Sunday’s most recent Student Senate meeting was one of the shortest all semester.

In a little under half an hour, Senate touched on the numerous construction projects, the new allocations form and the upcoming senator elections for fall 2015 semester.

Senate, in previous meetings dating back to last semester, voted on and looked into the possible construction of benches, a gazebo/pavilion structure and a fire pit for campus. But before any construction was to take place, President Nathan Boggess had to discuss it with the Campus Beautification Committee. The projects will also require a future discussion with the Facilities Committee.

The fire pit was a no-go as there were many concerns about fire hazards, running a gas line, who would be in charge of operating it such as an RA, and other concerns.

With regards to other benches, the Beautification Committee had concerns over compliance with the American Disabilities Act, noting that the benches should be handicap accessible. However, Boggess believes he can argue this one on the fact that the bench outside Connell Hall is not wheelchair accessible due to its placement on the grass.

There was also the problem that the Applied Technology department may not be able to complete the projects until possibly next semester or later.

Boggess asserted that the funds would be allowed for the construction, pending approval from the appropriate committees, and that the Applied Tech department could complete them as soon as possible.

And in the continuing saga that is the addition of a second sand volleyball court, Boggess said that the site has been set, the second court will be placed next to the current one and that construction is slated to begin April 1.

In bureaucratic news, the Senate voted to approve a new allocation funds request form, with a clarified clause regarding how clubs and organizations can spend allocations.
Under current practices, which are not entirely set in stone as law, clubs that apply for and are granted funds from allocations, cannot purchase apparel, pay for travel expenses or use the money to pay expenses of other fundraising activities.

The part about apparel was a hot-button issue at the last meeting as some members of Senate pointed out how senate’s funds that pay for the polos they wear seem to counter this rule, thus appearing hypocritical.

After a brief discussion, Senate voted to adopt the new allocations request form with a clause at the bottom that indicates while it is strongly discouraged to use funds for apparel, travel and fundraising, there could be special exemptions based on extenuating circumstances.

Looking ahead, Senate changed the dates for upcoming senator elections to allow more time for NATS to prepare them online, and to allow for more positions to be filled. Those dates are March 31 – April 1, with the application to be a senator due this Friday.

As for the past elections, the only candidates on the ballot for President and Vice-President, Quinn Rochford and Spencer Morris, won with 80 percent of the vote, with write-ins receiving 20 percent including the familiar faces as Chuck Norris and Joe Biden.

Senate will reconvene for one final time on March 29, just prior to senator elections.