Minutes
Campus Planning Facilities Committee
June 1, 2007

Present: Nancy Nusbaum, Bret Adams for Maria Canabal, Richard Cheatham, Carol Dochen, Ann Marie Ellis, Don Hazelwood, Micky Autrey, Rick Bishop, Glen Hanley, Kim Porterfield, Daniel Vasquez, Carol Barrett, Coyle Buhler, Ryan Diehl for Derek Grice, Frank Gonzalez, David Lemke, Stephen Marlow, Joe Meyer, Robert Campbell and Steve Prentice for Ralph Meyer, Alexis Dabney for Kyle Morris, John Root, Tina Schultz, Chris Reynolds, Donna Selcer

Absent: Robert Onley, Robert Patton, Edna Rehbein, Barbara Sanders, Mark Hughes, Terry Dowdy, Pat Fogarty, Bill Stone

Guest: Andy Rhoades

Request for renovation from Chemistry using HEAF funds
Prepare rooms in Centennial freed up by Geology for Chemistry/Bio Chemistry labs. Cost estimate = $16,955. Assignment of rooms was previously approved by President’s Cabinet. Department is requesting approval of the cost of renovations being funded from HEAF funds. Dr. Cheatham moved to recommend approval of the request to the next level and the committee concurred. Dr. Moore and Mr. Nance will be asked to approve funding since the project is less than $25,000.

Request for renovation at Roy F. Mitte from Engineering and Technology
Renovations include construction of a wall and inserting a door between Rooms 4231 & 4232 to convert rooms into labs. Cost estimate will be less than $25,000. The department has $15,000. The committee moved to recommend approval of the request to the next level. Dr. Moore and Mr. Nance will be asked to approve the project since it is less than $25,000 and the department has funds.

Request for renovation in Evans from Political Science
Political Science is requesting a doorway be installed between two rooms to allow access between the Chair and Administrative Assistant’s offices. The department has funds to cover the cost estimate which should be less than $5,000. The committee moved to recommend approval of the request to the next level. Dr. Moore and Ms. Nusbaum will be asked to approve the project since it is less than $5,000 and the department has funds.

Request for renovation of Metal Building at Aquarena from Biology
Biology has been previously approved by President’s Cabinet to use the Metal Building at Aquarena once it’s vacated by Anthropology. Renovations to turn the building into a research field lab would include ADA requirements of a ramp and special parking space, new interior walls, a restroom, electrical supply upgrade and installation of a fume hood, acoustical ceiling tiles and a/c unit with duct work. The cost is estimated to be $90,515 and the department is requesting HEAF funds to cover. Dr. Moore previously indicated support of the renovation as long as the cost is under $100,000. The committee moved to recommend approval of the request to the next level. Ms. Nusbaum will take to President’s Cabinet for approval of HEAF funding since over $25,000.

Request for renovation in Aquatic Biology from Biology
Biology has requested renovations to convert an open space area into a faculty office. Allen Henderson has previously reviewed project and only anticipates the a/c drop as a potential problem. The department has funds to cover the cost estimated to be around $5,000. The committee moved to recommend approval of the request to the next level. Dr. Moore and Ms. Nusbaum will be asked to approve the project since it is less than $5,000 and the department has funds.

Request for renovation of LBJ 5-7.1 from Career Services
Career services has requested renovations to their offices that would include relocation and replacement of the front welcome area to provide a better place for students waiting to speak to a counselor. Renovations would also include carpet replacement and repainting their area with University colors and branding. Cost estimate has not been completed but department has money to cover renovations. The committee moved to recommend approval of the request to the next level. Ms. Nusbaum will seek appropriate approvals depending on the cost of the project.

Renovation requests for LBJ Student Center
Andy Rhoades shared with the committee that several changes to the LBJ Student Center were recommended by attendants at a recent Food Service retreat. Two projects presented to the Facilities Committee include:

• carpet replacement on the 4th Floor (cost estimate of $89,000 to be funded from reserves);
• modifications to add a small wall and three doors to the 4th Floor Campus Activities and Student Organization area (department has funds to cover cost);
• modifications to the George’s space to create a prep area and additional kitchen space for Pizza Hut (anticipate more need for additional service with addition of new residence hall – cost estimated by KW Construction was $125,000)

Mr. Rhoades pointed out that these projects should be completed by August 15th and requested consideration by the Facilities Department to use KW Construction for the relocation of Pizza Hut. Mr. Rhoades will discuss the work schedule with Facilities staff. Ms. Nusbaum pointed out that with only 2 Cabinet meetings scheduled for June, Dr. Smith will seek the President’s approval during her staff meeting. Note: the projects were approved by the President and will be scheduled this summer.

Renovations to Bookstore in LBJ Student Center from Auxiliary Services
Mr. Root requested the committees’ approval for renovations to the Bookstore. Currently there are two service center areas for computers and general books. Mr. Root would like to combine these service centers into one location, move the clothing area more to the front of the bookstore and convert the clothing area into offices. Cost is estimated to be $25,000 and department has funds to cover. The committee moved to recommend approval of the request to the next level. Dr. Moore and Mr. Nance will be asked to approve the project since $25,000 and the department has funds.

