Campus Facilities Planning Committee Minutes 8-3-2007

Minutes
Campus Planning Facilities Committee
August 3, 2007

Present: Nancy Nusbaum, Nancy Granato for Maria Canabal, Richard Cheatham, Carol Dochen, Ann Marie Ellis, Don Hazlewood, Robert Olney, Dave Falleur for Barbara Sanders, Mickey Autrey, Rick Bishop, Glenn Hanley, Kim Porterfield, Daniel Vasquez, Carol Barrett, Coyle Buhler, Terry Dowdy, Pat Fogarty, Frank Gonzalez, Don Campbell for Ralph Meyer, Brett Baker for
Reagan Pugh, Brad McAllister for John Root, Tina Schultz, Ted Hindson, Donna Selcer

Absent: Robert Patton, Edna Rehbein, Mark Hughes, Derek Grice, David Lemke, Stephen Marlow, Joe Meyer, Chris Reynolds

Guests: Michael Petty and Allen Henderson from OFPDC, Gail Ryser from the Testing, Research-Support Evaluation Center, Rebecca Swindal from the Applied Arts Advising Center, Diana Harrell from University Marketing

Renovation Request for Testing, Research-Support Evaluation Center (TREC)
TREC’s request for renovations to their computer lab was brought back from July meeting. Ms. Nusbaum pointed out that the original $18,300 cost estimate was too low since the estimate is two years old. Dr. Gail Ryser, TREC Program Director, attended the meeting to discuss needed renovations and requested the Facilities Committee to recommend funding for the following:
1. Computer Lab Renovation – The computer lab has 10 computers available; however, six months ago Milt Nielsen offered TREC 15 more computers and furniture and indicated he would pay for the connections but there is no space as currently configured. TREC would like to begin online proctoring of tests to further support faculty, facilitate programs on campus and generate more M&O funds. They have requested that a wall be knocked out to increase the lab size and that a glassed in room be built in the middle to house the Testing Lab Coordinator and better facilitate a secure testing environment.
2. As a result of a recent break in and computers stolen, the Center would like to install a security system. The testing center is located in Commons Hall which can be accessed by the students at all hours.
3. TREC was informed that they will not be allocated space in the Undergraduate Academic Center due to the reduction of the square footage of the building. Commons Hall will serve as their permanent home; therefore, a facelift is needed. New flooring, painting and ceiling tiles have been requested.
Dr. Ellis moved that the Facilities Committee recommend funding needed for renovations, security and TREC facelift. Ms. Nusbaum will request an updated cost estimate for the project. HEAF funds are available. The December holiday break would be the ideal time to perform the work. Dr. Cheatham seconded the motion. If the cost estimate is below $75,000 Ms. Nusbaum will seek approval by President’s Cabinet. If the cost estimate is above $75,000, Ms. Nusbaum will return this request to the Facilities Committee to revisit.

President’s Cabinet - July 16 Meeting
Ms. Nusbaum presented recommendations from the last Facilities Committee meeting to the President’s Cabinet on July 16. All recommendations made for the FY08 HEAF allocations were approved. Additionally, renovation of the Psychology Building was moved up in schedule with funding for architectural services in FY 2011 and construction FY 2012-2013. An additional $3,000,000 was allocated for Phase I of the Fine Arts and Communications Center bringing Phase I funding to $15,750,000.

Cabinet approved the recommendations of the Classroom Improvement Committee for FY 08.

Cabinet approved the FY 08 Deferred Maintenance recommendations.
President’s Cabinet also approved allocation of the JCK 1st floor mail services area to the Graduate College provided University programming standards are adhered to; allocation of the vault area on the first floor to the Vice President for University Advancement for storage; allocation of the JCK 3rd floor ID Services area to Human Resources provided University programming standards are adhered to; and allocation of the Swinney Guest House to the Center for Safe Communities and Schools.

Mass Communication
Dr. Cheatham inquired what building options would be available to relocate Mass Communication out of Old Main. The Music building is the only option since Psychology will be renovated for Psychology but will not be available until the new Music building is built.

