Facilities Planning Committee
Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2009

Present: William Streeter, Chair, Donald Cress, Dean Yohnk, Fred Ebeid, Steve McLaughlin, John Desch, Don Kolbe, Peggy James, Chuck Hiertz, Dennis Rome

Guests: Greg Mayer

Absent: Daniel Rosenberg

Request for Second Soccer Field Shelter (Falk-Day). Tamie was not able to attend the meeting. This item was tabled. There was discussion regarding the possibility of constructing a masonry block building rather than a wood framed structure.

Laboratory/Classroom Modernization Policy (Desch, Wood). Several issues were discussed: 1) John reported that Gary Wood sent an email expressing concern about the existing Lab Mod policy and whether it is appropriately addressing the need for routine laboratory upgrades. Gary notes that the projects given highest priority are underutilized labs and highly utilized labs, leaving the possibility of neglecting those labs that do not fall into either of these categories. 2) John noted that in the past couple of years much of the Lab Mod money has been used for large remodel projects, which has reduced the amount available for small lab upgrades. There was discussion as to whether large remodel projects should be undertaken at the expense of laboratory equipment for routine labs. 3) Greg Mayer voiced a concern that Lab Mod money is being used to cover budget shortfalls in new construction. There was discussion of the Comm Arts project background and budget problems, and whether it is appropriate to use Lab Mod money to fund Comm Arts furniture, as is being contemplated. John also explained that Facilities Management has a concern regarding the determination of project costs, which is very time consuming for their staff. It needs to be clarified that detailed estimates will not be done until it becomes clear that a project will be approved by the Facilities Planning Committee. Discussion of possible changes to the Lab Mod policy will be continued at the next meeting.

Issues for Facilities Planning Committee discussion (Cress, Desch). Don Cress brought forth a list of issues put forth by Tom Bittner in 5/2001. These were issues that Tom felt the Facilities Planning Committee should discuss with direction and resolution to follow. The list was discussed by the committee. John explained that these issues require ongoing discussion and would best be addressed each biennium during preparation of updates to the Physical Development Plan.

Major Project Updates (Desch). The Comm Arts construction will start in January 2010, and is to be complete by September 2011. The Comm Arts parking lot will be started in the spring or summer of 2011. John reported that presentations will be made regarding the Comm Arts remodel, and the ground breaking for that project should take place in December or January. A Parking Program Review Taskforce has been established, and will hold their first meeting shortly. The restroom project will also start in January. Don reported that portions of the elevator project will be carried out at the semester break, and the remainder in the summer 2010. An electric voltage changeover will take place, and a stormwater project to irrigate the athletic fields is in the works.

Bill reported that a Parking Program Review Taskforce has been established, and will hold their first meeting shortly. Currently there is space available in the former Bookstore, the former Admissions Office, and the International House. Before any allocation of these spaces can take place a determination of what extra space is needed during the Comm Arts remodel is necessary.