I. General
A. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Willie Minor at 2:40 p.m.
Members Present: Jeff Andelora, Freddie Anttila, Judy Boschult, Tom Butler, Joanna Chamberlain, Gay Garesche, Donna Gaudet, Willie Minor, John Nelson, Joe Ortiz, Mark Richard, Laura Ruiz-Scott, Dennis Shaw, Gail Shay, Scott Silberman, Sandra Stuebner, Larry Williams, Cori Wright.
Minutes were taken by Carrie Taylor.
B. Approval of Agenda
Freddie Anttila added Peerpoint Editor Compensation as Item D. under New Business. The agenda was approved as amended.
C. Approval of the September 28, 1999 Minutes
Sandra Stuebner asked that the last sentence in the CGCC Report be deleted. Cori Wright asked that the SMCC report be corrected. The minutes were approved as amended.
D. Treasurer's Report - September 1999
Mark Richard reviewed the September 1999 Treasurer's Report with Council. Gay Garesche remarked that the expense for printing the Peerpoint! was low. Tom Butler asked that a year-to-date report with the remaining balance in each category be included with the monthly report. Council agreed that this would start with the October 1999 Treasurer's Report.
E. Committee Reports
1. Professional Growth
Willie Minor stated that the Professional Growth Committee was very busy with the sabbatical process at this time.
2. EBAC
Council moved into Executive Session to discuss this issue.
3. FAC
No report.
4. Legislative
No report.
Gay Garesche asked that a report for Meet and Confer be added to the Committee Reports starting at the next Council meeting.
II. Old Business
A. LOA Changes in the 1999-2000 RFP Draft
Willie Minor stated that he needed direction from Council on what to do about the definition of Catastrophic Illness in the RFP. He compared for Council the language in the 1998/99 RFP that was inserted unilaterally by Employment, and the language in the TA'd document signed by Phil Randolph and Jim Daugherty. He made the point that in the TA'd language, there was no definition of Catastrophic Illness, just a series of nineteen dots. It was suggested that the dots remain in the RFP for now. The point was made that the business world may have a broader definition of Catastrophic Illness then the language that was inserted into the RFP by Employment. Another point was made that Council should look at the language that Blue Cross/Blue Shield uses for defining Catastrophic Illness. Willie Minor was asked if an MOU would temporarily fix the issue of not having a definition in the RFP. Willie Minor responded that an MOU would fix the problem for this year. Donna Gaudet made a motion to leave the TA'd language of the definition of Catastrophic Illness as the series of dots. Gay Garesche seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously.
B. Dual Enrollment
Gay Garesche stated that she did not read the September 14, 1999, Council minutes thoroughly and wanted to make Council aware of correct information that was reported incorrectly in the aforementioned minutes. It was stated that some faculty depend on dual enrollment for their jobs. Gay Garesche took issue with that statement, saying that faculty do not depend on dual enrollment for their jobs. She explained that dual enrollment courses are counted in FTSE and that dollars do come to the colleges as a result. However, she shared a scenario with Council of a student who might take a dual enrollment course through one of the colleges. Then, after graduation, the student enrolls in an MCCCD college, and the student does not have to take the course done as dual enrollment. The more courses taken by students while in high school who then come to MCCCD, the lower enrollment on the college campuses will be. Gay Garesche stated that if this scenario happens enough, then enrollment in courses at the colleges will drop and retrenchment will follow.
Sandra Stuebner said that she had received a request from the CGCC's President's office asking her to name some representatives for a dual enrollment ad hoc committee. She stated that she also received an A1 stating that Jim Reed and Willie Minor are the faculty representatives on the dual enrollment finance model committee. She asked for more information about the dual enrollment ad hoc committee. Willie Minor stated that he would seek out more information at the next CEC meeting and update Council.
Council started to discuss concerns about dually-enrolled high school students taking the COMPASS and ASSET tests and how those tests are used to place students at the colleges. Council was informed that ACT and other groups have said that those tests cannot be used to measure college-preparedness. It was stated that a dual enrollment program should require that the student take the ASSET exam in order to take the dual enrollment course at the high school. Willie Minor stated that this issue was one that Council's dual enrollment subcommittee needs to discuss and bring a recommendation back to Council. He suggested that Jim Reed be contacted with concerns since he in the chair of the dual enrollment subcommittee.
C. AZ AAUP State Delegates/Constitution
Willie Minor stated that the Council has two continuing delegates and need to select a third delegate to the AZ AAUP state meetings. Tom Butler asked for more information on the responsibilities of the state delegates. Freddie Anttila stated that the delegates attend the state meetings and represent the MCCCD faculty. She continued that the delegates vote on issues that come before the state committee. Freddie Anttila was asked if Carol Bernstein had sent any memos out regarding AZ AAUP issues. She responded that one memo was sent out regarding the University of Arizona faculty member who was a Whistleblower. The University of Arizona was ordered to reinstate the faculty member and to pay back pay to the faculty member. Willie Minor reminded Council to review the AZ AAUP Constitution which Council received and to bring forth comments at the next Council meeting.
