But in Maull's two-paragraph response--received by PBHA members yesterday--the dean did not offer significant clarification of the October 21 meeting.

Instead, Maull wrote that she looks forward to continuing opportunities to discuss the report's recommendations. "[1] cannot base a specific scenario of implementation or distribution of staff responsibility on our discussion in the meeting," she wrote.

King said at last night's meeting that Maull's memo suggests public service staff configuration are still uncertain.

"I have to admit that I was shocked and a little bit dismayed by what the memo commented on in terms of staffing," King said. "To me that leaves us really unclear for staff at Harvard College for public service. It leaves it unclear for what the future is for staff of PBHA."

Epstein and Johnson had suggested that the reorganization of the public service structure would not mandate a search process but might simply entail the renaming of their positions.

Both Epstein and Johnson remained silent throughout the meeting, but association members voiced their concern that the University's bureaucratic process would impede the planning of their programs.

Cambridge Mayor Kenneth E. Reeves '72, who is Johnson's domestic partner, said a more clear definition of who is responsible for appointing the dean and making the timetable is needed.

And Cambridge City Councillor Frank Duehay '55 asked the University administrators not to lose the talents of Epstein and Johnson, their two top public service administrators.

"This seems to me to be at the bottom of these concerns," Duehay said. "The real question is, [replacing Johnson and Epstein] necessary. And I feel it's not necessary."

Reeves and Duehay are both association members.

After more than an hour and a half of discussion, PBHA Association Chair Anne L. Peretz, honorary associate of Cabot House, closed the meeting with the recommendation that the University forestall any structural changes in public service organizations until September 1995.

Peretz also recommended that should the report's recommendation be adopted, Epstein and Johnson be considered for the two top positions created by the changes.

Response

PBHA board members, association members and HAND member said they were frustrated by the meeting's conclusion.

PBHA Secretary Harvetta E. Nero '96, who board members attempted to remove this fall for vehicles policy violations, said she learned nothing from the administration's response.