University Area Commission | Governance Committee Report
Meeting Details: Wednesday April 3, 2013, Northwood and High Building, Started 6:10 PM and Ended 7:02 PM
Attendance: (P: Present, A: Absent, E: Excused, G: Guest, R: Resigned) Sharon Young (P), Bill Graver (E), Lucas Dixon (P), Jim Bach (P), Zacery Kenitzer (P), Doreen Uhas-Sauer (E) and David Hegley (P)
1. Public Comments on Proposed by law changes and standing rules to be voted on April 17, 2013
• Question about absentee voting, it was decided we have taken on enough changes at this time but this will be investigated for future elections
• Question about standing rules to clarify what the one time bump means.
• The language is to grant a one time bump in the terms of all Commissioners in 2013.
1. Example: A term scheduled to end in June 2014, after the passage of this standing rule that term will now end in January 2015.
2. Discuss logistical changes for the move to November Elections in order to support the Newly appointed Election Committee
• If this change passes the election will be November 2, 2013
• Ohio State football game is at Purdue
• Recommended sites for the election are the Northwood and High Building and the Library
3. Discussion on concerns related to Commissioner Attendance
• Discussion items:
• This is a volunteer organization and that should be considered
• By accepting a position on the Commission that person has agreed to follow the by laws.
• Some feel it is disrespectful to the Commissioners who show up to the meeting
• A question was brought up with the 2 empty seats on the Commissioner is it better to have empty seats or times when people miss a meeting
• Some feel there are too many excused absences granted and question were we draw the line
1. We should consider asking the executive committee take this up and hold the chair more accountable on what should be considered excused.
2. Example: don’t give excused absences to Commissioners who do not make the effort to reach out to the chair or the president
• Better enforcement of current by laws
• First Vice President is responsible of keeping track of attendance and who is missing meetings.
1. Sharon Young has offered to help keep track of attendance for the Commission. She will reach out to see if this help is needed.
• Consider having the President call Commissioners that have habitual absences both excused and unexcused.
• Consider referring excused absences to Governance to rule on if they are appropriate or not
• The was general agreement that Governance is not a judicial body and ruling on abscesses is really not it’s role.
• Perhaps the Executive Committee should consider taking up this topic.
4. The second reading of the proposed election timing change impacting by laws, election rules and standing rules will be read at the April 17, 2013 meeting and a vote will be taken. A 2/3 majority is required to pass this change.
Next Meeting May 1, 2013 Northwood & High Building Room 100 @ 6:00 PM