Minutes: March 14, 2003
Larry Schlereth brought the meeting to order at 12:16 PM. Schlereth welcomed Catherine Nelson, Chair of the Academic Senate, to the committee. The Agenda was approved without objection.
February 21, 2003
Sue Hayes asked that 'former counter offer' be replaced with 'formal counter offer'. Schlereth delayed approval of the minutes until the April CRC Meeting.
(Please see the February 21, 2003 Agenda Packet for this document)
Schlereth added the topic of Part-Time Employees to his report.
Bruce Walker explained that money remains in the North Campus Parking Project to fund an identity sign and parking booth off Rohnert Park Expressway. He presented plans using materials similar to those of the Green Music Center and similar to the Sauvignon Village entrance. Walker passed sample photos to the Committee. Christmann suggested the entrance be constructed to allow future expansion.
(Agenda item moved to accommodate time restraints)
Schlereth presented a budget FAQ document distributed by the CSU. He informed Members that budget information could be obtained on the CSU and Sonoma State University websites.
Schlereth informed Members that that the endowment funds were not performing well given the current economic climate. Earnings have been substantially reduced causing a suspension of earning distributions for the 03/04 fiscal year. CPA stands to lose $180,000, Library $200,000, Information Technology $100,000, Wine Business Program $30,000, and the Engineering Program $150,000. Other programs, including scholarships, will be affected as well.
Schlereth presented the highlights of the Legislative Analysts report on the Governor's budget. The LAO is proposing enrollment growth funds be limited to 4% instead of the requested 7%. The LAO feels 3% of the growth is already at the campus being taught with current resources. The LAO proposes a 15% fee increase, down from the Governor's proposal of 25%. The LAO does not require one-third of the fee to be allocated to financial aid, however. This will create a further hardship for financial aid students. In short, the LAO's proposal would cost the campus an additional $1,400,000. Schlereth suggested support for the Governor's budget is important.
(Please see the February 21, 2003 Agenda Packet for this document)
Schlereth reviewed the Bureau of State Audit report of the CMS project and responses drafted by Sonoma State University. Schlereth also included the responses drafted by the California State University System. He noted that Sonoma State University responses were based on our experiences and needs. Certain items such as procurement were handled at a system-wide level and could not be addressed locally. Steve Wilson noted that many employees worked extremely hard to make CMS a success at our campus and asked everyone to be considerate of these employees regardless of the varied opinions of the project. Christmann asked why the Sonoma State University did not include the finding that the CSU and PeopleSoft share the risk of implementation? Schlereth responded that this item was discussed at the system-wide level and it was decided to implement on our own in order to retain more control and consultation on the product. Sue Hayes mentioned some 'nuisances' that existed with the system. Schlereth explained that any project needs adjustments when executed. He has asked Wilson to determine a process to collect and solve these issues. Marker noted that many faculty who attended a recent training are very pleased with the product. He complimented Margo Axsom and her staff on the excellent training.
(Please see the February 21, 2003 Agenda Packet for this document)
Schlereth presented a list of current General Fund management positions for review. All listed positions are state funded and exclude reimbursed positions. Schlereth asked Members to review the list and suggest any positions they may be eliminated as part of the division's reengineering efforts. Schlereth stressed that the person currently associated with the position would not be eliminated, but potentially reassigned. He asked Members to communicate their recommendations directly to him.
(Please see the February 21, 2003 Agenda Packet for this document)
Schlereth updated Members on the division reengineering efforts. $1,331,550 has yet to be identified to meet our reduction target.
Data was presented by Schlereth and Letitia Coate demonstrating workload in the Financial Services cluster. Fiscal year 91/92 was compared to fiscal year 01/02. While total employees have increased, expenditures per employee have also doubled. $47,000,000 in investments have been added to the unit. 13 additional audits are performed each year. Financial Services is willing to reengineer two vacant positions saving $90,000. The unit will work with other departments to fill impending retirements. Schlereth asked if the elimination of these positions would compromise the financial integrity of the University. Coate does not believe this would compromise the financial integrity. She explained that PeopleSoft has allowed Financial Services to consolidate business units into one database and has allowed efficiencies to be generated that allow her to eliminate the two positions. Hayes cautioned against giving up positions until the efficiency gains can be proven over the long-term.
Edna Nakamoto informed Members that the Disability Services audit did not receive any findings. She recognized the people of Human Services and ESAS for their hard work.
Nate Johnson informed Members that the ticket machines in lots L,M,N and O have been installed. Signage will be installed shortly. Traffic is being monitored for speed limit revisions
Jim Christmann asked if the potholes around Redwood Circle are being addressed. Rich Marker responded that they are.
Meeting was adjourned at 4:10pm.
Minutes prepared by Neil Markley
CRC Minutes 2002-2003
Updated 2008-01-10
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