Newsletters for any other event that has been added

·        Student Body President Jackson Hildebrand and Graduate Student Council President Cassandra Rutherford shared a few ideas with the residents

·        Dr. Suzanne Droleskey took over as moderator of the meeting

 

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The University administrators first made announcements and spoke about future plans and later answered questions from residents.

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The first speaker was Mr. Christopher Meyer. The contents of his talk were:

 

·        The Fire Marshall’s report is a preliminary report and not a complete report.

·        Standard pressure tests (according to State of Texas regulations) on the gas pipelines were conducted and any defects were quickly repaired. If the standards were not met, the entire piping system was replaced.

·        The university is committed to safety and they will respond immediately to any hazard.

·        Mr. Meyer mentioned about the State fire Marshall calling all agencies across the state to conduct pressure testing and that because of the fire TAMU is ahead.

·        Plans are being made to regularly test gas lines.

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The second speaker was Dr. Jan Winniford. The contents of her talk were:

 

·        Primary reason for the delay in the University addressing the fire and safety issues is due to District Attorney’s investigation. As soon as it is over the University’s task forces will start their work.

·        Dr. Gates has established a Presidential Task Force to review University Apartments and University maintenance processes to be chaired by Dr. Jerry Griffin, Distinguished Professor of Management and Executive Associate Dean of the Mays School of Business. The Task Force will begin its work immediately following the completion of the investigation by the District Attorney.

·        Dr. Dean Bresciani, Vice President for Student Affairs, has established a University Apartments Customer Service and Communications Review Team to be chaired by Dr. Jan Winniford, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. The Review Team will begin meeting with residents and staff immediately following the completion of the investigation by the District Attorney.

·        The Task Forces will evaluate issues relating to University Apartments and information will be given to President Gates.

·        UA Customer service & Communication Team will assess the over all satisfaction for customer service and communication.

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The third speaker was Mr. Ron Sass. The contents of his talk were:

 

·        The university will respond to every problem and TAMU is known for students having access to the system.

·        Preventive Maintenance System: How we can be more preventive to hazards and hire additional staff for maintenance staff. A full time personal will be available from 4.30pm to 12pm.

·        Long term plans: Replace all the gas stoves with non pilot light ignition type. Targeting to replace them by the end of the Year.

·        Orientation for the new people moving in to the apartments. Equipment’s similar to the ones in the apartments will be in the maintenance office for demonstration purpose.

·        Customer service and maintenance surveys will be conducted.

·        More personnel for Customer service and maintenance to help build a better international community.

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The fourth speaker was Dr. Suzanne Droleskey. The contents of her talk were:

 

·        The Korean Student Association had collected $400 +  for Ejaz’s family and the Association of Former Students has collected $21,000.

·        She also mentioned that Saquib’s father is soon to be released from intensive care and that the university is dedicated to help the family.

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Question and answer session:

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Gas issues and safety

 

·        One-foot long hole in gas pipeline leading to U1J building – It was due to corrosion and the university maintenance say they are not sure why it wasn’t discovered. No complaints were made until the incident. The university officials were unable to explain why it went undetected. Mr. Meyer said “I don’t have an answer for you.” He accepted that there was no periodic check done on the gas pipelines.  Gas leaks were not considered a serious hazard untill now.

·        The gas leak detected that week (of Sept 20, 2004) was mentioned and Mr. Meyer informed the leak was external and not inside an apartment. It was a minor leak.

·        Till the master Meter the gas lines are TXU’s responsibility and from there the Physical plant is responsible.

·        Regarding positioning of the gas monitor, Mr. Meyer mentioned that the gas is lighter than air and rises to the ceiling first, therefore the detectors were placed as high as possible. About being put in the bedroom, he said he will check with maintenance why it was put there and let the UACC know about it. Mr. Meyer also mentioned that the monitors will be checked every two years.

·        Training can be arranged for using the fire extinguishers.

·        Ali (VP-UACC) indicated from online Fire Marshals reports that UA was not inspected whereas other residential buildings were inspected. Also pictures of uninspected fire extinguishers were shown. Mr. Meyer replied that inspections were done, he has all the inspection reports and will get them to us.

·        Mr. Meyer explained about method used to test the gas lines inside the apartments.

·        About pedestrian crossing across University Dr. at the junctions of Calvin Moore St. and College Ave., Mr. Meyer said that they were being evaluated and recommendations considered for a crosswalk,traffic signal and a sidewalk along College Ave.

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General concerns

 

·        One of the students said that the university must be willing to accept criticisms and students feel that their needs are not being met by the UA officials.

·        Dr. Droleskey mentioned that all emotions and questions are legitimate and the task forces will be put to work and the students are responsible to give all the information so they can work better.

·        Dr. Droleskey also mentioned that Ejaz’s personal and financial situation cannot be discussed in a public meeting and that she will not be able to make a statement that TAMU will take care of all medical expenses.

·        The DA’s office is a separate entity to protect the people. They don’t charge anything. They decide if there is enough evidence and take the case to court. The District Attorney is an elected official.

 

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Apartment concerns

 

·        Mr.Ron Sasse said that in order to provide all services the rent will have to be increased.

·        The cost of replacing the gas pipelines was covered by Residence Life reserve funds and will not be covered by increased rent.

·        Plans are being made for landscaping and suggestions are welcome.

·        Department of Residence Life is waiting for heavy construction equipment to come in before repairing the roads.

·        Elimination of Maintenance Staff - Action through evaluation will be taken after the DA’s report.

·        On questions about increased utility bills, Mr. Sasse mentioned that the rates had gone up.

·        About the damaged pathways due to the gas pipeline replacement, the physical plant will repair them.

·        Gates on the fence along College Avenue were replaced the day of the meeting.

 

 

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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