Advance planning needed for renovations request from Departments
Ms. Nusbaum pointed out that several renovation requests have recently been received that request work to be completed this summer. Ms. Nusbaum pointed out that Facilities currently has 142 projects on the list and are fully scheduled for the summer. Departments need to plan and request renovations well in advance to guarantee completion within a certain time frame. The Special Projects group in Facilities Planning, Design and Construction are not only in charge of renovation projects approved by this committee but also ADA projects, Life Safety projects, and repairs to elevators, roofs and sidewalks all across campus.

Ms. Nusbaum pointed out that Bill Tomlinson in OFDC is a licensed architect with a specialty in interior design. Mr. Tomlinson will be reviewing projects to insure that color and quality are consistent with campus master plan guidelines and to insure uniformity with the building’s architecture.

Bicycle Pathways
Ms. Nusbaum informed the committee that $1.5 million in funds have been awarded by the Texas Department of Transportation to construct a two-mile off-road bikeway with installation of amenities including parking, storage/lockers, bike racks, benches/chairs, restrooms with showers and water fountains. The bikeway will connect the Texas State campus to Aquarena Springs and Post Road bike lanes. A committee has been formed with the first meeting scheduled for June 8th to begin discussing project implementation. Ms. Nusbaum pointed out that many of the current construction projects will create bikeways as planned in the Campus Master Plan. There will still be areas on campus that will not be connected. There is another opportunity to request additional funds that could be used to make the additional connections and also tie into the City of San Marcos bike lanes.

University sale of property at IH-35 and McCarty Lane
Ms. Nusbaum informed the committee that the $13 million dollar sale of the University’s property to the Stratford Land Company is scheduled to close on July 11, 2007. Currently the contract also pays the University for transporting fill dirt from current campus construction sites for future construction of property drainage. It is planned currently that most of the revenue from the sale will be used to set up a quasi endowment for scholarships.

Carol Barrett pointed out that Stratford has already met with the City to share their multi-year development plan for the property. Currently, big box retail, smaller retail, hotel, parking and restaurant pads are planned for the area fronting IH-35 and McCarty Lane. A wetland area will be created for center section to provide drainage for the property. Later development includes areas for commercial, office and multi-family building sites.

Aquarena (Loop 82) Overpass
Ms. Nusbaum asked Mr. Buhler to update the committee on the recent meeting he attended discussing updates to the construction of the Aquarena Overpass. TxDOT recently fired the consultants and hired new consultants to revamp the plans for the project. An agreement has been made with the Railroad for the re-routing of Post Road and future access roads. Mr. Buhler pointed out that the new routing results in less land to be taken from the Aquarena golf course but will still impact some of the parking at Bobcat Stadium and next to Strahan. The new plans allow for sidewalks to cross railroad tracks. This could enhance the Texas State Bikeway Project by funding some of the bikeways in the Aquarena Overpass area. Mr. Buhler also noted that the new TxDOT contact stated that some of the enhancements requested by the University could be included in the cost of the project. Landscaping as suggested by the University may be in question or the costs may have to be funded by the University. One major issue left to be resolved relates to a billboard currently located in the overpass area. Construction is not expected to start for another three years.

Forensic Research Facility
Ms. Nusbaum informed the committee that the University is still looking for a site since the University’s property located on Hwy 21 was determined not suitable.

New Scoreboards at Texas State Athletic Venues
The Board of Regents approved the university to spend up to $1.5 million to install new scoreboards at Texas State sports venues including new marquees on Aquarena Springs Drive in front of Strahan Coliseum and on the back of the new football board facing Aquarena Drive and Post Road. Dr. Cheatham expressed his frustration as to why this was not something presented for consideration and recommendation of approval by the Facilities Committee and wondered what “funds” would be used. Ms. Nusbaum shared there are multiple funding sources. Fine Arts events will be advertised on the new boards, therefore, the proposed Theatre and Dance Department marquee will not be constructed.

