FACILITIES PLANNING COMMITTEE

MINUTES

September 17, 2002

Members Present: D. Bills; P. Bylaska; D. Decker; G. Grejda; T. Gusler; S. Horch; D. Kahle; M. McConnell; K. Price; M. Scovron; L. Tripodi;

Others Present: J. Conley; D. Flick; T. Fogarty; J. Guth; J. Massa; R. Pold

I. Approval of Minutes – May 21, 2002

A. D. Bills made a motion that was seconded by D. Kahle to approve the minutes of the meeting of May 21, 2002 as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.

II. Old Business

A. Stadium ADA

· Options for creating accessible seating at the stadium have been reviewed and it has been determined that the best course of action would be to build a ramp at the east end of the bleachers. Seats would be installed at end of row and ramp would go down, turn and exit near the storage area under the bleachers. Temporary solutions are under consideration but at this time a permanent solution may be the more desirable. The ramp should not need to be redone due to other renovations to the facility in the near future.

· As reported previously, the feasibility study for a major renovation to the stadium came in with estimated costs for 5 - 6 million. Options to scale down the costs are being studied.

B. Summer Projects

· J. Conley reviewed projects accomplished in-house including: power washing of the exterior of Stevens Hall; landscaping at Becht, Moore and Egbert; painting in Egbert; renovations to second floor of Gemmell to accommodate move of Minority Affairs and Community Service offices; and construction of outdoor gathering area at Stevens.

· P. Bylaska reviewed the construction projects bid and accomplished this summer including:

Ø Parking Lot 4 paving and upgrade of rugby field - 90% complete. Crosswalk to be constructed

Ø ADA renovations at Frame Hall - 80% complete

Ø HVAC modifications to Suhr Library - to be completed this week.

Ø Tippin Floor Refinishing - deficiencies in surface to be repaired by contractor over winter break

Ø Nair Hall - new sprinklers, ceilings, windows and electrical system installed. Interior painting completed with a few repairs to be made by contractor over break.

Ø Ballantine Hall - new sprinkler system installed.

Ø Harvey Hall - Roof installed.

Ø Still Hall - Contract for HVAC renovations in redesign due to high bids received.

Ø Venango Turn-a-Round and Carrier Conference Room projects are being redesigned due to high bids received.

B. Recreation Center Chains

· J. Conley reported that they are still working on a solution to the ice problems caused by the chains which run into the drains for the water system. Students also swing on the chains. Installation of hard piping underground has been suggested but costs may be prohibitive.

C. Master Plan

· With the $2.5-million budget shortfall this year,$500,000 in funding for master plan projects will be used to defer the effects of the shortfall for one year. This means only $200,000 will be available.

III. New Business

A. Project Planning Process

· Academic Affairs has compiled a list of projects suggested by departments that do not fall under in the major project category to be covered by master plan or deferred maintenance funds. The projects have also been prioritized and divided based on whether they would be handled by facilities management or planning.

· A list will also need to be developed by other areas. This will provide a reference source that will be reviewed when funds become available for extra projects.

B. Steam Tunnel

· Design is near completion. Construction will be started next spring and will be a major undertaking affecting most of campus.

C. System Organization/Searches

· New Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration to be hired by January 1. Other vacant facilities positions will be filled after that appointment.

D. Carlson Library & Bell Tower

· Bell Tower - DGS and architect are currently negotiating with the Borough to resolve problems associated with the location of the tower. Work is continuing.

E. Parking

· J. Guth suggested that something be done to address a problem associated with pedestrian traffic from Carrier to Parking Lot H. Although there is a stop at the end of the Lot, traffic coming into the lots and leaving Lot 5 does not have to slow down. There is a crosswalk for pedestrian traffic along Lot 5 but nothing from Carrier to Lot H. The matter was referred via S. Horch to the Parking Committee and John Massa for investigation.

F. Property - P. Bylaska stated that no property purchases were made by the University recently. At some point, Mr. Tripp could share updates on Foundation purchases.

G. Carter Auditorium Seating

· The seats installed in Carter Auditorium were unsatisfactory and replacement by the contractor is currently in progress

H. Venango Turnaround - To be rebid.

I. Carrier Conference Room - To be rebid.

IV. Other

A. Schedule of Meetings for Fall Semester

· Remaining meetings will be: October 15; November 19; December 10.

· Committee members were encouraged to recommend for other places to meet.

B. Carlson Library

· Conley commented on the tremendous amount of effort by the entire campus community in completing this project. He felt C. Heidler should be commended for his efforts in coordinating the project.

· It was mentioned that some security issues are still open but H. McGinn and D. Tedjeske are working out the details.

C. Peirce Hall: T. Gusler mentioned that the painting of this building was appreciated by the occupants and greatly improves impressions by the public in this heavily used building.

D. M. Scovron emphasized the need for locker room facilities for women athletes at the stadium especially with the introduction of the women's soccer team. P. Bylaska assured the group that the locker room renovations are a priority and all efforts will be made to move this part of the renovation forward if funds become available.