MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE

MINUTES

February 12, 2004

Members Present: Paul Bylaska; Debra Decker; Curtis Foltz; Gail Grejda; Clare Heidler; Scott Horch; Bernadette Krenzer; Michael McConnell; Dave Tedjeske; Lou Tripodi; Lisa Turner; Ron Wilshire

I. Approval of Minutes – January 27, 2004

1. A motion was made by Gail Grejda and seconded by Bernadette Krenzer to approve the minutes of January 27, 2004 as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

II. Old Business

1. Wrap Up of Near-Term and Mid-term Issues

Paul Bylaska indicated that the issues recorded in the minutes of prior meetings and discussions that have occurred would be the used to formulate the changes to the plan.

Members were asked if there were any additional items that needed to be discussed. It was indicated that when funding for Peirce is confirmed the issues related to that project will be included in planning.

III. New Business

1. Long-Term Issues

One Stop Shopping in Becht

Bernadette Krenzer indicated that the informal group that she had convened to discuss this issue had expressed the opinion that a committee be officially appointed to continue discussion on development of this concept. A definition of what constitutes our idea of one stop shopping needs to be developed to determine the direction the university will take in moving forward with the concept.

The original Plan called for Admissions to move to Carrier, student service offices to move from Carrier to Becht and all offices in Egbert to move to Becht.

PEC/Dean’s Council had discussed this issue and expressed concern that the updated plan should be integrated with an Academic Plan.

Discussions would occur at the same time as the strategic plan occurs. Will probably need to wait a year to solidify all plans.

Administration Moved from Carrier

In the plan administrative offices would be moved to Egbert. This was proposed since at that time Development offices were to move to Moore and offices in Carrier were moving to Becht. The idea was to keep administration in proximity to other offices with which it traditionally had a close working relationship.

With the current desire to consolidate academic programs it may not be the best idea to move administration to the middle of campus.

Opinions were expressed that the best use of Egbert would be for academic purposes. In many programs it is not practical to have faculty traveling across campus for classes due to volume of materials that must be transported.

In the original plan the move of Admissions to Carrier was in response to marketing concerns. It was felt that Carrier was a more visible and accessible area.

Small Houses Demolished (?)

This item refers to the Thorn 1, Thorn 2 and Admissions buildings.

Discussion of relocation of the programs in these buildings included what would be the best location for the Public Safety operation. Suggested areas included Carrier, a floor of a residence hall, the Admissions building if that program moves to Carrier or the back side of Becht Hall. Dave Tedjeske indicated that the program should be near residence halls, in a highly visible, easily accessible area. Although the current location meets most needs of he department, with the vacating of residence halls on that end of campus it may be beneficial to move to the north. A larger and more open reception area would enhance the public image. Since Public Safety is the only office with 24 hour staffing, it needs to be easy to find. Due to the services provided, it should be in a high student traffic area.

Thorn 1 and Thorn 2 are well constructed. With improvements that have been made to the Admissions building, it could also be considered in good shape.

The consensus of the committee was that these buildings should not be demolished and that a suitable use should be identified in the plan.

2. Process

Finalize Master Plan Update

Lou Tripodi suggested that a smaller subcommittee be formed to develop a draft plan that would be returned to the larger group for approval.

The subcommittee will include: Lou Tripodi, Paul Bylaska, Clare Heidler, Gail Grejda, Curtis Foltz and a representative from residence life.

This smaller group will meet on March 2 or before to begin work on the draft.

Circulate Draft to Other Groups

The president has expressed a concern that the final draft of the updated plan be shared with other campus groups to assure all members of the campus community have had an opportunity for input.

After a final draft has been approved by this committee, it will be shared with other campus groups such as Academic Council, Faculty Senate, Student Senate, etc.

Committee members were reminded that this is a yearly review process and that issues that may be missed or unforeseen circumstances that may arise can be addressed during the next review.

Housing Plan

This plan should be available for use in developing final draft of update.

Venango Plan

Paul Bylaska will discuss plans for Venango campus with Dr. Reber so that they can be included in the draft.

Parking Plan

This plan was distributed at the last meeting and will be incorporated.

3. Other Discussion

Ralston: Plans remain as stated previously with Academic Support occupying first floor and possible use of other floors for swing space.

Campbell will be vacated and demolished at some time in the future.

Need to update charts in plan to indicate present use of buildings

Marwick-Boyd issues need to be addressed.

Tippin is not mentioned in the plan and issues there need to be considered.

Need to consider budgetary restraints that may make some moves impractical

Parking lot issues and traffic flow should be reviewed.

Committee members were urged to contact Lou Tripodi with any additional recommendations/suggestions they think the subcommittee should consider.

Gail Grejda indicated that at one time there had been talk about moving entrance at Stevens to the side of the building and refurbishing the exterior facing the library and converting the parking area next to the building to green space. Improvements in this area are needed.

Next Meeting – Will be announced when subcommittee has final draft ready for review.