ASUO Senate approved the Riverfront resolution that declares opposition to the development plan for the University’s property along the Willamette River at last night’s meeting.
The resolution aims to include student voice in the decision to extend the University’s conditional use permit for the 4.2-acre property. Senate will submit the statement to be included in the city’s public comment period, which ends Nov. 20.
Although there was some opposition to the original wording of the resolution, Senate unanimously approved the newly revised resolution, which was altered to convey a clear, concise message to the city. The newly formed summary reads: “Declares opposition to the renewal of the conditional use permit extension for the planned development … this will allow for a student-inclusive process and a 21st-century evaluation of the University of Oregon-owned Willamette River-front property.”
Senate expected to fill its two vacant seats Wednesday, but after the meeting, one still remains open.
Executive appointee Xavier Aranda was a no-show for a second meeting, forcing Senate to deny his confirmation in a vote of 0-15.
“Where in the world is Xavier?” ASUO Vice President Getachew Kassa asked during the meeting Wednesday night. “I don’t have an explanation, I can’t baby-sit an appointment.”
The hiring process has been opened again, and if Aranda were to present himself and again be appointed by the executive, then he could still be confirmed, Senate President Nick Gower said.
Executive appointee Mercedes White Calf, who served as the ASUO Multicultural Advocate last year, was approved with no opposition to Senate Seat 1, with a vote of 15-0. Junior Cristina Dunning was appointed to elections board.
The Senate also approved a recommendation that this year’s Programs Finance Committee’s budget should not increase by more than 3.5 percent compared with last year’s. They approved another recommendation that the Department Finance Committee should decrease their budget by at least 2.8 percent.
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