UMES SENATE

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

Minutes of the November 14, 2000 Meeting

1. WELCOME BY THE CHAIR

The meeting started at approximately 11:05 a.m. The Chair, Ms. Demanche, welcomed everyone.

2. SUSPENSION OF MINUTES

The Chair asked for the minutes to be suspended until Chief Bell made his report to the Senate.

3. REPORT BY CHIEF BELL

Ms. Demanche thanked Chief Bell for coming in to speak to the senate about the parking policies on campus.

Chief Bell began his report with the Spring 1998 committee that was put together to discuss parking policies. These policies were forwarded to Dr. Holden.

Currently, there is a towing policy in effect on campus, particularly for individuals who park in handicapped spaces. Chief Bell stated that all cars that have been towed thus far have been from these handicapped spaces. The UMES Police Department only enforces the parking policy, they do not set these policies.

Questions from the group concerned the use of a boot (cannot find a policy on the use of a boot); whether student security know that when they issue tickets these are been used as a permit (yes, the Chief is aware of this, and individuals are given tickets regardless); the use of a card/gate system (this is being looked into at the back of campus, SDC, Wm. P. Hytche Athletic Center, old gym, and clusters – money is the largest factor to consider); temporary parking (there is no temporary parking); and what can the Senate do to help the Chief. The Chief stated that if strict enforcement is used it is very effective.

Ms. Demanche thanked the Chief once again for coming to the meeting.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes of the October 10, 2000 meeting were approved.

5. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIR

A. Ms. Demanche requested nominations for Vice Chair and none were forwarded. It was further stated that it is extremely important that a Vice Chair be elected. Dr. Mollett suggested that the rules be suspended for 5 minutes to allow individuals to discuss nominations. One name was put forth for Dr. Okafor. A motion to nominate Dr. Okafor for Vice Char was approved.

B. The Chair wanted students to be aware that the towing policy discussed earlier is being enforced, but not to its’ fullest extent. Discussion continued surrounding this issue and a question was asked should the Senate send Chief Bell any recommendations for the existing parking policy. Discussion also centered on whether the current policy should be enforced to its’ fullest extent (i.e., towing individuals not just from handicapped spaces, but illegally parked cars, cars with no stickers, etc.) Members suggested that it would be a good idea to look into the gating system Chief Bell discussed.

A motion for the Senate to send forth recommendations to Dr. Nnadi that the towing policy be fully enforced was rejected.

6. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 12:05 pm after a motion was made and passed to table the remaining agenda items until the next meeting.

Submitted by:

Dr. Brigid Noonan (Secretary)