D. FPGC Secretarial Support
Willie Minor stated that research had found that using a temporary service employee to take and transcribe the minutes at the Professional Growth Committee meetings may be more expensive than Council had anticipated. It was reported that the lowest cost found was between $17.50 - $18.50 per hour. Council was informed of other cost quotes. Willie Minor stated that Jeanne Christen had taken the minutes at the last Professional Growth Committee meeting and was paid twenty dollars. She was asked if she would be willing to take the minutes for future meetings, and she stated that she could. A concern was voiced that Jeanne Christen was already extremely busy with Professional Growth Committee work. Dennis Shaw made a motion for Council to approve Jeanne Christen to take and transcribe the minutes for Professional Growth Committee meetings and for Council pay her thirty dollars per meeting. John Nelson seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion passed with three abstentions. Willie Minor was asked if the District had guidelines about this issue. Willie Minor stated that this issue was not in the District's parameters because Council is paying Jeanne Christen to take the minutes. Council discussed the amount of time involved in taking and transcribing the minutes.
E. Professional Growth Reassigned Time
Willie Minor informed Council that the Professional Growth Chair has asked that Council support efforts to obtain reassigned time for all Professional Growth Committee representatives. He stated that three colleges do not give the Professional Growth Committee representatives reassigned time whereas the other seven colleges do. It was stated that consistency was needed district-wide. Willie Minor stated that he could approach the Deans of Instruction at the three colleges for Professional Growth reassigned time if Council wanted him to do so. It was stated that this was a Meet and Confer issue. One Council member reported that initially the Dean of Instruction(DI) at the member's campus said no to reassigned time, however, when the DI learned that a precedent had been set at other colleges, the DI gave the Professional Growth representatives extended contracts. The point was made that the discussion of reassigned time for Professional Growth representatives should stay at the college level with the College Faculty Senate Presidents approaching their DIs or College Presidents instead of Willie Minor doing so. Also, it was stated that this issue could be handled in the Meet and Confer process. It was stated that the seven other colleges are either giving reassigned time or extended contracts. Council discussed the amount of reassigned time that each representative should get. Council agreed that the College Faculty Senate Presidents should contact the College Presidents regarding reassigned time for Professional Growth Committee representatives.
III. New Business
A. Bank One Savings Account
Mark Richard distributed copies of some information he had obtained from the Web regarding money market and CD rates at different banks. He reminded Council of the amount of money which the Faculty Association has in its two savings accounts. He stated that he had spoken with representatives at Bank One and at Desert Schools about transferring the money into higher interest bearing accounts. Council reviewed the information. Mark Richard pointed out that the document contained good information to answer some questions that Council may have. Mark Richard was asked about the interest rates at Bank One and Desert Schools. He reviewed the current interest rates and the penalties for early withdrawals. The point was made that the money in accounts at banks and credit unions are only insured up to one hundred thousand dollars. Gay Garesche stated that it was for this reason that Council opened up the Bank One savings account a few years ago. Mark Richard stated that he had tried to contact some of the banks listed in the document but had no success. He asked Council how to handle this issue. Willie Minor suggested that Mark Richard research this issue more and come back to Council with a recommendation. Council agreed with this course of action.
B. Computer for Faculty Association President
Mark Richard stated that, with the precedence set where other colleges have allowed Faculty Association Presidents to bring their computers to District, he and Rosemary Kesler would approach the GWCC President with the same request. If the GWCC President says no, then he would ask Council to allow Rosemary Kesler to lease a computer while she is Faculty Association President. It was suggested that Council approve buying a computer and associated software as it would be a good investment. A concern was raised that if the Council purchased the hardware, would it be connected by the District? A point was made that the Faculty Association had purchased a printer two years ago and there was no problem getting it connected to the District computer system. Larry Williams made a motion that Council approve the purchase of a computer and appropriate software for the Faculty Association President's office. Dennis Shaw seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion passed with one abstention.
C. Change in "Y" Grade
Willie Minor reminded Council that Joe Ortiz had brought up this topic for discussion at the last Council meeting. Willie Minor informed Council that Council members had copies, in their Council folders, of the A1 and the proposed administrative regulation that were sent out last Spring. He stated that the proposed administrative regulation was posted to the web and not sent out over A1, thus many faculty did not know of the changes because they did not go to the website to read the proposal. Also, he said that putting information on the web was not the usual process. Willie Minor was asked why the A1 and information came from the Legal Department and not from Mike Rooney's office. The process which had been set up was to have a review committee address Common Pages issues. Since last year, Marie Fenske has been the faculty representative on the Common Pages Committee. Willie Minor asked if Council wanted more representatives on the committee. Ten representatives on the committee was suggested. One Council member pointed out that language in the Common Pages had been removed from the counseling services sections and placed into the program advisors section. Gay Garesche suggested that Council should inform Marie Fenske of this issue and also ask that the administrative regulation be rescinded because the normal review process was not followed. Willie Minor stated that the appropriate people should be informed that the web is not the appropriate format or vehicle to get messages to the faculty. It was suggested that faculty and others should be alerted to major changes as well. It was asked if the change in the "Y" grade was in the current catalogs. Joe Ortiz responded that it was in the current catalogs. Council discussed the problem that many people, such as faculty and DIs were unaware of the changes made. It was suggested that a representative from each college as well as some Deans of Instruction sit on the Common Pages review committee if allowed. Willie Minor stated that he will speak with Mike Rooney about Council's concerns and suggestions.
