USG Senate Meeting - April 26, 2005

USG SENATE MEETING

28th LEGISLATURE

APRIL 26, 2005

I. Call to Order

Roll Call

II. Corrections to the Minutes

A. Approval of Minutes

B. Approval of Agenda
- President Espinosa adds Protocol, Clarification, Transition and Spring Fest.
- EVP Sylvester deletes Transition and Spring Fest.
- Treasurer Myers adds Budget.
- AVP Buckley adds Paintball and Texas Hold'em 3.
- Rules Chair Crowley adds recognition of College Democrats of America.

III. President Espinosa Report:

A.      Protocol - Senator Shaw would like the minutes read from last weeks meeting. Senator Shaw states that he would only like President Espinosa report read. The Agenda has been approved. I would like to go over the Protocol for tonight. There are a lot of things we will be going over and I know there will be a lot of heated discussions.
·       You must be recognized to speak.
·       You are only supposed to speak twice.
·       If this gets personalized in terms of "I" or personalization you will be out of order and if you get told twice you will be asked to leave.
·       In anticipation of the topics that will be going on tonight we have extended the time for this room until at least midnight.

B. Clarification - last week a mistake was made. Rules Chair Crowley is recognized to explain. Rules Chair Crowley states that when we talk about abstentions you would determine them by: how many voting members there are and divide it by ? and add 1. If it's an even number then that's the majority. Unless someone leaves then it would change. If you abstain it actually counts against because the majority never changes. Therefore, no matter how anyone votes you are just looking for the yeas and it has to be what the majority is. The majority for today is 13 and on a 2/3 vote it is 17. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich states that we can not go back on a vote that was made last week. We can not change anything that is already in action. If things financially have started we can not go back and revisit the topic like it never existed. Therefore we can not talk about Spring Fest because it is already in motion so we can not make another motion to cancel it.

Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich makes a motion to suspend the rules and move in to AVP Blake's report and move forward from there. AVP Lafontaine 2nd. President Espinosa makes a Friendly Amendment to go back in to my report after Old Business and then back into Constituents Questions/Announcements. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich accepts the Friendly Amendment. Vote is taken and passes 21 yeas, 1 nay and 3 abstentions.

IV. AVP Blake Academic Report:
- Questions or Comments

V. AVP Lafontaine Community Relations Report:
- Questions or Comments

VI. AVP Buckley Sports & Rec Report:
- Paintball is scheduled for Sunday. We will meet in front of Grover Cleveland at 12:30 pm. If you plan on going please sign the sheet I am sending around.
- Texas Hold'em 3 will be held on May 5th in the Game Room starting at 6:00 pm.

VII. AVP Pastwik Student Life Report:
- Questions or Comments.

VIII. Rules Chair Crowley Report:
- College Democrats of America is here to be recognized. Floor is open for questions. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich calls to question. Senator Finn 2nd. Vote is taken and passes to end discussion. 22 yeas, 3 nays and 1 abstention. The Rules Committee makes a motion to recognize the College Democrats of America and passes 19 yeas, 2 nays and 2 abstentions.

IX. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich Report:
- Last Wednesday I put Liaison Reports in your mailbox. These will be the last reports of the semester and they are due on Thursday.

Rules Chair Crowley motions to have a 5 minute break before we continue with the meeting. This will be a majority vote. Vote needs to be retaken because someone did not vote 13 yeas, 9 nays and 1 abstention. Vote is taken and passes 13 yeas, 12 nays.

X. Old Business

A. EVP Sylvester recognizes Senator Shaw to talk regarding Chuck D. Senator Shaw motions that the legality of how the NFTA money was used for Chuck D should be reviewed by Judicial Council. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich asks Senator Shaw what our constitution states. Senator Shaw states that on page 11of the constitution Budget changes of a $1,000 or more need to go to the Senate for approval. President Espinosa states this was not a budget change because this was not USG money. President Espinosa would like to recognize Gail Wells to speak about the $5,000 for the NFTA portion. Gail states that NFTA made a proposal during negotiations with USG that they were willing to give $5,000 to be used for a student event. The use of this money would be determined by the USG President. This is not in the contract but was in the marketing plan. President Espinosa states that this $5,000 is not USG's money, it is the NFTA's and they will be cutting a check that will go right to the booking office. Senator Shaw states that NFTA decided to give $5,000 to USG and we have rules that need to be followed. AVP Pastwik states that this might be considered a donation and I am wondering what it says in the constitution as to how USG is to handle donations. Rules Chair Crowley will look into this and we will come back to her when it is appropriate. Vice Treasurer Smith states that technically this is not USG's money therefore we do not have to vote. Vice Treasurer makes a Friendly Amendment that this should not be a matter for Judicial but for Rules Chair. Rules Chair should handle this because we need to see who is in control of the money the President or the Senate. Senator Shaw declines the Friendly Amendment. Senator Pro Tem evin-Stankevich states that if Senator Shaw declines it this will go into a vote.

