University Environment Committee
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Administration Building - VP Conference Room 2nd Floor
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Attending: Chair; John Murray Vice-Chair; Paul Siegel, Recording Secretary; Nick Koridis: John Robinson, Gary Mar, and Teri Tiso,

Excused: Darren Chase, Eric Lamberg, John Shandra, Dimitri Tsybychev, Paula Di Pasquale-Alverez, Regina Lento and Alexandra Santiago

Staff: James O’Connor

Guests: Gary Kaczmarczyk; Executive Director of Environmental Health and Safety

Meeting called to order: 1:30

Introductions – Agenda and sign-in sheet passed around.

Review of the Minutes – Motion to approve the minutes, Paul Siegel and seconded by Teri Tiso

Policies for Animals on Campus

Gary went over the policy from NYS that has regulations that prohibit animals in State Facilities: NYCRR, Title 9, Section 300-3.1 -Prohibited activities. (k) Animals. These documents are online for reference.

Gary spoke about a recent incident about someone was bitten which is a concern and risk for members.

Fred Walter wants to bring this to the Senate.

Cat networks on campus will have to conform to the policies. P618 Animals on Campus Policy

Suggestions welcomed and PPT presented to the committee

It was suggested using the terminology shall, include but may not be limited wording, etc…

DLAR and other related injuries to be reported to UPD.

DRAFT Senate resolution to acknowledge this new policy.

Motion approved unanimously for the senate’s resolution.

North Entrance Landscaping Update:

John Robinson mentioned four wild flower species survived
Some grass has been established and they have seeds to promote new growth and enhance the meadow with wild flowers.

Discussion on Learning environment for future installations, for timing, site selection and more.

James O’Connor is looking for suggestions for new locations and opportunities to promote wildlife.
Long grass has a tendency to attract ticks as opposed to short grass.

Sub-Committee reports including Ashley Schiff preserve

Paul brought to our attention that the Trail has some trees that were knocked down by hurricane sandy and blocking parts of the trail. Safety concerns for some of the branches that need to be cleared naturally.

New Business

Gary Mar brought to the attention that a staff member from EHS was in the hospital fighting leukemia and that he is very concerned. It was asked if the DOE has stored radiation here on campus. The Campus is a research facility and has materials on campus. DOH is part of the campus that does inspections. They are not storing material from DOE. Monitored on the campus and materials are significantly low radiation. Gary M was concerned about employees may be exposed and more issues should be looked into. Gary K will present at our next meeting about this topic.

Recording Secretary – Minutes ended 2:35 pm

The next meeting is scheduled in the VP Administration Conference Room on the second floor, date TBD