Food Service Advisory Committee

October 11, 2001

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Members present: Jackie Berning, Jeff Davis, Sean Flaherty, Kathy Griffith Teresa Kinney, Janice Tharp, Samantha Villarreal, Ron Wisner

Members absent: Cyndi Deville, Gina Giannone, Tim Miller, Connie Ott, Robert Wonnett

Guests: Jake Siegal-Picus

Jeff Davis opened the meeting at 1:37 p.m. He welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Jeff introduced Tim Miller as the Sodexho General Manager. Jeff noted that Tim replaces Margaret Tinsley since the last Food Service Advisory Committee meeting. Tim noted the changes in the food service in the Lodge and Overlook. He stated that the service is now a food court style, someone mans the deli section, grill, etc. He noted that the set meal periods have been beneficial. Ron Wisner asked if any concerns were expressed about the set meal periods. Sean Flaherty noted that there was an initial adjustment period and that he received only a few concerns, but explained the reason behind setting meal period times (fresher food, more time to clean dining areas between meals). Tim noted that the set meal period times were initially adjusted to better coordinate with class schedules. He also noted that the meal card changes have received good comments.

Jeff updated the committee on the process of selecting of a food service provider. Five years ago the committee selected Marriott as the food service provider. Marriott was later bought out by Sodexho. Jeff noted that there had been past concerns of Sodexho’s service of prisons and the issues of past protests against that service. Jeff and Tim noted that Sodexho no longer has prison service. Jeff noted that one of the objectives this year for the committee is to choose a food service provider for the next five years. Jeff stated that during the last 4 years of food service, Tao Tao was dropped because of the inflexibility of the owner to change menus and Odwalla juices, energy drinks, and other beverages have been added. Jeff noted that Donnie Hitt is very responsive to the student’s requests for menu items and that Donnie will be adding box lunches and salads to the Java Hut.

Jeff brought concerns that were emailed to him by an absent student member to address at the committee. The student noted concerns of no real food vending machine in Columbine Hall. She noted that the previous vending machine containing food had been removed and that a microwave was needed. Jeff noted that Canteen Vending was contacted and that the vending machine will be returned to Columbine Hall and that a sign will be posted noting where the microwave is located. Contact Jeff (3491) or Danny Bristol (3242) with any vending concerns.

Jeff stated that the photo ID system will bid out this year and hopefully be in place by next Fall. Susan Spyrka is targeting July 1, 2002 to have the ID card in place. Jeff noted that the photo ID card (one card) will have points through residential or have money placed on the card. If you have any questions please address them to one of the One Card Committee members (Susan Spyrka, Jeff Davis, Sean Flaherty, Anthony Martinez, Steve Jernigan, Mike Belding). Connie Ott asked if this will include the doors and Jeff noted that the cost and infrastructure will need to be reviewed. The fee increase to $15.00 is to be used partially to dedicate a person to run the ID Card System.

Jeff noted the bottleneck in traffic at the cash registers in the Overlook. Expansion for four cash registers (one card line and three cash lines) is planned. An awning will be placed over the Java Hut, probably between semesters in December/January.

Jeff noted that the Pub (game room) appears to be busier and selling a lot of nachos and pretzels.

Sean noted that the numbers are up for summer board plan. Close to sixty students are staying on campus over the summer. He noted that the item of the day at the Grille appears to always be behind/backed up. He asked what type of napkins are being used, he noted that they are very thin. Tim stated that the previous napkins were thin, but that the new napkins are better.

Jeff noted that Aramark is scheduled to visit the campus and have lunch with him on October 22 in the Lodge. He suggested that four food service providers that are large enough to provide the campus with what is needed are: Sodexho, Aramark, Chartwells, and Bon Appetite.

Jeff distributed an article ‘A Contractor’s Perspective: Outsourcing Can Boost the Bottom Line’. He asked that the members review the RFP (Request For Proposal) that is included with the meeting minutes and bring comments and suggestions to the next meeting. Jeff requested that the members keep in mind the expected changes for the campus in the next five years. A discussion of exclusivity of catering by Sodexho for campus ensued. Jeff noted that unless the department has a nonexclusive clause in the contract, then catering for events would be arranged through Sodexho. He stated that the contract needs to be to the PSC by early January 2002, it will be returned by mid February 2002, interviews for the food service providers will be during Spring Break 2002, and decision made by May 2002.

Meeting ended at 2:31 p.m.

Next Food Service Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for November 15, 2001 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

(Please note the change in the meeting date from November 8 to November 15).

Minutes respectfully submitted by Samantha Villarreal.

Attachments - 2