Future Tuition Revenue Bond Projects
Projects for tuition revenue bond funding in the FY 09 legislative session include: the Fine Arts and Communication project, a third building at Round Rock, a new building for Engineering and a new building for Music. New construction procedures are being recommended to the Board of Regents at the August meeting that require programming to be completed prior to any projects being taken to the Legislature for TRB funding. Most likely the Fine Arts building and the third building at Round Rock (for health related programs) will be submitted.

Applied Arts Advising Center Request for Colorado 100
This request was brought back from the July meeting. Ms. Rebecca Swindal attended the meeting to answer any questions. Ms. Nusbaum has not heard back from Dr. Sriraman to determine if Technology still needs use of the space in Colorado for storage. Ms. Swindal informed the Committee that the current advising center space would be returned to a classroom and the storage room would be turned into a faculty office. Ms. Nusbaum needs to review utilization figures to determine if another classroom is needed. Ms. Swindal pointed out that the classroom area mirrors Classroom 202 with 40 seats.

International Office Request to Use Guest Bedroom #3 in Hill House as an Office
The International Office’s current space in the Hill House lacks a private area for advising students. They have requested that one of the 4 guest bedrooms be converted into an office. No renovations are needed as the room already has computer connections. Facilities Committee approved the request.

Engineering & Technology Request
Requestors would like to install a wall between RFM 4231 Quality Assurance and RFM 4232 Human Factors. Wall will need to be sound proofed and will require reinforcement for a projector screen for visual demonstrations. Additional electrical circuits, data and phone lines will need to be added to accommodate 25 computers and an AV station added for teaching purposes. Lighting will have to be readjusted and additional electrical circuits and control switches will be needed. The department estimated the cost at under $50,000 and has funds to cover the cost. The Committee recommended the project be taken to President’s Cabinet if under $50,000; however, if the cost estimate is more than $50,000 and HEAF funds will be needed to complete the project, the project will be returned to the Facilities Committee for reconsideration.

Request for Renovation from Office of University Marketing
The Office of University Marketing is requesting that their existing space be remodeled to accommodate additional employees and is requesting HEAF funds to cover the cost. Ms. Diana Harrell informed the Facilities Committee that five new positions have been approved for their department. Four positions are already in the process of being filled; however, there is no space available to house the new employees. The new positions include a graphic /web designer, a project coordinator to facilitate the production calendar, 2 additional writers and a Director’s position. It is expected that all positions will be filled by December. The Office will be fully staffed and their current space in JCK 860 is expected to be their permanent space. Funding for modular furniture is also being requested. The Facilities Committee recommended a cost estimate be made as soon as possible. If the estimate is $75,000 or below, Ms. Nusbaum will request approval by President’s Cabinet. If above $75,000, the Committee will need to revisit the request.

Future Requests
Dr. Cheatham has discussed future needs with the Provost. These include:
1. Major capital purchase of a new grand piano for the University. The cost estimate ranges from $50,000 to $150,000.
2. Since Evans Auditorium will continue to be used, the lighting system will need to be renovated. Some of the new lighting will be usable in the new Fine Arts and Communications Center.
3. Land and construction of a tower and a building to house the FM transmitter for KTSW is still needed.

Construction Status Report
Ms. Nusbaum asked if any of the Facilities Committee had any questions for Mr. Buhler regarding the July construction project status report that was emailed to the committee members.

Dr. Cheatham inquired about the Trinity renovation. Michael Petty reported that Phase I is underway and should be finished in October. They plan to move into Phase II immediately.

Dr. Hindson requested and update regarding the LBJ Bus Loop project and its impact on the Pleasant Street Garage. Contract negotiations with Zachary are still occurring. At this time it is planned that the garage will not close until after the convocation. Construction is estimated to last 9 months.

Ms. Nusbaum recognized this as the last Facilities Committee meeting for FY07 and expressed gratitude to the members for their time and dedication to provide strategic direction to support the University’s Strategic Plan and the Campus Master Plan.

The first Campus Facilities Planning Committee meeting of FY 08 is scheduled for September 7th, 2007 in the Reed Parr Room in JCK 1100. Ms. Nusbaum will confirm the date, location and provide the agenda via email later this month.