City of San Marcos Update by Carol Barrett

• Downtown Master Plan- Ms. Barrett updated the committee on the City’s Downtown Master Plan. The second community workshop held on May 21 was attended by approximately 60 board and commission members, downtown property owners, businesses and residents, university staff and faculty and the general public. On May 22nd, the City of San Marcos Planning & Development Department and Broaddus & Associates, the Downtown Master Plan consultants, hosted a walking tour to focus on the future of the City’s historic downtown. The 25 participants of the walking tour shared comments, ideas and opportunities to further enhance the downtown area. The Master Plan will serve as a guide to further improve and develop downtown as a vibrant central business area while preserving its historic character. Ms. Barrett pointed out one of the “unique” discoveries of the walking tour established the fact that the City’s alleys gave the best direct views of the Courthouse. Currently, the downtown area seems to have a student focus but hopes to divide the area into districts and will identify other areas for more family and upscale dining/entertainment areas. These workshops were part of four anticipated workshops expected to delve deeper into specific issues about downtown. Ms. Barrett pointed out that there was little Texas State student participation since the workshops have taken place at the end of the spring semester and during summer. Ms. Nusbaum introduced Ms. Barrett to Ms. Alexis Dabney, member of the Associate Student Government, as a great contact for more student involvement.
• Embassy Suites and City Conference Center- Project construction is well underway with completion still scheduled for October 2008.
• Yarrington Railroad Overpass- Yarrington Road, west of Interstate-35 from Post Road to I- 35, is closed to all traffic for construction of a new overpass over the Union Pacific Railroad line. The Yarrington Railroad Overpass project is a partnership between the City of San Marcos and private developer CARMA Texas, Inc. as part of the Blanco Vista Subdivision development. The City Council created a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ #2) last summer to use property tax revenues generated by the development to reimburse the public portion of the $8.1 million cost for the railroad overpass construction. Hays County is also participating in the TIRZ. The city and county will repay $7.1 million in the overpass cost. Private participation, with the developer providing funds to build the overpass up front, enabled the construction of this second railroad overpass to begin within two months after the completion of the Wonder World Drive Overpass. The road is expected to remain closed until December, 2007.
• Concho Commons- A committee member asked Ms. Barrett if the City has heard of any further development plans for the Concho Commons site. Ms. Barrett wasn’t aware of any recent activity for development of the property.
• Loop 110 and widening of McCarty Lane- The committee requested an update from Ms. Barrett regarding the City’s plans since the recent election defeated the road bonds. Since Ms. Porterfield attended a meeting hosted on May 31st by the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce discussing the road issues, she updated the Committee. San Marcos Mayor Susan Narvaiz and other local elected officials were present to share current developments and options under consideration. The mayors of Kyle, Buda and San Marcos met with TxDOT District Engineer Bob Daigh to discuss future plans for the road construction reimbursement dollars available for area road construction. The City is especially concerned with upgrades to McCarty Lane and the proposed San Marcos Loop that adds better access to the new high school. The City is currently trying to subcontract with Hays County and may sell revenue bonds for construction funding.

Campus Construction Update

• Undergraduate Academic Center- Dr. Ellis requested an update. Ms. Nusbaum informed the committee that a meeting is scheduled to be held next week between the University and Broaddus and Associates. The square footage of the building has been reduced than originally desired. Departments and offices to be housed in the new building will be identified at the upcoming meeting with Dr. Moore present.
• South Chill Plant- This project will be completed in phases and will not use TRB or HEAF funds. The University will cover Phase I with $2.6 million from utility reserves. The Chill Plant will be built as a shell in the Undergraduate Academic Center. When funding is available to proceed with the Fine Arts and Communications Center, equipment will be installed in shelled area to be funded from utility reserves.
• Speck Street Garage and Harris Chill Plant construction jobs are underway.
• Read Street is partially closed and will close completely when the Student Recreation Center project begins construction.
• The increase total project cost for the Student Recreation Center Addition was approved by the Board of Regents at the May meeting. The Coordinating Board Planning Committee will review the project at their June 13th meeting. Construction plans currently schedules the expansion to be completed spring 2009. Note: THECB approval was received.
• Pleasant Street Garage project was cancelled.
• LBJ Bus Loop- Bids are due next week with a recommended total project cost to be presented to the Board of Regents at a special called meeting in June. The project will then be presented for approval by the Assistant Commissioner of the Coordinating Board.
• Concho- Bids are coming in next week.
• Trinity Project-This project was broken into smaller projects since the Curation Facility for Anthropology need to open by January 2008 as agreed to by the Texas Historic Commission.
• Mitte 5th Floor construction will be starting soon.
• Jowers project is being value engineered and should also start soon.
• Architect interviews for the North Housing project are scheduled. There were eight responders with three to be invited for interviews.
• RRHEC Nursing Center project had 15 architect firms submit design proposals. A committee will review proposals to narrow the selection to 3 firms for interviews.
• Matthews Street Parking Garage is currently being programmed.
• Co-Gen expansion should begin construction soon. The Co-Gen Addition is on hold.
• The Tomas Rivera Drive, Student Center Drive and Buckner Loop Project has a new architect.
• An architect has been selected for the New Greenhouse. We are waiting for the contract documents to be released from the Texas State University System office.
• The Fine Arts and Communication Center model has been completed and received on campus. Ms. Nusbaum will bring the slide show of the model (exterior and interior views) to the July meeting. Dr. Cheatham offered to find a display area in Old Main if needed.
• John Root informed the committee that the conversion of Joe’s Crab Shack into a Saltgrass Steakhouse is scheduled to start June 18th. It is expected the job will take 120 days and the looks will be changed dramatically. The building will be sand-blasted to remove the paint back to the original colors of the old brick.

July Meeting
Scheduled for July 13th from 9:00-11:00 am in JCK 1100
Ms. Nusbaum requested that the July meeting be held on the 13th rather than the 6th. Committee will need to go over HEAF allocation recommendations to submit to the President’s Cabinet before they are taken to the August Board of Regents meeting for approval.