USG talks RTD and Parking

Guest speakers Gary Bowersock and Anna Wellscott from Facilities Management visited the most recent USG meeting to discuss on-campus parking and new RTD bus routes.

Bowersock discussed the proposed RTD system. The light rail system and new bus system will come into effect in April 2013. Unlike a typical RTD bus though, the system will utilize Call-n-Ride, a system in which people are able to call ahead and have curbside pick-up.

Bowersock asked for student opinions on three proposed options for bus operation times. The bus services will start with a combination of either one or two buses on duty for either seven, six or five days a week. If the service has a large demand, the bus service could be increased by RTD. The documents explaining the Call-n-Ride system and its route can be found in last week’s USG meeting email announcement.

Wellscott discussed parking on campus. While currently in the planning phases, it is possible that the E lot will experience a drastic reduction in available parking as early as spring 2013 to make way for another residence hall as well as a new Mines welcome center. The pedestrian plaza in front of the Rec Center could also be stretched from Illinois St. to Araphahoe St. at the end of Marquez Hall. In total, this could remove roughly 300 spots from the campus. While this will still leave enough spots on campus for all students, the spots will be located in the Ford lots or Q lot. Other ideas for increasing campus parking included remote and restricted freshmen parking, not giving Mines Park residents the option to park on campus, and increasing the parking fee for freshmen and restricted parking users.

Treasurer Trevor Crane submitted the Reallocation proposal from budget committee. Over $70,000 was reallocated to clubs who submitted forms for reallocation. The council voted in favor of the proposal.

Matthew McNew, USG President, announced that USG will offer money to help students not associated with clubs attend conferences. Students attending conferences and looking for help relieving the financial burden should contact President McNew.

Sydney Rogers from the Diversity Committee announced that Delta Days will be held in the second week of the spring semester.

Kelsey Gore was selected to fill the vacant Senior Senator position. Senior Stetson orders will be taken October 24 to 26 from 10 am to 2 pm in the ballrooms. Senior Bowling night will take place November 17 from 7 pm to 9 pm and will include free bowling and food for all Seniors.

Students with concerns about the campus or questions for USG should contact their respective class senators whose information can be found on the USG website.