D. Peerpoint Editor Compensation
Freddie Anttila stated that Council needed to address the issue of compensation for the Peerpoint Editor. Council was informed of the different ways compensation for Peerpoint Editors has been handled. Freddie Anttila made a motion of approve a six hour stipend to be placed in the budget for the Peerpoint Editor. Tom Butler seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion passed with one abstention.
It was stated that there were good comments about the recent Peerpoint! issue. Gay Garesche was asked how other faculty can contribute to the Peerpoint! She responded that faculty could contact her as her phone number was on the Peerpoint! She was asked if a byline would be printed if another faculty member wrote an article. She said yes, a byline would be printed. The comment was made that the masthead should be enlarged to more clearly identify the publisher of the Peerpoint! as the District Faculty Association and not any individual campus. Gay Garesche informed Council that the next Peerpoint! would focus on employment issues and that it would be printed in a couple of weeks.
IV. Information
A. Pima County Community Colleges Employee Bonus
This item was referred by Willie Minor. There was no recommended action since this item was for information purposes.
Discussion Points:
Council made no further recommendation.
B. PeopleSoft/Payroll
This item was referred by Tom Butler. The recommended action was for Council to take action to address this issue.
Discussion Points:
Council recommended that this issue be moved into New Business immediately for motions.
Gay Garesche made a motion that the PeopleSoft/Payroll topic be moved into New Business for motions on the EBAC/LOA and PeopleSoft/Payroll issues. Mark Richard seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously.
Council discussed the great concern over the PeopleSoft/Payroll issue, the EBAC issue, and the LOA issue. It was stated that Council needs to act now and not delay any further.
Council discussed options to address the EBAC/LOA issue. Larry Williams made a motion for the Faculty Association President to request that Mike Napier send a letter to Dr. Cardenas stating that the proposed EBAC action item being sent to the Governing Board on October 26, 1999 is in violation of the Residential Faculty Policies manual, stating that the proper process for changing policies which affect faculty is in the Meet and Confer process, and requesting that the action item be pulled from consideration by the Governing Board. Gay Garesche seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously. It was stated that sending the letter to Dr. Cardenas would show him that the faculty wants to work with the administration. The point was made that if there was no response, then Council could contact the Governing Board.
Council discussed the issue of the Flex Credit dollars being included in the gross pay amount of employee pay checks. Other problems with PeopleSoft have included faculty not being paid in the summer and state retirement not being deducted from the first pay check under the PeopleSoft system. Judy Boschult made a motion to have Willie Minor ask Mike Napier to provide a legal opinion on the recent delay in paying District Employees and to provide a legal opinion on the issue of PeopleSoft calculating benefits into the gross pay rather than the benefits being calculated into pre-tax dollars. Dennis Shaw seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously.
A concern was voiced about Mike Napier interacting directly with the Payroll Department to obtain an explanation of what is going on with PeopleSoft. A point was made that employees should not have to pay their own accountants to figure out what is going on with payroll. Willie Minor stated that there is a person at each campus that has the manual information that can answer questions about PeopleSoft. It was stated that Council needs to find out who those people are. Another point was made that it seems that the employees hold the burden to figure out the problems with PeopleSoft and that this was not right. It was suggested that Dr. Waechter and a payroll staff member come to address Council's concerns. Another suggestion was to have the Auditor General investigate the problems associated with PeopleSoft so Council would not have to pay for an audit. Gay Garesche stated that Rod Brooker was compiling information from the responses to his A1 about the October 8th payroll delay and could report on the concerns he gathers. She suggested that Chuck Milliner would also be helpful with addressing concerns about PeopleSoft as he is a Certified Public Accountant. Willie Minor asked Gay Garesche to ask if they would assist Council and to seek others who can help address Council's concerns. It was suggested that the College Faculty Senate Presidents collect concerns from their campuses regarding PeopleSoft as well. The point was made that action needs to be taken before the payroll delay problem happens again.
C. Other
Willie Minor was asked what happened with the new contracts containing the new step number that Council had requested at the previous Council meeting. Willie Minor stated that the response to the request from Human Resources was that new contracts would not be issued this year, however faculty would continue to receive contracts at the beginning of every year. Council discussed that response and agreed that it was unacceptable. They requested that Willie Minor contact Human Resources again with the request that if the computer system could not reissue the contracts with the new step number, then the contracts should be reissued using a manual system.
Council discussed legal representation by the District for job-related matters.
V. Significant Happenings/President's Reports
No reports were presented.
VI. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
* * Next meeting, October 26, 1999, will be a business meeting * *