The Bike Share Program, which was approved in last month’s over-realized budget, had to be reconsidered at Wednesday’s ASUO Senate meeting.
The Bike Share Program would supply bike stations throughout campus, providing a resource where students can rent bikes for a small fee and drop them off at any of the stations. The bikes would be maintained by a staff of professionals.
This program was given $199,000 in last month’s over-realized budget hearing to set up four stations complete with 40 bikes.
Recently, the opportunity arose to pair up with the city of Eugene to add another bike station off campus for the same amount of money. Because of this, Senate had to re-approve the proposal.
“This is more bang for your buck, in summary,” said ASUO Sen. Emma Newman. @@http://committees.uoregon.edu/node/368@@
Some senators voiced their concerns about the placement of the additional bike station. They showed concern that community would be benefiting from student dollars. Sen. Nina Nolen put those concerns to rest. @@http://asuo.uoregon.edu/senate.php?a=30@@
“I think it is a great idea that the city will have them too because, as a student without a car, I will be able to go around to other places in the city,” she said.
Sen. Ben Rudin showed support for this idea, saying it would encourage more efficiency. After a short discussion, the proposal was approved for a second time.
After it was passed, ASUO President Ben Eckstein proposed the creation of a working group to honor Duck Store manager Jim Williams. @@http://uoduckstore.com/about/manager_jim.php@@
Williams has worked at the Duck Store for 35 years. He started as a stock boy and worked his way up to the managerial position he now holds.
Williams is planning on retiring in early September and Eckstein is asking Senate to create a an official statement on behalf of students in order to say thank you. He also intends to ask University Interim President Robert Berdhal to sign the statement in order to unify campus.
Eckstein is a former member of the Duck Store Board and worked closely with Williams.
“He is an incredible manager and a very good ally for students on campus,” he said.
ASUO Sen. Katherine DuPont also worked closely with Williams and said he was the best manager she had ever worked with. @@http://www.uoregon.edu/findpeople/person/Katherine*Du*Pont@@
“During book rush, he would come up to us asking if we needed anything, if he could get us a drink or anything,” she said. “I have never had a manager ask me that.”
Eckstein also mentioned that Williams wears a name tag that says “advocate” instead of “manager.” He views himself as an advocate for The Duck Store and for students and staff.
The resolution will be discussed next week.