December 4, 2003 Minutes

1. Call to Order - A regular meeting of the Staff Senate of Missouri State University was called to order at Plaster Student Union, Room 313 at 1:30 p.m.

2. Roll Call -

Present - Veronica Adinegara, Mike Clark, Earle Doman, Abigail Hagy, Lisa McEowen-LeVangie, Marilyn Robertson, Tami Sutton, F. Chris Arney, Sara Clark, Diana Garland, Tara Horton, Steve Mills, Myril Stewart, Robert Thurman, Kelly Brown, Belinda Davis, Norm Griffith, Betty Lewis, Phil Nichols, Chris Strodtman, Scott Walker

Absent - Sherry Adams, SuzAnn Ferguson, Phyllis Kenney, Patrick Byers, Cynthia Giacin, Allison Crocker, Mary Lynne Golden

Guests - Mary Barb, Ed DeLong (guest parliamentarian), Danielle Nilsen, Lynn Singleton, Janet Wight, Bob Barnett, LaDonna Hansen, Marline Ritter, Shelley Vaugine, Ben Boslaugh, Monya McMichael, Edie Sartin, Paula Vinson

Lisa McEowen‐LeVangie, Chairperson, presided and Betty Lewis recorded the proceedings of the meeting.

3. Guest Speaker - David Liss, Member of the University Health Care Plans Review Committee - David gave an update on the committee and shared the charges for the committee for the upcoming year:

  • Determine a recommended funding level for the University for FY06 for health insurance.
  • Determine whether a multi‐tiered premium structure for optional family medical insurance is appropriate for the University and if so, what the appropriate premiums should be for each tier and when and how these rates should be implemented.
  • If the University does not switch to a multi‐tiered premium structure for insurance coverage, determine the premium increase for employees who elect family insurance for 2005.
  • Determine whether employees will be required to contribute each month for their own insurance coverage, and if so, whether the University should offer two different medical plans, i.e., a high option and a low option.
  • Determine whether employees should be allowed to "opt out" of Missouri State insurance altogether, provided they have insurance coverage elsewhere.
  • Determine whether the amount charged to retiree members is appropriate and if not, recommend an implementation plan to adjust their rates to the appropriate amount.
  • With the assistance of an auditing firm, determine whether hospital bills accurately reflect the services received by Missouri State covered person.
  • Determine how and what type of dental insurance will be provided by the University beginning July 1, 2004.

The floor was opened for questions and comments about insurance, both medical and dental.

4. Announcements - All senators and guests introduced themselves.

Recognition and welcome of incoming senators that were present: Ben Boslaugh, LaDonna Hansen, Monya McMichael, Lynn Singleton.

Recognition and presentation of certificates for outgoing senators: F. Chris Arney, Kelly Brown, Betty Lewis, Lisa McEowen-LeVangie and Myril Stewart.

Lisa McEown-LeVangie announced that she had appointed Ed DeLong as guest parliamentarian for this meeting.

5. Approval of Minutes - The minutes of the open, regular meeting of November 7, 2003, were approved.

6. Lee Denim Day Resolution - Diana Garland read a proposed resolution to adopt Lee National Denim Day as a staff sponsored event. One absentee vote was submitted in accordance with Staff Senate bylaws and was counted in the vote.Resolution passed unanimously as presented.

7. Addition of "Sexual Orientation" in the University's Non-Discrimination Statement Resolution - F. Chris Arney read a proposed resolution for the addition of "sexual orientation" to all nondiscrimination statements in use at the University.

Speakers for the resolution were Chris Arney and Bob Barnett, each given five minutes for their position statements. Guest Shelly Vaugine also gave comments in support of the resolution.

The floor was opened for discussion.

Phil Nichols removed himself from the executive committee table in order to participate in the debate. He offered an amendment to the resolution. Open discussion of the amendment.

Amendment failed.

Returned to discussion of the main resolution.

Call for closed ballot voting. One absentee vote was submitted in accordance with Staff Senate bylaws and was counted in the vote.Resolution failed; voting results:

  • Yes - 4
  • No - 14
  • Abstain - 2

8. Report from the Chair - Lisa McEowen-LeVangie - Lisa announced that the state has released approximately $750,000in December from the University's withholding.

9. Committee Reports -

  • Budget & Priorities Committee, Sara Clark-Chair - The University is trying to be proactive towards future budget cuts and is planning budgets based on projections of further cuts. Kent Kay, Associate Vice President for Finance,made a presentation at the last Budget & Priorities Committee meeting about the budget plans. The University is planning budgets based on anticipated budget cuts. Sara has copies of budget projections showing 10 and 15% cuts is anyone would like to review them.
  • Centennial Committee, Diana Garland-Chair - The committee has been meeting. Due to the lateness of time, Diana will type up updates and send them out.
  • It was moved and approved that all other items on the agenda be tabled until January due to the time.

The next regular meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. on January 8, 2004 in Plaster Student Union room 313.


The meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:
Betty Lewis, Secretary
Staff Senate