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Governance Minutes ArchiveFebruary 8, 1989
MINUTES BUILDING COMMITTEE 400-D BURRUSS HALL FEBRUARY 8, 1989 - 3:30 P.M. PRESENT: D. Ford (Chairman), W. Kark, C. Steger, D. Ludwig, W. Dugger, T. Goodale, P. Eyre, S. Hall, Michael Leahy, K. Baker (staff), D. Eaton (staff) ABSENT: J. Perry, J. McLain-Kark, R. Smith, M. Schlegel VISITOR(S): Minnis Ridenour, Peter Feret 1. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES P. Eyre moved to approve the minutes of the October 5, 1988 meeting of the Committee. D. Ludwig seconded. Motion carried. 2. CAPITAL PROJECTS D. Ford distributed a copy of the target dates for Capital Budget Pro- posals (attached), which lists the process for the Capital Budget for each biennium. The schedule for submission of the Capital Budget to the Executive Branch was moved up to March 1. Throughout a period of years there are a number of projects that build up, becoming a part of the overall working construction plan. The University is requesting permission to prepare Preplanning Studies for all projects listed. Mr. Ridenour informed the Committee that Maintenance Reserve must be listed as #1 priority. This represents a statewide commitment to maintain ex- isting facilities before new facilities are constructed. The $875,000 request represents planning funds for Arch/Engr. facili- ties. This request was submitted to address the planning of a building in the range of $25m. Planning monies have been received from the Federal Government for the Agri-Biotech project. This involves major program plans. This project was submitted as a state funded project with the possibility of getting $4.5m from Federal. The University has requested a relocation of the Seismograph Station because of interference from traffic and lights. Funding of projects - dormitory system can only be used in terms of providing student housing on campus. The purpose of the dorm/dining hall fund is to build up sufficient reserves for maintenance in an at- tempt to hold dorm fees as low as possible. The University is studying the construction of an additional dorm. In the 88-90 Appropriation Act, planning funds are identified to convert an existing dorm to be renovated for other uses. It may be possible to use general funds for renovation since the purpose would be for an E&G project. Part of the reasoning is the possibility of phasing out off-campus leases. The University expends approximately $1.2m in Blacksburg for leases of of- fice space. The University is looking to improve the quality of stu- dent life with the concept of recreation facilities such as the new Fitness Center. There is a demonstrated need for additional recre- ational facilities on campus. There will be a request for planning monies for a creative arts facility. The University will request au- thorization for planning efforts in 1990-92; then construction funds in 1992-94. Funding sources may include: o Private fund raising. o Revenue generated from within the University. o Revenue from the facility. o Request for general fund monies for E&G space. A question was raised as to the use of the Creative Arts center. The planning effort will identify the total needs that exist for all music, theatre arts, dance, performing arts and the Art Department. Needs will be matched against the program included in the Squires expansion. The facility will serve academic requirements and major arts facility for the Blacksburg area and surrounding areas of the state. S. Hall stated that maintenance reserve funds are used to repair steam lines, replacement of power plants, roofs, repairing service drives and electrical panels in buildings. All funds appropriated will be used to support E&G buildings. Funds will be requested for the College of Veterinary Medicine project from general funds. The University has met the commitment in raising matching private and federal funds. The University hopes to receive a grant from federal funds for a financial feasibility study by Septem- ber. Based on that study, the University anticipates establishing an amount that can be generated through non-general funds. The College of Veterinary Medicine is 47th on the priority list for the lottery bill. Monies would not be available until the 1990-91 biennium. Dr. Ford stated that there would be a meeting with College Deans and Vice Presidents, and Student Government Association officers in mid- February and that he would be meeting with the Buildings and Grounds Committee of the Board of Visitors in Richmond. The President's office will review the requests again before the March 1 deadline for sub- mission. Dr. Eyre questioned the prioritization of projects. The Veterinary Medicine project has been in process for 12 years, with almost 1/3 yet to be built. Dr. Eyre's concern is how new projects are ranked as op- posed to unfinished projects. Dr. Eyre also stated that there is a need for upgrading Agriculture and Life Sciences buildings. It is his opinion that the University cannot conduct 21st century quality re- search in the kinds of buildings that are available and that the state of our facilities in general is below acceptable standards. Mr. Ridenour stated that the University will have to start looking at the overall programmatic needs of the University and develop a logical plan. He stated that, equally important, we have to find ways to gen- erate funding sources. 3. STATUS REPORT - CURRENT CONSTRUCTION K. Baker distributed the status report (copy attached) and gave a sum- mary of the status of current projects. The Squires project is going well and is a little ahead of schedule. Regarding the Student Services facility, Mr. Baker reported that VVKR had abandoned the project as of December 31. Negotiations were held with three firms to complete the project. Further Negotiations will be held with Dewberry and Davis. Legal counsel is pursuing VVKR's obli- gations with the State Attorney General's office with regard to possi- ble litigation. The University anticipates resuming construction around March 1. The project was to have been completed in August of this year, but completion may be January 1990. The Tidewater project is on schedule. Food Processing project is 100% occupied. The bakery is operational with punch list items being the only exception. The Architecture/Engineering project is on schedule - two months behind at the most. The fume hoods are being installed in the Chemistry building, to be completed in late March. Dr. Eyre stated to the Committee that the Business/Chemistry project buildings are aesthetically pleasing buildings, both exterior and inte- rior. He expressed great satisfaction with the kinds of buildings be- ing built at the University. 4. PROGRESS REPORT - ARBORETUM COMMITTEE P. Feret presented a progress report of the Arboretum Committee with a slide presentation. The Arboretum is in its very early stage of devel- opment. Some of the accomplishments of arboretum were identified: o Formulated and developed a master plan for the horticulture gar- dens. o Scheduled a seminar with the Davis Arboretum Director. o Other seminars are planned. o Provided areas for unusual plants. o Labeling of plants is planned for spring. Dr. Ludwig expressed pleasure with the Arboretum Committee. Mr. Kark stated that the University experienced a 15-year period with very little progress in the area of landscaping. The University Master Plan addresses the issue of outdoor space in a significant manner. M. Leahy asked for information on the Parking Auxiliary project with refer- ence to a task force report that has been circulated. A feasibility study needs to be completed regarding fees and payback period. The Committee was informed that the town is interested in a shared parking facility in the future. A parking manager will need to be identified. The project is progressing well, but it will be at least in the fall before a parking reg- istration fee is initiated. The meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
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