Red Light.Green Light
Many Senators are still expressing concerns over the busy intersection of Forest Avenue, which has to be crossed to get to 11 Baxter Blvd home to the Student Senate office and various student organizations. Parliamentarian Jessica Roy said she spoke with traffic engineer, Larry Ash who works for the City of Portland. She said, “he wasn’t going to do anything about it.” Roy encourages members of the Senate to call Ash until they got a positive response from him.
Some senators suggested to use the Marginal Way bus and have the driver stop at 11 Baxter Blvd or using a crossing guard. However, Senators are looking into ways of working out the issue.
Nothing like good ol’ dorm cooking
Senator Andrew Goodman brought up his concerns over the removal of ovens from the kitchenettes of some residence halls. The concern with the oven is that it is a safety hazard. Goodman was directed by Senate Chair Leah Wentworth to the Director of Residential Life in Gorham..
Proposal to Change Senate Meetings Fails
A proposal sponsored by Parliamentarian Jessica Roy that would eliminate a clause that requires the Senate to alternate meetings between Portland and Gorham was voted down 4 to 8. It was decided that meetings would be primarily held in Portland for the fall semester. The meetings are planned to be held in Gorham for the spring semester due to lack of parking.
The Senate voted to strike the section of the Constitution that says no member of the Finance Committee may be a member of the Appointments Committee. The proposal passed 8 to 3 with much discussion, although some senators voiced concerns that it might be a conflict of interest. “It’s an awkward situation,” Senator Goodman said.
Knock.Knock. its.Craig Hutchinson
Craig Hutchinson dropped by the Senate meeting to fill the Senators in on the affairs over summer, and to give the senators some inspiring words for the new school year.
New member of Appointments Committee
Jamie Deering was accepted as a new member of the Appointments Committee. She is not a Senator but will be appointing senators to various committees and to the Senate itself.
The Appointments Committee is meeting on Thursday at 7pm to discuss the last At-Large Student appointment. Call Andrew Goodman for more information at 228-8501 at the Student Senate office.
Absent
Senators Kevin Chabot and Bridget Ring were absent. Chabot’s absence was excused.
Finances
The Finance Committee is still waiting on the final total of unallocated funds and was therefore unable to give the final total.