Classified Staff Council Meeting Minutes

Thursday, 19-January-2012 1-2:30, CN 301

  1. Welcome, Introductions and Call to Order

Our meeting was called to order by President Will Kelley at 1:05 pm.

Present: Will Kelley, Evan Bowles, Truong Nguyen, Lee Taylor, Jim Blanchette, Metza Templeton, Michelle Padilla, Cathy Reddy, Brad Pepper, Ed Jacobs, Linda Sivertson, Ruth M’Gonigle and Pat Yarrow.

  1. Approval of Minutes

After a brief round table introduction by those present, our prior (December 2011) meeting minutes were seconded and approved.

  1. Special Guest

Natalie Lutes with the Administration, Finance and Facilities department, reported to us on the budget. As of our December revenue projections – things are looking a little better. As of this meeting, we will still see budget cuts again for the next fiscal year – Metro’s share of the cuts will most likely be a $1.6 million reduction in our operating budget. This will be a 4.5% cut from the prior year. This was based on the last three years enrollment numbers which all saw increases, but this term we have seen a reduction in our enrollment, so this may cause a further reduction. But the Summer 2012 term – if it rises – may help keep any cuts in check.

Note, the State’s budget, as recommended by our Governor, does not allow for any increase in our remuneration. But, it was mentioned that the Governor has recommended that the 2.5% PERA payment be returned to be paid by the employer instead of by us.

It was also stated that the ECO Pass will most likely be funded again for the next fiscal year as base funds have already been reserved for this account.

There may also be a reduction in Work Study funds, which may adversely affect departments who utilize these work study student employees.

Differential Tuitions are being looked at, but at present are not being considered as practical for Metro.

A big piece of this budget term regards the continuation of the Elderly Homestead Tax. This is a $100 million line item and if not continued, we could see a vast increase in the budget reduction to Higher Education.

The Lobato v. Colorado case could also have impacts on us if the courts require more funding to our Elementary, Secondary and High schools as any funding increases for them would come out of monies that we also use. But this, if it occurs, should be down the road a bit.

  1. Old Business

Thanks to all who attended the Twelfth Night luncheon we had on Friday, January 6 and a special thanks to Cathy Reddy for all the extra effort she provided in making this such a wonderful get together.

The Classified Staff Council Scholarship information including the application and a guide to completing this can be found on the CSCS web site at:

it is section titled Metro State Professional Development and Training – it is in the second paragraph. Please note the current application is for the old 2011 term, but it will be updated soon.

  1. New Business

We had no New Business discussions

  1. Regular Reports
  1. President’s Cabinet, Will Kelley CSC Representative

There was no report this period.

  1. Strategic Planning, Pat Yarrow CSC Recorder

There was no report this period.

  1. Alumni Board, Metza Templeton CSC Representative

There was short meeting – issues discussed were focused on the new Alumni Career Services and how they are busy with résuméreviews and they hired a new VP in this area. Also the name of Institutional Advancement has been changed to be Advancement External Relations. Additionally, it was mentioned that if an outside agency wishes to post job offering for our alums, they would need to contact our Alumni relations office to assist with this. National recognition of our Aviation Department was also mentioned – Metro State’s Flight Team has won the Loening Trophy, read about it on the web at:

The ACE program was also referenced, as well as the Homecoming celebrations the week of February 6th.

  1. Advisory Board, Metza Templeton CSC Representative

There was no report for this period.

  1. Advocacy Committee, Pat Yarrow CSC Representative

There was no report for this period, but should be by next months meeting.

  1. Elections, Vacant Chair

There was no report.

  1. Bylaws, Vacant Chair – Evan Bowles Chairperson

There was no report.

  1. Professional Development Committee, Pat Yarrow

Liz is working on the next brown bag luncheon meeting – it will regard on-line text books, how to order them and should occur in early March. Also the Advancement and External Relations team is working on free training on Raiser’s Edge – Rebel Saffold (#303 556-5137) will be our contact for more information on this.

  1. Scholarship Committee, Cheryl Sipe, Chair

There was no report for this period.

  1. Social Events Committee, Catherine Reddy, Chair

Our next social event will be this summer so stay tuned for more on this.

  1. Ways and Means, Jeanne Rendon, Chair

There was no report.

  1. Colorado Combined Campaign (CCC), Ed Jacobs, Chair

Ed reported we have concluded the drive and so far we have received approximately $7,500 so far. This is almost treble last year’s donations.

M. Exigency, Will Kelley, CSCS

There was no report for this period, but they will meet soon and we should have a report at our February meeting.

VII.Open Discussion

We will need volunteers for the upcoming elections to our Classified Staff Council officers - SOON. Elections will be in April!

We also posit – what changes do you, our members, want to see? Different meetings times?

Note we will be using the new Student Success Building for our meetings starting in March.

next CSC meeting: Thursday, 16-Feb from 1 - 2:30pm, Location: CN 301Page 1 of 4