Meeting was opened with John Varner welcoming everyone.  He spoke on the history of the AU baseball team and introduced Coach Slater.

Coach Slater thanked John for the history update and thanked anyone who has been out to see him.  He spoke that he worked for Hal Baird from 1994-2000.  He spoke that he had worked for the Gators in Florida.  Coach Slater discussed the eight phases of the team season.  He indicated the team starts in August and it goes through late June.  He spoke that the SEC is the best conference in the nation.  Coach Slater indicated that his players work hard and have good work ethics.  He indicated that Auburn has 11.7 scholarships for four classes of players (40 players on Club).  He indicated a lot of his team players pay their way through school.

Mr. Varner asked about the NCAA point system (APR) and asked for clarification on how this works.  Coach Slater indicated other states have additional way ways of providing scholarships (example: the HOPE Scholarship available in Georgia).  He indicated that a lot of states have more scholarships to offer therefore it is a disadvantage for Auburn University.

John reminded council members to take advantage of the baseball and athletic benefits, including Faculty/Staff week coming up during Spring Break.

John announced the reception on April 1st at the AUHCC to reflect on the past year and pay tribute to out-going Trustee Golda McDaniel.  He told the Council that there will be additional information coming.

John introduced Jenny Swaim the chair elect and soon to be Chair of the Council.  He commended her for her efforts and work so far.

John then introduced the two chair elect nominees, Bruce Estes and Tissie Walker.  Bruce indicated he had been at the University for 17 years in the Poultry Science Department.  He indicted that his job has been taking up a lot of time and that he probably would not be the best candidate, but if elected would do the best he could.

Tissie Walker then spoke and indicated she comes to the Council with experience in speaking to crowds and indicated she was excited to be part of the council.  She indicated she had been retired but found it was beneficial for her to come back to work.

John then introduced Don Large.  Dr. Large spoke on the budget and indicated the governor sent his budget forward and it has to pass the house and senate.  He stated he was encouraged about the budget the governor sent forward and that the university never has received less then what the governor has proposed.  If the governor’s budget passes it would be enough to cover the PEEHIP and retirement increases, and a 4% salary increase.  Between now and June 6th the legislature will be pulling and tugging at the budgets and changes could happen to the proposed budget.  K-12 lobbyist Paul Hubbert is not satisfied with the budget.  Dr. Large indicated if any changes are made, it would pull from Auburn University and University of Alabama’s proposals.  He hoped that with the two universities working together this would encourage the legislature to pass the proposed budget.

Dr. Large explained how the funding for the university works by going over the Education Trust Fund and the General Fund.  He explained that the Education Trust Fund received its primary funding (90%) from taxes and 10% from general taxes and that this was all tied into growth taxes.  The General Fund is in deficit right now and it contains no growth taxes. 

Dr. Large indicated that in April he expected the Board of Trustees to approve the budget.

He also answered questions regarding the Classification/Compensation study and if that was tied into the budget.  He indicated that in May the forms will be coming out and that early July would have the forms out to everyone.   He indicated the administration had not decided whether if anyone who has a change will start in the next budget cycle October 6th, or January when the new H/R system is up and running.

John Varner then announced the candidates for the Steering Committee.  Wendy Pechman, Frankie Chaffin and Robert Maddox. 

Wendy spoke on her experience and talked about how she wanted to make a difference and be a part of the council.   

Frankie Chaffin introduced himself and said a few words.  Mr. Chaffin indicated he would work hard for the lower paid staff if elected.

Robert Maddox introduced himself and spoke.  He indicated his job was extremely busy and he would do the best he could if elected.                           

John introduced Jenny Swaim.  Jenny Swaim thanked John Varner for a great job over the last year and Vic Walker for his assistance through the year.  She encouraged them to stay active and assist her through her year as chair.  Jenny announced council members whose terms were rotating off and presented certificates to those individuals present.  She introduced the staff council representatives who would stay on until next rotation and then introduced each of the new representatives and gave a little bit of information on some of them.  She thanked everyone for their participation and indicated this should be a good year.  She announced there would be a meeting coming up in April to go over the bylaws and discuss who does what.  She asked the members to review their packets and let her know if there were any questions.  In the packets was a copy of the list of staff employees and who represents whom.  Also in the packets were a copy of the bylaws and a copy of the committee lists.  She asked everyone to become familiar with this information. 

John announced the winners of the chair elect position -Tissie Walker and steering committee position -Wendy Pechman.

John Varner finalized the meeting by thanking everyone for a great year and encouraged them to take advantage of the benefits the University has to offer.

Meeting was adjourned.