Minutes of UACC Meeting

Minutes of UACC Meeting (02/08/07)

Ramesh Sagili (Vice President): A formal welcome to the meeting.

Ron Sasse (Director of Reslife) – A short note about the budget

A draft of the budget for the fiscal year 2007-2008 will be submitted to the Vice president on Feb 22^nd for hearing. There has been a proposal to increase the rent by 4-5% for the coming fiscal year. The proposed increase will still leave a deficit of approximately $ 220,000. The following are the proposed rent increases for different styles of apartments (College Avenue – 4%, others – 5%).

Questions about the budget by the residents:

1) Why isn’t the rent increase uniform across all the apartments?

Ron Sasse: Efforts to lessen the burden on the higher end and making it more cost

Effective

2) Any availability/use of reserve funds?

Ron Sasse: New rules for use of the reserve funds implemented by the university are not met by the residence life. Hence, there is a need to pool the funds from the residence halls.

3) Any Possibility of retaining current rental rates for old residents?

Ron Sasse: No. Income cannot be generated from the new residents to subsidize the current residents. A 10% additional charge for the new residents cannot really substitute the deficit and cannot be done for the next fiscal year. This will be considered as a possible alternative in the future

4) During the fiscal year (2006-2007), a 10% rent increase was proposed because the ball street apartments were not leased out. Why is it done now when all the apartments are rented? What are the reasons for the additional expenses?

Ron Sasse: Only 80% of them are occupied and not 100%. Additional expenses incurred include an increase in auxiliary fee (3.52%), higher utility prices (gas and electric) and expenses incurred as a result of fire explosion.

5) Why is there a 4-5% increase in rent when there is just a 1% increase in auxiliary fee? Why is there a rental hike in spite of having income being generated from Avenue A apartments?

Ron Sasse: Income generated from Avenue A has helped the Reslife in keeping the expenses low. A conscious attempt was made in keeping the expenses as low as possible.

6) Any possibility of scheduling a session with the residents to discuss the budget proposals?

Ron Sasse: Definitely if it is required and the budget is available online.

7) Any proposal for a minimal increase (1-2%) every year rather than a 5-10% increase?

Ron Sasse: A 4-5% increase still leaves a budget deficit. Several units in Avenue A are offline because they are not in good shape. Additional costs were incurred for renovation.

Concluding Comments about the Budget:

Ron Sasse: More information will be shared as soon as possible.

Kristi Hosea, Master Officer, UPD – VIP program of community awareness

A proposal to implement a new program at National Night Out this year in August. Any concerns with issues such as landscape, lighting facilities, suspicious activity can be reported to the concerned official by the residents. The program is intended to increase awareness about the facilities available in the community and also to promote a sense of ownership to the residents. The COPS program will be incorporated into the title (RSCP – Residents Supporting COPS Program).

Kate Kiernat, Coordinator of Apartment Services – online orientation and laundry

The online orientation for the residents was in response to the explosion leading a fire accident. The deadline has been extended to Feb 11^th midnight. As part of the orientation all residents are required to complete two quizzes (section 1 and 3). Failure to comply will meet Kate individually.

Laundry facilities: Apartment keys can be used to access the laundry rooms. Signs have been posted.

Playground hours: Open from dawn to dusk.

Other Issues

Voting Privileges on GSC: Sheri, President of GSC

UACC expressed interest for voting privileges on GSC for better representation of concerns at the graduate student council. However, there have been conflicts with regards to the constitution of GSC (UA is not 100% graduate). It has been suggested that UACC can gain voting privileges as NDO (Non-departmental organization).

Maintenance and Facility Updates

A bump has been fixed on the ball street

Alternatives for fixing motor in the exhaust in Avenue A apartments

Proposal to telecast cricket world cup matches live

Air pump blocked – Have an area designated for 15 min parking

Events and Announcements

Valentine Event – Feb 9^th, 6-9 for children and 7-9 for adult residents

I-week – Feb 28 – March 2^nd. Prepare UACC display

Career Center Satellite Office Open House – Feb 15 th 6-8 pm (COPS office)

Raghu Jana (VP for Information Technology) – Website is in the process of

construction. Is unavailable for a while.

An update on the TV channels will be provided soon.

Suggestion for an addition of fitness channel.

Appreciation List

Ramesh Sagili, UACC Vice President on behalf of the UACC leaders & residents

Reslife and UA administration and staff and UPD – for their open communication, maintenance improvements (such as road repairs, additional lighting for the complex, blue light, bus stop), resources and services and the new on-line orientation training.
Leadership Living Learning Community and UA Program Staff for organizing the International Potluck Dinner. The RA’s, & UA Program staff for hosting the Super Bowl Party.
Resident, UA Program Coordinator, and Transit Supervisor with TAMU Transportation Department – for their assistance in getting the shuttle bus to depart at the schedule departure time at the UA bus stop.
Graduate Student Council, for assisting and working with UACC to get our concerns regarding voting privileges on the GSC’s agenda.
Volunteer groups such as IGSA, GSC and RHA that assist with the events the UACC host.

Concluding Remarks

Thank you for coming. Meeting adjourned.