Emory Report

Mar. 22, 1999

Volume 51, No. 24

Issues in Progress: Employee Council The first business item as President Ron Foust called the February meeting to order was a report on recent efforts by the President's Commission of the Status of Women regarding child care. Emory is planning to build and staff a new child care center. With approximately 320 children on the waiting list for 176, already-filled places at Clifton Child Care Center, parents can expect a two to three-year delay for a space. The PCSW cited a need for "flex-time" child care, that will allow parents who work varying hours to use the center also. Foust commended the PCSW on its work and comprehensive nature of the report and asked the council to support the proposal. A motion was made and passed for that support. Medical issues were the second item discussed. Foust proposed that the council pass a resolution stating its sentiments about the many problems employees face with regard to health care. Members discussed alternative medical care, services covered, physician availability and Emory Clinic billing. They decided to draft a resolution for the next meeting about billing issues. The council held elections: Susan Cook is president-elect, Lynn Magee is the secretary-elect and John Snipes will serve as parliamentarian. The council also elected Margie Varnado treasurer and Julia Leon historian. Jeremy Berry presented a report on retirement benefits. Last August the Employee Council forwarded a resolution on lowering the age requirement on matching retirement benefits to the University Senate's fringe benefits committee. In January the committee decided to support it. The issue will now go before the Senate, where a resolution will be introduced. Guests Erick Gaither and Jennifer Fabrick presented five plans for the shuttle road on the edge of Lullwater. Fabrick outlined what changes would be made to the University Apartments area, and Gaither addressed the present and future parking needs at Emory. To run additional buses from the new parking deck at the University Apartments down Clairmont and North Decatur roads to campus would cost more than $1 million a year. Fabrick said the proposed road through Lullwater would only be used by electric-powered shuttles and University vehicles. The biggest concern by Employee Council members seemed to be the violation of hardwoods in Lullwater forest to build the road. Discussions addressed options that would allow the road to accommodate shuttle buses, bike trails and pedestrian paths while still preserving Lullwater's natural forest. Council members were urged to attend the upcoming forum to discuss this issue. The meeting was then adjourned. --Stephanie Scott Return to March 22, 1999, contents page