November 8, 2023
Minutes
The Academic Senate Committee on Committee on the Environment, Quality of Life, and Disability Issues met on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 hybrid
Committee Members in Attendance:
Jillian Bellovary, Noelia Diaz, Edward Diller, Yusuf Gurtas absent, Elizabeth Mauro, Tanya Zhelezcheva, Changiz Alizadeh,absent, Dorith Brodbar, Parisa Assassi absent.
Liaisons in Attendance:
Dr. Gissette Forte, Dr. Wajngurt, Mr.Joe Cartolano, Mr.Andrew Muller, Mr. John Triolo, Mr. Mel Rodriguez absent, Anthony Monahan, absent, Isabel Hocevar, Angela Ridinger-Dotterman, absent.
Business:
The meeting was called to order at 3:00 PM
A. Mr. Triolo provided a comprehensive overview of the process involved in collecting data and publishing the 2023 Annual Security Report (ASR). He emphasized that the data for crime statistics is collected from various channels, including cases reported directly to the QCC public safety, incidents documented by the NYPD, cases reported by staff members designated as security authorities, and information obtained anonymously from students, who report cases directly to the public safety department. In addition, he explained the crime statistics for 2021 and 2022 and highlighted that last year, the majority of reported cases on campus were related to drug abuse, particularly Marijuana.
• Dr. Forte explained the reason for the 6 to 12-month delay in implementing the Childcare Center plan. All necessary documents have been submitted to CUNY central and waiting for approval.
C. Mr. Joe Cartolano provided an update on the ACC building ramp and elevators. He reported that the west ramp is currently 100% compliant with regulations, and plans for fixing the concrete ramp are scheduled for the upcoming spring. However, some committee members expressed concerns about the ramp's safety, particularly emphasizing that the only access to the elevator is through this specific ramp. Mr. Cartolano also shared information regarding issues with the elevators, saying it will take six to eight months to fix them.
D. Dr. Wajngurt summarized the issues she has received from faculty and staff. The most significant concern highlighted was the problem with the elevators. Additionally, she addressed an issue with the water fountain on the 4th floor of the library. Dr.Wajngurt also raised other concerns, including problems with the steps in room M136 and a door issue in room H331. Mr. Cartolano informed the Committee that all previously reported issues, aside from the water fountain in the library, have been addressed and resolved.
E. The committee members discussed the process of reporting issues to the Department of Buildings and Grounds. Dr. Forte mentioned that she will provide the Committee with the names of designated individuals in each department responsible for reporting issues to the Department of Buildings and Grounds.
F. Other Business
o Ventilation issues in the Gym building
o There are issues with the ventilation in rooms 202 and 203 in RFK. Also, an issue with the screen in the windows was reported.
o Renaming the committee discussion: All committee members agreed to rename the Committee from Committee on the Environment, Quality of Life, and Disability to Committee on the Environment, Quality of Life, and Accessibility.
Respectfully submitted,
Parissa Assassi
Committee on Committee on the Environment, Quality of Life, and Disability Issues, Secretary
Minutes typed on March 2024
