By David Dyck
Another board member absent for Summer semester?
Regrets were once again given from at-large representative Karanvir Thiara, sparking another discussion about board members who will be absent for meetings over the summer.
“He doesn’t have a say in when he can schedule himself over the summer,” member services officer Humza Khan explained to the board. “As soon as fall starts, he’s going to be back for all the meetings.” Health sciences representative Tracy Luong was given a leave of absence for June and July due to an coop term, and university relations officer Jeff McCann has been granted a month of standing regrets for the same reason. Thiara can still submit timesheets for work done. Treasurer Kevin Zhang, who was vocal in his opposition to McCann’s standing regrets last week, did not offer his opinion.
Applied sciences rep denied hours increase with one vote
Applied Sciences representative Moe Kopahi was denied 20 extra hours of paid work for the month of May. He had requested the extension for a project that he had initiated to install a canopy on the patio of the Highland Pub. “In order to move forward on this project, I need to put forward my full effort,” he told the board. Faculty and at-large representatives are typically allowed to bill 40 hours per month. Kophai stated that he needed the extra hours in order to follow up with facilities and SFSS senior organizational advisor.
Communication, Art, and Technology faculty representative Sarah Veness expressed some hesitation concerning how many hours the representatives had already worked this month. “I know myself, personally, I’ve worked well over my 40 hours as well, and I think that that’s partially just with our first month in office,” said Veness.
Knox, who was also present at the meeting, warned the board that facility services and the administration need to be met with before any more work is put into this project. “The pub and the people who use the pub would love to have a canopy, without a doubt,” said Knox. “Whether or not we’re allowed to put a semi-permanent canopy on the patio, I think that [working on] the design phase is putting the cart before the horse.” She cited a previous board that hired a design team and a consultant to draw up plans to renovate the Highland Pub, which was wasted money, since SFU facilities is required to approve the design team. “It’s their building, not ours. It’s not like they’re asking us for anything outrageous; it’s a base building project.”
Simon Fraser Student Society board meetings take place on Thursdays at 12:30.
