MARSHALL UNIVERSITY CLASSIFIED STAFF COUNCIL MINUTES
 THURSDAY, June 27, 2002
Athletic Building  

President Barrett called the meeting to order at 1:07 pm and asked for approval and/or discussion regarding minutes of last meeting .   With no changes or discussion, the minutes were accepted.  President Barrett introduced and welcomed newly elected members of Council.  

President Barrett advised that this being the last meeting of the year the only business conducted would be Year-End Reports by Committees and the election of new officers.  The following reports were given by
STANDING COMMITTEES:               

                                Membership/Election                         Carla Cook
                                Legislative Affairs/Athletics                 Jill Burcham
                                Personnel                                           Sonja Mckenna
                                Physical Environment                          Betty Cook
                                Staff Development                              Muhammad Chaudhry
                                Graduate School                                 Martha Pierson
                                 Service Awards                                Joe Wortham
                                 Service Committee                             Given by President Barrett
                                Ethics Committee                                Patsy Stephenson
                                University Functions                            Charlene Hawkins
                                Financial Affairs                                   Elizabeth Graybeal 

President Barrett thanked each one for serving in their capacity and for the works they accomplished throughout the year. 

**ACCE: Stephanie Neal
Stephanie reported that the Retreat will be held July 30-31, 2002 at Heritage Farm.  The details are still being  finalized regarding the videoconference.  A representative from TIAA-CREF, Tom Susman, PEIA, Chancellor Mullen, and Tom Jones, HEPC Chair,  have confirmed participation.  Stephanie reiterated to Council the importance of attendance at the videoconference.  This is the one time we can direct our questions and concerns to these representatives and hear directly the comments and input they have.  

LuAnn South brought forth several concerns regarding our insurance that she feels employees need to be aware of and this would be the opportune time to have response from Mr. Susman concerning these issues.  With the increase we are expecting in our insurance many questions remain unanswered about our coverage.  This again shows why employees should be in attendance of this meeting. 

Stephanie reported also that ACCE advised members to go back to their respective Staff Councils and ask for questions or concerns that they would like directed to the guests during the conference as well. Stephanie requested that Staff submit to her any concerns or items they would like to have brought forth for discussion during this conference.

Stephanie reported also that at the last Policy Commission Meeting some minor technical changes had been made to Series 31, 35, and 45. 

Stephanie also passed out a list of parking fees at the various institutes throughout the state.  Rates varied in many aspects with each institution. 

Stephanie reported that the Chancellor seems determined to develop a merit policy for classified employees.  This is a great concern, as this will probably only benefit a chosen few in regards to receiving a raise.  Stephanie reported that at the past ACCE meeting members were asked to go back to their respective Staff Councils and ask what they perceive the definition of merit to be.  Much discussion went into this issue of unfairness to employees because we have some employees now at poverty level.  By not receiving a cost of living raise, their standard of living will be even lower.   As Council members we need to make fellow employees aware of the situation that we may be facing and make our voices heard.  This again would be an opportune time to voice our concern at the videoconference to our legislative representatives.** 

President Barrett stated our June meeting is normally for Council Committees to give their End-of-Year Reports and election of officers.  Since Mr. Jim Stephens, Director of Human Resources was in attendance, she asked Council for a vote to waive the rules and allow Mr. Stephens to speak.  He gave the following information: 

• The Payroll Office and Finance Department have determined that we will start collecting the PEIA health insurance premium over both paychecks each month starting in July 2002.  This will only be done for the health insurance premium, not for the optional disability.
• Regular –status classified and non-classified employees will receive an informational letter announcing their FY 2003 annual salary and annual increment amount.  This  letter will be distributed before the July mid-month paycheck is received.
• Mr. Stephens distributed a copy of several changes suggested to the Classified Staff Handbook.

 President Barrett called for nomination of new officers and the following were unanimously voted to serve:

                        President                  Nina Barrett
                        Vice President           Joe Wortham
                        Secretary                   Cora Westmoreland
                        Parliamentarian        Muhammad Chaudhry 

President Barrett thanked Council for the nomination as President and looks forward to the challenge of another year of trying to resolve many of the issues we have discussed today.  She welcomed the newly elected officers and thanked them for their willingness to serve. 

President Barrett recognized and presented certificates of appreciation to Staff Council Members who served as Standing Committee Chairs and Faculty Senate Representatives. 

After conclusion of all business at hand Joe Wortham asked President Barrett for the floor.  He then presented President Barrett with a gift from Council in appreciation for the hard work she has done in the past as well as the continued effort she puts forth on behalf of Council. 

With no further business the meeting adjourned at 2:45 pm.  
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**Minutes amended per Staff Council, July 18, 2002.