Downing JCR > The JCR > Minutes > Exec Meeting 9/3/2003

Minutes for JCR Exec Meeting, 9th March 2003

Present:

Apologies Received from:

Summary of Main Points of Meeting:

  1. Welcome
  2. Second Round Elections Report
    • Jack Coleman was appointed despite entering after the close of nominations. Although agreed that breaking the constitution is not a good idea, as there were no other candidates the Exec approved his appointment and the report.
    • There will be no third round of elections
  3. Followup report on "homophobia at Downing"
    • Ian circulated a report on the aftermath of the incident at Clare
    • General approval with how the incident was dealt with
    • Next Downing ent's publicity should have some kind of statement to show we are strongly against such behaviour and that anyone will be made welcome whatever their sexual orientation.
  4. Feedback from Finance Committee Meeting (+related topics)
    • College finance committee
      • The College is losing money. Plans to renovate 56/58 Lensfield are on indefinite hold (too expensive). But we are getting a new cricket strip. Main problem is a decrease in income.
      • Related discussion of shared sets. There are three empty rooms in half-full sets next year, forcing some people to live out. Rooms Steward is coming up with a proposal. We think 28 Lensfield, Kenny B, J and the Plodge are being renovated over the summer.
      • College say "eat at slops more". Not enough people at breakfast and lunch. Questioned whether lunch is necessary? Do College have a duty to provide hot lunch at lunchtime? Would the baguette bar be sufficient? Would staff cuts be required? What about reciprocal dining rights? Ian will raise at General Purposes Committee. This would have to go to a referendum.
    • Investments committee
      • Investment income is down on what was projected, by around £1000. Also, the depreciation fund is almost empty, need to add at least £400.
      • Ethical Investment: James raised this at the Investments meeting. Since the College is a charity, it has to pursue an investment strategy to maximise its returns. However, a clause could be inserted into the constitution to make provision for ethical investment. Rachel explained about Socially Responsible investment. Matt suggested potential loss in income might be balanced by making College more attractive to benefactors. This to be followed up with CUSU contact.
      • James is drafting the mid-year budget. There will need to be cuts, including from the JCR grant (around £650). This will come from Initiatives Fund (-£400), photocopying budget (-£200), welfare (-£50?) Hopefully societies won't use all their allocations so may be able to claw back more for the Initiatives Fund.
  5. Funding for JCR May Week Marquee
    • Already budgeted for
    • John Persaud's proposal seems fine
    • Tony and Farzana organise JCR garden party
  6. Any Other Business
    • Rounders Farzana wants to organise social rounders games for women during Summer term. Everyone in favour of this, but male members should be able to use equipment too.
    • Electoral labels Matt suggested that people should have short slogans by their names for JCR Elections, like in CUSU elections. General agreement, shouldn't need a constitution change. Also could provide digital photographs for people who want them.
    • Charity Charge Jenny Warner (Treasury committee) to organise. Suggested nominations and votes to be gathered by email.
    • Library Ross explained new proposal about making people share seats in the library. Also plan to get College to designate a conferencing room as a study room, probably Wilkins Room. The Exec voted unanimously in favour of the plan. Katie suggested possible 'chillout area'?
    • Next meeting After Easter, date to be confirmed by email.

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