Vice Treasurer Smith makes a motion instead of sending this to judicial review it should go to the Rules Chair. AVP Pastwik 2nd. Vice Treasurer Smith states that this was not a cash donation this was for a performer. NFTA paid for Chuck D and AASO had a grant to contribute toward the event. Treasurer Myers only signed off on the event USG did not have to pay anything. Rules Chair Crowley states that the Senate has to vote on the Friendly Amendment.

Vice Treasurer Smith restates his motion to make an outside donation to the Rules Committee instead of Judicial. Senator Shaw declines the motion. Vote is taken on Vice Treasurer Smith's Friendly Amendment and passes 17 yeas, 1 nay and 7 abstentions. Vote is taken on Senator Shaw's motion to investigate the $5,000 for Chuck D and to send this matter to the Rules Committee. Vote passes 19 yeas, 0 nays and 4 abstentions.

President Espinosa states that we will resume the appropriate order.

B. Transition Program for newly elected officers as follows:
1. Incoming Executive Board members must serve at least ? of the current officer's office hours for 1 week before the end of the current Administration tenure.
2. Must attend 1 Executive Board meeting and 1 Senate meeting before the end of the semester.
3. Must be present at the mandatory summer 2005 training session. Dates and times to be announced.
4. All Executive Board members must attend a meeting with the Business Office for a total of 8 working hours. These hours are to be spent over the summer learning the procedures and protocol of the United Students Government.

I make a motion to accept this transition program. AVP Buckley 2nd. Floor is open for discussion. Senator Nathaniel calls to question. Rules Chair Crowley 2nd. Vote is taken and passes 19 yeas, 0 nays and 5 abstentions. Vote is taken to accept the transition program and passes 23 yeas, 0 nays.

C. Spring Fest is April 30th with NAS as the head liner, Red Man with a local band chosen by WBLK radio station. Tickets are free to students and general public $10.00. Ads will begin tomorrow on MTV, BET, WBLK, The Record and WBNY.

XI. EVP Sylvester Report:

A. Questions & Comments

XII. Treasurer Myers Report:

A. Vice Treasurer Smith states that we would like to approve the Budget that was handed out last week with a few amendments. Treasurer Myers motions to approve the 2005-2006 budget with the proposed amendment: Internal Programs - add a line for $1,200 for Relaxation Day. Students For Music - increase line 121 to $600 Math Club - decrease line 134 $600 to make it $2,000 Chemistry Club - increase line 324 to $150 & increase Conference line 332 to $500 Astronomy - line 385 has a typo should be $400 Student Union Board - decrease Bengal Pause to $5,000 & increase line 522 to $1500 Line 637 increase $750 Line 638 increase $600

The Budget Committee would like to make a motion to approve the proposed amendments to the 2005-2006 budgets. Open for discussion. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich would like to make some amendments to the following: Whispering Pines (line 75) Mike is asking $32,000 for a Bobcat I would like to put this money into surplus. But I think we should supply him with a equivalent piece of equipment by fall of next year. Vice Treasurer Smith states that his truck and tractor are going to die within a couple of years. Mike wanted 1 large piece of equipment that would replace a truck, plow and a lawn mower. This Bobcat would be good for 12 years. Vice Treasurer Smith states point of information that the money will not necessarily go into surplus. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich restates his motion to completely remove the capital from Camp Operational until we can investigate this further. Senator Penepent 2nd. Vote is taken and does not pass 12 yeas, 7 nays and 5 abstentions.

Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich has another amendment to put line 712 and 700 together which would total $18,500 then decrease it to $15,500. CSO total increase was $9,000 which is a 42% increase in their budget. I want to bring it down to $6,000 overall increase. CSO says they need this increase for their Carribash. Treasurer Myers states that the Budget Committee approved the $9,000 increase because of the prior non approval of $10,000 for Carribash. CSO's justification for splitting the lines up is to make it easier for the new CSO Treasurer next year. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich states that also looking at income this should not have a variable on next year's budget. Only because a lot of club organizations make their income line and that's why they have a income line. Floor is open for discussion. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich makes a amendment to his amendment because income has nothing to do with what he is talking about. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich makes a motion to decrease CSO's income line by $500. Therefore, now they will have to make less money. Open for discussion on this particular motion. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich calls to question. Senator Finn 2nd. Vote is taken which is a 2/3 vote and does not pass 10 yeas, 8 nays and 7 abstentions. Discussion continues on the call of the question to a vote on the decrease of $500 in the income line. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich states that because I made a amendment to my amendment it automatically becomes a rule. Therefore, we are talking about a $6,000 increase instead of $9,000 in CSO' budget and a decrease of $500 in their income line. Treasurer Myers calls to question. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich goes over the rules on voting. Senator Fin 2nd. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich asks the President if we can ask the people that are in conflict of interest on monetary decisions and actively involved in CSO if they should leave or stay. Rules Chair Crowley reads the rules regarding this matter. President Espinosa states for the basic reason that once you are out you stay out I am not asking anyone to leave. Vote is taken to end discussion and move into a vote passes 19 yeas, 4 nays and 2 abstentions. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich restates his motion. My motion to combine CSO line 700 and 712 totaling $18,500 be decreased by $3,000 which still increases CSO's budget by $6,000 which brings them a total of $27,350 in next years proposed budget. Also, the income line is decreased by $500. Vote is taken and passes 12 yeas. Senator Shaw states that the vote does not count because AVP Blake left. Senator Shaw is asked to leave because he is out of order for the 2nd time. Rules Chair Crowley states that because President Espinosa asked Senator Shaw to leave a vote must be taken. Vote is taken to see if Senator Shaw should stay or leave. This vote needs to pass by 2/3. Vote does not pass 2 yeas, 11 nays and 11 abstentions. Vote is now taken on Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich motion on the CSO budget and passes 13 yeas, 9 nays and 3 abstentions. Senator Curtis asks if the President of CSO can speak. Senator Perreault objects.

Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich makes a Amendment for the Senator Pro Tem and Rules Chair stipend to be the same amount as the AVP's. AVP Buckley 2nd. Vote is taken and passes 19 yeas, 3 nays and 2 abstentions.

Student at Large Groover would like to make an amendment to line 681. We want to know if this was a mistake because we requested $4,000 but you are increasing it to $5,000. And on the proposed budget that you gave back to me it said $4,000. Treasurer Myers states that on line 973 we needed to make it balance with the approved 2004-2005. We needed to make cuts and that was one of the cuts. Student at Large Groover makes a motion do decrease AASO income line from $5,000 to $4,000 (line 681).

Senator Kirk 2nd. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich makes a Friendly Amendment to raise the income line to $4,500. Student at Large Groover accepts. Floor is open for discussion. AVP Pastwik calls to question. Senator Finn 2nd. Vote is taken and passes 20 yeas, 0 nays and 4 abstentions. Vote is taken to decrease AASO income line from $5,000 to $4,000 then agreeing upon $4,500. Vote passes 21 yeas, 0 nays and 3 abstentions. Senator Kirk makes a Friendly Amendment to increase line 358 from $2,500 to $3,000. Floor is open for discussion. AVP Pastwik calls to question. Vice Treasurer Smith 2nd. Vote is taken and passes 23 yeas, 0 nays and 1 abstention. Vote is taken on Senator Kirk Friendly Amendment to increase NSBE conference line by $500 passes 21 yeas, 0 nays and 3 abstentions.

AVP Pastwik makes a Friendly Amendment to decrease Special Events (line 734) by $500. AVP Buckley 2nd. Vote is taken and passes 19 yeas, 1 nay and 4 abstentions. The Special Events line decreases from $2,500 to $2,000.

Vice Treasurer Smith makes a Friendly Amendment for the USG E-Board to get paid 2 weeks during the summer. I would like to add a income line. Vote is taken and passes 17 yeas, 0 nays and 7 abstentions.

Vice Treasurer Smith would like to recognize SUB. AVP Pastwik objects

Vice President Sylvester makes a motion that $80,000 be put under Student Union Board for Spring Fest. Senator Finn 2nd. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich makes a Friendly Amendment to propose $40,000 go to SUB and $40,000 goes to USG. Vice President Sylvester accepts. Open for discussion. Senator Finn calls to question. Senator Gerwitz 2nd. Vote is taken and passes 19 yeas, 2 nays and 3 abstentions. Vote is taken on the motion that SUB will have $80,000 for Spring Fest with the Friendly Amendment that SUB will have $40,000 and USG will have $40,000. Vote is taken and passes 15 yeas, 0 nays and 9 abstentions.

AVP Lafontaine makes a Friendly Amendment for the Record to add $2,000 to the printing line (line 476). AVP Buckley 2nd. Vote is taken and passes 16 nays, 1 nay and 6 abstentions. I would also like to make a Friendly Amendment to increase $500 for Staff Writers (line 482). Vice Treasurer would like to recognize Amy the editor and chief to discuss this. Senator Mapp objects. Senator Turton 2nd. Floor is open for discussion. AVP Pastwik calls to question. AVP Buckley 2nd. Vote is taken and passes 14 yeas, 4 nays and 6 abstentions. Vote is taken on the motion to add $500 to line 482 for Staff Writers and passes 13 yeas, 8 nays and 2 abstentions.

Senator St. Rose makes a Friendly Amendment to add $1,000 to line 700 for CSO. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich 2nd. Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich makes a Friendly Amendment to switch the $1,000 to line 698. Senator St. Rose accepts. Open for Discussion. Vote is taken on the motion to add $1,000 to line 700 and I accept the Friendly Amendment to switch the $1,000 to line 698. The vote passes 17 yeas, 0 nays and 7 abstentions.

President Espinosa makes a Friendly Amendment for AASO line 679. They've requested $4,000 and I have been told that in past years it hasn't been approved. I would like to approve $2,000. Vice Treasurer Smith states that part of the reason this was denied was because it was hard to separate your plans for this and Student Life's plans for this. Senator At Large Groover explains what their plans are. Vote is taken on the motion to give AASO $2,000 for line 679 and passes 20 yeas, 0 nays and 3 abstentions.

Senator Nathaniel makes an Amendment to the Student Union Board for Bengal Pause to add $4,000 to make it $9,000. Open for discussion. Senator Nathaniel asks for SUB to speak this is objected. AVP Pastwik makes a Friendly Amendment to approve $2,000 not $4,000. Senator Nathaniel accepts. Open for discussion. Vote is taken to approve $2,000 for SUB line 519 and passes 18 yeas, 4 nays.

Student at Large Marshall makes a Friendly Amendment for CSO to add $1,000 to the Special Events (line 697). Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich states that we talked about this for 2 hours. We gave CSO back $1,000 and I think your budget is in very good condition for next year. Senator Finn calls to question. AVP Buckley 2nd. Vote is taken and passes 16 yeas, 6 nays and 2 abstentions. Vote is taken on the Amendment to add $1,000 to the Special Events line for CSO and does not pass 11 yeas, 11 nays and 2 abstentions.

Treasurer Myers calls to question to pass the original budget for 2005-2006 with the recommendations. Vice Treasurer Smith 2nd. Vote is taken and passes 18 yeas, 0 nays and 5 abstentions. Treasurer Myers states that the Budget Committee would like to make a motion to approve 2005-2006 with all the proposed amendments tonight. Vote is taken and passes 22 yeas, 0 nays and 2 abstentions.

Senator Pro Tem Levin-Stankevich motions to suspend the rules and go into 2nd Roll Call and then Adjournment. Senator Finn 2nd. Vote is taken and does not pass 10 yeas, 12 nays and 2 abstentions.

Treasurer Myers recognizes Vice Treasurer Smith. Vice Treasurer Smith thanks everyone for their patience. I would like to say that the budget was written on a certain number of students. Right now there was $8,000 in additions and Friendly Amendments which makes this budget tentative. We may need to come back and make some cuts. Hopefully our budget will be fine what is going to change is our surplus. Questions and comments.

XIII. Constituents Questions/Announcements

XIV. 2nd Roll Call

XV. Meeting adjourned.