Board resignations and in-camera items
On Feb. 10, 2016, the CSA held their final board meeting before the Winter 2016 reading week break. It is important to mention that, though The Ontarion was in attendance, we were approximately half-an-hour late to the evening. As such, the adoption of the agenda, comments from the chair, approval of past board and committee minutes, as well as all of the commissioner reports—except that of local affairs commissioner Scarlett Racyzcki—were missed.
The meeting was chaired by former human resources and operations commissioner Joshua Ofori-Darko. Current human resources and operations commissioner Matthew Campbell and external affairs commissioner Asia Barclay were once again not in attendance.
There were a number of changes to the evening’s official agenda. An in-camera item titled “Impeachment” was struck from the evening, while four other in-camera items were moved from the top of business, to the middle of business.
Racyzcki’s report detailed the CSA’s efforts to work alongside the University of Guelph to reduce the usage of salt during winter months. Additionally, Racyzcki’s report detailed the CSA’s desire to remain neutral in regards to the transit referendum question. When questioned by at-large College of Arts director Zoey Ross on whether she had a stance on the issue, Racyzcki explained that she believes that students should decide on the issue themselves.
“If students really want to test leverage, we can do that, but it’s not my job to play chicken with [Guelph] Transit when they’re absolutely putting their foot down,” explained Racyzcki at the Feb. 10, 2016 meeting.
Following brief reports from policy and transition manager (PTM) Sarah Cooper, as well as a brief overview of committee reports and minutes, the CSA entered camera at approximately 6:54 p.m. to discuss unfinished business from their last official meeting. The in-camera business items were titled “Internal Executive Issue” and “Executive Review/Decision Committee Report.”
The board moved out of camera approximately one-hour-later, to begin discussing the evening’s official business.
Discussion briefly took place regarding a notice for an amendment to CSA bylaws, seeking a more accessible method to remove executive commissioners outside of the board level. Chair Ofori-Darko explained that the motion will be voted on at the next official board meeting.
The board then turned its attention to two resignation notices submitted by board directors from two separate colleges.
The first letter was written by former at-large College of Arts representative Sonali Menezes. The letter was read to the board by Ontario Public Interest Research Group representative Miriam Kearney.
“So directors, I’m leaving because the majority of you have forced me to lose faith in the decision-making ability of this board,” said Menezes in her letter. “Here’s what I would urge you to do moving forwards. Read the policies and bylaws of the organization. Learn about unions. Familiarize yourself with the work the CSA has done since it came into existence…learn about the organization before you decide you would like to topple it (for fun).”
Menezes cited a growing disconnect between the CSA’s mandate, its board directors, and its members as primary factors for resigning from her position as a board director.
The second resignation was written by former at-large College of Physical and Engineering Sciences representative Joseph Asfaw. His letter was read by chair Ofori-Darko.
Asfaw explained that his departure was due to a combination of personal and academic requirements, as well as the board’s inability to cooperate.
Following the delivery of both letters of resignation, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences Student Association representative Keely Kavcic quickly touched on both letters.
“While it may seem like we’re opposing each other, we do represent a wide variety of students across campus,” said Kavcic. “We’re all just trying to do best for our students. I think it’s healthy to challenge your board and challenge your directors. Following information items regarding previously approved referendum questions, as well as an action item calling for support for Syrian refugees—which was voted on, and carried—the board entered camera at 8:19 p.m. to discuss an item titled “Resignation and Rehiring.” The board exited camera at approximately 9:27 p.m. to vote on the item. Though the discussion was in-camera, chair Ofori-Darko congratulated the CSA on voting to hire a general manager.
The board entered camera once again at 9:48 p.m. to discuss an item titled “Staff Letter and Reaffirmation.” The board exited camera at 10:10 p.m.
Once out of camera, the board began discussion on a minor policy change to slightly redefine the PTM’s and communications and corporate affairs commissioner’s job descriptions. Due to the item’s designation as a policy change, a two-thirds vote was required to carry the motion. A two-thirds vote was secured, and the motion carried.
The final widely discussed agenda item was an action item regarding the board’s emergency meeting policies. The agenda item proposed to redefine the scope of emergency board meetings from requiring 24 hours’ notice to 72 hours’ notice. Due to the board’s inability to firmly establish proper language, the motion was referred to the policy bylaw and review committee. The board adjourned at 10:36 p.m.