Minutes of Meeting

CAMPUS SPACE AND FACILITIES COMMITTEE
Memorial Union - University Chambers
Minutes of October 27, 2003 Meeting

Committee Members present: Justin Welch, Berlin Nelson, David Rider, Vern Markey, Derald Bates, John Elder, Bob Peterson, Gary Goreham, Lance Holden, Craig Schnell, Dick Rayl, Ron Hutchinson (alternate for Will Bleier)

Committee Members absent: Phillippe D'Anjou

Ex-Officio Members present: Bruce Frantz, Paul Gleye, Gene Blumhardt (for Kristi Wold-McCormick), Tim Lee, Don Hanson

Others present: Gina Haugen, Gary Narum, Richard Moorhead, Jim Venette, Prakash Matthew, Michael Harwood, George Wallman

Chairperson VP Dick Rayl called the meeting to order. VP Rayl asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the April 1, 2003 meeting. There being none, Berlin Nelson moved and Vern Markey seconded to accept the minutes. Motion carried. VP Rayl then asked all committee members present to introduce themselves for the benefit of the new members at the meeting.

Bison Court Presentation (Richard Moorhead, IMAGE Group Architecture & Interiors)
Richard Moorhead, architect for the IMAGE Group, distributed schematic designs to committee members for the proposed new Bison Court facility. Mr. Moorhead outlined some specifics being considered for the new building, which would replace the current Bison Court apartment buildings on campus. VP Wallman, Prakash Matthew, and Michael Harwood also attended the presentation to answer any questions concerning the project. A question was posed to the group regarding who will make the final decision on the building. The response was that Residence Life and the President would make the final decision.

Space Subcommittee Report (Gina Haugen)
In Will Bleier's absence, Gina updated the committee on the transfer of the Sugarbeet Research Building (TARE lab) to the USDA and ThundarRadio's request to occupy the vacant space in the Post Office Building (see attached notes.) The subcommittee's recommendation was that both requests be approved. VP Rayl called for a motion; Berlin Nelson moved and Gary Goreham seconded to accept the subcommittee's recommendation. Motion carried.

Planning Subcommittee (Berlin Nelson)
Berlin Nelson updated the members on the donation of the sculpture by Don Larew to the Little Country Theater. Professor Larew met with the subcommittee on June 25, 2003, concerning the location for the artwork. The subcommittee approved a site near the corner of Albrecht Boulevard and 12th Avenue, and landscaping work was done to prepare the area for the sculpture. The artwork was erected during the summer and early fall months and then dedicated during Homecoming week activities. VP Rayl called for a motion to accept the subcommittee's recommendation of the site; Berlin Nelson moved and Bob Peterson seconded it. Motion carried.

Proposed Sportsturf Management Project (Don Hanson, Jim Venette)
Don Hanson presented very preliminary plans of the proposed sportsturf management program golf course. No funds have been secured for the project at this time; however, the people involved with the project felt that it was important that the CSFC be the first to review the plans. The location proposed for the project is on the far western edge of campus and will be comprised of 90-95% current pastureland and 5-10% current research plot land that agriculture has approved for the project. The course will be considered a research/teaching/recreation/campus beautification area and will present a pleasing appearance on that end of the campus. Its size would be comparable to that of the executive-sized Prairiewood Golf Course. Also proposed is a youth course on the side, developed with the involvement of the Fargo Park District in mind for the project's operation. Currently, there is no youth facility of this type located in Fargo-Moorhead.

Jim Venette reported that the sportsturf management program was approved by the State Board of Higher Education approximately one year ago after being in the development stages for three or four years. Currently, there are 21 students enrolled, and the program's focus is one of urban agriculture attractive to the urban population. Students have indicated that they desire a hands-on experience with actual physical involvement in a project, so the course has been designed to be a constantly changing learning environment. The course could also benefit students in civil engineering, horticulture, athletics, landscape architecture, the arboretum committee, and any other affiliated campus clubs and/or committees.

Discussion followed between the committee members and the presenters. Some items addressed were:

The project cost is estimated at approximately $2.5 million. No fund raising has been started, but the thought is that business firms could be approached to sponsor holes. If the Fargo Park District is also involved, it is possible that the maintenance costs could be shared with them. However, the project is in very preliminary stages at this time.

Proposed Wellness Center and Memorial Union Additions (Gary Narum)
Gary Narum updated committee members on the proposed additions to the Wellness Center and the Memorial Union. VP Rayl indicated that these projects would need approval from the 2005 legislature along with this committee's official recommendation prior to proceeding. The Union building committee has been meeting weekly and has chosen TL Stroh as the architect in consultation with MHTEN. Together, they will develop the plans that will be presented to the legislature in January 2005.

The Wellness Center addition will include four basketball courts, five racquetball courts, a climbing wall, and an expanded childcare facility. (An average of about 1,000 people per day use the facility and this usage is pushing the expansion.) The university's intramural program will also be housed within the Center after the addition is completed. Eight architectural firms have submitted an RFQ for the project. The "short list" of firms is expected to be completed November 5 - 12 with the final selection being made around November 19.

Wishing Well / Kiosks (Bruce Frantz)
Student Government approached Bruce on the possibility of replacing the current wishing well/kiosks located on campus. The kiosks have been in service for 20 years and are a maintenance issue due to of the wood construction and the vandalism occurring to them. He inquired if the members had any strong feelings about keeping with the current design or could a new design be considered. A member asked if any proposals had been submitted for the replacements. Bruce indicated that there were none yet, but Student Government was in the process of securing one prior to the spring CSFC meeting. They had attempted to initiate this project a year ago, but no funding could be secured. The project has since been resurrected and a thought was to combine the kiosks with trash containers for the campus. Notices could be posted on the kiosks and trash could be retained in receptacles in the same unit, thereby simultaneously combining a public notice area with campus beautification. Glass or plexi-glass could be placed over the public notice portion of the structure, which would allow protection from the elements.

A question rose concerning the cost and the budget to support the maintenance of the new kiosks. Bruce stated that the structures should not require much in materials to complete. As for maintenance, the campus is already putting money into the maintenance of the current kiosks.

It was suggested that Bruce bring drawings and cost estimates to the spring meeting.

Project Updates (Bruce Frantz)
Bruce updated committee members on the following projects: