Campus Master Planning at UAF

2006-2007

June 7, 2007

May 24, 2007

Notes

Thursday, May 24, 2007
Chancellor’s Conference Room, Signers’ Hall

1. Welcome and Introductions

Members present: Rick Caulfield, Deb Horner, Chris Bennett, Doug Braddock, Hans Nielsen, Kathy Sikorski, Joe Hayes, Gary Newman, Ann Ringstad, Rich Boone

Guests: Jeff Warner

2. Subcommittee reports
Campus Landscape and Outdoor Art Planning for learning habitat in WR plaza continues; Seeking to incorporate aspects of research relating to circumpolar world in design.

Circulation and Parking
Did not meet last week but no change in parking fees
anticipated for the coming year.

North Campus
No report.

3. Update from Facilities Services
No Facilities Services report was available.

Public comment period(3 minutes/person)
Jeff Warner: Voiced concerns about parking on UAF campus. Other employees elsewhere in UA system don’t pay parking. KPC or Mat-Su have
permits but no fee. Warner believes this is discriminatory--should have one permit consistent for all.

5. USDA project discussion—Dean Carol Lewis, SNRAS
Dean Lewis brought forward information about a need for USDA greenhouse site and potential building site for the future. She noted ongoing discussion with Facilities Services about possible sites, with a particular focus on sites on the Experimental Farm. The site needed is larger than can be accommodated on the Farm so a new site is needed.

MPC Chair Rick Caulfield suggested a meeting involving Dean Lewis and Facilities Services to examine the USDA needs in light of the existing campus master plan. The goal will be to bring information and any specific proposal relating to it back to the MPC for review and possible action.

6. Update on Master Plan revision—Deb Horner
Deb Horner provided an update about actions in reviewing and revising the 2002 campus master plan.

Summer meeting schedule
The MPC will meet monthly during summer 2007, as follows: June 7, July 19, August 9, August 23

Other business
There was no other business.

May 10, 2007

Meeting Agenda

Notes

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Members present: D. Horner, C. Bennett, M. Wohlford, D. Braddock, J. Greenberg, J. Hayes, R. Boone, H. Nielsen, S. Arko, A. Ringstad, G. Newman, C. Brundage, K. Sikorski

Guest: Pat Holloway

1) Welcome and Introductions

D. Horner chaired the meeting in R. Caulfield’s absence. The meeting was called to order at 9:05 am.

2) Subcommittee reports

Campus Landscape and Outdoor Art:

D. Horner indicated that planning continues on the first of the learning habitat areas on West Ridge. Pat Holloway (guest) indicated that many of the species that are on the acquisition list will be very difficult to obtain.

The full subcommittee has not met for several weeks but will be meeting on the 17th.

Circulation and Parking

Chris Bennett reported that the subcommittee met. Martin Klein provided some updates on parking services activities. He has received very favorable comments about the parking kiosks. Emergency phones will be placed in the shuttle huts in the Taku, Nenana and Wood Center locations.

D. Horner reported that a campus map and the interpretive signs will be installed in the turnout area along Thompson Drive. M. Wohlford, when asked about the future of the entrance sign on Thompson Drive, said that a replica of the sign will be made out of ice next winter to give a sense of just how large the sign would be. He expects that it will be installed in summer of ’08.

The FNSB will be lowering fees for the borough bus for students. They will also use some end of year funding to install a flat screen monitor in Wood Center with the borough bus information available on it.

Sharon McLeod-Everett has resigned from the C&P committee, so a new alumni rep on the committee will be appointed.

Everything that was forecast for the gold lots has come to pass. Parking Services intends to continue to slowly oversell the lots.

J. Hayes asked if parking fees had been set for next year. There was no information on this.

North Campus

At the most recent NCS meeting, Luke Hopkins gave a report on the main campus trails and the public presentations that were held. One issue that has come up is which trails will be “official,” and do they require lighting. Risk Management is working with Luke on this issue.

Outdoor Days took place with about 750 K-12 students in attendance. There were some staging issues with all of the buses that need to be worked out before next year’s event. On June 9th, Fairbanks Search and Rescue will be doing a mock rescue on NC. A. Ringstad will work on getting out an all-campus notification.

There is no existing Corps of Engineers permit for any of the wet areas in the NC. This will be required before some of the work on winter walking trails can commence.

Rich has received comments that the skiers love the winter walking trails – “they are great for skiing.” Hmmmmm. . .

Stan Justice presented a plan to repair the ski hut roof that will cost approximately 12K.

R. Boone anticipates that the working group that has been meeting about Ballaine Lake will be making a recommendation within a few weeks.

A proposal was made to consider widening the trail from Yankovich to West Ridge directly south of Yankovich. Parts of the trail are deeply rutted. Use of this trail will definitely be affected by the proposed development going in along Yankovich. D. Horner indicated that any planning for work on this trail should be done with this development in mind.

Rich Boone announced that he has resigned from the NCS, both as chair and a member. He believes that the committee has accomplished a lot in the several years that he served as chair. Pete Fix was unanimously approved by the NCS as the next chair; the recommendation will be made to the MPC for a vote at its next meeting. D. Horner thanked Rich for his service.

3) Facilities Services Update

Marc Wohlford gave a comprehensive report on Facilities Services activities, including:

Construction season began early this year due to weather conditions;
Sprinklers are going already throughout campus to encourage grass growth;
State has begun to dig the hole for the foundation for the Virology Building – Ghemm Co. wants to be complete by the end of ’08;
Sheenjek Rd. closed from BiRD to the end for now; if BIOS funded, it will be closed for two years;
Psychology clinic is being built in Gruening;
BIOS information sessions are being conducted around campus – there is design momentum, and a minimum of 6M will keep the momentum going;
SNRAS greenhouse planning – met with the stakeholders to work on preliminary design;
AHRB renovation project is going out to bid.

4) Public Comment

Pat Holloway, SNRAS, made an appeal to MPC members to consider reserving approximately 90’ to the west of the proposed SNRAS greenhouse on the south side of AHRB. Holloway indicated that this additional space would be needed in order for their work to be done.

5) MPC chair

D. Horner announced that Rich Boone has been appointed by Chancellor Jones to serve as the chair of the MPC for the coming year. Rick Caulfield has resigned as chair, effective July 1. He will remain on the committee as a regular member, however.

6) University of Minnesota tour

D. Horner provided a short PowerPoint presentation on her recent trip to the University of Minnesota.

7) Other

The next meeting will be scheduled for May 24, 2007 in the Chancellor’s Conference Room.

April 12, 2007

Meeting Agenda

Notes

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Members present: K. Sikorski, D. Horner, C. Bennett, L. Anderson, M. Wohlford, D. Braddock, J. Greenberg, J. Hayes, R. Boone, H. Nielsen, S. Arko, A. Ringstad

1) Welcome and Introductions

D. Horner chaired the meeting in R. Caulfield’s absence. The meeting was called to order at 9:05 am.

2) Subcommittee reports

Campus Landscape and Outdoor Art:

D. Horner reported the latest developments relative to the West Ridge Plaza and design of the learning habitats. After a planning session with Bob Wheeler and Jan Dawe on 4/11, a decision was made to dedicate Learning Habitat A on the west end of the plaza to tree, shrub, herbaceous plants and wildflowers from the Russian Far East and other parts of Asia. Ed Foster has indicated that he will be able to complete the “Milepost” seating area, including installing the refurbished milepost sign. The seating area, soil preparation and actual planting will take most of the summer.

Circulation and Parking

Chris Bennett reported that the subcommittee held their first meeting in a long time, as efforts have been primarily directed at working with the NCS on the plan for trails connections. The CPS will hold a public information session to make everyone aware of the proposed trail connections prior to the end of the semester.

North Campus

Rich Boone reported that the Ballaine Lake management ad hoc working group has been making good progress. All of the various stakeholders, including DOT and AKDF&G are participating. It is anticipated that the report will be finished by the end of the semester. NCS is also working on setting priorities for the coming summer maintenance work. There is a three page list of things to be done on NC in terms of maintenance; the subcommittee has prioritized the top eight for this coming season.

The pooch loop trails will be widened. Also, NCS has received many positive comments about the winter walking trails.

Rich said that the issue of the proposed McGoffin property subdivision has been a source of concern to many. He wanted to know if the University was going to take an official stand on the development. D. Horner indicated that UA Statewide Land Management was apparently drafting a statement. D. Horner also indicated that, should the MPC choose to discuss the issue, she would need to excuse herself from any of those conversations due to her role as a commissioner on the FNSB Planning Commission.

Marc Wohlford, who is the UAF rep on the FMATS technical group, reported that the Miller Hill bike path was discussed at a recent meeting. Since the segment from Ballaine Rd. to Dalton Trail is considered the most dangerous section, that will be designed first. DOT will take the lead for calling together conversations relative to moving the route to the back of the farm.

3) Facilities Services Update

Marc Wohlford gave a comprehensive report on Facilities Services activities, including:

Watch out for gravel removal around campus

Lots of work is currently being bid

The sidewalk from NSF to the Museum will be improved this summer, including moving it back from the roadway

4) Public Comment

There was no public comment.

5) Relocation of USDA complex – postponed until next meeting

6) BIOS update: Ann Ringstad

Ann Ringstad reported on the budget situation in Juneau. She encouraged everyone to do their part in writing to their legislators. It is difficult to tell whether or not there will be any funding for BIOS, but at least some of the legislators are acknowledging that it is UAF’s turn.

7) Other

Deb Horner indicated that progress is being made on the CMP review. The small working group was meeting together right after the MPC meeting. R. Boone suggested that a new goal or action for the CMP would be to develop a sustainable campus plan for UAF.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:00. The next meeting is scheduled for April 26, 2007.

March 29, 2007

Meeting Agenda

Notes

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Members present: K. Sikorski, D. Horner, C. Bennett, L. Anderson, M. Wohlford, G. Newman, D. Braddock, B. Krause, J. Greenberg, K. Sikorski

Guests: L. Hopkins, NCS

1) Welcome and Introductions

D. Horner chaired the meeting in R. Caulfield’s absence. The meeting was called to order at 9:05 am. New members Marc Wohlford (Facilities) and Josh Greenberg (SNRAS) were introduced and welcomed to the committee. Shirish Patil has also been appointed but will not be able to attend until after August 1.

2) Subcommittee reports

Campus Landscape and Outdoor Art:

There was nothing new to report from CLOA.

Circulation and Parking

Chris Bennett gave a quick synopsis about the parking kiosks. They will go into operation on the 2nd of April.

North Campus

Luke Hopkins reported that a working group has been formed to review the management plan for Ballaine Lake. They want to begin a proactive approach to managing the impacts on this area.

Luke mentioned the subdivision plan for the McGoffin property that is on the north side of Yankovich Road. The preliminary review of the plat plan by the Platting Board was postponed until the university can have a chance to review the plan and put together comments. There are several issues that have been identified so far, including water drainage on to the northern part of the North Campus, traffic increases on the trail system, proximity to LARS, and the placement of the bike path. Kristy Sherman of SW Land Management is drafting a response.

A longer ski season is anticipated this year due to the extended cold weather.

The winter walking trails have been somewhat implemented, but more work remains to be done in anticipation of next winter season.

No action has been forthcoming yet on a meeting with the stakeholders relative to moving the bike path behind the farm.

3) Facilities Services Update

Marc Wohlford gave a comprehensive report on Facilities Services activities, including:

Hardpack removal on campus has begun

The bugs are still being worked out of Facility Focus, the software program utilized for work orders, etc.

DD&C participated in customer service training – looking at their customer service plan – need to make changes in how they educate the campus about what maintenance and construction is being done and why

Projects include AHRB east wing renovation, Art wing begins in May of ’08, TVC mechanical/electrical upgrades, ADA upgrades to the elevator in Constitution Hall and Patty, LARS wash house to be installed, 70 FACMODS have been processed so far.

BIOS – The consultant team will be presenting the final design documents on April 18th to the committee. If funded, groundbreaking could be the middle of ’08. Kiewit has been chosen as the contractor.

Two antenna proposals have been submitted to DD&C and were reviewed by Karl Petterson and MPC chair Rick Caulfield. Both proposals were approved by MPC; however, members felt it would be appropriate to conduct a review of the existing antenna policy to determine whether or not it is still appropriate, in light of anticipated increases in demand for placement of antennas on campus by both non-profit and for-profit entities.

D. Horner brought up the issue of the placement of the new SNRAS greenhouse. The existing structure will be removed to make way for BIOS, assuming funding is forthcoming. Currently, three locations are being considered: behind the Museum and east of BiRD/Virology (to be constructed); adjacent to the southwest wing of AHRB; and the overlook west of Tanana Loop at the junction of the Loop and Yukon Drive.

M. Wohlford reviewed each site and the pros and cons associated with each. The members agreed to go on record with the following recommendations but did not feel that a formal recommendation to the Chancellor was necessary at this point in time:

1) The overlook should not be considered as a site. First, it is not a designated building site in the Campus Master Plan(CMP). Also, there are several unknowns that need to be a part of an overall master plan action for this area. Those are the eventual configuration of Tanana Loop, the AFES plan (to be submitted to the MPC for review and comment in the near future), the North Campus plan, and the bike path. According to Marc Wohlford, this site would also be the most expensive, given that there is no infrastructure currently available.

2) North of the Museum, although it is the #1 choice of Facilities Services given its proximity to the utilidor, research buildings, and ease of access for students and staff, iit s not a designated building site on the CMP. Also, the final design of the expanded parking lot for the Museum is currently being finished and will dictate where the building could be placed. D. Horner expressed concern about creating a backglow on the Museum during the winter, and the SNRAS horticulturists were wondering about shadowing by the Museum in the spring and summer months.

3) Connecting the greenhouse to the SW wing of AHRB was seen as a very viable option by members. It is close to SNRAS as well as the faculty members who will be using it, and the utilities are readily accessible. Concern has been voiced by the VCAS that this is a designated building site. The suggestion was made that the greenhouse could be integrated into the design of whatever building eventually might end up on the larger designated site. The presence of a greenhouse along Yukon Drive was considered a positive addition, particularly during the winter months.

Marc will report back to the committee as conversations relative to the greenhouse progress.

4) Public Comment
There was no public comment.

5) ’07 Campus Master Plan review

The small work group was meeting later that day to consider the timeline, task list, and assignment of tasks.

6) Other

There were no other topics for discussion.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:00. The next meeting is scheduled for April 12, 2007.

March 1, 2007

Meeting Agenda

Notes

Thursday, March 1, 2007
Chancellor’s Conference Room, Signers’ Hall

MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Caulfield, Deb Horner, Cord Brundage, Joe Hayes, Scott Arko, Kathy Sikorski, Lydia Anderson, Hans Nielsen, Luke Hopkins (ex officio), Bill Krauss, Gary Newman

1. Welcome and Introductions

2. Subcommittee reports
Campus Landscape and Outdoor Art: A recent CLOA meeting discussed further planning for a Learning Habitat Center in West Ridge Plaza.

Circulation and Parking: Chris Bennett is away so there was no report.

North Campus: Review of points for inclusion in letter about UAF position on Miller Hill/Yankovich bike trail (discussed below). The UAF walking trails plan is being implemented slowly due to weather. The subcommittee is developing FY08 priorities with a focus on Ballaine Lake area planning.

3. Update from Facilities Services
No Facilities Services personnel present; Deb Horner spoke about space renovation plans and need for surge space tied to renovations in Arctic Health and Fine Arts. TVCC renovation is also in planning stages.

4. Public comment period (3 minutes/person)—No members of the public present

5. Update on Master Plan revision process
No efforts to date: Deb Horner, Scott Arko, Lydia Andersen, Doug Braddock
will be involved.

6. Review of MPC bylaws

Review of current MPC membership and vacancies
Needing to replace Terrence Cole and Rich Seifert in faculty roles. Facilities Services representation will change with Steve Titus’ departure.

Review of Facilities Services draft letter to DOT regarding Miller Hill/Yankovich bike path

UAF project comments were requested by DOT by March 1. Legislative funding now in place $1.5M allows project to move forward in design. A DOT public meeting on the topic took place in January 2007.

North Campus Subcommittee reviewed the proposal and offered comments to Facilities Services (FS). FS drafted a letter to DOT which MPC members reviewed and agreed to, with addition of language as follows:

“The concept of constructing a multi-use path in the vicinity of Yankovich, Miller Hill, Sheep Creek, and Tanana Loop roads is consistent with specific components of the current UAF Campus Master Plan (see HYPERLINK "http://www.uaf.edu/mastplan" www.uaf.edu/mastplan), subject to suggested design criteria.”

“UAF’s MPC would like to facilitate further discussion of potential solutions to the design of the multi-use path from Sheep Creek Road to the Thompson Drive roundabout.”

Other Business

NEXT SCHEDULED MPC MEETING:
March 29, 2007

February 15, 2007

Meeting Agenda

Notes

February 15, 2007

Members present: J. Hayes, K. Sikorski, L. Hopkins, D. Horner, C. Bennett, L. Anderson

Guests: Karl Petterson and Mike Ruckhaus, Design and Construction
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1) Welcome and Introductions

D. Horner chaired the meeting in R. Caulfield’s absence. The meeting was called to order at 9:05 am.

2) Subcommittee reports

Campus Landscape and Outdoor Art: There was nothing new to report from CLOA.

Circulation and Parking: C&P is continuing not to meet; however, the smaller working group continues to meet on the topic of walking paths/walkways on campus and links with North Campus. Members are driving and walking to view existing paths/walkways. One of the challenges is that there are not even sidewalks from all buildings to other buildings.

North CampusL. Hopkins indicated that there have been some problems with unleashed pets on North Campus.

Plans for the bike trail along Miller Hill, Yankovich and Tanana Loop/Sheep Creek need to be endorsed by a coalition of UAF entities, including FS real estate management, Circulation and Parking, AFES, MPC and NCS.

NCS is working to develop its priorities for the coming year. D. Horner reminded L. Hopkins that the impact of Tanana Loop extension construction still remains to be determined.

3) Facilities Services Update

There was no formal update on Facilities Services.

Karl Petterson reported that Alaska Digitel has approached the university regarding the placement of a communication antenna on campus, most likely on the roof of NSF. Unlike the FNSB school district, this is a private entity. Several members queried Karl about what, if any, benefits would accrue to the university as a result of the placement. At this time, it appears there would be none. This request is simply to place an antenna so that cell phone coverage for the company would be improved. Karl indicated that he just wanted MPC to be aware of the request and that DD&C would be reviewing the antenna policy to see if it gave any specific direction regarding private companies.

Mike Ruckhaus then gave an overview of the Utilities Development Plan. He reviewed the issues facing UAF’s utility system. Costs and reliability drove the plan. There were questions about the efficiency of the proposed new system. Mike indicated that the new boiler will be able to use a variety of fuels, depending upon which is the most economical at the time. For those wishing to read the report in full, go to http://www.uaf.edu/fs/presentations.html

4) Public Comment
There was no public comment.

5) ’07 Campus Master Plan review

D. Horner indicated that Scott Arko, Doug Braddock, Chris Bennett and Rick Caulfield will be assisting with the review process. She hopes to meet in the near future.

6) Other

There were no other topics for discussion.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:00. The next meeting is scheduled for March 1st.

November 9, 2006

Meeting Agenda

Notes

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2006
MEETING NOTES

MEMBERS PRESENT: R. Caulfield (chair), D. Horner, S. Titus, R. Boone, Hopkins, L. Glasscock, C. Bennett, K. Sikorski, D. Braddock, H. Nielsen, J. Hayes, B. Krauss, I. Olson, G. Newman

VISITORS: Chancellor Jones, VC R. Bailey, S. Justice, D. Lokken, M. Stalling, L. Hopkins (ex officio), A. Ringstad, M. Herrmann

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

The chair called the meeting to order at 9:05pm.

SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

Campus Landscape and Outdoor Art—Deb Horner: The subcommittee continues to meet regularly and anticipates having a finalized plan for the teaching habitats by spring 2007.

Circulation and Parking—Chris Bennett: The subcommittee is meeting regularly and is working on developing a plan for campus trails on main campus. Chris also noted the change in the bus schedule which has now been implemented.

North Campus—Rich Boone, assisted by L. Hopkins: The subcommittee has been meeting regularly to finalize recommendations regarding the winter walking and snowshoeing trails in North Campus. The subcommittee voted unanimously last Monday to endorse the recommendations to the MPC (see below)

UPDATE FROM FACILITIES SERVICES (S. Titus)

The proposed BIOS (Biological Sciences) building for West Ridge is the top UA
capital funding priority for FY08. It is expected to be 110,000 square feet and to
cost about $110M.

The BiRD project is nearing completion; a ribbon cutting is expected in December.
Other projects now underway include Tanana Valley Campus Center, Arctic Health,
Fine Arts, Lena Point, and Bristol Bay Campus. For complete details see the UAF
Facilities Services website.

Subcommittee nominations: North Campus needs a student representative and an educator to replace those who’ve left. Staff Council has recently put forward a nomination for Circulation and Parking.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (3 MINUTES/PERSON):

Stan Justice expressed his personal endorsement for the North Campus Subcommittee’s recommendations regarding winter walking and snowshoeing trails.

PRESENTATION BY CHANCELLOR STEVE JONES: RESEARCH PARK CONCEPT

Chancellor Steve Jones spoke to the MPC about his vision of a research park complex for UAF. The university already leases space in numerous locations across Fairbanks; we are already squeezed for space. He envisions perhaps consolidating these in a location near campus along with other businesses that have an education and/or research focus. Related to this could be a technology or business accelerator. He encourages the MPC to take this vision into account as it examines land uses and building sites.

In a letter to the MPC of October 13, 2006 he encouraged the MPC to add to its list of potential research park sites the 30 acre Bunnell Park Property located south of Geist Road and east of the Parks Highway. This parcel is in the process of being acquired by the university.

The question was raised about the extent of MPC purview of sites that fall outside of the previous master planning boundary (e.g. south of Geist Road, east of University Avenue). The Chancellor encouraged the MPC to consider extending its consideration to these university properties so that any development is in keeping with overall university planning guidelines and standards.

NORTH CAMPUS SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS: "WINTER WALKING AND SNOWSHOE TRAILS"

The MPC heard a presentation from the North Campus Subcommittee that reflected its unanimous support for a phased set of winter walking and snowshoe trails in North Campus (see NCS recommendations for winter walking and snowshoe trails guidelines dated November 6, 2006 along with trails identified in the document entitled “Proposed Winter Walking Trails Plan, Updated 11/6/06).

MPC members were impressed by the recommendations and the extensive public process used to develop them. It was noted that the Phase One trails could be developed almost immediately. Other phases would be developed as funding permits.

It was moved and seconded to approve MPC Recommendation 06-01, “UAF Winter Walking and Snowshoe Trails Plan (motion: G. Newman, second: J. Hayes). An amendment was made to add to Phase One a walking loop beginning at Ballaine Lake then proceeding eastward to the intersecting trail (Pooch Loop) and then north and south from that intersection to their intersections with other recognized Phase One trails (motion: D. Horner, second: L. Glasscock). The amendment was approved (11-1-0).

The MPC approved the amended motion by a vote of 12 for, none against, no abstentions. This approved recommendation will be sent to Chancellor Jones forhis review and action.

NEXT SCHEDULED MPC MEETING: December 7, 2006

October 26, 2006

Meeting Agenda

Notes

September 14, 2006

Meeting Agenda

Notes

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2006
MEETING NOTES

MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Caulfield (chair), Deb Horner, Doug Braddock, Scott Arko, Ann Ringstad, Joe Hayes, Lydia Anderson, Rich Boone, Gary Newman, Chris Bennett

ABSENT: Bill Krause, Kathleen Schedler, Hans Nielsen, Terrence Cole, Kathy Sikorski, Steve Titus, Sven Gilkey, Ian Olson, Rich Seifert, Luke Hopkins (ex officio)

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

The chair noted production of the new UAF Strategic Plan 2010. When the current master plan is updated in 2007 it will need to align with this new strategic plan.

SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

Campus Landscape and Outdoor Art—Deb Horner: The subcommittee meets next week. It is involved in an ongoing inventory of trees on campus as well as tracking and maintaining outdoor artwork, in conjunction with Facilities Services.

Circulation and Parking—Chris Bennett: The subcommittee has not met recently but expects to do so next week. It is working on recommendations relating to trails on main campus that would link to those in North Campus.

North Campus—Rich Boone: The subcommittee has been meeting semi-regularly and is focused on planning for winter walking trails. Its goal is to have a plan for winter walking trails in place by the end of the calendar year. It currently has a draft plan for modest increases in such trails that could perhaps be implemented this year. Funding for this or any other plan remains uncertain. The subcommittee intends to invite public input about this draft plan and then bring recommendations back to the MPC later this fall.

UPDATE ON MPC MEMBERSHIPS

The Chair noted that MPC member terms are from one to three years and that several terms expired officially in June 2006. He is working to develop nominations for the Chancellor’s review and approval. He expects to bring a full set of nominations back to the next meeting. He is waiting for formal nominations from—among others—Staff Council and ASUAF.

There were no members of the public wishing to speak.

UPDATE ON UAF PARKING IMPLEMENTATION—MARTIN KLEIN

Assoc Director of Parking and Transportation Martin Klein provided an overview of parking and shuttle topics. He noted substantial improvements to parking lots, success in implementation of Gold Lots, and ongoing efforts to improve shuttle timing. A new bus has been added simply to shuttle back and forth between Wood Center and West Ridge. The FNSB bus is expected to stop once again at Wood Center beginning in November. It is expected that the Borough’s bus will also stop on West Ridge.

Martin does not foresee any major changes to parking policies or practices in the coming year beyond those already in place.

UPDATE AND DISCUSSION: RESEARCH PARK PLANNING

The MPC took up again discussion about the DOWL Engineers report focusing on the area proposed as a potential research park (bounded by Geist Road, Thompson Drive, ARR tracks, and Fairbanks Street). Members agreed that the MPC should gather more information about the pros and cons of recommending this area as a research park. Several raised questions and concerns about assumptions and design elements in the DOWL document.

It was agreed to place this topic on the next MPC agenda and to invite not only Facilities Services but also Cold Climate Housing Research Center, UA Statewide Land Management, and other appropriate staff to offer their perspectives about its suitability.

NEXT SCHEDULED MPC MEETING: September 28, 2006

July 20, 2006

Meeting Agenda

Notes

July 20, 2006

Members present: C. Bennett, D. Horner, I. Olson, A. Ringstad, H. Nielsen, D. Braddock, L. Anderson, L. Hopkins, G. Newman, J. Hayes
Guests: C. Ward and J. Campbell, Design and Construction; M. Musick, CCHRC

1) Welcome and Introductions

D. Horner chaired the meeting in R. Caulfield’s absence.

2) Subcommittee reports

Campus Landscape and Outdoor Art:

Deb Horner gave an update on activities of CLOA. At the last meeting (7/13), Ed Foster gave an update on landscape efforts on campus. The grounds crew has been busy implementing some of the changes recommended in the flower bed inventory. Efforts are also underway to replace many of the winter kill perennials around campus. Ed noted that this was one of the hardest winter kill years ever. On the tree inventory front, Bob Wheeler has been continuing his efforts to inventory Lower Campus and West Ridge trees. Weather and schedules have prevented any further work on the parking lot inventory. CLOA will work with the Anthropology Dept. to develop a landscape plan for the Rainey cabin.

Circulation and Parking
C. Bennett informed the group that the C&P has not met since the last MPC meeting. L. Anderson inquired as to the status of borough bus service to campus. L. Hopkins informed members that the borough will have a booth at the fair explaining all of the options for the bus service throughout the borough.

North Campus
L. Hopkins indicated that the NCS has had two meetings since the last MPC meeting. Their work is focusing on defining walking trails. A public forum in mid-September on the various options will be held. NCS will evaluate what they think are the best options and update MPC at either the August or September meeting, prior to the public forum. NCS is also planning to make a recommendation on shoreline impacts on Ballaine Lake. Annual trail maintenance efforts are being undertaken during the summer months.

3) Facilities Services Update
There was no update regarding Facilities Services activities on campus. Instead, Cindy Ward, Contract Manager, and Jenny Campbell, Senior Project Manager, DDC, gave an update on the rural campus master plans.

The process began about one year ago and was funded with year-end monies. Interior-Aleutians has the largest service area of the five campuses; Ft. Yukon is the best facility among I-A’s campuses

Generally, facilities are very rustic at many of the campuses, and there are significant challenges at most locations. Hundreds of square miles comprise the service area of each campus, and there is a need to improve teleconferencing at almost every location. Bristol Bay is in the best shape overall. The campus is currently undergoing construction. Despite being in comparatively good shape, there is still a problem with delivering the services to the area, given its size.

At this point in the meeting, Dr. Lee Haugen joined us by audioconference to talk about the Northwest Campus plan. She said she was delighted to have a plan up and running but is somewhat aghast at the level of facilities and planning challenges at the campus. The plan is the only thing that allows for her to do “visioning.”

G. Newman pointed out that the plans would be good to use to educate the legislature on the needs at the campuses. The cost benefit of doing the projects should be pointed out to them. The plans will serve to make everyone more sensitive to the needs facing the rural campuses.

L. Haugen mentioned that the BoR had looked at the building when they were there at a recent meeting. There was concern that the buildings are very poorly insulated. She wanted to know how the projects get rated and how she can make it happen. C. Ward indicated that the project is on the overall capital improvement plan but is not high on the list.

The NW Campus plan is a great tool to use in lobbying the legislature. L. Hopkins suggested that the plans be used with local politicians as well, particularly in forging new, or enhancing existing, partnerships. Members expressed surprise at the number of local partnerships that exist at the rural campuses. L. Haugen indicated that the master plan helped to open the door for the consortium library effort.

L. Haugen signed off after about 20 minutes of conversation; C. Ward and J. Campbell continued the presentation on the remaining campuses. Members were unanimous in their endorsement of the plans, indicating that reading the plans was a real eye opener for them. G. Newman suggested that in our recommendation to the Chancellor for approval of the plans that we ask that the energy related projects be targeted. The spin-offs of improving energy efficiency at all of the campuses cannot be stressed too much. J. Hayes stated that he felt the UA Momentum advertising campaign is missing the boat by not advertising what we have available at the rural campuses – we need to quit treating them like stepchildren.

4) Research and Development area

Dr. Jim Collins, Professor of Business Administration, gave a presentation on the concept of research parks titled, “Accelerators, Research Parks, the University, and the Private Sector: A Tale of What Can Be.” D. Horner had requested the presentation, as Collins is now the university liaison with FEDC. He also provided copies of the “Business Plan for the Development and Operation of Alaska Technology Business Accelerator.” The presentation looked at the broad aspects of a business incubator, including some facts and figures about other universities that have gone this route. He also talked specifically about the situation at UAF and with FEDC. Although there has never been any discussion on the part of MPC about not supporting a business incubator, members needed to know the current lay of the land prior to considering the plat plans for the area. Dr. Collins’ presentation was very helpful in putting the current situation into context.

Unfortunately, there was not adequate time to consider the plat plans. Given Dr. Collins’ assurances that construction on a new building was not imminent, it we decided that the plat plans would be considered at the next meeting of the MPC in August. At that time, members should come prepared to discuss the pros and cons of each plat plan, as well as general ideas on development of the area.

5) Public Comment
Mike Musick, CCHRC, made an appeal for putting in a trail to the CCHRC from Thompson Drive. Currently, the only pedestrian route to the center is to go over the ARR bridge on Fairbanks St., walk to the entrance to the R&D area, and go up the road to CCHRC. This is not necessarily the most direct route for students who are working there. Mike has been working with Ed Foster to determine an appropriate location. CCHRC will pay for the construction of the trail. There was no objection to creating a trail, but Mike was advised to come up with the options and make another presentation to the group. It is possible that a special meeting may need to be called in order to consider this issue.

6) Other
There were no other items.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:15. The next meeting will be on August 17, 2006, unless a special meeting is held to consider construction of a trail to CCHRC.